WRAPPED IN LOVE
LOVE has been wrapped around the family of the toddler, aged three, who died in a caravan fire at Boort.
An appeal target of $50,000 was reached within 24 hours on Monday to support parents Ben and Lori Keeble who had been staying with family in Lake View Street when tragedy struck last Thursday evening.
The outpouring of community compassion has seen hundreds of donors push the appeal total above $63,000 by yesterday.
The town’s Do It for DylLimp4Lymphoma run that exceeded its fundraising target just days earlier, put $10,000 towards the Keeble appeal. Run
By CHRIS EARL
organiser Chris Hatcher told supporters of the 240km relay that had already raised funds for Dylan Hatcher and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre that the Boort community was looking out for each other.
“It is with very heavy hearts that some extended family members of the Limp4Lymphoma team have been struck by a tragedy that no words can describe, and that no one should ever have to go through, losing their little boy in an horrific accident.
“As we have raised more money than we had ever imagined we have decided to help those
Weed spurt! Stock at risk
FARMERS are on high alert after mid-summer rains kick-started a potentially lethal spurt of panic weed across the Loddon.
One spent the Christmas-New Year break nursing six-monthold Merino lambs back to health after a sudden spurt of the toxic plant.
Wedderburn farmer Reg Holt said toxic hairy panic weed - fairy grass of tumbleweed sprouted and blew across a paddock at his Powlett property.
“We quickly moved stock off the paddock but not before some had eaten the weed ... their heads slightly expanded and eyes, ears, mouths, throats inflamed,” Mr Holt said.
“For more than a week, with
By CHRIS EARL
the help of friends, we’ve been nursing the lambs back to health, bathing their faces that had been burnt by the toxins.”
“The warmer weather around Christmas also increased the toxicity of the weed.”
Mr Holt said treating the distressed sheep required keeping air passages as free as possible and breaking down dry crust around mouths and eyes.
“Ears can be the size of grapefruit and feel like boot leather.
“It requires intensive animal husbandry ... very much like ICU for humans,” he said.
CONTINUED PAGE 3
in need and donate $10,000 on behalf of the team,” he said.
Local fire brigade volunteers who responded to the blaze about 5.50pm have been helped by the CFA’s wellbeing peer support team over the past week. Boort District Health has been assisting the wider community.
Family friend Luci Mayer started the gofundme fundraiser on behalf of the family
“They are now facing the reality of finding the strength, and finances to organise a funeral, whilst trying to find a way to continue with their everyday lives,” she wrote.
“With blessings from the family I have decided to start this go-fund-me to raise money for the family to have some finan-
cial breathing room in this time of despair.” A statement by the family following the tragic fire was released through BDH chief executive officer Donna Doyle.
The family said they were “wrapping their love around each other” and asked for their privacy to be respected. The toddler’s name is yet to be released by the family but funeral arrangements are expected to be finalised shortly.
Police on Tuesday said: “The (fire) circumstances have been deemed non-suspicious and police will prepare a report for the coroner.” Officers said they were aware of the impact that such a tragic incident had on family, community members and first responders.
Sunday blaze
firebug fear
POLICE are investigating three fires in rocky terrain around Mount Moliagul on Sunday. They have not ruled out links to three fires at nearby Logan last month.
Investigators have combed the scene of Sunday’s fires that saw dozens of Forest Fire Management Victoria and Country Fire Authority units, three choppers and bulldozers battle separate fires as late afternoon temperatures hovered close to 40 degrees.
Police said the fires were being treated as suspicious and detectives wanted to speak to any witnesses or anyone that might have seen any suspicious activity in the area.
2
Reg Holt nurses Merino lambs back to health after a spurt in panic weed. LH PHOTO
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WEEKEND FORECAST
Partly
Choppers, dozers needed to stop ‘deliberate’ fires
THREE suspicious fires were tackled at Moliagul on Sunday.
Forest Fire Management Victoria crews from Inglewood, St Arnaud and Maryborough quickly controlled the fires.
They were called to three scrub fires at Mount Moliagul - on the Wimmera Highway, Cherry Garden Track and Bealiba-Moliagul Road - about 4pm.
Two aerial fighting choppers from Bendigo and one from Ballarat were part of quickly controlling the fires.
Bulldozers were also used to create access to the main fire in
Cherry Orchard Track. Back-up came from Loddon district CFA brigades and strike teams were being assembled in Bendigo as a north-westerly 25kmh wind on the ground fanned flames.
FFMV senior bushfire and emergency management preparedness officer Braden Pearce said the Cherry Orchard Track fire was in rugged terrain and burnt more than three hectares.
“The aircraft also concentrated on this blaze.”
He said the other fires burnt less than half a hectare.
Central Goldfields Crime In-
vestigation Unit detectives and FFMV teams are investigating the fires.
Detectives are keen to speak to any witnesses or anyone that may have seen any suspicious activity in the area at the time. Anyone with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.
Last month, three fires near Logan were also marked as suspicious.
Police said detectives were investigating Sunday’s fires and had not made any links with the Logan outbreaks.
Town water pipes were at a standstill
WATER standpipes in three towns were out of action for almost a week.
Rural customers in Tarnagulla, Bealiba and Dunolly were forced to make 60km roundtrips to fill water tanks.
Coliban Water blamed the standpipe closures on mains issues and problems at the new $5 million water treatment plant at Laanecoorie.
The Tarnagulla and Bealiba standpipes re-opened last Thursday while Dunolly did not come back online until Monday, hours after fires at nearby Moliagul.
Coliban is believed to have told fire command on Sunday that the Dunolly standpipe could be activated if needed.
A Coliban spokesman said: “We
experienced bursts in our water supply network across the last week, which impacted Coliban Water customers within Dunolly.
“At the same time, we have experienced challenges at the water treatment plant, which also impacted our ability to maintain supply to our water network. The two issues were coincidental and are not related.
“Despite these challenges, there were no changes to Dunolly’s water supply, and it remained safe to drink at all times.
“Temporarily closing standpipes helps us to maintain supply to Coliban Water customers in Dunolly while we complete the required repairs to the network.
“We understand the impact this can have on some members of
the community and apologise for any inconvenience.
“The standpipes at Main Street, Bealiba and Poverty Street, Tarnagulla are now operational and open for public use.
“While the supply network in Dunolly continues to recover, the standpipe located at Thompson Street, Dunolly, remains closed for public use.”
Customers across the Coliban network were last weekend asked to mimimise water use as temperatures headed towards 40 degrees.
“This can cause spikes in demand for water, and customers may experience variable or low water pressure. You can help by considering how to minimise your water usage,” it said.
IN BRIEF
600 bales destroyed
MORE than 600 bales of vetch hay were destroyed in a Boxing Day fire at Calivil. Jarklin, Yarrawalla, Serpentine and Pyramid Hill brigades were called to the Calivil Mail Road fire about 9.45pm and stayed at the haystack fire overnight.
New leader
NATIONAL Party leader Danny O’Brien has pledged to work with new Liberal leader Brad Battin, elected in a Christmas-New Year week party room coup. “The Nationals will continue to work hard to represent our communities and work alongside our Liberal colleagues to provide Victorians with a better government in November 2026,” he said.
Trial focus
FLEABANE research will be a focus at Birchip Cropping Group’s trial review day next month. BCG research agronomist Angus Butterfield will detail why the key to controlling mature flaxleaf fleabane (Conyza spp.) is in the first pass of a doubleknock strategy. Mr Butterfield undertook two trials researching the stubborn weed near Birchip, Victoria in the summer of 2023-24, focussing on double-knock control. The first trial focussed on the effectiveness of different first pass options and the second trial, second pass treatments.
Hundreds cheer for Dyl
BOORT’S magnificent seven were cheered by more than 600 people after running 270km to support Dylan Hatcher and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.
The road was lined with supporters as Chris Hatcher, Jordan Bell, Tim Rhook, Ryan McGhie, Jarrod Fitzpatrick, Chris O’Rourke and Dan Anderson arrived at the end of their 270km run last week.
Many donned Do it 4 DylanLimp 4 Lymphoma t-shirts and caps, joining the runners for a lap of Little Lake Boort and adding to the fundraising total now nudging $50,000 and eclipsing the original $25,000 target.
Among supporters were present and former club mates of Dylan, the Boort footballer and health service administration officer who was diagnosed with cancer in September. Dylan last week started his final round of chemotherapy.
“We weren’t expecting this many people to turn out,” said brother Chris who organised the run from Melbourne. “May be 50 or 60 we thought ... it’s been amazing.”
“This has been a big effort from everyone - the runners, the community.”
He said the hardest section of the run was overnight Saturday through Bendigo. “The hardest part of sure, running when we would normally be sleeping.”
The seven runners and support crew knew they were on the home straight when greeted by hay bales emblazoned with messages of support at the front
of Boort Ward councillor David Weaver’s property near the Fernihurst Road.
Those same messages were waved in the air by Dylan’s family at the Boort town signs.
Community support also saw the football, tennis and ski clubs cater for post-event celebrations adding to the appeal total.
Ryan McGhie’s mother Jennifer summed up the spirit of community. “Great mates supporting a good friend in need.”
PICTURES - PAGE 17
Toxic weed panic in paddocks
FROM PAGE 1
Mr Holt said the Fiery Flat, Powlett and Korong Vale districts had previously experienced cases of panic weed risking stock life.
“There was an instance about 10 years ago. We know it can happen and keep a eye on paddock growth all the time but this one came so quick,” he said.
“We sprayed the paddock four times but panic week seeds kept germinating with the 150mm or so of rain we had in December.”
Mr Holt said recovery of the Septemberdrop Merinos had been based on dispensing a detox and a diet of cereal-baSed hay and grain feed. “We have lost only a few to live damage and sunburn.”
Hairy panic contains compounds known as steroidal and lithogenic saponins. These result in severe liver damage that leads to photosensitisation. Liver damage in sheep
also increases the risk of copper toxicity and sudden death.
Veterinary surgeon Tristan Jubb said hairy panic poisoning was a danger “when you get summer rains and it’s a lottery where it pops up”.
“Deaths in sheep over summer are always worth paying immediate attention to. During summer/autumn, a single unexpectedly dead sheep is often a sign of big things to come that needs immediate action before deaths or serious ill-thrift rapidly escalate,” he said.
“Farmers need to be hypervigilant for summer pneumonia and Barbers pole worm, but there are others such as poisonings, anthrax and the list goes on. Flies have caught a lot a producers by surprise in the last month or so. There are lots of reports of body strike, especially in Merino weaners and hoggets.”
IN BRIEF
Falls were down
ANNUAL rainfall was down in most Loddon districts, according to Bureau of Meteorology data. Wedderburn measured 588.4mm in 2023 but 421.8mm across the past year, Dunolly was similar with 466.8mm compared to 515.4mm in 2023. However, Mincha recorded an increased rainfall with 406.6mm in 2023 and 421.6 in 2024. Most of the falls were recorded during last January’s summer storms, About 5mm was tipped from many local gauges on Monday.
Brigade strike team
LODDON South group fire brigades were among the latest reinforcements sent to tackling the massive Grampians fire. Inglewood tanker and Inglewood control vehicle along with Rheola, Newbridge and Murphys Creek tankers were part of the strike teams protecting property and assets during the Christmas week blaze that burnt more than 76,000 hectares.
Scholarship date APPLICATIONS for the Inglewood and District Community Bank’s tertiary scholarships close on January 27. The scholarships are available for new undergraduate and TAFE students starting study in 2025.
P rofess ional an d Compassionate Fun eral Care
Chris Hatcher leads runners to a rousing welcome in Boort. LH PHOTOS
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Service deficit comes in ‘under budget’
THE 2023-2024 operating deficit was $121,000 under budget for Inglewood and Districts Health Service.
The annual general meeting was told the $269,000 deficit compared with the planned shortfall of $390,000.
“Revenue factors include Commonwealth revenue performing better than budget because of better-than-expected Australian National Aged Care Classification funding, plus funding for the health service to begin delivering home support programs in the Loddon Shire community,” the annual report said.
“Capital grants increased with $2 million in funding recognised for both allied health gym and residential aged care outdoor environment projects.
Expenditure factors include personnel costs majorly impact-
ed by extra FTE employed to deliver the home support program. While administrative costs were over budget due to software licence fees and other expenses reporting over budget.”
Chair Robert Chamberlain and CEO Dallas Coghill wrote in their report: “Inglewood and Districts Health Service has completed the third year of our strategic plan Delivering Better Care 20212024 and we have made significant strides in assuring we meet our strategic objectives.
“Inglewood and Districts Health Service ensures our strategic objective of Delivering Better Care is guided by our strategic pillars of Our Care, Our Team, Our Partnerships and Our Sustain ability.”
They said IDHS had been successful in recruiting to all advertised roles across the year with a high calibre of applications for
these roles. “Our team is a priority for Inglewood and Districts Health Service and worker wellbeing continues to be at the forefront of our decision making.
“Inglewood and Districts Health Service has been able to recruit to executive roles and Inglewood and Districts Health Service continues to invest in strategies to ensure that our staff are supported and prevent burnout.”
IDHS continued to seek opportunities for improved service delivery through ongoing collaboration with regional partners and the report said IDHS had been able to strengthen its commitment to indigenous health, gender equity, and mental health.
“We remain committed to meeting the health care needs and service demands ... through the provision of effective and high quality health services,” they said.
Hospital extends CEO’s contract
board chair Robert Chamberlain. Mr Coghill has been in the position since December 2021 and was previously the clinical services director.
IDHS last year became a home help provider after Federal Government aged care reforms saw Loddon Shire and other rural and regional councils withdraw from offering the services.
State Government was also secured for upgrades to Inglewood’s urgent and acute care ward.
The annual meeting was told IDHS now had 81 effective fulltime staff, up 13.
Dallas Coghill
Rheola Charity Carnival volunteer John Coffey was recognised with a certificate of appreciation at the IDHS annual meeting. He was presented with the award by chair Robert Chamberlain and board member Anne-Maree Davis. LH PHOTOS
Service milestones by staff and volunteers were recognised with special presentations. They included Julie Luks (five years), Karen McCran-Peters (10 years), Pam Kelly (five years) and Shirreene Goodwin (15 years)
Tina’s servo time comes to an end
MOTORISTS were paying with cash when the price of petrol nudged $1 a litre in the first years of the 21st century and Tina Watts took over the service station in Boort.
But after 22 years, Tina is starting to say her goodbyes to the community and business where she has given hundreds of district youngsters a start in the workforce.
Tina’s last day running the Lake-
Half crime spike cases unsolved
CRIME in Loddon communities has jumped almost 10 per cent, according to latest statistics.
Victoria’s Crime Statistics Agency has released figures showing a spike in criminal incidents in Wedderburn jumping for the year from 51 to 64, Boort up nine to 27, Pyramid Hill increasing five to 29 and Korong Vale rising from seven to 26.
Inglewood’s crime figures dropped from 52 to 41.
More than 52 per cent of the 371 incidents in Loddon Shire communities remained unsolved.
Burglaries were a big part of the jump while family violence incidents rose from 24 the in the previous 12 months to 33.
While criminal incidents were up 9.1 per cent, the number of offences lifted by 13.7 per cent. Houses, driveways, footpaths and other building were the lo-
cation or reported incidents and offences.
Member for Northern Victoria Region Gaelle Broad said: “On the same day that data was released showing crime is at record levels across the state, Labor scrapped the role of Minister for Crime Prevention.
“There is now no minister responsible for initiatives to make Victoria a safer place to live and work. In the past two years the Labor Government has cut crime prevention programs by 46 per cent, cut funding for proactive police programs, and cut the Specialist Crime Prevention Unit.
PYRAMID HILL
VICTORIA HOTEL
EST. 1874
PYRAMID HILL
“Victorians are less safe than they ever have been, and the police force deserve more resources.”
The state-wide figures saw reported incidents for the 12 months increase 15 per cent.
VICTORIA HOTEL
EST. 1874
side BP Cafe is next Monday and she says it is an emotional time ahead of moving to Bendigo to look after elderly parents.
“There have been a lot of changes over the years ... we were a Shell service station when I took over the business, people paid by cash, the fuel price was around $1 and sales of cigarettes were higher in those days,” she said.
“We’ve had hundreds of young people start on their workforce journey and it’s always been so important to have good staff. COVID was a tough time for us. Harvest period is always busy, too, and if the weather’s good there are lots of visitors”
Tina plans to compete in August’s Great Endeavour Rally raising funds for disability charity. She won the car rally three years ago.
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
Families flocking to parks and camping grounds
CARAVAN parks across the Loddon have been packed with travellers over the holiday season.
Bridgewater Caravan Park was booked out from Boxing Day until January 4 with campers enjoying live music, food from Little Asia street van and the Coffee on Loddon, as well as family activities such as lawn bowls held at the Bridgewater Bowls Club.
Bridgewater Caravan Park’s Kristy Hourigan said: “All our sites were booked from the 27th to the 4th and we’re still at 65 per cent occupancy which is fantastic. It’s been fabulous to have so many people travelling to stay with us.”
At Wedderburn Caravan Park, also op-
erated by the Hourigans, Kristy said holiday makers had been those who wanted to have a quiet Christmas and enjoy a break, along with many who were visiting family members who live in the town.
The park was also able to offer a coffee van daily for guests.
“It’s great for local businesses when we are busy because the money helps support the local community and promotes tourism in the area.” Kristy said.
Riverside campsites in Newbridge and Laanecoorie were also popular for campers over the holidays, providing visitors with a wide array of campsites and a place to enjoy the peace of the river.
- RUBY HYLAND
Cream of the season
Lunch from 12.00pm
Trading hours
Dinner from 6.00pm
Monday – Open 3.00pm
Pot’n’Parma Night
Dinner from 6.00pm
Thursday – Open Midday
Social Darts Night
Dinner from 5.30pm
Tuesday – Open 2.00pm
Steak’n’Pot Night
Friday – Open Midday
Dinner from 6.00pm Trivia Night
Lunch from 12.00pm
Wednesday – Open Midday
Dinner from 5.30pm
Lunch from 12.00pm
Happy Hour 5.00pm – 6.30pm
Dinner from 6.00pm
Brigade’s roadside assist
THERE was an extra treat for residents at Inglewood and Districts Health Service during the festive season when Cafe 3517 made a special delivery of ice-cream and other desserts. ““It was our absolute pleasure to be able to accommodate idhs on this occasion and we are very appreciative to be able to contribute and share the moment with the residents because they, along with their families are a huge part of this community,” said 3517’s Brooke Smyth.
With Hot Bar Snacks, Meat Raffle
A UTILITY has been destroyed by fire between Inglewood and Bridgewater last Saturday
Pot’n’Parma Night
Thursday – Open Midday
Saturday – Open Midday
Dinner from 5.30pm
Lunch from 12.00pm
Steak’n’Pot Night
Dinner from 5.30pm
Friday – Open Midday
Lunch from
Sunday – Open Midday All Day Pizza Menu Close 11.00pm
The driver of the orange utility had stopped beside the Calder Highway, near Chamberlains Road, about 11.15am.
Witnesses told the Loddon Herald that the man said he had started to drive off when the vehicle caught on fire and flames spread onto grass on the highway verge.
Several people tried to put out the fires in the minutes before fire brigade volunteers arrived and extinguished flames. Traffic was halted while firefighters extinguished the fire.
Tina Watts and staff member Milly Scott
The team from Cafe 3517 with IDHS director of nursing Mark Nally
If you’re a local business or shopper, get involved and win.
To launch our campaign, when you shop at any participating business in the Loddon Shire, you’ll be eligible for a chance to win 1 of 5 x $100 gift voucher to a shop of choice.
How to Enter:
1 Shop at any participating business in the Loddon Shire.
2 Fill out your details at shoploddon.com.au or fill out a paper form at participating businesses.
3 Submit your details.
Competition Dates: Start Date - Monday, 16 December 2024. End Date - Friday, 28 February 2025.
Winner Announcement: Winners will be contacted and announced via Loddon Shire Council’s Facebook.
Business Prize:
4 Make sure to read the competition terms & conditions. For all details, visit
One lucky participating business will win a marketing package to the value of $2,000! To register your business, visit shoploddon.com.au.
Make an Impact: Your purchases contribute to a stronger and more vibrant community. Shop Loddon Campaign is here, promoting our local businesses and celebrating our region’s incredible local traders and retailers!
Why Shop Local?
Support Your Community: Shopping local helps sustain and grow our incredible local businesses.
BUBBLES AND BARBECUES
INGLEWOOD Lions Club members had one Christmas barbecue left when they hosted the town’s celebrations at the recreation reserve.
And there were extra treats ranging from refreshing water melon to traditional games for children and music from the Goldfields Music Club.
It was the club’s fifth barbecue of the month.
Brigades sound joy of season
CHRISTMAS Eve saw Loddon fire brigades touring towns with sweets for children.
Brigade volunteers made sure Santa’s schedule had time for trips on local fire trucks at Boort, Pyramid Hill, Korong Vale and Bridgewater.
Christmas light competition winners were also announced in local towns with Boort’s The Shared Table taking out the Amity prize for the best commercial window.
Claire Butler and her team had the theme of the 12 Days of an Australian Christmas for the shop’s display.
Wonderland popular
FAMILIES again came from across the Loddon to Mysia’s Christmas Wonderland.
The annual light and sound display put together by Alison Dean continued through until Boxing Day Night.
Donations for the Uncle Bob’s Club Royal Children Hospital Good Friday appeal effort this year totalled $381.
Alison has already started planning new features for her 2025 display.
SWEETS AND SANTA TREATS
SANTA rolled in to the Serpentine Recreational Reserve to the delight of all the children with lights and bells announcing his arrival.
Once Santa had brought his sacks of toys to the Christmas tree his elves Renae Jordan and Sarah Gladman helped Santa hand out presents to all the excited children.
Serpentine resident Lou Green said: “It’s so nice to go to events like this, the community puts a lot of effort in and it shows.”
Inglewood Lions Club kept everyone well fed as wrapping paper went flying with a barbeque and fruit salads, while Sweets & Treats Ice Cream Cart provided adults and children with a delicious cold treat.
Children flock to receive presents from Santa at the Serpentine community Christmas tree. LH PHOTOS
Dressed for the occasion ... Jaxon and Jamie Lawson
Ava Neale in the novelty race
Corinne Pickles and Sue Hayman
Bubbles were a hit for Harvey Neale
Refreshing watermelon: Steph Guy, Annette Smith, Kathryn Paton, Chris Elliott, Lani Rose and Amanda Kellog. LH PHOTO
A million cod make way into river
MORE than one million Murray cod feedlings have been released into the Loddon River over the last decade following a preChristmas batch of 195,000 being tipped into local waters.
Victorian Fisheries Authority staff were helped by angling enthusiast Kevin Ferguson with drops between Newbridge and Serpentine.
“Since 2014, we’ve stocked 936,000 golden perch into the Loddon and 855,564 Murray cod plus the 195,000 we stocked in the days before Christmas ... over a million over a decade,” said authority spokesman Joel Peterson.
More than a quarter of restocking came after the October 2022 flood emergency.
The Loddon River’s latest Murray cod restocking also included 35,000 feedlings near Kerang.
The authority said the total river cod release was 15,000 more cod than planned “given availability of fish and decent conditions”.
According to Mr Ferguson, anglers were snagging good catches on the Loddon River this summer.
He said support from Victoria Fisheries Authority had boosted local angling prospects.
““The Murray cod is a unique
fish, one of the largest freshwater fish in the world. More people are getting out along the Loddon having fun and catching them,” he said.
Mr Ferguson said good cod catches were being reported before dawn and in the evening between Newbridge and Serpentine. “Cod are easily scared by the sun so you won’t catch them during the day.”
He said there had been reports over the Christmas-New Year period of good yellow belly catches.
However, Mr Ferguson said European carp were a problem for anglers along the river.
““They are basically a plague. I can launch a boat at Bridgewater and you don’t see any and then the fish finder picks them up,” he said.
“I would estimate that carp are making up 80 per cent of the fish population.”
But Mr Ferguson believes the strong release program of Mur-
ray cod into the Loddon River will help combat the carp. “Carp are less likely to eat cod.”
Mr Ferguson said fishing was going well on the river between Laanecorrie and Serpentine. “If you go out and don’t get any on one day, it’s just that’s a bad day and the fish are not biting.”
After the 2022 floods, he said: “I fish a fair stretch of the Loddon targeting mainly Murray cod and golden perch, anywhere between Laanecoorie Weir all the way through Serpentine to the Loddon Weir, including some prime spots between Newbridge and Bridgewater.
“I do a fair amount of walking the banks and kayaking and fishing feels to be better than ever.
North Central Catchment Management Authority says its environmental water flows “give native fish an advantage over carp so in the long term we see the balance sway back the way we want it”.
2025 Council Meeting dates
Paws for Claus - joyous time for pampered pups
DOGS pawsed to be on their best behaviour when they put their claws into festive treats at Inglewood Recreation Reserve.
The Christmas event started with barely two handfuls of dogs in 2023 last month became a barking success with more than two dozen dogs of all sizes leading owners to the lunchtime soiree.
Among them was Alan Nixon who said the ultimate aim was to established a club for the district, bringing a trainer to Inglewood to teach dogs how to always put their best feet forward.
“It looks like we are growing the Christmas event every year. It’s all been by word of
mouth and is as much a social gathering for the dogs as the owners,” he said.
Officially dubbed Pawsome Friends SantaPaws Christmas Party, Alan’s wife Janette was among the organisers of the event that saw residents from Inglewood and Districts Health Service transported to the reserve to enjoy time with the dogs.
But it wasn’t all plain sailing for some.
“My dog has been one of the worst behaved today,” said Alan. as fellow dog owners alternated between the Christmas food table and topping up the treats bowls of their pampered pooches.
- CHRIS EARL
Tuesday
Kevin Ferguson is helped by his daughters with the latest Murray cod release into the Loddon River at Newbridge.
Klaus Menich (left) and Freddie and Lou Lamprell (right) were among the dog owners and lovers celebrating the festive season. LH PGOTOS
The Australian wool market has closed out the 2024 calendar year on a positive note, recording an overall increase in the final selling series for the year. The movements in the individual Micron Price Guides (MPGs) in the merino fleece sector ranged between zero and plus 44 cents. The benchmark AWEX Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) added 9 cents on the first selling day, then it rose by 5 cents on the second, pushing its run of single digit movements to 22 selling days. The EMI gained 14 cents for the week; this was the largest weekly rise in the EMI since Week 15 (10th of October). The EMI opened 2024 at 1,213 cents and closed the year 59 cents lower at 1,154 cents, a reduction of 4.9%. In US dollar terms, the EMI started the year at 816 US cents, dropping 86 US cents for the year, a fall of 10.5%. There were exactly 100 selling days for the year, this was the smallest number of selling days for a calendar year since 2020. On 44 days the EMI recorded a rise, on 4 occasions the EMI was unchanged, and the EMI dropped 52 times across the year. The longest upward run was six selling days, the longest run of negative selling days was nine. There has been a total of 1,726,442 bales offered through auction for 2024, this is the lowest amount again since 2020, when there were 1,463,112 bales offered for the year. Of note this week was a line of wool offered in Fremantle which tested at an exceptional 11.4 microns. This is the finest micron ever recorded in Fremantle, the equal second finest nationally, and the best result since 2014. The only finer micron ever recorded was 11.1 microns in 2012.
Sales now head into the annual three-week Christmas recess. Sales will resume in the week beginning Monday the 13th of January.
Source: AWEX
109 MIDLAND HIGHWAY, EPSOM
Phone 03 5455 6333 Fax 03 5448 3936
Adam Millard | Wool | 0400 499 064
Elders Bendigo | 03 5445 6333
Craig Sharam | Branch Manager/Senior
Agronomist | 0408 188 351
Anton Mannes | Agronomist | 0499 708 044
Nigel Starick | Livestock Manager | 0408 528 322
Chris Anderson Territory Sales Manager | 0408 921 540
Glenn Jackson | Merchandise Manager | 0429 076 459
SHEEP anD LaMBS
FOR the first sale of the year agents penned 15,500 lambs at Bendigo on Monday.
Quality had a wide range with limited well finished lambs with good weight and shape offered.
All the usual buying group attended, the market opened softer however bidding bounced throughout the sale depending on quality shape and finish with some sales firm to the last market, while the secondary plainer types sold to $20/head cheaper and more in places.
Light store lambs sold firm to $10 dearer in places and light trade lambs sold firm to $5 softer, medium and heavy trade slipped $5 to $15/head. Extra heavy export lambs were in limited supply and sold to a top of $280/head, with the top pen selling firm and the plainer types to $20/head cheaper.
Lambs back to the paddock made from $62 to $150 and lambs to feed on made from $142 to $166/head. Light trade lambs under 18kg to suit MK orders sold from $88 to $143/head, averaging 690c to 790c/ kg cwt. Trade lambs 18 to 22kg sold from $142 to $190/head, 22 to 26kg sold $172 to $233/head, to average 820c to 860c/kg cwt. Heavy export lambs over 26kg made from $230 to 280/head, averaging 850c to 890c/kg cwt.
Merino lambs sold from $26 to $114 for the lighter weights and the heavier weights $115 to $170/head. Merino Hoggets from $49 to $170 and the crossbred hoggets made from $146 to $168/ head. Mutton numbers dropped to 7,800 penned. Merino wethers made from $94 to $126 for the lighter weights and over 24kg sold from $125 to $165/head. Light weight Merino ewes made from $48 to $114, and the heavier weights made from $128 to $170/head.
Heavy crossbred mutton made from
Bendigo Sheep & Lamb Market Report
New season and old lambs increased by $4-8. Sheep were $6-8 cheaper.
Monday, October 7th, 2024 - Bendigo Yarding: Lambs - 16,000 new season | 4,000 old season | Sheep - 12,000
$115 to $150, and the lighter weights made from $37 to $114/head. Most mutton averaged from
$216. D-H McKinley Leichardt (97) $210. A&J Wilson Tandarra (59) $191. A&C Dalrymple Narrewillock (40) $188. CROSSBRED EWES
AR&JM Wiltshire
To discuss the marketing opportunities available for your livestock, contact the McKean McGregor team.
BENDIGO
Hosking elected as farmers’ new voice
BRETT Hosking has become the third Loddon farmer in 30 years to be elected leader of Victoria’s peak farming organisation.
Mr Hosking, a mixed farmer based at Quambatook, won the Victorian Farmers’ Federation election last month.
Victory to the former grains council chairman and high-profile industry leader comes as the VFF has battled through a tumultuous period that saw board resignations, legal challenges and growing disquiet with retiring president Emma Germano.
Mr Hosking’s election has him pledging to tackle key issues facing farmers.
He follows in the footsteps of Boort tomato grower and now veteran Murray Plains MP Peter Walsh who was VFF president for four years until elected to State Parliament in 2002 and Terrick Terrick’s Peter Tuohey, president until 2016 and now Victoria’s Rural Assistance Commissioner and chairman of the Melbourne Market Authority, Mr Hosking said: “First, I would like to thank the many producers across our great state for their support and their confidence that I will be able to make a difference
as their voice and their representative.
“We are all aware of the challenges facing our industry – Canberra’s latest decision to unilaterally end the live sheep trade is classic example of the pressures we face in the political sphere on top of farming’s demands in paddocks,” he said.
“That is an urgent issue I am sure the National Farmers’ Federation and other state organisations are taking on as well.
“And because right now the only thing Victorian farmers have is a voice in the wilderness – and you don’t get heard from there – as president, it will be my priority to put our agriculture industry back on the national stage, where it belongs.
“The big decisions which have the most immediate impact on the bottom lines of our farmers are made in Canberra, that’s where the big bucks come from.
“Think fuel rebates, trade markets, levies and biosecurity – those are all crucial and they are all Federal Government decisions, and if we are not there when the NFF is representing farmers, we are nowhere.”
Peter Star – who has been the
VFF Livestock vice-president since 2022 – was elected Mr Hosking’s deputy in last month’s ballot of members.
Outgoing vice-president, Danyel Cucinotta, was the losing candidate for the top job.
Strongly campaigning to “return the voice of Victorian farmers to the big table” Mr Hosking said he believed the VFF has marginalised its potential by pulling out of the National Farmers’ Federation and all key peak industry bodies. He said: “You’ve got to get back in the game if you are serious about the long-term future of the industry”.
Mr Hosking is a fifth-generation farmer is a former VFF vice-president and grains group president, was chairman of GrainGrowers for four years and a director for seven. He is also a director of Birchip Cropping Group and of the national organisation Farmers for Climate Action.
When accepting the FCA role its chairman Charlie Prell said the organisation was “thrilled to have someone of the calibre of Mr Hosking join our board”.
“Brett Hosking has an incredible history in farm representa-
Change to roos harvest zones as ‘numbers keep expanding’
NEW kangaroo harvest zones and barcodes replaced by QR codes on tags has been confirmed for 2025.
Loddon Shire is now in the Loddon Malle region, one of five new zones, with a harvest quota of 49,500 for the year.
Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action says the region’s kangaroo population is estimated at 495,000.
Professional kangaroo shooter, Glenn Cole, of Newbridge, believes the new zones will be better for planning of harvests.
But he says local information pointed to a growing kangaroo population problem in the Loddon Shire.
“Everyone I talk to points to the number of roos - it keeps expanding and it’s getting worse and worse,” Mr Cole said.
“There are paddocks around here where mobs have never been seen before and now there are 150 and more only 50 metres from the road.
“In and around towns, the dry conditions have brought kangaroos closer to houses.
“Anyone who says the roo population is in decline is using a flawed system when it comes to our part of the state.
Mr Cole said reports of large numbers of kangaroos had come from the district between Newbridge and Newstead and also Logan.
He said this year’s Victorian harvest quota of 207,800 “is about all processors will be able to handle and the markets that are available for the products”.
DEECA said the 2024 aerial survey
showed only a slight decline in overall abundance of grey kangaroos in comparison to the 2022 survey “which is a statistically insignificant change that is well within margin of error of the survey methodology.
“Spatial patterns and temporal trends in abundance of Eastern and Western Grey Kangaroos across the state will be more thoroughly assessed in the associated report which fully details the results of the 2024 aerial survey and the analyses that were used to derive the abundance estimates used for quota-setting in this report.
“It is important to note that this report is written to support quota decision-making following two major changes to the Kangaroo Harvesting Program in Victoria. Firstly, the zoning system has changed to include five zones only, as opposed to the seven zones used in previous years. This means that comparison of abundance and quota figures between this report and previous reports is not straightforward. Furthermore, the method used to estimate abundance has changed from the earlier design-based approach to a model-based approach, based on recent research that demonstrate several advantages of the latter including improved precision of abundance estimation and the ability to infer abundances for arbitrarily defined geographic areas within the study area.”
The Loddon Mallee zone stretches from Castlemaine to Mildura and also includes Buloke and Gannawarra shires.
Studs preparing for major field day
BREEDERS are selecting stock to feature at next month’s Loddon Valley Merino Field Day. The annual association event will be based at Serpentine on February 28 with stud and trade displays while several local
studs will also have on-property displays. Coveted prizes will be decided for pens of rams and ewes.
The Loddon Valley event will kick off the year’s major Merino industry events in Victoria.
tion and is well known in farm circles for his honesty, integrity and straight talking. As FCA’s membership and influence continues to grow, Brett Hosking is just the sort of person who will help take us forward,” he said.
Mr Star is a livestock farmer from Tallangatta in Victoria’s northeast and is also the current VFF representative to the national wild dog action plan stakeholder consultative group.
Mr Hosking said harvest had once again shown roads are a massive and ongoing issue and not enough rail options, causing pinch points at major crossings and intersections.
“Then there is the soaring cost of power, the rights of farmers over their own property after the
Allan Labor government stripped us all of the right of appeal to VCAT when groups such as VNI West want to come marching onto your property.
“And look at the CFA, our incredible volunteer organisation which is meant to be getting a lot of the funding it needs via the fire services levy and that’s just been sucked into a new multi-organisation funding model and I’m pretty sure we are getting badly short-changed.
“I doubt the people of Gippsland would want to think their frontline defenders aren’t getting what they need.
“That’s why I stood for VFF president – this is your land, my land, and we all need to have a say about what’s going on here.”
Brett Hosking
FOR SALE 13 Belmont Street Inglewood
z 3 Bedroom home with Ensuite off Master
z 2 living & dining areas
z Small study/4th bedroom
z Plenty of natural light throughout
z Solid fuel heating in living room
z Large fernery areas
z Double carport attached
z 7.5m X 6m Colorbond shed
z Wood shed, garden shed & other shedding
z Magnificent established gardens front & rear
Spectacular family home
Price: $565,000
Inspection by appointment only
Further particulars / Inspections:
James Nevins: 0407 302 900 www.fpnevins.com.au
FOR
SALE
BY EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
- MITIAMO – CALIVIL 118.575 Hectares – 293 Acres in One Title
Established irrigation allotment – 95% arable 1.99 delivery shares
Laid out in 8 paddocks with good fencing quality established pasture along with 2 paddocks of previous crop (2024)
Strong Mologa and Fernihurst loam soil in tremendous hear, under sown to Lucerne and Rye. Water from one dam and tank to trough Bounded by 3 Roads Expression of Interest Commences 9th January 2025 Closes 14th February 2025 @ 4pm sharp
Further Particulars/Inspections: Contact Selling Agents Inspection by appointment
James Nevins 0407 302 900 Luke Nevins: 0418 510 166 Chris Nevins: 0408 510 626 Email: inglewood@fpnevins.com.au
Historic home with modern comforts
40 Main Street Bridgewater 4 Bedrooms 1 Bathroom 1020m2
Agent James Nevin Phone 0407 302 900
THE freshly renovated home on the main street of Bridgewater offers the best of both worlds.
The ornate period ceilings and exterior of the house maintain the feel of the historical house and its character while the renovated bathroom and kitchen offer the
modern comforts of a new home. The solid brick home has an open living area with a gas log heater as well as four spilt systems throughout the house, powered by the new solar panel system.
A spacious Colorbond shed sits behind the house on the 1020m2 block as well as a front and back verandah perfect for outdoor dining.
The property sits less than 500 metres from the picturesque banks of the Loddon River and is walking distance from staple Bridgewater businesses including the Bridgewater Bakehouse and the Bridgewater Hotel.
Ornate pressed ceilings are a feature of this Bridgewater house
CLEARING SALE
Farm Machinery, Hay equipment, Vehicles Friday 17th January 2025 @ 10am Sharp on site A/C GD & SG Ray (Property sold) 699 Tandarra Serpentine Road Tandarra
HAY MACHINERY “JD” 956 mower conditioner, NHBB 9080 Baler (4x3x8 – 19786 bales), NHBB 960 Baler (4x3x8 55000 bales), “MF” RK3877 Twin Rotor Rake, “Sitrix” 9-wheel inline rake “NH” Super 56 Rolarbar hay rake, “NH” 471 bale loader, Big Bale twine – 32 balls VEHICLES & BIKES 1970 “Toyota” Land Cruiser” (Ute unreg), 1983 UD tray truck (386500 km 22’ x 8’2) 2 x sheep stock crate, truck grain bin, “Gorski 3 Axle dog trailer with grain top/ 1940’s Chev Lend Lease truck WUB Hoist & grain bin, “Kawaski” Ag 175 motorbike, “Honda” 90 Motorbike
MACHINERY “JD” 610 38’ Air seeder 42 tyne W “JD” 777 Air cart “shearer” 28’ Cultivator & Harrows, “Shearer” 170 29 tyne scarifier, “INT” 6-2 20 run combine & SSB “Goldacres” 21m boom spray w 3000l tank, “Lely” Centreline spreader (1 tonne), 1200L fuel trailer w elec pump, Jacki bin – 1 tonne, “Kubota” 2m Flail slasher, 4.6m Malway mulcher (needs repairs) Grain feed out trailer, 2m Golden scoop (copy), 9 tyne Agroplough (needs repair), FEL stick rake, “Colac” windmill w Gal stand, “Hardi” boom spray 400L, 2 x Ute crates
GRAIN EQUIPMENT “Westfield” MK 100 – 61 Swingaway PTO Auger, “Mobilco” 30’ x 8” Auger w 13hp motor, 12’ pencil auger w “Kohler” motor, “Hannaford” seed cleaner
TOOLS & SUNDRIES “Mascot” lathe 4 ft bed, drill press (antique), “Goldacres” tray mate spot sprayer 120L,spot sprayer trailer TT saw bench w Robin Motor Rover R21ls log spliter, ATV trailer w crate Ascot McKay gates
SHEEP/SHEARING EQUIPMENT “TPW” Slimline hyd wool press, 2 x “Sunbeam” super pro shearing plants, “Sunbeam” twin box wool press, round woold table, “Thornton” 24 panel 2 race port sheep yards, 4 Unit lamb marking cradle, foot bath, small load ramp suite trailer, “Cowra” lick sheep feeder
SUNDRIES Assorted tools, household items too numerous to particularise
TERMS Cash, Cheque, EFTPOS on day of sale. GST applies, light luncheon available Number system operating,
turn left into Rothacker’s Road 15km turn left then right into Tandarra-Serpentine Road 1.5 Km on the right PHOTOS www.fpnevins.com.au
Festivities usher in big plan year
writes Loddon Shire’s Inglewood Ward councillor Miki Wilson about what’s ahead in 2025
AS I write this I am reflecting on recent days, the sheer joy of Christmas for most of us, especially children, and the busy time that the end of the year brings to us all.
I am also developing my diet strategy for 2024! The community gym at Inglewood and Districts Health Service and outdoor gym in Inglewood and new Loddon Fitt group in Bridgewater will feature heavily, I hope to see lots of community members taking advantage of these groups/ facilities, as part of our work/life balance!
How anyone in the shire had time to organise their own Christmas festivities amazes meas everyone was so busy contributing to Christmas community events.
Carols services and barbecues being put on by Bridgewater on Loddon Development which saw Bridgewater and Tarnagulla Primary Schools coming together for carols.
The Inglewood Lions Club
hosting a carols service and barbecue at the Inglewood recreation reserve, featuring music by the fantastic Goldfields music club. Christmas shopping at the Inglewood Community Hub in the town hall, and the Loddon Tourism Christmas lunch at the Bridgewater Hotel were just some of the festivities occurring in the community of the Inglewood Ward to celebrate community and the end of year.
One of my highlights was throwing wet sponges at the retiring principal of Inglewood Primary School, Lex Johnstone, at their Christmas fete.
The best Christmas cracker joke I heard was: What do you get if you eat Christmas decorations - Tinsilitis!
Now we need to look forward to 2025 - starting with the community developing the next council plan - telling us, the council, what you want to see from the shire is going to be important - as you, the community need to guide the council and councillors,
especially when there is going to be financial constraints on us all. We will also have a federal election in 2025 - in the first half of the year.
This doesn’t give us much time to get an understanding of what each party is offering local government - or for local government to put their funding wish lists in.
I didn’t realise how much local government funding comes from sources other than our rates, and how much legislation and regulations are beyond the control of local government as well.
State and Federal Governments are having increasing impact on local government so being active in advocacy is crucial for local councils at the State and Federal level, subsequently council communicating what is within their control is equally important.
I really look forward to working with you and for you during 2025 and hope the community has a safe, happy and prosperous 2025.
YEaR ON FROM SUMMER StORM FLOODS aND YVONNE CaShEN MOVES baCK INtO hOME
Donna Bell wrote: Glad you are back in your home for Christmas Yvonne.
Carly Drinkwater wrote: Glad you got to be in your home for Christmas this year.
tREVOR RaLPh SLaShES GRaSS ON OLD POLICE LOCKUP bLOCK IN INGLEWOOD
Peter Bell wrote: You are a good man Trevor. Keeping the township safe from potential grass fires.
Tashara Roberts wrote: Tom Ryan, IGA store manager, has recently done an
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
1. Which bird is featured on the coat of arms of Australia?
2. Who was the first Christian emperor of Rome?
3. What is a quill?
4. The word ‘ursine’ refers to what type of animal?
5. Which celebrity chef is the host of the tv shows “Hell’s Kitchen” and “Kitchen Nightmares”?
6. ‘The Pact of Steel’ was a military and political alliance between which two countries?
7. And in which year was that alliance formed?
8. The name of which band is often abbreviated to ‘GNR’?
9. Where does natural latex come from?
10. What is a baby kangaroo called?
11. The Deutsche Mark is a former unity of currency used by which country?
12. The French phrase ‘Déjà vu’ means what in English?
13. What do Aardvarks eat?
AS school bells rang for the final time in 2024, there was one local principal wondering where to find his next running challenge partner. Although Steve of Inglewood had squibbed many a battle with his predecessor John who had been posted back up around Pyramid Hill, the sense of competitiveness rarely diminished. OTF is looking forward to Steve hitting the tracks ... perhaps instead of an occasional tilt at sweaty stardom, he could venture to the weekly parkrun in Boort or even Pyramid Hill when that town joins the world-wide craze this year.
GOTTA put a shout out to Leesa whose passion for all things Rheola only rivals that of local historian Julie. Leesa has chronicled one of the more hectic ChristmasNew Year periods of anyone in the Loddon with anecdotes about life, friends and events locally and even on the big stages of Melbourne. We reckon Leesa will keep us on our toes in 2025.
empty house on our street among other places. Good people in our area.
St PatRICK’S SChOOL PYRaMID hILL CLOSES
Tania Quinn wrote: sad time for the school community after so many years . I only hope that the school doesn’t just sit there vacant.
B IG shout out to Jye and Kristy for helping make a tasteful Christmas. OTF purchased the obligatory festive ham from the awardwinning Boort butchers. Always good but this year the local product
14. What is someone with the O negative blood type referred to as?
15. Which toy company produced the Bionicles line?
16. In the ‘Wizard of Oz’ what did the lion receive from the wizard?
17. Which car company’s name means “people’s car”?
18. A Dreadnought is what type of military vehicle?
19. Who invented the saxophone? 20. A polygraph test is more commonly known as a what test?
was even more flavoursome, tender and moist. Skipped the traditional Boxing Day barbie because of the heat, well, delayed it a day when dinner was some beaut lamb chops from The Fat Butcher in Inglewood. All washed down with some great local wines from Black Wallaby and Water Wheel!
WHILE OTF normally avoids the shops over Christmas - leave that to the wife apart from when she popped into Carlie’s in Brooke Street at the weekend to spend her Chrissie gift voucher. Another of the great local shops with quality goods at very reasonable prices. And taking part in the Loddon’s local shopping promotion.
NOW New Year resolutions are pretty old hat. They say they can’t be kept ... we’ll differ on that. OTF says keep the puns and fun rolling.
bUShY taLES BY IAN JONES
Unfinished business
Chris Earl gazes into the New Year with a look at the opportunities and challenges likely to be on the agenda in our communities
UNFINISHED business, emerging challenges, lingering headaches, ready to seize new opportunities ...
... State and Federal Governments actually delivering on their promises to make life better in Loddon communities, our towns being truly supported to achieve their aspirations, strengthened local business and employment pathways.
The 2025 work list across the Loddon is crammed with projects left hanging over from the last year and even longer. It’s now five years since Canberra and Spring Street promised to have completed the first section of Calder Highway duplication north of Bendigo. Design delays and funding reviews by the Federal Government have curtailed a start on work for so long that the obligatory promotional signs for the project at Derby have toppled to the ground.
To the east, Serpentine Fire Brigade has been left waiting for delivery of its new station promised with the usual fanfare of a State Budget back in 2021. On the third anniversary of the announcement, the Government said: “The Victorian Government is continuing work to deliver a new and improved Serpentine fire station. Land acquisition was finalised in late 2022, with planning and design activities due to commence shortly.”
At least students at two P12 collegesWedderburn and East Loddon - will have new classrooms completed this year under upgrades with a price tag of more than $25 million. Perhaps that’s when the politicians will be ready to face the local media, unlike member for Bendigo East and Premier Jacinta Allan who last month put her visit to East Loddon promoted to the school community off bounds to the local newspaper. The local MP visiting a local school not wanting the local newspaper present ... a rare phenomenon for a pollie. But expect things will be a bit different this year. Federally, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese will call an election any time in the next few months and while Mallee is a safe Nationals’ seat held by Anne Webster, our communities can enter into the spirit of electioneering by pushing what we need and want.
Both Labor and the Coalition are sure to target families with promises of better and more affordable access to child care. Wonderful for suburbanites and inhabitants of regional capitals but what about in the country? Loddon’s first child care centre is another year away and both sides of politics need to come out with a response to Loddon Shire’s stance that calls for business investment support in rural commu-
nities to make child care possible and accessible.
And speaking of accessibility, a buzz word in the State Government’s housing policy that is setting new home targets for rural councils over the next decade or so, the time has come for Spring Street to investigate re-opening the rail line between Inglewood and Bendigo, an idea first floated in these columns four years ago. Imagine what that would do for population growth, building and expanding social and economic capital in our Calder corridor communities. And drive confidence that builds on the Bridgewater Rise estate now taking shape.
With the government of Premier Allen now into the premiership quarter, to use football parlance, of the parliamentary cycle, it’s a sure bet there will be more promises from Spring Street. Expect a funding pledge for Wedderburn’s permanent ambulance station at any time; but still sitting on the unfinished list is better mobile phone connectivity for all areas of the Loddon Shire where there are still con-
its consults, engages and will compensate landowners and communities but still very short on detail.
These same landowners and towns will continue to attract the attention of other renewable energy companies - wind and solar - knocking on the door at the most inconvenient of times in the agricultural production cycle.
Like government promises, the renewable energy sector has left Loddon communities dangling. The Derby Solar Farm was said to be able to produce 95MW of clean power, enough to power 25,000 households a year - meant to be generating supply by last year but there’s still no action. And a project at Campbells Forest - 200MW for 71,500 homes - has a site still inhabited by rabbits and occasional kangaroos grazing on grass despite claims it would be fully operations this financial year.
Still waiting on the State Government is Catalyst Metals. Almost two years on from lodging an application to construct an exploration tunnel at its Four Eagles gold
stant dropouts on the Calder Highway and around Newbridge and Laanecoorie, the State Government walking away from its promise of improved service.
Again, expect more visits from pollies to our patch. We may even see freshlyminted Opposition leader Brad Battin or the new Nationals’ leader Danny O’Brien. In the case of Mr Battin’s Liberals, they’ve been non-existent in the flesh on our patch since losing Ripon more than two years ago to Martha Haylett.
Government policies, too, will again have a huge impact on local rural communities. In fact, I will not be surprised if the level of angst heightens as Transmission Company Victoria continues to bulldoze plans for the controversial VNI West renewable energy transmission line through the region, offering platitudes around how
project at Mitiamo, the talks continue. The Victorian Government’s Critical Minerals Roadmap released last month may help lift investment in the Loddon. Certainly, Falcon Metals wants to further explore mineral sands deposits around Mysia where farmers have been holding out as harvest continued.
And rounding out the unfinished business list is the corella problem on the Loddon River at Bridgewater where State Government departments, the ones with resources and expertise to manage a protected pest, conveniently flicks the ball of responsibilty to Loddon Shire in another example of deflective cost and blame shifting that encumbers local government.
Loddon Shire itself has some difficult conversations to schedule this year - the future of swimming pools and other recre-
ation spaces, whether to resume the push to have Newbridge connected to water and sewerage, convincing State and Federal Governments that the level of road funding and quality of replacement surfaces actually requires more money at a time when cash-strapped governments can find billions for big ticket items in Melbourne and what some may say is diverting millions to non-core business operations at the expense of safety on our roads.
There will also be important discussions in local communities in 2025. Pyramid Hill’s former Catholic primary school now sits empty after the last students were farewelled at the end of the school year. Across the road, the former aged hostel has been vacant for more than five years. Two great facilities that could have many uses in a town where positivity sees residents with the glass still half-full.
In Boort, community chats will be important to again seeing the historic merrygo-round bringing joy to local families and enhancing the visitor experience to our Northern Oasis. Ownership and insurance issues are the challenges ... good old community co-operation will surely emerge as the key to resolution.
And speaking on community pride, is it time for the clock in the historic Inglewood Town Hall tower to tick again? Pyramid Hill raised the money to get the hands of time moving on the old Pyramid Hill Co-op clock, something that could be emulated in Inglewood.
We could even see council and communities connect to jazz up Christmas in 2025 with new tinsel and trees to adorn streetscapes, reflecting a confidence that embodies the Loddon Shire and its people, sending a positive message of hope to locals and encouraging the thousands of cars travelling the highway to stop and shop. If more did, they would discover not only local history and charm but the quality and well priced range of stock, equal or better to what is charged for similar goods in Bendigo or Melbourne.
There’s a pretty full work list for our part of the world this year - once upon a time they may have been New Year resolutions but with the pace of 21st century life, realising hope has been usurped by the need for committed action to continue the journey of achievement.
The local will is clearly evident. What we need is a matching and more timely contribution from higher levels of government.
With two elections in the next 21 months, it’s worth pushing hard for the future of rural towns in the Loddon
d E aTH NOTICEs
TONKIN - Donald Alfred
22 Jan 1932 – 21 Dec 2024
Much loved second son of Cecil and Hilda Tonkin (both dec.).
Loving husband of Valerie (dec.) and Joyce (dec.) and father of Jeanette & Paul. Brother of Ray, Irene, Gwenda, Valda, Pamela and Ken.
Dearly loved by all and their families.
“A chapter completed, a page is turned, a life well lived, a rest well earned.”
In God’s care
TONKIN - Donald Alfred
Dearly loved brother of Pam. Uncle of Marcel and Ruby, Oscar and Bronwyn, and great uncle of Leon.
A brother sadly missed. You were always there for us.
Forever in our hearts.
TONKIN - Donald Alfred
Dearly loved brother of Ken, brother-in-law of Christine, uncle of Michael, Lara, Robert and Carly. Great uncle of Harvey and Piper. You were like a father to me. Treasured memories of fishing and duck shooting trips.
Avid Carlton fan.
“Jesaulenko, you beauty.”
Sadly missed. R.I.P.
PUBLIC NOTICE s
PUBLIC NOTICEs
Seeking input to inform the Customer Experience Strategy
Help us shape the future of the customer experience at Loddon Shire!
Council is putting together a strategy to enhance how we engage, support, and deliver for the community. Your feedback is important in identifying what works, what needs improvement, and how we can better meet your needs.
Take a moment to share your insights and in uence Loddon Shire’s new Customer Experience Strategy and Charter for 2025-2029 by completing the survey at https://connect.loddon.vic.gov.au/customerexperience-strategy
Kelpie Working Dog Puppies
All vaccinated and microchipped Parents both good workers Wanting new homes asap. $400 or nearest offer.
Breeder Registration MB195957 Ph. 0447652751
wa NTE d
WANTED TO BUY
Old bottles with town or company names.
Marble bottles, Ginger Beer, Milk Bottles, Soda Syphons
Any old bottles - single items or box lots
CASH PAID ON DAY
Phone 0452 264 661
WEDDERBURN COMMUNITY HOUSE, INC
EDUCATION OFFICER PERMANENT PART TIME POSITION (15 HRS PER FORTNIGHT)
An excellent opportunity exists for an Education O cer to work at a busy community house. e successful applicant will have experience in the Education eld, Certi cate IV in Training and Assessment or equivalent, will be pro cient in preparing education programs and lifestyle and leisure activities for the needs of the local community. e successful applicant will have good time-management and customer service skills, and will work well in a small team environment.
For a Position Description and Key Selection Criteria, please contact Louise Cook : admin@wedderburnch.org.au or phone 03 5494 3489.
To support your application, please address the Key Selection Criteria and include a current Resume.
Applications close Friday, January 31st, 2025 at 4.00pm.
APRIL, Roy, Audrey and Jake Hatcher (right) were among the hundreds who greeted the seven-member relay team as it arrived in Boort last week.
The run had extra significance for the family, they were cheering on runners backing their “Uncle Dyl” - Dylan Hatcher who has just started the final round of chemotherapy treatment,
Wearing event t-shirts of Boort Football Club colours, many of the 600 supporters joined the running team in a lap of Little Lake Boort before unwinding at the tennis club.
Organisers say they have been overwhelmed by support for Dylan and the Peter MacCallum Cancer Centre.
The run team stops in front of the tribute erected by Boort Ward councillor David Weaver at his farm near the Fernihurst Road
Support and selfies ... Kane Arnold and Michael Buchanan (left) and a snap under the banner
LH PHOTOS
Opening crack at yardstick
WEDDERBURN faces a tough task in the opening round of the 2025 North Central football season, travelling to face premiers Sea Lake Nandaly on the Tigers’ home turf.
Boort is also playing away in round one on April 5 against St Arnaud.
The two Loddon clubs, who share a fierce rivalry, face each other in round seven at Wedderburn and round 14 at Boort.
The Redbacks finished third in 2024 under Tom Metherell and will look to make an early statement of intent against the competition benchmark.
Wedderburn has lost star ruckman and 2021 Feeny Medal winner Jordan Hargreaves to North Bendigo in the Heathcote District league, but there are hopes that rugby convert Mark Robinson can help fill the gap.
The Redbacks have also recruited experienced brothers Zach and Jake Palpratt, and Footscray VFL premiership player Mitch Jensen from Diggers Rest.
Natte Bealiba skipper Jye Mortlock, who captained his side to the flag last season in the Maryborough Castlemaine District league, also joins Wedderburn, along with Ben Bacon, who played with Jake Palpratt in White Hills’ Heathcote league premiership last season.
Boort finished sixth last season and has kept intact the core of its playing group.
Midfielder and best-and-fairest Jhye Baddeley-Kelly has re-signed in a coup for
the Magpies, who have also signed former Calder Cannons onballer Carlos Egan and East Keilor forward Peter Barbopoulos.
Wycheproof Narraport and Nullawil have merged to create Calder United Lions, with an eight-team competition meaning no weekly byes this season.
The Lions will make their debut under non-playing coach Darryl Wilson and playing coach Jordan Humphreys, both of whom were with Nullawil last season.
The new club is expected to be a strong contender in 2025, combining players from fifth-placed Nullawil and seventhplaced Wyche.
Among the Lions’ new signings are Eaglehawk key defender Oscar Maddern, Old Carey key forward Darcy Munro, and Balranald midfielder Kobe Lloyd.
The Lions begin their season away at Donald, which finished fourth last season and will have a new coach in Daniel Pearce.
Veteran Josh Potter was to lead the club but has stepped away from coaching for personal reasons.
The biggest coaching change is at last year’s runner-up, Birchip Watchem.
Ash Connick, the co-coach of Sandhurst, the Bendigo league’s premiers in 2024, will lead the Bulls as they strive to go one better this year.
The season begins on April 5, with league byes on Easter weekend, May 17, and King’s Birthday weekend, July 12.
Host club provides the New Year’s Day victors
THE RINKS were filled, and the overall winners were locals, so the Calivil Bowling Club’s New Year’s Day mixed fours event was an unqualified success.
In all, 64 players from around the Loddon region and beyond registered to play the event, held while pennant bowls was taking its Christmas period rest.
All teams were made up of two men and two women bowlers.
Ten different clubs were represented by players on the day, in-
cluding Bridgewater, Inglewood, Dingee and Serpentine, as well as Bendigo East.
A Calivil mixed fours team was successful, comprised of John Pickles (skip), Shirley Hope, Jan Clymo and Barry Meighan, with 79 points.
The runners up on the day were also from Calivil.
Lindsay Gronow along with Helen Gronow, Lainie Aello and Keith Richards made up the foursome.
2025 NORTH CENTRAL LEAGUE DRAW
Round 1 April 5
Sea Lake Nandaly v Wedderburn
Donald v Calder United
Charlton v Birchip Watchem
St Arnaud v Boort
Round 2 April 12
Calder United v Sea Lake Nandaly
Birchip Watchem v Donald Boort v Charlton
Wedderburn v St Arnaud
Round 3 April 26
Sea Lake Nandaly v Birchip Watchem
Donald v Boort
Charlton v St Arnaud
Calder United v Wedderburn
Round 4 May 3
Boort v Sea Lake Nandaly
St Arnaud v Donald Wedderburn v Charlton
Birchip Watchem v Calder United
Round 5 May 10
Sea Lake Nandaly v St Arnaud
Donald v Charlton
Birchip Watchem v Wedderburn
Calder United v Boort
Round 6 May 24
Charlton v Sea Lake Nandaly
Donald v Wedderburn
St Arnaud v Calder United Boort v Birchip Watchem
Round 7 May 31
Sea Lake Nandaly v Donald Calder United v Charlton
Birchip Watchem v St Arnaud
Wedderburn v Boort
Round 8 June 14
Wedderburn v Sea Lake Nandaly
Calder United v Donald Birchip Watchem v Charlton Boort v St Arnaud
Round 9 June 21
Sea Lake Nandaly v Calder United Donald v Birchip Watchem
Charlton v Boort
St Arnaud v Wedderburn
Round 10 June 28
Birchip Watchem v Sea Lake Nandaly
Boort v Donald
St Arnaud v Charlton
Wedderburn v Calder United
Round 11 July 5
Sea Lake Nandaly v Boort
Donald v St Arnaud
Charlton v Wedderburn
Calder United v Birchip Watchem
Round 12 July 19
St Arnaud v Sea Lake Nandaly
Charlton v Donald
Wedderburn v Birchip Watchem
Boort v Calder United
Round 13 July 26
Sea Lake Nandaly v Charlton
Wedderburn v Donald
Calder United v St Arnaud
Birchip Watchem v Boort
Round 14 August 2
Donald v Sea Lake Nandaly
Charlton v Calder United
St Arnaud v Birchip Watchem
Boort v Wedderburn
Round 15 August 9
Sea Lake Nandaly v Wedderburn
Donald v Calder United
Charlton v Birchip Watchem
St Arnaud v Boort
Round 16 August 16
Calder United v Sea Lake Nandaly
Birchip Watchem v Donald Boort v Charlton
Wedderburn v St Arnaud
1st semi-final August 23
2nd semi-final August 30
Preliminary final September 6
Grand final September 13
LEAGUE BYES
Easter weekend, May 17, King’s Birthday Weekend, July 12
Cricketers come back from break with round of one-day encounters
FOURTH place on the ladder and a spot in the Upper Loddon cricket finals is a race in two for Boort Yando and the Bridgewater Bulls when the senior season resumes on Saturday with a oneday round.
Wedderburn Band and Kingower are streets ahead of the rest, while reigning premier Arnold sits fairly comfortably in third place.
Boort Yando are fourth, just three points ahead of the Bulls. Each team has won a single game this season.
The Bulls have a tough start to 2025, facing ladder leaders Wedderburn, while Arnold hosts Kingower and Boort has the bye, with five rounds remaining before the finals.
Boort Yando is undefeated in the junior competition, which returns a week later than the seniors.
Just two rounds of two-day matches are to be played before finals.
As Arnold showed in the seniors last season –
finishing fourth and last and then winning the flag – anything is possible in a four-team competition.
Loddon Valley pennant bowls midweek teams resume their season next week, with weekend sides to start the second half of their seasons the following Saturday.
Results before Christmas were mixed, with Wedderburn’s Division 1 North Central team the standout, sitting atop the ladder, with Boort in second last place.
Bridgewater’s Division 2 Goldfields team is last on the ladder, while its Division 5 Bendigo side is second last, just behind Inglewood.
Pyramid Hill is struggling in the Northen District league, with three of four teams sitting at the foot of their respective ladders.
Calivil is third in Bendigo Division 4, with Dingee fifth. Serpentine is last in Division 2.
Tennis in the region resumes later in the month or in the first week of February.
INGLEWOOD TENNIS RESULTS
INGLEWOOD and District Tennis Association played its final round before the Christmas break with wins going to Powlett and Wedderburn Junction. Fentons Creek lost to Powlett 5.5 to 18.5
MEN: J. Lockhart O. Holt d B. Isaac L. Last 8-4. O. Holt S. Lockhart lost to L. Last T. Johns 5-8. J. Lockhart S. Lockharat lost to B. Issac T. Johns 4-8. L. Holt F. Lock lost to H., Lock M. Higgs 5-8. F. Lock G. Splecev lost to M. Higgs M. Livingstone 3-8. L. Holt G. Spelcev lost to H. Lock M. Livingstone 2-8.
LADIES: J. Millie G. Lockhart d D. Wayman A. Higgs 8-4. G. Lockhart D. Williams d A. Higgs B. Wilson 8-3. J. Millie D. Williams lost to D. Wayman B. Wilson 7-8. A. Hubbard R. Black lost to C. Gilmore K. Dean 1-8. A. Hubbard R. Black lost to C. Gilmore K. Dean 0-8.
New Year’s winners at Calival ... Barry Meighan, Shirley Hope, Jan Clymo and John Pickles
January
Queen of the Mountain Carly Isaac finishes second in the prestigious Hobart Marathon, beating her previous best for the 42km race by almost five minutes. It begins a year of remarkable performances from the multi-sport star. Maiden Gully YCW says it will enter an under 18 team in the Bendigo Football League. Earlier, the club had unsuccessfully tried to move its senior side away from the Loddon Valley league. The under 18 shift does not happen, and the club does not field an under 18 team in 2024, which leads to its senior side being penalised 12 points before the season starts.
AFL Central Victoria commissioner Leon Holt walks away from the role after 12 years with a call for football hierarchy to listen more to grassroots administrators. Inglewood lawn bowls champion Geoff Wilson skippers his team to a win over a side helmed by six-time world champion, Scotland’s Alex Marshall, who is playing a season with Moama. It is his first pennant defeat in seven years. Bridgewater Bowling Club switches on its new lights. Boort Yando wins the Upper Loddon Cricket Association junior crown after defeating Kingower. Arnold Cricket Club celebrates its 125th anniversary.
Jarklin-owned pacer Modern Bliss takes out the group one Tasmanian Cup. Wedderburn’s bowlers win the North Central playing area Division 1 flag, while in tennis Fentons Creek defeats local rivals Wedderburn to claim the Inglewood association pennant. Serpentine takes out the Bendigo playing area Division 3 bowls title. Cricket wooden spooners Arnold crowns its 125th year by also winning the senior grand final against Wedderburn Band. While the winners celebrated it becomes clear that extended football training commitments are impacting summer sports. North Central Netball League introduces rolling subs.
Charlie Sullivan, 13, wins the Rheola Gift at the annual Easter Monday charity carnival. Defending titleholder Jarrod Rodda wins the men’s tennis singles at Boort’s 65th Easter event. The AFL Central Victoria Commission is abolished, to be replaced by an independent council. Big-name recruits Josh Mellington (Bears Lagoon Serpentine) and Lachlan Sharp (Bridgewater) kick 10 goals and eight respectively as the football season begins. In round two, Mellington boots 10 and Sharp a dozen as they begin a race to the century. In netball, Serp wins its first A Grade match in five years when it beats Inglewood in style, 67-21.
Wedderburn wins the first derby clash against Boort in the North Central league. Josh Mellington and Lachlan Sharp each kick 15 in round three to continue their goal spree. But Mellington’s career is put in peril when he is reported for striking. The Bears successfully challenge his one-match suspension – an unsuccessful appeal would mean a two-game penalty, taking him to 16 matches in total and a lifetime ban under AFL rules. Upper Loddon Cricket Association announces a T20 competition for the summer. Bridgewater A Grade netball cocoach and player Caz Wood wins the Anzac medal for most courageous player.
In round eight, Lachlan Sharp’s 20th goal for the afternoon against Mitiamo is greeted by a streaker. Josh Mellington manages ‘only’ 17 against Maiden Gully. Five-time premiership player Adam Postle plays his 300th game for Wedderburn. Loddon Shire CEO Lincoln Fitzgerald is named on the new AFL Central Victoria council. Boort and Wedderburn harness racing clubs have meetings stripped for 2025 in a shakeup of the struggling sport. A big month for Mitiamo sees them back on top of the A Grade netball ladder. The Mellington-Sharp duel comes to an end, with the Serp star badly tearing a hamstring after 93 goals in nine matches.
Inglewood’s Geoff Wilson is named in the Victorian bowling arm team for the national titles. Lachlan Sharp kicks his 100th goal of the season against Inglewood, booting nine on the day, and celebrates on the ground with his children. Pyramid Hill ends Marong’s 42-game winning streak with a five-point victory. Monday night mixed netball returns to Pyramid Hill. Three Holt brothers play together for the first time as Wedderburn beats Boort. Kellie Anset plays her 500th netball match for Calivil, as does Kristen Gooding for Boort. Pyramid Hill motocross rider Judd Chislett, 16, remains undefeated in state C Grade ranks.
Boort champion Andrew Kane takes out the 103rd annual Wedderburn golf tournament. Redback veteran Danny Benaim plays his 350th career game at the age of 40. Trotter Blackstone Glory breaks the Horsham track record for Inglewood trainer Trevor Ralph. Maiden Gully’s 12-point ladder deduction is rescinded. Max Beattie wins the North Central under 17 best and fairest. Mitiamo takes out the A Grade netball minor premiership as the Superoos’ footy team ends a winless season. Bridgewater beats Newbridge and Pyramid Hill defeats Serp in the first weekend of footy finals. Wedderburn prevails over Donald in North Central.
Serp’s Justin Laird wins the league B&F by 10 votes. Bridgewater’s Carly Van Den Heuvel takes out the netball award. Rising Star nods go to Inglewood’s Gabe Nevins and Serp’s Ava Francis. Pyramid Hill beats Marong for the second successive time to move into the grand final. Serp goes out in straight sets with a loss to Bridgewater. Marong thumps Bridgewater in the preliminary final and goes on to turn the tables on the Bulldogs in the grand final for a third successive flag. Mitiamo wins the netball flag. Wedderburn’s footy season ends with a preliminary final loss, but the Redbacks win the A and B Grade netball grand finals.
Inglewood’s Blake Coffey, 17, wins a major woodchop event at the Melbourne Royal. Carly Isaac wins her second Queen of the Mountain title at Wycheproof. Pyramid Hill to launch a parkrun event next year. Arnold’s defence of its cricket premiership gets off to a rough start with a loss to Kingower, whose captain Jayden Leach takes 7-26 and makes 85. Bridgewater Bulls return to the competition after a year in recess. Wedderburn’s Hayley Smith wins a national ranch horse title with ‘Digger’. First T20 round played in Upper Loddon cricket. Loddon Eagles pull out of Inglewood and District tennis competition.
Junior tennis tournament makes return to Pyramid Hill. Kain Robins and Paul Thomson to lead Marong after three-time premiership coach Linton Jacobs moves on. Lachlan Sharp named as sole Bridgewater coach for 2025 after co-coach Rick Ladson rejects offer to stay on as an assistant. Wedderburn may turn to rugby convert Mark Robinson to fill the shoes of ruck star Jordan Hargreaves who has headed to the Heathcote league. Jayden Leach’s cricket season reaches new heights with a century. Luke Boyd scores 40 of his team’s 44 points as the Kings win Boort’s summer mixed basketball competition.
rain washes out all sport as the month begins. Carly Isaac wins the Loddon Herald Sport Star of the Year award. Bridgewater star junior Rachael Flood is chosen for the elite Netball Victoria Talent Academy. Kingower wins the first T20 cricket competition grand final, knocking over Wedderburn and taking home the Loddon Herald Cup. However, Wedderburn finishes the year on top of the cricket ladder ahead of Kingower as the two teams dominate the competition. Boort Yando remains undefeated in the juniors. Loddon Valley fixture for 2025 released, with grand finalists Marong and Pyramid Hill to meet in round two.Three new faces on league board.
Torrential
SELECTED HIGHLIGHTS OF SPORTS STORIES IN YOUR LOCAL LODDON HERALD
Loddon HERALD sport
GET TING BACK ON TRACK
HARNESS racing will return to Wedderburn for the first time in three years on Australia Day
The meeting, which features cup races for both pacers and trotters on a nine-race card, will be the only one hosted at Donaldson Park in 2025.
Financially-troubled Harness Racing Victoria last year stripped Wedderburn of one of its two scheduled meetings in a severe blow to the club and the region.
Boort also lost one of its two race days for 2025, with its single event - the cup meeting - scheduled for March 2.
Wedderburn’s meetings for the past two years were held at Maryborough while Donaldson Park’s community hub was redeveloped in a $5 million project.
Club president Bruce Hargreaves said the chance to host the meeting at home was a significant milestone for the club and for the area.
“It’s very important for us to get a bit of mojo back, when we’ve not been racing here much,” he said.
“We’re hoping for very good support from the local community, being the first meeting back with the new pavilion.”
Hargreaves was aiming for an attendance of about 1000, but admitted it was difficult to predict given the long period since a meeting had been held in the town.
By GARY WALSH
Harness racing was first held at Wedderburn on what is now the golf course in 1886.
“We are a very historic club in the harness racing world, so it’s important for us to keep going,” Hargreaves said.
The battle to restore the second annual meeting will continue.
“The board is not discussing anything, but we are still applying pressure and keen to go back to two meetings,” Hargreaves said.
“With the state of affairs at the moment they have to pull the strings in a bit.
“It’s mainly a financial issue. The board is government-appointed, and they were spending like Dan Andrews at times.”
Wedderburn has been in the wilderness before, with tracks including Donaldson Park, Boort and St Arnaud closed in 2005 and not reopened until 2012.
Highlights of the Australia Day meeting include the $15,000 Loddon Shire Wedderburn Pacers Cup and the Reeves Earthmoving Wedderburn Trotters Cup, also with a $15,000 purse.
Swim classes start across region
DESPITE the rainy beginning to the week the VicSwim program is off to a fantastic start in Wedderburn.
Week one of the five days of water safety, survival and swimming programs to children over four began Monday afternoon at the Wedderburn Outdoor Pool and will finish tomorrow.
lessons also started in Pyramid Hill this week with week two classes starting next Monday at Pyramid Hill, Boort and Inglewood swimming pools.
The event will also feature the final of the Central Victoria Pacing and Trotting Championships.
There will be live music on the day and a Fashions on the Field competition. The club is organising special buses from Bendigo for fans.
Lessons are structured to skill levels of each child with small classes to ensure they get the most out of the program possible.
The program will return to Wedderburn for week three of the program on January 20.
The VicSwim program focuses on teaching children swimming and water safety skills to ensure that all Victorians have the opportunity to access water safety, survival and swimming programs for both, that maximise safety and attitudes ensuring confidence and the ability to enjoy aquatic environments.
- RUBY HYLAND
VicSwim
VicSwim classes underway at Wedderburn on Tuesday for youngster Murphy McFarlan. LH PHOTO