14th May 2025

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St. Arnaud, Charlton, Wedderburn & Surrounding Districts

Est. 1864

18 Napier Street, St. Arnaud. 3478. - Advertising & Editorial Material - Ph.: (03) 5495 1055; Fax.: (03) 5495 1937. Email: ncn@iinet.net.au Published weekly.

$2.00

WEDNESDAY MAY 14th 2025.

Registered by Australia Post, Publication No. VAC 4217.

Circulating in:- St. Arnaud, Charlton, Donald, Rupanyup, Bealiba, Stawell, Marnoo, Navarre, Dunolly, Wycheproof, Wedderburn, Birchip, Korong Vale, Stuart Mill, Redbank, Avoca & Moonambel.

(Incl. GST)

Massive push back against Fire Levy tax increase EMERGENCY Services tax increase will galvanise the rural sector of this state, says local farmer Barry Batters. According to Barry 90% of the funds raised by the new Emergency Services Levy will be used in urban areas of Victoria.

He believes that Northern Grampians will be collecting a massive $4 million dollars plus with the new levy.

“We heard that L oddon Shire has refused to collect the tax on behalf of the State Government.

“We have asked that Northern Grampians Shire also does not collect the tax.”

If the State Government thought that farmers were being over whelmed with opposition on the renewables energy front they might need to think again with the issue of the huge increases in the Fire Levy Tax due to hit residents as well.

According to the Wimmera Mallee Alliance the increase for farmers will be up to 189%, and if you thought you had missed out, even for residents the increase will be 99% and for commercial property owners 100% and only 64% for industrial owners.

Last week, farmers and volunteer firefighters took their fury straight to the steps of Victorian Parliament after grinding traffic to a halt on the West Gate Bridge during peak hour.

A convoy of farm utes, tractors and CFA trucks rolled into the city to make sure the government couldn’t ignore them last week.

The proposed tax, which would replace the existing Fire Services Levy on land rates, could see farmers whacked with bills tens of thousands of dollars higher than what they already pay.

With the increase due to push the farming share of the levy well beyond a hundred per cent farmers all over the state will head in down to State Parliament House in Melbourne to protest for

the second time in a week.

The Senate is due to pass (or not pass) the new legislation which will increase the amounts.

The convoy was expected to hit the steps of Parliament House at 11am on Tuesday and was to be addressed

by Brett Hosking, Victorian Farmers Federation, Andrew Weideman and Danny O’Brien.

Protests outside Allen’s Bendigo office Some 20 trucks drove to Jacinta Allen’s Bendigo office last week and although no one was at the premier's office the keys to the fire trucks were left at the front door – speaking volumes on how they felt.

• Cont. page 12

Above: Last week’s protest at the Bendigo office of the Victorian Premier, Jacinta Allen, with farmers clearly indicating where they think the blame should be laid. The new Emergency Services Levy will see all Victorians paying more than before.

PHOTO: Jason Barratt

Digging Up the Past – an innovative way to celebrate a cemetery DIGGING Up the Past was an innovative way that the Swanwater West Cemetery Trust played host earlier this month. Situated close to Cope Cope the Cemetery President spoke briefly about the trials and tribulations of maintaining an old cemetery in a place where the population has dwindled substantially.

Above: Evie Young winner of ‘where’s Wally the grave-digger’ competition.

PHOTO: C. Campbell

The first burials in the cemetery were in 1877 and the first trustees were J.Shean, W.W. Watson, N. McPhee, W.B.Trollope and W.H. Howard. C.J. Sparrow held the position of Secretary/Treasurer for 36 years and Harold Bath for 53 years.

Carol Campbell, the current office bearer, has taken to the task with great enthusiasm, applying for local Government grants to carry out required maintenance on the site.

Grants to secure a notice board, built by Donald Steel, gives the location of the graves of people buried there.

The cemetery is predominantly Methodist as it was built next to a Methodist Church, long gone but there are several Anglican, four Presbyterian and two Catholic graves as well.

The notice board is well positioned and the information on it and also on several of the gravesites is very well done.

The delightful bushland at the rear of the cemetery is quite beautiful, consisting only of Bulloak trees with native flax bushes as the under storey.

Former Secretary/ Treasurer, Beris Jones,

Above: President of the Cemetery Trust, Wayne Jones (left), talks to Brian Brasier, secretary of the Donald History Society in the lovely bushland at the rear of the cemetery.

PHOTO: C. Campbell said that it is very beautiful in the spring when the grass is green, the flax is flowering and the freesias, planted by the early settlers, are in full bloom and emit their lovely perfume.

Another small grant to put on "Digging up the Past", was to showcase the work recently completed by the trust.

• Cont. page 8.

Inside today •BBQ for Fireys pg. 8 •Mothers Day at Coates Hostel pg. 9

•Police Report pg. 13

Editorial

To the Editor

Wild Horses or Horse[poo]

Value for money change

by Northern Grampians but whose value?

Community demand was the main reason, along with the service being financially unsustainable, for the Northern Grampians Shire Council’s decision to request of the Planning Minister that the shire NOT issues building permits after the end of this financial year. The evidence, the Council says, that the issuing of building permits was not supported by the community, was that 70% of building permit work, albeit they recognized that these were most particularly for higher-value, complex projects, were issued by private surveyors. The legislative exemption from issuing of building permits by the Council is that if ‘adequate private surveyors exist locally’ but do they? That is certainly debatable.

The council’s review of the services offered by the Building Services noted that although there was a sharp decline during COVID the stimulus-led surge was followed by a gradual decline, ‘likely due to costof-living pressures.’ The word ‘likely’ indicates to us that the real reason for the decline was only presumed and further analysis (or any) would need to be undertaken for this to become a certainty. Perhaps a more telling fact regarding the issuing of permits either by the Shire or by a private surveyor is when you examine sheds, carports and private garages. Pre-COVID the shire had 90% of the market, falling to 50% in 2021/22 and this figure is generally maintained.

When examining the dwellings (single) Councilissued permits form about 30%, but they are for ‘more complex projects’. It is clear therefore that there is still a need for the Council to offer this service, perhaps it may be only for lower value permits but as this is a Shire that has a very low sociodemographic it would appear that this service is of value to residents.

The fact that the building surveying profession is ageing and that insufficient new members of the A profession are being recruited and this does impact on rural councils. The fact that 80% of the rural MBSs work part time and are often contracted (as F are those of private surveyors) may actually point to the real reason so many are now going with pri- E vate surveyors – they can be relied upon to have a surveyor on site when they say they will and in a timely manner, which is probably the reputation of the private versus the government organisation.

Analyzing opinions on government versus private organizations often reveals contrasting viewpoints on their roles, effectiveness, and impacts. Government organizations are seen as essential for public services, welfare, and regulation, while private organizations are often lauded for innovation, efficiency, and profit generation. Although both have potential drawbacks, including bureaucracy, lack of transparency, and social responsibility concerns, the word of those that we have C spoken to seems to be that private surveyors are more innovative with new materials and have access to C greater expertise in this field. Private organizations are driven by the profit motive, which can lead to greater innovation, efficiency, and responsiveness to market demands and they offer a range of products and services, providing consumers with greater choice and competition, which can lead to better quality and lower prices.

The cost of a Victorian building permit, including fees for a private surveyor, can range from a few hundred dollars for small projects to several thousand dollars for larger ones. Building permit fees are based on the value of the proposed works and other factors.

Private surveyors may also charge additional fees for services like inspections and lodgement. This would answer the question why are private surveyors mainly involved in higher-end and complex projects.

It is important to note also that of rural councils that do issue building permits almost 50% of these are for sheds, carports and private garages.

Therefore, the suggested shared services between councils seems to be an option that should be pursued, because residents appear to be saying ‘the higher the value of the project the more we lean to private surveyors’ so by not issuing any building permits are the Northern Grampians Shire Council making services more inequitable.

A

Dear Editor, Trump is alive and well and to be found in NGS Planning Department Why worry about inconvenient facts and evidence when you can get away with any old nonsense you want to parade?

Why worry about ability and competence and appropriate qualifications for jobs ?

This is Wild Horses’ Modus Operandi; dish up any amount of old horse[poo] and our Planning Department will not notice.

They only read the first page anyway.

This is what NGS Council Planning has done and continues to do, denying evidence and going along with dubiously qualified consultants making unsupported claims, none of which have been examined by our Planning Department for veracity.

The horse[poo] has been swallowed whole and we, the people of Carapooee and Carapooee West have been thrown under the bus again.

Qld What sort of 4217Department is Planning this, that it doesn’t bother to fact1 check; 800 652neither 284 does it read the application (this would involve work) to recognise the most basic of errors being paraded by the Festival consultant as facts.

There is plenty of evidence to refute the ridiculous and easily discredited claims made by the consultant, Beachside Inspections (we don’t TedtooWhillier have much beachside here but the consultant maybe Elaine Watson didn’t notice) but our Rosemary J Planning Department couldn’t or wouldn’t do this- check the application for errors, lies, and omissions.

The Disclaimer made by Ms Archer at the start should have given anyone evaluating the application, pause for thought.

Too much for our NGS Planners, hey, it was on page 3!

If NGS Planners would like to come and see the evidence, I would be pleased to show them. (Sorry, no photos today. Too many to put in the newspaper) They have my address and phone number.

Anne Hughes Carapooee West

Page 2 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY MAY 14th 2025.

same way as everyone else due to mobility issues, it was disappointing to see.

The steep ramp at the front of the primary school arts center was extremely daunting for citizens with walkers, mobility aids and ailments which limited their ability to use this incline therefor making the polling place inaccessible to many.

Many clung to the railing for support, many unable to make it up the ramp at all.

I watched on as families, friends had to leave older relatives, to go vote at the boxes, while theQldvulnerable stayed down A 4217 by the tree, the school gate sitting on benches and 1 800 652 284 walkers waiting for the F AEC staff to bring E down their ballots, left alone.

• Cont. page 4.

What about the disabled and elderly Dear Editor Saturday, Federal Election Day was a show of how the St. Arnaud local community, our community disregards and overlooks the vulnerable, namely the disabled and elderly.

Voting a compulsory thing in our country, something that brings many people out from the comfort of their homes for the first time in days, weeks, months, but as I sat at the raffle table, overlooking midday from under the big tree at the front of the school, I watched how people were unable to complete their voting the

A

18 Napier St., St. Arnaud, Victoria 3478.

Phone: (03) 5495 1055; Email: ncn@iinet.net.au St. Arnaud, Charlton & surrounding districts

N.C.N. INFORMATION The North Central News is 100% locally owned, independent newspaper, established in 1864. With a circulation of 1,400 copies, and an estimated readership of over 3,500 throughout the Northern Grampians and Buloke Shires.

SUBSCRIPTIONS Annual subscription for 12 months is only $141.00 (inc. GST), including postage and packaging.

ADVERTISING & COPY DETAILS Artwork, and all advertisements or alterations are to be submitted before 5.00pm Friday prior to publication.

Announcements of births, deaths, marriages and engagements must be properly authenticated.

N.C.N. prefers advertisement and editorial copy to be typed or neatly hand-written to avoid being published incorrectly. We accept no responsibility for error or misspellings in illegible advertisement and editorial copy. © Copyright 2025

DISCLAIMER The views and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those held by the publisher or editor. The publisher and staff accept no liability for injury or losses which may occur as a result of information presented in this publication.

No. 8559

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ACROSS 2 Suffocate 7 Worth 9 Bird 11 Worked together 14 Skin disease 16 Minute particle 17 Puts back 18 Consumed 20 Laundry item 21 Fear greatly 22 Long­leaved lettuce 23 Saturn’s largest satellite 26 Narrow beam 28 Top card 30 Personal views 32 Augury 33 Unpleasant 34 Tending to meet in a point 36 S­shaped moulding 37 Composition 38 Walked wearily

Proudly sponsored by:-

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See this week’s solution on page 11.

DOWN 1 Longing 2 Ermine in brown summer phase 3 Seesaws 4 Dutch cheese 5 Decay 6 Nourished 8 Frozen treats 10 Outlet 12 Forgiving 13 Flower 15 Make ineffective 18 Embellishes 19 Whirlpool 20 Mountain lion 22 Skipped like a goat 24 Large volume 25 Transgressed 27 Starry 29 Wooden shoe 31 Breakfast food 32 Above 34 Fish 35 Fish trap

Buloke Shire sets strategic direction and budget WITH the Buloke Shire already endorsing their draft Council Plan 20252029, Annual Budget for the next year as well as the Rates and Revenue Strategy all three documents are now on display for public comment.

The three draft strategic documents outline the priorities that Council will strive to deliver over the coming years to ensure Council is well-placed to deliver essential services, maintain financial sustainability and plan responsibly for the future.

Buloke Shire Mayor, Cr Alan Getley highlighted the importance of these documents as they set the direction for the years ahead and reflect what matters most to the Buloke community.

“We are proud to present our new draft Council Plan, Annual Budget and Rates and Revenue Strategy to our community”, Cr Getley said.

“And we are grateful to everyone who recently shared their thoughts and ideas through our surveys, workshops, community summit and conversations”.

“This input has helped shape these draft strategic documents and we encourage everyone to take a look at them and make a submission to Council.”

In response to the community feedback received, Buloke Shire Council will develop a Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan as a standalone document later this year rather than integrate it with the Council Plan, as it has done previously.

This is to provide greater focus and guidance to Council in maintaining and improving the health and wellbeing of the Buloke community.

Copies of the Draft Council Plan 2025-2029, Revenue and Rates Strategy 2025-2029 and 2025/26 Annual Budget and can be downloaded from the council website at www.buloke. gov.vic.au Hardcopies can also be viewed at the Wycheproof Customer Service Centre, 367 Broadway, Wycheproof or requested by contacting Buloke Shire Council on 1300 520 520 or buloke@buloke.vic.gov.au Submissions must be received in writing no later than 5pm on Thursday 29 May 2025 and can be provided in the following ways: • Email t o b u l o ke @ b u l o ke . vic.gov.au • In person by placing a submission in the box at the Wycheproof Customer Service Centre, 367 Broadway, Wycheproof.

• By mail addressed to the Buloke Shire Council, PO Box 1, Wycheproof, Victoria 3527.

Following the consultation and review period, the draft Council Plan 2025-2029, Revenue and Rating Strategy 2025-29 and 2025/26 Annual Budget are scheduled for adoption at the Council Meeting on Wednesday 18th June 2025.

Above: Bride and Groom Stacey and Brad with their attendants and their vintage cars.

Gardens set the scene for magical wedding ON a unbearably hot day in March of 40 degrees Stacey Keller and Brad McDonald were married in the St. Arnaud’s Queen Mary Gardens.

The bride arrived in one of two old chevys that carried the bridal party where the only air conditioning was the window.

Stacey is the daughter of Murray and Susan Keller of Wedderburn.

Brad is the son of Trevor and Robyn McDonald of St. Arnaud.

Stacey was attended by bridesmaids Jess Polkinghorne, Rachel Coombes and Channy Petrie, and Brad by

groomsmen Jason Lever, Jason Barratt and Lachlan Patching.

Guests enjoyed a reception in the (air conditioned) St. Arnaud Town Hall with the new couple who, due to the groom’s commitments, enjoyed only one night away.

A traditional honeymoon is probably not on the cards for this couple who, between farming and mechanics, find it difficult to get away.

Locally screened movies to enjoy! ____________________

“SMALL THINGS LIKE THESE” Just $12.00 pp !

Fri 16 May @ 7.30 pm

Sun 18 May @ 2.00 pm Organization fundraising Ph. 0402 753 305 Gift Passes 5 for $45.00; 10 for $90.00

Please check our website and Facebook page for updates www.starnaudcinema.com Ph. 0400 045 081

NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY MAY 14th 2025 - Page 3

What’s happening at St. Arnaud Secondary College To the Ballarat and Grampians Community Legal Service

consent.

Students from Years 10 to 12 had a periodlong session with lawyer Adrian, which was well received and informative.

The School has been visited again by the Ballarat and Grampians Community L egal Ser vice, with this session’s focus on the topical issue of

Elevate Student Study Sessions All students from Year 7 to 12 have had a

session with Elevate – a company that specialises in helping provide students with a variety of strategies and skills to help them organise their busy schedules, so that they can make best use of their time and prepare for assessment at school.

Each year level receives a specialised program, ranging from general organisation,

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Page 4 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY MAY 14th 2025.

through to preparation for exams for more senior students.

With exams approaching, there were good and practical suggestions for students to apply.

Do It For Dolly Day

Big Science Competition

‘Small Things Like These’ impress us at St. Arnaud Cinema

A range of students from year 7 to 10 have participated in the Big Science Competition, a national competition, and it is great that there are students who put their hands up to have a go.

Outdoor Ed Overnight Camp Year 12 Outdoor Education students travelled to Koondrook for an overnight excursion.

The trip included setting up a base camp, organising and cooking their own food, canoeing on the river and information sessions from local people.

House Cross Country House Cross Country was held last week with results currently not known.

“Do It For Dolly Day,” is a day dedicated to eradicating and educating everyone about the effects and consequences of bullying.

The students heard from Mara Reynolds and Wayne Flower, and there were blue jelly cups on sale during the day today to help raise funds for this very worthy cause.

BASED on true events the story is set in Ireland in 1985, Bill Furlong is a coal merchant, regularly delivering coal to the local Catholic convent and the movie at the St. Arnaud Cinema this week is Small Things Like depicting the IrishCatholic family, the Furlongs.

One day he comes across a teenage pregnant girl called Sarah locked in a shed in the convent grounds.

More than just a cold morning; the temperature is freezing.

Bill takes Sarah into the convent building for safety where the nuns pretend to take good care of Sarah.

But things are not what they seem.

Bill is told by The Mother Superior that the circumstances regarding Sarah’s situation is convent business, and that it stays there.

St. Arnaud 50 Years Ago: May 1975

by Heather Pritchard

- Contributed And further, she lets Bill know that she’s aware his eldest daughter’s name is on the list of a well-known popular Catholic Girls’ school.

Bill gets the message that this could affect his daughter’s future education.

Before long there are some dramatic twists and turns to this story, but with much grace there is a happy ending for Sarah.

This movie supports excellent performances from Cillian Murphy, Eillen Walsh, Michelle Fairley, Emily Watson, Zara Devlin.

Screening takes place at St. Arnaud Community Cinema on Friday 16th May at 7.30 pm and Sunday 18th May at 2pm.

Editor • From page 2.

The real silent killer was the walk down at the exit, a seemingly average downhill, but the mix of the decline, small rocks and metal grate at the bottom, meant those with walker and mobility issues had to walk down with great caution, or it was likely a fall would occur.

Over the hour and a half I was there I saw an older lady fall, the mix of the downhill and her tremors proving too much.

The polling places change in location from the town hall to the primary school art centre lacked thoughtfulness and planning, although the location had a ramp, it proved not accessible to all.

This highlighted the town’s ignorance towards those with mobility issues.

For a town whose average age is 52 you would think it would be taken into account whether the chosen location for a compulsory government event was accessible.

Saturday highlighted the wider issue that our town faces, this is not just about Election Day, but other events and locations around our town that we may not realise are inaccessible to the majority of our aging population.

Anonymous (name and address supplied)

Weddings Lynette Brennan and Donald Freeman.

Robyn Hines and Bill Hickey.

Silver Wedding Anniversary Rene and Snow Torney.

Births Jan and Maurice Wright a son Craig William.

Jean and Colin Dellar a son Bradley James.

21st Birthday Douglas Darlington.

80th Birthday Rodda Russell.

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Deaths Kaye Fitton age 21, result of a car accident in Melbourne.

Catherine Boyle age 96.

George Cockburn age 62 in Hobart.

Business opens Pauline Burke opened a hairdressing salon.

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NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY MAY 14th 2025 - Page 5

Page 6 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY MAY 14th 2025.

St. Arnaud 100 Years Ago: May 9th - 14th 1925 - by Heather Pritchard

Rain Farmers are jubilant as a good soaking rain delivered 164 points after a long dry spell; 29 points on Tuesday, 120 on Wednesday and 15 on Thursday.

Hospital not up to standard After a visit to the St. Arnaud Hospital the Inspector of Charities reported the isolation wards were not fit for occupation and the nurses were working under uncomfortable conditions.

The sewerage system was not satisfactory in regard to the disposal of effluent, midwifery wards were needed, the theatre and sterilizing rooms need repairs and better ventilation, drainage and water supply, and electric light.

The infectious wards need a bathroom and pantry, steam laid on to the fumigating room adjacent to the engine room and a verandah.

The only part of the infectious wards not requiring removal are the brick walls. The Committee with meet next week to discuss the report.

Football season commences In the North Western District Football Association the teams are St. Arnaud, Watchem, Donald, Cope Cope, Litchfield and Birchip.

St. Arnaud players in the first match for the season were G Henderson [Cpt], L Crone, A Gale, F Bradshaw, J Millgate, C Cousins, A Woodford, T Lloyd, W Huxtable, D Queripel, H Coleman, F Harper, W Kennedy, J

Craig, R Walton, A Fithall, J Hunter and L Knights.

Watchem played St. Arnaud at King George Park – scores, ¼ time Watchem 4-2, St. Arnaud 0-1, ½ time Watchem 8-9, St. Arnaud 1-1, ¾ time Watchem 11-10 St. Arnaud 4-8, and final score Watchem 15-12 defeated St. Arnaud 912.

Goals kicked for St. Arnaud, Huxtable, Gale and Henderson two each, Millgate, Harper and Knights one each.

Cope Cope defeated Litchfield and Birchip defeated Donald.

Mr H Shepherd umpired the St. Arnaud Juniors with North End 1-1 defeated

by South End 10-3.

Skating rink opens L ang Bros announce their Imperial Roller Skating Rink in Alma St is once again open Tuesday and Saturday nights at 8 o’clock, Wednesday and Saturday afternoons at 3 o’clock and is now with electric light.

Admission, nights 11d, skate hire 7d, with own skates 1/-, afternoons admission 6d, skate hire 6d and with own skates 9d.

The St. Arnaud Brass Band will be playing throughout the evenings and the first competition this year was musical chairs won Mr W Groves.

Deaths Mr William K Cameron died on 4th May age 73 at his residence in Archdale and was buried in the St. Arnaud cemetery.

He and his wife Agnes were early settlers at Gre Gre and Moggs Plains and had seven sons and three daughters.

Former Gre Gre

North resident Mrs Margaret Brabender died on 6th May age 93 at the residence of her daughter Mrs Agnes Cameron whose husband died two days ago.

Margaret’s husband Duncan Brabender died 25 - 4 -1920 age 89 and she was buried with him in the St. Arnaud cemetery.

Margaret and Duncan had five sons and two daughters.

Therefore Agnes Cameron’s husband and mother died at her home within two days of each other and their graves are back to back in the Presbyterian section.

Hospital Sunday The St. Arnaud Brass Band travelled to Gowar East where they collected £36-12-9 for the St. Arnaud Hospital.

Farewells St. Arnaud East residents held a social evening to farewell Mr W S Muir who has sold his farm and is moving to St. Arnaud.

He was presented with a case of Barling pipes, a tin of tobacco, a rug and an easy chair.

Mr and Mrs W Bickerton were given a farewell social at the Presbyterian Sunday School prior to moving to Ballarat.

Sales Mrs W Stevenson has a furniture sale at her residence in Queen’s Ave- sale will start at 1-30 due to football starting at 3 pm.

Land leased Mr W J Clarke of St. Arnaud has leased his property of 1, 063 acres at Paradise to Mr S Hepworth of Donald.

Misses M and J Robertson have leased their 640 acres 1½ miles from Marnoo to Wm Hall of Beazleys Bridge and Henley Tucker of Moolerr.

Charlton 100 Years Ago: May 9th - 13th 1925

by Charlton Golden Grains Museum

Faithful church woman In the parish Hall the congregation of St Martin’s Church of England said farewell to a faithful member in Mrs A. J. Barber.

The Vicar (Rev. A. E. Freeman) presided. In connection with the various meetings and functions of the Ladies’ Guild she had been a great helper, and performed good work for the Flower Show and Fete.

She attended Church twice on Sundays.

The Sunday School Superintendent added his tribute, referring with pleasure to how well conducted were Mrs Barber’s children in the Sunday School.

The Vicar then asked Mrs Barber to accept a pair of silver vases, and a set of silver spoons, as a token of esteem and appreciation from the congregation.

Brilliant ball

- Contributed

the record up till 9am on Tuesday was: Buckrabanyule, 115 points, Wychitella, 76 points.

THE comedy / drama, “The Penguin Lessons” starring Steve Coogan and Jonathon Pryce will be screening at The Rex this weekend.

Concert and dance Probably never before in the history of Buckrabanyule has such a large crowd been seen at a concert and dance as that which assembled for the functions which succeeded the recent Sports Carnival and American Fair.

Artists from Charlton, Boort and other parts of the district reinforced the local talent, to provide a programme that was lengthy, varied and altogether most enjoyable.

Items were songs, recitations, one string violin solo, duets and trios.

For the dance which followed good music was provided by the Wedderburn Orchestra.

Mr Joe O’Donnell made an attentive and efficient MC. An excellent supper was provided by the ladies of the district.

A Grand Ball, under the auspices of St Martin’s Church was held in the Victoria Hall; and everyone agreed it was a very fine turn-out.

The attendance must have numbered 100 couples or more, and all enjoyed themselves immensely.

The floor, which had been prepared by men of the Church, was in particularly fine order.

The music provided by the Charlton Jazz Trio was of the best.

A feature of the Ball was the brilliant array of costumes, eg. Miss A. Hannabry – white satin with scarlet feather trimming; red shoes and white stockings; white feather hair band.

The supper was on an elaborate scale – a tempting array of ham and tongue sandwiches, fruit salads, trifles, jellies, cakes, etc.

Buckrabanyule effort

Refreshing rain

An interesting nouncement

The dry spell broke when a steady but mild and satisfactory rain set in – a rain which was ideal from the point of view of the farmer.

The man on the land will now be enabled to make excellent progress with his work.

On the Post Office gauge, the fall up till 9am on Monday was 39 points; and the 24 hours following added 74.

Rain continued to fall at intervals on Tuesday.

We have learnt by telephonic inquiries,

“The Penguin Lessons” at the REX

Above: 1918c Buckrabanyule Hall. organisation and the Cricket Club in extending and improving the present Golf Club House was carefully considered.

The Tennis Club decided that it was unable to join in.

It is considered that a Tennis pavilion, to be of any real value to the

members, must be right on the courts – and this would not be the case of the Golf Club House.

(Information from East Charlton Tribune)

Based on the bestselling memoir by former teacher Tom Michell the film is set against the backdrop of Argentina’s political turmoil in 1976.

It tells the story of Tom – a disillusioned Englishman – who arrives in Buenos Aires to teach at a prestigious school expecting an easy ride.As the city moves into a crisis and his students remain unteachable Tom’s life is turned upside-down when he rescues a penguin from an oil-slicked beach.

On returning to the school, the bird’s loyalty and presence forces Tom to confront his own repressed past and awaken to the responsibilities of personal and political change.

Directed by Peter Cattaneo, “The Penguin Lessons” is a delightful story delivered with warmth, wit and subtle insight.

“The Penguin Lessons”( M 122mins | Comedy|Drama) screens on Saturday May 17th at 8pm, Sunday May 18th at 2pm and Tuesday May 20th at 8pm.

In the Hall a meeting was held to report on progress in connection with the recent Sports Carnival and American Fair.

A profit of about £174 would be the result.

The overdraft is £153, so this will clear it off.

The meeting was well attended and everyone spoke of the kindly feeling which animated the whole gathering.

Special references were made to the donors of Charlton, Barrakee, Woosang, Marmal, and Wychitella, in respect of the many gifts received.

Great assistance was freely given by several members of the Woosang Sports Committee.

Country people and town residents will note with pleasure that, from now onwards, Melbourne Bitter, as well as Carlton Ale and Victoria Bitter, are on draught at McAuliffe’s East Charlton Hotel.

Tennis Club cannot At the meeting of t h e Te n n i s C l u b Committee the proposal of the Golf Club that the Tennis Club should join with that

NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY MAY 14th 2025 - Page 7

NORTHERN GRAMPIANS SHIRE COUNCIL Councillor Report

Karen Probst Well so far it has been an interesting experience taking on the role as a local government councillor.

My major motivations are a strong belief that local input is important, and that people need to be involved in decisions that affect them.

How I get to put that into action is one of

those things that can be easier said than done!

There’s such a wide range of issues, from potholes and rubbish collections, through to transmission lines and renewables.

I love the personal approach, chatting faceto-face, listening to your concerns, sharing ideas or brainstorming solutions.

Although I’ve lived in St. Arnaud over half my life and enjoy being

Community B.B.Q. The Rotary Club St. Arnaud is holding a Sausage Sizzle in recognition of our Firefighters for keeping us SAFE over the summer season.

Saturday, 17th May in front of the St. Arnaud Town Hall - 10.00am ’till 1.00pm.

ALL MONIES WILL GO TOWARDS THE ST. ARNAUD CFA GROUP

involved, I’ve learnt so much more about our communities over the past few months as a councillor.

From site visits to local businesses, meeting with farmers, informal chats down the street – I’m always learning.

One of the fun parts is attending events and seeing the work that goes on behind the scenes by volunteers dedicated and passionate about making things happen in our communities.

Just in this past fortnight in the northern end of the shire was an exhibition by the regional CWA groups, the opening of an exhibition of Raku pottery at the Raillery Hub gallery, ‘Digging up the Past’ at the Swanwater West cemetery, and Band Sunday, where it was lovely to meet some Stawell Brass Band members and hear all the bands play together.

It's one of the joys of living in a rural community, the ease of attending a diverse range of activities close to home.

Maybe not so much

Page 8 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY MAY 14th 2025.

fun, but still interesting and educational, is attending meetings!

Again, I learn so much meeting with community groups and other local service providers.

At a recent meeting with the St. Arnaud hospital and doctors, it was encouraging to hear about how our doctors and the hospital are working together and exploring lots of different avenues to encourage more doctors to our local area.

Being involved in decisions that affect you takes on another level when it comes to the transmission lines and renewables. It is very sad to see the divisions it is causing in our communities and the stress and trauma to farming families resulting from a sense of having no control.

As I continue on this journey, continue to share your ideas and concerns with me. Chat to me when you see me around, keep an eye out for ‘pop-up’ coffee and chats – St. Arnaud notice boards and local paper – or give me a call on 0468 773 478.

Above: Ann Dunstan addresses some of the visitors whilst standing in front of the new notice board (left to right) Brian Brasier, Don McAllister, Enid Brasier and Alison Summerhayes.

Photo: C. Campbell

Digging Up the Past – an innovative way to celebrate a cemetery • From page 1.

This grant provided the 20 visitors with a lovely BBQ lunch, which was cooked by Carol's son and a delicious afternoon tea, which was held in the Donald Courthouse at the end of the day.

K aren Probst, Northern Grampians Shire Councillor, was present on the day and enjoyed viewing the fruits of Carol's hard work and talking to the visitors.

Ann Dunstan conducted a detailed cemetery walk and read out the histories of many of the people buried there, many of whom still have descendants in the district.

On your next trip from Donald to St. Arnaud or vice versa, why not detour at Cope Cope and pay a visit to this very interesting site.

There is some seating and you can have a picnic lunch.

The bushland at the

back will provide the shade, if needed.

On your way back to Cope Cope you cannot help but notice Brown's Lake, which is

still holding water and it is not too much of an effort to take a drive through there as well, as you make you way back to the highway.

Above: Cr Karen Probst and Anne Walsh.

Photo: C. Campbell

SUDOKU Sudoku is an 81 square number grid with nine blocks each containing nine cells. To solve the puzzle, all the blank cells must be filled in using numbers from 1 to 9. Each number can only appear once in each row, column and in the nine 3x3 blocks. You can successfully solve the puzzle just by using logic and the process of elimination.

A Thank you BBQ to our Fireys TO show our appreciation for the incredible firefighters from across the district, this Saturday, join the St. Arnaud Rotary Club for a special barbecue Rotarians will be cooking from 10.00am to 1.00pm, b e t we e n t h e S t .

Arnaud Post Office and Town Hall.

Thanks to Weir’s IGA for generously donating the bread.

All proceeds from the BBQ will go directly to support our local CFA Brigades.

Come along, grab a sausage, and say thank you to those who protect our community.

Proudly sponsored by:-

For a prompt & professional service with a smile All Major Repairs & Brands of Tyres Car/Truck/4WD Wheel Balancing Modern Laser Wheel Alignments All Battery Sizes

Phone: 0400 377 278 20 Melbourne Road, St. Arnaud Phone office 03 5495 2734 See Solution page 13

Coates Community holds high tea to honour their mums WARM and friendly was the tone of the day at the Respect Coates Aged Care home last Friday.

Above: Cheryl Boyd (left) and David Robertson (right) with their mother Barbara Robertson.

A high tea with friends and family where mums were honoured for their role in so many lives.

Special comments about mum

Above: Kerryn Dyke (left) with her sister Glenda O’Neill (right) and their mother Betty Dyke (centre).

Helen Polkinghorne said of her mother, Peg Coates, when asked what was so special about her mum.

“She has always been there for us.”

Cheryl Boyd said of her mother Barbara Robertson that she was loving and caring.

“Now it is our turn to care for her.

“She can now enjoy her grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

When Kerryn Dyke was asked for her views on her mother, she replied “determination”.

Elvie McIntyre said of her mum Sylvia Torney that she was just mum.

“We are lucky to have her around.

“She will be 95 in June.”

All the world loves a mum.

Above: Elvie McIntyre with her mum Sylvia Torney at the high-tea at Coates Hostel.

Above: Helen Polkinghorne (right) with her mother Peg Coates.

NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY MAY 14th 2025 - Page 9

Industrial Shed and Yard

for Lease in St. Arnaud Great location on Melbourne Road with a secure yard We have three options available for lease.

OPTION 1 Newly renovated office block with large industrial shed, lunchroom and front display yard on Melbourne Road.

OPTION 2 Industrial shed with yard.

OPTION 3 Large industrial secure yard with water connected for general storage, Truck parking or Machinery storage.

For all enquires please call Glenn 0407 333 566

EMPLOYMENT Mail Contractor Required working out of St. Arnaud Post Office 3 Days a week 214 klms per day 14.00 hours a week.

Must have ABN CONTACT

John McAllen on 0428 976 372

Disability support workers needed We’re building teams for clients (young people and adults) in St. Arnaud and surrounding areas.

If you like to do support work and are happy to do some sleepover shifts then I’d love to hear from you to see if you're a match!

Previous experience working with people with disability an advantage.

Please call Jess at InLife Independent Living on 0457 006 215.

Learn more at inlife.org.au

Audit and Risk Committee External Member Expressions of Interest Expressions of interest are sought from suitably qualified individuals to be appointed as an external member to council’s Audit and Risk Committee for a period of three years.

The Audit and Risk Committee is an independent advisory committee to the council, established to assist in the effective conduct of council’s responsibilities for good governance, the management of risk, financial reporting and maintenance of reliable systems and internal controls to facilitate the achievement of its organisational objectives.

The external member is required to demonstrate expertise in financial management, environmental management, risk and experience in public sector management and be conversant with financial and other reporting requirements.

An honorarium is payable per meeting to external members.

A copy of the Audit and Risk Committee Charter and Guidelines, which clearly sets out the committee’s roles and responsibilities, is available from the council’s website www.ngshire.vic.gov.au under the Governance/ Audit and Risk Committee menu or from Customer Support at council offices in Stawell and St Arnaud. Any questions regarding the p o s i t i o n c a n b e d i r e c t e d t o Va u g h a n Williams, Director Corporate Services at vaughan.williams@ngshire.vic.gov.au or on (03) 5358 8700.

Expressions of interest, detailing background and experience and an understanding of the committee’s duties and responsibilities as detailed in the committee charter, are to be addressed to the Chief Executive Officer, PO Box 580, Stawell and be received by 1 June 2025.

BRENT MCALISTER CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Job Vacancies Campus Negotiable • Community Nursing – Acting Nurse Unit Manager Birchip • Resident Lifestyle Coordinator Donald • Enrolled Nurse St Arnaud • Associate Nurse Unit Manager • Ward Clerk • Registered Nurse • Enrolled Nurse Further information available at: https://ewhs.org.au/careers EWHS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, we welcome applications to all positions from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, LGBTQI+ People, and People of All Abilities.

Page 10 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY MAY 14th 2025.

PUBLIC NOTICE

MEETINGS

AT YOUR SERVICE

Murdoch Ladies Auxiliary

St. Arnaud Squash Club

Self Storage

RAFFLE WINNER Courtney Doak

AGM

Thanks for everyone for your support

St. Arnaud Badminton to commence on Wednesday 14th May at 7pm at St Arnaud Stadium.

St. Arnaud Agricultural Society Wood Raffle Winner held on Election Day was Barry Batters Thankyou to everyone that supported us.

FOR RENT

HOUSE FOR RENT IN STUART MILL Ph: 0418 575 500.

TO ADVERTISE PH: 5495 1055

Wednesday, 4th June St. Arnaud Sporting Club 6pm All Welcome.

FOR SALE

New range of Kids Colouring Books available at

•7 DAYS ACCESS •BUSINESS STOCK •LONG OR SHORT TERM STORAGE AVAILABLE

Hayley:

0409 337 276, Luke:

0458 885 266 St. Arnaud Serenity Storage

Solicitor 116 Napier St., St. Arnaud

Practical, experienced advice in plain English

St. Arnaud Allsorts

Appointments also available in Charlton, Donald & Wycheproof

Ph: 5495 1161

Ph: 5495 2595

89-93 Napier Street, St. Arnaud

Karen@klp.net.au

AT YOUR SERVICE

Nicola Kirk Physiotherapist Over 17 years experience Open Mon to Fri 63 Napier Street, ST. ARNAUD

0400 451 432 or 5495 1108

Top of the Town Beauty Salon For all your Hair and Beauty NEEDS

Ph: 5495 1306 ~ OPEN ~ Monday to Friday Colours, Perms, Unisex Cuts, Waxing, Teeth Whitening, Brow Wax & Tinting, Tanning etc. .

110 Napier St., St. Arnaud

DEATH NOTICE CRUTCH - William Robert “Bill” The Charlton Lawn Tennis Club is saddened by the loss of Club Legend and Life Member Bill Crutch.

Bill’s tennis IQ was matched only by his on court craft, quick wit and good humour, an 8 time club singles winner, a true gentleman, and champion of the Charlton Lawn Tennis Club on and off the court.

Deepest sympathies are extended to Beth, Sarah and Andrew at this sad time from all past and present members.

Cherished memories of Bill, on the tennis court, and at club working bees will live in our hearts forever.

RIP ‘Crutchy’ McKENNY (Moore) - Kerri Ann 10-12-1959 – 5-5-2025 passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family in St Arnaud.

Loving wife of Daryl (dec) and One of a Kind Mum and Nan who was loved so much by Mathew, Marnie, Noah, Sarah, Elizabeth, Lillian; Jacki, Brad, Nate, Eva, Bella, Gracie; Lori; Harley, Tegan, Elsie, Nellie and Millie.

YOU WILL LIVE IN OUR HEARTS FOREVER LOVE YOU TOO, SEE YOU LATER

McKENNY - Kerri Ann To our dearest Mum & Nanny Forever in our hearts and dreams. Your unconditional love and nur turing presence made us feel cherished beyond measure. We will miss your big hugs, laughter and cheeky nature.

Love you too, see you later Harley, Tegan, Elsie, Nellie and Millie McKENNY - Kerri Ann A chapter completed, a page is turned, a life well lived, a rest well eard.

Rest peacefully Kez. Ollie and Bren, Luke, Prue, Dale, Kelly, Hollie, Mark, Regan (dec), Zoie, Wal and families.

McKENNY - Kerri Ann My dear friend for 60 years, always there for us. Rest easy Kerri, reunited with your soul mate Daryl. xxx Love always, Kerry, Shane and Family.

CHURCH NOTICES

McGOLDRICK - Patricia Members of the Kara Kara Combined Probus Club of St. Arnaud are saddened by the passing of Patricia McGoldrick, a valued member of our Club.

Deepest sympathy to the Family.

ST. ARNAUD UNITING CHURCH ST. ARNAUD Sunday 18th May 9.30am Peter Welsh.

All Welcome.

PARISH OFFICE Chris & Rob Batters Pastorial Co-ordinators Enquiries 5495 6223

ANGLICAN PARISH OF ST. ARNAUD Christ Church Old Cathedral Friday 16th May 9.30am St. Arnaud 9.30am Every Sunday Eucharist Bealiba 8am 2nd/4th Sunday All Welcome Rev. Peter Downes Enquiries phone: 0412 957 383

ST. ARNAUD CHURCH OF CHRIST Cnr. Queens Ave & Alma St. Sharing faith in Christ Thurs. 15th May 10.30 a.m.: Faith Group Sun. 18th May 10.30 a.m.: Worship & Communion Speaker: Peter Fleming Tues. 20th May 4.30 p.m.: Discovery Time for Grades 1-6 Enquiries: Church Ph: 0494 391 466

DISTRICT CATHOLIC CHURCHES East Wimmera Parish WOOD - Alan Members of the Kara Kara Combined Probus Club of St. Arnaud are saddened by the passing of Alan Wood, a valued member of our Club.

Deepest sympathy to June, Jeffrey, Susan and Families.

FUNERAL

BIRCHIP Sunday May 18th 8.30am Mass BOORT Sunday May 18th 10.30am Live Stream in BANYENA No Mass CHARLTON Saturday May 17th 7.00pm Mass

KELL FUNERALS Est 1860

PRE PAID FUNERALS AVAILABLE 24 HOURS

Ph: 5495 1043

136 Napier Street St. Arnaud

NAFD Member

Birthday wishes to:

DONALD McKENNY Sunday May 18th McKENNY A service to celebrate 10.30am - Kerri Ann Kerri’s life will be held Live Stream out to With heavy hearts and at the Church of churches without mass tear-filled eyes, we bid Immaculate Conception May 18th May 14th St. Arnaud today you farewell our dearest ST. ARNAUD BIRTHDAY Brian O’Donnell Dylan Casey WEDNESDAY (May neighbour/friend Kerri Sunday May 18th Terry McSwain May 15th 14th) at 11.00am.

Ann McKenny.

10.30am May 19th Skye & Josie Wilson private cremation will NATIONAL CROSSWORD 13 X 13 Release NAT140 Although you’re gone No.A8559 McKENNY Live Stream in Lance Chipperfield May 16th follow.

GRID 21 we feel you near, we hold - Kerri Ann Ashley Craddock Shane Birthisel WYCHEPROOF you close within our Condolences and 10/12/59 - 05/05/25 Demi Griffith Glenda O’Neill hearts and there you livestream details at Sunday May 18th Ian Moerman Snow Williams Dearest Mother to Jacki will remain to walk and lifelived.com.au 10.30am and cherished Mother Val Salter Katrina Baldwin guide us through our Live Stream in KELL FUNERALS 5 6 4 3 2 1 in-law to Brad. Adored Clint Torney May 17th lives.

Your laughter and ST ARNAUD Nan to Nate, Eva, 10 9 8 7 Bella May 20th Carol Mc Swain Parish Coordinator: smile will always be NFDA EST: 1860 and Gracie. She was 13 left 12 11 Debbie Cameron Zach Notting Noeline Hogan remembered; you Auspac deeply Media 5495 1043 loved by her15 kindness and 16 love in our 14 0476 617 976 Kane Wilson The Features People family and is now resting 19 17 hearts. You touched our 18 PO Box 8271 Daryl.

Bundall Qld in peace with 20 lives in numerous ways 21 Australia 4217We will miss your hugs and often brightened 22 Telephone: (07)and 5553 3200 will love you forever.

Toll Free: 1 800 652 284 many 26 27 24 of our days.25 23 Fax: (07) 5553 3201 Thank you for every30 friendship was 31 28 29 Our a Email: thing Mum/Kez/Nan! info@auspacmedia.com.au blessing and 33 the 32 Visit our site: Love you too, memories of you our 34 35 www.auspacmedia.com.au see you later xx dear friend will3478. never 18 Napier36 St., St. Arnaud, Victoria 37 fade.(03) We will miss you so Phone: 5495 1055; 38 McKENNY much.

Email: ncn@iinet.net.au - Kerri Ann May your soul Solution No. 8559 Dear Mum,St. Arnaud,ACROSS rest in peace Created: Ted Whillier DOWN ACROSS Charlton & surrounding districtsDOWN For enquiries please call 1 Longing 2 broken Suffocate 1 Desire 2 Smother Creator no: 8559 The tie has been With love Emma, Nick, in brown 2 Ermine 7 Worth 2 Stoats 7 Merit Qxpress: Elainebetween Watson us however I summer phase 9 Bird Finn, Zach, Eloise, 3 Teeters 9 Dove INFORMATION Checked: RosemaryN.C.N. J 3 Seesaws 11 Worked together 4 Edam 11 Cooperated will remember those Isobel, Niamh, 16th May 2025 4 Dutch cheese 14 Skin disease 5 Rot 14 Tinea The North Central News is 100% locally owned, special memories of you Hugh, Luke and 5 Decay 16 Minute particle 6 Fed 16 Atom To the most special independent17 newspaper, established in 1864.

With 6 Nourished Puts back 8 Ices 17 Restores that will always bring a Matilda Green an ABC audited circulation of 1,650 copies, and an 8 Frozen treats 18 Consumed 10 Vent 18 Ate person in our lives smile.

10 Outlet 20 Laundry item4,250 throughout 12 Pardoning 20 Peg estimated readership of over the - your strength, 12 Forgiving 21 Fear greatly 13 Rose 21 Dread McKENNY If only I could have you Northern Grampians and Buloke Shires.

Flower Long­leaved lettuce 15 Negate 22 Cos kindness and - Kerri Ann 13 back for just22 little largest Industrial Domestic 15 Make ineffective 23 aSaturn’s 18 Adorns 23 Titan SUBSCRIPTIONS Embellishes satellite 19 Eddy 26 Ray unwavering love while thensubscription we could sit Annual for 12 months is grow only 18 $144.00 If orchids in heaven, • New Installation.

• Underground wiring 19 Whirlpool 26 Narrow beam 20 Puma 28 Ace Note to Editor: (inc. GST), including postage and packaging. and talk again inspire us every single me.

Mountain lion • Maintenance 28just Toplike card pick a bunch20for 22 Capered 30 Opinions Created in QUARK and alterations.

• Switchboard upgrades 22 Kerri’s Skipped like a goat 30 &Personal views 24 Tome 32 Omen weADVERTISING would all the time.

XPRESS. day. You remind usVER.4.03 COPY DETAILS Place them in equipment wiring25 Sinned • New house wiring 24 Large volume • Process 32 Augury 33 Nasty Items not neededYou for Artwork, and all advertisements or alterations are always meant so what it means to work herTransgressed they 33 Unpleasantarms and tell25 27 Astral 34 Convergent publication can be • Main control cabinet design and wiring • Additional and alterations to be submitted before 5.00pm Friday prior to Starry 34 Tending meet in a 29 Clog 36 Ogee much and always will do to are from me. 27 hard, to erased live with as each is inpublication. a 29 Wooden shoe • PLC37 point 31 Oats Essay and automation wiring • Rewiring too. separate 31 Breakfast food 36 S­shaped 32 Over 38 Trudged purpose, and totext box. Announcements of births, moulding deaths, marriages and Julie Koszanski and • PLC and HMI programming • Ceiling fans 32 Above Composition The fact that 37 you’re no properly authenticated.

34 Cod engagements must be The St. cherish every moment.

34 Arnaud Fish 38 Walked wearily 35 Net • Electrical Engerineering • Airconditioning longer here will always N.C.N. prefers advertisement and editorial copy to be 35 Fish trap Orchid Club. typed neatly to avoid being published We are the lucky ones, cause meorpain buthand-written you’re • Electrical Drafting • Smoke alarms incorrectly. accept no responsibility for error or grounded by your forever in myWe heart.

• Maintenance and fault finding • Generator back up systems Solution No. 8559 misspellings in illegible advertisement and editorial copy.

D S M O T H E R F wisdom and surrounded • Generator back up systems • Camera system supply and installation Until we meet again M E R I T E D O V E DISCLAIMER S C O O P E R A T E D by your love.

• Camera system supply and installation • Electrical House inspections T I N E A A T O M N You’re finally The views andreunited opinions expressed in this publication R E S T O R E S A T E • Generator Supply and hire.

Today, we celebrate WARNING !!! are not necessarily those held or D with dad.

P E by G the S publisher D R E A D U A C O S O D editor.

The publisher accept no liability for Love you too, see youand staff not just yourto Editor: M T I T A N S R A Y Note injury or losses which mayA occur asP aI result ofS Rural C E O N I O N after.

90 wonderful years,to this information L O M E N N A S T Y presented in this publication.

Solution puzzle should C O N V E R G E N T R • Power upgrades O G E E E E S S A Y but thenot beautiful appear on the same page Lozzi xo D T R U D G E D L

Happy 90th Birthday BETTY

Dylan 0455 445 492

For all your Electrical needs including the following.

impact you've had on all of us.

With all our love, Lynette, Faye and Greg, Leigh and Sue and Families. xxxxx

© Copyright 2023

North Central News is published weekly by Peter Marland, 3279 Charlton/St. Arnaud Road, Slaty Creek for NCNews Pty. Ltd., 18 Napier Street, St. Arnaud. A.C.N. 146 461 903. Printed by Western District Newspaper P/L, Camperdown Vic. Registered by Australia Post Publication No. VAC 4217 - Recommended and maximum selling price only.

• Underground wiring • Silo system • Shearing Shed wiring and Maintenace • Underground wiring • Generator Back up Systems • Camera system supply and installation

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NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY MAY 14th 2025 - Page 11

In The Paddock Considerations when feeding by-products LIVESTOCK owners looking to use alternative feeds as the drought continues in the south west and extended dry conditions in other parts of the state, are urged to be aware of the risks and limitations.

As most by-products are produced as surplus from food making industries, they can have their challenges when using as feed alternatives for livestock.

Therefore, you need to consider your animals fibre needs first and build from that base.

For example – an option such as Palm Kernel Expeller (PKE)

LISTINGS WANTED Residential, Rural, Commercial & Leasing See your local

Nutrien Harcourts Real Estate team Sharlene Bertalli: 0447 952 320 Damian Drum: 0428 952 284 13-19 Napier Street, St. Arnaud

- by Brett Davidson, Agriculture Victoria Dairy Regional Manager, Tatura is becoming more popular, and while it is high in fibre, the fibre is not functional in the rumen, so you still need hay or straw in the diet. PKE also needs to be stored dry to use safely.

Another key consideration is to check by-products are free from Restricted Animal Material.

For example, using bakery waste such as bread rolls could be illegal if they have bacon in them, or have come into contact with meat products.

Restricted materials also include rendered products, such as blood meals, meat meals, meat and bone meals, fish meals, poultry meal and feather meal, and compounded feeds made from these products.

Another concern is chemical residue levels.

By-product material such as citrus pulp, fruit pomace, grape marc, vegetable skins, and outer leaves can have concentrated levels of agricultural chemicals which could increase livestock residue levels.

Which may lead to withholding periods for meat and milk.

For this reason, producers will need to

declare if they have fed by-products on their National Vendor Declaration (NVD) within 60 days of selling livestock.

With hay getting dearer more farmers will be looking at alternative feed sources, and it pays to spend time before you purchase to think through the risks, practicalities and considerations on

how by-products can fit into to your farming operation.

My 3 top tips for producers to think about when purchasing alternate stock feeds: • never feed restricted animal material • be aware of chemical residues • ask for and provide the required vendor declarations.

Above: People, press and trucks were present at Jacinta Allen’s Bendigo office last week.

Massive push back against Fire Levy tax increase • From page 1.

• Dam Sinking, Enlarging & Cleaning • Land Levelling and Filling • Land Clearing, Driveways etc.

• Gravel For Sale Phone Mike: 0408 316 394 D ARRIE Truck Available. ALL WORKSOC TLY P M R R OUT P For a no obligation O YOU AND T CTION A F Quote Phone: SATIS

(03) 5494 3120 Calder Highway Wedderburn

We have all the latest cutting-edge equipment: Bulldozers, Truck, Scrapers, GPS Graders, Excavators, Tip Trucks for roads, Shed Pads, Dams and all general earthmoving.

Offer of exemptions Week ending Wednesday May 7 2025

— By Glendon Hancock

THE Australian wool market was again heavily influenced bycurrency fluctuations this week, with a strengthening Australian dollar making purchases more expensive for exporters when converted to US dollars.

This shift in exchange rates was quickly reflected in market behaviour and buyer sentiment.

Typically, a quieter time of year, the national offering dropped to 28,508 bales, the second smallest sale of the current season.

Difficult seasonal conditions continue to affect large areas across the country.

Ongoing dry weather and a lack of rainfall have contributed to dusty growing environments, which in turn are reducing fleece yields and negatively impacting wool style and quality.

AWEX classifies wool into seven style categories, ranging from 1 (choice) to 7 (inferior).

Most Australian wool is usually graded within style categories 3 and 5.

However, over the past 4 to 6 weeks, there has been a clear increase in the number of sale lots assessed as style 6 and 7.

This decline in style quality has been particularly noticeable in the Southern and Western selling centres.

In the Southern region, only 1% of fleece offerings were classified as style 6 or 7 in the final sale of 2024.

That figure has now grown to 15%.

In the Western region, the proportion has risen shar ply from 2% in December to 23% this week.

Traders are finding it increasingly difficult to integrate these lower-style wools into existing orders, which is placing further downward pressure on the market.

National Offering Centre North South West Total

Week 45 45 45

Days 7 May 7 May 7 May

Offering 6,464 17,721 4,323 28,508

Future Offerings Week

46

Page 12 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY MAY 14th 2025.

To assist farmers with making decisions around alternative feed sources Agriculture Victoria is holding a webinar on 28th May from 12:30 pm.

To register visit https://bit.ly/3RPKJlL For more information about drought and dry seasonal conditions support head to agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryse asons or call 136 186.

13, 14 May

Source - AWEX

33,067

AWEX Micron Price Guides (MPGs), which are calculated using only wool of style 5 and above, showed mixed results.

Movements ranged from a 43-cent fall for 17.5micron MPG in the South to a 15-cent gain for 18.0micron MPG in the West.

The Western market also saw firm demand for 19.0-micron and finer wools, offering some much-needed stability.

Melbourne 1166M 16.5 1694n 17 1628 17.5 1574 18 1562 18.5 1529 19 1496 19.5 1473 20 1440 21 1417 22 23 24 25 26 588n 28 427n 30 360 32 330 MC 709n Ind.

CFA volunteers have been tentative offered exemptions on the levy charged but they believe this does not go far enough, because it doesn't take

into account the way farms are structured.

The offer of exemptions means that the levy charged on their place of residence may be given an exemption.

Farmers believe that this is insufficient and the chant from most of these farmers is “Enough is Enough”.

-22

-28 -35 -43 -23 -35 -19 -23 -29 -31

-10 -3 -3 0 -15

Real Estate

LISTINGS WANTED •Broadacre •Lifestyle •Residential •Commercial Contact:-

Scott Cameron 0418 991 776 5963 Sunraysia Hwy, St. Arnaud

St. Arnaud Police report Community reassured as police investigate local burglaries St. Arnaud Police and Northern Grampians Crime Investigation Unit Detectives are currently investigating a series of recent burglaries and other theft offences that have occurred in St. Arnaud and surrounding districts.

Police have identified several suspects who will be assisting with our enquiries, extra patrols have been deployed in response to these incidents.

Officers are also engaging with local residents and reviewing CCTV footage in the area to assist with enquiries.

St. Arnaud and Yarriambiack Cluster Senior Sergeant Tim Thomson said that local police are committed to ensuring community safety and are working hard to identify and apprehend the offenders.

"We understand that any crime in our area can cause concern.

“Please know that your local police and

NGS detectives are across the situation and taking action to investigate and prevent further incidents.

"We’re asking the community to continue being our eyes and ears — report anything suspicious and take those extra moments to secure your home and belongings.

“Community safety is a shared effort, and we appreciate everyone’s support.

“It is imperative that anyone with footage or information contact Crime Stoppers or the Police Assistance line to pass that information onto your local police.

“Further, if you witness an incident or offence that is actively happening, please call 000” Sgt Thomson said.

Police urge anyone with information or footage that may be of assistance to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit w w w. c r i m e s t o p persvic.com.au. Reports can be made anonymously.

Driving unlicensed at Swanwater On Sunday April 6th, St. Arnaud Police inter-

cepted a vehicle being driven by a 45-year-old male from Beulah on the Sunraysia Highway at Swanwater.

It is alleged that the driver of the vehicle held an expired driver’s licence and as a result will be required to face the St. Arnaud Magistrates Court at a later date.

Police catch drug driver A St. Arnaud woman will spend the next six months walking after being caught in a routine intercept on North Western Road St. Arnaud.

On Saturday April 12th, 2025 at approximately 7:50pm, the 40-year-old, who held a full Victorian driver’s licence returned a positive preliminary oral fluid test and was required to accompany Police to the St. Arnaud Police station.

Upon failing an oral fluid test, the driver was required to give a sample of blood, where they returned a positive result for methamphetamine and cannabis.

The driver received a $593 fine and had her driver’s licence suspended for 6 months.

It is beyond belief that despite all the community campaigns outlining how dangerous drug driving is, that people continue to get behind the wheel when they are affected by drugs.

Had Police not identified this driver when we did, it’s a very real possibility that she could have been involved in a serious collision that could have cost their life or those of other road users.

A ‘rough guide’ for driving suspended If you continue to drive when you’ve had your licence suspended by the Court, your car may be impounded.

The 41-year- old St. Arnaud male driver had his car impounded

by Police on the Calder Highway at Charlton on April 24th, 2025 and will now face the St. Arnaud Magistrate’s Court once more, this time for driving whilst his licence was suspended.

Property damage in Smith Street Between 8:00am and 12:00pm on Thursday

April 24th 2025 a motor vehicle was damaged in Smith Street, St. Arnaud.

Swanwater farm theft Between Saturday April 26th 2025 and Monday April 28th 2025, a quantity of fuel was stolen from a rural farming property in Swanwater.

Shed burglary Between Sunday April 20th and Sunday April 27th 2025, offender(s) have forced entry to a shed in George Street, St. Arnaud.

Property damage in Dunstan Street At approximately 5:00am on Sunday April 27th 2025, a number of CCTV cameras were damaged at a business premises in Dunstan Street, St. Arnaud. Two offenders have been identified and are assisting Police with their enquiries.

Please note that, often due to privacy, operational considerations, or other factors, some incidents may not be included in this public report.

Crime Prevention Tips This week’s crime prevention tips that St. Arnaud Police would like to share with you focuses on keeping motor vehicles safe and secure.

•Theft of Motor Vehicle Keeping your vehicle secure and in a safe area can strongly reduce its appeal to opportunistic thieves.

Even when you’re parked at home, make sure you have: - locked your vehicle.

- closed all windows.

- removed your garage remote.

- taken any valuable items with you.

Once you’re inside, put your keys in a secure place away from the front door.

- Removing Valuables Can you remember everything you’ve left in your car?

Parking in well-lit areas and removing valuables can dramatically reduce your car’s appeal to opportunistic thieves.

Before you leave your vehicle make sure you have: - removed valuables or if they must be left in the car, lock them in the boot or glove box.

- taken down GPS and dashcam units.

- grabbed any documents left in the vehicle.

• Removing Tools Attention tradies! It’s tools down… but are your tools out? Just like your wallet or laptop, tools stored in your vehicle are a treat for opportunistic thieves.

To keep your things safe, drill these prevention tips into your brain: • Remove all valuables from inside your vehicle.

• If items must be left in the vehicle, store them in a close compartment/glove box.

• Always lock your vehicle, even when parked at home.

• Remove all your tools from inside the cab and on the tray.

• Make sure all toolboxes are locked.

More on keeping you and your property safe, visit the Victoria Police website https://www. police.vic.gov.au/homeand-property

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NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY MAY 14th 2025 - Page 13

Inter-hotels Pool Comp season results - Wednesday, May 7th A close encounter and two massacres were the highlights (or lowlights, depending on whose side you were on), of Round Two of the Inter-Hotels’ Pool Competition which was played on Wednesday, May 7th, the eve of - by Bob Wooley the 80th Anniversary of VE Day. As the victorious Allies prepared to celebrate that momentous occasion the combatants of last year’s pool grand final prepared to face each other once again, this time on the home battlefield of the vanquished Farmers’ Arms One team as they prepared for an onslaught from the reigning Premiers, Country Club Two. It was to be an even first round with Farmers’ captain Leigh Watkins opening the scoring in a tight frame against Grant Doyle while his teammate

Hayden Perry had followed suit against Will Jackson however Ned Gorrie and Ben Medlyn had lost their opening frames against Harley Durward and Jake Wild respectively.

At the top of the second round Leigh put his team into the lead sensationally by demolishing Grant to the extent that he was required to perform the mandatory derriere display.

Ned then followed up to square his match with Harley but Will then fought back to put his match with

Hayden on an even keel while Jake discharged Ben to have the teams locked at four games apiece at the end of the second round.

Ned put the Farmers back in the lead in the third round when he slam-dunked Harley however Will eliminated Hayden to tie the match up once again.

Just the doubles were to follow but it appears that the Countr y Clubbers’ offensive had run its race and they lost both of these, handing the

and Sam Postlethwaite.

The crushed Clubbers’ pairings of Chey and Dayle and Jesse and Joel were to provide a smidgeon of resistance against Mitch and Shane and Dave and Sam but it was to be to no avail as the Diggers triumphed by ten games to one.

Meanwhile, out on the vast expanses of the Country Club the peacefully grazing marsupials were suddenly startled in to migration mode by the sudden appearance of four posteriors being illuminated by the light of the silvery moon at the conclusion of the Farmers’ Arms Two side’s ill-

Farmers’ boys a seven games to five win, a modicum of vengeance for the Granny.

At the bastion on the hill the Sporting Club side prepared to face the invading RSL team on their brandnew baize however the Diggers advanced ferociously over the top, cues ablaze and utter carnage was to ensue.

Only the Clubbers’ Jesse Cook was to prevent the ignominy of a whitewash when he was successful in his opening frame against Shane Sanger while his teammates Cheyenne Vogler, Joel Nevill and Dayle Pitt were cut down mercilessly by Mitch Phillips, Dave Russ

North-Central Football Roundup Goldacres Seniors

5.9 12.12 19.19 20.25 (145) SEA LAKE-NANDALY . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1.0 3. 1 3. 2 4. 2 (26) ST ARNAUD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Goals for Sea Lake-Nandaly: Tyson McKenzie 5, Max Cahoon 2, Wade Donnan 2, Ryan O’Sullivan 2, Adam Pattison 2, Chase Tait 2, Thomas Cox, Bryce Delmenico, Jarvis Keogh, Cruz O’Sullivan, Jack Poulton.

For St Arnaud: Joshua Hicks 2, Max Hungerford, Bradley Organ.

Best for Sea Lake-Nandaly: Adam Pattison, Jack Poulton, Wade Donnan, Max Cahoon, Tyson McKenzie, Thomas Cox. For St Arnaud: Kurtis Torney, Jay Kirwood, Zac Phillips, Sam Male, Max Hungerford, Joshua Hicks.

6.1 7.6 12.10 14.10 (94) CHARLTON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0.3 3.3 5. 3 5. 5 (35) DONALD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Goals for Charlton: Kris Clifford 3, Luke Dunne 3, Mitchell Collins 2, Bailey Kemp 2, Rhys Thompson 2, Mason Heenan, Seb Zagame.

For Donald: George Morgan 2, Daniel Pearce 2, Brent Arho.

Best for Charlton: Ben Lanyon, Mitchell Collins, Sean O’Connor, Elliott Fitzpatrick, Ben Xiriha, Mason Heenan.

For Donald: Daniel Pearce, Dyson Bell-Warren, Charlie Campbell, Nicholas Atkins, Kalon Green, Luca Rice.

BIRCHIP-WATCHEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2.4 4.6 6.6 13.9 (87) WEDDERBURN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1.1 1.2 4.2 6.3 (39) Goals for Birchip-Watchem: Ben Edwards 7, Rhona Conboy 2, Nicholas Rippon 2, Lachy Foott, Tom Gibson.

For Wedderburn: Danny Benaim 3, Darcy Jackson 3.

Best for Birchip-Watchem: Hamish Hosking, Ben Lakin, Nicholas Rippon, Meyrick Buchanan, Joseph Reid, William Lee. For Wedderburn: Darcy Jackson, Danny Benaim, Zach Pallpratt, Corey Lowry, Jake Pallpratt, Tom Metherell.

CALDER UNITED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2.4 10.7 15.15 23.16 (154) 2.1 2.4 3. 4 4. 5 (29) BOORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Goals for Calder United: Jordan Humphreys 8, Jack Exell 3, Zane Keighran 3, Steven Kennedy 2, Spencer Allan, Mitch Farmer, Billy Forrester, Kobe Lloyd, Oscar Madden, Dean Putt, Matthew Wade.

For Boort: Peter Barbopoulos 2, Ethan Coleman, James Keeble.

Best for Calder United: Zane Keighran, Jordan Humphreys, Oscar Madden, Steven Kennedy, Jack Exell, Dean Putt.

For Boort: James Byrne, Lachlan Hall, Tom Potter, Jayden Dick, Keiren Wilson, Ethan Coleman.

Uniting Church Under-14s

ST ARNAUD 3.4 (22) D. SEA LAKE-NANDALY 2.4 (16) Best for St Arnaud: Chase Hendy, Ned Ezard, Noah Hando, Duncan Kirk, Arley Reyne, Zach Green.

For Sea Lake-Nandaly: Tom McClelland, Kaiden Wight, Seth Pearce, Toby Kiley, Max Conlan, Brodie Barry.

DONALD 7.6 (48) D. CHARLTON 1.0 (0) Best for Donald: Jake Italia, Noah Michael, Max Reilly, Abraham Beavis, Laikyn Holland.

For Charlton: Xav Good, Charlie Zagame, Henry Lanyon, Flynn Zagame, Chace Dixon.

WEDDERBURN 8.6 (54) D. BIRCHIP-WATCHEM 1.5 (11) Best for Wedderburn: Jagger Benaim, Tyler Pearce, Bastian Noordennen, Brodie Turnbull, Addison Roberts.

For Birchip-Watchem: Willow Ryan, Jed Coffey, Aki Norton, Liam Spezza.

CALDER UNITED 6.2 (38) D. BOORT 3.4 (22) Best for Calder United: Smith Morrison, Levi Hall, Harry Humphreys, Ryder Harrison, Ollie White.

For Boort: Tristan Broad, Connor McNally, Matthew Soumelidis, Malawi Marsh, Maxwell Twigg.

Community Bank Charlton & District Under-17s

ST ARNAUD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1.3 2.6 7.7 10.9 (69) SEA LAKE-NANDALY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0.0 0.1 1.3 1.4 (10) Best for St Arnaud: Talan Berryman, Frankie Donald, Chase Zander, Aidan Wickham, Jack Batters, Tynan Thomas.

For Sea Lake-Nandaly: Brayden Allan, Jack Hedley, Nate McClelland, Angus Renney, Coby Wight, Jacob Cox. CHARLTON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3.2 5.3 5.5 9.6 (60) DONALD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1.1 3.2 5.3 6.4 (40) Best for Charlton: Sebastian Zagame, Isaac Bourke, Joseph Monaghan, Murphy Fitzpatrick, Mitchell Boyle, Charlie Zagame.

For Donald: Jesse Lydom, Jack Reilly, Ethan Clapham, Jam Borden.

WEDDERBURN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3.1 8.3 10.6 17.9 (111) BIRCHIP-WATCHEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1.3 1.3 2.5 2.5 (17) Best for Wedderburn: Aaron Smith, Tate Lovett, Liam Budge, Deacon Tansley, Max Dean.

For Birchip-Watchem: Willow Ryan, Noah Dean, Oliver Cook, Archie Tyler.

CALDER UNITED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2.1 3.5 5.7 9.8 (62) BOORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3.0 6.1 6.6 7.8 (50) Best for Calder United: Tiger Vearing, Angus Cowell, Darcey Poyner, Harlan Bartlett.

For Boort: Cooper Gooding, Riley Wagner, Brodie McPherson, Jake O’Flaherty, Cooper Gould, Deacon Hird.

Next Round Round 6, Saturday May 24 -

Charlton v. Sea Lake-Nandaly St Arnaud v. Calder United

Donald v. Wedderburn Boort v. Birchip-Watchem

Moulday, whose dreams of one of his Magpie heroes becoming Pope Eddie the First were to be ultimately thwarted by a Chicagoan Yank, was able to concentrate on the balls long enough to be able to dismiss Jack Hodges.

They then went on to win both doubles to take the match by ten games to zilch.

Charlton ladies score well in golf A cool day with intermittent light showers saw eleven ladies play our Wednesday Stableford - Contributed events.

Captain Wendy winning with 33 points after 18 holes.

Whilst Chris McGurk followed up a super pennant round on Monday with 22 points after 12 holes.

NTP 7th was Alison Tormey with a lovely past the hole shot.

A competitive pennant round at Wedderburn saw the Charlton team up 2:1 against Sea Lake in the morning.

The afternoon round again saw Charlton 2:1 against locals Wedderburn.

These results saw Charlton placed second on the ladder.

This week's round against St. Arnaud (1-2) and ladder leaders Donald (1-2) was another challenge for the team at Birchip in the autumn warmth.

Positions of Teams Goldacres North-Central Seniors Teams Birchip-Watchem . . . . . . .

Boort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Calder United . . . . . . . . .

Sea Lake-Nandaly . . . . .

Wedderburn . . . . . . . . . .

Charlton . . . . . . . . . . . . .

St Arnaud . . . . . . . . . . . .

Donald . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

P 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

Teams Calder United . . . . . . . . .

Boort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Birchip-Watchem . . . . . . .

St Arnaud . . . . . . . . . . . .

Sea Lake-Nandaly . . . . .

Wedderburn . . . . . . . . . .

Charlton . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Donald . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

P 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

Pts 20 16 12 12 8 8 4 0

% 288.38 199.68 198.51 166.67 123.76 33.83 56.90 17.20

W 5 4 3 3 2 2 1 0

L 0 1 2 2 3 3 4 5

D 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

For 695 615 534 430 375 205 264 139

Ag 241 308 269 258 303 606 464 808

D 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

For 555 546 501 271 286 161 225 42

Ag 72 114 195 250 320 500 401 735

Haeuslers Reserves

Haeusler’s Reserves

SEA LAKE-NANDALY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2.3 2.4 7.4 9.6 (60) ST ARNAUD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1.3 3.7 5.7 5.9 (39) Goals for Sea Lake-Nandaly: Joel Clohesy 3, John Summerhayes 2, Tom Considine, Codey Elliott, Ethan Ellis, Charlie Mitchell.

For St Arnaud: Frankie Donald, George Gorrie, Jarryd Kell, Zach Notting, Tristan Ward.

Best for Sea Lake-Nandaly: Codey Elliott, Joel Clohesy, Isaac Durie, Wayne Landry, Nathan Wight, Bryce Baskin.

For St Arnaud: Simon Elliott, Benjamin Greenaway, Sam Penfold, Zachary Notting, Frankie Donald, Austin Lowe.

CHARLTON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5.4 7.9 11.13 15.14 (104) DONALD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0.0 0.0 1. 2 3. 3 (21) Goals for Charlton: Ethan Needs 6, Angus Johnstone 3, Tom Parkinson 2, Travis Salmon 2, Tyler Bates, Lachlan Holmes-Brown.

For Donald: Sam Goldsmith, Zac Livingston, Jesse Lopes.

Best for Charlton: Fergus Bourke, Ethan Needs, Tom Parkinson, Benjamin Roberts, Hugh Sait, Dan Whykes.

For Donald: Jesse Lopes, Ethan Clapham, Beau Morgan, Braxton Hollis, Sam Goldsmith, Cody L F King.

BIRCHIP-WATCHEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4.0 9.3 14.6 16.10 (106) WEDDERBURN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2.0 3.0 4.0 5. 1 (31) Goals for Birchip-Watchem: Alexander Hay 9, Connor Boyle 2, Bailey Baxter 2, Callum Goode 2, Matthew Berry.

For Wedderburn: Hudson Pidoto 2, Chris Hargreaves, Matthew Lockhart, Joshua Turnbull.

Best for Birchip-Watchem: Riley Hogan, Alexander Hay, Alexander Noonan, Connor Lee, Bailey Baxter, Joshua Woods.

For Wedderburn: Robert Tonkin, Rhordan Holt, Luke Last, Aaron Smith, Hudson Pidoto, Finn Turnbull.

CALDER UNITED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1.3 2.8 6.10 9.14 (68) BOORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1.1 3.1 4. 1 4. 1 (25) Goals for Calder United: Cody Green 5, Brett Barker, Dude Kelly, Dane McLennan, Thomas Trewin.

For Boort: Brodie Arnold, Alex Cockerell, Nick Scott, Harry Weaver.

Best for Calder United: Angus Forrester, Dude Kelly, Tiger Vearing, Thomas Trewin, Jack Morrison, Dane McLennan.

For Boort: Harry Weaver, Chris O’Rourke, Jordan Sheahan, Jacob Coleman, Angus Potter, Jett Hird.

fated journey there to confront the Country Club One combination.

The rollers and floggers were to be about as subtle as Donald Trump with Paul Mullins, Dan Harkin and Neil Robinson each inflicting the maximum tariffs on Ruby Smith, Ash Craddock and Luke Pole.

Even desperate Des

Pts 20 16 16 8 8 8 4 0

% 770.83 478.95 256.92 108.40 89.38 32.20 56.11 5.71

W 5 4 4 2 2 2 1 0

L 0 1 1 3 3 3 4 5

Above: (left to right) Wendy Laffin and Chris McGurk.

St. Arnaud Ladies Golf

Community Bank Charlton and District Under-17s Teams St Arnaud . . . . . . . . . . . .

Calder United . . . . . . . . .

Boort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Sea Lake-Nandaly . . . . .

Charlton . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Donald . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Wedderburn . . . . . . . . . .

Birchip-Watchem . . . . . . .

P 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

Pts 20 12 12 12 12 8 4 0

W 5 3 3 3 3 2 1 0

L 0 2 2 2 2 3 4 5

D 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

B

D 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

B

ANOTHER Stableford event was played on Wednesday May 7th with a slightly larger field of ladies.

Winner of the day was Brenda Proctor and runner-up Alison Fahey.

Brenda also had nearest the pin on the 6 and Jenny Lanyon on the 18th.

This week golf will be a 9 hole event on Thursday morning as well as Wednesday as a number of ladies will be unavailable to play the usual Wednesday.

Pennant Pennant was played at Birchip on Monday where St. Arnaud defeated Charlton 2 - 1 in the morning and lost to Boort 0 - 3 in the afternoon match.

Next week is at Wycheproof.

Uniting Church Under-14s Teams Sea Lake-Nandaly . . . . .

St Arnaud . . . . . . . . . . . .

Wedderburn . . . . . . . . . .

Donald . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Calder United . . . . . . . . .

Boort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Birchip-Watchem . . . . . . .

Charlton . . . . . . . . . . . . .

P 5 5 5 5 5 5 5 5

Pts 16 16 16 12 8 4 4 4

W 4 4 4 3 2 1 1 1

L 1 1 1 2 3 4 4 4

Tooleybuc Sporting Club Presidents’ Award

Voting for round 5: Sea Lake-Nandaly: A. Pattison 3, W. Donnan 2, T. McKenzie 1.

St Arnaud: J. Kirwood 3, K Torney 2, J. Needs 1.

Charlton: B. Lanyon 3, M. Collins 2, S. O’Connor 1.

Donald: D. Pearce 3, D. Bell-Warren 2, C. Campbell 1.

Birchip-Watchem: H. Hosking 3, B. Lakin 2, N. Rippon 1.

Wedderburn: D. Jackson 3, D. Benaim 2, Z. Pallpratt 1.

Calder United: J. Humphreys 3, O. Madden 2, S. Kennedy 1.

Boort: L. Hall 3, J. Byrne 2, T. Potter 1.

North Central Hockey Association results

Saturday’s Leading Goal Kickers Reserves

Seniors

Harry Weaver (Boort) 1 . . . . . . . . . .18 Alexander Hay (B-W) 9 . . . . . . . . . .16 Alex Cockerell (Boort) 1 . . . . . . . . . .15 Heath Senior (CU) . . . . . . . . . .14 Chris O’Rourke (Boort) - . . . . . . . . . . .11 Matthew Berry (B-W) 1 . . . . . . . . . . .11 Joel Clohesy (SLNT) 3 . . . . . . . . . . .11 Max Beattie (Boort) 4 . . . . . . . . . .10 Ethan Needs (Charl) 6 . . . . . . . . . .10

Ben Edwards (B-W) 7 . . . . . . . . . .39 Jhye Baddeley-Kelly (Boort) - . . . . . . . .28 Kayne Rutley (Boort) . . . . . . . . . .16 Joseph Reid (B-W) . . . . . . . . . .16 Nicholas Rippon (B-W) 2 . . . . . . . . . .15 Jack Exell (CU) 3 . . . . . . . . . .15 Mitch Jensen (Wedd) . . . . . . . . . .13 Peter Barbopoulos (Boort) 2 . . . . . . . . .12 Tyson McKenzie (SLNT) 5 . . . . . . . . . .11

CHS Broadbent Club Championship

(Senior win 10 pts., Reserves 6, Under-17s 4, Under-14s 2) Boort . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Birchip-Watchem . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Calder United . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Sea Lake-Nandaly . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

St Arnaud . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Wedderburn . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Charlton . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Donald . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Page 14 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY MAY 14th 2025.

Snr. 0 10 10 10 0 0 10 0

Res. 0 6 6 6 0 0 6 0

U-17 0 0 4 0 4 4 4 0

U-14 0 0 2 0 2 2 0 2

Ttl. 78 76 74 62 50 44 40 14

Under 12 Sea Lake Nandaly 0 lost to St. Arnaud 4 Donald 1 lost to Charlton 3 Birchip Watchem 4 d. Wedderburn 1 Calder Utd 5 d.

Boort 0 Underage Sea Lake Nandaly 0 lost to St. Arnaud 7 Donald 0 lost to Charlton 6 Calder United 0 lost to Boort 3 Birchip Watchem bye

Women Sea Lake Nandaly 0 lost to St. Arnaud 3 Donald 1 lost to Charlton 3 Calder United 3 defeated Boort 2 Wedderburn bye Men Sea Lake Nandaly 0 lost to St. Arnaud 7 Donald 7 d.

Charlton 0 Calder United 4 d.

Boort 1 Wedderburn bye

St. Arnaud Under-17s outmuscle Sea Lake in top-of-the-Ladder clash

Saints prepare to Reunite IT was a tough week of Senior Footy last week, as Sea Lake Nandaly put their slower than ideal start to the 2025 season well and truly behind them.

IN a highly anticipated showdown between ladder leaders, the St. Arnaud Under-17s proved too strong for second-placed Sea Lake, running out commanding winners 10.9 (69) to 1.4 (10).

The first quarter was a tight and physical contest, with both sides battling fiercely for control.

The ball saw plenty of time in both forward 50s, but it was St. Arnaud who had the upper hand in territory.

Despite dominating the inside 50 count, poor conversion saw the Saints take just a ninepoint lead into the first break, with Tynan Thomas kicking their sole goal.

In the second term, Sea Lake won the initial clearance but couldn’t convert it into meaningful forward pressure.

The Saints, on the other hand, camped the ball in their attacking half.

A heavy smother left a Sea Lake player winded and subbed out with concussion in a sign of the physicality on display.

Despite the dominance, St. Arnaud struggled to capitalise, managing just one goal through Thomas after a

- Contributed strong contested mark.

At halftime, the Saints led 2.6 (18) to 0.1 (1).

Sea Lake lifted early in the third quarter, kicking their only goal of the game three minutes in after catching the Saints' defence off-guard.

However, St. Arnaud quickly responded with goals to Frankie Donald and Chad Henry, the latter finishing off a brilliant passage of play starting with a clever kick from Aidan Wickham.

Rylan Leach and Tynan Thomas both added majors, with the Saints finally finding rhythm through cleaner ball movement and better marking.

Their defence stood tall, keeping Sea Lake goalless for the rest of the quarter.

By the final break, St. Arnaud had stretched their lead to 40 points: 7.7 (49) to 1.3 (9).

The Saints continued their dominance into the final quarter.

Above: Saints’ Ethan Hilton reaches for the ball as Sea Lake Nandaly’s Riley Allan tries to intercept in the Under 17’s match. Saints’ Nathan Saludes looks on.

Finn Green’s intercept mark set up another goal, while Aidan Wickham slotted one himself after a strong midfield contest.

Rylan Leach added another to his tally, capitalising on sustained forward pressure.

The Saints’ defence and improved ball use ensured Sea Lake had few opportunities, as St. Arnaud closed out the game in impressive style.

Final Score: St. Arnaud 10.9 (69) def. Sea Lake 1.4 (10) It was a statement

win from the Saints, who reinforced their top-ofthe-ladder status with a complete four-quarter performance in front of an away crowd.

After a well-earned bye next week, the Saints will shift their focus to a new challenge—taking on Calder United in what promises to be another strong test for the ladder leaders.

Best players Talan Berryman, Frankie Donald, Chase Zander, Aidan Wickham, Jack Batters and Tynan Thomas.

The Tigers were well drilled and full of class across the board, as they once again announced themselves to the competition.

For the Saints, it was a long way from what was put out the previous week against Donald.

Nevertheless, the boys have faced these obstacles in the past, and will be working hard to overcome, and move on from this one.

Awards: Kurt Torney (Driscoll Douglas East), Jay Kirwood (Douglas Hire), Zac Phillips (St Arnaud Physiotherapy Centre) For the majority of the game, it was a really competitive turnout by the Saints reserves, taking it right up to the Tigers.

As the game wore on, the Saints available troops dwindled, and the Tigers ran away with a 21 point victory.

Simon Elliott looked to regain some of the form he showed in the 2024 season, while Ben Greenaway, Sam Penfold, and Zach Notting were among those working hard for the Saints also.

Awards: Simon Elliott (Sprayer Spares), Ben Greenaway (North West AG), Sam Penfold (PhysioBiz HardAZZ)

All Saints Day - May 24th The St Arnaud Football Netball and Hockey Club combined “ALL SAINTS DAY” will be happening on Saturday May 24. It’s combined with its Pink Sports and Ladies Day. The Saints would like to invite ALL past, present, and future Players, Members, Supporters, Sponsors to enjoy their hospitality, with a particular invitation sent out to those who were involved in any way shape or form, in their respective “xxx5” premierships.

Those being the 2015 Senior and Reserves Football, 2015 Womens Hockey, 2005 Under 16 Football, Underage Hockey, Under 13 Netball, 1985 Under 17 Football, 1975 Under 16 Football, 1965 Womens Hockey, and 1955 Reserves Football.

Keep your eyes on the Saints Socials, and next week’s NCN for more information!

Sun shone for the Saints U14 at Sea Lake - Contributed

THE young Saints fought an epic battle from the first ball up to the last minute of the fourth quarter in the St Arnaud V Sea Lake under 14 match played at Sea Lake on Saturday.

The game was tight all through, the low scores showing how tough it was to get a goal for either side with solid match ups and both teams putting in strong back lines to halt their opponents.

The first quarter saw the Saints keep the Tigers scoreless.

With Jesse James for St. Arnaud scoring the first goal of the day with a kick off the ground and St. Arnaud able to score two additional points.

Chase Hendy back from a break was important for St. Arnaud as was Xavier Taylor both consistently moving the ball forward.

The Saints backline kept turning the ball around on the Tigers with strong marks from Finn Wilson and the consistent work of Noah Hando and Duncan Kirk; while Sam Greenaway constantly putting pressure on his opponents.

Any scoring was hard to come by in the second quarter until Sea Lake got one goal on the board in the last minute and the scores were 2 points difference- Saints up at the long break.

The tackling and pressure were solid by all players on both sides and the efforts of every player was making a difference to the tight game.

Finn Wilson feeding the ball to Arley Reyne was an impressive bit of play the Saints used to get the ball down their scoring end.

Ned Ezard saw plenty of action, creating space and

Above: Saints’ Mitch Birthisel applies a strong tackle on Sea Lake Nandaly’s Thomas Cox in the Senior match on Saturday.

- PHOTO: Contributed.

Charlton v Donald Netball results Signwise Solutions Net Set Goer of the Week: Maisie Judd.

Above: Finn Wilson holds strong with a quick kick in the back line supported by Zach Green.

- PHOTO: Contributed. consistently returning the ball to the forward line.

Duncan Kirk Saints managed the only goal for the third quarter this saw Saints a mere 5 points up as they headed into the final term.

With desperation in every play and every defence the scoreboard clock ticked slowly.

Lewie Lowe shifted into centre half forward and scored a vital goal from a handball off Charlie Baldwin.

Sea Lake scored a second goal with 5 minutes of the game remaining and at any point the lead was up for the taking.

Amidst the tight play Zach Green put a great tackle onto a Sea Lake player stopping the play heading towards their goal in the crucial last minutes.

Finally, the siren blew and the day was a victory for the Saints.

Every under 14 player tried hard, kept trying and never giving up for the full 60 minutes of play this ultimately secured the win from Sea Lake under 14 who sit at the top of the Uniting Church under 14 ladder.

Awards for St. Arnaud Banavie Chase Henry, Uniting Church Ned Ezard, Canteen Award Duncan Kirk, Sonya’s Hair directors Arley Reyne and Croplands Zach Green.

Final scores St. Arnaud 3.4 (22) Sea Lake 2.4 (16).

14 & Under A Charlton 6 def by Donald 37.

TeeJet Best: Rosie Fitzpatrick, FHN L adies Auxiliar y Coaches: Lila Schofield, Nutrien Ag & Roberts Windrowing “Have a Crack” - Anna Fitzpatrick.

17 & Under A Charlton 56 def Donald 18.

IGA Charlton and

Ergo & Mane Beauty Best: Taylah Giles; FNH Ladies Auxiliary Coaches: Lacey Smith, Caffeinated Chaos Captains Coffee: Anika Holmes-Brown.

C Grade Charlton 49 def by Donald 52.

Jack Thompson Construction and Ergo & Mane Beauty Best: Zoe Carney, S&D Consulting Coaches: Taylah Boyle, Caffeinated Chaos Captains Coffee: Ebony McCarthy.

B Grade Charlton 27 def by Donald 44.

Teys Charlton Feedlot Best: Bec Sexton, Teys Charlton Feedlot Coaches: Tahli Roberts, Caffeinated Chaos Captains Coffee: Bec Sexton.

A Grade Charlton 39 def by Donald 49 Walsh Motors Best: Megan Bruns, Walsh Motors Coaches: Lacey Smith, Caffeinated Chaos Captains Coffee: Remi Jeffery.

North Central Netball Association results

Above: Saints’ Jesse James works hard in the ruck with Duncan Kirk supporting.

- PHOTO: Contributed.

14 & Under A: Calder United 11 Boort 25, Birchip Watchem 32 Wedderburn 2, Donald 36 Charlton 6 Sea Lake Nandaly 3 St Arnaud 33 14 & Under B: Birchip Watchem 17 Wedderburn 14 Calder United 7 Boort 40 Sea Lake Nandaly 2 St Arnaud 32 17 & Under Sea Lake Nandaly 45 St Arnaud 64 Calder United 61, Boort 26 Birchip Watchem 73 Wedderburn 26 Donald 18 Charlton 56 A Grade: Donald 49 Charlton 39 Sea Lake Nandaly 50 St Arnaud 26

Calder United 42 Boort 38 Birchip Watchem 48 Wedderburn 54 B Grade: Donald 44 Charlton 27 Sea Lake Nandaly 35 St Arnaud 46 Birchip Watchem 43 Wedderburn 62 Calder United 40 Boort 53 C Grade: Donald 52 Charlton 49 Sea Lake Nandaly 34 St Arnaud 32 Calder United 46 Boort 28 Birchip Watchem 44 Wedderburn 55 C Reserve: Sea Lake Nandaly 72 St Arnaud 19 Calder United 27 Boort 34 Birchip Watchem 31 Wedderburn 30

NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY MAY 14th 2025 - Page 15

Page 16 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY MAY 14th 2025.

SPORT

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Charlton competes in Croquet’s Country Regionals croquet THE Victorian Association Country Regionals were held at Geelong from April 27th – 30th 2025.

Murray Valley Croquet Association (MVCA) was one of seven districts from around Victoria to participate.

Lois Munro from

Swan Hill (representing MVCA) is the Division 3 champion winning 5 out of 6 games.

Lindsay Patullo (Charlton) was runner

up in Division 1, only losing to the winner in the final game.

Anne Kenny was Division 2 representative and Margaret Bowen Division 4.

Ian Potter (Boort) was our referee.

MVCA finished 3rd

in the team aggregate.

Next year’s event will be held in Ballarat.

Round Robin On Saturday May 11th the first of this year’s MVCA Round Robin event was held at Charlton in beautiful autumn weather.

Lawns were full with 21 Golf Croquet players and 5 Association Croquet players.

Players came from

- Contributed Boort, Swan Hill, Mildura and Charlton.

The Golf Croquet winner was Denise McDougal (Boort) with 4 wins and 33 hoops.

The Association Croquet winner was Naomi Patullo with 2 wins, 30 hoops.

We look forward to travelling to Boort on 14th June to meet again.

Above: (left to right) Round Robin winners Naomi Patullo Association Croquet (left) and Denise McDougall Golf Croquet.

Above: Former Tasmanian now Bendigo based driver Jack Laugher was successful on the John Tormey trained “Karbine” at Melton on Friday night.

The 3yo is raced by Alison Tormey and was the third maiden winner for the stable last week.

PHOTO. Stu McCormick.

Three new winners for the Tormey Stable THE winners just keep coming for the John Tormey stable with three new names being added the list of successes in the past week.

The 2yo colt “Chainsmoke”, raced

by Alison Tormey and driven by daughter Ellen, won at Bendigo on Wednesday night.

By the former top line pacer “Ride High”, 18 starts for 16 wins, the first starter won the 1650m Maiden by 4.9m in a time of 1.57.8 and started favourite at a $1.50 favourite.

At the Hamilton meeting on Friday Ellen won with the maiden trotter “Muscle Memory” whose win took its record, since joining the stable, to five starts for one win

and three placings.

The 4yo mare is raced by her breeders D J and S B Poole and started at $1.85 winning unextended by 6.9m.

Friday night the harness racing spotlight turned to Melton with yet another victor y for the Tormey stable in the Maiden trot.

This one was “K arbine”, a 3yo “Skyvalley” gelding raced by Alison Tormey and driven by Jack Laugher, who beat the $1.28 favourite, that was

Inside running

by Archie

Above: Regionals Div. 3 Winner Lois Munro.

coincidentally out of a “Skyvalley” mare, by a head.

Charlton driver Luke Dunne had a creditable week with a treble at Mildura on Tuesday and a win at the Ouyen Cup meeting on Sunday.

Amongst the Mildura winners was the Zac Steenhuis trained “Lombok” who has now won at its last four starts and has accepted for the meeting at Ararat this Wednesday afternoon.

Above: (left to right) Carmel Terrington (Geelong Region President) and Lindsay Patullo.

Above: (left to right) Anne Kenny, Lindsay Patullo, Lois Munro, Ian Potter (MVCA Referee) and Margaret Bowen.