Loddon Herald 9 May 2024

BOOM town trends have Bridgewater businesses making firm plans for future growth.

Two of the Calder Gateway town’s popular businesses have announced projects they say will enhance Bridgewater’s envied tourist destination reputation.

And in a further sign of confidence, a hairdressing salon will open soon in the town’s former general store and newsagency last used as a motorcycle display shop but closed for more than six years.

The boost to business investment comes as civil works have started on the Loddon Shire’s first major housing estate Bridgewater Rise and new owners have taken over the town’s post office run for three years by a local consortium that staved off closure of the service.

Bridgewater Hotel’s Virginia Hyland and Greg McKinley this week become owners of the historic post office residence.

They plan to renovate the Victorian-era building and convert it to accommodation.

“Every week we get seven calls from people asking about accommodation, even in the middle of winter,” said Viriginia.

“New accommodation will be a further boost to the reputation of destination Bridgewater,” she said.

“Businesses are putting a lot of energy into Bridgewater.”

Bianca Rothacker’s Bridgewater Nursery has added to the town’s destination reputation

By CHRIS EARL

since opening three years ago. Last week Bianca took ownership of the former butcher’s shop that has been used as a local produce and arts store.

Sold with a planning permit granted last year by Loddon Shire for a small cafe, Bianca said the shop would be used as an additional display area for the recently-opened indoor gift centre while cafe plans were developed.

“We’re looking to the boom in the near future. It’s happening very fast and unlike some country towns, we’re bucking the trend, reinvigorating and coming alive,” Bianca said.

She said people were travelling up to two hours to buy at Bridgewater businesses. “People are coming to the bakery, the nursery, the hotel.”

Across from the heritage garage that houses the nursery shopfront, Amanda Goodman is seeing the final stages of renovation before opening her hairdressing salon.

The construction of the first homes in stage one of Bridgewater Rise estate could start before Christmas.

The boom confidence is also being driven by increased visitation to the Loddon River town with Bridgewater Caravan Park lessee Kristy Hourigan saying bookings were up almost 40 per cent on recent averages.

Some Bridgewater residents have already flagged the need to reduce Main Street’s speed limit

STREET

were introduced in Inglewood and Wedderburn.

They also say the town’s growing population and rising traffic numbers call for better parking management in Main Street.

Bianca said: “The future is looking bright in Bridgewater. There’s a real momentum to be an entry showpiece to the Loddon Shire.”

Collaborative spirit of tourism - Page 7

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WEEKEND FORECAST

Heads are shaved for Rowan

HEADS are being shaved and funds raised for Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation as northern Loddon communities rally around local sporting legend Rowan Broad.

Rowan, Pyramid Hill Football Netball Club’s netball operations director, has been diagnosed with Mantle Cell Lymphoma.

Three dozen players, officials and supporters were at Mitchell Park last Saturday night to have their heads shaved and raised

more than $6000 for the foundation.

And this Saturday, Boort club will add to the coffers with their fundraiser now throwing support behind the foundation and the Broad family.

Rowan was a Boort reserves premiership player and wife Chelsea is a long-time Boort hockey player. Two of their children Tristan and Lillian play football and hockey with Boort.

Chelsea’s sister Jacqui said: “We

have a list of people hoping to get their heads shaved this weekend if we raise enough money.”

Pyramid Hill president Bruce Moon was among those who had his head shaved last weekend. He said: “This is the true value of being involved in community sport.”

“It’s moments like these that remind us of the power of unity, compassion, and support within our club and beyond,” Mr Moon said.

Hobson’s choice

MICHAEL Hobson has been re-elected president of the RSL’s Inglewood-Bridgewater sub-branch. Vice-president is Mal Gilmour, secretary Bill Concol and treasurer Kevin Stewart. Jo and Barry Hughes are appeals officer and Steve Gartside membership officer.

Hotel hiatus

DINGEE Hotel is expected to re-open mid-year. Local consortium owner spokesman Matt Bowles said a new lessee would take over the hotel after the previous licensee left.

Another term

COLIBAN Water managing director Damian Wells has had his contract extended for five years. Mr Wells was first appointed to the role in 2019.

Irene’s works

AMONG crafts on display in the latest exhibition at Wedderburn’s Coach House Gallery are quilts crafted by Irene Finch. Last week’s article unfortunately omitted Irene in the list of local artists with works on show.

Cost inquiry

A Victorian Parliamentary inquiry into local government funding and services and cost shifting from state and federal government to council kicked off this week, separate to a federal inquiry on council sustainability.

Club president Bruce Moon with Rowan’s mother Glenys Broad (left) and MItch Gunther

Straub ‘conflict’ claim

By CHRIS EARL

ANTI-DUCK hunting activists have reported former Loddon Mayor Dan Straub to the Local Government Inspectorate alleging conflict of interest and misuse of position Regional Victorians Opposed to Duck Shooting on Monday said the Terrick Ward councillor “appears to be using his position on council to promote his personal interest of duck hunting.”

Spokesman Tim Haddad said the complaint was lodged with the inspectorate and Loddon Shire Council and followed a Loddon Herald report where Cr Straub told the April’s council meeting of benefits to the local economy from the duck hunting season.

Mr Haddad has also written to Cr Straub requesting a meeting and copied other councillors into the correspondence

“The fact you personally enjoy duck hunting is well known. The fact you continually promote your personal choice of recreation from your position on Council, is unacceptable. It is not reflecting the views of your rate-payers, in fact is detrimental to them,” Mr Haddad said in the letter.

Mr Haddad said Cr Straub’s comments “followed earlier public statements made by you on behalf of the Shire, including by means of a submission to the Parliamentary Inquiry promoting recreational native bird hunting”.

Cr Straub said on Tuesday he had not been contacted by the Lo-

Duck shooting opponents lodge watchdog complaint

cal Government Inspectorate but “I will be more than obliging and co-operate and help where I can”. However, he ruled out meeting with Regional Victorians Opposed to Duck Shooting.

“I won’t be meeting with this activist group. Their concerns have been raised and noted, I don’t think a meeting will be beneficial or worthwhile for either party,” Cr Straub said.

Mr Haddad has told Cr Straub:

“Given your very public ongoing promotion of native bird hunting, from your Council position, you must have knowledge of the below. We ask that you please provide answers to the following as a matter of urgency:

„ What percentage of your ratepayers are licensed duck shooters?

„ How many Loddon residents live within 3km of recreational duck shooting? How many live within 750 metres?

„ How many are attempting to work from home during duck shooting?

„ When was the last health and safety risk assessment carried out?

„ When was the last cost-benefit analysis undertaken re the impacts of bird hunting on community?

„ What is the cost to your Shire of lost tourism as a result of bird hunting?

„ What is the cost to rate-payers, of law enforcement or other government monitoring?

“We ask that council represents regional constituents who want a safer, more peaceful, enjoyable amenity.”

Loddon chief executive officer Lincoln Fitzgerald said: “As the media release from this group states that they have submitted a complaint to the Local Government Inspectorate it is not appropriate to comment.”

Loddon council last year voted to make a submission to the Victorian Parliament’s inquiry on duck shooting.

A motion moved by Cr Straub and seconded by Cr Neil Beattie set out council’s submission to back retention of duck shooting on three grounds:

„ The positive economic impact duck hunting has upon the local community.

„ The positive mental health impact of this activity for many people in our community.

„ That duck hunting is a long standing tradition for many families within our shire and visitors to our shire.

In its submission, the council said:

“Many of our residents have reported that hunting allows them to connect with like-minded people and to reconnect with the natural environment.

“Additionally, hunting provides the opportunity to procure organic game meat while spending quality time with family and friends.

“As per the annual University of Canberra Regional Wellbeing Survey, highlighted in the economic contribution of recreational hunting in Victoria report, hunters who pursue duck or stubble quail have higher social capital, personal wellbeing and general health compared to hunters who hunt for other animals.

“In fact, the Regional Wellbeing Survey shows that 69 per cent of hunters are in excellent or very good health, compared to only 44 per cent of the general Victorian population.

“The personal wellbeing of duck and stubble quail hunters is further reflected across all categories, including average score for satisfaction with their lives as a whole, which is greater than the Victorian average,” council said in its submission to the inquiry .

While the inquiry recommended a ban on duck hunting the State Government decided to continue duck hunting seasons in Victoria with additional training requirements for shooters from next year.

Council told the inquiry it recognised that native bird hunting had a long standing tradition in Victoria, dating back to the 1800s and was still a common practice for Aboriginal people thousands of years later.

The Local Government Inspectorate has been contacted for comment.

Still thinking

LOCAL Government Minister Melissa Horne is still considering final recommendations from the Victorian Electoral Commission on Loddon Shire ward boundaries. The minister received the report more than two weeks ago but Local Government Victoria this week said further information would be available “in due course”. New ward boundaries are expected to be in place for October’s council elections.

Police survey

VICTORIA Police has launched its third annual community sentiment survey asking residents about local community safety concerns, recent interactions and engagement preferences with police and what more the force can do to improve community safety. Results are used as part of Victoria Police’s back-to-basics Neighbourhood Policing initiative to help police develop local responses to key community safety issues.

Mining careers

MELBOURNE Storm star

Josh King will visit the Loddon next week promoting careers in the mining industry. Minerals Council of Australia Victorian director James Sohoran said the visit to East Loddon P12 College was part of the council’s program to grow mining career awareness in local communities.

Tours EVERY WEDNESDAY 11am-1pm

Kneebone Track cultural burn

A CULTURAL burn of more than 100 hectares at Kooyoora State Park was lit last Thursday afternoon.

Call a djandak wi - country fire in Dja Dja Wurrung languagethe burn was in the Kneebone Track area at Kingower.

DJAARA and Forest Fire Management Victoria completed the burn on Friday.

DJAARA said a djandak wi was a burn that was spiritually, socially, ecologically, and ceremonially important to Dja Dja Wurrung people.

A 123.35-hectare cultural burn at Tang Tang Swamp, near Dingee, was conducted on Tuesday and 90.73 hectares at Thunder Swamp, Tandarra, yesterday.

3G will stay on line longer

TELSTRA will delay switching off its 3G mobile phone network.

The telco on Monday pushed back the cut-off date two months to August 31.

Mallee MP Anne Webster said there were concerns people with older mobile devices could be blocked from making emergency calls.

“This is a welcome development but highlights the issues with the shutdown, particularly for those in regional Australia,” said Dr Webster.

Telstra says the later network shutdown will give people more time to check compatibility of their handsets with the 4G and 5G networks.

The announcement comes as Loddon residents continue to voice frustration at poor

service across the mobile phone spectrum and residents in the Laanecoorie and Newbridge districts still wait for details from the State Government on signal strength increases from a promised new tower to be built by 2026.

A Telstra spokesperson said: “Telstra have been communicating the closure of the network for nearly five years but understand there are a range of reasons why some people haven’t moved on.

“The closure of the nation’s 3G network is an industry wide change, moving people to better connectivity.

“Everyone using devices that rely on 3G for either data, voice or emergency calls will need to make a change to stay connected when it switches off.

“Mobile customers who are directly using the Telstra network or a provider that uses the Telstra network can check if their handset will be impacted by using our SMS tool. All they need to do is text the number “3” to 3498

“In addition, soon customers yet to upgrade will hear a short message on impacted mobiles when making an outgoing call as a reminder that you need to act. This pre-recorded message will only be removed once you’ve upgraded.”

Telstra says moving customers onto 4G and 5G services will mean a big leap forward for mobile connectivity across Australia. Regional manager Steve Tinker last month said Loddon communities would have a smooth transition to 4G.

Tax cuts for every taxpayer

Fight to stop cyberbullying

DISTRICT farmers and school students will raise funds tomorrow morning for cybersafety programs supporting children and families.

Nutrien Boort and Boort District School are part of the national Do it for Dolly Day. Staff and students will be cooking up egg and bacon sandwiches from 7.30am. Branch manager Teagen Welsh said it would be the second year Nutrien and the school had joined forces for the initiative.

“Dolly’s parents are both Nutrien employees and the Do It for Dolly Day is a very important initiative.”

The fundraiser honours Dolly Everett who was 14 when she tragically took her life in January 2018, following relentless and sustained bullying and cyberbullying. A recent report from the eSafety Commissioner has shed light on a troubling trend: cyberbullying is on the rise. According to the report, there has been a staggering 40 per cent increase in cyberbullying reports, with eSafety receiving 2383 reports in 2023 compared to 1700 in 2022.

Dolly’s Dream supports families with services including a free 24-hour support line, anti-bullying and online safety workshops in schools, mental health first aid training in communities and the free Beacon cyber safety app - a trustworthy resource for parents and carers to help them confidently navigate their family’s technology use and reduce associated harms.

Double whammy power outage

HOMES and businesses were without power across two days last week.

Powercor said two network faults in north-central Victoria knocked out hundreds of customers including Wedderburn and Boort districts.

“Around 1700 customers were impacted when an underground cable fault occurred on Tuesday,” a spokesperson said.

“The following day, more than 7000 customers in the area were impacted when the zone substation at Charlton was temporarily taken offline following a fault on the network.”

Powecor says the cause of the larger outage was under investigation.

Monitor appointed

A MUNICIPAL monitor has been appointed to Buloke Shire Council to “support good governance processes and practices at the council”.

Local Government Minister Melissa Horn said Peter Harriott would be in the role until December 31, Mr Harriott will advise and support Buloke Shire Council and will ensure stability for the council in the lead up to and following the October elections, according to the State Government.

STATE BUDGET 2024

Crossing coming this way

PEDESTRIAN lights will appear on the Calder Highway at Wedderburn after funding was confirmed in Tuesday’s State Budget.

A community petition last year at the height of a community campaign for improved road safety in Loddon communities collected hundreds of signatures.

The Government later announced 40kmh zones through Inglewood and Wedderburn.

But the community calls for a pedestrian crossing in High Street Wedderburn, listed as a Calder Highway improvement priority by Loddon Shire, was not confirmed until a statement by Ripon MP Martha Haylett after Treasurer Tim Pallas had delivered his 10th Budget.

Ms Haylett said the Government had allocated $62 million for upgrades to make rural and regional roads safer.

No announcements were made on Budget day on the future structure of health services with speculation continuing that management across the Loddon-Mallee region will be taken over by Bendigo Health.

Ms Haylett said: “Since the pandemic, the cost of running our health system has continued to increase – but every cent is worth it to keep Victorians healthy. That’s why we’re making the biggest multi-year investment in our health systems in Victoria’s history. It’ll mean our

hospitals have the long-term certainty they need over the coming years.

Ms Haylett also said there would not be delays with Wedderburn’s child care centre that was “still very much on track for delivery by 2026”.

Budget papers show that Coliban Water will spend $1.3 million on its Bridgewater system tank renewal with a finish date late next financial year. They say increased construction costs have blown out the project cost by $190,000.

Goulburn Murray Water’s plans for spillway outlet work upgrades at Laanecoorie Reservoir have

been delayed. Originally included in last year’s Budget, work is now not expected to be finished until June 2026. The project cost bas been cut by almost $500,000 $3.9 million and the “project reprioritised”.

Funds for the $12.9 million upgrade at Wedderburn College are included in the Budget papers.

The Government says it will deliver a once-off $400 School Saving Bonus to help cover the cost of uniforms, excursions, sports and the extras that make school fun.

“Available to every government school student, and those doing it tough at non-government

Afternoon tunes bring smiles to music lovers

IAN Leach had one of the biggest smiles as musicians took to the stage at Inglewood Golf Club on Sunday.

For a second month, Ian welcomed fellow devotees of having fun through music.

The spritely octogenarian joined guitar players, vocalists and drummers for the open session.

His motivation for the monthly music gigs: “To keep active and have fun.”

schools – it gives regional families one less thing to worry about. We’re also tripling the Glasses for Kids program – reaching an extra 74,000 young Victorians across the state – providing free vision screening and prescription glasses for kids who need them,” the Government said.

“And we’re delivering even more Get Active Kids vouchers, providing up to $200 to help families cover the costs of kids’ sport.”

Ms Haylett said: “In recent months, Victorians have already experienced the cruel impacts of fires, floods, and storms. In this Budget we are continuing our support for those Victorians that have been affected by these catastrophic weather events ... with $301.5 million to help them rebuild and recover.

“This includes repairs to schools, roads, and other infrastructure, as well as temporary accommodation, relief payments and mental health support for residents who need help recovering.

“We’re also supporting our rural farmers and small businesses experiencing, or at risk of, financial hardship with $4.1 million to continue the Rural Financial Counselling service.

“This free and independent service provides advice and support at a time it’s needed most,” Ms Haylett said.

Gotta be game in ‘road roulette’, says Nats MP

THE Budget has condemned regional Victorian to more “road roulette” with further massive spending cuts, said Murray Plains MP Peter Walsh.

Mr Walsh says a whopping 16 per cent cut “has today been ripped out of an already inadequate road maintenance fund” ensuring our roads will continue to not just get worse, but get more dangerous.”

He said regional Victoria was littered with black spots in urgent need of safety upgrades as well as repairs “and now that just isn’t going to happen”.

“Our regional road network is crumbling in front of our eyes – across northern Victoria that collapse has been accelerated by two, in some places three, massive flood events in the past decade.

“At the same time the real cost of road repair has soared, meaning regional Victorians will be forced to continue to dodge potholes and that sort of evasive and unsafe driving dramatically increases the risk level on our roads.

“The Liberals and Nationals pledged to spend $1 billion a year on road maintenance, and the Allan Labor Government, which is driving us to bankruptcy, not safer travel, is offering to spend less than $700 million as the crisis worsens.”

Wedderburn residents launch a petition last June to have a pedestrian crossing on the busy Calder Highway. LH PHOTO

FLOOD RECOVERY UPDATE BULLETIN

HEALTH & WELLBEING SUPPORT

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

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

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

Orange Door - You have a right to be safe

- Call 1800 512 359

Australian Community Support Organisation (ACSO) - An intake organisation for Alcohol and other Drugs, Mental health, Youth and other clinical services for the Loddon area.

1800respect - Con dential information, counselling and support service. Call 1800 737 732

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

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

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

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

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

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

Translation and Interpreter Services

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

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

LOCAL SUPPORT SERVICES

Community Health/Hospitals

Boort District Health

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

Inglewood and District Health Services

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

Northern District Community Health P: (03) 5451 0200

Boort Medical Centre

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

Dingee Bush Nursing Centre

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

Marong Medical Practice

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

Wedderburn Health Clinic

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

Legal Services

Loddon Campaspe Community Legal Service P: 1800 450 909

Neighbourhood Houses

Boort Resource and Information Centre

(BRIC) 119-121 Godfrey St, Boort P: (03) 5455 2716

Inglewood Community

Neighbourhood House

Cnr Verdon & Market St, Inglewood P: (03)5455 2716

Pyramid Hill Neighbourhood House

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

Wedderburn Community House

24 Wilson St, Wedderburn P: (03) 5494 3489

On Friday 19 April, Inglewood District Health Services held their annual Women of Wedderburn event at the Wedderburn Mechanics Institute with very special guest speaker, Jelena Dokic. Jelena spoke candidly about the her experiences as a survivor of domestic abuse and how through therapy, friendships and connecting to her passions, she was able to rebuild her self-worth and sense of purpose. The sell-out event was attended by around 200 Women from across the Loddon Shire and beyond and was supported through funding as part of Loddon Shire Council’s Flood Recovery Program which is jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian State Governments. Congratulations and well done to all on this truly memorable night for the women of Loddon Shire.

Support for Victorian Primary Producers

In Spring and early Summer 2022, high rainfall, storms and oods caused signi cant losses to the Victorian agricultural sector. Adverse impacts resulted in production losses of almost $1 billion across 40 local government areas in a range of horticultural, grazing and broad-acre cropping industries, and $840 million in asset losses.

In response to these events, the National Centre for Farmer Health provided ood recovery support to Victorian farmers in multiple ways:

 The #BuildingFarmSpirit social media campaign included interviews with more than 50 farmers, agricultural advisors and rural health professionals discussing ways of protecting and promoting good mental health and wellbeing during ood recovery. The SM campaign also promoted useful wellbeing resources and funding opportunities.

 Free access to online psychology support delivered by farmer health trained psychologists.

 Webinars for agricultural service providers and advisors on supporting farmer mental health and wellbeing during stressful periods “Helping your clients out of the mud”.

 Financial support for more than 60 community events providing social connection and mental health promotion opportunities for farmers, farming families and farming communities.

 Mental health resources and support information. https://farmerhealth.org.au/support

Discover the importance of farmer health checks in this latest podcast as part of #buildingfarmspirit campaign from the National Centre for Farmer Health. Visit https://open.spotify.com/ episode/76xnmlJRhXNR2bzIB0IH3Y

Ag Vic Forecast video: The Very Fast Break videos

The third Bridgewater Run for Resilience will be supported by Loddon Shire Council Community Recovery Grant.

LODDON SHIRE SERVICES AND CONTACTS

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

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

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

The Very Fast Break is delivered as short YouTube videos summarising oceanic and atmospheric climate drivers and the summarised model predictions for rainfall and temperature for Victoria. Stay tuned for local presentations from Dale Grey. Watch the latest episode at https://www.youtube.com/ watch?v=j61r50xtehs

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

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

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

 Go to our Facebook page facebook.com/LoddonShire/ LH1629224

Team spirit key to destination growth Diggers take time to remember comrades

TOURISM growth in Loddon Shire would come through collective effort and collaborative spirit.

That was the message of lessee of the Bridgewater and Wedderburn caravan parks, Kristy Hourigan, at last week’s Loddon tourism network dinner.

Tourism businesses and organisations from all major Loddon Shire communities heard from Mrs Hourigan on the destination visitation growth achieved at the parks in the last 12 months.

She said bookings at Bridgewater had increased almost 40 per cent and there were plans to place cabins at the park to further boost stays.

Mrs Hourigan said industry data showed people had a preference for overnight stays over day trips.

Loddon Shire’s tourism and economic development manager David Stretch said accurate economic data would soon become available for the shire’s team.

Mr Stretch said the economic spend in towns and broad information on regions visitors were from would help with future targeted promotional campaigns.

“We will be able to direct ouR efforts into the areas where these people are coming from,” he said.

The network work dinner was also told that council was begin-

ning a tourism services review and would also review existing tourist signage across the shire.

Several brown tourist signs are now unreadable, including one in Inglewood director visitors to Kooyoora State Park and another on the Loddon Valley Highway with directions to the Terrick park.

Flavours of Loddon co-ordina-

Anne Marie Davis briefed the network on the pop-up food van project’s first events since being launched last November.

She said there were plans to expand the collaboration to include more growers of produce in the shire, tap into the shire’s inclusion in Bendigo’s City of Gastronomy and the growing agritourism market.

Diversity and impetus will benefit shire, says Mayor

TOURISM operators and shop owners were the face of Loddon Shire, Mayor Gavan Holt told the network dinner in Bridgewater last week.

Cr Holt said those businesses were often the first point of contact for visitors and had a key role to play in expanding the shire’s economic diversity and giving impetus for growth.

He said agriculture represented 70 per cent of the shire’s economic base.

“We need diversity and not to rely just on our existing domestic market,” Cr Holt said.

Business owners were told that expanding visitation created spin-offs for all retail outlets in the Loddon Shire.

“The multiplier effect ... coming from the

first contact with businesses in our towns, meeting people who are our first advocates and that’s very important to the image of Loddon Shire.”

Cr Holt said council was assisting to boost the image of the region with streetscape improvement projects.

“It has been a tremendous success in Wedderburn, we’re nearly finished in Pyramid Hill and we are now working on the plan and scope for Inglewood,” he said.

“That will be a fantastic exercise given the character of Brooke Street.”

Cr Holt said council was also looking to expand visitor services across the shire and marketing programs that would further promote local towns as must-see destinations.

BARRY HUGHES spent Anzac Day reflecting on service to his country when attending the Inglewood commemorative service.

He had joined the Australia Army in the last 1960s “because I lost my job at Christmas”.

Barry was in the same platoon as future Governor General Sir Peter Cosgrove and had a tour of Vietnam in 19691970.

“It was a different type of warfare for me. I was in a defence and deployment platoon attached to headquarters and rode around in tanks,” Barry said.

He was medically discharged soon after returning from the Vietnam War and then joined the Metropolitan Fire Brigade..

“There were quite a few of us Vietnam veterans joining at

the time ... they didn’t have to teach us how to march.”

After five years he left the fire service and made his way to Inglewood in 2001.

“You’d never get me back living in Melbourne,” Barry said.

Metres away from Barry stood Bob Neat whose time in Vietnam was short.

He was a member of the 4/19th Prince of Wales and was flown in for three days to repair an army vehicle.

“Flew over, did the job and came home. Not there long enough to qualify for any medals,” he said.

Bob spent 17 years in the military and was discharged with the rank of sergeant, wearing his great coat with three chevrons on Anzac Day.

ANZAC DAY PICTURES - PAGE 16

tor

Anne Marie Davis, David Stretch and Kristy Hourigan talk tourism at last week’s network dinner. LH PHOTO

Barry Hughes and Bob Neat on Anzac Day. LH PHOTOS

Two million litre water boost

NEW tanks storing two million litres of water are being constructed at Laanecoorie.

The new raw water storage and pump station is expected to be finished by spring when the two 20-metre diameter tanks will be filled with water from the South

West Loddon pipeline. A Coliban Water spokesperson said the project would mean better quality raw water being supplied to the Laanecoorie Water Treatment Plant.

“Raw water is currently sourced from the Loddon River,

which can sometimes be poor quality. This means our plant has to work harder to turn raw water into drinking water.”

The capacity, reliability and efficiency of the water network would increase, and provide additional security for the town.

Show’s craft stars collect regional honours

BOORT Show pavilion event winners have figured strongly in the Northern District Agricultural Societies Association competition.

Gaye Sim took out first and third places in the crochet article (no larger than 50cm on any one side made from pure wool/wool blend of any ply) when local winners from across the region had

their works go under the eye of judges in Swan Hill last week.

Gaye was also awarded third place in the hand-knitted garment or article made from pure wool/wool blend section. Charlton Show winner Janet Stafford was second.

Merryn Rees was the winner of crocheted article any yarn (no larger than 1m on any one side:

Are you interested in becoming a councillor in local government?

Do you want to understand the role of councillor and how to best represent your community?

The VLGA (Victorian Local Governance Association) is here to support you. For 30 years, the VLGA has supported Councillors, councils and communities to build the governance skills and capacity of community leaders in local governments across Victoria. In the lead up to the October council elections, VLGA is o ering two FREE online information sessions for Victorian community members.

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn from the VLGA’s decades of experience supporting local councils and its ongoing commitment to the diverse voices of our locally elected representatives.

Standing for Local Government session will provide an overview of what it means to stand for local government, including how local councils work, the responsibilities of Councillors and key issues to consider when standing for council.

Make sure to register for the session at https://www. vlga.org.au

with Charlton Show winner Rebecca Cossar third.

Boort’s Janine Harvey won the handmade greeting card section. In the junior needlework cushion section, Boort Show winner Bella Quinn followed up with regional success.

In open photography, animals in action, Boort Show’s winner Jess Pink was highly commended.

OBITUARY

Harvey Hayward Bawden: 26.06.1924-17.04.2024

ONE of the Loddon’s last surviving World War Two veterans Harvey Bawden has passed away in his 99th year.

The former Royal Australian Air Force warrant officer farmed at Pyramid Hill for 50 years before retiring to Bendigo and later moved to Shepparton.

Originally from Pyramid Hill, he enlisted at Bendigo in 1942.

After initial training school and assessment as an air gunner, he was shipped to England for training on heavy bombers, his first posting was to 153 Squadron at RAF Scampton, from where he flew four operations.

He was then posted to 150 Squadron at RAF Hemswell. On their 29th operation late in the war, a mission to bomb the heavily defended synthetic oil plant at Harpenerweg in the Ruhr Valley. Germany, they were hit by flak.

The plane nose-dived with flames coming from its engines. With the hydraulics gone Harvey could not manually open his Perspex turret, but managed to drop back into the body of the plane. With his leg broken near the hip, he was the last to bail out of the crashing plane.

Four of the crew were beaten to death and buried by the

mob. Harvey’s life was saved by two elderly people who fought off the crowd and stood over him with a rifle and loaded him into a wheelbarrow. They delivered him to a nearby police station.

Harvey spent weeks with little food in a building housing wounded German, Russian and several allied soldiers and was later found by US soldiers without a uniform and a seriously infected broken leg. He was repatriated to a US mobile hospital and later Britain before spending months in the Heidelberg Repatriation Hospital on his return to Australia.

He proposed to his sweetheart Nance and finally returned to Mincha to his family farm, where despite his calipered leg he successfully and joyfully farmed for the next 50 years, raising four children and serving as a pillar of the veteran and local community.

Autumn Firewood Collection

Forest Fire Management Victoria (FFM) has opened the Autumn rewood collection season until Sunday 30 June 2024. This means that woodcutting for personal use has been permitted in designated areas of the forest.

You can access the guidelines by visiting the link https://www. vic.gov.au/collecting- rewood.

To nd a rewood collection area please visit https://www. m.vic.gov.au/ rewood/ nd-a- rewood-collection-area

Remember:

 You can only collect trees or parts of trees that are already on the ground.

 Don’t collect trees that are clearly hollow or more than half the tree is covered in moss or fungi.

 Don’t take wood within 20m of any rivers, creeks, lakes or dams.

 Take litter with you when you leave.

 It is illegal to sell rewood you collect from collection areas.

 There is no guarantee that rewood will be available for collection in the rewood collection area.

Site works at Laanecoorie where two one million-litre storage tanks are being constructed.

Study sleuths in hub of local warmth

Step into the heart of community-driven education at Bridgewater on Loddon Primary School where relationships with students and families are paramount. Nestled in a rural landscape, our school is a hub of warmth and inclusion, welcoming students, and families with open arms. Our small class sizes ensure that every student receives personalised attention. Staff work with children to support and cater for each student’s unique strengths and interests.

The school has recently had several upgrades including an amazing new synthetic football ground and running track. The school is also in the process of upgrading a number of learning spaces which will be completed in the coming weeks. The school has plans to run tours and an open day in the coming months to share these spaces with the community and prospective families once the work has been completed.

As well as the great facilities, the school runs a number of outstanding initiatives like the weekly Outdoor Classroom program. Here, students dive into exciting literacy, math, science, and art activities right in the heart of nature, learning all about sustainability as they go.

The school is also very proud to team up with the Catchment Management Authority, to be known as a River Detectives school!

Twice a month, students head down to the nearby Loddon River for some real-life learning fun. Students search for water bugs and use flow charts to identify them. They also complete water tests to measure and track the health of the river. Come join the team at Bridgewater on Loddon Primary School, where every day is a chance to learn, grow, and connect with the amazing community and the great outdoors!

Bridgewater Primary School offers small class sizes, new sporting area and students being part of the River Detectives program

Excitement in class and exploring local bushland

FROM learning in modern and accessible classrooms to exploring nearby bushland, Tarnagulla Primary School students enjoy exciting programs every day.

Students are currently using their creative thoughts in the design of a new playground space being developed at the school. They have just returned from a threeday camp in Kooyoora State Park with

students from Bealiba Primary School. Principal Leigh Mellberg says Tarnagulla students participate in a range of activities throughout the year with other schools in their cluster.

And with the school building upgrade nearing completion, students and staff are eagerly anticipating new programs using the kitchen and garden.

Aspirations of a dynamic learning community

BOORT District School continues to build on the outstanding results achieved by past students and the high aspirations that the school community has for its current students.

Students, staff, families and our community are working together to provide a dynamic learning community in which everyone can pursue excellence, as evidenced by our school motto, “Achieving excellence together”.

Through a vertical curriculum structure, a wide range of STEM subjects and an extensive extra-curricular program, we provide a safe and supportive learning

environment which fosters independent, resilient lifelong learners. Our vision is to empower our students and staff to work together to become active and valued community members. Engaging within our community is important because collaborative partnerships with the wider school community can significantly improve students’ health, wellbeing and engagement.

Boort District School continues to strengthen our relationships with families and our local community, which has a positive impact on student outcomes and school improvement.

EDUCATION WEEK special

It’s been an excellent first quarter at Wedderburn College, with plenty of fun had, and plenty of fun planned. Morale is high for students & staff alike.

It’s been an excellent first quarter at Wedderburn College, with plenty of fun had, and plenty of fun planned. Morale is high for students and staff alike.

The highly anticipated Wedderburn College Fete was once again a huge success, with the college decked out with entertainment galore. From student stalls, to rock climbing, to fire trucks, to inflatable dragons… the fete is always a calendar highlight. The obnoxiously decadent Easter Raffle of over 270 eggs made a healthy profit for the Parents Association to reinvest in the students and was very well supported by families and the broader community.

The highly anticipated Wedderburn College Fete was once again a huge success, with the college decked out with entertainment galore. From student stalls, to rock climbing, to fire trucks, to inflatable dragons... the fete is always a calendar highlight.

for literacy starting at Playgroup level. Another highlight for the College has been the success of the Year 9 Duke of Ed program. The world renowned award has been a well received addition to the Year 9 learning program. It allows students to flourish beyond the formal classroom setting, with students participating in a range of camps and excursions.

In exciting news, Wedderburn College has become the first P-12 College in the State to be awarded the SWPBS Gold Award. The SWPBS journey started in 2018 and it is a huge achievement to reach Gold status.

The obnoxiously decadent Easter Raffle of over 270 eggs made a healthy profit for the Parents Association to reinvest in the students and was very well supported by families and the broader

A strong focus on mateship & participation has been evident at the school sporting events, with a sea of Yellow (Jacka) and Blue (Ansett) proudly worn on the occasions. The healthy rivalry, stretching from Leadership to Foundation, has been fostered over the past few years, which has seen student participation increase at all school

The Wedderburn College Structured Workplace Learning Program has again provided students with excellent opportunities in 2024. Thanks to many local businesses, students have been able to learn important workplace skills and thrive in a range of new environments. It is warming to see past students of Wedderburn College taking on current students as mentees in the workplace settings.

Reading engagement is a strong priority at the College, with the launch of the Reading Olympics taking place last week after the Cross Country. A parade of staff and students dressed as genres amplified the excitement, the staff are never ones to turn down the opportunity to dress up!

In exciting news, Wedderburn College has become the first P-12 College in the State to be awarded the SWPBS Gold Award. The SWPBS journey started in 2018 and it is a huge achieve-

Nurturing the love of reading is important to Wedderburn College, with family engagement for literacy starting at Playgroup level.

A strong focus on mateship and participation has been evident at the school sporting events, with a sea of Yellow (Jacka) and Blue (Ansett)

Another highlight for the College has been the success of the Year 9 Duke of Ed program. The world renowned award has been a well received addition to the Year 9 learning program. It allows students to flourish beyond the formal classroom setting, with students participating in a range of camps and excursions.

The healthy rivalry, stretching from Leadership to Foundation, has been fostered over the past few years, which has seen student participation increase at all school sporting events.

The Wedderburn College Structured Workplace Learning Program has again provided students with excellent opportunities in 2024. Thanks to many local businesses, students have been able to learn important workplace skills and thrive in a range of new environments. It is warming to see past students of Wedderburn College taking on current students as mentees in the workplace settings.

Reading engagement is a strong priority at the College, with the launch of the Reading Olympics taking place last week after the Cross Country. A parade of staff and students dressed as genres amplified the excitement, the staff are never ones to turn down the opportunity to

Beyond the classroom, the College is currently undergoing major upgrade building works with the demolition stage now complete. The building upgrade current focus is the Science building, classroom facility, toilet block and front ramp to make the office more accessible. This is one of two major builds to take place at Wedderburn College over the next few years, with the Early Years Childcare Centre planning meeting recently taking place, with all on track to be open and operational Term 1 of 2026.

Beyond the classroom, the College is currently undergoing major upgrade building works with the demolition stage now complete. The building upgrade current focus is the Science building, classroom facility, toilet block and front ramp to make the office more accessible. This is one of two major builds to take place at Wedderburn College over the next few years, with the Early Years Childcare Centre planning meeting recently taking place, with all on track to be open and operational Term 1 of 2026.

Nurturing the love of reading is important to Wedderburn College, with family engagement

WOOL REPORT

After two successive series of rises, and three without an overall fall, the Australian wool market has retracted last week. The national offering fell below 40,000 bales, there was a total of 39,229 bales available to the trade, this was the smallest sale since the beginning of March. The majority of the losses were felt on the first selling day. The individual Micron Price Guides (MPGs) for merino fleece dropped by between 9 and 66 cents. These losses combined with overall weakness in the crossbreds, skirtings and cardings resulted in an 18-cent fall in the AWEX Eastern Market Indicator (EMI). The second selling day the market settled. In the Eastern centres the prices on offer were generally within 10 cents of those achieved during the previous day. A stronger crossbred market helped to minimise the downward movement of the EMI, which dropped by 2 cents for the day. The EMI finished the week 20 cents lower, closing at 1,152 cents, a 1.8% reduction. A weakened Australian dollar (the AUD lost 0.49 cents compared to the USD since last week) meant that the fall was larger in USD terms. The EMI fell by 19 US cents, finishing at 745 US cents, a drop of 2.5%. A positive sign for the following series, the market finished strongly in the West, with all merino fleece MPGs recording positive movements (between 4 and 14 cents) to close out the series. Although a very similar amount has been offered this season (there has been 3,940 less bales offered), compared to the previous season the total dollar amount sold is well down. There has been a total of $1,902 million worth of wool sold this season, this is $167 million lower than the previous season.

This week a similar size sale is expected. There are currently 41,475 bales on offer in Sydney, Melbourne and Fremantle.

Source: AWEX

109 MIDLAND HIGHWAY, EPSOM

Phone 03 5455 6333

403

Chris Anderson 0408 921 540

Merchandise - Glenn Jackson 0429 076 459

Agronomy - Anton Mannes 0499 708 044

Josh Mcleod 0447 678 609

SHEEP AND LAMBS

SOFTER lamb market at Bendigo as buyers again became more selective around quality and presentation amid reports most abattoirs have reasonable supplies around them.

The best lambs with weight and in short skins were the least affected, quoted as $5 to $8 easier by selling agents.

Plainer lambs in untidy skins or lacking finish fell by $10 and up to $20 per head across some of the trade categories.

Lighter weight MK processing lambs and small Merino lambs sold at similar levels to a week ago.

There was more weight in the heavy export lambs this week with the top price of $252 for lambs estimated at 38-40kg cwt.

Most of the lead pens of heavy lambs over 30kg cwt sold from $190 to $230/ head.

Where the market did loose some momentum was on the heavy trade lambs with key domestic buyers not showing as much support at $145 to $175 for most.

Agents quoted a rate of 640c to 670c/ kg cwt for the majority of the heavier and better presented processing lambs,with rates than under 640c/kg on the plainer types and dipping under 600c for secondary trades.

The sheep market showed some dearer results for big heavy ewes but this demand steadied and the overall result was similar mutton prices to a week ago.

Some extra heavy meat breed ewes sold to $132 and Merinos to $120 but the majority of sheep remained in the range of $50 to $100/head.

CROSSBRED LAMBS

Peter Schlitz Quambatook (55) $250. RJ & DM Johnson Boort (68) $234. PA Condely Lake Marmal (27) $230. Burnewang Nth Rochester (63) $230. GF & CM Rathjen Colbinabbin (63) $228. A & C Bran-

son Colbinabbin (65) $225. R & K Sloan Kurting (58) $223. Lyndoch Farming Macorna (51) $220. W & H Ladson Mincha West (30) $218. AB & KB Broom Neereman (47) $204. Gredgport Boort (47) $204. RJ & DM Johnson Boort (42) $203. Lehmann Family Trust Kerang (82) $200. A & A Gould Yarrawalla (46) $198. W Bennett & L McElroy Moulamein (41) $197. R & B Pascoe Elmore (74) $190. Valerie Lilly Goornong (30) $183.

MERINO WETHERS

B Weaver & Co Boort (151) $116. N Borger Colbinabbin (120) $112. D Colvin Axedale (115) $90. CROSSBRED EWES

JJ Turnbull, Dumosa (31) $124. WF Chisholm Tooborac (32) $106. GF & CM Rathjen Colbinabbin (75) $94.

MERINO EWES

J Tonkin Wedderburn (40) $105. Lyndoch Macorna (30) $91. AJ Wilson Boort (39) $90. P & C Mason Rheola (30) $88. S Cosser & Co Charlton (62) $80. Order of sales next week: Nuttall, McKean McGregor, Elders, Nevins, Nutrien. SUPPLIED BY ASSOCIATED STOCK AGENTS

GRAIN

Bendigo Sheep & Lamb Market Report

This week’s market saw lamb prices drop by $5-$10 with an increased yarding, whilst mutton prices remained steady.

the McKean McGregor team.

BENDIGO

Feed factor in state of prices

LODDON farmers are carefully managing stock numbers and watching the sky for signs of rain, says local agent Chris Nevins.

He said while prices for lambs were higher at recent markets, but based on weight they were only returning about $6.20 a kilogram.

“They are big lambs and many coming from northern areas where there is irrigation and feed,” said Mr Nevins who is also president of the Bendigo Stock Agents’ Association.

“These are lambs that are being fed before sale and they deserve to be getting higher prices.

“For farmers at the moment it is a balancing act, selling before two-tooth stage to make way for new lambs.

“Farmers are not carrying extra stock ... they’re looking to the sky for rain.”

Australia’s sheep stock has increased over the last three years but industry experts predict a decrease by 2.9 per cent to 76,500,000 in 2024

According to the projections from Meat and Livestock Australia, farmers are coming out of the rebuild phase.

During 2020-2022, producer focus on productivity and genetics led to impressive marking rates across the sheep flock.

However, the shift from beneficial weather conditions to average conditions in 2023 led to elevated turnoff of unproductive breeding stock, resulting in a 46.7 per cent lift to sheep slaughter.

According to Stephen Bignell, Manager of Market Information at MLA, as the sheep turnoff will mostly be limited to older, unproductive ewes, this year’s lamb cohort is expected to remain solid, but slightly smaller, than previous years.

“The current resilience of the sheep flock means that high lamb slaughter will have a less intense impact on the national flock size than in previous maintenance periods. Meaning that there will be a decrease in overall flock numbers, but not as dramatic as in comparative years,” Mr Bignell said.

1080 needed in fight against pests

VICTORIAN Farmers’ Federation wants primary producers to responsd to a State Government survey to demonstrate the importance of 1080 in controlling feral and pest animals.

The survey is part of Agriculture Victoria’s delivery of the Government’s pro-

gram to investigate the use of 1080 and alternative pest animal control methods, as part of the Backing Victoria’s World-Class Producers to Grow election commitment.

VFF has consistently backed the use of 1080 to control foxes and other pest animals.

AUCTIONSPLUS CLEARING SALE RAYWOOD

MONDAY 20TH MAY 2024-WEDNESDAY 22ND MAY 2024

Online Sale Commencing: Monday 20th May at 9am Closing Countdown: Wednesday 22nd May at 4pm

BENTLEY CAR, MOTORBIKE, JCB DIGGER, WORKSHOP SALE & SUNDRIES

Inspection/ Open Day: Sunday 19th May- 9.30am-11.30am

Collection Days: Sunday26 th May 9.30-12pm & Wednesday 29th May 9am-11am

Agent: Chris Nevins 0408 510 626

Rural

So partner with someone who’s with you for the long term. Someone who supports you today, and is focused on tomorrow.

Talk to a farm Þnance expert today. Search Rural Bank.

Community Bank ¥ Inglewood 5438 3500

Chris Nevins

FEATURES | OPINION AND QUIZ

Working in a budget

By Cr LINDA JUNGWIRTH

READING your weekly editions of the Loddon Herald lately, you’ll have noticed articles voicing concerns from our CEO Lincoln Fitzgerald and Mayor Gavan Holt, regarding council’s longterm financial sustainability.

It’s a subject often discussed at our forums in which we consider issues relating to council.

As your local group of councillors tasked with making decisions on behalf of the whole shire, there is nothing we want more than to provide you with amazing services, beautiful towns, incredible spaces to enjoy and exciting events. However, we work within a budget, a budget which is not as generous as we would like. We have to balance projects we undertake with our fiscal responsibility. We need to consider the needs of our community today as well as ensuring our decisions support communities many years down the track.

When looking at social media, I see it’s easy to hate council without giving much thought to our purpose or constraints. More often than not, complaints relate to roads and drainage issues. It’s reasonable that these cause frustration as we all pay rates and want to see benefits in return.

Council and staff work very hard to maintain our massive road network and, in my opinion, do a great job. Weather events over the past couple of years have created extra challenges in keeping our road network in good condition. While it’s easy to be frustrated, a better solution is to work with council, after all, Council and the community share the same vision and aspirations. A wonderful shire with a vibrant community. The official community vision is Creating a

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Wheel turns on old court hourse

Sir, The reported decision of Loddon Shire to purchase the old Wedderburn police station (Loddon Herald May 2) brings back memories.

Many years ago the police station and residence were one building. On the highway side of the block. A decision was made to build a new residence and alter the court house so that room was made to have a police station and office.

Another decision by the Government was made to demolish

LOCAL PERSPECTIVE

Community where everyone is welcome and has the opportunity to live, work and thrive.

Our draft budget for 20242025 is currently available for public comment until May 27. I invite you to look at the draft to better understand the balancing act we have before us. I feel it is a good and sensible budget and would like to hear the thoughts of the community regarding the budget we are due to adopt in June. You can comment by going to Loddon Shire Council website and searching ‘draft budget’. When I meet with community groups, often their first request is how to receive funds from council to support their efforts. Groups can apply for council grants for events, community grants requiring a co-contribution and through the community planning process. I encourage committees and idea makers to continue to apply for these grants. Beyond these funding sources, there are external grants available to enable the implementation of many worthwhile projects. By making use of these, the community allow council’s existing funds to go further.

Back to our roads and weather events – I strongly feel we need to be rebuilding damaged roads to a better standard in preparation for future events. Currently, while state and federal governments allow a degree of betterment, they do not adequately support local governments financially to enable a true level of resilience. It’s disheartening to rebuild roads while wondering when we’ll need to repeat the repairs due to future weather events. True betterment would be a sensible use of resources and free up future staff time to concentrate on

the old residence and station. At the time Wedderburn Tourist development Association was very active and was looking for a place to call home. The old station and residence was considered to be ideal.

Many, many letters were written to Government and local members. They eventually decided to hand the building over to the association and to use as the association saw fit.

The association decided to rent out the premises. This provided a steady income stream for some time.

Then local issues took over. Lo-

other council issues. We continue to advocate to both levels of government for adequate support. Loddon Shire Council is supported in their adaptation advocacy by the Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance of which we are a member along with 13 neighbouring councils. Their advocacy on behalf of the group of councils is important to us.

More and more we find councils needing to step into spaces formerly supported by other levels of government.

As finances are withdrawn, Council step up to ensure our community do not lose important services and assets. Council has increased financial support to retain these important community needs.

These constraints I have been discussing do not leave a lot of room for rapid advancement of projects we have identified as priorities. We have clearly stated in our council plan that we prioritise increasing our population.

Given the current challenges with housing, now would be the perfect time to increase population by offering differing types of housing; housing for elderly, families and social housing to address some of the terrible statistics we see regarding increasing homelessness. I look forward to working with my fellow councillors on these issues.

I am optimistic (but not confident) that the current Federal inquiry into local government sustainability may result in a stronger financial outlook, allowing us to achieve more for our communities.

CrJungwirthisLoddonShire’s TarnagullaWardrepresentative

cal Government wanted a health centre in the shire, There being the hospital and health centre in Inglewood. The shire proposal was to use the old police station and residence for such a health centre, the associciation given no alternative but to relinquish the building for use by the shire.

A public meeting was called to decide the location of the health centre. The rest is history.

Now it is reported that a public utility is to move into the court house. How the wheel has turned.

Peter Norman Wedderburn

20 QUESTION QUIZ

1. The head of the Canada Goose is predominantly what colour?

2. In the movie ‘Dennis the Menace’, what is the name of Dennis’ elderly neighbour?

3. The Abominable Snowman is said to dwell in which mountain range?

4. Whereabouts on a plane would you find the ailerons?

5. How many years in a sestercentenary?

6. A caryatid is a supporting column or pillar of a building carved into what shape?

7. On a standard Monopoly board, what colour is the property Trafalgar Square?

8. Who was the first person to break the sound barrier in 1947?

9. What sort of creature is a noctule

10. A corsage is a floral

arrangement worn by a woman often on which body part?

11. Carnegie Hall is located in which American city?

12. And what nickname has been given to that city?

13. In geometry, what is a vertice?

14. What colour is the cross on the flag of Finland?

15. A Bar Mitzvah is a coming of age ceremony in which religion?

16. John Cleese is a member of which comedy troupe?

17. FIFA is the global governing body of which sport?

18. On a compass, how many degrees is south-west?

19. ‘Cucumber time’ is quiet season for which trade?

20. Nathan Buckley was originally drafted to which AFL club?

ANSWERS

THERE’S still plenty fizz in Bradley of Boort even if one of his recent Treemendous Signs tells travellers about non-carbonated water making up almost three-quarters of the Earth.

NOT flattened by this statistic - if you’re claiming the world pumpkin paddling record, why would you be?Bradley may have been less enthusiastic had he ventured to Laanecoorie the other week for the chrystanthemum show, There among the beautiful and fulsome blooms were the fruit and vegetables from local gardens. But the giant pumpkin? Well compared with Bradley’s once riverworthy vessel of choice, this one may have been big

enough for a rabbit or two being the paddlers!

AND a few knocks on the rind clearly indicated a few litres of noncarbonated water inside waiting to be released back into the Earth’s surface.

V

EGETABLES such as celery, cucumber, iceberg lettuce, tomato and zucchini contain more than 90 per cent water. Other nutrient-rich vegetables with high water content include broccoli, green cabbage, cauliflower, eggplant and spinach.

N

OW that healthy advice omits a lot of our favourites. Spuds, spuds and spuds that come in at a miserly 79 per cent water. The most nutrient-dense vegies: Spinach and carrot.

1. Black 2. Mr Wilson 3. Himalayas 4. Wings 5. 250 years 6. Woman 7. Red

Chuck Yeager 9. Bat 10. Wrist

New York City 12. The Big Apple

point where two or more lines meet 14. Blue 15. Judaism 16. Monty Python 17. Soccer 18. 225 19. Tailoring 20. Brisbane Bears.

BUSHy TALES By IAN JONES

It was a very big year Power, speed and the novelty of radio in 1924

By ALAN MULRANEY

RESEARCH has uncovered similarities and parallels between today and a century ago.

Over the past couple of years Darryl Arnott and I have been working on the Wedderburn Express newspapers, reading every article in each edition from its start on June 16 1888 up to its closure on May 29 1996.

We’re indexing the names of people mentioned in those articles into our database system which now holds more than 110,000 records.

I have currently just finished the editions for 1924, which of course is our centenary year, so I thought it would be a great idea to document everything that happened 100 years ago – and as you’ll see, what a year it was!

Electricity

The Wedderburn Progress Association (founded November 1923) in February advocated for electric street lighting and conducted a survey which showed that almost every household in town would like to have electricity in their home.

A consultant was engaged and gave a costing of £8476 for the infrastructure plus six pounds per household. A council meeting on 12 th September stated that 80 households were interested in having electricity should it be available. On October 17, Mr A.C. Bertoli (appropriate initials!) was appointed as consultant and the council decided to go ahead without delay. The order to proceed was finally advertised in the Wedderburn Express on March 20 1925.

Water meters

Currently each household paid a set fee to have town water supplied to their homes. In order to reduce wastage and make a fairer system, water meters were proposed. This was actually agreed to by residents in 1914 but never went ahead due to the outbreak of World War 1.

Speed restrictions

At a council meeting in February Cr Gray complained that motor cars travel through High Street at speeds up to 60mph (100kmh). A request was made to the State Government for speed restriction signs to be installed. A reply was eventually received on November 14 advising that the request was under consideration!

Telephone lines

By 1924 there were 36 telephones in town – 16 direct lines and four party lines with five persons per line.

During 1924 Kurraca, Wedderburn Junction and Burke’s Flat were granted telephone services. Wychitella and Charlton already had connections.

Letter boxes

As from July 1 all houses were required to have a letter box installed. Failure to do so would mean that those households would have to collect their mail from the post office.

Football club

At a meeting of delegates in Korong Vale it was suggested that large clocks be installed at all grounds so that spectators can be made aware of the amount of play time left. Also, deferred until season 1925, it was suggested that players wear numbers on their backs.

Clifden Home for Boys

Caroline Brumby and Letitia Colvin re-

tired in early 1922 and the home was kept going by volunteers. The Try Boys Association took over the task on June 27 1924. There were 23 boys there at that time.

Death of Ezekiel Hewitt

Ezekiel was one of the founder members of the Mechanics’ Institute Hall (then called the Literary Institute and Free Library). He was 80 years old when he died in June.

Town doctor

Dr George Unwin Taylor had been the town’s doctor for 18 years. He retired at this time and was replaced by Dr. Rosse Woods. Dr. Taylor remained in town after his retirement.

New

councilor

Herbert Edwin Holt (ancestor to our current Mayor Cr Gavan Holt) made his debut into council in August, defeating Alexander Anderson 561 votes to 208.

New hospital

Nurse Donnelly in October established a hospital in the old Commercial Hotel building at the corner of High St. and Racecourse Road after licensee Patrick Noonan left there in 1922. Note that the Victorian Licensing Board determined that the Korong Shire had one too many hotels for the head of population and subsequently delicensed the Commercial Hotel in December 1921.

Radios in town

Thomas Morecroft (grandson of Joseph Morecroft that built and ran the Wedderburn Hotel) in October became an agent for a new household appliance – the radio!

In 1924 the Wedderburn Express sold for three pence, a brand new motor car cost around £200 and you could build a reasonable family home for £450, parents were fined two shillings for failing to send their children to school the required number of days and you could be fined £2 for failing to register to vote. Anyone purchasing a new motor car made it into the newspaper! As you can see, a lot of the things that we take for granted today were instigated exactly 100 years ago.

REMEMBERING THE FALLEN

George Bramley at the Newbridge service Air force cadets and members of Rheola junior fire brigade march to the memorial. LH PHOTOS

Graeme Collins, Mick Corry and Tony Holland at Newbridge

Inglewood Primary School students

Senior Constable Rebecca Carmichael

Brian Gladman and RSL leader Michael Hobson

Achilles Hywood

Murray Smith, Lynne Gondar, Dede Williams and Chris Tonkin at Wedderburn

Jake Murphy sounds the Last Post

Bridgewater Primary School students with their display in the memorial hall

EM pl OYMENT

The Railway Hotel BOORT

Feedback for Proposed Budget 2024/25 (which includes Draft Fees and Charges Schedule)

Loddon Shire Council has prepared a Budget for 2024/25 and after consideration at the Council Meeting held on Tuesday 23 April 2024 is now requesting feedback on the Draft Budget (which includes the Draft Fees and Charges Schedule).

Copies of the documents will be available for inspection from Monday 29 April 2024 to Monday 27 May 2024. Council has made these nancial documents available on Council’s website on https:// www.loddon.vic.gov.au/Our-Council/ Documents-for-public-comment. Copies are also available to be posted on request by calling Council’s Customer Service O ce on (03) 5494 1200.

Any person wishing to provide feedback on any of the draft nancial documents is requested to do so before close of business on Monday 27 May 2024.

Feedback should be referenced with ‘Draft Financial Documents Feedback’ and can state whether they wish to provide their feedback in person at the June Council Forum.

This feedback can be sent via mail to Loddon Shire Council, PO Box 21, Wedderburn VIC 3518, or via email at loddon@loddon.vic.gov.au.

Council will meet to consider any feedback at the Council Forum on Tuesday 11 June 2024. Council will then consider adoption of the Draft Budget at a Meeting of Council on Tuesday 25 June 2024. Council will give public notice of its decision.

Lincoln Fitzgerald Chief Executive O cer

CAREERS AT LODDON SHIRE

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.

Customer Service O cer – ref.J/264

 Permanent, full-time position

 Band 4 salary $66,374.18-$70,993.84, plus employer superannuation

 Based at Council’s Wedderburn O ce Applications for the position above close Monday, 20 May 2024.

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

Boort’s Abby Potter jostles for front position in the North Central Hockey match against Wedderburn (above) while the Redbacks’ youngsters (left) are preparing for their first Junior Country Championships appearance later this month. They have been out in the community raising funds to the trip as members of the North Central representative sides.

ADVERTISE IN OUR LOCAL DIRECTORY$66 A MONTH

Stewart’s game as Kelly

PYRAMID Hill’s Don Stewart has scored double success in the Kelly Shield contested at Mitiamo on Sunday.

In great weather, Stewart was a member of the Pyramid Hill team to take men’s honours.

He also won the men’s scratch event with a round of 80.

Pyramid Hill’s team of Jack Walters, Jason Deller, Jed Stewart, Lloyd Naylor, Don Stewart, David Mann and John Kennedy put in a strong showing.

Jed Stewart was runner-up in the men’s nett event and Mann had the longest drive among division one competitors.

The ladies’ team event was won by Lockington, nudging out Pyramid Hill’s Maree Ring, Jeanette Naylor and Joan James. Individual winners - Scratch Men: Don Stewart 80. Annette Brereton 96. Nett Men - Noah Condliffe 88/25/63, Jed Stewart 91/27/64. Ladies: Helen Hayes 101/34/67, Phyllis McFarlane 111/37/74. Nearest the pins: Darren Carnie. Disey Walker. Long Drive Division 2: Ben Newth. Ladies: Annette Brereton.

Pyramid Hill on Sunday will hold its first medal round of the season.

BOORT

With a few members unavailable this weekend, it was left up to seven enthusiastic players to battle it out in the stroke event.

Returning from Sydney for another olive season, it was great to see Graeme Ball slip straight into form with a nett 68 to defeat Hamish Lanyon on countback and claim the win and this month’s Privilege Cup.

wins the ladies’ shield

This left Peter Eicher in outright third, which was enough for him to secure the first Lanyon Fencing monthly award for the year with 10 points, well clear of Stuart Tweddle and Damien Lanyon.

The nearest the pins were shared between Kevin Linehan and Hamish Lanyon, along with visiting player, Abz Maposa, and two of the ladies from Wednesday –Phyl Baker and Kate Perryman.

This Saturday will be a stableford event.

INGLEWOOD

A small field contested the stableford event on a track in need of a generous drop of the wet stuff. The dry conditions allowed for a fair amount of run and this was evident in some booming drive dis-

tances. For the second week in a row David Patterson took the chocolates and will again be keeping the handicapper busy with his 41 points. Nathan Joyner was well behind in second with 35 points.

The nearest the pin stays with the course this week.

Although both secretary Vanston and Patto were mere inches from the scrape surface, the course did not yield.

WEDDERBURN

Keith Lewis took out the John Sommerville round on Saturday finishing with a score of 36 on a countback from Owen Bailey, one ahead of Liam McNeill.

Others: G Nebsit 34, J Donaldson 31, K Bird 24, T Holt 23.

NORTH CENTRAL HOCKEY

Under 12: Birchip Watchem 4 d Sea Lake Nandaly 0. Wycheproof-Narraport 0 lost to Charlton 2.

Underage: Boort 8 (Seth Mujller 4, Jake O’Flaherty 3, Abby Potter) d Wedderburn Redbacks 0. Birchip Watchem 1 lost to Sea Lake Nandaly 4. Wycheproof Narraport lost to Charlton 0-3. Ladder: Sea Lake Nandaly 100, St Arnaud, Charlton 100, Donald 100, Boort 33, Wycheproof Narraport 0, Birchip Watchem 0, Wedderburn 0.

Women: Boort 8 (Chelsea Challis-Broad 2, Olivia Burke, Lily Caine, Bridie Casey, Emma Gawne, Lucy Malone) d Wedderburn Redbacks 1. Birchip Watchem 0 lost to Sea Lake Nandaly 3. Wycheproof Narraport 1 drew Charlton 1. Ladder: Charlton 78, St Arnaud 78, Sea Lake Nandaly 75, Wycheproof Narraport 58, Donald 50, Boort 33, Wedderburn 87, Birchip Watchem 0.

Men: Birchip Watchem 1 lost to Sea Lake Nandaly 5. Wycheproof Narraport 4 d Charlton 3.

The victorious Pyramid Hill team at Mitiamo on Sunday

Lockington

Centre corridor drill establishes edge

SLICK work across the centre by Wedderburn’s Meg Lowry had the Redbacks with the momentum in their A Grade clash with Boort in North Central netball last Saturday.

Boort used the home court to advantage in the first three minutes, scoring two unanswered goals before Lowry took control in the centre for the Redbacks.

Maddi Postle in defence was quick to turnover attacks, many created by Boort’s Emmerson Doyle from the wing.

Courtney Gleeson up close to goal was capping off the work of Postle and Lowry although Boort

Boort centre Carly Isaac in action against the Redbacks on Saturday.

goalkeeper Roxy Train played tight all game and was named the Pies’ best in a see-sawing game that ended with the Redbacks up by nine goals.

The damage for Boort was done in the second and third terms with Wedderburn shooting 27 to 19.

The final term had each side shooting 13 goals.

„ Bears Lagoon has continued its rise up the Loddon Valley A Grade ladder.

A fortnight after a breakthrough victory, the Bears survived a comeback by Marong in the final term on Saturday to

notch up their second win of the season. The five-goal margin will boost Serp for their clash against Bridgewater this Saturday.

Both clubs are sitting on two wins and separated by just 0.39 per cent.

The Mean Machine lowered colours to top of the ladder Pyramid Hill last weekend.

However, Pyramid Hills perfect start to the season in the top grades came to an end with a draw in C Grade although the Bulldogs still have the best percentage in that section.

It was Bridgewater’s second draw in C Grade.

Junior tournament season underway

NORTH Central and Loddon Valley junior netballers kicked off their 2024 tournament season on Sunday.

The opening matchups from representative sides from across northern and central Victoria were at the inaugural Central Victoria Netball Association tournament in Bendigo.

North Central fielded 13 and Under, 15 and Under and 17 and Under teams in the round-robin series.

Each squad had nine or two players who were rotated through matches gaining valuable experience and exposure at the next level.

The 13 and Under girls finished the day with two wins and

four losses. Although coming up against some tough opponents they worked hard and continued to push themselves improving with each game.

15 and Under had a successful tournament with five wins and a loss, narrowly missing out on the grand final match.

17 and Under also had a successful day coming away with four wins and two close losses.

The North Central squads are - 13 and Under: Coach Ella Sheahan (Nullawil). Indianna Gooding, Bridget Perryman, Mia Sharp, Gemma Tynan, Erin Blair, Evie Donnellon, Maya Funcke, Willow Vearing, Phoebe Bailey, Prue O’Sullivan and Sienna Carroll.

15 and under: Coach Sara Ad-

LODDON VALLEY

A Grade

Marong 13, 23, 34, 46, (46) lost to Bears Lagoon Serpentine 16, 27, 40, 51, (51). Pyramid Hill 13, 23, -, 53, (53) d Bridgewater 8, 19, -, 39, (39). Inglewood 7, 11, 14, 21, (21) lost to Newbridge 14, 32, 43, 58, (58). Calivil 3, 10, 16, 21, (21) lost to Mitiamo 21, 42, 63, 87, (87).

Pyramid Hill 163.31 16 Mitiamo 236.56 12

Newbridge 141.18 12 Bridgewater 120.39 8 BL Serpentine 120.00 8

Gully 86.30 4 Marong 73.01 4 Inglewood 36.84 0 Calivil 34.87 0

B Grade

Marong 18, 32, 46, 63, (63) d Bears Lagoon Serpentine 8, 16, 28, 41, (41). Calivil 13, 26, 30, 40, (40) lost to Mitiamo 13, 23, 38, 50, (50). Inglewood 4, 12, 15, 19, (19) lost to Newbridge 15, 28, 41, 58, (58). Pyramid Hill 15, 31, 44, 53, (53) d Bridgewater 10, 25, 34, 44, (44).

190.74 16

Hill 141.67 16

Gully 121.31 8 Marong 116.57 8

89.84 8 Mitiamo 80.52 4

4

67.07 0

52.27 0

C Grade

Marong 13, 21, 33, 44, (44) d Bears Lagoon Serpentine 10, 21, 31, 43, (43). Inglewood 4, 8, 13, 16, (16) lost to Newbridge 13, 26, 39, 59, (59). Pyramid Hill 10, 17, 22, 31, (31) drew Bridgewater 10, 17, 25, 31, (31). Calivil 6, 10, 20, 24, (24) lost to Mitiamo 14, 29, 40, 57, (57).

153.66 16

14

ams (Donald), assistant coach Aliza Lockhart (Wedderburn) Squad: Abby Potter, Beau Haslam, Asha Lee, Stella Nicolson, Anika Holmes-Brown, Milla Admas, Halle Rice, Tessa Sheahan, Lana Fawcet, Lily Scott, Briady Ellis and Chloe Needs.

17 and under: Coach Kylie Walsh (Birchip Watchem), assistant coach Claudia Lee (Charlton) Squad: Ella Streader, Zali Angel, Tylah Haslam, Isabel Soulsby, Abby Griffiths, Scarlett Funcke, Gracie Humphreys, Lily Humphreys, Millie Hando, Libby Thompson and Ruby Ison.

Details of the Loddon Valley squads have not been provided, The next tournament is May 19 in Echuca.

Marong 20, 39, 57, 76, (76) d Bears Lagoon Serpentine 11, 20, 28, 35, (35). Inglewood 2, 8, 15, 19, (19) lost to Newbridge 16, 29, 47, 59, (59). Pyramid Hill 15, 27, 33, 45, (45) d Bridgewater 20, 27, 35, (35). Calivil 2, 6, 8, 12, (12) lost to Mitiamo 4, 12, 19, 29, (29).

203.67 16

Gully 193.42 12

142.74 12

68.60 4

62.50 4

62.26 0

42.64 0 17 & Under

Marong 15, 38, 51, 64, (64) d Bears Lagoon Serpentine 7, 12, 23, 35, (35). Inglewood 12, 25, 39, 48, (48) d Newbridge 5, 8, 15, 19, (19). Pyramid Hill 6, 10, 15, 28, (28) lost to Bridgewater 17, 23, 33, 42, (42).

Marong 230.38 16

228.87 12

25.88 0 15 & Under

Marong 6, 17, 26, 32, (32) d Bears Lagoon

Serpentine 2, 4, 8, 16, (16). Pyramid Hill 5, 10, 13, 18, (18) lost to Bridgewater 12, 23, 34, 46, (46). Calivil 13, 30, 47, 60, (60) d Mitiamo 7, 14, 17, 24, (24).

13 & Under

Marong 18, 29, 42, 57, (57) d Bears Lagoon

Serpentine 2, 3, 5, 8, (8). Pyramid Hill 4,

LH PHOTO

8

28

GOALKICKING

Tommy gunners: shows of cracking brilliance

DESPERATION and brilliance

from a pair of Toms had the Loddon Derby unleashing dash and exploding in front of goal for 60 minutes at Boort Park on Saturday.

The Magpies wanted to show its strong off-season recruiting raids had delivered the fire power to match it with the North Central league’s middle tier of teams.

Leading their charge was not one of the big name recruits but local hero Tom Potter.

He snapped goals like a veteran and had support from another local product Will Perryman, back in black and white after a successful stint at Pyramid Hill.

Out to quell the swooping power was Wedderburn, the Redbacks already providing something of a silent but deadly aspirant under new coach Tom Metherell.

That early flurry in front of goal by Potter and Perryman was soon subdued by the other Tommy - Tom Campbell who soon had the first of his five goals for the day.

9 - (0) - Trent Grant - Donald

8 - (1) - Oscar

- Charlton 14 - (4) - Andrew Oberdorfer - Nullawil

10 - (0) - Adam Thomson - Nullawil

9 - (3) - Harry Harcourt - Sea Lake Nandaly 9 - (0) - Perry Roberts - Sea Lake Nandaly 7 - (4) - Chris O’Rourke - Boort

LODDON VALLEY

Maiden Gully v Inglewood

Mitiamo v Pyramid Hill

Calivil v Marong

Briodgewater v Bears Lagoon Serpentine

Under 18: Bridgewater v East Loddon at Bridgewater, Inglewood v Pyramid Hill at Mitiamo

NORTH CENTRAL

Charlton v Birchip Watchem

Sea Lake Nandaly v Nullawil

St Arnaud v Donald Boort v Wycheproof Narraport

League teams available on Thursday nights at www.loddonherald.com.au

Campbell was capping off the work of one of Wedderburn’s famous home-grown products Jordan Hargreaves. The ruckman was dominant and exposed a chink in the Boort arsenal, palming to ball off to the fleet-footed McEwan and others from just about every dance.

Hargreaves’ predecessor in the ruck, club legend Adam Postle showed glimpses of old as he streeted off the backline.

Jhye Baddeley-Kelly was a constant driver of play for Boort - they were up by four points at the first break and only trailed by eight at half-time. But Boort had started to wane, making silly mistakes.

A free right in front of goal in the final minutes to Anthony Zelencich saw the Redbacks’ goal recruit score and lock in second half momentum for Wedderburn.

Only lowering the colours once so far this season - and that was to Sea Lake Nandaly by a slender margin, Wedderburn set about snuffing out the Boort attack in

the second half. The Redbacks ran opponents ragged. Potter’s ability to lift with inspiring kicks and linking passages was less in the final 60 minutes.

Hargreaves headed towards his best game at least since winning the Feeny Medal back in 2021. Some say it was, ominously, his best game yet in an indication of fitness and maturity combining at the right time.

Boort may have considered Wedderburn a mid-tier side before last Saturday. On form, and ladder positions, Wedderburn and its style of play under new coach Metherell hint they are gunning for the top tier.

Very different story on the ground

THE score differential in the reserves game gives little indication of the effort and tenacity of Wedderburn against the Pies.

From the first bounce a more physically superior Magpies outfit was put under pressure by the Redbacks across every line.

While the end result was never in doubt the Boort boys at the final siren knew they had been in a contest.

Boort’s height advantage, particularly through Cam Ross, Pat O’Rourke and Fraiser Holland created problems for the Redbacks but pressure at every contest kept the Redbacks effort and spirit at good levels.

Callum Miller-Givett in the ruck despite giving away inches in the ruck had his best game in the red and black and he was well supported by on ballers Cam Lang, Ash Younghusband Luke Last and Levi Sims. Robbie Tonkin, Chris Hargreaves, Jake Hayes and Finn Turnbull worked hard all day in defence.

For the Magpies, Chris and Pat O’Rourke with seven goals between them were hard

to counter, with Harry Weaver, Alex Cockerell, Cam Ross Mitch O’Donoghue and Jordan Sheahan being good contributors all day.

Injuries are starting to stretch Redback numbers a bit so hopefully with a couple of weeks off to recover there will be a few more bodies available for selection next game.

„ In the under 17s, the league yardstick Boort was up against an undermanned Redbacks combination.

Never lacking in spirit or desire was under pressure from a physically superior and skilful Magpies team.

The Magpies pushed forward constantly and their forwards were presented many opportunities to score.

Liam Budge in the ruck for the Redbacks battled against the odds but rose to the occasion and gave his onballers many opportunities.

Deacon Tansley and Tyson Blair both showed out with positive attack on the football and worked hard under plenty of pres-

sure in defence. Ethan Thornbury also did not falter in his efforts to be involved in a contest.

Boort provided the Redbacks with players to top up numbers.

„ In the under 14s, the Redbacks mini fleet, gaining confidence and improvement with each game again played with with plenty of desire and enthusiasm.

With coach Clint Turnbull encouraging and offering good advice there is plenty to like every week.

The Magpies were strong across every line but the Redbacks enthusiasm and keenness to get involved and never stop trying will hold them in good stead.

Wayde Collins, Jye Laverty-Smith, Bastian Noordennen, Zane and Archie Polkinghorne all showed out for the Redbacks with their willingness to be involved in the contest.

Boort had good contributors in Seth Muller, Brodie McPherson, Darby Perryman Connor McNally and Jayden Hoeve-Hall.

- BOB STEEL

Boort’s Will Perryman

Top guns Tom Potter (above) and Tom Campbell. LH PHOTOS

Mitchell Park masters

DEFENSIVE stars Gavin James and Tom McGregor tore strips off the hyped Bridgewater as Pyramid Hill set in stone its new season credentials on Saturday.

The Bulldogs roamed their home ground with authority, using knowledge of how to play the wide expanses of Mitchell Park.

Coach Nathan Fitzpatrick saw his players execute a game plan that left Bridgewater looking ragged, rattled and frustrated. It was a masterclass in how to play the league’s biggest ground from the methodical and usually demur Bulldog leader.

The Mean Machine’s goal gun Lachlan Sharp was held to just one goal - that came in the second term - and he spent the last term as an onballer trying to avert a Bulldog mauling.

Bridgewater was held scoreless in the first term and its last 30 minutes of the game was not much better, adding a solitary behind to the scoreboard.

Up by 22 points at the final break, Pyramid wasted little time setting out to extend the margin and record its second win of the season - narrow opening round losses to fellow top spot contenders Bears Lagoon Serpentine and Marong were not going to be repeated against the other side in Top Three contention.

Bailey Scott converted three minutes after exploiting gaps in Bridgewater’s forward zone.

Another desperate lunge by Bridgewater saw 30 seconds of strategic kick-to-kick across halfback before Brodie Carroll punted the ball to Ben Knight who ran into an open goal.

Play was temporarily held up mid-term when one of the field umpires took out his notebook.

Bridgewater’s Jack Symons was booked for charging and later accepted a one-match suspension.

Jayden Cowling locked in a Bridgewater turnover and added another goal for the Bulldogs. Sharp was darting everywhere, as was Harry Mc Kinley, but their efforts were constantly being blocked by James and McGregor who continued their games of

dominance. Onballers Jesse Sheahan and Bryden Morrison were vital links as Pyramid Hill moved the ball from defence to forward 50 with rapidity.

Skipper Steve Gunther added another goal late in the term, one of five for Pyramid Hill for the quarter.

Rover Boden Alexander has stamped himself as a gritty and

Dennis commands respect

THERE was a whiff of old habits for Bears Lagoon Serpentine on Saturday.

consistent player for the Mean Machine who gave their best player to half-back Joseph Mayes in a difficult day for their defenders. Lee Coghlan also bobbed up trying for forward 50 success. kicking one of Bridgewater’s three goals.

Pyramid Hill has now played all the top teams and could rise up the ladder in coming weeks.

Neve named in league squad

WEDDERBURN’S Neve Nisbet has been selected in the Central Victorian league’s under 18 squad for the women’s interleague carnival this month.

The Redbacks’ junior hockey coach plays with Eaglehawk in the Bendigo-based women’s football league and is one of four Hawks named in the under 18 squad.

Central Victoria will play against Goulburn Murray and North East Bendigo on May 18.

Final trials will be held this week and next week before final team selection for the senior and under age round-robin.

Flag team reunions

BRIDGEWATER will mark three big years for flags with reunions of its 1974, 1984 and 2014 premiership sides on Saturday.

The 2014 flag came with a 96-point victory over Bears Lagoon Serpentine, the Mean Machine’s opponent in Saturday’s Loddon Valley league home game. Bridgewater went through the 2014 season undefeated in the fifth of what would be a sevenyear run of flags.

Staff fill AFL roles

AFL staff are filling vacant positions on the commission while the region moves to a new regional council structure. Members of the commission, that was chaired by Nicholas Rolfe, has resigned. Regional manager Cameron Tomlins said AFL Victoria management staff had been appointed to casual vacancies on the commission.

AFL has called for expressions of interest for the new regional council.

Boasting the firepower up forward of Josh Mellington, options of experienced James Rippengale and Andrew Gladman and the strength of Justin Laird in the centre, the Bears were in with a show against Marong at halftime. Only 10 points down for the team that made an opening round statement with the scalp of Pyramid Hill.

Unable to get on with the game in the second half.

Marong’s third term stunted whatever grunt there was in the Bears.

Mellington was slotting goals as the game plan of coach Wilkinson was mostly followed. But then it was the Bears of old.

The reigning premiers had Richard Tibbett back for just his second game of the season and last year’s grand final best on ground made his presence felt.

Robbins and Wellington were just two of eight goal-kickers for the Panthers, again demonstrating they have multiple avenues to the sticks.

While the Bears faded, it was a different story for the young Calivil against Mitiamo. Too often the Demons have lost close games after setting up handy leads early. That’s what happened on Saturday as the Anthony Dennis-coached Demons bolted to a four-goal lead at the first break.

An arm wrestle saw Mitiamo works its nose in front by four points at the final change.

It was the masterful Dennis who gave the grunt and inspiration to dominate play and end up winning at home by 26 points.

THIS WEEK’S LODDON VALLEY PREDICTIONS

Glenn Catto

INGLEWOOD is finally on the board after a gruelling draw in the first couple of rounds against the Loddon Valley league’s more dominant sides. May only be one win but it came against the side some observers, those without the benefit of gazing into my crystal ball, thought would be this season’s big improver and glamour side, Newbridge. My prediction is that seven wins will secure fifth spot this year. Inglewood only needs six more and a second should come when the Blues make their way to the Maiden Gully Dome on Saturday.

Yes, the Eagles have two “wins” but they have come against Mitiamo and Calivil. If the Blues can do the deed for a second week, there’s clarity almost as good as The Oracle’s predictions for who will make the final.

There’s been a lot of hype about the battle of the goal kickers. Talking to the league president Simon Tuohey the other day, the smile on his dial was brighter than my freshlypolished crystal ball. “This is great for football,” Tuohey said of the exploits of Bears Lagoon Serpentine’s Josh Mellington and Bridgewater’s Lachlan Sharp.

“There’s been a real influx of players into the league this season and these two have created a lot of interest,” according to the league guru.

How right you are Simon! And on Saturday these two clubs go head-to-head and both coming off losses to the other pair of powerhouses Marong and Pyramid Hill.

Serpentine I maintain has greater depth and this will see the grumby Bears wander over the Salisbury plains and account for the Mean Machine. A few words of caution. Nathan Twigg’s return date to the game remains unknown and Serp will be without Andy Gladman who’s off on a work trip to Germany for two weeks.

But the Bears have greater depth and my spies from Janiember Park have confirmed they will not wilt like lower ladder sides to the intimidation of Bridgewater.

Gazing ahead, Mitiamo had its chances against Calivil on Saturday. Says that the Superoos when playing at its home ground - the most venerable of grounds, the John Forbes Oval - might grab a couple of surprise scalps later in the season.

- GLENN CATTO

Ben Knight streams towards goal for Pyramid Hill. LH PHOTO

seniors

Marong 4.1 8.2 16.3 20.5 (125)

BL Serpentine 3.1 6.4 10.6 13.9 (87)

GOALS - Marong: K. Robins 5, R. Wellington 4, N. McCaig 3, L. Frankel, L. Lee, N. Devanny 2, B. Stewart, M. Riordan. Bears Lagoon Serpentine: J. Mellington 6, J. Rippingale 3, A. Gladman 2, J. Bailey, C. Gadsden.

BEST - Marong: M. Willox, S. Knott, L. Frankel, J. McCaig, R. Tibbett, N. Devanny. Bears Lagoon Serpentine: F. Priest, T. Miles, J. Rippingale, D. Hawker, D. Nihill, J. Laird. Calivil 5.1 8.3 10.4 15.10 (100) Mitiamo 1.4 4.4 10.6 11.8 (74)

GOALS - Calivil: A. Dennis 4, J. Maher, C. Thompson, K. Newton, B. Baker 2, D. Thompson, J. Lawry, S. Green. Mitiamo: K. Coatsworth, A. Cussen 3, B. Laird 2, A. Lloyd, L. Shiell, K. Galvin.

BEST - Calivil: A. Dennis, L. Fisher, C. Thompson, J. Maher, D. Thompson, K. Shelton. Mitiamo: L. Lougoon, J. Matthews, B. Baines, N. Twigg, Z. Morrison, A. Cussen. Inglewood 2.3 3.5 8.7 14.11 (95) Newbridge 1.2 5.7 7.10 10.10 (70)

GOALS - Inglewood: K. Payne 5, M. Conlan 3, T. Kilcullen, A. Lister, D. Polack, W. Allen, L. Marciano, M. Rowe. Newbridge: C. Dixon 4, S. Gale 3, J. Barras, R. Cathie, J. Aujard. BEST - Inglewood: D. Polack, W. Allen, W. Allen, L. Matheson, T. Kennedy, L. Marciano. Newbridge: S. Gale, T. Constable, W. Daly, M. McArthur, W. Copland, K. Friswell.

Pyramid Hill 2.2 5.3 6.7 11.9 (75)

Bridgewater 0.0 2.1 3.3 3.4 (22)

GOALS - Pyramid Hill: Z. Alford 3, B. Scott, J. Cowling 2, B. Carroll, S. Gunther, J. Sheahan, B. Knight. Bridgewater: L. Coghlan, L. Sharp, B. Irvine.

BEST: - Pyramid Hill: T. McGregor, B. Morison, D. Hemphill, G. James, A. Holland, J. Sheahan. Bridgewater: J. Mayes, B. Alexander, X. Walsh, L. Coghlan, H. Donegan, J. Neylon. Marong

reserVes

Pyramid Hill 3.2 3.2 5.3 5.3 (33)

Bridgewater 1.0

(54)

GOALS - Pyramid Hill: R. James, B. Moon, B. Delamare, M. Dingwall, N. Moon. Bridgewater: P. Rothacker, J. Campbell 2, K. Lukies, D. Robinson, L. Cohen, T. Naughton. BEST - Pyramid Hill: G. Quinn, M. Gunther, K. Quinn, B. Moon, S. O’Reilly, B. Delamare. Bridgewater: J. Bowen, P. Rothacker, J. Campbell, A. McDowell, O. Muggleton, A. Gauci.

Marong 2.3 4.5 6.8 8.12 (60) BL Serpentine 2.0 3.2 4.3 6.3 (39)

GOALS - Marong: D. Blume 4, K. McCaig 2, A. Collins, L. Jongebloed. Bears Lagoon Serpentine: D. Tineo 2, M. Hancock, C. Anstee, D. Davies, S. Gladman.

BEST - Marong: R. Gretgrix, L. Jongebloed, S. Taylor, T. Grant, A. Collins, F. Waters. Bears Lagoon Serpentine: S. Gladman, D. Davies, Z. Stone, Z. Hollis, D. Tineo, J. Ketterer.

Inglewood

2.4 4.6 8.9 11.10 (76)

Newbridge 2.1 4.3 4.5 5.7 (37)

GOALS - Inglewood: J. Leach 7, J. Lovett, B. Cauchi, J. Rouse, M. Jeffrey. Newbridge: L. Hoskin 3, R. Hipworth, J. Dawkins.

BEST - Inglewood: J. Leach, J. Rouse, S. Gorrie, D. Gorrie, J. Collins, D. Hogan. Newbridge: B. Butler, M. Kirley, T. Wight, I. Formentera, L. Hoskin, O. Friswell.

Calivil 2.0 6.2 10.4 14.4 (88)

Mitiamo 3.4 5.5 9.6 10.9 (69)

GOALS - Calivil: M. Stephens 9, E. Ritchie 3, T. Piazza, incomplete. Mitiamo: K. Pentreath 3, M. Hocking, D. Saliba 2, J. Rawlings, C. Collins, C. Milne.

BEST - Calivil: M. Stephens, T. Harcourt, B. Columbus, J. Manderson, M. Hore, C. Dickins. Mitiamo: D. Cini, J. Rawlings, N. Hicks, J. Pianto, C. Milne, K. Pentreath.

UnDer 18

Marong

GOALS - Marong: R. Doorty, J. McMurray, R. Kerr, B. O’Neill 2, W. Thomson, J. Taylor, M. Lowery, R. Hayden. East Loddon: M. Hocking 2, N. Ramskill, F. Clymo, B. Wagner, M. Green.

BEST - Marong: H. Mannix, R. Kerr, H. Roberts, M. Lowery, J. Bird, B. O’Neill. East Loddon: M. Gray, M. Hancock, N. Ramskill, M. Hocking, K. Maxted.

Pyramid Hill 1.0

Bridgewater

(26)

(119)

GOALS - Pyramid Hill: H. Goodes 3, O. Emmerson. Bridgewater: M. Brown 5, M. Armstrong, S. Hewett 2, C. Orton, M. Ferguson, J. Friswell, T. Hetherton, F. Ferguson.

BEST - Pyramid Hill: H. Goodes, X. Emmerson, J. CloughFidler, B. Gibson, H. Ray, J. Mitchell. Bridgewater: M. Armstrong, S. McMahon, J. Hetherton, M. Brown. Marong

norTH CenTrAL

seniors

Boort

Wedderburn

GOALS - Boort: T. Potter 3, W. Perryman 2, J. BaddeleyKelly, E. Coleman, C. Hatcher, S. Barraclough, J. Byrne. Wedderburn: A. Zelencich, T. Campbell 5, D. Jackson, M. McEwen 2, O. Holt, J. Miller, T. Metherell. BEST - Boort: T. Potter, M. Austin, J. Baddeley-Kelly, J. Keeble, J. Byrne. Wedderburn: J. Hargreaves, M. Mcewen, J. Lockhart, T. Campbell, D. Jackson.

Birchip Watchem

Sea Lake Nandaly

(96)

(83)

GOALS - Birchip Watchem: B. Edwards 5, N. Rippon, J. Reid 3, D. Bell 2, L. Sirett, L. Foott. Sea Lake Nandaly: B. McInnes 3, J. McMahon, W. Simpson, L. McClelland 2, J. Wright, T. McKenzie, T. Cox.

BEST - Birchip Watchem: J. Reid, B. Edwards, H. Hosking, L. Foott, N. Rippon, M. Buchanan. Sea Lake Nandaly: J. Poulton, R. Osullivan, T. Cox, W. Donnan, L. Martin, K. Donnan.

Wycheproof Narraport

Charlton

(85)

(47)

GOALS - Wycheproof Narraport: S. Kennedy 3, W. Mitrovic, C. Green 2, H. Senior, J. Turner, J. Marlais, M. Murgov, J. Grabowski. Charlton: J. Taylor 3, J. Zagame, H. Taylor, B. Kemp, M. Collins.

BEST - Wycheproof Narraport: S. Allan, T. Trewin, S. Kennedy, T. Rumbold, J. Marlais, M. Murgov. Charlton: M. Collins, J. Taylor, T. Fehsler, J. Thompson, J. Tormey, E. Fitzpatrick. Nullawil

reserVes

GOALS - Boort: C.

O’Rourke 3, J. Bell, E. Lanyon, H. Weaver, F. Holland. Wedderburn: G. Payne. BEST Boort: H. Weaver, P. O’Rourke, A. Cockerell, C. Ross, M. O’Donoghue, J. Sheahan. Wedderburn: C. Miller-Govett, J. Hayes, C. Lang, R. Tonkin, L. Last, A. Younghusband.

(31)

(111)

GOALS - Wycheproof Narraport: S. Rodda, W. Ringin, D. Harrison, R. Jones, J. Harrison. Charlton: A. Judd 6, E. Needs, D. Roberts, L. Holmes-Brown, T. Bates 2, B. Roberts, P. Sait, G. House.

BEST - Wycheproof Narraport: D. Murray, J. Kervin, W. Ringin, R. Jones, T. Allan, K. Butcher. Charlton: D. Roberts, H. Sait, A. Judd, T. Salmon, J. Durie, T. Bates. Nullawil

Arnaud

(132)

(42)

GOALS - Nullawil: M. Poyner 5, A. Oberdorfer 4, L. Braine, J. Coghlan 3, J. Perry 2, A. Forrester, S. Hogan, S. Nicholls. St Arnaud: T. Ward 2, B. Hando, B. Greenaway, S. Penfold, C. Campbell.

BEST - Nullawil: A. Oberdorfer, J. Coghlan, L. Braine, J. Morrison, M. Poyner, A. Forrester. St Arnaud: S. Penfold, D. Baldock, S. Elliott, B. Greenaway, K. Torney, T. Ward.

- Birchip Watchem: S. Nottle, M. Berry. Sea Lake Nandaly: B. Poulton 5, H. Harcourt 3, T. Considine, Z. Wemyss, E. Ellis.

BEST - Birchip Watchem: C. Lee, A. Noonan, J. Ryan, B. Colbert, E. Rickard. Sea Lake Nandaly: T. Considine, H. Harcourt, C. Allan, I. Durie, P. Roberts.

UnDer 17

BEST - Boort: J. Bird, B. McPherson, D. Hird, S. Caine, J. Potter. Wedderburn: L.

UnDer 14

(37)

(109) St Arnaud

GOALS - Nullawil: J. Exell, R. Smith 4, M. Farmer 3, D. Isbister 2, S. Kelly, L. Caccaviello, D. Putt. St Arnaud: J. Male 2, M. Egan, T. Petrie, J. Hicks.

BEST - Nullawil: D. Putt, D. Watts, M. Quigley, R. Smith, D. Isbister, L. Caccaviello. St Arnaud: H. Durward, J. Hicks, Z. Phillips, S. Driscoll, T. Petrie.

GOALS - Not

BEST - Boort: S. Muller, B. McPherson, J. Hoeve-hall, D. Perryman, C. McNally. Wedderburn: W. Collins, A. Polkinghorne, J. Laverty-Smith, B. Noordennen.

LoDDon VALLeY

Loddon HERALD sport

Thursday May 9, 2024

UNITY TICKET RESCUE BID

By CHRIS EARL

TWO clubs have agreed to pool playing stocks and stave off the demise of Upper Loddon Cricket Association.

The dormant Bridgewater and Inglewood teams have been in talks for the past fortnight after association officials left the competition’s future up to clubs at a crisis meeting last month.

Bridgewater stood out of senior cricket last season and Inglewood has been in recess since 2020, the same year Serpentine folded.

Talks between the cross-river rivals saw a commitment emerge on Tuesday for Bridgewater and Inglewood to field a combined side in season 2024-2025.

Bridgewater president John Daldy said both clubs were optimistic they could each muster five or six players.

“We started with informal chats about 10 days ago and this morning (Tuesday) decided to make it work,” Daldy said.

“We are looking at playing some games at Bridgewater, some at Inglewood and holding social events to keep growing numbers and then have both teams back in the Upper Loddon competition in their own right.

“We’re keen to make this happen and there’s a fair bit of optimism.”

A combined Bridgewater-Inglewood would return Upper Loddon to a five-team competition, a minimum requirement set by

reigning premiers Arnold for that club to remain in the association where it has been for 125 years.

The Redbacks had talks with Emu Valley and Maryborough associations after Bridgewater withdrew its senior side.

They finished fourth after the Upper Loddon home and away season before storming through the finals series.

Arnold has said a four-team competition had the risk of suddenly becoming three and leaving clubs without an association at the last minute.

Bridgewater and Inglewood are expected to take their rescue plan to an Upper Loddon meeting on Monday night.

Last month’s crisis talks also

saw the association executive tell clubs they had to determine what changes they wanted presented by by-laws at the annual general meeting.

Clubs succeeded in bringing the annual meeting forward from September to July to give clarity for the association’s future and game formats next season.

In an email to clubs last week, they were told the agenda for Monday’s meeting:

„ Is Bridgewater any closer to guaranteeing a senior team in our senior competition?

„ If Bridgewater cannot guarantee a senior side, is Arnold committed to be part of a four team Upper Loddon competition?

„ If a minimum of four sen-

ior clubs cannot be met and the senior competition folds, are the clubs still interested in the Upper Loddon running a stand alone junior competition?

„ If hopefully, the fate of the association is assured, then all the ideas and suggestions that clubs have provided can be discussed. Following discussions, appropriate notices of motions can then be drawn up, to be voted on at the annual meeting on July 1.

It is not known whether the association executive has been in talks with other dormant or defunct clubs in the region.

The last Loddon club to disband was Dingee after finishing runners-up in the Emu Valley association in 2020-2021.

Door opens to twilight fixtures

INGLEWOOD and District Tennis Association could schedule twilight rounds next summer.

The first of the region’s tennis associations to hold an annual meeting, Inglewood representatives had talks on the concept on Monday night.

Outgoing president Aaron Lock said there was commitment and optimism from the existing five clubs.

“The opening is there now for twilight games,” Lock said.

He said all clubs would share the workload in running the association.

Wedderburn, that fields the Junction and Fentons Creek, team would nominate a member as the next president, said Lock.

He said Inglewood association would also reintroduce a singles’ championship played across the season with entered players meeting opponents at a time of their choosing.

Lock said the Inglewood club, fielding Loddon Eagles and Powlett sides, had received a Tennis Victoria grant for court upgrades ahead of next season.

Big gun shootout

A BUMPER crowd is expected at Bridgewater on Saturday when blazing goal guns Lachlan Sharp and Josh Mellington take the field in the same Loddon Valley football game. Sharp was held to one goal last week, Mellington fell short of a bag.

Bridgewater and Arnold ... key to the future