across the region are on heightened alert to suspicious vehicles and trailers after a spate of suspected sheep thefts.
Two vehicles stopped at a Kurting farm on Saturday where owners confronted men who emerged from behind trees asking if they had any sheep for sale.
Rachel Taylor and Dave Wilkinson said one vehicle blocked their driveway, preventing family from driving in for a planned barbecue.
“They were of Middle Eastern appearance ... it was quite confronting,” they said.
Family photographed and videoed the vehicles leaving the property before reporting the incident to police.
Farmers at Powlett reported more than 30 head of sheep stolen overnight Monday.
And there have been reports of the same vehicle in near farms in the Calivil and Kamarooka areas this week.
BlazeAid founder Kevin Butler, who has been charting suspected stock thefts in country Victoria for several years, said there had been a spike in alleged incidents in the Wedderburn-Inglewood area over the last three months.
His claims have been backed up by Rachel and Dave.
“We’ve been speaking with a few neighbours between here
and Powlett who say they have been losing 20 or 30 head at a time,” they said.
“One has now reduced the number of sheep in each paddock to more quickly see if any sheep have disappeared.”
According to Mr Butler: “There
have been 15 to 20 reports and only one has been unable to be validated.”
“The weekend’s report of vehicles going from farm to farm is the latest. How many farmers have ever sold to spontaneous buyers?
“You wouldn’t find one anywhere,” he said. “It’s clearly a staking exercise and it appears to be well organised.”
Mr Butler said an early step to stamp out the practice would be for the Government to ban farmgate sales of livestock on bio-
security grounds. But while he said the spike in stock thefts might be spurred by current high market prices, they would continue “if meat was even only half the price”.
Rachael told the Loddon Herald her suspicions were raised when one of their uninvited Saturday afternoon visitors “stepped from behind a tree and pulled his hoodie over his head” asking to buy sheep.
“It was a very quick interaction ... three of them ... but it was very odd,” she said. “And it was odd they only parked at the gate and another vehicle and trailer were parked on the highway verge.
“Our dogs had been barking like crazy ... that’s why we went to around to the front of the house and confronted them.”
Rachael and Dave reported the incident to police and shared footage of the vehicles to the online crime report platform.
The spate of Loddon incidents follows the reported theft of 80 Merinos worth $12,000 from Strathlea, west of Castlemaine, in May,
Police said men had allegedly been seen herding the sheep into a light blue, enclosed trailer attached to a white van and released images of the suspects.
Wedderburn district farmers last week raised concerns when what they said was a “suspect” vehicle had become bogged in a paddock.
CONTINUED PAGE 6
Rachael Taylor and Dave Wilkinson ... “buyers” came from
PHOTO
Uninvited weekend ‘sheep buyers’
Loddon HERALD
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WEEKEND FORECAST
Branches in a ‘community of communities’
THE Blue Tree is making a positive influence on community wellbeing across the Loddon.
That’s the view of shire community wellbeing director Wendy Gladman as the mobile tree continues to pop up at local events.
It is one of 1439 blue trees around the world in a movement founded in 2019 after the tragic loss to suicide of a young regional West Australian who had painted
one of the trees on his family farm blue.
Mrs Gladman said that as Loddon Shire was a ‘community of communities’ without a central hub, it was decided to develop a mobile tree for maximum impact that could take the message to all those communities.
Council, through the Loddon Healthy Minds Network, arranged for the construction of the tree, with funding provided
through the Loddon Mallee Public Health Unit.
“We wanted something that made sense for our shire, and we knew that it would need to be different from what others have done,” Mrs Gladman said.
“The Blue Tree, trailer and resources can be hired from council for free by anyone seeking to raise awareness about mental health and wellbeing,” Mrs Gladman said.
Night owls find faults on roads
MORE than 200 defects have been detected by Loddon Shire in its night inspections of 770km of council roads.
It said 168 related to signs needing to be replaced or repaired, including 71 hazard or warning signs, 32 regulatory signs and 23 guideposts.
Along with signs, the inspection found 13 potholes in need of repair, and 12 issues relating to vegetation.
Council director operations Steve Van Orsouw said the work would be carried out under council’s road management plan.
“We are committed to ensuring all signage in place meets Australian safety standards,” Mr Van Orsouw said.
Apart from the night inspection program, council also periodically inspects railway crossings both during the day and at night, local bridges and carries out maintenance and hazard inspections.
Data from Loddon Shire Council’s quarterly road management plan defect rectification compliance report shows that 98.6 per cent of defects identified on shire roads between January 1 and March 31 – whether from inspections, the public or works crews – were fixed before their due date.
GOOD VIEW: Archie Polkinghorne, Jye Lavery-Smith and Nate Turnbull perched on the bonnet at Boort Park on Saturday watching the football action. LH PHOTO
Renewed anger after report tips $11 billion bill
VNI’s blowout billions
THE cost of Victoria controversial VNI West renewable energy transmission line project could blowout to more than $11 billion.
Australian Energy Market Operator’s admission that the project had jumped past the original $3.6 billion price tag came a day after Loddon farmers joined the latest protest on the steps of Parliament House in Melbourne.
Farmer anger remains high after the State Government introduced legislation that will fine landowners up to $12,000 if they refuse access for renewable energy developers.
The Bill was passed in the Legislative Assembly last week on party lines. Ripon MP Martha Haylett voted for the new laws.
The VNI West blowout has seen calls from Victorian Farmers’ Federation president Brett Hosking for the Government to head back to the table on renewable energy planning.
He said the estimated cost blowout adds further weight to calls for the project to be scrapped.
“We know this is a failed project and this report only adds to calls for the Government to scrap it entirely.”
“To date the energy transition has been a failure and the Victorian Government is risking smooth and reliable energy transmission by continuing to force the VNI West project through,”
Mr Hosking said the Victorian Government’s handling of the en-
ergy transition has been incredibly clumsy, particularly in how they engage and partner with rural communities along both VNI West and WRL projects and it was time for an urgent rethink and change of approach.
“Owning their mistakes and starting again with landholders and community as partners is the only way to deliver a smooth and timely transition.”
“Farmers know we need deep, economy wide cuts to emissions. We know the world is changing and we’re part of that change, but we won’t cop being steamrolled in the process.”
“There’s huge opposition to this project throughout rural communities, and rightly so.
“This won’t change until the Government and AEMO revisit their approach and treats farmers and our rural communities with the respect they deserve,” Mr Hosking said.
Mallee MP Anne Webster said:
“Labor’s radical rewiring plans are now an evident failure after VNI West recently also pushed back its completion date by two years.
“No matter what spin and diversion Energy Minister Chris Bowen tries in Question Time,
such as citing wholesale not retail, that is household energy prices, power prices are going up and will keep climbing rapidly if the Albanese Government backs the Allan Victorian Labor Government’s aggressive push to build VNI West, come hell or high water.”
Victorian Energy Police Centre director Bruce Mountain has predicted VNIWest’s cost revisions could increase power bills for households by at least 50 per cent, and for large customers between 2.5 to 3.5 times current levels.
VNI West still faces energy regulator approval where it must demonstrate a net benefit to consumers.
The delay to completion of VNI West, now tipped to be 2030, comes as at least two other renewable energy projects in the Loddon Shire remain years behind schedule.
More than 3600 solar panels were to have been installed at Derby and connected to the grid last year by Sungrow. Work is still to start.
And construction of a 200 megawatt Campbells Forest Solar Farm is expected to generate enough clean power for approximately 71,500 households, was to have started two years ago and be finished last month.
Neither project has started and enquiries to the companies by the Loddon Herald go unanswered.
You can go and get stuffed! Walsh invokes Castle line in opposing land access law bid
PROTESTORS on the steps of Parliament House had a simple message for Premier Jacinta Allan.
As Murray Plains MP Peter Walsh finished his part in debate opposing the Government’s National Electricity (Victoria) Amendment (VicGrid Stage 2 Reform) Bill 2025 can see farmers fined for refusing access to their land, he said:
“I will finish off with a quote from Darryl Kerrigan from The Castle, and I think I am precising for all those demonstrators who have been on the front steps of Parliament. He would say, ‘Tell ’em to get stuffed,’ because that is what they are saying to the Al-
lan government – ‘You can go and get stuffed’ – because they do not want this in their electorates and on their farms.”
Mr Walsh earlier said: “Knowing the history of the Allan Government and major projects, let us just think of a number – 20, 30, 40 billion dollars this is going to cost, and it is going to come out of power users pockets here in Victoria (for VNI West).
“It is time to go back and have a re-examination of how we connect renewable energy to the grid.
“Bruce Mountain ... had a plan B where you actually build upgraded transmission lines on existing
easements. It is a lot cheaper. It is a lot more sensible. It actually gets more renewable energy into the power grid without the social disruption, without the huge cost.
“If we are serious about this, let us just say, ‘Have a pause,’ because it has already been put back another two years and it will be put back more than that.
“Let us have a pause and look at how we do this more sensibly, more economically and without disruption to the community and actually deliver for all Victorians.”
The Government has previously rejected Professor Mountain ‘s plan.
During debate in the Legislative Assembly on Thursday, fears were raised that the fine for farmers who own property not as individuals but under a corporate structure would be $40,000.
Meanwhile, AEMO is pushing on with its integrated system plan (it says is “the roadmap for investment in electricity generation, storage, and networks needed to meet both consumer needs and government energy and emissions targets between now and 2050”.
The draft is expected to be released for public comment in December, according to AEMO’s Merryn York.
IN BRIEF
Nominations open
LODDON Shire Council has opened entries for both the Australia Day awards as well as the three competitions run to mark the day. Mayor Dan Straub said he encouraged all Loddon residents to get involved. “The great thing about our Australia Day events is that there really is something for everyone,” he said. “Apart from the events themselves, which are wonderfully well organised by community groups throughout the shire, the awards and competitions recognise all those who live the spirit of our nation.”
Healthy field
BIRCHIP Cropping Group’s flagship Main Field Day in September won’t just take home the latest insights in agronomy and farming systems – they’ll also take home ideas for healthier lunchboxes. As part of the Lunchbox Legends initiative, BCG will partner with Birchip P-12 School to deliver healthy, affordable lunches to field day attendees. Hospitality students, led by teacher Kristy Knights, will prepare a fresh menu based on National Centre for Farmer Health guidelines, helping fuel conversations about diet, wellbeing, and the critical role of health on-farm.
Care hubs
SUSTAINABLE Rural Healthcare Hubs are bringing accessible and coordinated healthcare to people living with chronic conditions in our small rural towns, according to Northern District Community Health. It says Hubs nurse practitioners are now delivering care in five rural locations, with the newest Hub opening in Inglewood through Marong Medical Clinic. NDCH also offers a hub in Pyramid Hill while Boort District Medical Clinic and Boort District Health operate a Hub in Boort Students visit BOORT District School prep students visited residents where children created tissue paper flower artworks, now proudly displayed in the corridor. They designed a special flower as part of a vibrant collage to Dot Poxon for her 100th birthday.
Another week, another protest on Parliament as Loddon farmers join voices against VNI land access laws
Petition push on licence age
A GROWING grassroots campaign is calling on the Victorian Government to lower the minimum age for obtaining a probationary driver’s licence to 17 — a move that advocates say would bring Victoria into line with other states and ease pressure on rural families.
The campaign has gained traction thanks to the support of Northern Victoria MP Gaelle Broad, who recently raised the issue in the Victorian Parliament after receiving a heartfelt letter from a concerned regional parent.
In her adjournment speech, Ms Broad called on the Minister for Roads to consider the barriers faced by young people in country areas where public transport is limited and driving is often essential.
“Victoria is the only state in Australia where 17-year-olds can’t get their P-plates,” Ms Broad said in Parliament.
“This puts young people at a disadvantage — particularly those in rural and regional communities where driving is a necessity, not a luxury.”
The campaign now hinges on an online petition, which requires 10,000 signatures before the issue can be formally debated in Parliament.
As of this week, just over 3500 people have signed, leaving a significant gap to reach the target.
By FIONA HALL
Local parents and educators say the current system is outdated and unfair.
“Seventeen-year-olds in New South Wales and Queensland can drive to work, school or sport after completing the required hours and passing the test,” one Boort mother said.
“Why should Victorian teens be held back, especially when they’ve done the hard work to log 120 hours on their L-plates?”
For many regional families, the issue isn’t just about convenience — it’s about safety, opportunity, and mental wellbeing.
Teenagers often rely on parents to drive them long distances for part-time jobs or TAFE, creating strain on families already juggling work and other commitments.
Others miss out because they simply can’t get there.
Supporters of the petition are calling on the Loddon community — and other rural areas across Victoria — to help amplify their voices.
“If you believe 17-year-olds in the bush should have the same independence as those in other states, please sign and share the petition,” Ms Broad said this week. “We need 10,000 signatures to get this on the floor of Parliament.”
Loddon Shire Council has several important plans out for public comment - find out below how to have your say
Draft Onsite Wastewater Management Plan
Loddon Shire Council is inviting community feedback on its Draft Onsite Wastewater Management Plan, which is now available for public review and feedback. The draft plan outlines Council’s approach to the management of domestic wastewater systems to protect public health, the environment, and the long-term sustainability of our region. Submissions can be made in writing and emailed to loddon@loddon.vic.gov.au.
The plan is available to view via the Council website - you can access it via our home page. The feedback period closes on Wednesday, 13 August 2025. For more information or to request a hard copy of the draft plan or an alternative means of making a submission, please contact Council on (03) 5494 1200.
Questions about Inglewood Streetscape?
Council is hosting an information session about the Inglewood Streetscape Enhancement project at Cafe 3517 in Inglewood on Thursday, 7 August. Come along and find out more, or ask the project team any questions, from 8.30am to 10.30am. Stay tuned for the details of more information sessions coming up
Loddon Shire Council’s customer service always goes above and beyond in helping the public – a fact recognised year after year in Community Satisfaction Surveys – but there’s always room to improve and we want you to help us do that.
Council has released the Draft Customer Experience Strategy 2025-2029 for public comment, and is keen for you to have your say. The draft strategy highlights the importance of providing a responsive, accessible and efficient service to all customers and the value of using a blend of traditional and modern systems and processes to deliver a positive customer experience. It also makes use of extensive community feedback earlier this year in towns across the shire seeking information in a range of things from preferred methods of payment to how residents preferred to interact with Council staff.
You can view the strategy on the Council website - access it via our home page. Feedback closes Monday, 11 August 2025. For more information or to request a hard copy of the draft plan or an alternative means of making a submission, please contact Council on (03) 5494 1200.
Domestic Animal Management Plan
Loddon Shire Council is in the process of reviewing its Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP).
As part of this we are holding
pop-up listening posts at the following venues: Newbridge general store (13 August, 11.30am - 1pm), Inglewood IGA (13 August, 2.30pm - 5pm), 24 Karat Cafe at Wedderburn (14 August, 9am - 10.30am) and Coffee on Loddon at Bridgewater (15 August, 8.30am - 9.30am). We also invite you to have your say by completing the survey on our website - you can access it via our home page or the QR code on the right.
This survey is open until Monday, 18 August 2025. For an alternative means of completing the survey please contact Council on (03) 5494 1200.
Council will then consider the responses and prepare a draft DAMP for public comment.
Cr
Draft Customer Experience Strategy
Mark Watkins was inducted as the licenced lay minister for the Anglican Parish of Inglewood during a special service at St Augustine’s Church on Sunday. The parish’s new minister is pictured (top) chatting with Kathryn Pollock after the induction by Archdeacon George Hemmings.
New park cabins in position
TEN Loddon-built cabins are being prepared to welcome holiday makers at Bridgewater Caravan Park.
The cabins were built by Bridgewater business CDLS with the last five transported from the company’s Calder Highway site to the caravan park on Thursday.
Park owner Kristy Hourigan said the new deluxe cabins would further boost capacity and variety in holiday experience for visitors.
“We’re hoping to have all cabins ready for use in time for the AFL Grand Final long weekend when the park will be at capacity,” Kristy said.
“There’s still landscaping work to be done and services to be connected but we think everything is tracking well for the big weekend in September.
“The cabins will expand our range of holiday and camping options for families who are coming to Bridgewater in larger numbers ... they love the atmosphere of the town, the river and the relaxing environment.”
Kristy said installation of the 10 cabins was a significant investment in the Bridgewater park’s future.
“We have seen tremendous growth in bookings since taking on Bridgewater two years ago.
Planning to add 10 cabins to the park’s offering started from day one and we’ve had a great collaboration with Carlo, Leigh and Stacey (Gazzolo) at CDLS,” she said.
“Being able to use a local Loddon business for the project has been a bonus that’s created more local benefits.”
Kristy said the Loddon River continued to be a key attraction for park visitors.
“Fishing is really popular with many holidaymakers who are making bookings to return before they leave,” she said.
“They find fishing is a great family activity and there’s hardly a day that goes by when photos of their Loddon River catches at Bridgewater are not being shared. And there’s some mighty good-sized fish.”
Encore! Organ gold to return
THE historic Fincham organ at Inglewood’s St Augustine’s Anglican Church has attracted a legion of fans demanding an encore performance.
The church was packed by more than 180 music lovers for the Keys of Gold festival recital last month, the success quickly locking in an encore recital for November.
The church’s Sue Brown said: “We have had so much feedback after the Inglewood concert, including from many people who missed out on a ticket,
“We thought it could be a good idea to repeat the program later this year and November 9 is the date chosen.”
Organist Thomas Heywood and soprano Merlyn Quaife will reprise their program for the performance.
Until last week’s installation of new cabins, there were just two cabins at Bridgewater.
Kristy and husband Warrick, who also operate the Euroa Caravan Park and Wedderburn Caravan Park where they have organised regularly weekends for gold detectorists. Bridgewater and Wedderburn parks are owned by Loddon Shire and leased to the Hourigans on long-term agreements.
The inaugural Keys of Gold festival was staged in venues across the region and has been given support from Loddon Shire to return for another two years.
Merlyn Quaife
CDLS Homes’ Stacey Gazzolo at Bridgewater Caravan Park as new cabins are lowered into position. LH PHOTO
We see (the tourists) before the event in people that decide to stay here the Friday night
- PAUL CARTER
Parkrun boosting town’s coffers
A FIVE per cent jump in economic spend in Pyramid Hill has been credited to the town’s Saturday morning parkrun that started in April.
Data released by Loddon Shire this week show the spend is up compared with 12 months ago.
Paul Carter, the publican and co-owner of the Victoria Hotel who also manages the Pyramid Hill Caravan Park, said the weekly run had been a boost to the community and business.
“We see (the tourists) before the event in people that decide to stay here the Friday night,” Mr Carter said.
“They stay here (the pub) or the caravan park, have a meal and a drink and the next
PYRAMID HILL
morning they go off to the parkrun and then Janine benefits, and you can’t move in there sometimes afterwards.
breakfast after the parkrun and the volunteers call in as well.
Mr Butler said Victoria Police farm crime liaison officers were under-resourced and documenting suspicious vehicles in rural areas was another key to tackling stock theft.
“If you see anything, take a photograph or video on your phone and report it to police,” Mr Butler said.
Victorian Farmers’ Federation met with Victoria Police farm co-ordination unit chiefs earlier this year.
The VFF said increasing security, signage, CCTV, traceability and always reporting suspicious activities and incidents to police was vital.
“We reiterated our priorities for police to continue to work to prevent and prosecute farm trespassers and reduce livestock and firearms theft,” said president Brett Hosking after the meeting.
School’s driveway gates now closed
THE main gate at East Loddon P12 College has been closed to vehicle access.
Love
VICTORIA HOTEL
“During winter we’re pretty quiet on the (agriculture) side of things so there’s not many workers staying here and this fills up a bit of a void as well.”
“It’ll be interesting in the spring when the parkrunners and ag workers both turn up,” Mr Carter said.
EST. 1874
PYRAMID HILL
Janine Worth is the owner of the Coffee Bank coffee shop in Pyramid Hill, a business she bought about 12 months ago.
“I’ve had to put on more staff on a Saturday morning and it certainly has made our business busier.”
Ms Worth said she expected the 21st parkrun later this month to “be a big one”, a far cry from what she expected a few months ago.
Principal Steve Leed said: “This is purely to keep our students and staff safer and is in no way an indication of how many visitors we want at the school.
“It’s been a very good thing for the town and business,” she said.
“With parkrun we always get some people from out of town in for their coffee and
VICTORIA HOTEL
EST. 1874
The friendly pub open for meals every day with Friday happy hour, trivia, raffles and a chance to win $1,000
Love our local!
Trading hours
Monday – Open 3.00pm
Dinner from 6.00pm
The friendly pub open for meals every day with Friday happy hour, trivia, raffles and a chance to win $1,000
Tuesday – Open 2.00pm
Dinner from 6.00pm
Wednesday – Open Midday
“I don’t even think I had heard of parkrun before they had meetings here to get it running and didn’t know what effect it would have on my business,” she said.
Dr Jason Deller, the run director, said the number of parkrunners was “unreal” and some stayed on to visit other parts of Loddon Shire and the wider region in general.
“You can continnue to enter and exit the college during the school day, via the pedestrian gate immediately to the right of the main gates.
“Should you need to bring a vehicle into the college grounds, then you will need to pull up at the front gates and call the college office.”
Lunch from 12.00pm
Trading hours
Dinner from 6.00pm
Monday – Open 3.00pm
Pot’n’Parma Night
Dinner from 6.00pm
Thursday – Open Midday
Social Darts Night
Dinner from 5.30pm
Tuesday – Open 2.00pm
Steak’n’Pot Night
Dinner from 6.00pm
Friday – Open Midday
Trivia Night
Lunch from 12.00pm
Wednesday – Open Midday
Dinner from 5.30pm
Lunch from 12.00pm
Happy Hour 5.00pm – 6.30pm
Dinner from 6.00pm
With Hot Bar Snacks,
Pot’n’Parma Night
Meat Raffle
Thursday – Open Midday
Saturday – Open Midday
Dinner from 5.30pm
Lunch from 12.00pm
Steak’n’Pot Night
Dinner from 5.30pm
Friday – Open Midday
Sunday – Open Midday All Day Pizza Menu
Lunch from 12.00pm Dinner from 5.30pm Happy Hour 5.00pm – 6.30pm
Close 11.00pm
Gang has its last big ride
AN OUTLAW motorcycle gang stopped in Bridgewater on Friday afternoon as dozens of police kept watch.
An estimated 200 members of the Rebels Outlaw Motorcycle Gang were making their final run from Mildura to Melbourne before new laws this month ban public display of gang colours and insignia.
Members of the Victoria Police Echo and VIPER Taskforces, specialist resources from Melbourne, alongside local police and highway patrol units patrolled the Calder Highway.
Interstate police were also part of the operation.
Police earlier said: “(we) will have a vehicle checkpoint set up on the route to ensure the riders are complying with the road rules and conducting themselves appropriately.
“Police will be ready to take swift action in the event any outlaw motorcycle gang members involved commit criminal, road safety or public order offences.
“Victoria Police will continue to work with other law enforcement agencies as part of a national approach to outlaw motorcycle gang enforcement.”
Gang members had lunch at Bridgewater businesses and then continued their run. It is believed no incidents were reported during the gang’s one-hour stop.
Stronger check bid blocked in Parliament
LEGISLATION to fix the state’s broken Working With Children Check system was introduced into Parliament last week by the Coalition was blocked by the Government.
Member for Northern Victoria Gaelle Broad said the Worker Screening Amendment (Safety of Children) Bill 2025 had been designed to implement recommendations made by the Victorian Ombudsman in 2022 to strengthen Victoria’s WWCC system.
It also would have actioned a number of key elements of the Coalition’s six-point plan, Safe from the Start, to protect children in child care.
“These recommendations make it easier to cancel or deny a Working With Children Check and give assessors more power to consider a wider range of information and risks when deciding if someone is suitable.
“The Allan Labor Government was urged to bring in these reforms in 2022 but failed to do so and children have potentially been placed at risk as a result.
Ms Broad said since 2018, complaints to the regulator, the Quality Assessment and Regulation Division, had increased by 45 per cent, while enforcement actions dropped by 67 per cent.
PETER WALSH MP YOUR VOICE IN PARLIAMENT
We are family, friends, colleagues and neighbours
We are family, friends, colleagues and neighbours
We are family, friends, colleagues and neighbours
For the latest Coronavirus information go to peterwalsh.org.au or follow us on — but most of all we are a community. We are in this together, and together we will get through.
If you need advice or assistance with anything related to government, or in your general day-to-day life, please contact my of ce on the details below and we will do our best to help you.
The coronavirus pandemic has had a profound impact on all our lives so looking after your mental wellbeing is
If you need advice or assistance with anything related to government, or in your general day-to-day life, please contact my of ce on the details below and we will do our best to help you.
It is normal to feel anxious, stressed and fearful during times of crisis. The Federal Government is providing support for the mental health and wellbeing of Australians as we face the challenges of the pandemic; go to www.headtohealth.gov.au if you feel like you might need some additional help coping with anxiety and worry about Coronavirus.
The coronavirus pandemic has had a profound impact on all our lives so looking after your mental wellbeing is essential. It is normal to feel anxious, stressed and fearful during times of crisis. The Federal Government is providing support for the mental health and wellbeing of Australians as we face the challenges of the pandemic; go to www.headtohealth.gov.au if you feel like you might need some additional help coping with anxiety and worry about Coronavirus.
For the latest Coronavirus information go to peterwalsh.org.au or follow us on We are in this together, and together we will get through.
Peter Walsh MP
The coronavirus pandemic has had a profound impact on all our lives so looking after your mental wellbeing is essential. It is normal to feel anxious, stressed and fearful during times of crisis. The Federal Government is providing support for the mental health and wellbeing of Australians as we face the challenges of the pandemic; go to www.headtohealth.gov.au if you feel like you might need some additional help coping with anxiety and worry about Coronavirus.
If you need advice or assistance with anything related to government, or in your general day-to-day life, please contact my of ce on the details below and we will do our best to help you.
2039 or 1300 467 906 E: peter.walsh@parliament.vic.gov.au For the latest Coronavirus information go to peterwalsh.org.au or follow us on about
Peter Walsh MP 496 High Street, Echuca 3564 Tel: 5482 2039 or 1300 467 906 E: peter.walsh@parliament.vic.gov.au
Peter Walsh MP 496 High Street, Echuca 3564 Tel: 5482 2039 or 1300 467 906 E: peter.walsh@parliament.vic.gov.au
YOUR VOICE IN PARLIAMENT
Police patrol Main Street in Bridgewater as hundreds of outlaw motorcycle gang members stop in town. LH PHOTOS
Michael steers business owners into future
A GROUP of business owners gathered on Monday evening, to learn how to plan a successful business exit when the time is right.
They were part of the special session organised by Inglewood Development and Tourism Committee.
Startup Central Victoria’s Kerry Anderson said: “Even a startup in its early years should be thinking about when an exit is appropriate whether it be in five, 20, or even 40 years time.”
Guest presenter Michael Kerr shared more than 20 years of experience in guiding owners to prepare their businesses for sale.
“Selling is an emotional roller coaster,” he said. “The more you prepare, the better the outcome.
Ideally it is a four-to-five-year plan.”
Michael encouraged businesses to think from a buyer’s perspective when preparing for sale.
“Get your accounts in order. Tell your story,” he said.
While four years of financial transactions would provide a solid picture of how your business had been performing, he said that owners shouldn’t be afraid to project what the figures might look like into the future.
“Talk with your taxation accountant early so you have a plan for anything that might need to be done in the leadup, so you get the best outcome when you do sell,” he advised. Discussion also
touched on the advantages of separately valuing the business from the property.
“Think about whether you need to make any changes to your business structure.
“If your business is profitable, it could give you the option to sell the business and lease the property as a passive income.”
Finding buyers can be time consuming and costly. Michael suggested researching and then
approaching similar businesses that might like to branch out into a new part of the region as a way to broaden the potential buyer pool.
Depending on the type of business, he also advised to consider the benefits of a specialised business broker to assist with a sale over a property realtor who may just focus on the land, bricks, and mortar. “And you can always do it yourself.”
“You don’t like to think about retirement,” said one of the business owners in attendance, “but now we know that we need to work with our accountant and get the books in order. This has given us a timeframe to work to.”
IDTC secretary Wendy Murphy said: “This has been a useful discussion to help local businesses understand how they can exit in a positive way that benefits the seller, buyer and the community.”
Former child health centre demolished
CREWS this week demolished the former maternal and child health centre in Pyramid Hill.
They moved onto the Kelly site on Monday morning to start demolition.
The centre had sat empty for several years and Loddon Shire approved demolition after proposals to use the building for a social enterprise fell through.
Maternal and child health services have been incorporated in the new Pyramid Hill Community Centre that opened in April.
Loddon Shire has agreed to a formal agreement that sees Northern District Community Health use the new centre.
The Kelly street site is expected to be landscaped and blend in with work completed last year on the adjoining park, playground and streetscape.
Demolition on Monday
Kerry Anderson and Michael Kerr speak with Loddon business owners on Monday evening. LH PHOTO
New research says councils need investment to manage disaster
COUNCILS needed greater investment, stability, clarity and whole-of organisation support for future emergency responses.
Research by La Trobe University’s climate change adaptation lab released last week used the Northern Victorian Emergency Management as a case study to strengthen collaboration in emergency management.
Loddon Shire is one of five councils in the cluster. La Trobe’s Lisa de Kleyn, Ashley Fletcher, Todd Denham, Farema Yazdi and Lauren Rickards used local government responses to the October 2022 floods for their research.
Loddon Shire Council was one of the smallest and hardest -hit municipalities, reporting $36 million in essential asset damage, $100 million crop losses and the death of 3500 livestock.
Community wellbeing director Wendy Gladman said many in the community had experienced the 2011 flood event, which informed the decision making 11 years later.
“Local knowledge matters. Decisions during an emergency are not only about logistics; they must reflect the specific needs of our community,” Mrs Gladman said.
“The cluster meant we weren’t alone; we could call on each other and ask for help. That trust and network saved us.”
While the report highlighted the cluster’s strength in responding to critical situations, it said lo-
cal governments required greater investment, stability, clarity and whole-of organisation support.
It also recommended emergency management received more support as a long-term career path; that funding systems were more responsive and that legislation enabled, rather than hindered, collaboration.
Ashley Fletcher, second author of the report and Graduate Researcher at La Trobe, said this was particularly important in aiding the effects of climate change.
“This research shows that locally driven partnerships like the Northern Victoria Emergency Management Cluster are not only effective, but essential to im-
proving preparedness, response and recovery,” he said.
“However, stronger institutional support is needed to amplify the benefits of collaborative arrangements.”
The report says one participant reflected, at the heart of all emergency management is a simple truth: “it’s for that resilience, that response and that recovery of actual people”.
They activated a shared response during the 2022 floods, which included the launch of the state’s first regional-led emergency relief centre and the establishment of a field hospital.
The Strengthening Collaborative Emergency Management
Thunder Swamp made priority for DJAARA restoration
BENDIGO-BASED DJAARA has started an eco-hydrological investigation at Thunder Swamp.
DJAARA said this week its project would build on work with the Victorian Environmental Water Holder, identifying key locations where DJAARA can lead the management and delivery of environmental water.
“Thunder Swamp was selected as a priority site for investigation and restoration, with DJAARA taking a leadership role in caring for this part of Djandak,” the corporation said.
“This swamp is part of the Kamarooka Wetland Complex, a broader network of interconnected wetlands that includes Tang Tang Swamp, a well-known and im-
portant site for many Dja Dja Wurrung Families.
“The investigation is being carried out in partnership with Nature Glenelg Trust, wetland restoration experts known for their deep historical landscape knowledge and scientific assessments.
“Nature Glenelg Trust brings experience working with landholders, government agencies, NGOs, and environmental groups to collaboratively develop restoration plans that are grounded in both science and community knowledge.”
According to DJAARA: “Our involvement in water management enables us to live our Culture and share our knowledge to help heal our water systems for the benefit of all.”
Report says the regions were better able to address local needs during emergencies when they combined resources and worked together.
But the report said emergency funding systems needed to be set up to support, rather than hinder, collaboration. This was seen as particularly important as climate change drives an increase in the intensity, frequency and scale of disasters.
Dr Lisa de Kleyn, lead researcher from La Trobe’s Climate Change Adaptation Lab, said the collaborative effort by Campaspe Shire, Central Goldfields Shire, City of Greater Bendigo, Loddon Shire and Mount Alexander Shire councils helped ease pressure by addressing resource gaps, worker burnout, complex community needs and the growing strain of responding to frequent disasters.
“Many councils were managing both flood response and recovery simultaneously, while their own emergency staff were directly impacted by floodwaters,” Dr de Kleyn said. “This model of collaboration, deep local knowledge and mutual trust enabled the councils to deliver a level of care and coordination no single council could achieve alone.”
At its peak, the Emergency Relief Centre at Bendigo Showgrounds housed more than 280 evacuees, providing medical support, hot meals, laundry services and trauma-informed assistance.
Four towns in care study
A STUDY on the need for child care needs in southern Loddon communities has launched a community survey.
Inglewood, Bridgewater, Serpentine and Tarnagulla will be the focus of the survey as part of a feasibility study for Inglewood Community Bank.
The bank has already put $250,000 on the table towards a child care centre.
“We believe that accessible, high-quality early childhood education is a cornerstone of healthy, thriving communities,” consultant Wendy Holland said after the survey launch last Wednesday.
“ Not only does early childhood education help children to develop their language and cognitive skills, social skills, physical health and wellbeing and assist in developing their readiness for school.
“it also enables parents and carers to participate in the workforce or further education, attend appointments, have a break and develop new networks amongst other families taking part in early childhood education settings.
“From a community perspective early childhood education services provide employment locally, can contribute to resilience and social cohesion and can help to attract new residents,” she said.
Korong Vale’s rural retreat
| 4 Eucy Road, Korong Vale
| Beds 2
| Bathrooms 1
| Land 5.66
| Agent James Nevins
| Phone 0407 302 900
A CLASSIC country cottage with modern comforts.
Find tranquillity in the sleepy hollow of Korong Vale with this original weatherboard house.
The well-established rural horse property is located on the outskirts of the township, on 5.66 hectares with four horse paddocks on the property.
The 1930’s cottage is in excellent condition and is warm and inviting with an enclosed fireplace in the main living room and an open fireplace in the dining or second living area. The two decent sized bedrooms each have built-in robes. The country style kitchen and dining area invokes a sense of nostalgia with the “Lux” slow combustion stove, while still offering the modern comforts of an electric wall oven and hotplates.
The renovated bathroom is modern, light and airy, offering an open shower and vanity with non-slip flooring and handrails for ease of movement. The
original laundry leads to the rear sunroom/vestibule area, which has wonder tranquil views into the lovely cottage garden.
The outdoor area includes a new Colorbond shed 4m x 6.5m with concrete floor and the old Gal Iron Alfresco area with earth floor. A 15,000 litre poly water tank and additional ancillary shedding add further practicality. Near new fencing surrounds the property.
A wonderful rustic lifestyle property, this home gives everything that you would need or want. Just 15 minutes from both Boort and Wedderburn, come and enjoy everything this wellkept rural retreat has to offer.
AUCTION
113 Baringhup-Eddington Road, Baringhup Friday the 19th September 2025 @ 11am Baringhup Hall
167.2ha or 413.88 acres of farming land, including 700 megalitres of secured underground water.
-3 phase underground water bore
-3 x 60 acre centre pivot irrigators
-Lasered irrigation bays
-Highly productive red loam soil type
-Suitable for broadacre/horticulture crops, (potatoes previously grown on current property)
Lot 2 Boort- Wedderburn Road Borung 2 allotments total of 427.25 acres*
CA 73 Sec 4 125.91 acres* (Left Block) CA 51 301.34 acres* (Shearing Shed Block)
CLOSING 11AM OCT 3RD, 2025. Both properties offer the opportunity for excellent cropping and grazing options.
Troy Driscoll 0428 641 112 /
Brett Douglas 0447 162 455
CLEARING SALE ONLINE AUCTIONS PLUS
A/C ESTATE OF MR D. CLAXTON
41 EILES ROAD, MAIDEN GULLY
Vintage Tractors, Cars, Stationary Engines & Sundries
AUCTION OPENS: 14TH AUGUST AT 9AM
AUCTION COUNTDOWN TIMER ON: 18 TH AUGUST AT 4PM
Vintage Tractors & Cars: 1939 Rare prewar Lanz Bulldog (Going), 1927 Morris Cowley Tourer (Going), 1928 Morris Cowley Sedan (Going), 1938 Morris 8 Saloon (Going), 1952 Fordson Major EIA Petrol/ Kero model, 1952 Fordson Major E27N Tractor, 2 X Fordson F Model Tractors (Steel Wheels), Ferguson TEA Tractor, Ferguson grey Tractor (painted red)
Steam & Stationary Engines: Jelbart 12HP Engine on transports (almost complete), Hornsby & Sons 6HP ball covered engine, 1927 Ronaldson &Tippett 6HP Engine on transports, Clutterbuck No777 Engine, Waterloo Boy gasoline 5HP Engine, Large assortment of Lister, Roseberry, Rushton &Hornsby, International, Kelly & Lewis, Buzzacott, Fairbanks, Wolsley, Banford in various conditions, Blackstone 3HP oil engine, JAP England petrol engine plus a host more entries of engines & steam parts. Please refer to the full catalogue.
Sundries: Numerous sized steam whistles, antique farm implements including Hay Baler, Mulboard Plough, Ploughs, Qty lots of oilers & magnetos in bulk lots, various saw bench’s/ swing saws, 3PL 6’ Grader Blade, 3PL Ripper, 3PL Scoops, 14’ X 6’ tilt tandem car trailer, 3 X various farm trailers, anvil, Assorted ammo boxes with tools, chains, ropes & sundries, antique tin trunks (2).Extension & step ladders, various oil bottle/ cans/ signs, Assorted tools (Electric & Hand), Antique & Vintage blow/oil lamps, Stihl chainsaw & Blower, Air compressor, assort water skis (Single & Multiple), rare collection fortified port (24 lots approx.) Plus host of sundries too numerous to particularise.
Terms: Invoices will be emailed to successful purchases within 48hrs of completion of sale.
Direct Deposit payment on completion of the sale. Payment receipt to be presented at collection of goods.
All Accounts to be settled prior to collection of goods. Strictly NO Payments to be made on the day of collection
No GST or Buyers Premium Applicable
Inspection Dates: Saturday 2nd August from 9.00am to 12.00pm, Saturday 9th August from 9.00am to 12.00pm.
Mechanic on-site from 10am to 11am to start vehicles.
Further Particulars: Luke Nevins: 0418 510 166 Flynn Lock: 0490 371 475
SHEEP AND LAMBS
THE sheep market went to new price levels at Bendigo on Monday to take some of the spotlight away from the record winter lamb market.
Mutton gained another $20 to $40/head to take estimated costs for the main runs to between 840c to 950c/kg cwt. The higher prices were achieved over a bigger offering of 8250 sheep, and with not all buyers operating as the market lifted to carcass levels not recorded at Bendigo before.
In the lamb run prices were similar to a week ago, the lead of the heavy and trade lambs selling in a range of 1200c to 1300c/ kg cwt with some of the neatest pens pushing out to 1350c as numbers of quality stock become harder to find.
Bendigo had its first pens of new season lambs, a draft estimated at 26kg cwt selling for $340/head and a second line estimated at 24kg cwt making $323/head, trending either side of 1300c/kg cwt on a $4 skin with buyers still unsure of values for young unshorn skins.
The price points for the general run of mixed trade crossbred lambs and fed Merino lambs remained at 1050c to 1180c/kg cwt. Some of the plainer light lambs, either lacking breed quality or fat cover, were cheaper in spots. Export lambs $324 to a top of $450/ head, the best finished pens still holding an average of around 1220c/kg cwt. Main run of heavy lambs, 26-30kg cwt, $285 to $374/ head to also be averaging just over 1200c/kg cwt. Best heavy trades $300 to $344/head to be dearer in spots amid limited supplies. Main run of trade lambs, 22-24kg cwt, $254 to $315/head.
Some quality fed trade weight Merino lambs sold to $305 and were estimated above 1100c/kg cwt. Best lighter trades lambs $190 to $237/head, followed by the general selection of mixed light lambs at $140 to $185 for most. Secondary light lambs $75 to $130/ head, with the smallest and plainest Merino lambs down to $35/head.
Bendigo Sheep & Lamb Market Report
Bendigo lambs sold $5-12 dearer in a strong market. Sheep prices surged further, rising $15-30, with strong demand and spirited bidding.
To discuss the marketing opportunities available for your livestock, contact the McKean McGregor team. Monday, August 4th, 2025 - Bendigo Yarding: Lambs - 9,000 | Sheep - 8,000
The sheep market opened at exceptionally strong levels before bidding tended to steady. Not all processors purchased mutton and bidding was erratic at times as buyers tried to work out the new values. On occasion there was sheep estimated around 1000c/kg cwt. Heavy crossbred ewes $260 to a top of $362/head; lead of the Merino ewes $250 to $327/head.
EXOTIC LAMB
B Maloney
Moulamein
Rosemary and John with their Australian champion fleece
Bagshot North (18) $264. Bennett & McElroy
(20) $251. T & D Sutton Lockington (11) $234. DORPER LAMBS Baynton Park Baynton (85) $274. J Crameri Carisbrook (6) $208. Wooroonook Echuca (4) $138.
Rural voices can shape agriculture
VICTORIAN Farmers’ Federation
has launched its first survey of state issues.
It wants farmers to list the the biggest issues and opportunities facing rural communities.
President Brett Hosking said the VFF-led survey comes at a time when frustration in farming communities is reaching boiling point.
“We know that our members are copping it from all sides, whether it’s the drought, conflict over land use, or new taxes. The feedback from communities I visit is that they’re not being heard.”
“We know we have a big task ahead to cut through with decision makers. This survey is about getting the data to support our advocacy for the next 12 months as we head towards a state election.”
“We want the facts and figures to demonstrate where there’s widespread concern to help us focus the minds of decision makers. We also want to make sure
our advocacy is on-target and delivering maximum impact for members,” Mr Hosking said.
Mr Hosking urged people across regional Victoria to take a moment to share their thoughts and share the survey through their networks.
“Five minutes is all it takes to share your thoughts on issues that could well and truly shape our industry for decades to come,” said Mr Hosking who became leader of the VFF last December.
The VFF survey will close on August 14.
Sale season kicks off tomorrow
THE Victorian on-property stud ram sale season starts tomorrow.
Terrick West stud will again open the season with 80 rams on offer.
Loddon Valley studs are traditionally the first sales of the season that attracts buyers from across Australia bidding for local genetics.
Many potential buyers were at last month’s Australian Sheep and Wool Show for an early look at rams coming under the hammer over the next three months.
Kedleston Park and Willera Merinos also have their sales this month followed by Kerrilyn and Wimmera starts in September and October.
Norm lands Sheepvention doubles
DUNLUCE Merino breeder Norm Weir has scored doubles at last weekend’s Sheepvention and Rural Expo in Hamilton.
His Kerrilyn stud won Champion and reserve Champion medium Merino ram, Champion and reserve Champion strong Merino ram. Reserve Champion strong poll ram, Champion strong Merino ewe and Champion medium Merino ewe
Norm is pictured (above) with Koolevale stud principal Alan Harris displaying the successful strong ram pair after results were announced at the expo. The Victorian Merino Field Day at Marnoo this month is the next big show for Loddon studs.
| OPINION & QUIZ
Mums will have a legacy in centre
New facilities are now what school deserves, writes Martha Haylett
I KNOW how hard local mums and families in Wedderburn fought to get a child care centre in their town.
I remember meeting many of them back in 2022 and how much their stories stayed with me.
Of babies in play pens at the local butcher, toddlers locked in the backseat of the ute to keep them safe when farm machinery was being used, and mums working all hours of the night to keep their small businesses going because they would be looking after their little ones all day.
It was even harder for families without grandparents close by to help, and meant many women were not able to go back to work after having babies.
They told me that getting childcare locally would be a game changer for them and would mean more young families could stay living in Wedderburn.
That’s why I was so proud to join local mums recently to celebrate the start of construction of their much-anticipated early learning centre, on site at Wedderburn College.
It was a really special occasion, and I told them that the centre would be their legacy.
It will have outdoor play areas, a maternal and child health consulting room, community room for meetings and playgroup, and parking too.
Kindergarten will also be on site, with room for up to 90 three and four-year olds to get the best start in life.
The early learning centre is on
YOUR WORDS
Headline gets it right on crime
Sir, “Lock them up” headline (Loddon Herald, July 31) should be what happens to these scum bags that think it’s there right to enter our properties and take what ever they like. If the judges started locking them up instead of giving them a slap on the wrist and letting them out to do it all again, we wouldn’t have such a problem.
track to open next year – saving families time and money, with care close to home. It is one of 50 new early learning centres being built by the State Labor Government as part of our Best Start, Best Life reforms.
It was also a pleasure to join in on the festivities as part of the 160th birthday of education in Wedderburn recently.
We celebrated education over the decades and officially opened the $12.8 million redevelopment of Wedderburn College.
The school looked spectacular, with an upgraded sports stadium, science building, kitchen, classrooms, outdoor stairs, ramps, and landscaping.
It is finally what the school community deserves, with classrooms and facilities that match the quality education that students receive from their teachers.
I fought hard for the redevelopment, telling the education minister and others that Wedderburn kids deserved the same modern classrooms and opportunities as Melbourne kids.
Now that work is complete on the school, a new early learning centre is on the way, and Donaldson Park across the road is looking better than ever, there is a real sense of progress in Wedderburn.
I have loved working with the community to get these projects done and look forward to continuing to support the town with even more things to come.
I want to give a big thank you to Principal Danny Forrest for
Why should we have to spend thousands on security cameras, locks etc. when the system just let’s them back out?
Not happy Jan.
Murray Keller
Wedderburn Junction
Artificial Intelligence (AI) summary gets its wrong on changing ‘town name’
Gordon Stevenson wrote: Maybe should have used the brain you were given instead of trying to cut corners.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Loddon Herald welcomes letters to the editor from readers. Preference will be given to letters of 300 words or less and must include your name with address and phone number provided for verification (not publicaton). We reserve the right to edit letters for legal reasons. Send your letters to loddonherald@gmail.com
OPINION PIECES
Loddon
all he has done as part of these projects. He has gone into bat for Wedderburn College and the wider community at every opportunity, and his passion and love for education is second to none.
On another note – I also wanted to congratulate Dakota Martin, Indi Simpson, Tyson Blair, and Chantelle Badenhorst for successfully completing the Kokoda trek last month.
I was honoured to work with the Wedderburn Korong Vale RSL Sub-Branch to support their efforts to get the four students across to Papua New Guinea for this once in a lifetime opportunity.
I know that they would have made amazing memories over the nine-day trek that will stay with them forever, including visiting the Bomana War Cemetery at Port Moresby to see the graves of those who died.
Students were allocated a fallen soldier from our area and taken to the location where they fought and were ultimately killed. It is a deeply powerful experience, as they are asked to make a commitment to that soldier about how they will live their life.
Not only does it tell the story of Kokoda to a new generation, but it also helps to shape our future leaders.
A big congratulations again to Dakota, Indi, Tyson and Chantelle – your community is so proud of you.
Martha Haylett of the member for Ripon
1. What type of diet does a capybara have?
2. Name the train that runs between the Northern and Southern coasts of Australia.
3. Londinium was the Roman name for which modern-day city?
4. Harper Lee wrote which famous novel set in small-town Alabama?
5. Who was the 26th Prime Minister of Australia?
6. How many strings does a standard guitar have?
7. Which flower is most commonly associated with Valentines Day?
8. Dawn Fraser is a former Australian Olympian, competing in which sport?
9. And how many Olympic medals did she win?
10. The Grand Final in the NFL is called what?
11. What name is given to a 13-sided shape?
12. Doves are a symbol of what?
13. What is 1000 years called?
BRADLEY of Boort has certainly had his head somewhere over the last week, dreaming up his latest Treemendous Sign. Could it have been in the clouds?
ODiane Gordon-Cooke wrote: Unfortunately AI seems to be causing lots of issues in a number of groups - it gives “it’s opinion” based on a summary of discussions/comments that are not necessarily correct then builds its narrative from there … it’s certainly not positive and unfortunately in this case it got many people offside though the misinformation. It’s great the Shire was able to jump on it once aware but there’s damage already done.
BUSHY TALES BY IAN JONES
VERHEAD great order the other day at one of Loddon coffee dispensers of renown. Customer says: “I’ll have two regular flat whites please ... one with an extra shot.” Guess that makes it just one regular.
THERE’S a certain shire councillor from up north who had high hopes at the weekend. Gathered some current and former municipal burghers to watch the Boort versus Wedderburn football clash. Even suggested the veterans in the group should pool cash reserves and put
14. What type of creature is a pilchard?
15. Pilchard is the name of which cartoon character’s cat?
16. Pyrotechnics is the science and art of making what?
17. In computer terms, what does RAM stand for?
18. What term is given to the smallest in a litter of animals?
19. If you were to dance the Fling, what style of dance would you be doing?
20. The first modern flushable toilet was invented in which year?
up a trophy for the Derby winners. Hear he went cold on the idea after quarter time when “his” side looked unlikely to have their name engraved on the mythical trophy.
I AN from just out of Wedderburn expressed disappointment that OTF last week didn’t formally record the names of friends who became sparring partners at a recent VFF meeting. Point taken. So to correct the record and put a holt to any incorrect speculation and conjecture, one goes by the name of Reginald and the other Kenneth.
MANDY is a bit of a legend around Inglewood and parishioners at St Augustine’s on Sunday were in even stronger voice than in the hymns to sing her Happy Birthday!
Memories from the Vale’s rail yard
KORONG Vale’s railway station was expected to be “established as one of the largest railway junctions in the state” according to the Boort Standard and Quambatook Herald in May 1914, yet less than a century later the station all but vanished leaving only the water tower behind.
In July 1913 the railway received a £40,000 upgrade. The aim for the upgrade was to relieve the congestion of traffic at the Bendigo station during the busy season allowing northern traffic to be handled at Korong Vale resulting in a faster service with a quicker despatch of trains.
The upgrade included “a considerable area of land acquired to extend the yards, adding an island platform with booking and parcels offices, refreshments rooms, and various waiting rooms; marshalling yards to make up loads; gravitation yards, a coaling stage and coal store; engine sheds, a weighbridge, signal stations, and a number of officials’ residences. Altogether 12 miles of track will be laid, embracing 14 sets of rails.”
Following the completion of the upgrade, the station was considered “the most up to date in any country centre, with the view of affording wide facilities
for the handling of the ever-expanding traffic of the two branch lines—one running to Sea Lake through Charlton and Wycheproof, and the other to Manangatang via Boort, Quambatook and Ultima—both lines serving 200 miles of very productive country.”
After World War Two and the diesel era in the 50s the need for an extensive railway network across Victoria dwindled. Between 1976 and 1987 56 country lines were closed including Korong Vale, after the transport of livestock was moved predominately to private road transport operators and the focus of railway trans-
port moved to wheat traffic, containerised goods and other bulk products. Passenger services were withdrawn from Korong Vale in 1978 leading the station building to fall into disrepair before the railway was closed completely in 1983 and the building was demolished. A once expansive railway station providing employment for many locals during its peak operation is now almost forgotten with only a water tower remaining to mark the location.
Railway enthusiasts still visit the town to survey the land that once was hive of activity.
The Korong Vale station yards ... photographs preserved by Victorian Railways history enthusiasts
EMPLOYMENT
BYRNE - John Nolasco
Passed away peacefully at St. John of God Hospital Bendigo on July 30th , 2025. Aged 88 years.
Late of Lake Marmal.
Dearly loved husband of Patricia.
Loved and loving father of Matthew & Julie, Stephen & Barbara, Mary & Ashley, Michael & Anna, Monica & Grant, Timothy & Meredith, Nicholas & Andrea.
Cherished ‘Grampa’ to his 25 loving grandchildren.
Rest peacefully after a life well lived.
For Funeral details, BENDIGO FUNERALS www.smfd.com.au
PUBLIC NOTICE
Retrospective Exhibition
Jenny Pollard
Official Opening Sunday 3rd August, 2pm Opening Times
Annual General Meeting to be held on the 18th August 2025 at 75 Grant Street, Inglewood. Meeting opens at 1.30pm. Contact Samantha 0433 965 006
LODDON ARTS INC.
Annual General Meeting Thursday 21st August 2025 at 3pm. At the Wedderburn Museum & Coach House Gallery
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.
Early Childhood Educator
Casual position
An attractive hourly rate of $33.96
Work across one, some or all of Council’s ve sessional kindergartens
Maternal and Child Health Nurse
Casual position
An attractive hourly rate of $73.15$78.84
Based at our Wedderburn O ce with carpooling services available between Marong and Wedderburn
Applications for the positions above will be considered as they are received
For further information, including a detailed position description and details on how to apply, please visit Council’s website www.loddon.vic.gov.au or contact Council’s OrganisationDevelopment Unit on (03) 5494 1200.
WANTED
The Loddon Herald’s Gary Walsh sits down with golfing legend Andrew Kane whose name appears on cups, shields and trophies around the state
Champion of many titles
FOR
A maths teacher, Andrew Kane can struggle with figures.
He’s sitting in the clubhouse at Boort Golf Club – a sort of shrine to his incredible feats over more than 40 years – trying to work out how old he was when he first played in the Country Week championships.
Eventually he settles on having been just 15 the first time he represented Kara Kara Golf Association in 1983.
It was the start of a long and successful career in golf that has included beating Robert Allenby, who would go on to win four titles on the US PGA Tour, by a shot in a tournament at Ouyen in 1990.
It’s a journey that ranges from giving golf lessons at a putt-putt golf course above a Melbourne car park and helping multi-millionaire racehorse owner/trainer Lloyd Williams at one of Australia’s most exclusive clubs, to finishing square with six-time PGA Tour winner Mark Leishman in a Country Week tournament at Werribee Park.
Leishman, by the way, has career earnings of $US66 million.
And there is the heartbreaking reality of twice narrowly missing his Australian professional tour card – by a single shot in 2009 and two shots a year later.
Kane, now 57, shakes his head in regret but accepts the reality of a life chasing a golfing dream.
“A bit unlucky in some ways, but the sign was that even if it had gone the other way and I’d qualified by a shot, I would have been at the bottom of the pile and belting my head against the wall trying to make money,” he says.
“If you don’t finish in the top two or three at the school, you’re just treading water all the time.
“So, I thought I’ve had my go, and I got that out of my system.”
To dismiss Kane as a golf journeyman would be brutally unfair.
He has won state titles, 17 club championships at Boort and 12 regional Champion of Champions titles, played pennant for Peninsula Golf Club on the great sandbelt courses of Melbourne, holds course records and has hit five holes-in-one.
Kane has also forged a career as a teacher, qualifying at Melbourne University while still hoping to make a living from golf.
The year after his second failure to win his tour card, he had a car accident at St Arnaud when returning from Country Week and snapped his right leg in two places.
Kane had surgery and was in a moon boot for three months but got a medical certificate allowing him to use a golf cart
in tournaments and somehow won the state par three championship at Kyabram, only nine months after the crash.
It was a remarkable triumph of resilience.
Kane first took up golf at the age of 10, whacking balls around the expansive front yard of the family farm at Barraport.
Like most country kids, he played cricket in the summer and footy in the winter, but he also worked on his golf, first getting picked in that Country Week team in 1983 at 15 years of age.
“The first three years I didn’t win a match, didn’t do any good at all,” Kane says.
“Then, when I got to uni and I was 18, I won every match.”
In his second year at university, aged 19, he won the state sand greens championships, played at Boort, with his career ambitions already set.
In 1990 he won the same Victorian title, and a year later took up a three-year golf pro apprenticeship, initially at Werribee Park and then at the exclusive National Golf Club at Cape Schanck.
Kane’s time was spent repairing clubs, doing retail work at the pro shop selling balls and tees, studying small business, coaching and golf rules, as well as playing in weekly “trainee tournaments”.
At The National, he interacted with casino boss Lloyd Williams – “He gave me a $100 tip just for helping him out”- another racing luminary in David Hains, stars from ‘Hey Hey It’s Saturday’ and a swag of famous footballers and media identities.
Then, after graduating, it was a matter of trying to get an assistant pro job at a club.
Kane explored taking a coaching role at a driving range in Singapore but quickly became homesick.
On returning to Melbourne, he helped a mate with his mini-golf course in the city, giving lessons in the driving nets, making milk shakes and serving customers having a putt during their lunch break.
It wasn’t really what Kane was after, so six months later he took up a pro role at Mildura Golf Club.
“The first six months were ok, but after a year, I actually got bored, sitting in the pro shop doing nothing – dusting, cleaning, vacuuming, selling balls, saying the same things over and over again,” he says.
So, he returned to teaching and has continued to combine that career with his golfing exploits ever since.
Kane plays off plus-one but has been plus-five on some occasions at Boort.
He lists his strengths as his accuracy and ability to create shots when in bad lies.
The walls of the Boort golf club are festooned with honour boards weighed down by the Kane name – his father and mother also have won club championships.
He has won titles aged 19 and aged 57 – last Sunday when he took out his umpteenth Kara Kara Champion and Champions prize.
Just one thing gnaws at him.
“I was a bit disappointed that I never got coached when I was young,” Kane says.
“My swing is pretty solid but there’s a few flaws there that someone could have picked up – and I might have been better.”
In the end, Kane resorts to counting up the wins from the honour boards that line the walls; honour boards that also feature his parents’ names.
Andrew Kane is the region’s leading golfer. LH PHOTOS
Hooked on golf early ... Andrew with his father
MEN
Sea Lake Nandaly d Charlton 3-1.
Wedderburn lost to Donald Donald 4 d Sea Lake Nandaly 0. Charlton 0 lost to Calder United 11. Boort 4 d Wedderburn 0. St Arnaud Bye.
Ladder: Calder United 28, Donald 28, St Arnaud 26, Boort 20, Wedderburn 14, Sea Lake Nandaly 6, Charlton 0. WOMEN
Donald 1 d Sea Lake Nandaly 0.
Charlton 3 lost to Calder United 4. Boort 1 lost to Wedderburn 3. St Arnaud Bye.
Ladder: St Arnaud 30, Calder United 30, Charlton 27, Wedderburn 16, Boort 15, Donald 7, Sea Lake Nandaly 0.
UNDERAGE
Donald 6 d Sea Lake Nandaly 3.
Charlton 3 d Calder United 1, St Arnaud 9 d Birchip Watchem 0. Boort Bye.
Ladder: Charlton 36, St Arnaud 28, Donald 18, Boort 16, Calder United 11, Sea Lake Nandaly 7, Birchip Watchem 7.
UNDER 12
Donald 0 lost to Sea Lake Nandaly 3. Charlton 0 drew Calder United 0. St Arnaud 1 lost to Birchip Watchem 5. Boort 0 lost to Wedderburn 4.
Ladder: Birchip Watchem 36, Calder United 35, Charlton 35, St Arnaud 22, Wedderburn 16, Boort 7, Sea Lake Nandaly 7, Donald 6.
CALIVIL’S undefeated 15 & Under netball team certainly knows how to score.
The juniors racked up their 1000th goal for the season in their 62-22 win against Pyramid Hill on Saturday.
Needing to score 43 goals to reach the magic mark, the young Demons got there in the third quarter, to the delight of the supporters on the sideline who knew exactly what was required.
The only other Loddon Valley team to reach 1000 goals for the season is Mitiamo’s all-conquering A Grade side.
Coach Karen Pascoe said: “The girls are an amazing team with a lot of talent.”
“It is a pleasure to coach them as they
really put in at training and on game days,” she said.
All of the players are either locals or have a family connection with the club.
“Majority of our side are girls from the local area who all go to school together at East Loddon P-12 College, and we were lucky to be joined by two past players’ daughters who wanted to wear the red and blue like their parents did back in the day,” Pascoe said.
The team has averaged 68 goals a game, with a high of 96 against Inglewood in the wet two weeks ago. The next task is to win the premiership, which would make it a hat-trick of 15 & Under flags for Calivil.
Herald sports writer Gary Walsh has won Harness Racing Australia’s Graham Goffin Memorial Award - Best Historical Feature.
The annual media awards for 2024 were announced last week with Gary’s article on the origins of the Redwood Classic, named in honour of the late Hugh Redwood, of Bridgewater, being the only non-industry winner across 10 categories.
Gary interviewed Inglewood’s Trevor Ralph as part of sharing the region’s connection to one of the most prestige races for trotters and suitably the story was headlined Old Hughie.
The Redwood Classic is contested each October at the Maryborough club’s Carisbrook racetrack.
Under
Valley football’s under 17 finals series will be contested by five teams.
The league board gave the competition’s six clubs the option of moving to a final six. However, the board was informed at its meeting on Monday night that Bridgewater, who will finish sixth,
had opted to conclude its season on Saturday.
Maiden Gully returned to the junior competition this year and heads the leadder with Marong and Inglewood also challenging for honours along with reigning premiers East Loddon.
LODDON
Auskick coaches Will Hook and Jayden Gladman last week wrapped up a successful Auskick season for the Bears Lagoon Serpentine cluib.
LODDON
Calivil’s high-scoring 15 and Under netballers
Wedderburn’s Jim Van de Wetering (above) defends in the match against Boort on Saturday while Harry Malone (left) quickly counters the flow of play LH PHOTO
LODDON VALLEY
SENIORS
BL Serpentine
6.6 15.10 19.14 23.21 (159)
Newbridge 1.2 2.3 4.5 4.7 (31)
GOALS – BL Serpentine: J. Mellington 11, F. Priest 3, N. Twigg, J. Laird 2, C. Draper, N. Kemp, J. Addlem, R. Turner, J. Starr. Newbridge: B. Schilling 3, C. Dixon.
BEST – BL Serpentine: J. Laird, N. Kemp, J. Mellington, N. Twigg, F. Priest, J. Starr. Newbridge: A. Padbury, J. Zimmer, B. McKinley, D. Lloyd, A. Willett, B. Carr.
Marong 7.2 10.7 15.9 23.11 (149)
Mitiamo 0.3 1.5 3.5 6.8 (44)
GOALS – Marong: K. Robins 6, M. Bradbury 4, R. Taylor 3, S. Knott, N. Devanny, N. McCaig 2, R. McNamara, J. Ede, K. Manley, R. Tibbett. Mitiamo: K. Galvin 2, C. Tuohey, S. Wright, A. Lloyd, A. Huismann.
BEST – Marong: M. Bradbury, L. Lee, S. Knott, D. Johnstone, K. Robins, M. Willox. Mitiamo: L. Lougoon, M. Gilmour, Z. Morrison, A. Huismann, W. Draper, Z. Myers.
GOALS – Calivil: H. McCarthy 4, T. Raukola, L. Fisher. Pyramid Hill: H. Goodes 7, J. Simpson 4, A. Hildebrandt, K. Daniels, S. Gunther 3, R. Mitchell, E. Caburnay, B. Gibson, X. Emmerson, M. Dingwall.
BEST – Calivil: J. Leach, A. Dennis, A. Roulston, J. Connolly, H. McCarthy, S. Green. Pyramid Hill: H. Goodes, S. Gunther, K. Daniels, A. Hildebrandt, B. George, G. James.
Maiden Gully 1.2 1.7 3.12 9.15 (69)
Inglewood 2.3 5.8 8.10 12.12 (84)
GOALS – Maiden Gully: T. James 4, E. Crisp, T. Delahey, L. Pigdon, M. Hill, T. Jackson. Inglewood: S. Erharter 3, R. Tresize, B. Cotchett 2, A. Bennett, B. Cauchi, G. Nevins, H. Veitch, K. Cavallaro.
BEST – Maiden Gully: D. Russell, A. Robins, M. Hill, G. Brown, S. Fiske, T. James. Inglewood: G. Nevins, B. Cotchett, L. Matheson, H. Veitch, J. Whittle, J. Bennett. Marong 15 13 2
52
Hill 15 11 4 0 2
44 BL Serpentine 15 10 5 0 2 135.58 40
UNDER 18
Maiden Gully
GOALS – Maiden Gully: L. Budge 2, L. Hancock, C. Attard, A. Powell, O. Bowman, S. Neervoort. Inglewood: M. Pickering, R. Smith, T. Murphy 2, T. Lovett.
GOALS – Charlton: D. Fitzpatrick, Z. Dean. Calder United: B. Barker 4, A. Forrester 3, J. Turner, D. Kelly, G. Forrester 2, B. Forrester, R. Allan, J. Ison, S. Hogan, S. Kelly, D. McLennan. BEST – Charlton: T. Finlay, L. Dunne, A. Soulsby, Z. Dean, F. Bourke, J. Durie. Calder United: C. Fawcett, D. McLennan, D. Kelly, B. Barker, B. Forrester, J. Turner.
Boort
(31)
GOALS – Boort: J. Baker 5, J. Mulquiny 3, A. Cockerell 2, C. O’Rourke, N. Scott. Wedderburn: J. Van de Wetering, L. Sims, C. Hargreaves, R. Dole.
BL Serpentine 6.6 13.10 16.16 21.16 (142)
Newbridge 0.1 0.1 1.1 1.1 (7)
GOALS – BL Serpentine: F. Holland 10, J. Murley 3, K. Paxton, D. Tineo, J. Gladman 2, C. O’Shannessy, C. Davies. Newbridge: J. Harkness.
BEST – BL Serpentine: F. Holland, C. Davies, T. Clarke, C. Tuohey, M. Hancock, K. Paxton. Newbridge: C. Van Aken, A. Moore, T. Wight, J. McLeod, D. Slater, O. Friswell. Calivil 5.4 8.7 12.9 16.13 (109)
Pyramid Hill 0.2 3.2 5.3 5.3 (33)
GOALS – Calivil: B. Richards, S. Fawcett 4, E. Ritchie 3, D. Masson 2, J. Manderson, J. Lea, K. Manderson. Pyramid Hill: R. Pollock 4, K. Castleton.
BEST – Calivil: T. Harcourt, T. Piazza, D. Masson, J. Manderson, J. Lea, D. Ryan. Pyramid Hill: L. Walker, N. Moon, K. Quinn, J. Douch, D. Mann.
Marong
6.6 17.11 26.16 32.21 (213)
Mitiamo 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 (0)
GOALS – Marong: D. Blume 6, C. Hale, M. Lowery 4, W. Gadsden, Z. Turnbull, T. Grant 3, P. Gretgrix, K. Harris 2, M. Grant, B. Matthews, L. Hale, F. Stewart, Z. Justice. BEST – Marong: C. Hale, M. Grant, P. Gretgrix, W. Gadsden, F. Stewart, D. Blume. Mitiamo: J. Rasmussen, E. Hocking, A. Daley, J. Cassells, C. Pearson, K. Pentreath.
Maiden Gully 0.1 0.3 2.5 2.5 (17)
Inglewood 5.4 7.8 11.9 13.11 (89)
GOALS – Maiden Gully: J. Doolan, R. Crothers. Inglewood: R. Murphy, J. Rouse 4, J. Stokes 3, J. Nevins, T. Kendal. BEST – Maiden Gully: M. James, R. Crothers, J. Wittingslow, D. Downing, L. Budge, J. Leech. Inglewood: M. Jeffrey, J. Nevins, R. Murphy, D. Gorrie, J. Leach, A. Lister.
Marong 15 15 0 0 2 502.43 60
Inglewood 16 12 4 0 1 215.07 48
Bridgewater 15 12 3 0 2 209.3 48
Pyramid Hill 15 8 7 0 2 101.98 32
BL
BEST – Maiden Gully: J. Beagley, J. Ladner, H. Carter, C. Attard, N. Hadden, L. Budge. Inglewood: T. Lovett, E. McCoy, W. Schepers, J. Penrose, M. Lonza, T. Murphy. East Loddon 3.5
Pyramid Hill 0.1
BEST – Boort: J. Mulquiny, J. Hall, B. Leslie, F. Millar, L. Boyd, J. Baker. Wedderburn: N. Winslett, J. Jones, R. Tonkin, C. Hargreaves, R. Holt, M. Lockhart.
Arnaud
(115)
(14)
GOALS – East Loddon: F. Clymo 4, A. Addlem, J. Ketterer, L. James 2, J. Smith, T. Tweed, T. Smith, R. Demeo, A. Ketterer, A. Roulston. Pyramid Hill: J. Mitchell, O. Emmerson.
BEST – East Loddon: J. Ketterer, A. Addlem, M. Gray, F. Clymo, O. Balic, T. Smith. Pyramid Hill: T. Pritchard, M. Caspani, T. Caine, C. Lobb, K. Manton, J. Peter.
Marong
(76)
(57)
GOALS – St Arnaud: J. Hicks 3, H. Torney, T. Petrie 2, B. Williams, R. Burke, H. McNally, J. Tillig. Birchip Watchem: L. Sirett 3, C. Goode 2, T. Colbert, J. Woods, B. Paley.
BEST – St Arnaud: J. Male, B. Greenaway, H. McNally, G. Gorrie, L. Ezard, H. Torney. Birchip Watchem: T. Colbert, B. Colbert, G. Addis, C. Lee, C. Boyle.
NORTH CENTRAL
SENIORS
Charlton
Calder United
GOALS – Charlton: I. Bourke, B. Xiriha, A. Patterson, J. Harris. Calder United: J. Exell 7, D. Watts, R. Smith, Z. Keighran, G. Turner, J. Humphreys 2, M. Farmer, Z. Caccaviello, C. Green, H. Senior.
BEST – Charlton: M. Collins, P. Soulsby, R. Thompson, M. Heenan, J. Harris, D. Whykes. Calder United: S. Kennedy, J. Exell, G. Turner, K. Hommelhoff, T. Vearing, Z. Keighran.
St Arnaud
Birchip Watchem
(26)
(209)
GOALS – St Arnaud: L. Bridger 2, K. Torney, Z. Phillips. Birchip Watchem: B. Edwards 15, T. Gibson 7, R. Conboy 3, R. Hogan Jr, H. Hosking, N. Rippon 2, B. Lakin, D. Bell.
BEST – St Arnaud: B. Durward, S. Elliott, J. Kirwood, T. Bertalli, S. Male, L. Bridger. Birchip Watchem: B. Edwards, T. Gibson, N. Rippon, D. Hinkley, D. Bell, H. Cook.
Donald 0.0 0.2 0.2 0.2 (2)
Sea Lake Nandaly 6.9 12.15 23.16 31.19 (205)
GOALS – Sea Lake Nandaly: M. Cahoon 13, L. McClelland 5, J. Summerhayes 3, J. Wright, B. Delmenico, J. Keogh, C. OSullivan 2, W. Donnan, C. Tait.
BEST – Donald: D. Pearce, C. Campbell, D. Bell-Warren, J. Adams, H. Forrest, B. Arho. Sea Lake Nandaly: M. Cahoon, C. O’Sullivan, B. Delmenico, W. Donnan, J. Poulton, C. Cox.
Boort
UNDER 17
– Charlton: X. Good, L. Van Boven, L. Monaghan, J. Wright, E. Soulsby, S. Olive. Calder United: A. Cowell, R. Hogan, T. Vearing, T. Perry, J. Cavalier.
– Donald: E. Clapham, H. Clark, B. Cumming, J. Lydom. Sea Lake Nandaly: J. Durie, B. Kelly, C. Kelly, C. Symes, T. Borlase, N. McClelland.
BEST – St Arnaud: C. Zander, A. Reyne, F. Donald, A. Wickham, R. Leach. Birchip Watchem: O. Cook, N. Dean, J. Knights, C. Jones.
B. McPherson, C. Gould,
C. Hird, D. Perryman, J. O’Flaherty. Wedderburn: N. Winslett, B. Cunningham, W. Cunningham, W. Huismann, T. Blair.
(53) Wedderburn 3.5
(95)
GOALS – Boort: J. Keeble, K. Rutley 2, P. Barbopoulos, M. Beattie, J. Baddeley-Kelly, J. Dick. Wedderburn: J. Mortlock 6, M. McEwen, M. Jensen 2, Z. Pallpratt, O. Holt, D. Benaim. BEST – Boort: J. Smith, K. Rutley, C. Egan, J. Keeble, M. Beattie, J. Baddeley-Kelly. Wedderburn: J. Mortlock, N. Furlong, J. McEwen, Z. Pallpratt, H. Lockhart, I. Holt.
Birchip
RESERVES
GOALS – Sea Lake Nandaly: J. Clohesy
C. Elliott
B. Weir 2, B. Stadon, J. Cox, B. Kelly, J. Stacey. BEST – Donald: G. Morgan, G. Burke, D. Hawkes, C. Campbell, D. Tatarskyj, B. Hollis. Sea Lake Nandaly: J. Clohesy, B. Weir, M. Elliott, C. Michael, C. Elliott, I. Durie. Charlton
– St Arnaud: F. Wilson, S. Greenaway, P. Zsigmond, I. Johns, S. Kay, S. Weir. Birchip Watchem: A. Tyler, T. Kemp, E. Dean, I. Atkinson.
– Donald: N. Michael, J. Italia, M. Reilly, D. Burke, E. Geddes, T. Lydom. Sea Lake Nandaly: R. Allan, H. Wight, J. Hodgson, H. Cox, H. Landry, A. Smith.
BEST – Boort: B. Gilmore, C. Nuttall, C. McNally, S. Soumelidis, M. Twigg. Wedderburn: J. McDonnell, B. Turnbull, L. Roberts, Z. Polkinghorne, L. Martin.
BEST – Charlton: S. Cossar, R. Gahan, D. Olive, C. Dixon, F. Zagame, C. Riley. Calder United D. Polzin, J. Harrison, L. Hall, B. Hogan, R. Harrison, L. Poyner.
Maroons storm home
NEWBRIDGE put an end to Bears Lagoon Serpentine’s feint finals hopes with a thrilling one-goal win in Loddon Valley A Grade netball.
The Maroons scored 12 goals to the Bears’ six in the last quarter to storm home over the top, 4039 at Serpentine.
It was a statement win for Newbridge after they trailed by nine goals at quarter time, six goals at the main break and five goals at the last change.
The victory saw the Maroons overtake Bridgewater in third place, putting them in the box seat for the double chance in the finals.
Bears’ star shooter Ava Francis had a mighty battle with Maroons’ goal keeper Jorja Hufer all afternoon, while Serp captain Dani O’Toole and Newbridge’s Hayley Martiniello fought out centre court dominance.
Best for the winners were goal attack Abbi Wells and goal defence Leah Oxford.
Newbridge needs to beat fifthplaced Marong in this Saturday’s final round to ensure third spot on the ladder.
The Bears end their season with a trip to Calivil.
MITIAMO maintained its 100 per cent record with a comfortable 29-goal win over Marong.
The premiership fancies were untroubled in victory, ramming home their superiority with a 3923 second half.
The Superoos host Bridgewater on Saturday and will then have a week off for finishing on the top of the ladder.
They were in a similar position last season but lost their first final to Pyramid Hill before defeating the Bulldogs in the grand final.
The eventual premiership
coach Jen Wilson lamented her side’s perennial struggles after having a week off, so it will be fascinating to see how the next few weeks play out.
INGLEWOOD finished its winless season on a positive note, going down by just four goals to Maiden Gully.
The Woodies were right in the match all day but could never grab the lead.
The Eagles’ 13-7 margin at quarter-time proved the difference between the sides.
Maiden Gully will finish in seventh, with Inglewood on the bottom of the ladder but ending the season with its strongest performance.
Maiden Gully plays Pyramid Hill in the last round, with the Woodies having the bye.
Hill’s 47-goal win over Calivil was a good tune up for the finals, with Maiden Gully to come in the final round.
The Bulldogs will finish second on the ladder after the home and away games, but their first opponent in the finals is still to be decided, with Newbridge and Bridgewater battling out third place.
Pyramid burst out of the blocks in the first quarter to lead the Demons by 13 goals at quarter-time and added to the margin in the subsequent three terms.
The exclamation mark came in the last quarter, with 25 goals to six.
Calivil will finish in second-last place on the ladder, with a dead rubber against Bears Lagoon Serpentine in the final round.
Pressure poured in physical encounter
UNBEATEN Wedderburn were under the pump early against local rivals Boort in North Central A Grade netball, trailing 9-1 as the Magpies got off to a strong start.
In a highly physical game, Boort forced the Redbacks into mistakes, and while quarter-time saw the Magpies up by only one goal, their pressure suggested a tight contest.
As it panned out, Wedderburn powered away to a 16-goal win that kept Boort in third spot on the ladder and facing a tough battle to grab the double chance for the finals.
Redbacks coach Susie Lockhart said Boort “got the drop on us in the first quarter”, but her side rallied when the team steadied and got back to playing its irresistible brand of netball.
A few positional changes also helped, with better match ups when bench players were introduced.
And Boort’s physical tactics came back to bite them, with frequent contact calls stifling their momentum.
Wedderburn’s opponent in the first week of the finals is still uncertain, with Sea Lake Nandaly and Boort fighting for second place on the ladder.
The Redbacks have an early sighter this Saturday when they travel to Sea Lake to face the Tigers, who lost to the reigning premiers by only eight goals in
the opening round of the season. “You go into every game with total respect for your opposition, knowing this could be the week you get done,” Lockhart said this week.
The last two rounds offer fascinating possibilities, with fifthplaced Birchip Watchem still chasing Calder United for a finals berth.
Sea Lake has the toughest run home, with Wedderburn and Calder to come, while Boort faces St Arnaud and Charlton, two match-
LODDON VALLEY NORTH CENTRAL
A Grade
Marong 12, 24, 33, 47, (47) lost to Mitiamo 20, 37, 54, 76, (76). Bears Lagoon Serpentine 15, 22, 33, 39, (39) lost to Newbridge 6, 18, 28, 40, (40).
Maiden Gully 13, 25, 34, 44, (44) d Inglewood 7, 22, 30, 40, (40). Calivil 8, 18, 26, 32, (32) lost to Pyramid Hill 21, 35, 54, 79, (79).
Mitiamo 60
Pyramid Hill 52
Newbridge 40
Bridgewater 36
Marong 32
BL Serpentine 24
Maiden Gully 16
Calivil 12
Inglewood 0
A Reserve
Marong 19, 33, 49, 65, (65) d Mitiamo 7, 14, 18, 27, (27). Bears Lagoon Serpentine 3, 9, 13, 18, (18) lost to Newbridge 17, 35, 47, 62, (62).
Calivil 11, 23, 32, 40, (40) lost to Pyramid Hill 7, 18, 29, 43, (43). Maiden Gully 18, 28, 44, 56, (56) d Inglewood 10, 20, 23, 33, (33). Bridgewater 52
46
Gully 46
Hill 42
34
26 Calivil 18 BL Serpentine 8
Inglewood 0
B Grade
Marong 13, 30, 41, 55, (55) d Mitiamo 5, 12, 22, 29, (29). Maiden Gully 6, 18, 25, 32, (32) lost to Inglewood 11, 19, 27, 33, (33). Bears Lagoon Serpentine 7, 11, 15, 21, (21) lost to Newbridge 13, 22, 33, 41, (41). Calivil 6, 13, 15, 19, (19) lost to Pyramid Hill 17, 31, 50, 72, (72). Bridgewater 56 Marong 52 Newbridge 44 Pyramid Hill 38
Gully 30
Serpentine 20 Calivil 14 Inglewood 10 Mitiamo 8
B Reserve
Marong 21, 36, 51, 61, (61) d Mitiamo 5, 13, 18, 26, (26). Maiden Gully 8, 21, 33, 43, (43) d Inglewood 12, 20, 25, 37, (37). Calivil 7, 17, 20, 28, (28) lost to Pyramid Hill 12, 25, 42, 59, (59). Bears Lagoon Serpentine 8, 15, 18, 28, (28) lost to Newbridge 14, 34, 49, 68, (68).
Maiden Gully 18, 29, 37, 52, (52) d Inglewood 8, 17, 28, 39, (39).
Calivil 60
Marong 48
BL Serpentine 44
Bridgewater 40
Maiden Gully 30
Pyramid Hill 22
Inglewood 20
Mitiamo 8
es the Magpies should win. In other games, Birchip Watchem saw off bottom side St Arnaud 62-36 at Lord Nelson Park.
Sea Lake Nandaly won by 20 goals over Donald, and Calder United kept its grip on fourth place with a 73-24 win over Charlton in the Mount of Prevention Cup raising awareness of domestic violence.
The cup was previously contested between Charlton and Wycheproof, which merged with Nullawil to form Calder United.
Newbridge 0
Under 13
Marong 6, 12, 22, 25, (25) d Mitiamo 1, 11, 16, 24, (24). Bears Lagoon Serpentine 2, 3, 3, 3, (3) lost to Newbridge 10, 17, 22, 33, (33).
Calivil 8, 15, 18, 22, (22) lost to Pyramid Hill 7, 15, 21, 28, (28). Maiden Gully 12, 22, 37, 43, (43) d Inglewood 4, 6, 9, 12, (12).
Newbridge 60 Maiden Gully 44 Marong 40 Calivil 40 Pyramid Hill 32 Bridgewater 24 Inglewood 16
BL Serpentine 12 Mitiamo 4
A Grade
Charlton 6, 10, 19, 24, (24) lost to Calder United 20, 40, 55, 73, (73). St Arnaud (36) lost to Birchip Watchem (62). Donald (26) lost to Sea Lake Nandaly (46). Boort 11, 19, 26, 36, (36) lost to Wedderburn 10, 26, 36, 52, (52).
Wedderburn 56
Sea Lake Nandaly 44
Boort 40
Calder United 32
Birchip Watchem 28
Donald 16
Charlton 6 St Arnaud 2
B Grade
Charlton 7, 16, 20, 26, (26) lost to Calder United 11, 22, 41, 53, (53). St Arnaud (50) lost to Birchip Watchem (67). Donald (35) lost to Sea Lake Nandaly (54). Boort 5, 8, 15, 21, (21) lost to Wedderburn 16, 32, 47, 59, (59). Wedderburn 56
Charlton 5, 12, 18, 23, (23) lost to Calder United 20, 37, 57, 77, (77). St Arnaud (47) d Birchip Watchem (33). Boort 12, 31, 42, 49, (49) d Wedderburn 8, 19, 29, 44, (44). Donald 6, 15, 20, 25, (25) lost to Sea Lake Nandaly 14, 30, 46, 62, (62).
C Reserve
Boort 22, 44, 65, 89, (89) d Wedderburn 5, 10, 14, 19, (19). St Arnaud (21) lost to Birchip Watchem (31).
Sea Lake Nandaly 36
Calder United 24
Birchip Watchem
Boort 7, 20, 29, 46, (46) d Wedderburn 5, 14, 19, 23, (23). St Arnaud 11, 30, 40, 48, (48) lost to Birchip Watchem 18, 29, 38, 51, (51). Charlton 0, 4, 12, 18, (18) lost to Calder 22, 38, 48, 62, (62). Donald 7, 15, 26, 36, (36) lost to Sea Lake Nandaly 10, 22, 36, 52, (52). 39, (39).
Calder United 52
Arnaud
Lake Nandaly
14 & Under A
Charlton 0, 0, 1, 1, (1) lost to Calder United 14, 21, 31, 31, (31). Donald 10, 19, 31, 39, (39) d Sea Lake Nandaly 4, 8, 13, 17, (17). Boort 0, 0, 0, 30, (30) d Wedderburn 0, 0, 0, 7, (7). St Arnaud (14) lost to Birchip Watchem (20). Boort 56
Birchip Watchem 48 Donald 40 Calder United 32 St Arnaud 24
Sea Lake Nandaly 8 Wedderburn 8 14 & Under B
Donald 6, 7, 11, 15, (15) d Sea Lake Nandaly 2, 5, 10, 11, (11). Boort 4, 10, 13, 14, (14) d Wedderburn 2, 3, 4, 4, (4). St Arnaud (13) d Birchip Watchem (9). St Arnaud 44 Boort
Birchip Watchem 32 Wedderburn 18
Calder United 16 Donald 10
Sea Lake Nandaly 4
PYRAMID
Serpentine’s Marley Addlem. LH PHOTO
Wedderburn’s Sophie Cockerell. LH PHOTO
GOALKICKING
LODDON VALLEY
SENIORS
98 - (0) - Lachie Sharp - Bridgewater
- Marong
38 - (3) - Billy Schilling - Newbridge
30 - (4) - Tyler James - Maiden Gully
28 - (0) - Oscar McKinley - Bridgewater
27 - (4) - Henry McCarthy - Calivil
23 - (4) - Michael Bradbury - Marong
Marvellous Mortlock
A WIN over lowly St Arnaud this week will almost certainly ensure Boort’s place in the North Central football top four, but the Magpies will be limping rather than flying into the finals.
A 42-point loss to fierce local rivals Wedderburn last Saturday reinforced Boort’s problems beating the competition’s best teams this season.
The victory kept alive the Redbacks’ slim finals chances, with Wedderburn relying on wins over reigning premiers Sea Lake Nandaly and St Arnaud, as well as Boort dropping a match.
After the Saints, Boort faces struggling Charlton in the finals round.
- Inglewood
20 - (1) - Joey Doolan - Maiden Gully
20 - (1) - Bradley Matthews - Marong
20 - (0) - Josh Roberts - Bridgewater UNDER 18
52 - (2) - Mitchell Pickering - Inglewood
50 - (0) - Raymond McNamara - Marong
47 - (1) - Lincoln Hancock - Maiden Gully
41 - (0) - Riley Doorty - Marong
23 - (0) - Wilhelm Thomson - Marong
21 - (2) - Tyler Murphy - Inglewood
21 - (4) - Fynn Clymo - East Loddon
NORTH CENTRAL SENIORS
105 - (15) - Ben Edwards - Birchip Watchem
61 - (1) - Jhye Baddeley-Kelly - Boort
52 - (13) - Max Cahoon - Sea Lake Nandaly
51 - (7) - Jack Exell - Calder United
51 - (2) - Mitch Jensen - Wedderburn
31 - (2) - Nicholas Rippon - Birchip Watchem
31 - (2) - Kayne Rutley - Boort RESERVES
42 - (12) - Joel Clohesy - Sea Lake Nandaly
39 - (2) - Alex Cockerell - Boort
29 - (0) - Matthew Berry - Birchip Watchem
29 - (0) - Alexander Hay - Birchip Watchem
24 - (2) - George Forrester - Calder United
THIS SATURDAY
LODDON VALLEY
Pyramid Hill v Maiden Gully
Calivil v Bears Lagoon Serpentine Newbridge v Marong Mitiamo v Bridgewater Inglewood bye NORTH CENTRAL
Sea Lake Nandaly v Wedderburn
Donald v Calder United Charlton v Birchip Watchem
St Arnaud v Boort
League teams available on Thursday nights at www.loddonherald.com.au
Wedderburn struggled to put away the Magpies, with 16 points separating the sides at threequarter time.
However, five goals to one in the last quarter secured the critical win.
The Redbacks’ inaccuracy in front of goal prevented them winning by a bigger margin, having 30 scoring shots to Boort’s 13.
Jye Mortlock kicked six goals for the Redbacks, with star fullforward Mitch Jensen subdued with just two majors on the day opposed to Magpie full-back Jack Smith.
Noah Furlong, Jackson McEwen, Zach Pallpratt, Hamish Lockhart and Isaac Holt joined Mortlock in the best players’ f list.
Smith, Kayne Rutley, Carlos Egan and James Keeble were named as best for the Magpies, with Jhye Baddeley-Kelly also prominent on his return to the side despite kicking only one of Boort’s eight goals.
Wedderburn coach Tom Metherell said his team would enter the must-win match with Sea Lake in good form and with a full squad to pick from, apart from those with season-ending injuries.
“The last time we played them we had 60 tackles, and only 37 were effective, so we have to bring the pressure levels and stick the tackles,” he said.
SEA LAKE Nandaly tuned up for the pivotal match against Wedderburn with a romp against
Gadsden
Donald, winning by 203 points, with the Royal Blues managing only 0.2 for the day.
Max Cahoon kicked 13 for the victors, continuing a rich vein of form that has seen him boot 28 goals in the past five matches.
Donald kicked its entire score in the second quarter, with the Tigers piling on 19.4 after halftime.
Cruz O’Sullivan, co-coach Bryce Delmenico and reigning Feeny medallist Wade Donnan were also among Sea Lake’s best.
Coach Daniel Pearce, seemingly inevitably, was Donald’s top player, along with Charlie Campbell and Dyson Bell-Warren.
The Royal Blues are winless for the season, with a dismal percentage of 12.65.
On the other hand, the Tigers are still pushing for the double chance, a game behind Calder United and with a better percentage.
CALDER United also put its opponent to the sword, beating Charlton by 116 points.
Jack Excell kicked seven goals
for the winners, who were also well served by Steve Kennedy, George Turner and co-captain Koby Hommelhoff.
A reasonably competitive first quarter was followed by a rout, with the Lions scoring 15 goals to two after quarter-time.
Coach Mitch Collins again was named Charlton’s best, alongside Patrick Soulsby, Rhys Thompson and Mason Heenan.
Unbeaten Birchip Watchem awaits for the Navy Blues, while Calder is up against Donald.
SPEARHEAD Ben Edwards’ 15 goals for Birchip against St Arnaud took him past the century mark for the second season in a row.
He is now on 105 goals, with at least four matches to come.
Tom Gibson kicked seven as the Bulls crunched the Saints by 183 points.
An 11-goal first term saw Birchip lead by 65 points at quartertime, and the Bulls added six, eight and eight goals in the succeeding quarters.
Edwards, Gibson, Nick Rippon
the ‘cheeky forward’
ONE of central Victoria leading administrators and revered goal gun Greg Gadsden wants to help fix one of the sport’s biggest issues.
He has stepped up to lead the charge in the retention and recruitment of umpires.
Bendigo Umpires Association is finding it increasingly difficult to service six leagues across central Victoria - Bendigo, Heathcote District, Loddon Valley, North Central Bendigo Junior and Central Victoria Women.
Of the 100 field umpires who officiate games regularly across the six leagues, 50 per cent are aged between 50 and 75.
It’s a trend not uncommon across the state as recruiting new umpires is a constant battle.
Gadsden, who is president of Loddon Valley club Bears Lagoon-Serpentine, said local clubs had a big part to play in assisting umpire associations.
It starts with building relationships between clubs and umpires.
“We’d like to have umpires come out to our training once every six weeks from pre-season all the way through,’’ Gadsden said.
“It educates our players and gives the umpires and players a better chance to get to know each other. Importantly, it also gives the umpires the chance to recruit. The four senior leagues the BUA covers - Bendigo,
and Dale Hinkley led the Birchip best players.
The overwhelmed Saints, who have announced the departure at season’s end of coach Scott Driscoll, were best served by Bailey Durward, Simon Elliott, Jay Kirkwood and Thomas Bertalli.
Wilson’s reprimand, trainer cops month
VETERAN Boort defender Keiren Wilson has been given a severe reprimand after an early guilty plea to the match review panel. Wilson was reported by umpires for rough conduct in the first quarter on Saturday’s clash with Wedderburn.
Meanwhile, Boort under 14 trainer Cliff Gleeson has been handed a four-match suspension for “Behaving in an abusive, insulting, threatening or obscene manner towards or in relation to an umpire”.
Glesson was reported by umpires and dealt with by the match review panel.
backing umpires
North Central, Heathcote and Loddon Valley - there’s over 1500 players playing the game each year.
“Every year there’s players that retire. If we can even get five to 10 retired players each year from across the four leagues to take up umpiring... then it has to build the stocks to service those four leagues.
“I’d love to see every club jump on board and get involved (in helping to recruit umpires).
“We believe that some of the best umpires are former players who have an understanding of the frustration and emotions of playing the game.
“At the end of the day we need each other. Umpires need the clubs and the clubs need the umpires. We need to be able to work together.”
A self-confessed cheeky forward in his playing days in the 1980s and 1990s, Gadsden said he enjoyed the banter he had with umpires on and off the field in that era.
With that banter came mutual respectsomething that Gadsden thinks is sadly lacking in modern football.
“As a club, we’re trying to build that relationship between umpires and the players and coaches,’’ Gadsden said.
“In the past, umpires would come into the
rooms after games, have a drink and mix with the players, coaches and committee for half an hour or so.
“I want our players and coaches to know the umpires. We’re all humans, it’s not a case of us and against them, but it feels like it’s become a bit like that and we want to change that narrative.
“I’m very big with our players that at the end of the game they say thanks to the umpires, irrespective of how they thought the umpire performed that day.
“The point is to build that relationship with the umpires, so that we get more people wanting to umpire games rather than drifting out of the game.
“Players make mistakes all day everyday when they play and we know umpires are going to make mistakes. It’s not about that, it’s about being able to have that rapport and respect between the players and umpires.
“If we can start getting that connection back between umpires and players and umpires and the clubs, it will go a long way to getting that respect back for umpires.”
Any club or individual who would like more information about umpiring, can contact the BUA via bendigoumpires@gmail.com
hapless
Jye Mortlock ... the Redbacks’ forward dominator. LH PHOTO
T wigg shows how it’s done
A RUCK master class from Bears Lagoon Serpentine veteran Nathan Twigg highlighted his team’s 128-point win over Newbridge on Saturday.
Twigg’s brilliant tap work put the ball on a platter for his midfielders, and he also pushed forward to kick two goals.
Otherwise, the Josh Mellington show was in full swing as the Bears spearhead kicked 11 goals – and could almost have doubled that tally.
Mellington kicked five goals in the first quarter as he was too powerful for Jack Teasdale initially, and then Andrew Padbury, who moved onto him after he booted the first three.
It was a typical Mellington outing – marking strongly, snapping around the body, scrapping with opponents, complaining to umpires, and feeling for his dodgy hamstring.
Hard-working Padbury was named the Maroons’ best despite Mellington kicking eight goals on him, and he was part of a bizarre encounter in the last quarter.
Mellington was involved in a scuffle with Hugh McGillivray, who hit the deck.
Padbury pulled the Bears’ fullforward away as he stood over the fallen defender and made a comment about “one more report”.
This appeared to be a reference to Mellington’s disciplinary record, which sees him just two matches away from a lifetime football ban.
Mellington responded incredulously: “I’m on report?” before clarifying the situation with one of the central umpires.
He was not on report, but he was on fire in the first term before his radar went awry and a series of shots on goal either missed or fell short after he invariably kicked across his body on his left off one step after marks.
And Mellington, as ever, was the centre of the action.
In the third quarter he poleaxed Newbridge defender Dylan Lloyd with a hip and shoulder after Lloyd kicked out after a behind.
A free kick was paid as Lloyd spent several minutes on the ground getting his breath back.
By the last quarter, Mellington was limping quite heavily, and when at one point he tripped over
Mello reprimanded ... again
BEARS Lagoon Serpentine star forward Josh Mellington has copped his second reprimand this season from the match review panel.
Mellington was reported for rough play against Newbridge and took the early guilty plea.
The former Fremantle Docker last season beat a charge at the tribunal. He sits within two games suspension of being rubbed out of the game.
his own feet in the goal square, he clutched at his hamstring.
At times he sat on the fence behind the goals, chatting amiably with spectators and the goal umpire while the ball was at the other end of the field.
Just another day in the colourful footy life of Josh Mellington.
His goals put him among the Bears’ best players, while last year’s Harding Medal winner Justin Laird was also outstanding,
along with winger Nash Kemp and Twigg.
Undermanned Newbridge battled out the game, with Jed Zimmer, Ben McKinley and Lloyd among the standouts.
The consistent Billy Schilling kicked three of the Maroons’ four goals.
Newbridge will end the season at home to Marong, while Serp will travel to bottom side Calivil.
- GARY WALSH
Panthers power back to top spot ahead of premiership defence
MARONG is back at the head of the ladder after a 105-point win over Mitiamo, claiming top soot on percentage from Bridgewater, which had the bye last Saturday.
With one round left only a shock slip against Newbridge this weekend can stop the three-time reigning premiers from securing a week off when the finals begin.
Two consecutive losses to Bridgewater and Inglewood saw the Panthers drop to second, but after a bye in round 15 they have rebounded strongly.
Marong jumped the Superoos in the first quarter and led by 44 points, steadily increasing that margin throughout the afternoon.
An eight-goal last quarter sealed the big win.
Co-coach Kain Robins kicked six in a return to form, while best afield ruckman Michael Bradbury dominated the hit outs and also pushed forward to boot four goals.
Lachlan Lee, Shaun Knott, David Johnstone and last season’s
best-and-fairest Matt Willox were also among the best players.
Coach Luke Lougoon, who was reappointed last week for next season, was Miti’s best, along with Matt Gilmour, Zach Morrison and Anthony Huismann.
Koby Galvin kicked two of the Superoos’ six goals on the day.
Marong travels to Newbridge and Mitiamo is at home to Bridgewater in the last round.
INGLEWOOD tuned up for the finals with a hard-fought win over Maiden Gully by 15 points.
The Eagles kicked six goals in the last quarter to give the Woodies a fright and ended with the same number of scoring shots.
Maiden Gully was left to rue poor kicking for goal in the 9.15 to 12.12 loss.
Inglewood’s fifth win in a row sets up an elimination final against Bears Lagoon Serpentine after a last-round bye.
The Woodies were missing key players in coach Fergus Payne, assistant coach Jackson Hood, captain Nathan Angelino and senior
vice-captain Jackson Hood, with young star Gabe Nevins skippering the side.
Nevins rose to the occasion in a best-on-ground performance off half-back, highlighting his leadership potential.
Midfielder Bregon Cotchett continued his outstanding season with another fine game for Inglewood that included two goals, with Luke Matheson and Harry Veitch also prominent.
Seb Erharter kicked three goals to move to 59 for the season.
Maiden Gully, without co-coach Angus Monfries, struggled up forward until the last-quarter burst, but Tyler James kicked four in a good performance.
Daniel Russell, Anthony Robins, Mitch Hill and Grayson Brown also were among the best for the Eagles.
COMING off the bye, Pyramid Hill stormed back into form with a 118-point win over bottom side Calivil, ensuring the double chance in the finals.
Successive losses to Inglewood
THE wattle’s not even out and some clubs are getting ready to put the boots in the back of the SUVs and big utes for the last time this season.
April seems like an eternity ago, and for some sides in Loddon Valley football, it’s been a tough season where character has been piled on more than goals scored.
The crystal ball got things pretty right for the top five ... how well will become evident over the next month.
So for this week’s matches, it’s another fairly straight forward round.
Pyramid Hill is in their home kennel against Maiden Gully who have certainly been one of the season’s improvers. But unless there’s a boilover, Pyramid will be too proud and strong as they ready for another assault on the silverware that eluded the club for more than seven decades.
Calivil at Rodeo Park will face Bears Lagoon Serpentine. High hopes have not been matched on with goals for the Demons and they will struggle against a Bears outfit that has managed to work a fair bit of clunkiness out of their game at the right end of the season.
Newbridge will also have a tough day against Marong. Only consolation is that the grand final will be at Riverside Park and sure put a super grin on the dials of the Holland brothers collecting admission fees from the out-oftowners.
The final match will see two great last month of the season combatants in action - Mitiamo and Bridgewater. Mitiamo, however, is not of the status they were a few years ago.
and Bridgewater before the bye had the Bulldogs looking over their shoulders at Bears Lagoon Serpentine in the battle for third spot.
However, the big win over the Demons at Calivil will have boosted the team’s confidence ahead of an almost certain clash against the Mean Machine in the first week of the finals.
The Bulldogs had 16 goals by half-time and never let Calivil off the hook, with another nine goals in the second half.
Harrison Goodes’ seven goals were enough to make him Pyramid’s best, while captain Stephen Gunther, and key recruits Kai Daniels and Archie Hildebrandt continued their strong seasons.
For Calivil, ruckman Jayden Leach was named as best player, supported by Anthony Dennis, Aiden Roulston and Josh Connolly.
Pyramid Hill hosts Maiden Gully in the final round, with Calivil at home to Bears Lagoon Serpentine.
Bridgewater has been the most dynamic improver this season. They don’t rely on coach Lachie Sharp but what lethal combination he has put together, one that has shot into contention as the real challenger to Marong.
- GLENN CATTO
PREDICTIONS
GLENN
Newbridge v Marong Mitiamo v Bridgewater
CHRIS EARL
Pyramid Hill v
Calivil v
Newbridge v Marong
Mitiamo v Bridgewater
Loddon HERALD sport
SUPER KANE
The champion of many titles
- PAGE 18
BOORT golf legend Andrew Kane took out a remarkable 12th Champion of Champions title at the Kara Kara Golf Association shield day last Sunday.
Kane won by two strokes from Wedderburn’s Byron Bird, with a one-over 72.
Craig Burn from St Arnaud finished third on 75.
Kane first won the Champion of Champions event in 2006, with further victories in 2007 and 2012.
Since 2016 he has won the title every year except for 2017, when he didn’t play after a shoulder reconstruction.
Kane said he didn’t enter the competition with great confi-
dence, feeling that his form was a little off.
“I was playing well in May and June, then I lost my touch somehow.”
However, on Sunday he said he “got off to a reasonable start, then on the second nine found a groove.”
A couple of missed putts did not prove too costly.
Host club St Arnaud took out the scratch shield by the narrowest of margins over Wedderburn, 398 to 399.
However, Wedderburn got revenge in the nett event, winning by 10 shots from Sea Lake.
Only two Boort golfers entered the junior championship, with Flynn O’Rourke (92) finishing five shots ahead of schoolmate Luke Boyd.
The victorious Wedderburn team of
Unfinished business as James reaches game 300
PYRAMID Hill stalwart Gavin
James will play his 300th club game this Saturday – with one gaping hole in his impressive football CV.
James, a former co-coach of the Bulldogs and twice runner up in the league’s Harding Medal, will run out at Mitchell Park against Maiden Gully for the milestone.
But six of those 300 matches have been heartbreaking grand final losses with Pyramid Hill.
The first grand final loss came a year later, followed by others in 2008, 2011, 2019, 2023 and 2024.
James first played senior footy
for the club in 2005, when he was still a local kid in Year 12.
And apart from two seasons when he played in the Bendigo and Heathcote leagues, as well as a short stint in Darwin with the Waratahs, he has been a Bulldog fixture ever since.
“I’m proud to knock that one over,” James said of the 300game feat.
“Not too many can get to do that at one club.”
The short stint – just 10 matches – with South Bendigo followed his off-season in the Northern Territory.
“It’s a different environment,
like playing a wet-weather game every week – everything is so sweaty and that gets transferred to the ball,” James said.
He admitted to feeling exhausted at South Bendigo, so he returned to Pyramid Hill for the second half of the season.
In 2015-16 he was with Huntly in the Heathcote league, enjoying playing with a bunch of mates after tiring of the driving from Bendigo to Pyramid Hill.
But then another mate lured him back to the Bulldogs.
Brad Fawcett, who coached Pyramid Hill in 2016, asked James to join him as co-coach,
and he was happy to return home.
At 37, he says his body is feeling better than it has for a few seasons, and he is likely to lace up the boots again in 2026.
But this season there’s unfinished business, with the thirdplaced Bulldogs striving for the club’s first flag in 75 years.
Having a consistent lineup has been difficult, with more players travelling long distances and not available every week.
“We’ll see what the next month brings and see if we can get things to click” James said.
- GARY WALSH
Gavin James
Keith Lewis, Owen Bailey, Peter Sanderson, Graham Nesbit and Byron Bird
Kara Kara champion again ... Andrew Kane. LH PHOTO
