Loddon Herald 6 July 2023

Loddon HERALD

MAJOR FLOOD FIX ROAD GETS RIPPED UP AFTER PLAN CHANGE

GRAVEL CRASH

By CHRIS EARL

CONTRACTORS have been forced to start again on a $3 million project repairing a flood-damaged road.

Residents claim workers were within days of resealing more than 3km of the Prairie-Rochester Road when the State Government ordered the changes.

Prairie farmers said original plans raised the road 150mm but did not replace culverts.

“Now the contractors have been told remove that 150mm and still no new culverts,” said Alan Wiltshire.

“We tried to tell the Transport Department that without replacing culverts, it would be a complete disaster. They haven’t listened,

“The contractors did a great job ... the project was within days of the road being ready for sealing and then they were told there had been a change of plans.

“For what it’s costing to start again and drop the road back down 150mm, they could have put in better culverts to better manage future floods. It’s a total waste of money.”

Mr Wiltshire said the costly road fix “is not going to improve the road one iota”.

And Mr Wiltshire’s frustrations are shared by Emily Hocking whose family farm remains blocked with the second attempt at works expected to take another month to complete.

“It would have been finished by now and we would have had access to our property,” she said.

They also said residents around Prairie had attempted to contact

Regional Roads Victoria early this year about plans for road repairs and culverts but Mr Wiltshire said: “I got a case number but never heard a word.”

Prairie-Rochester Road was one of the last to re-open after the October flood emergency and the State Government announced

funding to “replace the road with a stronger base and new surface, boosting the hundreds of farmers, freight and local residents who use the road each day”.

A Government spokesperson said: “Following commencement of repair works, a design revision indicated further excavation was

required in an isolated area to maintain the section of road’s existing surface levels. Works have continued after the design revision was approved.”

“The works remain within budget and are on track for completion in August.”

The spokesperson said site in-

spections were made by the Department of Transport and Planning after October’s floods to determine the preliminary scope of works between Bendigo-Pyramid Road and Phillips Road. Roadworks stop about 800 metres from the Bendigo-Pyramid Road intersection.

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Alan Wiltshire with Emily and Ingrid Hocking in front of piles of soil ripped up as a second attempt is made to repair Prairie-Rochester Road. LH PHOTO

LOOKS like Bradley of Boort and the chap vying for the title of the fittest man in Inglewood, Luckless Grills no less, travelled somewhat similar positive paths at the weekend when it came to numbers. Bradley set the scene with his latest Treemendous sign showing determination for positive numbers.

JUST down the Loddon Valley Highway at Serpentine, Luckless Grills kind of swapped the olive attire of local football umpires. Acting as goal umpire for a junior match, he forgot to duck into the Ambulance Auxiliary op-shop before the game to pick up the traditional white coat that usually dominates the livery of white flag wavers. That didn’t stop him struggling to unfurl the ensigns to formally record a score. In fact, Luckless Grills was in such a hurry to have goals and behinds registered on the scoreboard that he usurped the field umpire in calling all clear. His speed and constant pacing across goals also meant he notched up more steps for the match than sparring partner The Oracle who stayed to form and rarely strayed from the centre

WE HAVE discovered that yes, football umpires do have a sense of humour. Stumbled across a Bendigo Umpires’ Association webpage that had a joke section. One went something like this: A guy walks into a bar and sits at the bar, after a while he starts chatting to the bartender and he says “hey I’ve got the funniest joke about Carlton supporters”. The bartender says “I’ll stop you there mate, obviously you can’t see, but I’m a semi-pro kick boxer, just doing bar work until i get a few more wins under my belt, the bloke sitting next to you, he’s a mate of mine from kick boxing, and the two bouncers by the door, who are in ear shot, they are both power lifters and karate black belts. Now all four of us barrack for the Blues. With that in mind do you really want to tell your joke?” The guy thinks about it for a second and says “no way, not if i’m going to have to explain it four times”.

THE Good Doc and his spider have chimed in again on the climes. “Bill Collins predicts serious, season-defining rain, not trivial showersyou can leave that to Jane Bunn. Think of him as the arachnid equivalent of Lennox Walker or Indigo Jones,” contributes the Good Doc this week. And in late offering, he says Son of Bill was on the job on Tuesday and rain fell all day.

FOR readers younger than the Good Doc, who by the way is fitter than Luckless Grills, Walker and Jones were long-range weather forecasters able to predict with greater accuracy than the BoM. Based on the Doc’s praise, the tentacles of his Bill and son

Ambo station call within year

AMBULANCE Victoria wants to have its site picked for a permanent ambulance station in Wedderburn within 12 months.

There have been talks between Ambulance Victoria, Loddon Shire and Wedderburn Lions Club on possible use of land in Wilson Street.

Council set aside the land in 2016 as Lions developed plans for a proposed aged care facility. However, that agreement has since been extended and ends next year and Cr Gavan Holt told last week’s council meeting that it was hoped a decision on future use of the land would be made by December.

An Ambulance Victoria spokesperson said: “We aim to provide

our patients with the best care, every time, and as communities like Wedderburn grow, it is important we grow with them.

“Ambulance Victoria is continuing discussions with Loddon Shire Council and the Wedderburn community to identify a preferred site for a new ambulance branch.

“We hope to have identified a location by mid-2024,” the spokesperson said. Ambulance Victoria said: “New branches are custom-built with the modern and safe facilities paramedics need to do their job and respond to life-threatening cases in the community. They also enhance safety for our paramedics with secure parking.”

CHIPPING IN Lynlee Trimble and Mandy Dixon are among the team of Newbridge volunteers who have quickly slipped back into Saturday action at the recreation reserve with the return of football and netball matches following completion of repairs after last October’s flood damage. LH PHOTO

DJAARA water grab

BENDIGO-BASED Dja Dja Aboriginal Corporation wants a say in regional water management that could see redistribution of existing irrigation entitlements.

DJAARA last week claimed it had been excluded from water management decisions, and access to water rights since colonisation.

The corporation’s new water strategy received backing from Coliban Water and state Water Minister Harriet Shing.

CEO Rodney Carter told the Loddon Herald: “Under the Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation’s Recognition and Settlement Agreement with the State of Victoria, Djaara (Dja Dja Wurrung people) are entitled to be included in the management of natural resources, including water. We are working closely with water authorities to achieve this.

“DJAARA is exploring various avenues to secure water entitlements to enable our participation in the water economy, and in water management, so we can improve the health of waterways for the benefit of all.

“This may eventually lead to some redistribution of existing entitlements,” Mr Carter said.

He said DJAARA wanted partnership agreements with all water agencies that would articulate “how we will jointly manage water resources”.

.The Aboriginal push was included in the State Government’s Water is Life policy that

calls for more natural flooding across the region.

Asked if DJAARA would contribute to flood mitigation and management measures in the Loddon, Mr Carter said: “DJAARA’s wholistic approach to healing country will help make country, and the communities that live on country, more resilient to natural disasters.

“We are committed to healing wetlands to generate healthy country for the benefit of all. We believe this is possible without impacting property and infrastructure.”

Making the announcement last week, Mr Carter said: ““Our ancestors looked after this country and we are duty-bound to look after it for the next generation –

including the water that falls on and flows through country.

“Since colonisation, management decisions have caused irreparable damage to our rivers, lakes and swamps. We have been unable to fulfil our cultural obligations to care for waterways, because we have been excluded from participation in water management.

“We have limited opportunities to contribute our lore and our knowledge to heal waterways. We are also prevented from participation in the water economy.

“This is despite DJAARA’s 2013 Recognition and Settlement Agreement with the State of Victoria, which acknowledges that Djaara, as traditional owners, are required to be included in the management of natural resources, including water.

“The Djaara Gatjin Strategy provides a pathway for government water agencies to meet their obligations under the agreement and, more importantly, to improve water management and heal country.”

Coliban Water managing director Damian Wells said: “The DJAARA strategy sets a transformational direction toward water justice in central Victoria.

“Restoring traditional owner water rights is well overdue.

“We can find better ways to collectively heal country and we will follow DJAARA’s lead.

“Coliban Water continues to embed traditional owner aspira-

Insurance companies deflate frolics on jumping pillow

THE jumping pillow at Bridgewater caravan park will be packed away after insurance companies excluded the outdoor activity from a new pubic liability insurance policy.

New park lessee Kristy Hourigan said insurance companies had classed the inground rubber pillow the same as an inflatable bouncing castle,

“You just cannot get insurance at a reasonable rate and we have now heard there are other caravan parks pulling out their jumping pillows as well,” she said.

“We are devastated to find out that we are unable to obtain insurance whilst we have a jumping pillow. Therefore, we have had to make the hard decision to remove it.”

Kristy said one caravan park had been offered insurance cover with a $70,000 price tag compared with $10,000 if the pillow was removed.

“I spent two days on the phone to insurance brokers trying to get public liability insurance and every time I mentioned the jumping pillow, the answer was no.”

It was believed insurance companies had excluded inflatables from cover since the 2021 jumping castle tragedy in Tasmania that killed six children. “Things might change in future ... perhaps we’ll just put the jumping pillow into storage,” Kristy said.

The space at Bridgewater will be filled by a new outdoor activity for campers.

tion in our operations and major projects. A big opportunity in the medium term will flow from modernising the Coliban rural water system.

“We aim to realise significant water savings from this project, and we aim to attract investment to enable these water savings to be shared with traditional owners in the form of returning water rights.

“Some initial water return to Djaara has already occurred that proves the project concept. This water return was enabled following water efficiency investment in our rural water network.”

Ms Shing said the Djaara Gatjin Strategy was designed as an overarching strategy to sit alongside Water for Victoria to guide water management on Dja Dja Wurrung country.

“As part of the strategy, DJAARA plans to establish a Gatjin Authority to manage its water obligations, which would become an integral part of Victoria’s water framework.”

Water is Life proposed a review of management actions from partner strategies and management plans that could improve hydrology, such as reinstating natural flow paths through removal of levee banks and other obstructions, to enable more frequent natural flooding.

A Government fact sheet says Water is Like Aboriginal water access through Water is Life will not affect existing water entitlements or allocations.

Diabetes Week checks

INGLEWOOD and Districts Health Service will offer a pop-up blood glucose testing next Tuesday as part of Diabetes Week. Staff will be at Inglewood IGA between 9.30am and 11.30am on Tuesday.

New citizen

BOORT’S Renu Pattison last week became an Australian citizen in a ceremony conducted by Loddon Mayor Dan Straub. Renu survived the devastating 2004 Thailand tsunami and moved to Australia in 2013.

Kinder time

ENROLMENTS for Loddon kindergartens in 2024 opened on Tuesday, Loddon Shire announced late yesterday morning. Wellbeing director Wendy Gladman said a new online process had been introduced after feedback from families. “It (also) allows an easier re-enrolment process for parents and carers of children moving from the three year old program into four-year-old kinder.”

Signatures grow

MORE than 200 people have signed a petition calling for installation of a pedestrian crossing on the Calder Highway at Wedderburn. Organiser Cheryl Howley said support was strong in town for the petition that had also been backed by visitors travelling the highway.

Rodney Carter

In-home care groups set

TWO Loddon groups have been confirmed as new inhome care service providers.

Loddon Shire made the announcement last Friday afternoon, less than 12 hours before the official changeover.

Boort District Health, Inglewood and Districts Health Service and Intereach will provide the Commonwealth Home Support Programme. Inglewood will also offer the Home and Community Care – Program for Younger People.

Intereach has been appointed to provide veterans’ home care while Bendigo Health will run the regional assessment service in Loddon.

The shire council last year voted to end providing the services after Federal Government reforms.

Wellbeing director Wendy Gladman said most council care staff would be part of the new providers’ teams, ensuring as much consistency for clients as possible.

Gambling ad ban gets youth support

JASMINE Twigg has helped steer one of 18 bills through Victoria’s Youth Parliament.

The Pyramid Hill College Year 10 student was a member of this year’s Buloke Loddon team that took its place with other young people from across Victoria.

Jasmine’s bill called for limits to be placed on gambling advertising.

She said the bill had received unanimous

support from other members of the Youth Parliament.

“There was a round of applause when the bill passed,” she said.,

This year’s Youth Parliament carried 18 of the 20 bills presented and Jasmine said there was good debate on the merits of each bill and on improving their wording.

It was the 37th Youth Parliament organised

by the YMCA and included a closing ceremony where speakers were praised for sponsoring and debating issues.

“You are the inspiration of our future, don’t underestimate what you have achieved here,” said board chair of YMCA Victoria, Dr Lindsay McMillan. “Don’t take lightly what you have experienced – you are making a difference.”

“Council is committed to providing whatever support we can to both staff and clients during this period as clients transition to new service providers,” she said.

Council will continue to support senior citizens’ clubs at Inglewood, Tarnagulla, East Loddon, Boort, Pyramid Hill and Wedderburn, Mrs Gladman said.

Youth Parliament team members (rear) Lennon Jabloka, Julia Hunt, Verity Orme and Jasmine Twigg with Noah Slater and Molly Meadows at State Parliament.

Finer detail delayed

LODDON landholders will wait another month before the VNI West route is refined.

Transmission Company Victoria’s Nicola Falcon said on Monday that the original July release of the 1km wide corridor of land was “now more likely” to be published at the end of August.

Ms Falcon’s update came as scores of local landowners and farmers attended the first of five community engagement sessions along the VNI West corridor in Boort.

And new maps at the session by engineering and environment consultant AECOM recommended a buffer zone around Boort and other towns on the route.

Ms Falcon was one of an estimated 20 representatives from TCV, the company formed by Australian Energy Market Operator to oversee the renewable energy transmission project between Bulgana and Kerang, and the Victorian Government’s Vicgrid at Monday’s session.

She said representatives were being accommodated in a central location for all five sessions but did confirm they would not be staying in Boort.

The session format was criticised by several landholders, surprised that notes were not being taken of their feedback to the proposed route and identified land of interest for the 750 kiloVolt transmission line currently up to 50km wide.

On Tuesday, AEMO said new maps on display at the sessions identified significant features that would influence the location of the transmission lines “as well as

outlining the area that should be avoided, wherever possible”.

Ms Falcon said: “This report highlights the challenge of charting a route for the project through a rural landscape featuring Aboriginal heritage sites, flood plains, environmentally sensitive areas and intensive agriculture,” Ms Falcon said.

People attending Monday’s session were handed an information pack and had their

names recorded after passing a security guard outside Boort Memorial Hall.

The pack included a booklet expanding on last week’s announcement offering farmers $10,000 if they granted TCV survey access rights to their land.

The announcement had said TCV would also pay legal fees of landholders, however, that will be limited to $1100, according to the document.

Access authority application made, says AEMO

TRANSMISSION Company Victoria says it will use a land access licence “in exceptional circumstances where we may need it”.

The company’s Nicola Falcon said in Boort on Monday night that TCV had applied for a licence but it had yet to be granted.

Ms Falcon said TCV would persevere with landholder negotiations for access to land on the Option 5A route.

“We want to work with people, with landholders, to co-exist,” Ms Falcon said.

Ms Falcon said exceptional circumstances could be where 99 landholders had granted access and one had not.

According to Victorian Power Alliance’s

Vicki Johnson: “At the present time the Transmission Company Victoria does not have any authority to enter your land without your consent.”

The alliance is campaigning against both VNI West and Western Renewables Link.

“TCV does not have a license from the Essential Services Commission. As a result, it is not authorised under the Electricity Industry Act 2000 (Vic),” Ms Johnson said.

“So, TCV cannot currently exercise land access powers under section 93 of that Act and if they say they can, during any of these information sessions or face-toface, then that is incorrect.

“Plus, if you don’t sign the $10,000 access agreement you can keep TCV off your land for the foreseeable future.

“The ESC has a comprehensive process for assessing license applications, but they have not yet received a complete application from TCV.

“A complete application must provide an answer to every relevant question in the appropriate form and be accompanied by every document that the ESC requires.

“Once the ESC receives a complete application, there is a comprehensive process for assessing it that includes a period of public consultation. The assessment period takes at least two and a half months but can also take much longer.”

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MANY landholders leaving Monday’s first community engagement session in Boort were disgruntled with the format and unconvinced their concerns were heard.

“They are not interested in what we do ... they’ve already made up their minds,” said Lake Marmal farmer Geoff McClelland.

“They told us very little and the compensation they are offering wouldn’t even buy a tractor wheel.

“They tell us we can continue our farming but then there are limits of aerial

spraying, burning ... what we can do daily on most agricultural properties.”

Russell Amery said the compensation package was not ongoing and paled when put beside the pay rises for public servants.

“They just don’t understand where food comes from,” he said.

Leigh Parry said the proposed route was through some of the region’s most intensive farming areas.

He and wife Helen were critical of the timing of consultation, coming when “it’s

been more important to get crops in”. Al Knight described Monday’s session as a tick-a-box event that didn’t pass the pub test.

“We have had fires and flood and now this, it’s a dagger in the heart,” he said.

Robert Coutts said: “They spent 10 minutes trying to reassure me that everything will be okay. Guess it’s watch this space.”

Some farmers in the Boort district first saw their land in the preferred route when Option 5A was released in May, extending the area both north and south of town.

The second Sunday of each month from May – August

Landowners unimpressed with ‘made up their mind’ feeling

Gus Gould and Al Knight make their views known to a TCV representative. LH PHOTO

Helen and Leigh Parry

Robert Coutts

Geoff McClelland and Russell Amery

Balancing issue divide

NEW politician Sarah Mansfield wants opposing sides of the duck hunting and kangaroo harvesting debate to work together if possible.

Ms Mansfield was elected one of five Western Victoria Region MPs in last November’s state election.

Last week the Greens’ MP became the first of the five to visit the Loddon Shire during a tour of northern towns in her region that stretches from Geelong to the South Australian border and north to above Warracknabeal.

It includes Wedderburn, Inglewood, Bridgewater, Newbridge and Tarnagulla.

Ms Mansfield said while there was a divergence of views on duck hunting and kangaroo harvesting at opposite ends of the region, including disagreement with Greens’ policy, it was important people were heard “and where possible work together”. She also weighed into debate over the consultation process for the VNI West transmission line project, saying it had created

anxiety in local communities. However, she stopped short of the Greens advocating for an inquiry similar to New South Wales to investigate underground options for lines.

Ms Mansfield said it was important to investigate all renewable energy options.

“It’s reasonable to look at all options, including undergrounding, where feasible,” she said.

Ms Mansfield said the size of Western Victoria region meant that “many small places just get overlooked because of their remoteness”.

“It’s important to get out and meet people face-to-face,” she said.

She said it was also important for country people to engage with their lower house members.

“We (Upper House MPs) don’t have enough staff and resources to cover the area geographically,” she said.

“I try and recruit staff from different parts of the region to help cover this,” she said during the brief Inglewood visit.

Early disaster repair money doesn’t flow for Victoria

VICTORIA has missed out on fast-tracked federal flood repair funds.

More than $1.8 billion was announced last week for natural disaster repairs in other states.

Mallee MP Anne Webster wants Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews to accept the early flow of funds.

She said: “Almost all of 12 councils in my electorate were flood affected and they will

be heartbroken that Premier Daniel Andrews completely missed the boat on funding they desperately need,” Dr Webster said. “I’m hearing from councils and local organisations worried about levee repairs, path and road repairs and preparedness for future flooding, they will be frustrated to know Daniel Andrews has left them out in the cold.

“I am calling on Premier Andrews to get on to the phone to his federal Labor mates

Major project progress

Donaldson Park Community Hub

Works are continuing on Wedderburn’s Donaldson Park Community Hub.

The building construction is well underway, with installation of footings and services. All foundations and slab works are complete. Work is continuing on electrical and plumbing installations through the park. Steel structural and framing works are complete. Upcoming works include roof installations, brick work and cladding of the building. Removed soil from the earthworks will not impact on use of the walking track and will be used for Stage 2 of the project.

Stage 1 includes the construction of a new multisport and community-focused pavilion. It also includes the construction of a carpark, solar installation with batteries, pavement works and landscaping. Works are anticipated

Extend roo hunt training, says shooter

PROFESSIONAL kangaroo

hunter Glen Cole wants increased training for people controlling wildlife.

The Newbridge shooter is making the call in his submission to Victoria’s kangaroo harvest management plan that closes on Monday.

Mr Cole said professional hunters were required to shoot with accuracy and wants training modules extended to holders of permits to control wildlife.

He said tags should also be issued to landholders issued with permits to destroy wildlife. “Then if there is a roo found without a tag, someone has some explaining to do,” he said.

Mr Cole said less than 10 per cent of Victoria’s kangaroo population was able to be harvested and shooters had not been filling their quotas.

and fix this. If he gets the federal funding, it should be passed straight to councils, not sit in state coffers. My electorate needs flood repairs and mitigation works and the Premier needs to govern for all Victorians.”

The Victorian Government said fasttracked funding “has no effect on how quickly money gets to affected communities and we expect to receive the same repayments next financial year”.

“The biggest problem this year has been overseas where the market has collapsed for human consumption kangaroo,” he said. “In Victoria, the number of shooters engaged has dropped by more than 50 per cent.”

Mr Cole said the overseas collapse had also created a glut with kangaroos for pet meat processing.

The review is part of preparing the next kangaroo harvesting plan.

to be completed in October/November this year.

The Donaldson Park Community Hub project has been made possible thanks to funding from the Commonwealth Government, Victorian Government, Donaldson Park Committee of Management, user groups, the community, Inglewood & Districts Community Enterprises Limited and Council. The Donaldson Park Steering Committee has also provided input throughout the course of the project, including the building’s design.

Pyramid Hill Streetscape Revitalisation Project

Works are continuing on the $1.58 million Pyramid Hill Streetscape Revitalisation Project, including in Kelly Park. Works in the park to date have included footpath installations and garden bed

preparation, recti cation of underground assets and preparation for new shelters. Works at Lions Park include the replacement of the concrete path to and around the shelter, replacement of garden beds, planting of trees and shrubs, fencing and a new path. Works for the pedestrian crossing will occur in the new nancial year.

The project has been made possible through $800,000 in funding from the Victorian

Government’s Building Works package and Council.

Godfrey Street culvert

Works on the replacement of the culvert in Godfrey Street in Wedderburn are complete. Work included the laying of the concrete slab, followed by installation of the new culvert, providing a connection over Nardoo Creek when it is in ood.

Upper House MP Sarah Mansfield. LH PHOTO

Cyrstal wins new NAIDOC Week award

WEDDERBURN’S Crystal Hardiman is the first recipient of a new Bendigo Zonta Club award recognising achievement of indigenous women and girls.

Crystal received her award at last Friday’s Bendigo and District Aboriginal Co-operative ceremony to mark the start of NAIDOC Week.

Organisers said Crystal inspired others to make the most of every opportunity and make each day count.

Her citation acknowledged a hard-working and kind attitude consistently making a positive impact on her work colleagues at Loddon Shire and in the local community.

Crystal was the 2022 Wedderburn College VCAL dux and is continuing her connection with the college supporting Aboriginal students to plan a mural with Aboriginal artist Tobie Cameron that will show the school is culturally safe and respectful.

The award also recognised Crystal’s volunteer contributions to the community through Riding for the Disabled, as a member of Quarter Horse Association and assisting people with access to the food bank.

And another Wedderburn

College student, Robert Whyman, was named recipient of the Aborginal co-operative’s Youth Sportsman Award

He was described as an inspirational footballer who had participated in the Next Generation Central Football Academy, learning sports leadership, performance techniques and other important social skills, and was recognised for his natural talent and nominated to be part of an All Nations - Richmond Football Club team that played last year.

He has also been selected for the Richmond Football club under 18s Next Generation Football Academy of 2023.

Off the field, he was recognised for his leadership, mentoring younger players and volunteering as an assistant coach, inspiring his peers with his can-do attitude, the award citation said.

Earlier this year, Robert also received the Bendigo Health Young Indigenous Award.

Inglewood and Districts Health Service held a smoking ceremony yesterday as part of NAIDOC Week.

The annual week celebrates the history and culture of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

Artefacts create special display

ARTEFACTS from Paul Haw’s temporary keeping place at Boort have gone on temporary display this week at the town’s medical centre.

Kristy Pilgrim visited the keeping place holding artefacts to the Yung Balug clan, part of the Dja Dja Wurrung language group, last week ahead of NAIDOC Week.

Paul and Kristy selected items for the special display at the clinic.

The keeping place on the edge of Lake Boort has been popular with visiting school and tourist groups over the past two months.

Paul said more than 200 people had visited in a two-week period alone to discover more about the district’s indigenous history.

“There is a real interest in the artefacts of the area,” he said.

Kristy Pilgrim curates a NAIDOC Week display.

Zonta’s Naidene Perry presents Crystal with the new award.

Future pillars will retain young: scholar

THE agricultural industry must commit to three key issues to attract and retain young people.

Serpentine’s Macey Holland has advocated for the commitment in this week’s Listen up: Young people’s perspective on the future of Australian agriculture and rural industries report.

The 2023 AgriFutures Horizon’s scholar said the issues were social through enjoyment, enough money in the industry to make a living and what expense to look after the environment.

She says industry must demonstrate its commitment in the three areas if it expects to attract and retain people, representing a radical generational shift from her parents and grandparents.

“This is about more than just perceptions of agriculture,” she

said. “When I finish my degree, I want to pursue a career involving trade and sustainable resource management.

“However, I am also really passionate about building relationships between rural and metropolitan communities.

“A main goal of mine is to educate those who are not familiar with farming or farm-related practices and promote the agriculture industry with honesty and transparency

“I believe part of our role as scholars is to educate the younger generation. Funding for scholars to do more school talks would be awesome, maybe a couple of representatives from each state and territory to do some school tours, catered to each school’s level of knowledge of the industry.”

Shire weed fund cash rises $10,000

THE State Government’s grant for managing roadside weeds in the Loddon Shire has been increased by $10,000.

This year’s $85,000 grant is the first rise in a decade.

Mayor Dan Straub said: “The grant will help council execute control activities aimed at man-

Young speakers vie for Lions title

aging weeds and pests along roadsides. Council has been advocating for an increase in funding that it had said only “allows for a narrow control plan.”

Almost $3 million has been allocated by the State Government to councils this year for weed control.

STUDENTS at Raywood Primary School and East Loddon P12 College have vied for the next stage in the East Loddon Lions junior public speaking competition.

Heats for students in Years 3 to 6 were conducted last term ahead of club finals planned for later this month.

East Loddon students to progress to the final were Talia Smith, Campbell Harcourt, Emily

Birthisel, Hazel Phillips, Ruby Hocking, Emily Lister and Abby Smith.

Judges for the East Loddon heats were John and Felicity Davidson and Loddon Herald editor Chris Earl.

Representing Raywood will be Skylar Burton, Mia Blake, Lily Dean, Kiara Blake, Link Zurkas and Piper Davey.

WHAT THE STUDENTS SAID - PAGE 13

10:00 am – 2:00 pm Centre Based Activities

Due to unforeseen circumstances, the calendar is subject to change; please contact Vas or Deb to confirm your attendance on 54 317 000 or 0456 776 248.

Junior public speaking finalists (front) Hazel Phillips, Ruby Hocking, Emily Lister and Abby Smith with judges John Davidson, Chris Earl and Felicity Davidson.

FLOOD RECOVERY UPDATE BULLETIN

HEALTH & WELLBEING SUPPORT

Royal Flying Doctor Service - Flying Doctor Wellbeing - Available to those aged 18+. Call (03) 8412 0480.

Rural Financial Counselling Service - free and con dential nancial support - Call 1300 735 578

Mind Australia Bendigo Call 1300 286 463 or visit mindaustralia.org.au

Orange Door - You have a right to be safe - Call 1800 512 359

Australian Community Support Organisation (ACSO) - An intake organisation for Alcohol and other Drugs, Mental health, Youth and other clinical services for the Loddon area. 1800respect - Con dential information, counselling and support service. Call 1800 737 732

Nurse on Call 24 hour caring and professional health advice 1300 60 60 24.

Lifeline: 24hr crisis support and suicide prevention services: 13 11 14 or lifeline. org.au

Beyond Blue Information and support for anxiety and/or depression: 1300 224 636 or beyondblue.com.au

Kids Help Line 24hr phone and online counselling service for people aged 5-25: 1800 551 800 or kidshelpline.com.au

Seniors Rights Victoria - Elder abuse, prevention and support - 1300 368 821

Emerging Minds Provides resources for parents, carers, and families about infant and child mental health: emergingminds.com.au

Translation and Interpreter Services

Provides access to phone and on-site interpreting services. Requests must be submitted at least 48 hours in advance. www.tisnational.gov.au

National Relay Service Assistance making a phone call if you are deaf or have a hearing or speech impediment. Speak and listen number: 1300 555 727.

LOCAL SUPPORT SERVICES

Community Health/Hospitals

Boort District Health

3 Kiniry St, Boort P: (03) 5451 5200

Inglewood and District Health Services

3 Hospital St, Inglewood P: (03) 5431 7000

Northern District Community Health

P: (03) 5451 0200

Boort Medical Centre

2 Coutts St, Boort P:(03) 5451 5200

Dingee Bush Nursing Centre

21 King St, Dingee P:(03) 5436 8309

Marong Medical Practice

8 Hospital St, Inglewood P:(03) 5438 3308

Wedderburn Health Clinic

25 Wilson St, Wedderburn P: (03) 5494 3511

Legal Services

Loddon Campaspe Community Legal Service P: 1800 450 909

Neighbourhood Houses

Boort Resource and Information Centre

(BRIC) 119-121 Godfrey St, Boort

P: (03) 5455 2716

Inglewood Community

Neighbourhood House

Cnr Verdon & Market St, Inglewood

P: (03)5455 2716

Pyramid Hill Neighbourhood House

43 Kelly St, Pyramid Hill P: (03) 5455 7129

Wedderburn Community House

24 Wilson St, Wedderburn

P: (03) 5494 3489

Rebuilding Futures Grants round open

The Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal’s (FRRR) Rebuilding Futures is a responsive grant program, which will be activated from time to time to provide disaster recovery support for remote, rural and regional communities impacted by extreme weather events.

The program aims to support grants for local not-for-pro t community organisations to undertake community-identi ed and community-led recovery activities that can strengthen resilience and enable projects for building back better to reduce the impact of future disasters on community wellbeing and physical infrastructure.

Round 3 of Rebuilding Futures is now open to support applications from communities impacted by storm and ood events in Victoria from October 2022 to January 2023 with grants up to the value of $20,000.

Proudly supported by AAMI, a part of the Suncorp Group, a total of $300,000 is available for a wide range of projects and activities to support recovery in the medium to long-term.

Applications close 5pm Thursday 13 July 2023.

For more information and to apply go to: frrr.org.au/funding/disaster-resilience-andclimate-solutions/rebuilding-futures/

Lessons in Disaster training

Do you work with communities a ected by disasters? Don’t miss out on our valuable Lessons in Disaster training.

Gender and Disaster Australia has partnered with Women’s Health Loddon Mallee to bring our award-winning training to your community. Tickets are fully subsidised thanks to funding from the Federal Government and support from Women’s Health Loddon Mallee. With the heightened probability of more intense and frequent disasters due to climate change, coupled with social fragmentation and mounting pressure on emergency services, communities face growing challenges in recovery. Extended recovery periods will have an adverse e ect on families, partners, and speci c vulnerable groups. Research has demonstrated an upsurge in domestic and family violence following such disasters.

Our Lessons in Disaster training will help you understand:

 The distinct experiences of women, men, and LGBTIQA+ people during disasters.

 How gender roles often expect men to protect and provide while women are expected to prioritise nurturing others at the expense of their own safety.

 That LGBTIQA+ people’s needs are frequently overlooked in disaster situations.

 That applying a gendered lens at every stage of disaster leads to stronger and more inclusive communities in recovery.

Monday 24 and Tuesday 25 July 10.30am to 12.00pm, 1.00pm to 2.30pm. Online (4 x 1.5 over 2 days). Register at http://bitly.ws/K2w5

Thursday 3 August 9.00am to 4.00pm. In Person - Serpentine Recreation Reserve,  20 Chapel St,  Serpentine 3517. Register at http://bitly.ws/

For information contact Asminah at GADAus on a.cohen@gadaustralia.com.au or visit www.genderanddisaster.com.au

Business Groups Flood Recovery Grants VICTORIA

Grants for Victorian business organisations to support locally led recovery initiatives in ood-a ected areas. The purpose of this program is to reactivate the small business sector in ood-a ected local government areas.

The program is jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian Governments under the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements for the Victorian oods which commenced in October 2022 (AGRN 1037). Grants of $20,000 and $50,000 (excl GST) are available.

Grant funds must be solely used to support ood-related recovery activities for members by undertaking activities such as:

 Supporting and encouraging ood-impacted businesses to collaborate on business activities

 Reactivation and rebuilding of the local economy in ooda ected areas

LODDON SHIRE SERVICES AND CONTACTS

Loddon Shire Council’s Flood Recovery team would love To hear from you and assist you through your ood recovery.

Please get in touch if you would like to chat about ood recovery for you and your community.

Call Mal: 0499 978 145 or Josie: 0474 911 783

 Enabling ood-impacted businesses to build capacity and resilience

 Business skill development, networking, and resource sharing

 upgrading digital channels to better connect with ood impacted members

 Helping members adapt to a ood recovery operating environment

 Supporting the advancement of ood-impacted Victorian business communities

 Collaboration between tourism organisations or other business groups.

Now open. Closing date: Tuesday 31 October 2023

Unincorporated organisations and organisations with an ABN registered after 1 November 2021 will be required to have a local council enter into the grant agreement on their behalf. For further assistance please email: businessrecovery@business.vic.gov.au or contact the Business Victoria hotline on 13 22 95 during o ce hours.

For up-to-date information regarding ood recovery and council services:

 Visit our website at www.loddon.vic.gov.au

 Call our o ce between 8.15am-4.45pm, Monday-Friday on (03) 5494 1200; or

 Go to our Facebook page facebook.com/LoddonShire/

Newbridge Football Netball Club exemplify resilience in rebuilding futures

Be ‘Tax Ready’ to lodge

THE Australian Taxation Office is reminding taxpayers not to rush lodging their annual income tax return from 1 July. Taxpayers who lodge before their income statement is marked as ‘Tax ready’ and their other pre-fill information has been received run the risk of processing delays and follow-up questions from the ATO if their return is incomplete.

ATO Assistant Commissioner Tim Loh explained that returns lodged in early July are more likely to be changed by the ATO compared to those lodged later.

‘While you can lodge from 1 July, there is a much higher chance that your return will be missing important information if you lodge your return before late July. If you forget to include everything, it will slow down the progress of your return, and you’ll likely end up with more work to do down the track,’ Mr Loh said.

‘No one likes life admin, and we want to help save you some where we can. If you have simple affairs, by waiting a few more weeks until all your information is pre-filled into your tax return, you’ll save yourself extra work and worry by getting it right the first time.

‘If you tried to bake a cake in an oven that wasn’t pre-heated, you’d end up with a halfbaked disaster. Lodging your tax return before everything is ready is similar. Be patient, wait for your data to be pre-filled, and you’ll end up with a perfectly baked tax return!’

From late July, most information from employers, banks, government agencies and health funds will be automatically loaded into tax return, regardless of whether you use a registered tax agent or lodge your own return.

‘Once the information we collect is available, all you need to do is check it and add anything that’s missing. Essentially, all a well baked cake now needs is icing

and sprinkles,’ Mr Loh said. The ATO understands people sometimes make mistakes. Taxpayers that realise they have made a mistake can fix errors or omissions in their tax return through the ATO online amendment process. This can be accessed via myGov or by speaking to a registered tax agent.

This year, the ATO expects fewer people to receive a refund, or may receive smaller refunds than they were expecting, and more may have tax debts to manage.

‘If you receive a debt this year that you

weren’t expecting or you’re getting behind with your tax, you may be able to set up your own payment plan on the ATO website. If you need additional support, reach out to us or have a chat with your registered tax agent as early as possible so we can find a solution,’ Mr Loh said.

THE ATO is reminding the community that its digital self-help tools are the easiest and quickest way to resolve queries this tax time.

ATO Chief Service Delivery Officer David

Allen said, ‘we get lots of calls from the community about topics that can be easily resolved through our digital self-help tools, so it may be better to not wait in a queue to speak to someone when you can do it yourself, at a time and place that suits you.’

‘Our website has a wealth of information that you can refer to, including specific pages that explain what’s new this tax time for individuals and tax professionals. There is even a virtual assistant called ‘Alex’ that can help you track down the information you need.’

The ATO also provides digital tools, including My Tax, the ATO app, and online services for individuals, businesses, tax agents which can be used to resolve a range of queries and perform specific actions on accounts.

‘The other great resource worth checking out is our ATO CommunityExternal Link – our online peer to peer platform that allows members of the community to ask and share information about tax and super issues with other community members. With more than 117,000 members involved and over 225,000 posts, it’s likely your query has already been answered,’ Mr Allen said.

‘If you use a tax professional, they will also be able to help you with questions you may have.’

The ATO has seen processing volumes increase recently and is prioritising processing outstanding forms and requests from taxpayers. This means there may be longer than usual wait times.

Mr Allen emphasised that processing of tax returns lodged online takes up to 14 days. ‘You can check the progress of your tax return through our app or our online services. Our message this tax time is to go online and avoid waiting on the phone.’

Buyback protection gets ‘government site flick’

A MURRAY Darling Basin Plan key document detailing socio-economic criteria has been removed from a Federal Government website.

And Victorian Farmers’ Federation water council chair Andrew Leahy said farmers should be concerned by the Commonwealth’s moves to walk back from the socio-economic test for recovery of the 450GL up-water target.

“This is a key document that was developed by all basin governments and agreed to unanimously in 2018. The VFF is concerned that the Commonwealth are trying to remove key documents that we know they don’t like,” he said.

“The socio-economic test was developed by Ministerial Council in 2018 and agreed unanimously by all Basin States

and Commonwealth Government at the time.

“It has sat alongside Ministerial Council Communique documents on government websites for anyone to be able to download the four pages of criteria. This criteria is our greatest protection against 450GL being purchased off farmers, and now it has disappeared.

“The Commonwealth is actively purchasing water and Minister Plibersek has signalled that she wants to get the 450GL.”

Mr Leahy said the Commonwealth ran online consultations last month on how they could get more water for the Basin Plan including the 450GL. “The VFF sat in on these webinars and the socio-economic test was not mentioned,” he said.

Chemical training overflows

FARMERS and landscape gardeners from across northern Victoria have jumped at an free agricultural chemical user course in Pyramid Hill.

The neighbourhood house saw its first session booked out within days and a second session soon had a waiting list.

Co-ordinator Kim Bennett said a third course for later this month had now been organised.

“We had been trying to get the course up for more than a year but initially had difficulty finding a trainer,” she said.

Kim said a trainer had been engaged from The Centre, Wangaratta, and each

free course had seen local farms sending staff members to gain proficiency in chemical use.

“We were originally looking at running the course through other institutions but the fee per participant would have been $400 and that would have precluded many people,” she said.

“Local farmers already have a good base knowledge and the course is assisting them with necessary accreditation. You don’t have to be qualified to buy chemicals but you do if you are using them.”

Pyramid Hill Neighbourhood House plans to now offer the course annually.

SHEEP MARKET

ONE of the smallest yardings seen at Bendigo on Monday with just 4500 lambs and 1050 sheep.

Quality was very mixed with lines of good hard-fed lambs in the minority against plainer wintery types.

There was a lot of small penlots of less than 20 head.

Not all the regular buyers attended in a market which was very erratic.

The heaviest lambs were cheaper but at price points no worse than the market was recording late last week.

Some of the trade lambs from 20-26kg cwt were dearer as the strongest demand was from a couple of domestic processors. But prices did jump around a lot depending on which buyer came in on a pen.

Heaviest export lambs $160 to $200 stretching from 480c to 560c for an estimated average of 540c/kg cwt.

The heavy 26-30kg cwt lambs $140 to $178 and this was one of the most erratic sections of the market.

There was dearer regults for the better lines of 24-26kg trade lambs at $134 to $151, but plainer types down to $123.

As a guide most trade categories of lamb averaged between 520c to 560c/kg cwt. Light lambs dearer including Merinos, the trend on limited numbers in most sections.

The sheep sale followed a similar trend to lamb of being cheaper for big heavy mutton, but with some dearer pockets on the trade pens.

Heavy ewes mostly $80 to $100 regardless of weight, with just one pen higher to $120.

Then late in the sale a couple of pens of good tradeweight Merino ewes sold over $100, showing how unpredictable the market was.

On a carcass basis mutton went from

Bendigo Sheep & Lamb Market Report

General market trend was dearer but for a very light yarding.

220c/kg for big crossbred ewes to over 400c on some Merinos.

CROSSBRED LAMBS

SN & DA Collins Bridgewater Nth (58) $200, A Rinaldi Carisbrook (85) $190, Bridgewater Park Farming Bridgewater (88) $187, AL Dickins Berrigan (101) $170, Hopeavon P/L Kurting (41) $170, HA & ER Westblade Kerang (103) $168, IA & AL Rathjen Colbinabbin (64) $166, G & I Watson Rochester (15) $160, Les Lowndes Emu Creek (16) $153, D O’Donoghue Kamarooka Nth (22) $152, T & K Dobson Echuca (22) $151, B & E Kerlin Corop (80) $150, GA & CA Canfield Powlett Plains (41) $148, G & C McKinnon Pyramid Hill (21) $143, JJ & SL O’Connor Ruffy (26) $120.

MERINO LAMBS

SN & DA Collins Bridgewater Nth (17) $166.

MERINO WETHERS

NG & M Sutherland Kerang (31) $100. HOGGETTS

C O’Donoghue Kamarooka Nth (12) $110.

CROSSBRED EWES

G & C McKinnon Pyramid Hill (51) $120, DJ & ED Lees Rochester (154) $88, G & T Allen Wycheproof (29) $80, A Rinaldi Carisbrook (40) $74.

MERINO EWES

H & M Geyer Sunbury (53) $120.

Order of sales next week: Nevins, Elders, McKean McGregor, Nuttall, Nutrien.

GRAIN

Boort Grain Co-op prices Monday. Wheat – H1 $388 FIS. H2 $328 FIS. APW1 $320 FIS. ASW $345 FIS. AGP1 $345 FIS. SFW1 $345 FIS. FED1 $313 FIS. Barley - Bar1 $290 FIS. Bar2 $272 FIS. Bar3 $252 FIS. Bar4 $232 FIS. Faba1 $375 FIS. Faba2 $375 FIS. *GM CANOLA - ISCC +/- AOF $355 FIS. 2023-2024 - BAR1 MG $280. Non-GM canola $630. GM canola $590.

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

Post codes should not decide health status

By ANNE WEBSTER

I WAS thrilled to be in Newbridge for the flood recovery recommencement of the Newbridge Recreation Reserve.

Having last visited during the floods in October it was great to see the reserve and clubhouse back operating and looking fabulous!

Local sporting hubs such as the Newbridge Recreation Reserve provide such a wonderful facility for the community.

Football, netball and other sporting clubs strengthen the social fabric of small towns, as well as providing the means to stay healthy and fit, and of course have fun.

Being healthy in regional areas isn’t always easy, due to country people getting a raw deal on their health services.

A person’s postcode should not determine health status.

I said this in my maiden speech to Parliament in 2019, and I have been fighting for that cause ever since.

What is good for a resident of Melbourne or Sydney is not going to always cut it for someone in Bridgewater, or Boort, or Inglewood.

A regional healthcare policy is something, as Shadow Assistant Minister for Regional Health, I have been developing out of this year’s Regional

Health Workforce Summit which I hosted in March.

Building on that format, I am hosting a Regional Aged Care Summit on July 6 in Mildura to bring peak bodies to the regions to hear the concerns of and work directly with frontline workers on solutions to the crisis we are facing in the sector.

The reality in regional Australia is that morbidity and mortality rates remain unacceptably high in regional postcodes.

Startling new evidence shows that each person in regional Australia is missing out on nearly $850 a year of healthcare access compared to their metropolitan cousins, which equates to a total annual rural health spending deficit of $6.5 billion.

This data was revealed by an independent Nous Group report commissioned by the National Rural Health Alliance.

The independent report investigates health spending from the perspective of a patient and reflects the inequitable access rural and regional patients experience.

Regional people are disadvantaged in three ways: poorer social determinants of health, a lack of service availability, and higher costs of access and delivery, all

The Nous report illustrates the need for

a genuine regional lens to be applied to healthcare policy.

To effectively address inequity in rural healthcare and health outcomes, specific barriers to effective delivery and acknowledgement of shortcomings in current approaches must be addressed.

We have seen the Albanese Labor Government manipulate the Distribution Priority Areas so international graduate doctors can prioritise peri-urban settings rather than the regions. The evidence is that doctors have been leaving the regions since the announcement.

In addition, the Rural Doctors Association of Australia has noted that since that decision was made regional practices have seen a substantial drop in job applications – meaning while doctors have left there is not a steady stream of replacements.

Reversing this expansion is one lever the Government could quickly reverse to create better health outcomes for regional towns.

In addition, current funding models and service delivery arrangements create significant barriers to workforce recruitment and retention, further exacerbating the funding shortfall.

However, funding for programs such as Medicare and the National Disability Insurance Scheme is well and good - but it is useless without practitioners or service providers available to see in regional areas.

To truly make a difference for regional Australia’s health, we need to take a comprehensive approach that considers the challenges faced by these communities.

The NRHA is calling for a commitment to developing a National Rural Health Strategy among its recommendations from the report.

This strategy would include overarching guiding principles to improve the health and wellbeing of rural, regional and remote people and communities in a coordinated fashion.

1. The tune of the Brisbane Lions theme song is borrowed from which country’s national anthem?

2. The Ned Kelly series of paintings are by which Australian artist?

3. A triangle where all 3 sides are the same length is called what?

4. How many labours did Hercules perform?

5. Which breed of possum is the most widely distributed in Australia?

6. Where in the human body would you find the metatarsal bones?

7. Phobos is a moon belonging to which planet in our solar system?

8. Name the horse that won three Melbourne Cup’s in a row between 2003-05?

9. The sporting brand Nike is named after the Greek goddess of what?

10. A monotreme is a mammal that does what?

11. Australia is home to two different well-known monotremes, what are they?

12. Bastille Day is celebrated on July 14 each year in which country?

13. Do ligaments connect bones or muscles?

14. ‘Home and Away’ first began airing in which year?

15. Australian Author Andy Griffiths writes primarily in which genre?

16. Car manufacturer Porsche is from which country?

17. Ace was a companion to which Doctor in the TV show Doctor Who?

18. Nathan Lyon is a member of the Australian cricket team, what is his specialty?

19. “Queen of the skies” is the nickname affectionately given to which plane?

20. The musical ‘Les Miserables’ is adapted from the novel by which author?

ANSWERS

ReÞnance, renovate or just re-evaluate

This has to happen – regional people need dedicated health policy to bridge the appalling gap in health outcomes between them and metropolitan Australians.

*DrAnneWebsteristhememberfor Mallee

YOUR ONLINE WORDS

Brad McDonald wrote: They still don’t get it! Actually do some consulting and provide some answers before you try and bribe landholders! Ten grand won’t go far when your entire farm is burnt out because of the transmission line!

Amber Gibson wrote: What a joke. Wake up AEMO!

Bruce Bullock wrote: Tell them they’re dreaming.

Jude Hannah wrote: Research the effects of radiation.

Steve Clark wrote: Same thing hap-

pened before Christmas for the Western Renewables Link. They tried to buy off landholders with $10,000 for access. We bye’d them off.

Glenden Watts wrote: It’s disappointing when the leaders are making rubbish comments like: ‘we have had extensive community consultation regarding the projects’ from our prime minister or ‘we have changed the proposed route due to community consultation and feedback?’ Minister for climate change and energy. Now sending in AEMO, under the name of Transmission Company Victoria to tick the community consultation box ... the horse has already bolted AEMO.

From the Loddon Herald’s Facebook page

Equilateral -tri angle

Brush-tailed possum

Feet

Makybe Diva

Victory

Lays

and echidna

Victor Hugo

Loddon school children have been talking about big creatures in speeches for the Lions’ junior public speaking awards. Three East Loddon P12 students share their stories about being ...

In the land of GIANTS

ByEmilyLister

I WOKE up, packed my bag and had my breakfast before school this morning. I was guessing the day would be like any other. Little did I know it was going to be a big day.

I have science first lesson. I met my best friend Frida in the science room. Frida has brown hair and sweet blue eyes. Our teacher Miss Chanoppaly told us to put these nuclear suits and masks on. Our class saw how powerful nuclear waste can be, now we were testing it.

Linsey accidentally knocked the flask with the nuclear waste onto me! I felt tingling then I grew taller and taller until I smashed through the school roof!

Too bad I hadn’t put my chemical suit on yet. I kept on growing and growing until I could snatch an aeroplane out of the sky!

My left hand kept growing and growing like your eyes in the dark although my right hand looked as if it was a cockroach to me now.

I was so big the other students looked like ants from my view. I carefully picked up Frida in my massive hand. “What do I do?!” I whispered. “I’m hideous! Everyone is scared me!” “You’re beautiful and I’m not scared of you.” said Frida.

“What did you say!” I shouted. Frida blocked her ears. “I said you’re beautiful and I’m not scared of you!”

While I was standing there I thought of a poem.

The giant was giant as you could see. The giant was giant

almost one thousand times me. Thegiantwasalsosoverylonely.Iwillgomakefriendswithit anditsfriendI’llbe.

I wrote it down on a napkin and gave it to Frida. Frida smiled as I popped her on my shoulder. “that’s beautiful” stated Frida. I cheered up and said, “hold on!” Frida grasped onto the collar of my shirt. I started running. Past Calivil, past Mitiamo and into Echuca. I turned around. “Having fun?” I asked. Frida gave me two thumbs up. I sped up. Past Mitiamo, past Calivil and back into the school gates.

The sweet Frida whispered softly into my ear, “you will always be my best friend even if you’re a giant.” Thank you, I replied.

And of course, my older sister Alice just had to ruin the moment!

“Emily!” Alice screeched. “How are you a giant and where did you put my hairbrush?” I didn’t put your hairbrush anywhere! I didn’t even touch it and its none of your business how I got like this!” I snapped. Alice just ran of sobbing. “Gosh!” I said “Emily!” Frida spoke up. “Linsey’s coming” I looked to my right. I couldn’t see her. “Squeak” “Do you hear a mouse?” I said. “I’m sorry,” said Linsey. “Oh, there you are.” “It’s okay,” I replied.

Then I remembered, at least my right hand stayed small so I can write this for you all. I thought to myself if I wasn’t a giant, I wouldn’t be telling you this.

Maybe it isn’t so bad being a giant after all.

Magic potions, ants and fitting into very small shoes

ByRubyHocking

BANG! Owww! Hi guys, my name is Ruby Hocking and I am nine years old, and I just realised that I am a giant. I think I was, just hmm let’s see, searching for my shoes and one touch from the fairy godmother’s wand and I was a giant.

I didn’t know what to do, so I kept searching for my shoes. A couple of minutes later I found my shoes and that’s when I realised that my shoes were SO small. They were never going to fit my feet!

I stumbled out of my bedroom. I was so slow. Skyscrapers fell, people were in shock, think that it was a tornado. I stopped, all the dust cleared away. Then everyone saw what the cause was. A giant Ruby.

“Oh darling, never drink my magic potion again. It’s mine, mine, mine!” said a voice.

I didn’t, it was the fairy godmother’s. I am going to hunt her down and SMASH SMASH SMASH her.

The hunt was on. We heard, ‘bippity boppity boo,’ and followed the sound. Until we came across a castle, there were guards and fire-breathing dragons.

Then I saw a little girl with a white dress and pink stockings with a potion in her hand. The guard gave it to the dragon and it turned into a giant dragon!

The rest of the family came out of the castle, except the Fairy Godmother, which was strange and frustrating. Until I realised that my mum was the Fairy Godmother! Well, I think she is!

Then my mum disappeared out of nowhere. I heard her, she was saying, “I am the Fairy Godmother, I am the Fairy Godmother.” I’ve got to get into the castle.

Then I stood up and tried to remember when mum last had a baby. Could the little girl in the white dress be my sister? I was so confused.

Mum went in there, but I didn’t. So I slept on the street.

The next morning I was an ant. I walked a kilometre or two, to get to my lab. When I finally got there, I was looking for the special magic potion.

Being an ant made this very difficult! I climbed up every chair leg in the lab, until, finally, I had found what I was looking for. The special magic potion! I crawled up the side of the bottle and jumped in. I took one big gulp and the potion was gone, but I was stuck inside a tiny bottle! SMASH!

Glass flew everywhere and there I was, standing on top of the lab table… Finally, I was an average sized human again.

I was making my way back to my house and I was lost until I saw my friend Lola and she showed me the way home.

I was relieved and happy to be home and safe. Hopefully you had fun on a big adventure with me. Being a giant was interesting, but I am glad to finally be normal again.

Family transformation

ByHazelPhillips

I’M HERE to tell you about when I turned into the biggest giant. It all started after waking up in my magic beach holiday house. The house felt smaller than usual and my feet were hanging over the end of my wooden bed. I quickly got up. BANG! My head hit the ceiling. I glanced at my reflection in the larger windows. I was a giant. I started screaming, ‘Mum! Come help!’

Mum came running into the room. “It’s finally happened Ivy.” Mum said excitedly. “Now don’t be scared, it’s just our family transformation. Every girl in our family transforms into a magical giant at this beach house around the age of nine.”

All of a sudden, I felt tingly everywhere and POOF I was standing in front of a golden sign that said Giant World. I walked through the gates and I was not the only one in there. There were giant fairies, giant unicorns, and even giant rainbows. This was the place I always dreamed of. Is this a dream?

“No,” said a giant wearing a light pink dress. “You’re in Giant

World, let me show you to your room.”

So, I followed the giant fairy until we reached a building that was high as the high the sky that was covered in gold roses. Here it is. I love it. Stuck to the front door was a secret mission note which was to collect a tear from a magical unicorn by sunset so that I could stay a giant forever. I quickly rushed off into the woods. I took the note with me as it had a map on it. I jumped over the mountains, stepped over the streams, touched the tops of trees until I found a unicorn standing outside of a cloud cave. I tiptoed as softly as I could, but it didn’t really work, as my steps sound like thunder. I asked the unicorn if I could have a tear please. “You have to make me laugh,” said the unicorn. I tried so many different things to make it laugh. I threw a giant tantrum, did a giant ballet and I blew giant bubbles.

Finally, I knew just what to do. I burped a nursey rhyme in giant burps. It worked! The unicorn laughed so loudly. I got a tear, so I ran back to Giant World, and I got there just in time. I gave my tear to the fairy and with a magic spell, she made me be a giant.

DEATH NOTICE

BARNES - David James 4/3/1928 – 5/7/2023

Loving husband of Lorna (dec). Loving father of David, Carlene, Lesley and their families.

FUNERAL NOTICE

A Graveside Funeral Service for Mr David James BARNES will be held at the Boort Lawn Cemetery on Friday 14th July commencing at 11:00am.

BOORT GOLF CLUB

93nd ANNUAL OPEN GOLF TOURNAMENT

WOMEN’S FOURBALL - Thursday 13th July

FOURBALL BEST BALL STABLEFORD (2 grades)

ENTER WITH PARTNER - $40.00 per pair. and a teams event for any two pairs.

ASSEMBLE - 10.00am, START - 10.30am.

Entries close Wednesday 12th July with the Women’s Captain, Dianne Johnston, Mob: 0427434625

MEN’S DAY - Saturday 15th July

27 HOLES - SCRATCH & HANDICAP (2 grades)$35.00 per player (includes lunch).

Teams event of 3 players for afternoon 18 holes.

Entries close Friday 14th July with the Captainemail: andrewmaxwellkane@hotmail.com

ASSEMBLE - 9.30am for 9.45am SHOT GUN START.

INCORPORATING WOMEN’S DAY 18 HOLESSCRATCH & HANDICAP - $15.00 per player.

ASSEMBLE – 11.45am, START – 12.15pm. (Lunch available if required at $10.00 per person)

EMPLOYMENT

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.

Waste Administration O cer- ref.J/225

 Full-time, permanent position

 Based at our Wedderburn Depot with exible working locations available

 Band 4 salary range $64,566.32$69,060.16 per annum plus employer superannuation.

Applications for the position above will close on Monday 17 July 2023 at 5pm.

Surveillance O cer- ref.J/223

 Full-time, permanent position

 Based at our Wedderburn Depot

 SOCOM salary range $68,277.56$73,016.38 per annum plus employer superannuation.

Applications for the position above will close on Monday 10 July 2023 at 5pm. 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.

MEN’S FOURBALL - Friday 14th July

FOURBALL BEST BALL STABLEFORD (2 grades)

ENTER WITH PARTNER - $40.00 per pair.

ASSEMBLE - 11.00am, START - 11.30am.

MIXED - Sunday 16th July

18 HOLES MIXED PINEHURST FOURSOMES (2 grades)

ENTER WITH PARTNER - $40.00 per pair.

ASSEMBLE - 11.00am, START - 11.30am. BRUCE AND NANCE WEAVER MEMORIAL TROPHY - for best net overall

CAPTAIN ANDREW KANE Mob: 0428378738 DI JOHNSTON Mob: 0427434625

Part Time Administration officer

We are seeking a part time administration officer to join our friendly team. This position is a minimum of 12 hours per week plus additional hours to cover holiday and Sick Leave. Previous experience in office administration will be an advantage, competent computer skills, good communication and time management skills, maintain privacy and confidentiality, hold a current First aid Level 2 andWorking with Children Certificate or willing to obtain.

Please send application letter and CV to Centre Manager on the below details Applications close at 1630pm 14th July 2023.

To apply for this position or to obtain further information, please contact:

Kylie Smith Centre Manager

Dingee Bush Nursing Centre 21 King St, Dingee, Vic 3571 PH: 54 368 309

Email: admin@dbnc.com.au

Southern Riverlands Poultry located in Boort has a casual position available for a reliable and energetic member to join our growing team. This role includes some weekend work. Must have driver’s licence and own transport.

If you are interested and would like more information please contact Kane via email at farm1@southernriverlands.com.au

The Kerang Turf Club conducts 2 event race meetings per season and 3-4 sets of jump outs.

An exciting opportunity to lead the Club as its Club Manager now exists. This role is responsible for professionally, effectively and efficiently managing the Club’s business activities, including stakeholder relationship management, and maximising revenue returns through the profitable conduct of racing and non-racing events and operations.

You will ideally have demonstrated experience operating in a leadership role within a successful management, hospitality, or event management setting. Your application should demonstrate the following:

 Strong nancial and event management skills

 Sound business judgement and decision making capability

 An ability to work with diverse stakeholders and build positive working relationships

 Strong team leadership capabilities

 Exceptional organisational, communication and public relation skills.

A Position Description is available upon request.

Applications should be emailed to: kerangturfclub@hotmail.com

Applications close 5:00pm Friday 21st July 2023

Truck Driver

Reeves Earth Moving Pty Ltd are currently seeking experienced Truck Drivers to join our growing team.

Reeves Earth Moving are a family-owned business based out of Wedderburn, Victoria.

We operate trucks and machinery, carting quarry products and completing earthworks including but not limited to shed pads, driveways, sheep yards, dams etc.

Essential Requirements:

 Current HC or MC Drivers Licence

 Ability to work unsupervised and follow directions.

 Available Monday-Friday with optional Saturday work

Non-Essential Requirements:

 Ability to Operate Heavy Machinery including but not limited to: Front End Loader, Grader, Excavator, Bulldozer, Roller, Bobcat is advantageous but not a requirement.

Benefits:

 Above award pay rate

 The right candidate can expect regular work in and around the North Central Region

 A safe, professional and family run business.

For more information or to apply: email admin@reevesearthmoving.com.au or by post to PO Box 36, Wedderburn Victoria 3518.

SPORT

Big fields at annual tournament

SEVENTEEN pairs contested the ladies’ four-ball best-ball opening event of Mitiamo’s annual tournament last week.

Winning combination was J. Condor and I. Delaney 45 points from E. McGauchie and R. MacRae 39 with Helen Hayes and P. McFarlaine 38. Nearest the pin was Mavis Keil who also won the title overall for the tournamement. Second shot went to K. Taylor and the long drive R. Iser.

Friday’s men’s four-ball best ball attracted 59 pairs. Division

1: Graeme Galvin and Harley Tindal 46, D. Mcnamara and D McLoughan 43. Division 2: D. Hardie and B. Marshall 49, R. Thuliss & G. Smith 45 on a countback from B.Gibson and Jed Stewart. Long drive 0-18 C. Gentile, 19-36 Rohan Stevens. Nearest pins: K. Timson, R. Conder, Ron Thouliss, B. Fawcett.

Winners of Saturday’s mixed pairs were R.Holmburg and J.Conder (scratch) and Don Stewart and Meg Stewart (nett). Long drive men: Don Stewart. Ladies: A. Brereton.

Sunday’s men’s 36-hole event

had 42 players. A Grade scratch: A. Masters 152. Nett: Mark William Hamley 141. AM nett: L. Price 70, PM nett O. Bailey 68.

B-Grade scratch: Dale Anderson 168, Nett T. Staley 134. AM nett R. Boyd on countback from P. Kuiper. PM Nett L. Mangan 65.

Nearest the pins: Darren Tindal, P. Kuiper, Jason Deller, Long drive 0-19 A. Masters, 20-34 Gavin Kerr. Veterans: O. Bailey.

BOORT

The annual Farmer’s Fourball last Friday had a sold turnout of 36 golfers taking to the fairways to enjoy the day.

In the women’s event, locals Gaye Sim and Di Johnston won a countback for top spot after their 33 points tied with Beth Thompson and Julie McClennan from Wycheproof. In the men’s event, Mark Perryman and Adam Potter, dominated the field with their brilliant 48 points, five clear of Damien Lanyon and Paul Harris, with Kelvin Mayberry and Craig Allison slotting in for third on 41 points. In the nearest the pins on the par three, Gary Lake and Glen

Bartels, both from Barham, took home a prize each, as did Lorraine Linehan, Saturday saw the course playing long and difficult, it was no surprise that no one managed to play to their handicap, and so with 35 stableford points, it was left up to Andrew Kane to take out top prize by the narrowest of margins from Scott Rollinson and Paul Harris, both one point behind on 34. Rounding out the ball competition on 32 was Stuart Tweddle. In the nearest the pins, Paul, Scott, Stuart and Damien shared the prizes between them.

This weekend will see another stableford competition, PYRAMID HILL

Last week the juniors played mini holes and celebrated their success with a barbecue lunch. There will be more junior days/ family days upcoming next term. Golf Australia and the Australian Golf Foundation supported the club’s junior clinics last term.

The final round of the club championships will be played on on Sunday,

LODDON HERALD BUSINESS, TRADES & SERVICES

Wool buyer

Cash payments

On-farm appraisals

92 Rowena Street, East Bendigo Ph 5406 0629

The Inglewood club’s school holiday junior clinics sponsored by Inglewood IGA were well attended last week.

FInal day of the Pyramid Hill junior clinics.

Homage to legends of 75 years

THREE-TIME Loddon Valley league

Harding Medallist Ron Ford was named coach of Bears Lagoon Serpentine’s team of the last 75 years on Saturday night.

The club celebrated the merger of Bears Lagoon and Serpentine Clubs after World War Two with Ford regarded as one of the club’s best players in the 1960s

Goal Keeper: Julie Perry

Goal Defence: Sarah Perry

Wing Defence: Sharon Koch

and 70s before returning as coach in the 1980s.

Among those selected in the football side showcasing legends over more than seven decades was organiser of Saturday’s celebrations Greg Gadsden.

He said celebrations were two years late after season interruptions by COVID.

Centre: Jeanette Page (Coach)

Wing Attack:Monica Holland

Goal Attack: Kerry Baber

Goal Shooter: Lisa Gladman

Interchange: Judy Binder, Jill Canfield, Patty Holt, Ellen McRae, Dianne Walker

Nine teams way to go, vote club members

PYRAMID Hill has voted to support keeping the Loddon Valley league as a nine-team competition.

Members had a special meeting last week to discuss fresh bids by Marong and Maiden Gully to switch to the Heathcote league.

Bulldogs’ president Bruce Moon said members had voted for what they believed was in the best interests of their club and the league.

And he said they pointed to how quickly a more viable junior competition could exist in Loddon Valley.

Moon said Maiden Gully could copy Pyramid Hill’s example and reform an under 18 side.

“We’d then have a sixteam competition,” Moon said.

Marong and Maiden Gully have cited junior pathways as a major reason for their latest league switch tilt.

Maiden Gully has not had a junior side for two seasons.

NORTH CENTRAL UNDER 14

GOALS - Wedderburn: A. Ward 3, B. Cunningham 2, B. Treuel, T. Clarke. Wycheproof Narraport: Not supplied.

BEST - Wedderburn: B. Cunningham, A. Ward, B. Treuel, B. Noordennen, F. Guzzo. Wycheproof Narraport: D. Coles, A. McNaughton, M. Seddon, R. Wil-

GOALS - Not supplied. BEST - Boort: J. O’Flaherty, R. Chislett, O. Byrne, L. King, C. Hird. Charlton: E. Soulsby, S. Olive, R. Good, D. Hill, C. Zagame, H. McGrath.

Packing into the Serpentine hall displaying premiership pennants and memorabilia were many past and present players.

They were joined by Loddon Valley league president Simon Tuohey, himself a former Serpentine player, to witness team announcements

Back: Frank Maher, Ken Gladman, Glenn Murley

Half Back: Rick Harrison, Scott Gladman, Andrew Gladman

Centre: Kevin Stuart, Lester Haeberle (C), Andrew Hawker

Half Forward: Ron Ford (Coach), Kevin Smith, Rob Rothacker

Forward: Greg Gadsden, Bruce Wicks, Bill Page

Folls: Peter Hynes, Scott Niemann, Nathan McNally

Interchange: Jock Bissett, Darren Featherby, Dennis Kelly, Wayne Maxted, Keith Perry, Ross Pointon

Redbacks get their first points on board

WEDDERBURN has had its first under 17 success of the North Central season.

The Redbacks overcame a slow start and then a faster finishing Wycheproof Narraport at Donaldson Park on Saturday to play out a draw.

Noah Winslett, Travis Lowe, Dylan Caruana and Oliver Huismann were named the Redbacks’ best in a result that has made it

harder for the Demons to snatch a spot in the top four.

Robert Whyman kicked two goals. Meanwhile, Boort’s under 17 side was at its dominant best against Charlton. The Pies held their visitors scoreless while kicking nine goals for the match.

Brodie Arnold and Alex Cockerell were named their best.

Sea Lake Nandaly 36, Donald 32, Boort 32, Charlton 24, St Arnaud 16, Nullawil 16, Birchip Watchem 12, Wycheproof Narraport 4, Wedderburn 4.

17

GOALS - Wedderburn: R. Whyman 2, B. Cunningham, B. Hartnell, D. Caruana . Wycheproof Narraport: H. Senior 3, A. Cowell, L. Seddon.

- Wedderburn: N. Winslett, T. Lowe, D. Caruana, O. Huismann. Wycheproof Narraport: H. Senior, H. White, A. Cowell, X. McKersie,

BEST - Boort: B. Arnold, A. Cockerell, B. Herrington, J. Hird, T. Zanker. Charlton: N. Zagame, H. Sait, M. Olive, C. Boyle, J. Roberts, E. Fitzpatrick.

St Arnaud 36, Boort 34, Birchip Watchem 30, Sea Lake Nandaly 22, Wycheproof Narraport 18, Donald 12, Charlton 12, Nullawil 10, Wedderburn

AFL CENTRAL VICTORIA

GOALS - Pyramid Hill: H. Goodes 2, B. Gibson, R. Hutton. Inglewood: M. Jeffrey 6, J. Luckman 5, E. McCoy 4, T. Murphy, R. Murphy. BEST - Pyramid Hill: J. Clough-Fidler, R. Hutton, J. Correa, X. Emmerson, C. McCoy, O. Emmerson.

E. McCoy, J. Luckman, O. Mathews, J. Wendels, R. Smith, R. Murphy.

(24)

J. Hetherton. East Loddon: L. James 8, J. Addlem, H. White, M. Green 2, J. Smith, M. Hancock, T. Rasmussen, F. Clymo.

Hewett-Scull

BEST - Bridgewater: W. Hope, S. Hewett-Scull, H. Daldy, B. Tyrrell, T. Woodhatch, J. Hetherton. East

L. James, F. Clymo, H. White, T. Rasmussen.

Re-unions of past players were held by four Loddon clubs last Saturday including Boort where off-field stories were re-lived and shared. LH PHOTO

NETBALL

FOOTBALL

Judy Stuart, Andrew Hawker, Jack Stuart and Rob Rothacker at Saturday’s 75th anniversary celebrations. LH PHOTO

Inglewood’s Jackson Luckman ... five goals. LH PHOTO

NETBALL | SPORT

LODDON VALLEY

Superoos bridge the gap

MITIAMO has bridged the gap on main rival for this year’s Loddon Valley A Grade pennant Maiden Gully.

The Superoos’ nine-goal loss against the reigning premiers on Saturday was exactly half the margin when the teams met earlier in the season.

And while not at full strength, the Superoos continued to show improvement in defence and lifted its scoring output.

The other major contender for this year’s pennant, Marong, survived a scare against Newbridge, scraping home by just six goals.

nals after downing the Demons by 26 goals.

Holly Lockhart, Grace Lockhart and Olivia Lockhart were named best in Redbacks’ key victory as it locks in second spot on the ladder.

The Redbacks went even better in B Grade with a 33-goal victory set up through Deanne Caserta and Ingrid Gould.

Bec Hughes and Tori Cunningham were key to the Redbacks notching up a 50-goal win and now sitting just outside the top on percentage.

14 AND UNDER A

Birchip Watchem 8, 11, 14, 16, (16) lost to Sea Lake Nandaly 4, 8, 13, 24, (24). Wedderburn lost to Wycheproof Narraport 3-33. Boort 7, 11, 19, 26, (26) d Charlton 4, 9, 12, 17, (17). St Arnaud 7, 13, 17, 23, (23) lost to Nullawil 12, 24, 34, 41, (41).

NORTH CENTRAL

Pies have big day out

BOORT had a dominant day out in senior North Central netball on Saturday.

The Pies’ remain undefeated in A, B and C Grades after seeing off spirited early challenges by Charlton.

And Boort made it a cleansweep, also winning all junior grades.

Wedderburn has virtually put paid to Wycheproof Narraport’s hopes of making the A Grade fi-

NORTH CENTRAL HOCKEY

Under 12: Boort lost to Charlton 0-9, Birchip Watchem drew Sea Lake Nandaly 0-0, Wedderburn lost to Wycheproof-Narraport 2.

Ladder: St Arnaud 90, Charlton 81, Wycheproof Narraport 81, Birchip Watchem 58, Sea Lake Nandaly 41, Donald 29, Wedderburn 11, Boort 0.

Under 15: Boort drew Charlton 0-0, Birchip Watchem d Sea Lake Nandaly 6-0, Wedderburn d Wycheproof-Narraport 3-2. Ladder: St Anraud 86, Sea Lake Nandaly 81, Birchip Watchem 75, Charlton 52, Donald 48, Boort 37, Wycheproof Narraport 11,

Wedderburn 11.

Women: Boort drew Charlton 1-1, Birchip Watchem d Sea Lake Nandaly 3-1, Wedderburn lost to WycheproofNarraport 2-6.

Ladder: Charlton 92, Wycheproof Narraport 92, Birchip Watchem 75, St Arnaud 52, Sea Lake Nandaly 37, Boort 33, Wedderburn 11, Donald 0.

Men: Boort d Charlton 5-1, Birchip Watchem drew Sea Lake Nandaly 2-2. Ladder: Boort 88, Wycheproof Narraport 86, St Arnaud 83, Donald 43, Sea Lake Nandaly 29, Charlton 14, Birchip Watchem 5.

Boort A Grade vice-captain Jo Isaac puts in another solid game as the Pies continue undefeated this season. LH PHOTO

Bears Lagoon Serpentine under 15 goal shooter Lily Francis. LH PHOTO

30-metre run the difference

CHARLTON has pulled off the North Central season upset by snatching a 13-point win over Boort.

The Navies played a tighter brand of football and found gaps in Boort’s overworked defence to notch up only their second win of the season.

A congested midfield saw multiple bounces in the opening minutes, Boort missing the aerial dominance of ruckman Nathan Twigg who had been sidelined for the game under the concussion rule. Twigg’s creative centre taps have been key to setting up quick forward attacks for the Pies.

Boort’s Tom Potter still found ways to send the ball out of the centre, only for his efforts to be cut off by the Blues or result in some early behinds.

A purple patch from Charlton midway through the first quarter saw Mason Heenan pick up the loose ball at half forward, take a 30-metre run into open goal. Within minutes, Charlton was back in attack. Harrison Taylor kicked to Rhyen Woods in the goal square and the Blues had two majors.

Jarrod Fitzpatrick put some fightback into the Pies when he replied with the first of two goals for the day.

That purple patch would be the difference as Charlton put in its best game of what has been an otherwise disappointing season.

The never-die attitude of Boort was led across the half-forward line by Alex Davis while McGhie was again the keyt defender for the Pies.

Cam Ross stepped up to fill Twigg’s shoes and kicked two goals.

Frasier Holland, back in the seniors, was a key magnet up forward. Coach Dale Cameron switched HIM into the ruck

throughout the final term as every creative move was executed in a desperate attempt to bridge the gap.

One of the key differences was Charlton’s Nick Thompson, named best on ground and kicking six of the Navies’

SENIORS

GOALS - St Arnaud: A. Bourke, J. Hicks 2, B. Organ, J. Male, B. Durward. Nullawil: J. Humphreys 7, N. Grigg 4, A. Thomson 3, A. Casey, A. Oberdorfer 2, D. Isbister, D. Smith, Z. Kelly.

BEST - St Arnaud: Z. MacDonald, N. Birthisel, H. Durward, J. Hicks, O. Lowe, K. Torney. Nullawil: J. Humphreys, Z. Caccaviello, M. Quigley, A. Casey, D. Isbister, D. Putt.

GOALS - Wedderburn: T. Campbell 3, J. McEwen, M. McEwen 2, S. Barnes, Louis Holt, Luke Holt, D. Benaim, D. Jackson, J. Rosengren. Wycheproof Narraport: C. Jones 6, D. McLennan 2, D. Horbury, T. Trewin, H. Senior, R. Jones, K. Hommelhoff, G. Hommelhoff.

BEST - Wedderburn: J. McEwen, I. Holt, T. Campbell, D. Jackson, Louis Holt, M. McEwen. Wycheproof Narraport: T. Trewin, S. Allan, J. Walsh, G. Hommelhoff, J. Kenny, J. Turner.

Birchip Watchem 1.2 4.3 8.7 10.8 (68) Sea Lake N 3.1 8.4 9.5 12.5 (77)

GOALS - Birchip Watchem: B. Edwards 4, C. Wilson, N. Gordon 2, L. Foott, L. Ryan. Sea Lake Nandaly: J. Jenkins 7, T. McKenzie, B. McInnes, B. Delmenico, W. Donnan , C. Cox.

BEST - Birchip Watchem: N. Rippon, D. Hinkley, N. Gordon, L. Ryan, S. Simmons, J. Randall. Sea Lake Nandaly: T. Donnan, W. Donnan, J. Poulton, A. Mertz, L. Martin, T. McKenzie.

GOALS - Boort: C. Ross, E. Coleman, J. Fitzpatrick 2, N. McLaren, J. Starr, R. McGhie. Charlton: N. Thompson 6, C. Gavaghan, M. Heenan 2, R. Woods.

BEST - Boort: A. Davis, T. Potter, R. McGhie, J. Fitzpatrick, A. Trethowan, K. Wilson. Charlton: N. Thompson, S. Woods, R. Woods, J. Thompson, J.

H.

goals. His accuracy up forward another factor in Charlton’s upset win.

Fitzpatrick and Potter were four-quarter contributors for Boort with dogged midfield play.

- CHRIS EARL

Redbacks had their moments

WEDDERBURN came within minutes of snatching victory over Wycheproof Narraport in Saturday’s North Central clash.

The Redbacks had made up for lost ground in the second quarter when they were held scoreless by a relentless Demons being inspired by Tom Trewin, Spencer Allan, Josh Walsh with one-time North Melbourne champion Corey Jones finishing off work in front of goal.

Jones would kick six goals for the day and helped ensure the Redbacks’ 12-point advantage early in the final term was pegged and reversed.

He not only kicked goals but created others, handballing to Trewin in the square for an easy goal early in the third term.

That was when the Redbacks, playing before a crowd that included members of their

2013 premiership side, kicked into gear. Captain of that flag side a decade ago, Danny Benaim, won the hard ball and goaled from 50 metres out.

The Redbacks would finally get to outscore Wycheproof Narraport in the third quarter.

They had more chances, too, but were stifled by Joe Kenny and Damien Horbury in defence.

Jackson McEwen was named best for the Redbacks, in two games establishing himself as good mid-season recruit at Donaldson Park.

Louis Holt on the wing continued his good season, also chipping in with two goals, while Isaac Holt and Jackson were again vital in defence.

Tom Campbell finished with three majors and the McEwen brothers two each.

Chance to draw line through weeks of goal woes

IT’S been a tough month for Boort - injuries, a draw pitting the enthusiastic Pies against better-oiled North Central sides and scoreboards highlighting their challenges in front of goal.

This Saturday’s North Central assignment is no less demanding but comes with hope.

The Pies played out a thriller against Wycheproof Narraport back in round three. It was a game Boort should have

SENIORS

43 - (0) - Sam Dunstan - Donald

won but for two erratic quarters and, yes, struggling to convert in the goal square.

There’s a chance ruckman Nathan Twigg will be back in the team and his presence will lift the Pies and give them a chance to deny Wycheproof Narraport a second Loddon scalp in as many rounds.

Boort has shown its defence can match anything in the league. Now, it’s time to step up in the forward zone.

Donald comes back from the bye to

IN FRONT OF GOAL

39 - (4) - Ben Edwards - Birchip Watchem

31 - (3) - Adam Thomson - Nullawil

29 - (1) - Billy Mcinnes - Sea Lake Nandaly

25 - (2) - Nathan Gordon - Birchip Watchem

25 - (1) - Sam Barnes - Wedderburn

24 - (3) - Tom Campbell - Wedderburn

24 - (7) - Joshua Jenkins - Sea Lake Nandaly

22 - (1) - Gedd Hommelhoff - Wycheproof N

20 - (6) - Nick Thompson - Charlton

20 - (0) - Will Simpson - Sea Lake Nandaly

20 - (0) - Daniel Castellano - Birchip Watchem

19 - (0) - Mitch Farmer - Nullawil

RESERVES

39 - (3) - Billy Poulton - Sea Lake Nandaly

30 - (9) - Ben Brennan - Wycheproof- N

27 - (0) - Sam Goldsmith - Nullawil

25 - (0) - Callum Goode - Birchip-Watchem

20 - (0) - Gerald Riley - Wedderburn

take on Wedderburn. The Royals were basically a one goal a term better side against Wedderburn back in round three and have worked their way into the four after a toppsy-turvey season start.

Wedderburn has picked up the more than handy Jackson McEwen and club icon Adam Postle could be back from injury.

Wiping off the Redbacks would be a grave mistake for the Donald.

THIS SATURDAY

LODDON HERALD TIPS

Sea Lake Nandaly v St Arnaud

Charlton v Birchip Watchem

Wycheproof Narraport v Boort Donald v Wedderburn

Nullawil bye

RESERVES

J. Falconer 3, J. Douglas.

Narraport: B. Brennan 9, D. Turner 3, J. McHutchison 2, Z. Cruse, H. Fawcett, C. Duffy, X. McKersie.

BEST - Wedderburn: C. Lang, D. Keuken, H. Hargreaves, J. Falconer, T. Webster, D. Caruana. Wycheproof Narraport: J. McHutchison, T. Rumbold, A. Bigham, J. Dwyer, W. Allan, D. Turner.

GOALS - St Arnaud: E. Swanton 2, J. Needs, D. Needs, C. Campbell, N. Gorrie. Nullawil: B. Kelly, J. Perry 3, G. Forrester, J. Bowyer, M. Harrop 2, L. Braine.

BEST - St Arnaud: H. McNally, D. Needs, C. Leach, L. Ezard, S. Elliott, N. Gorrie. Nullawil: J. Morrison, J. Bowyer, J. Barker, M. Hogan, L. Braine, M. Fawcett.

Birchip Watchem 0.0 0.1 0.1 2.1 (13)

Sea Lake N 5.7 9.11 14.16 18.17 (125)

GOALS - Birchip Watchem: Not supplied. Sea Lake Nandaly: C. Allan, B. Poulton 3, D. Bailey, J. Donnan, M. Cahoon 2, R. McClelland, D. Hickey, Z. Wemyss, N. Wight, J. Hatcher, L. McClelland.

BEST: - Birchip Watchem: J. Ryan, M. Ryan, A. Samuels, T. Colbert, M. Rickard. Sea Lake Nandaly: C. Allan, M. Cahoon, L. McClelland, R. McGarry, C. Michael, C. Roberts.

Boort 7.1 12.3 17.6 24.7 (151)

Charlton 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 (0)

GOALS - Boort: M. Rice 10, A. Cockerell 3, D. Hawker, D. Cameron , C. O’Rourke, P. O’Rourke 2, J. Hall, J. Mulquiny, N. Gooding.

BEST - Boort: M. Rice, J. Mulquiny, D. Hawker, J. Hall, W. Toose, M. Buchanan. Charlton: A. Johnstone, T. Catherine, L. Holmes-Brown, D. Whykes, N. Zagame, M. Thompson.

Boort’s Tom Potter and Jarrod Fitzpatrick jostle for the Cam Ross knock against Charlton on Saturday. LH PHOTO

Wedderburn’s Luke Holt was among the Redbacks’ goalkickers. LH PHOTO

Menaces until final siren

TRAITON KENDAL sealed the match with an Inglewood goal early in the final term of the menacing tussle with Bridgewater in Saturday’s Loddon Valley round. His goal came minutes after Alex Lowe kicked his only major for the day after marking a chip kick from Matthew Rowe near the square.

But while Inglewood had chances to go on and bury the Mean Machine, Bridgewater was unrelenting until the final siren.

A solid turnover featuring Olive Muggleton found Darcy Wood across the half-forward line to push right to the square where Ben Irvine dribbled the ball through for a goal.

Lachlan Cohen followed up minutes later from 30 metres out for the Mean Machine’s second goal of the quarter.

Inglewood proved the more skilful and fitter of the two sides. Jaspa Wendels put in his best senior game of the season, surging out of the backline as the Blues constantly turned over Bridgewater errors.

Dorovitch, while not featuring in the club’s best, was a major influence setting up play in the crucial final term.

His flair matched at times by Bridgewater opponents Nicholas Naughton and Ben Derrick.

Marong continued its domination with another 100-plus win and another bag for Brayden Grenfell.

The gun forward is now closing in on his second successive season century although matching last year’s record haul may be slightly out of reach.

With only three games where a goal-

kicking spree seems possible, Grenfell may fall just short of his record.

Last Saturday, it was Marong’s opening quarter 10-goal blitz that sapped the spirit of Newbridge.

However, there was some redemption in the final term when the Maroons matched Marong for goals on the scoreboard.

A dominant third quarter has seen Mitiamo takes the points over Maiden Gully.

The lead had fluctuated in the first half with the Eagles up by six points at the main break.

However, led by Lougoon, Thomas and Walters, the Superoos took control at John Forbes Oval to win by 34 points.

Dogs blood youngsters on torrid day

THE round 12 clash at Serpentine was one of mixed fortunes for Pyramid Hill.

The under 18s got another opportunity to perform for match points, and although well accounted for by Inglewood they were able to stick to the basics and run out four tough quarters.

With many younger players in the squad, it was good to see them rewarded with goals that emanated from solid efforts at the stoppages.

Three of the four goals scored came from two players who would play in the reserves and senior games.

The Inglewood combination had too many bigger and stronger players and won very comfortably.

In uncharacteristic fashion the Bulldogs reserves had their colours well and truly lowered by the Bears Lagoon Serpentine and for just the third time this season they

were kept below a 50-point total. The home team led from “go to whoa”, and if not for the efforts of Kyle Humphries, Rylan Delamere, Nathan Moon and David Mann the margin could have been more. For the visitors, Blake Gibson, promoted from the under 18s, kicked one of the four goals scored.

The main game had fans from both clubs guessing until the end. In a game that ebbed and flowed, Bears Lagoon Serpentine won the first and last terms, but the Dogs comfortably scored at will in the second and third terms, winning 15-10 to 14-10.

One hundred points was the final total for the visitors, and with eight goal kickers they were able to spread the load and maintain the initiative for most of the game.

Zach Alford slotted home five goals and

Bailey George kicked three. Dylan Morison was best on ground and was instrumental in getting the Dogs flowing from the stoppages.

In defence Zac Dingwall, Jesse Sheahan, Gav James and Tom Hetherington made sure that ample supply was on offer thanks to top rebounding efforts. The Bulldogs welcomed two first-game players, the experienced Lachlan Sidebottom and Harrison Goodes from the under 18s.

The Bears had top four quarter players in the Gadsden brothers, coach Justin Laird and the experienced Ryan Prendergast, with their 14 goals shared by seven players.

The Bears had their chances in the final term, often finding targets near goal only to see accuracy out by just millimetres, at least one kick hitting the post.

- GEOFF HICKMOTT

Beware clubs with tails up! They know how to challenge

TOP five teams Inglewood and Bridgewater will need to be on the mettle in their Loddon Valley league matches this Saturday.

The Blues will go into their home game against Mitiamo as favourite and have shown they deserve at least a top four finish this season.

Dorovitch, the Polack brothers and Mc Gaw are dangerous around the ground

SENIORS

and up forward, Nevins and Wendels youngsters able to lift the team whether in defence or attacking deep.

But Mitiamo will have the tails up after defeating Maiden Gully last Saturday - a tonic mixed right to at least challenge Inglewood.

Bridgewater has its next test against Newbridge. The Maroons matched Marong for one quarter last week and

IN FRONT OF GOAL

77 - (10) - Brandyn Grenfell - Marong

40 - (0) - Kain Robins - Marong

39 - (0) - Joshua Martyn - Bridgewater

34 - (8) - Matthew Riordan - Marong

30 - (0) - Charlie McGaw - Inglewood

29 - (3) - Ryley Taylor - Marong

26 - (2) - Andrew Gladman - BL Serpentine

24 - (3) - Bailey George - Pyramid Hill

23 - (1) - Justin Laird - B/L Serpentine

22 - (5) - Zach Alford - Pyramid Hill

SENIORS

19 - (2) - Jack McCaig - Marong 19 - (2) - Keelan Payne - Inglewood

19 - (1) - Will Perryman - Pyramid Hill

RESERVES

43 - (1) - Rowan Pollock - Pyramid Hill

31 - (3) - Bradley Matthews - Marong

20 - (3) - Clay Anstee - BL Serpentine

19 - (5) - Kyle Simpson - Inglewood Reseves

16 - (1) - Jayden Gladman - BL Serpentine 15 - (2) - Joel Pianto - Mitiamo

may do better in the meeting with the Mean Machine.

Injury-hit Pyramid Hill is at home to Marong. Under strength, the Panthers will edge out the Bulldogs and notch up another win but gun forward Grenfell will probably be denied a bag this week against a tough Pyramid Hill defence.

Bears Lagoon Serpentine should be too good against Calivil back from the bye.

THIS SATURDAY

JUNE 17

Pyramid Hill v Marong

Newbridge v Bridgewater

Inglewood v Mitiamo

Calivil v Bears Lagoon

Serpentine

Maiden Gully bye

Newbridge

GOALS - Newbridge: C. Dixon, K. Gard 2, J. Langtree, T. McLeod, C. Sanders. Marong: B. Grenfell 10, M. Riordan 8, R. Taylor 3, J. McCaig, K. Manley 2, P. Gretgrix, M. Willox, N. Devanny.

BEST - Newbridge: T. McLeod, C. Argus, C. Sanders, W. Copland, W. Daly, J. Langtree. Marong: M. Willox, M. Riordan, B. Grenfell, J. McCaig, N. Devanny, J. Gadsden.

GOALS - Bears Lagoon Serpentine: J. Rippingale 4, J. Bailey 3, A. Gladman, H. Gadsden 2, K. Paxton, J. Laird, L. Mott. Pyramid Hill: Z. Alford 5, B. George 3, M. Dingwall 2, M. Gunther, W. Perryman, T. Walker, A. Holland, B. Morison.

BEST - Bears Lagoon Serpentine: H. Gadsden, J. Rippingale, C. Gadsden, A. Brohm, J. Laird, R. Prendergast. Pyramid Hill: B. Morison, Z. Dingwall, Z. Alford, A. Holland, J. Sheahan, G. James.

GOALS - Mitiamo: D. Walters, D. Thomas 3, A. Cussen, B. Baines, K. Galvin, W. Draper, C. Milne, R. Varcoe. Maiden Gully: J. Doolan, T. Miles 2, J. McDonald, N. Murley, B. Dimech, D. Wust. BEST - Mitiamo: L. Lougoon, D. Thomas, D. Walters, E. Spiers, Z. Morrison, D. Clohesy. Maiden Gully: J. McDonald, H. McCartney, N. Murley, T. Miles, B. Dimech, D. Wust.

GOALS - Bridgewater: L. Cohen 2, J. Higgins, B. Irvine, N. Naughton, E. Pavlich. Inglewood: B. Cauchi, K. Payne, T. Kendal 2, A. Lowe, D. Polack, B. Cotchett, M. Rowe.

BEST - Bridgewater: B. Derrick, N. Naughton, L. Cohen, B. Stepien, J. Symons, J. Naughton. Inglewood: T. Kennedy, S. Polack, F. Payne, D. Polack, J. Wendels, C. March.

(111) GOALS - Newbridge: C. Grant, C. McDonald, D. Whan, L. Oberin. Marong: N. McCaig 5, R. Hender, B. Matthews 3, Z. Justice, J. Evenden, T. Thach, J. Cummins, C. Stacey.

BEST - Newbridge: O. Gordon, C. Grant, c. hoye, J. Dawkins, C. McDonald, L. Oberin. Marong: B. Matthews, T. Thach, N. McCaig, C. Thiesz, R. Hender, S. Taylor.

GOALS - Bears Lagoon Serpentine: C. Anstee 3, K. Paxton 2, J. Gladman, J. Stuart, T. Quinn, C. O’Shannessy. Pyramid Hill: N. Moon 2, T. Nunn, R. Pollock, B. Gibson.

BEST - Bears Lagoon Serpentine: J. Wingrave, C. Davies, W. McMahon, C. O’Shannessy, K. Paxton, B. Finlay. Pyramid Hill: K. Humphrys, R. Delamare, N. Moon, D. Mann, M. Carroll, L. Dillon. Bridgewater

(9)

(143)

GOALS - Bridgewater: D. Valentini. Inglewood: K. Simpson, S. Hare 5, J. Phillips 4, C. Wright, K. Dundas 2, T. Kilcullen, E. Ashman, T. Stevenson, K. Ngawati.

BEST - Bridgewater: J. Wild, H. Pidoto, E. Woodhatch, J. McKinley, C. Woodhatch, A. Alcock. Inglewood: J. Phillips, T. Kilcullen, K. Ngawati, M. Hunt, K. Simpson, D. Gorrie.

Mitiamo 3.2

(47)

(50)

GOALS - Mitiamo: J. Pianto 2, D. Saliba, A. Mckean, K. Pentreath, D. Hargreaves-Peita. Maiden Gully: L. Jones , D. Bice 2, G. Brown, T. Hudson, N. Johnston, C. Sungalis.

BEST - Mitiamo: J. Falls, A. Mckean, D. HargreavesPeita, J. Coad, J. Watt, H. Storey. Maiden Gully: H. Minnis, D. Bice, J. Burns, M. Clark, N. Johnston, W. Donaczy.

Jaspa Wendels and Charlie McGaw take front running against Bridgewater. LH PHOTO

sport

Bird’s regional title gives club rare ...

TRIPLE TREAT

GLENDA Bird has won her first Kara Kara golf champions trophy.

Her victory at Charlton last Thursday meant the Wedderburn club achieved a rare triple feat against clubs in the region.

Wedderburn also won the handicap and scratch shields.

Glenda played off as handicap of 12 and won the champions trophy by three strokes from Donald’s Debbie Burton.

“I had a good day,” said Wedderburn club champion Glenda of her sixth time contesting the Kara Kara title. “The course was heavy and I guess that suited my style of play.”

Glenda said her best holes on the course were the par fives “on the heavy going course”.

She also had a nearest the pin and won the coveted veterans’ trophy donated by Shirley Hargreaves.

Glenda was part of the fivemember team to win the shield events.

“Amazingly we won the handicap shield as well as the scratch which is rarely achieved on the same day,” said fellow team member Jill Millie.

Other members of the team were Carolyn McHugh, Susie Lockhart and Glenda’s granddaughter Chelsea.

Glenda said Chelsea had only made herself available the previous night for the shield team and had played little golf in the past three years.

“We had five players in our teams. Some clubs had more,” said Glenda.

Glenda won her way to the regional final after taking club honours last month where the A Grade handicap event was won by Jill Millie.

B Grade club winner was Carolyn McHugh with handicap honours to Karen Weston.

Meanwhile, annual tournaments of Loddon clubs started at Mitiamo last week.

Boort’s four-day tournament kicks off next Thursday with major competitions also coming up at Inglewood, Wedderburn and Pyramid Hill.

Pies bring unbeaten run to end

THE unbeaten run of North Central women’s hockey leader Charlton has been halted.

The Blues came up against a determined Boort on Saturday, unable to repeat their 11-0 result early in the season.

The tenacious Pies limited the visiting Blues slotting the ball into goals in a game of defences.

The 1-1 draw came after goals were scored by Jess Phillips

(Boort) and Tessa Fitzpatrick. Boort sits two points outside the four after the stunning result over Charlton.

Wedderburn’s women’s side showed continued improvement against Wycheproof Narraport in the 2-6 loss compared with going down 0-10 earlier in the season. Chelsea Hargreaves and Haley Smith were goal scorers for the Redbacks.

The Redbacks’ under 15 side

had their first win of the season when Jacob Ward and Tyson Blair goals helped them to a 3-2 victory.

And the Magpies’ men’s team has gone to top spot on the ladder after beating Charlton 5-1. Luke Slatter slotted three goals for the home side while Jake Boyd and Ben Lee put through singles.

RESULTS - PAGE 17

Chelsea Challis-Broad ... part of Boort’s spirited attack against Charlton on Saturday.

Glenda Bird