9th April 2025

Weather

WEDNESDAY min 7° max 22°

FRIDAY min 12° max 29°

THURSDAY min 10° max 27°

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.

Registered by Australia Post, Publication No. VAC 4217.

$2.00

WEDNESDAY APRIL 9th 2025.

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

(Incl. GST)

Farmers lock gates on renewables FARMING communities have created a map of landholders who do not want to be in a Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) and will not ‘host’ any renewable energy infrastructure. ... Contributed Landowners are motivated to ensure Victoria’s limited productive agricultural land is preserved to grow food and fibre.

Australia’s food security is essential for the nation’s survival and the country’s economic strength.

The map emerged as local communities and landowners needed to ensure their voices were heard and rural communities and the local environment was advocated for and protected.

The map identifies (land mass in red) paddocks that do not want to be in a Renewable Energy Zone (REZ) and will not be party to the industrialisation of these areas with large scale infrastructure of wind turbines, solar panels, batteries or transmission lines.

Any social license for projects of this nature in these areas does not exist.

Vicgrid, a state government department, charged with the planning and development of REZ and transmission infrastructure has placed most of the Wimmera and Mallee as a Tier 1 priority area with the next draft with proposed zones due out soon.

The strongly opposed proposed VNI West places the region at greater risk of being in a REZ zone and being industrialised by foreign owned companies.

After realising that the community was being completely ignored even when it fully participated in each and

every of VicGrids consultations.

The grassroots mapping event began locally to clearly show that a massive percentage of the rural landowners in the Wimmera/Mallee did not want to be in a REZ nor host renewables.

A recent Study of 2400 people by not-for-profit Victorian farming advocacy group Farms for Food found that Nine out of 10 people oppose renewable projects on farmland.

Sheep and cropping farmer Marcia McIntyre from the Wimmera said agricultural communities are highly distressed by the push for industrial renewable energy in prime agriculture areas.

"The large majority of farmers do not want to be in a REZ and do not want any of these turbines, panels, transmission lines and batteries.

“It’s a very small minority that sign up to these things," she said.

"The Victorian Government's own Offshore Wind Directions Policy paper states that without the originally proposed offshore wind, that up to 70 per cent of Victorian agricultural land will be required to host turbines and solar panels to meet government targets.

“So, we are not talking about a small amount of impact, it’s on horrific proportions and the regions do not want it.”

The REZ map is growing each day and anyone from across Victoria can add their details at norezinc@gmail.com

Left: Identification of those properties and owners (in red) that do not want to be in a Renewable Energy Zone and will not be involved in large scale infrastructure of wind turbines, solar panels or transmission lines.

Primary School children file down Napier Street for annual Easter Hat Parade

Preliminary note to Readers and Advertisers North Central News Easter trading hours North Central News will not be publishing a paper after Easter on Wednesday 23rd April.

THE children of the St. Arnaud Primary School who each year at Easter, walk down Napier Street displaying all manner of creations for the annual Hat Parade.

Inside today • School holiday viewings at REX and St. Arnaud Cinemas.

• Team Spirit on Tap ... page 9.

Above: All smiles and displaying their home made hats are (left to right) Otis Dyke, Oakley Cook and Caleb Snell.

This year was no exception giving plenty of delight to the locals who were out and about last Friday.

Editorial It seems regional voters do not count Australia is a multi-cultural country and one of the issues high on the agenda for the Federal election campaign is immigration with both major parties promising to cut immigration levels blaming high levels for a variety of problems, including rising housing costs. A recent study

by ANU has found that people have diverse opinions on the idea of immigration which is often contradictory and even incorrect. One thing about immigration that is starting to impact here in the Wimmera is that there is a long term trend for people migrating out of cities into regional areas and this predates the impact of COVID by nearly a decade.

While it appears that most people prefer less migration to Australia overall, most do not support a reduction to international student visa numbers.

The Department of Infrastructure Transport Regional Development Communication and the Arts, says that Australia's regions are ‘a crucial part of Australia's economy’. They are also integral to our values and sense of identity which come from our unique and diverse culture, landscape, history and people. We are starting to really wonder about that because if the country values are something that are held by the capital cities then why is the divide between the two so great?

New research by the Australian Housing and Urban Research Institute (AHURI) reveals that A since 2007 in every year apart from one, more people moved out of Australia’s capital cities than moved in to those cities from regional or rural F areas. It is interesting to note that people who move to the regions tend to be older and have E higher household wealth. They're more likely to become homeowners in their new location, with the top reason for moving to the regions being lifestyle. Regional growth increased near metropolitan and coastal areas, in warmer and wetter climates, and where there are more university graduates or larger tourism sectors. Concerns about natural disasters and the ability to work remotely also influence moving decisions.

Certainly, Australia’s migration patterns are changing and more people are choosing a life beyond the boundaries of our largest cities.

Gazing nostalgically back in time, coaches ran from St. Arnaud to Avoca, Moonambel, Stuart Mill, Redbank, Landsborough and Charlton, daily and fares on the train (whoa - that is going back) were less than 28 shillings. The population of St. C Arnaud was 3671 but had dropped by 1947 to 2900 Q and in 1966 it was at its peak of 3000 and went down to 2900 in 1991. There are varying accounts C in research of where we are today. The Northern Grampians website will tell you that the population of St. Arnaud is 2317 (or 2359 if you add east and north). The ABS census of 2021 said that the town of St Arnaud, Victoria had a population of 3,453 and in another section of the ABS it says that the population was 2,126. But what we do know even if the figures are a little rubbery is that, oh so slowly, the population is creeping up.

Growth for St. Arnaud is what will sustain us.

Growth in population is critical to the development of our town and our district. If both the major parties are vowing to cut migration levels where will that leave us. Is there even a plan to ensure the right infrastructure, skills and support are in place in the right locations, at the right time is vital for our nation’s future. Or will the regions be the first to suffer the consequences of a cut to immigration.

With regional Australia nudging almost half of the population in this country you would think that there would be a greater concentration on the regions, and their votes. But the federal election is like everything, only those in the cities seem to be important.

To the Editor

Planning clarification Dear Editor, At the Buloke Shire Council Special meeting on 3 March 2025, Council received an Officer's Report recommending Council not to approve a planning permit for the Esoteric Music Festival for a 10year period.

Council ultimately

had concerns with the 10 year duration and resolved to grant a 1 year permit with 47 conditions.

Subsequent to this Council decision, at 8.30am on Tuesday 4 March, Council's independent Municipal Building Sur veyor wrote to the event organiser to inform them they would not be granted a building permit for the event.

Black Bag spy thriller at REX D

1 800 652 284

- Contributed

North Central News is published weekly by Peter F Marland, 3279 Charlton/St. Arnaud Road, Slaty Creek for E Street, St. Arnaud. A.C.N. NCNews Pty. Ltd., 18 Napier 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.

SETTLE in for an-edgeof-your-seat spy thriller as The Rex presents “Black Bag” as this weekend’s movie.

Cate Blanchette and Michael Fassbender head the cast as British spies “Kathryn and George Woodhouse”.

The action kicks off almost immediately when George receives information that Kathryn–an agent in the same agency–has been Qld identified as a traitor.

4217 A large portion of the film involves two dinner parties, 1 800 where 652 284everyone’s relationship is laid bare for us all to see and to work out who is telling the truth and who is playing the game. Director Steven Sonderberg keeps the dynamics between the couple tight as George faces the ultimate test – loyalty to his marriage or his country.

Blanchett has been described as ‘flawless’ as the seductive and secretive Kathryn, and together with Fassbender, the duo Ted Whillier become a powerhouse couple.

10175 Sleek, cool, polished, Peta Mandrakas smart and smooth are just some of the praiseworthy adjectives used for this taunt, tight and gripping story.

Just the thing for an entertaining outing to the movies!

“Black Bag” screens on Saturday 12th April at 8pm, Sunday 13th April at 2pm and Tuesday 15th April at 8pm.

The letter contained 33 reasons as to why the building permit would not be issued including concerns around public liability, multiple structures without permits and concerns over 12 metre posts which were inadequately embedded and did not have a building permit.

Buloke Shire Council is supportive of any event conducted in the Shire on the basis of it being run in a safe manner for patrons, performers and staff.

Yours sincerely Wayne O’Toole Chief Executive Officer Buloke Shire Qld • Letters cont.

A 4217 page 4

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. 10175

CROSSWORD 1

2

3

4

5

C 10 Q C

9 12

13

6 7 8 Ted Whillier 10175 11 Peta Mandrakas 14

16 18

15 17

19

20

21

22

23

24

25 26

27

28

30

31

32

33 34 38

35

36

37 39

40

41

29

ACROSS 1 Joint 5 Newspaper executive 9 Hourly 11 Anger 12 Indian state 13 Golf mound 15 Meshed fabric 16 Health restoration 18 Nettlerash 20 Female horse 21 Sour 23 Drink repeatedly 25 Riverside embankment 26 Calm 28 Manufactured 30 Affirm with confidence 32 Echo sounder 33 Worked a machine 34 Doctrine 36 Horseplay 37 Tree 38 Born 39 Biblical quotations 40 Mild 41 Wagered amount

Proudly sponsored by:-

W

QUOTE OF THE WEEK I believe we are in danger of being swamped by Asians.

Pauline Hanson, MP

Page 2 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY APRIL 9th 2025.

See this week’s solution on page 7.

DOWN 2 Bucolic 3 Divided equally 4 Large volumes 5 Lifted 6 Very small 7 Metal­bearing rock 8 Hunting dog 10 Minute particle 14 Weird 17 Corded fabric 18 Occurrence 19 Passport endorsement 22 Join in league 24 Scheme 25 Vital organ 27 Headwear 28 Unassuming 29 Reversible patterned fabric 31 Storm 32 Cults 33 Augury 35 Bishop’s territory

Buloke Community podcasting A small group of enthusiastic participants from Charlton, Donald, Wycheproof, and Birchip recently came together to trial podcasting and broadcasting equipment in a hands-on, skills-sharing session designed to support future community storytelling and fundraising.

This introductory workshop involved teachers, students, and local leaders—many of whom were involved in the rollout of Buloke Shire’s award-winning 2023 podcasting initiative, The Paddock: The Goals, which delivered important information in the wake of the October 2022 Flood event.

Adding inspiration to the day was a special visit from Brayden Cocks, Director of Rolln Media who was engaged in producing the initiative.

Brayden, who grew up on a farm at Echuca, shared his personal journey from persuading his English teacher to let him submit assignments on video, to launching a career in Melbourne that now sees him operating two studios and producing content for major sporting and entertainment clients across Australia and beyond.

He was eager to give back to the country communities that shaped him, recognising the grit and determination of those who’ve worked hard for every opportunity - highlighting the contrast between individuals who’ve earned their place through effort and

ingenuity, and those through connections.

Aware of how tough it is for rural students to break into competitive industries, he’s committed to helping level the playing field.

The session focused on the technical operation of professional podcasting equipment—cameras, microphones and switching stations— with the aim of enabling participants to share their learning with others across their communities.

“This initiative reflects our commitment to empowering community voices,” said Buloke Shire Council Mayor, Alan Getley.

“By temporarily hiring this equipment for local groups to explore digital communication, we hope it sparks interest in continuing independently.

“It could even play a shared role in community-driven communication during emergencies.”

The broader aim of this pilot is to allow communities to trial the gear and explore its potential, including: • Capturing oral histories and local stories • Promoting local

events and fundraisers • Supporting youth engagement through creative media • Building resilience through shared storytelling and skill development This initiative is part of Council’s and the Australian and Victorian Government’s commitment to supporting inclusive, community-led recovery, funded by the Community Recovery Hubs Program.

"It’s great to see communities discover new ways to connect and express them-

selves through creativity and digital innovation,” added Acting Regional Recover y Manager Loddon Mallee Region Meagan Keating.

“Emergency Recover y Victoria (ERV) is proud to support the Community Recover y Hubs Program to empower communities to foster resilience, creativity, and a renewed sense of unity as the community rebuilds from emergencies.”

Above: At Donald Danny Forrest and Jodie Drake jumped straight into their first practice talkback session. Their ideas for its potential use came thick and fast — from interviewing members of the community in the lead-up to reunions and promoting local events, and even creating short audio broadcasts for aged care residences.

Locally screened movies to enjoy!

School Holidays Special price– just $10pp!

“A GOOFY MOVIE” Wed 9 Apr @ 2.00 pm Fri 11 Apr @ 6.30 pm Come and watch the 30th Anniversary version of this classic cartoon ______________________________

School Holidays Special price– just $10pp!

Above: At Charlton, Brayden Cocks from Rolln Media (standing) stepped participants through the podcasting kit, helping them unpack the technology behind podcast storytelling at a local level. (left to right): President Charlton Neighbourhood House Kayleen Cossar, John Kumm, David Beaty, Poppy Fitzpatrick, and Fletcher Holmes-Brown.

“LOONEY TUNES: THE DAY THE EARTH BLEW UP” Sun 13 Apr @ 2.00 pm Wed 16 Apr @ 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 APRIL 9th 2025 - Page 3

To the Editor

Australia’s Rural Collapse The Brutal Cost of Ignoring the Bush Dear Editor, Farmers across the Murray-Darling Basin — the lifeblood of Australia’s food and fibre production — are under increasing pressure.

Government changes have reallocated 3,200 gigalitres of irrigation water to environmental flows, much of it

unmetered and flowing out to sea, creating dire consequences for regional food production.

The Gannawarra Region alone is losing $1.3 billion annually— and these impacts are expected to worsen.

The reduction in water availability for farm use is severely affecting food and fibre production, directly influencing the current cost of living for Australian households.

As more farmers are forced out of the industry due to ineffective policies, the situation at the supermarket is set to deteriorate compromising the Nations reliable and safe food supply.

Environmental water

red by: Proudly sponso

Sprayer Centre

15% off ALL

Compression Sprayers 16 Kell Road St Arnaud, Vic 3478

Ph: 03 5495 3235

flooding is now real and with no on ground mitigation work in sight, it will continue to disrupt rural communities' livelihoods.

Water that could be used to secure our future is instead wasted, and the effects on businesses and families are profound.

With no immediate action, rural communities continue to shoulder the burden of poor management decisions.

The disappearance of rural services is another blow to farmers.

From the closure of bank branches to a lack of medical and dental ser vices, rural Australians are increasingly being forced to travel longer distances on deteriorating roads just to access the basics.

The loss of vital infrastructure is leaving our agricultural sector more vulnerable to both economic and logistical pressures.

The policies that seem to punish rural Australians are piling up.

The government’s decision to end live sheep exports by 2028 will wipe out an industry worth $84 million annually.

The VNI West Project, which would see a 500 KV transmission line installed across pristine farmland, shows the prioritization of metropolitan interests over

rural communities.

Adding insult to injury, primary producers, who are also the Service's volunteers, now face a staggering increase in the Fire Services Property Levy, with landholders seeing hikes of over 100% some accumulating into the tens of thousands of dollars.

These are just the latest in a series of decisions that have left rural Australians feeling abandoned.

If politicians are serious about national security and our agricultural future, they need to start prioritizing the needs of rural and regional Australians.

It’s time to stop ignoring the crucial role farmers play in feeding our nation.

Geoff Kendell Co-Chairman Central Murray Environmental Floodplains Group Inc Cohuna 3568

St. Arnaud 100 Years Ago: 1st – 9th April 1925 New Bell for Catholic Church The original bell had been damaged in a storm a few months ago and on Wednesday afternoon 8th April a large crowd gathered in the grounds of the Church of Immaculate Conception to witness the consecration of the new bell by Bishop Coppo.

In the morning a civic reception was held in the Town Hall to welcome the honored guest, Right Rev Ernest Coppo, S.C D.D. Titular Bishop of Paleopolis, Vicar Apostolic of Kimberley, W A. During the ceremony in the Church grounds Bishop Coppo was assisted by the Very Rev G Doyle who officiated as deacon and Rev P J Phelan acted as master of ceremonies.

The bell was washed inside and out with salt and water blessed by the Bishop and anointed inside and out with consecrated oil.

At the conclusion of the ceremony thyme, mint and myrrh were placed in a thurible and the smoke was allowed to drift over the bell.

During the ceremony thirteen Psalms were

LYAL EALES STORES New Range - RINGERS WESTERN Bull T/Shirt .......................................................................... $46.95 Bull Hoodie .......................................................................... $84.95 Jillaroo Women’s Shirt ................................... $64.95 Hawkeye Men’s Shirt ......................................... $64.95 Brew Mug ............................................................................... $32.95 Longview Drink Bottle ..................................... $46.95 Caps from ............................................................................... $32.95 Minamurra Hat ........................................................... $159.95 MORE IN-STORE LYAL EALES STORES •Camping •Disposals •Hardware •Homewares 59 NAPIER STREET, ST. ARNAUD. PH: (03) 5495 2021 Monday to Thursday 9am - 5.30pm; Friday 9am - 6pm; Saturday & Sunday 9am - 2pm

Page 4 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY APRIL 9th 2025.

recited by the consecrating Prelate and his attendants and the choir rendered several Psalms in Latin and one in English.

An adjournment was made into the church were His Lordship referred to the authority which had been vested on him by Pope Pius Eleventh to administer the Apostolic Benediction.

Picnic at Kooreh District residents enjoyed a picnic, followed by tea and dancing in the hall.

A few of the race winners were – R Moore men’s 400 yards, Mrs Dohnt married ladies race, Miss I Proctor single ladies, Mr A Proctor, catching the rooster, Mr R Moore and Miss Macey collar and tie race, and Rev Cannon Fletcher wearing an old coat patched with lolly bags was chased by little girls.

Deaths Mr John McQuienn, a returned soldier of Beazleys Bridge was walking along the road beside a heavily laiden dray, when he tripped and fell under the wheel, which passed over him.

The accident happened about five miles from Murtoa, and the badly crushed man died a few hours later in Murtoa.

Mr Thomas Young died on 3rd April at his residence in Napier St South age 65 years.

He was born in Dunolly, where he was employed as a clerk by James Bell & Co for many years, and then he moved to St. Arnaud where he worked as an accountant at James Malcolm’s flour mill for twenty years.

Thomas married Miss Eveline Maria Smith at Dunolly in 1882 and they had two children, Will who was killed during the war and Mrs J Crosbie of Cope Cope.

Thomas, who was stricken with paralysis two years ago, was

buried in the St. Arnaud cemetery with his wife who died 26-10-1922 age 66 years.

Hospital Sunday The St/ Arnaud Band collected £50 at Moolerr and the Donald Band collected £26/6/6 at Avon Plains for the St. Arnaud Hospital.

Another Doctor in Town Dr Allan F MacInnes has commenced practice in conjunction with Dr Gerald Doyle and may be consulted at ‘Kenmure’ Dundas St, St. Arnaud.

Hospital Report During March there were 48 patients admitted, 43 discharged, 26 remaining and one death, David Herbertson of Donald.

Matron Wall has resumed duties after an operation in Melbourne and Probationer Howell awaits the second stage of her operation and will not be able to resume duty for a long time.

Two new probationers, Miss Weiderman and Miss Anderson have been appointed.

Property Sales At 3 pm on 4th April, G McKechnie & Co will sell for the trusties, of the Estate of Duncan E Cameron dec – Dalyenong Estate, 15 miles from St. Arnaud, 6 miles from Emu Railway Station, 4,379 acres graz-

ing country especially adopted for breeding high class merino sheep for the past 60 years, good brick homestead, store room, cellar, men’s quarters, stables, buggy shed, wool shed, dip, drafting yards, the whole being well fenced and divided into 18 paddocks, permanently watered by springs, dams and the Dalyenong and Tarpaulin Creeks, - Sold to T J Bath & Son [Harry Bath] for £3/18/6 acre.

Also on account of Miss Bryant, 60 acres at Dalyenong, adjoining Mr J E Bicknell sold separately to Mrs E M Bicknell for £6 acre.

At 3-30 pm on 4th April A J Simpson & Co sold for the executor of the Estate of William Walsh dec, 782 acres at Swanwater and a St. Arnaud property, in 3 lots, Lot 1 – 461 acres leased to Driscoll Bros till March 1926, sold to Driscoll Bros for £13 acre.

Lot 2 – 319 acres leased to Alex Gunn till March 1926, sold to A Bugge for £17/18/- acre.

Lot 3 – Allotments 5, 16, 17, sec L, Borough of St. Arnaud, next to Bank of Victoria, with frontage of 41 ft to Napier and McMahan Sts and depth of 330 ft upon which is a new 2 storied brick building, comprising of two shops fronting Napier St with 6 good living rooms and leased to

- by Heather Pritchard Mrs Davey whose lease will expire in August this year – sold to Miss Davey for £1,550,

Clearing Sales Mr John McManus of Slaty Creek has sold his property and is selling 22 mixed cattle, 1 shorthorn bull, 6 splendid working draught horses, harness etc, buggy, 50 tons oaten hay, 30 fowls, blacksmith tools, machinery, implements and sundries.

As Postlethwaite Bros, near Coonooer Bridge are now devoting their time to grazing and they are selling 11 draught horses and harness etc for 12 working horses, near new Meline tractor, 9 ft Big E harvester in splendid order, machinery, implements and sundries.

Mr G C McRae of Gre Gre North is selling harness etc for 10 working horses, 10 draught horses, 1 buggy mare, 2 children’s ponies, 70 sheep, 40 Wyandotte fowls, sawn timber and iron complete to build 9 stall stable and chaff house, implements, furniture and sundries.

Mr E Raeburn of Winjallock 1½ miles from Post Office is selling 6 draught horses and harness etc, 2 ponies, new travelling house, machinery, implements, and 90 acres fallow on thirds with Mr James Hosken.

Good Friday Appeal includes regular auction chanting THE Farmers Arms will host their annual Good Friday Appeal auction starting this Saturday 12th March at 8pm.

We will experience the sound of ‘auction chanting’ to bring on the many goods and services on offer.

With the full list of auction items

out on Friday on the Farmers Arms Facebook page, all will be revealed.

With a wood raffle plus the auction to add to the day of facepainting, jumping castle, sausage sizzle and Easter Egg hunt, this will be quite a day at the Farmers Arms this Saturday.

Be there!

The Day Search leads to return of special photo to Dunstan Library The Earth

A special photo of Thomas Campbell Dunstan will once again take pride of place in the library that bears his name after a tireless search by his son, William ‘John’ Dunstan.

The St. Arnaud Dunstan Library was named after Thomas and his wife Enid, née Montague, who were strong supporters of the town’s Mechanics Institute and Library.

Northern Grampians Shire Mayor Karen Hyslop said the photo of Thomas hung proudly in the former librar y in Market Square until 2006 and was taken down during the construction of the current library.

Blue-green algae warning lifted for Taylors Lake G W M Wa t e r i s pleased to advise that the blue-green algae warning for Taylors Lake has been lifted.

Recent testing indicates that the water in the lake is safe for recreational activities, including swimming, boating, fishing and other water sports.

“John has been on a mission to track it down and bring both the photo and the story behind it back to the Dunstan Library,” she said.

“John first started searching seriously three or four years ago, bringing it up with St. Arnaud librarian Belinda Huggins and council customer service.

“In this time, we have had a few maintenance men for the St. Arnaud building – all who searched fruitlessly.”

Cr Hyslop said the search unearthed a plaque about a year ago, but no accompanying photo.

“Belinda recently organised for the current maintenance man, Josh, to meet with John and members of St. Arnaud Historical Society to identify and sort a room full of ephemera upstairs in the town hall,” she said.

“It turned out the photo was the first thing they saw as they walked into the room.”

The plaque that accompanies the photo shows: “This library

was named af ter Thomas Campbell Dunstan who served 21 years as a Kara Kara Shire Councillor, three terms as Shire President, and played an active role in the former Mechanics Institute Librar y Committee.”

Cr Hyslop said John recalled both his parents were excellent readers and supporters of the Mechanics Institute, which included a public library, reading room and meeting place.

“John said his parents would travel to other towns and swap books so that St. Arnaud always had an interesting and varied collection,” she said.

The current Dunstan Library has about 7000 items for loan and welcomes about 1000 visitors a month.

“Our library team receives comments from locals and travelers alike about how lucky we are to have such a beautiful and welcoming facility that caters for so many activities,” Cr Hyslop said.

“We have a lot to thank them for and look forward to rehanging this wonderful portrait of Thomas.”

Blew Up – Looney Tunes Contributed

PORKY and Daffy discover that the earth is under threat from a bizarre alien bubblegum invasion. Against all odds, they are determined to save the world.

Above: William ‘John' Dunstan with a photo of his father, Thomas, which will once again take pride of place in St. Arnaud’s Dunstan Library.

They turn into unlikely heros when their antics at the local bubblegum factory uncover a secret alien mind. Faced with Cosmic odds, they join forces to save their towns and the world without driving each other totally looney.

There are some funny moments in this hilarious movie with two individuals trying their very best to make things turn out for the good. There are lots of gags that we all appreciate with these two lovable characters.

The audience will be delighted with the wit and funny lines expressed in this movie at the St. Arnaud Cinema.

Screening will take place on Sunday 13th April at 2pm and Wednesday 16th April at 2pm.

NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY APRIL 9th 2025 - Page 5

St. Arnaud Police report Giveway at Pedestrian crossing St. Arnaud Police fined a 19-year-old male from Gol Gol NSW at approximately 1:15pm on 25th March 2025 for failing to give way at a Napier Street St. Arnaud pedestrian crossing.

The driver chose to ignore the mother and three children waiting to cross the clearly marked pedestrian crossing.

The driver was fined $346 and 3 demerit points.

Drivers are reminded to give way to pedestrians on or about to step onto a pedestrian crossing.

Dob in a drug dealer St. Arnaud Police are appealing for any information regarding drug dealers in St. Arnaud and drug dealers who supply drugs to people (both adults and children) in our town.

Drug dealers are a scourge and don’t care about the harm that they cause to people, their families,

and communities.

Potential signs your neighbour is a drug dealer • Having too many visitors: You can note how many new faces keeping going to the property and making quick visits.

• Living a good life despite not having a job: If you know that your neighbour does not have a job, but they keep on buying expensive items, it could be a sign of them getting money from illegal sources.

• Having a house that

Page 6 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY APRIL 9th 2025.

looks suspicious: This can include; black-out window covers on all the time, high fences blocking the view, and smells coming from the house.

• Leaving drug-related items around the property: If you see syringes and small plastic bags near your neighbour’s house, consider it a red flag.

If you know of anyone who is dealing drugs, please make a report via Police Assistance Line (PAL) (131 444) or Crime Stoppers (1800 300 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.gov.au), rest assured that all information and reports are anonymous. Any information, no matter how insignificant you believe it may be, may be the lynchpin that results in a drug dealer being arrested by police and reducing the harm being caused on our community.

Positive drug test On 4th April 2025, a 56-year-old male from St. Arnaud was intercepted by Police on Wills St, St. Arnaud.

The male underwent an oral fluid sample which tested positive for Methamphetamine.

He was issued an Infringement Notice of $593 and was suspended from driving for 6 months.

Random drug testing St. Arnaud Police are conducting random drug testing in addition to alcohol testing, and drivers failing an oral fluid test will have their licence suspended for six months for a first offence with penalties increasing for subsequent offences.

If you know of someone who regularly drives whilst under the influence of drugs or alcohol, you can make an anonymous report via PAL (131 444) or Crimestoppers (1800 333 000 or www.crime stoppersvic.gov.au) and St. Arnaud Police will hold them to account to help ensure the safety of road users and pedestrians in our town.

Burning off during fire danger period On 3rd April 2025 in Emu, a 67-year-old male has attempted to burn off rubbish during a fire danger period.

The fire got out of control and spread 2 acres to a neighbouring

property causing extensive damage.

The male was field interviewed by Police and will face the St. Arnaud Magistrate’s Court.

Please be reminded that fire restrictions remain in force due to the dry landscape.

A notice of change in restrictions will in appear in the North Central News and on the CFA website at a later date.

Crime Prevention tips The third of the series of crime prevention tips from St. Arnaud Police focuses what to do when you are planning to be away from home for an extended period.

When leaving your residence for an extended time: • lock all your doors and windows • arrange someone to check in on the house and collect the mail • secure valuables in a safe place • register your absence with Victoria Police.

If you are leaving home for an extended period of time, let Victoria Police know by registering your absence from your residence.

How to register your absence You can register your absence online, or at the St. Arnaud Police Station.

When you register your absence from residence with Victoria Police, you will need to provide: • your contact information • the times and dates you will be away • details for who to contact while you are away.

Be sure to notify police if you return earlier than planned.

Above: Dob in Drug Dealer.

How the register works All police stations have an absence from residence register.

When you submit your absence from residence, police can use the information provided to contact you if

there is an incident at your home.

They can also keep your address in mind when performing patrols of the area.

However, there is no guarantee that police will attend your property for a check-in.

REMEMBER IF YOU SEE SOMETHING, SAY SOMETHING Please let the Police know any suspicious activity that you observe especially around your home, street, or business. Police take seriously all information received, no matter how big or small.

It may well be the piece of information that you have that joins the dots and allows Police to solve a crime.

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.

Register online To register your absence from residence online, visit the Service Victoria website.

Register at your local police station St. Arnaud and district residents can either register your absence in person at the St. Arnaud Police Station or you can download the form from the Victoria Po l i c e We b s i t e o r email STARNAUD ADMIN-MGR@police. vic.gov.au during normal business hours for a form to be emailed directly to you.

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 14

Charlton 100 Years Ago: 8th – 11th April 1925

by Charlton Golden Grains Museum

Notable Structure A number of pleasing additions to the architecture of Charlton have been made of late; and particularly notable is the new house that is being built for Dr W. E. Wilson, on Clifton Hill, next to his private hospital.

It is a 14-roomed edifice of brick throughout, including surger y, 2 waiting rooms, 4 bedrooms, dining room, sitting room, garage for 2 cars, kitchen, store room, cellar, and men’s hut.

The windows will include two of the segmental bay type.

All doors and windows are to be fitted with lead lights.

All round there will be a 9-foot verandah, and the structure will be encircled by a 6-foot paling fence, with a cyclone fence in front.

The house, for which the contractor is Mr Foll Gilmore, will be one of the biggest North of Bendigo.

New Garage On account of Messrs H. J. Jackson and Son, Messrs Challen and Clark are engaged on the erection of a fine new garage.

The structure will be on the most up-todate lines throughout, 120 feet in length, and 30 feet in width.

It will be constructed of corrugated iron, with a handsome front, and show window. Full provision has also been made for offices, which will be lined with fibro plaster.

There will be a special department for accessories, likewise a vulcanising room, and a workshop (in which electric lathes and other electrically-driven machinery will be installed).

The floor will be of cement.

The building will, of course, be electrically lit throughout.

March Moisture The rainfall registered on the Post Office

Solution No. 10175 W R I S T E D I T O R U H O R A L I R E A S S A M T E E N E T T R E C O V E R Y R H I V E S M A R E I A C I D F T I P P L E P S L E V E E L V P L A C I D D M A D E E A V E R S O N A R N O P E R A T E D M I S M R A G C E D A R N E E T E X T S S G E N T L E S T A K E

gauge during March was 133 points – 238 fewer than the total for the corresponding period last year.

The fall was by no means evenly spread, as 122 points descended in 4 days.

For the 3 months of the year ending 31st March, 385 points were recorded, these falling in 12 days.

Teddywaddy Way The opening of the new State School marks an epoch in the history of the district.

The new school is situated in Mr Ralph Storey’s paddock, the site having been generously donated by that gentleman.

It is about equidistant from the railway station and the Post Office.

During the transition period (9 weeks) Mr and Mrs Storey kindly granted the use of a large room at their home.

The personnel of the School Committee are, Messrs F. W. Judd (chairman), R. Sait (correspondent), L. W. Tobin (treasurer), G. Walsh, J. Prater, S. Thompson and Mrs Ralph Storey.

At present there are 22 pupils on the roll.

On behalf of funds for the new shelter shed, and school and sports equipment a very successful dance was held in Mr Ralph Storey’s barn.

The decorations were carried out by the teacher (Miss T. Jepson).

were entertained to dinner in the Science Room.

A Motor Mishap A motor mishap occurred on the Wooroonook road, about 6 miles out of Charlton, and opposite Cr S. Wood’s property.

Accompanied by his brother Frank, and two workmen, Mr Harold Lynas was driving home in the new Studebaker from his farm to Charlton.

From the opposite direction was coming a Ford car driven by Mr F. McLoughlan, who

had on board his wife and child.

They were proceeding home to Jeffcott.

The cars collided and the impact threw the child out – right over the steering wheel, fortunately without causing any injury.

Mr McLoughlan, had his shoulder put out, besides suffering from shock and abrasions, spent the night at a private hospital in Charlton.

Mrs McLoughlan was unhurt and no injury was sustained by the occupants of the Studebaker.

(Information from East Charlton Tribune)

Above: Dr Wilson’s house in 2011 Below: 1927 HES Tennis team - Miss Lucy Soding

H.E.S. Tennis Feat For the fifth year in succession the Higher Elementary School girls have won the N o r t h -We s t e r n Association Shield.

In the final they met Inglewood at Charlton and were successful by 7 sets, 47 games, to 1 set, 23 games.

On their arrival by the 4 o’clock train on Friday, the guests were met at the station by the teachers and pupils of the H.E.S. That night they were entertained at a social evening at the School.

The Tennis match was played in heat and strong sunshine.

Charlton players were Alice and Edna Arundell, Gwen and Freda Edwards. Miss Ruse and Mr Smith officiated as umpires.

At the conclusion of the contests, the guests

NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY APRIL 9th 2025 - Page 7

St. Arnaud Secondary College report Interhouse Athletics With the higher numbers it was great to see very tight competition on the day with not much separating first and second throughout the whole carnival.

Holmes House came home with a late charge to take the lead from Morshead House, during the relays to come out winners on the day.

The day was well organised by Mr. Knight and his team and a great number of parents were able to pop in during the day.

Diversity Dash As well, last week, the annual Diversity Dash was held with the Primary School.

This year, in a change of scene, the event was held at the Secondary College which allowed for a whole new range of activities for the students to undertake.

It was a really positive day and heartfelt thanks need to be extended to School Nurse Tania Scarce and to Brylea Knight who took on the mammoth task of creating a whole new event.

Ballarat and Grampians Community Legal Service (BGCLS) Last week the school had a second visit from BGCLS, who spoke to the Year 9 to 12 students in two separate sessions.

The focus this time was on local laws, etc, and then the lawyer was available for any students who wanted an appointment in the afternoon.

Week 1 Term 2 The first week of Term 2 will be Easter Monday Holiday and the Friday being the ANZAC Day Holiday so the school will run as normal on the Tuesday to Thursday.

Mr Tony Hand will be on Long Service Leave for these three days and Dr. Calvin Taylor will be the Principal in his absence.

Right: (left to right) Owen Lowe and Scarlett Hand with the cup awarded to Holmes House at the Interhouse Athletics.

TRUE BLUE FLOORS

HEAVEN &

Ric Lang

HELL HAIR

Owner operator

0417 110 922

BY

MICHELLE

FLOOR SANDING AND POLISHING NEW AND OLD FLOORS RECOATING OF FLOORS

Owner/ Operator 15 years experience

Comfortable Home Based Hair Salon

truebluefloorsanding@gmail.com

Master stylist, Blonde Specialist, Master Colourist, Curly Hair Specialist, Balayage Specialist.

All aspects of hairdressing, weddings, formals etc., facial beauty and barbering services available.

By appointment only Available 7 days a week if required.

Open Wednesday to Sunday

Discounts for Seniors, Veterans and Emergency services.

Located Slaty Creek 3477, 5 minutes from St. Arnaud.

Your local option for commercial & residential solar installations Phone: 5495 1449

Find us on facebook

Phone Michelle on 0400 209 413

107 NAPIER STREET, ST. ARNAUD

FOR ALL YOUR PRINTING NEEDS!

ST. ARNAUD BLINDS We are NOW based in your area FOR ALL TYPES OF INDOOR AND OUTDOOR BLINDS, SECURITY DOORS AND FLYSCREENS, ALUMINUM ROLLER SHUTTERS AND PLANTATION SHUTTERS Free measure and quote at your request.

18 Napier St., St. Arnaud.

Phone: (03) 5495 1055

PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION

Ph. Trevor - 0421 194 711 Trading as:

Wimmera Blinds & Awnings

Specialising in

For all your Trophy and Engraving needs!

Phone: 0428 951 441 18 Napier Street, St. Arnaud.

Page 8 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY APRIL 9th 2025.

■ Air conditioning Installation & Servicing ■ General Home Maintenance ■ Plastering & Painting ■ Door & Window Repairs ■ Fencing

Charlie: 0409 353 161

Domestic and Commercial Electrical Installations

Renovations, TV aerials, Power points, Lights, Switchboard upgrades and Rewires.

24/7 emergency callouts. REC: 36276

Serving St. Arnaud and surrounds

Team Spirit on Tap: Beazleys Bridge makes a splash in Lexton - Contributed

THE Beazleys Bridge Fire Brigade had an outstanding day at the CFA demo in Lexton on March 16th, 2025.

Above: Beazleys Ladies power on despite a soaking from a faulty O-ring.

Above: Side by side: Barry and Rendelle Wiseman kick off their event with a smile and a sprint.

The Under 11 girls, competing in their second demo, and Under 15s secured placing in multiple events, showing great promise for the future.

Coach Barr y Wiseman had a fun moment racing alongside his daughter – and winning!

But the real highlight came during the Wet Hose and Ladder event when a missing O-ring caused a strong blast of water right into Jenny Small’s and Diana Wiseman’s faces Despite the mishap, the team kept their cool, persisted, and avoided disqualification, entertaining the crowd along the way.

This demo was the final tune-up before next week’s big state event in Mooroopna, and it was the perfect opportunity for the team to test their skills and teamwork under pressure.

It was a fantastic day of resilience, fun, and camaraderie.

Above: The U11s (left to right) Sarah Atherton, Kara Rogers, Mabel Small, and Samantha Atherton, shine with their trophies after a strong performance in their second demo.

Below: Smooth teamwork from U15s: Henry Small bowls spot-on while Alex Medlyn and Matilda Polkinghorne back at the cart.

NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY APRIL 9th 2025 - Page 9

Ladies Long Sleeve Tees assorted colours

$29.99 Size 8 - 20

PUBLIC NOTICE

MEETINGS

FOR SALE

AT YOUR SERVICE

BIRTHDAY

Solicitor

BRIAN KERSHAW

117 Napier Street, St. Arnaud

Phone: 03 5495 3359

EMPLOYMENT

FOR SALE

Easter Market

Disability support workers needed

Lions Club of Charlton

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

Easter Monday

St. Josephs Oval, High Street.

April 21st 9am - 1pm SITES AVAILABLE Contact Kevin 0428 911 830

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.

Breakfast provided All members to attend Any apologies to either Captain or Treasurer

P.O.A.

0459 297 482

FOR SALE Faber Beans 10 tonne (Good clean beans ready to sow) Graded and treated with Cruiser Insecticide

Practical, experienced advice in plain English

90 12th April 2025

Appointments also available in Charlton, Donald & Wycheproof

A very Happy Birthday to a wonderful man.

Ph: 5495 2595

A quiet achiever, loyal and hard worker.

Wishing you the best that you deserve.

- Brian, Dad and Briany

Karen@klp.net.au

BIRTH

- Love Barb, Jen, Bruce, Daniel, Kellie, Ella, Chloe, Ollie, Kate and James.

+ GST

St Arnaud Citizens Band

at Weir’s IGA

Further information available at: https://ewhs.org.au/careers

Sunday, 13th April, 2025.

9.30am

White with gold trim

116 Napier St., St. Arnaud

$650 per Tonne

Tues 15th Thurs 17th April

Campus Negotiable • Nurse Practitioner • Home Care Support Worker • Junior Food and Domestic Service Assistant Charlton • Food and Domestic Service Assistant Donald • Food and Domestic Service Assistant St Arnaud • Workplace Trainer / Careers Advisor Wycheproof • Food and Domestic Service Assistant

AGM Meeting

WHATS ON

WOOD RAFFLE

Job Vacancies

Slaty Creek Fire Brigade

72 Piece Royal Albert Dinner & Table Setting for six.

Drawn 5pm Thursday

WIMMERA BANDS SUNDAY Sunday 4th May RSL Hall Commencing 10am Contact Bob Wooley for details

Ph: 0419 537 577

Get it through our

0429 836 055 St. Arnaud Bowling Club Inc.

Annual General Meeting to be held at the clubhouse 18-22 McMahon Street, St. Arnaud

Tuesday 15 April 2025 at 7.30pm All members requested to attend. Interested parties welcome.

- Secretary

St. Arnaud & District Orchid Society Meeting on Friday the 11th April Time 7.00 pm for 7.30 Start At St Arnaud Senior Citizens 1A Golden Street St Arnaud 3478 Speaker: Michael Mathews

WANTed ads!

Visitors welcome

(03) 5495 1055

FOR SALE

Page 10 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY APRIL 9th 2025.

GARAGE SALE 9.00am start

TILLIG (Downes)

Mowers, Power tools, Garden pots, and Statues.

Too much to mention.

Rachel and Jake are thrilled to announce the arrival of their baby girl,

36 Bowen Street St. Arnaud

Ellidy Therese Tillig

AT YOUR SERVICE

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

Cards, Wrapping your Paper, HairForandall Beauty NEEDS Gift Bags Ph: 5495 1306 Ph: 5495 1161 89-93 Napier Street, St. Arnaud

Sending you our love and best wishes on your special day.

Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th April

Top of the Town Beauty Salon

St. Arnaud Allsorts

Happy 90th Birthday

GARAGE SALE

0400 451 432 or 5495 1108

available at

BRIAN

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

110 Napier St., St. Arnaud

She was born at Bendigo Health on March 17, 2025, at 18:02, weighing 8 lbs 1 oz.

Ellidy is the first grandchild for Bernard and Julie Downes, and Tony and Shirlee Tillig, as well as a great-grandchild to Kathy Downes, Neville Coates, and Shirley Nevins.

- Love Greg, Deb and Family

Happy Birthday Briany Here’s cheers to a great day Saturday, celebrating your

90th Birthday

TO ADVERTISE PH: 5495 1055

WITH MUCH LOVE - Jane, Dan, Ruby, Matilda and Tom. X

Don’t forget...

St. Arnaud Country Music

Sunday, 13th April 6pm ‘till 10pm

Guest Artists -

Neville & Kathy Hird Walk ups welcome St. Arnaud Sporting Club Charlton Road, St. Arnaud Further details contact 0427 831 613

DEATH WOOD Alan James 07/05/1934 - 06/04/2025 Passed away peacefully after a brief illness, at Coates Hostel, St Arnaud, aged 90 years.

Dearly loved only child of Jim and Elsie Wood of Wooroonook.

Treasured husband of June for 67 years. Loved father and father-in-law of Jeffrey and Alex, Susan and Lyndon and David (dec). Adoring Pa of Alex, Cecilia, Sam and Jordan. Loving Great Pa of Ellis, Aubrey, Paddy and Elsie.

Big Al - a zest for life like no other!

Funeral notice to be advised.

Please see Kell’s window for details.

My special mate.

Your memory will never be forgotten.

I will love you forever.

- June. xx Dad, DNA might tell me who is a father, but love and compassion and kindness and certainly patience, a lot of patience, makes Alan James Wood my Dad. I will always remember him for being a good man, a man of integrity and honour and strength. He was passionate about his sports and driving somewhere, anywhere, come rain or shine to go on a journey with his best mate and his greatest love, Mum. We'll miss his huge smile indeed.

My sincere gratitude to Susan, an extraordinary woman, my sister, for taking care of Dad and Mum too.

To the community, especially the staff at Coates Hostel for their care and support. It was a blessing that Dad was among a community of friends and family, but also to receive a pass from the big guy to watch one last game of footy, thank you Lord.

- Jeffrey. xx Dad, You milked ever y second out of your 90 years, always looking forward to the next social outing with the two great loves of your life - Mum and your wheels! We’ll miss that huge smile and our daily check-ins.

Our sincere thanks and gratitude to the amazing staff at Coates Hostel for their incredible care and support of Dad over the past 18 months and before that, the NGSC Community Care staff, whose wonderful support enabled him to stay at home as long as he did.

We are forever grateful.

Go Bombers.

- Susan. xx

TO ADVERTISE PH: 5495 1055

CHURCH NOTICES

Golf season opens

DISTRICT CATHOLIC CHURCHES East Wimmera Parish WOOD Alan James The Board of Directors, Staff and Participants wish to express their sincere condolences to the Wood family on the passing of Alan. Our special thoughts go out to June, Sue, Jeffrey, and their extended families at this time.

Alan was a much loved friend and Life Member of McCallum (formally Murdoch House). His contribution, friendship and support was always heartfelt and sincere and will be missed by all those who knew him.

CROSSLEY Shirley Margaret 21-2-1949 – 3-4-2025 Wife of William (dec), mother to Kim, Adam and Lee, mother-in-law to Brad and Meryl, grandmother to Sye, Larz, Keiko, Shiloh, Ivy, Frankie and Sadie.

Great grandmother of Maximus and Jed. A truly special person who was dearly loved by all she touched.

Your generous spirit, caring heart and sense of humor lit up our lives.

We feel so privileged to have known you, to have loved you and be loved by you. May you rest in peace.

FUNERAL CROSSLEY A service to celebrate Shirley’s life will be held in the Uniting Church Charlton on WEDNESDAY April 9th at 1.00 pm. The cortege will then leave for the Charlton Lawn Cemetery.

LAST Sunday saw the golf season officially open at the St. Arnaud Country Club with a splendid drive from club stalwart, grounds-person and allround good guy, Arnold Bond.

BIRCHIP Sunday April 13th 10.30am Live Stream in BOORT Sunday April 13th 10.30am Live Stream in BANYENA - No Mass CHARLTON Sunday April 13th 8.30am Mass DONALD Saturday April 12th 7.00pm Mass ST.ARNAUD Sunday April 13th 10.30am Live Stream out to churches without mass WYCHEPROOF Sunday April 13th 10.30am Live Stream in Parish Coordinator: Noeline Hogan 0476 617 976

Thirteen players, 9 men and four ladies, braved the wind and the dry course, with the evergreen Bernice Fithall mastering the conditions to come out the winner of the St. Arnaud Physiotherapy Award.

Mark McGrath came in a close second ahead of a bunched field.

The St. Arnaud Caravan Park nearestthe-pin on the eighth hole was won by Brenda Proctor, whilst the NTP on the 6th hole was won by Scott Wright.

While the golf course and weather were not at their best,

Above: Arnold Bond gets the golf season under way.

ST. ARNAUD CHURCH OF CHRIST Cnr. Queens Ave & Alma St. Sharing faith in Christ Thurs. 10th April 10.30 a.m.: Faith Group Sun. 13th April 10.30 a.m.: Worship & Communion Speaker: John Allott Enquiries: Church Ph: 0494 391 466

Rubber Stamps North Central News (03) 5495 1055

ST. ARNAUD UNITING CHURCH Sunday 13th April 9.30am H.C. Graeme Pearse All Welcome.

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

EST: 1860

5495 1043

IN MEMORIAM PRITCHARD Robin Roy 21/12/43 - 9/4/95 30 years may have passed but memories will always last.

- Diane, Wayne, Sharon and Bret.

TORNEY - Rene Treasured memories of our dear Mum and Nanna.

Also happy thoughts of Dad and Pop. Loved and remembered every day.

- Sharon, Graham and family xxx

Shop locally, support local business and secure your children’s future

Another Cup win for Young Bluey THE 2024 St Arnaud Pacing Cup winner “Young Bluey” added another Cup win to his tally when he took out the Barry Bottams Memorial Mildura - Contributed Cup on Friday night.

The winner is trained and driven by Matthew Craven and is raced by the “Hey True Blue” Syndicate that includes the Mason family and Beth Scilini amongst its members.

The Cup winner had no luck in its heat on Tuesday when it finished third but Craven took luck out of the equation in the final by working around the field early in the race to get the lead a position the gelding still held at the finish.

The “close the sprint lane” advocates were all smiles after the win of “Joe Got Rolled” when the mare obtained an inside run to win the second Cup heat on Tuesday.

Driver Luke Dunne lead on the 5yo but handed up early in the race to the eventual second placegetter “Crime Writer” before getting

Inside running

by Archie

up the fence to win by 1.3m in a time 4.4 seconds faster than the first heat.

Unfortunately for trainer Joe Thompson and the mare’s owners, Kevin Thompson, Leon Fanning and Andrea O’Gorman, she was found to be sore on the morning of the final and had to be scratched.

“Shaq” chalked up career win number 23 at Bendigo on Wednesday for the John Tormey/Kevin Clark combination when the 8yo won its third race for the season.

The winner was driven by Jack Laugher who has now driven 35 winners this season.

The Greg Hargreaves bred trotter

KELL FUNERALS A Goofy Movie – 30th Est 1860

PRE PAID FUNERALS AVAILABLE 24 HOURS

Ph: 5495 1043

136 Napier Street St. Arnaud

NAFD Member

Birthday wishes to: April 10th Dot Baldwin April 11th Abby Arbuckle Carl Baldock Byron Burke Ricky Ezard Kerry Hendy Tameika McIntyre Alana Patton Kerry Birthisel

our very own cultural attache back from his European tour, Tony Coloe, cooked a fine barbecue, while Deb Saxon-Campbell rustled up some salads for the players to enjoy.

Thank you, Tony and Deb. Our regular nine at 9 or “Old Farts” officially starts this Thursday 10th, so if you are keen to enjoy good company and a morning walk you are most welcome to come along.

Next Saturday’s (12/4) event will be a stroke event for both ladies and men.

CHURCH NOTICES

KELL FUNERALS ST ARNAUD NFDA

- Contributed

April 12th Brian Kershaw (90) Jade Green April 13th Heather Esmore Marg Williams Ray Williams Toni Jones April 14th Nathan Hendy Marley Griffith Sam Male

Anniversary THIS wonderful Goofy Movie follows the original Goofy together with his son Max – a teenager who makes a senseless promise to a girl he has a crush on, his chances of fulfilling the promise seems hopeless when he is dragged on to a cross country trip with his embarrassing father Goofy.

“Boutika” was another Bendigo winner with the Barry Ainsworth trained, Ryan Sanderson driven mare taking her tally to thirteen wins and in the process equaling her best race time of 1.57.6.

Amongst the winners at the Ballarat meeting was “Blue Sky Alm” who is trained by 81year old John Mamouney.

The win by the Marong trainer brings back memories of possibly Australia’s greatest pacer “Popular Alm” who was bred at Almond Meadows Stud and won at his first start at Charlton on 8 August 1980.

“Poppy” went on to win 49 of his 62 starts.

As HRV go about the process of taking 50 plus meetings from the Calendar the description of “poor turnover tracks” enters the conversation.

HRV set the dates, set the programme and stakes, select the fields and yet it’s the tracks fault.

Really?

CHURCH NOTICES

ANGLICAN PARISH OF ST. ARNAUD Christ Church On this hilarious adventure, they find themOld Cathedral selves up to their floppy ears in all sorts of mishaps Friday 11th April and narrow escapes and even a comically close 9.30am encounter with Bigfoot.

St. Arnaud They even “crash the stage” at the most spec9.30am Every Sunday tacular rock concert. Will Max learn there’s Eucharist nothing wrong with taking after his dear old Dad… Bealiba even if he is a little goofy?

8am 2nd/4th Sunday Audiences will fall in love all over again with this Goofy Movie.

All Welcome Screening at St Arnaud Community Cinema on Rev. Peter Downes Wednesday 9th April at 2pm and Friday 11th April Enquiries phone: at 6:30pm.

0412 957 383 NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY APRIL 9th 2025 - Page 11

In The Paddock

Top tips before sowing retained seed this season THE quality of seed at sowing is a critical component of a crop’s success.

Many crops in western Victoria were impacted by a dry finish and spring frosts last season, while in northern Victoria they were affected by rain during harvest.

Now is the time for farmers to run a germination test on seed retained from 2024, to ensure your new crop has the best possible start.

Testing of retained

seed allows you to assess the seed’s viability and to adjust sowing rates.

Frost and drought can impact seedling vigour and germination, often by between 20–40%.

Ideally, weather (rain) damaged seed should not be used for sowing.

If your seed contains shot grain from weather damage or poor storage, a germination test will help you alter your sowing rate according to the seed viability.

It will also help you determine if you need to obtain alternative seed.

Seed kept for more than 2 seasons will generally have a lower germination percentage than fresh seed, as viability declines with age. In some cases, however, 2year-old seed that has been stored well may be a better option than fresh seed of poor quality.

Home germination testing methods for cereals, pulses and canola are available

on Agriculture Victoria’s website.

Weather-damaged seed should ideally be tested in a laboratory for germination.

Laboratories can also test for vigour, weed seeds and purity.

Some general rules of thumb to consider if using seed affected by frost, dry conditions or weather damage: • If germination is 10% lower, sowing rates will need to be increased by 10% to attain a similar plant

addressing scientific and technological issues related to food and strategic reserves.

Grains Australia Chief Executive Officer Richard Simonaitis said the agreement represented a shared commitment to cooperate on mutually beneficial areas of research.

“The agreement reaffirms Grains Australia’s dedication to fostering strong and mutually beneficial relationships and opportunities with China, which is a significant and valued grain trading partner,” Mr Simonaitis said.

AEGIC Executive General Manager Courtney Draper said the agreement consolidated a long-standing, valued relationship between AEGIC and the Academy of NAFRA and its scientists.

Above: About to sign the MoU are, (left to right) Front Row: Grains Australia CEO Richard Simonaitis, Academy of NAFRA P r e s i d e n t Ta n Bengang and AEGIC Executive General Manager Courtney Draper.

PHOTO: Academy of NAFRA.

density.

• If only 5% of cereal grain is shot, the seed is likely to be suitable for sowing without a major adjustment to the sowing rate.

• If 10% of cereal grain is shot, the sowing rate should be increased by 10% and so on, up to a maximum of 20% shot grain.

Pulse and cereal seed are suitable for sowing if the germination is above 80%.

Cereal seed with less than 70% germination should not be

used for sowing.

If the result is between 70–80%, germination should be tested in a laboratory.

For canola, 85% germination is considered the minimum.

Grade your seed batch to remove the smaller seeds as larger seeds emerge faster and produce vigorous and more resilient seedlings.

Remove any shrivelled or damaged seed, weed seeds, diseased seeds and any other impurities.

by Felicity Pritchard, Regional Manager Grains South West Be aware that some seed treatments can affect seedling emergence, especially when sown deep.

If seed has already been stressed by frost or a dry season, it’s best to choose a treatment that is ‘soft’ on the seed.

A soft treatment is one that does not negatively affect germination or slow coleoptile or hypocotyl growth.

Memorandum signals collaboration with Chinese grains industries A newly signed memorandum of understanding (MoU) supports positive collaboration between the Australian and Chinese grains industries, fostering new areas of research that benefit both countries.

Representatives from Grains Australia, the Australian Export Grains Innovation Centre (AEGIC) and the Academy of National Food and Strategic Reserves Admini-stration (Academy of NAFRA) signed the MoU recently in Beijing.

One of the aims of the MoU, which builds on existing positive relationships between the organisations, is to encourage the exchange of grain quality, safety and processing knowledge and expertise.

It will also examine cooperative research opportunities to identify blending options for Chinese and Australian wheat and/or flour, and new methods for wheat quality evaluation and grain processing.

The MoU will explore collaborative nutritional,

Contributed healthy and functional food market opportunities, such as those related to whole grain food products.

Grains Australia and AEGIC work together in an integrated way to drive better outcomes for Australian grain growers, with AEGIC being a delivery partner for Grains Australia’s market insights and education services.

AEGIC will deliver some of the activities outlined in the MOU, on behalf of Grains Australia, which is itself an initiative of the Grains Research and Development Corporation.

The primary focus of the not-for-profit Academy of NAFRA is on ensuring national food security, promoting the development of the food circulation industry and

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

“The MoU builds on already-established trust and mutual respect between the organisations and has highlighted valuable new areas on which we intend to work together,” Ms Draper said.

Academy of NAFRA President Tan Bengang said: “The agreement will enhance the personnel knowledge exchange and strengthen the cooperation on food science and technology among the three parties.”

Page 12 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY APRIL 9th 2025.

St. Arnaud C.F.A. Brigade Planned burn notice St. Arnaud Fire Brigades Group will be undertaking a planned burn on private property 2km north of St. Arnaud this Sunday 13th April 2025 commencing around 12:30pm (weather permitting).

The objective is to provide bushfire protection by reducing overall fuel hazard and bushfire hazard in the landscape.

General enquiries for this burn contact: VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226

Week ending Wednesday April 2 2025

— By Glendon Hancock

THE Australian wool has recorded an overall increase in this series, bouncing back from the falls recorded in the previous week.

On the opening selling day, the market opened cautiously.

By day’s end in the Eastern markets, the merino fleece Micron Price Guides (MPGs) movements ranged between plus 4 and minus 17 cents.

The positive movements in the other sectors were large enough that the benchmark AWEX Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) finished the day unchanged.

The day was heavily influenced by currency.

Due to a weakening of the Australian dollar (AUD), when viewed in US dollar (USD) terms the market retracted.

The EMI dropped by 8 US cents.

The Western region selling last in the day had a noticeable increase in buyer sentiment, this

resulted in spirited bidding and price rises as result.

The merino f leece MPGs in the West rose by between 10 and 15 cents for the day, setting up a positive tone for the following day’s opening.

This buyer positivity carried into the second day and the prices on offer for merino fleece types were generally on the rise.

The MPGs movements across the country ranged between minus 12 and plus 25 cents.

It was again the West selling last, recording the largest prices increases.

The increases were so large that the MPGs for 19.0 to 20.0 micron closed higher than the South.

The EMI closed the day and the week 4 cents higher at 1,249 cents.

The EMI has now fall-

National Offering Centre North South West Total

Week 40 40 40

Days 1, 2 April 1, 2 April 1, 2 April

Offering 9,936 21,038 7,455 38,429

Future Offerings Week

41

8, 9 April

Source - AWEX

35,699

en only once in the last fourteen selling days.

In a an almost mirror image of the previous day, a strengthening of the AUD meant that when in viewed in USD terms the rise was larger, the EMI added 9 US cents for the day, closing the week one cent higher at 787 US cents.

Next week there is currently 35,699 bales on o f fe r in S y d n e y, Melbourne and Fremantle.

Melbourne 1223L +3 16.5 1778 -10 17 1705 -10 17.5 1665 -2 18 1627 +7 18.5 1584 -8 19 1552 0 19.5 1524 -4 20 1509 -1 21 1491 -5 22 1488 +2 23 1454n +5 24 25 730 +12 26 622 +7 28 445 +8 30 380 +3 32 335 +10 MC 745 -1 Ind.

St. Arnaud two day tournament Runners up were another Aradale team skipped by Gar y Jamieson, Gar y Sherwell and Brian Richards.

St. Arnaud Country Club won the Best Winning margin in the last game with a score of 10 shots up.

The team consisted of Simon Elliott, John Needs and Gary White.

The ladies and the cooks on the BBQ were kept busy providing morning tea, lunch and afternoon tea for the players over the 2-day period.

They were thanked

by President Tom Amos for the preparation and work that they did on the weekend.

The greens and surrounds were in great condition thanks to a small band of Volunteers and to all the members who helped our Tournament Secretary Greg McNally run another successful event.

Above: Fours Runners-up Donald Golf/Wycheproof team (left to right) Robert Reseigh, Jonno Grylls, Dales Groves and Geoff Rigby.

Above: Triples winners, Aradale Mark Griffits, Daniel Mahoney and Jim Walker.

Above: Fours best winning margin in the last game, (left to right) Shane Morris, Laurie Maxted, Joan Earl and Sarah Polack.

ST. ARNAUD Bowling Club was a busy place - Contributed on Saturday and Sunday.

The Men's Section held their 2 Day Annual Tournament in pleasant conditions.

On Saturday 14 teams competed in the Fours Competition.

Teams represented were Donald, Donald Golf, Aradale 2, Boort, Nyah West, Landsborough, Donald Golf/ Wycheproof combination, Country Club 2, Serpentine, Ararat VRI, Rupanyup and a last-minute team from St. Arnaud due to a late withdrawal.

At the conclusion of the last game a playoff was needed to decide the results.

Aradale, Donald G o l f / Wy c h e p r o o f Combination and St. Arnaud all with 3 wins played to the yard stick to decide the runners up for the day.

The Winners for the day were Landsborough skipped

by Gerry Parry, 3rd Wally Ravasini, 2nd

Chris Webb St. Arnaud Country Club and Lead Craig Stewart.

Runners up were the combined team skipped by Geoff Rigby Donald Golf, Robert Reseigh Donald Golf, Dales Groves and Jonno Gr ylls both Wycheproof.

Boort's team of Laurie Maxted, Joan Earl, Shane Morris and Sarah Polack won the prize for the highest winning margin in the last game which was 7 shots.

Sunday again saw 14 teams compete in the Triples competition on another lovely day.

Teams came from Wedderburn, Donald, Donald Golf, Aradale 3, Wycheproof 2, Ararat VRI 2, Boort 2, St. Arnaud Country Club 2.

Winners were Aradale skipped by Daniel Mahoney, Mark Griffits and Jim Walker with 4 wins.

Above: Fours Winners Landsborough (left to right) Chris Webb, Craig Stewart, Wally Ravasini, Gerry Parry with Tom Amos St. Arnaud President

North Central Netball results round 1 14 & Under A Charlton 1 Birchip Watchem 31 Donald 30 Calder United 9 Sea Lake Nandaly 23 Wedderburn 10 St. Arnaud 10 Boort 26

14 & Under B Donald 8 Calder United 8 Sea Lake Nandaly 6 Wedderburn 6 St Arnaud 9 Boort 4

17 & Under A Sea Lake Nandaly 47 Wedderburn 38 Charlton 38 Birchip Watchem 65 Donald 15 Calder United 102 St. Arnaud 35 Boort 39

Above: Triples runners-up, Aradale Gary Sherwell, Gary Jamieson and Brian Richards.

A Grade Above: Winner Kevin Meade (left) and runnerup Mick Pole.

Charlton 27 Birchip Watchem 63 Sea Lake Nandaly 30 Wedderburn 38 Donald 43 Calder United 46 St. Arnaud 36 Boort 67

Country Club Bowls B Grade

THE Minor Singles Championship was played on Monday 31st March in excellent bowling conditions between Kevin Meade and - Contributed Mick Pole.

Above: Triples best winning margin in the last game (left to right) John Needs, Gary White and Simon Elliott.

Both bowlers played some great bowls during the game, but it was the elder statesman of our Club Kevin Meade at his age played some beautiful bowls to go on to a great win.

Kevin please do not give bowls away, you are an ornament to the game.

By all reports Mick is having some health problems, which did not help during the game.

Well done to you both.

Charlton 23 Birchip Watchem 64 Sea Lake Nandaly 36 Wedderburn 56 Donald 31 Calder United 57 St. Arnaud 41 Boort 53

C Grade Charlton 24 Birchip Watchem 44 Sea Lake Nandaly 43 Wedderburn 30 Donald 19 Calder United 77 St. Arnaud 34 Boort 38

C Reserve Sea Lake Nandaly 62 Wedderburn 16 St. Arnaud 12 Boort 58

NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY APRIL 9th 2025 - Page 13

Charlton vs Birchip-Watchem Netball 17 & Under A Impressive first game for our U17 girls against a tough opponent.

Our attackers moved well down the court with positioning, timing and drives to cut off their opponents.

Our defenders worked hard all game against a very tall opposition, getting their hands over everything applying as much pressure as they could.

Great first game girls!

Charlton 38 BirchipWatchem 65 IGA Charlton Best: Anika Holmes-Brown FNH L adies Auxiliary Coaches:

- Contributed 14 & Under A Tough first game for our young guns, showing some great teamwork out on court our girls gave it their all!

Charlton 1 BirchipWatchem 31 TeeJet Best: Rosie Fitzpatrick FHN L adies Auxiliary Coaches: Lily Lane NWAG & Charlton Caravan Park “Have a Crack” – Sophie Roberts

Left: C Grade Tahlia Holmes-Brown defending with Zoe Carney against Birchip-Watchem.

North-Central Football Roundup Goldacres Seniors

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

1.5 5.8 7.12 10.16 (76) WEDDERBURN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2.1 2.2 4. 4 4. 4 (28) Goals for Sea Lake-Nandaly: Lachy McClelland 3, Tyson McKenzie 2, Adam Pattison 2, Oscar Brownless, Max Cahoon, Bryce Delmenico.

For Wedderburn: Mitch Jensen 3, Mitchell McEwen.

Best for Sea Lake-Nandaly: Oscar Brownless, Wade Donnan, Ryan O’Sullivan, Jarvis Keogh, Joel Donnan, Cooper Roberts.

For Wedderburn: Mitch Jensen, Zach Pallpratt, Isaac Holt, Jye Mortlock, Ben Bacon, Danny Benaim.

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

4.3 11.12 13.20 23.26 (164) DONALD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2.0 2. 0 2. 1 2. 1 (13) Goals for Calder United: Jack Exell 8, Mitch Farmer 5, Zachary Caccaviello 2, Zane Keighran 2, Kobe Lloyd 2, Matthew Wade 2, Koby Hommelhoff, Dean Putt.

For Donald: Brent Arho, Harry Forrest.

Best for Calder United: Zane Keighran, Jack Exell, Zachary Caccaviello, Boe Bish, Darcy Munro, Mitch Farmer.

For Donald: Dyson Bell-Warren, Daniel Pearce, Darcy Harrison, Charlie Campbell, Eddie Landwehr, Robert Walker.

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

4.2 12.6 22.7 30.12 CHARLTON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0.0 2.1 3.2 3. 3

Uniting Church Under-14s

SEA LAKE-NANDALY 10.7 (67) D. WEDDERBURN 0.1 (1) Best for Sea Lake-Nandaly: Henry Cox, Aydan Smith, Harry Wight, Hamish Landry, Riley Allan, Max Conlan.

For Wedderburn: Caleb Gault, Jack Dierickx, Blaz Cramp, William Huismann, Nate Turnbull.

DONALD 8.6 (54) D. CALDER UNITED 4.5 (29) Best for Donald: Noah Michael, Samuel Mortlock, Liam Stopps, Jordan Jones.

For Calder United: Smith Morrison, Desmond Polzin, Van Harrison, Ryder Cavalier.

CHARLTON 5.4 (34) D. BIRCHIP-WATCHEM 2.9 (21) Best for Charlton: Isaac Roberts, Liam Monaghan, Darcy Olive, Xav Good, Tamsyn McGurk, Sam Cossar.

For Birchip-Watchem: Private Player, Willow Ryan, Liam Spezza, Jed Coffey.

ST ARNAUD 10.4 (64) D. BOORT 3.4 (22) Best for St Arnaud: Finn Wilson, Jack Wait, Duncan Kirk, Chase Hendy, Jesse James, Oliver Goode.

For Boort: Seth Muller, Noah Howe, Cruz Nuttall, Liam King, Zeb Gould.

Positions of Teams

(192) (21)

Goldacres North-Central Seniors

Goals for Birchip-Watchem: Ben Edwards 13, Nicholas Rippon 4, Daniel Bell 3, Meyrick Buchanan 2, Joseph Reid 2, Rhona Conboy, Lachy Foott, RIley Hogan, Ben Lakin, William Lee, Marshall Rippon.

For Charlton: Elliott Fitzpatrick, Rhyen Woods, Aaron Schofield.

Best for Birchip-Watchem: Marshall Rippon, Ben Edwards, Hamish Hosking, Daniel Bell, Meyrick Buchanan, Cormacc Wilson.

For Charlton: Ben Xiriha, Patrick Soulsby, Luke Dunne, Mitchell Collins, Sean O’Connor, Ben Lanyon.

BOORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

3.4 7.5 11.14 17.16 (118) ST ARNAUD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1.1 3.3 4. 5 7. 7 (49) Goals for Boort: Jhye Baddeley-Kelly 4, Kayne Rutley 3, Carlos Egan 2, James Keeble 2, Peter Barbopoulos, Ethan Coleman, Jarrod Fitzpatrick, Lachlan Hall, Ryan McGhie, James Wilson.

For St Arnaud: Jacob Tillig 3, Max Hungerford 2, Sean Holroyd, Jay Kirwood.

Best for Boort: Tom Potter, Jhye Baddeley-Kelly, Kayne Rutley, Keiren Wilson, James Keeble, Carlos Egan.

For St Arnaud: Torin Petrie, Max Hungerford, Jay Kirwood, Bradley Organ, Owen Lowe, Bailey Nicholas.

Haeusler’s Reserves

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

5.3 10.6 19.10 24.15 (159) WEDDERBURN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0.0 1.0 1. 0 1. 0 (6) Goals for Sea Lake-Nandaly: Joel Clohesy 8, Brayden Allan 3, Codey Elliott 3, Zachary Wemyss 3, Cooper Allan 2, Jordan Bath 2, Ethan Ellis, Rylee McGarry, Cruz O’Sullivan.

For Wedderburn: Hudson Pidoto.

Best for Sea Lake-Nandaly: Brody Weir, Joel Clohesy, Rylee McGarry, Cooper Allan, Zachary Wemyss, Cruz O’Sullivan.

For Wedderburn: Finn Turnbull, Joshua Hall, Ashley Younghusband, Chris Hargreaves, Dylan Caruana, Hudson Pidoto.

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

7.2 15.6 19.13 24.17 (161) DONALD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0.0 0.0 0. 0 0. 0 (0) Goals for Calder United: Heath Senior 6, George Forrester 4, Brett Barker 2, Angus Forrester 2, Samuel Hogan 2, Zac Kelly 2, Dane McLennan 2, Jed Bish, Sol Kelly, Jack Morrison, Tom Trewin.

For Donald: Nil. Best for Calder United: Charlie Fawcett, Zac Kelly, Dane McLennan, Sol Kelly, George Forrester, Hunter Connolly.

For Donald: Jye Johnson, Ethan Clapham, Nicholas Atkins, Joe Melino, Joe Sheridan, Dion Hawkes.

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

4.6 11.9 14.11 18.15 (123) CHARLTON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0.3 0.5 0. 5 0. 5 (5) Goals for Birchip-Watchem: Connor Lee 4, Connor Boyle 3, Tom Gibson 3, Alexander Hay 3, Bailey Baxter, Matthew Berry, Callum Goode, Riley Hogan, Jack Lee. For Charlton: Nil. Best for Birchip-Watchem: Tom Gibson, Connor Lee, Jack Lee, Riley Hogan, Bodie Colbert.

For Charlton: Benjamin Roberts, Cooper Boyle, Mason Heenan, Travis Salmon, John Leathan, Lachlan Holmes-Brown.

BOORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

5.0 7.0 9.2 13.4 (82) ST ARNAUD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0.1 2.3 2.3 3.3 (21) Goals for Boort: Alex Cockerell 4, Chris O’Rourke 2, Max Beattie, Jacob Coleman, Jett Hird, Jacob Mulquiny, Cameron Ross, Riley Wagner, Harry Weaver.

For St Arnaud: Simon Elliott, George Gorrie, James McKenny.

Best for Boort: Jacob Mulquiny, Alex Cockerell, Harry Weaver, Angus Potter, Brendon Hewlett, Angus Trethowan.

For St Arnaud: Luke Jackson, Harrison Meagher, Colin Campbell, Heath McNally, George Gorrie, Simon Elliott.

Community Bank Charlton & District Under-17s

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

7.3 11.6 13.7 17.9 (111) WEDDERBURN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0.0 0.2 1.4 2.5 (17) Best for Sea Lake-Nandaly: Cruz O’Sullivan, Brayden Allan, Scott Barbary, Taj Borlase, Ryder Newick, Cruz Dowler.

For Wedderburn: Aaron Smith, Deacon Tansley, Jye Dingfelder, Slater Piazza, Max Dean.

DONALD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1.1 2.2 6.2 9.2 (56) CALDER UNITED . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0.2 2.5 4.7 5.8 (38) For Donald: Baxter Donnellon, Jam Borden, Jesse Lydom, Noah Michael.

Best for Calder United: Tiger Vearing, Max Fawcett, Locke Coles, Tynan Perry, Angus Cowell.

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

2.4 3.7 7.8 8.10 (58) BIRCHIP-WATCHEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0.1 0.3 2.3 3. 6 (24) For Charlton: Leigh Van Boven, Isaac Bourke, Sebastian Zagame, Samuel Olive, Ethan Soulsby, Jordan Chamberlain.

Best for Birchip-Watchem: Oliver Cook, Willow Ryan, Mac Lewis, Bayley Kemp.

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

1.1 3.3 7.6 10. 7 (67) BOORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4.1 5.6 7.6 8.10 (58) For St Arnaud: Austin Lowe, Archer Reyne, Jack Batters, Bob Donald, Declan Kay, Ethan Hilton.

Best for Boort: Cooper Gooding, Riley Wagner, Luke Boyd, Darby F Perryman, Chaise Hird, Rylan Chislett.

Next Round Round 2, Saturday April 12 -

Calder United v. Sea Lake-Nandaly Boort v. Charlton

Birchip-Watchem v. Donald Wedderburn v. St Arnaud

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

Birchip-Watchem . . . . . . .

Sea Lake-Nandaly . . . . .

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

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

Wedderburn . . . . . . . . . .

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

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

P 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Teams Sea Lake-Nandaly . . . . .

Birchip-Watchem . . . . . . .

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

Calder United . . . . . . . . .

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

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

Wedderburn . . . . . . . . . .

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

P 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Pts 4 4 4 4 0 0 0 0

% 1261.54 914.29 271.43 240.82 41.53 36.84 10.94 7.93

W 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0

L 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1

D 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

For 164 192 76 118 49 28 21 13

Ag 13 21 28 49 118 76 192 164

Pts 4 4 4 4 0 0 0 0

% 2650.00 2460.00 390.48 0 25.61 4.07 3.77 0

W 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0

L 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1

D 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

For 159 123 82 161 21 5 6 0

Ag 6 5 21 0 82 123 159 161

Haeuslers Reserves

Community Bank Charlton and District Under-17s

Teams Sea Lake-Nandaly . . . . .

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

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

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

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

Calder United . . . . . . . . .

Birchip-Watchem . . . . . . .

Wedderburn . . . . . . . . . .

Teams Sea Lake-Nandaly . . . . .

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

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

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

Birchip-Watchem . . . . . . .

Calder United . . . . . . . . .

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

Wedderburn . . . . . . . . . .

Voting for round 1:

P 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Pts 4 4 4 4 0 0 0 0

W 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0

L 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1

D 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

P 1 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

Pts 4 4 4 4 0 0 0 0

W 1 1 1 1 0 0 0 0

L 0 0 0 0 1 1 1 1

D 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

B 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

Uniting Church Under-14s

Tooleybuc Sporting Club Presidents’ Award

Sea Lake-Nandaly: O. Brownless 3, W. Donnan 2, J. Keogh 1.

Wedderburn: M. Jensen 3, Z. Pallpratt 2, I. Holt 1.

Calder United: K. Lloyd 3, D. Putt 2, J, Exell 1.

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

Birchip-Watchem: H. Hosking 3, B. Edwards 2, M. Rippon 1.

Charlton: B. Xirha 3, P. Soulsby 2, M. Collins 1.

Boort: J. Baddeley-Kelly 3, T. Potter 2, K. Rutley 1.

St Arnaud: T. Petrie 3, J. Kirwood 2, M. Hungerford 1.

Saturday’s Leading Goal Kickers Reserves

Seniors

Joel Clohesy (SLNT) 8 . . . . . . . . . . .8 Heath Senior (CU) 6 . . . . . . . . . . .6 George Forrester (CU) 4 . . . . . . . . . . .4 Connor Lee (B-W) 4 . . . . . . . . . . .4 Alex Cockerell (Boort) 4 . . . . . . . . . . .4 Brayden Allan (SLNT) 3 . . . . . . . . . . .3 Alexander Hay (B-W) 3 . . . . . . . . . . .3 Zachary Wemyss (SLNT) 3 . . . . . . . . . .3

Ben Edwards (B-W) 13 . . . . . . . . . .13 Jack Exell (CU) 8 . . . . . . . . . . .8 Mitch Farmer (CU) 5 . . . . . . . . . . .5 Nicholas Rippon (B-W) 4 . . . . . . . . . . .4 Jhye Baddeley-Kelly (Boort) 4 . . . . . . . .4 Lachy McClelland (SLNT) 3 . . . . . . . . . .3 Jacob Tillig (St A) 3 . . . . . . . . . . .3 Kayne Rutley (Boort) 3 . . . . . . . . . . .3

CHS Broadbent Club Championship

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Page 14 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY APRIL 9th 2025.

Snr. 10 10 10 10 0 0 0 0

Res. 6 6 6 6 0 0 0 0

U-17 4 0 0 0 4 4 4 0

U-14 2 0 0 0 2 2 2 0

Ttl. 22 16 16 16 6 6 6 0

Stella Nicolson Caffeinated Chaos Captains Coffee: Lucy Gretgrix C Grade A great first game for our C graders, attackers adapted to changes well and continued to make strong drives for their teammates whilst at the other end the defenders had their hands over every ball and worked extremely hard

to continue pressure on their opponents all game.

Score certainly didn’t reflect the efforts out on court – well done girls.

Charlton 24 BirchipWatchem 44 Jack Thompson Construction Best: Annie Olive S&D Consulting Coaches: Brooke Prior Caffeinated Chaos Captains Coffee: Ebony McCarthy

Wedderburn vs Sea Lake Nandaly footy - Contributed

TOUGH day at the office all round for the Redbacks.

The Tigers way too strong in all games on the footy field.

Safe to say they will have a big say at the pointy end of the season once again.

Reserves The Redbacks were under the pump from the first bounce in this game, as the well drilled Tigers slipped into playing mode quickly.

The Redback defence was under pressure from the outset.

With the Tigers Brody Weir constantly pumping the ball for ward Redback defenders led by Josh Hall and Finn Turnbull were always between a rock and a hard place as endless opportunities arose for Tiger forwards.

Joel Clohesy with eight goals being the main target.

Redbacks coach Ash Younghusband, Josh Hall and Finn Turnbull battled manfully with solid support from Chris Hargreaves Dylan Caruana and Hudson Pidoto.

For the Tigers Brody Weir a standout, was best afield with Joel Clohesy, Rylee McGarry, Cooper Allan, Zac Wemyss and Cruz O’Sullivan all contributing substantially.

Under 17s The scoreboard showed a convincing win to the Tigers but the Redbacks being under manned and under pressure throughout did manage to put together some handy passages of play. Enough to indicate at least that they will provide spectators with enjoyment as the year progresses.

The more physically imposing Tigers had many contributors with Cruz O’Sullivan, Brayden Allan, Scott

Barbary, Taj Boriase, Ryder Newick and Cruz Dowler leading the way.

For the Redbacks Aaron Smith in his first game for the red and black was in everything, showing plenty of pace and strong attack at the ball.

Deacon Tansley, Jye Dingfelder, Slater Piazza and Max Dean all contributed well in a team effort which promises improvement going forward.

Good form shown

by Blaz Cramp, Caleb Gault and Will Huismann after playing in the under 14s earlier.

Under 14s The Redbacks midget fleet put in a mighty effort at Sea Lake despite the scoreboard perhaps indicating otherwise.

Up against stronger opponents the Redbacks contested determinedly throughout the match and gave every indication that they will provide plenty of entertainment for supporters as the year progresses.

With top age players being at a minimum, the upcoming younger brigade are heading in the right direction under the guidance of coach Clint Turnbull.

Caleb Gault, Jack Dierickx, Blaz Cramp, Will Huismann and Nate Turnbull led the way for the Redbacks in a team effort.

The Tigers were best served by Henry Cox, Aydan Smith, Harry Wight, Hamish Landry, Riley Allan and Max Conlan.

SUDOKU SOLUTION

North Central Hockey results round 1

Saints U14’s win first round vs Boort

Under 12 Sea Lake Nandaly 0 drew Wedderburn 0 Donald 0 lost to Calder United 4 Charlton 1 drew Birchip Watchem 1 St. Arnaud 4 d. Boort 0

Underage Donald 4 d. Calder United 2 Charlton 12 d. Birchip Watchem 1 St. Arnaud 11 d. Boort 0

- Contributed

Women

THE Under 14’s had their first hit out and win for the season against the Boort Magpies.

Sea Lake Nandaly 0 lost to Wedderburn 4 Donald 0 lost to Calder United 10 St. Arnaud 6 d. Boort 2

Men Sea Lake Nandaly 1 lost to Wedderburn 4 Donald 1 lost to Calder United 5 St. Arnaud 2 d. Boort 1

Above: Coach Daniel Greenaway addresses his young team in their first hit out and win for the season against the Boort Magpies.

- Photo contributed.

Saints triumph over Magpies in thrilling season opener SATURDAY, April 6, 2025 – It was a spectacular afternoon for football as the Under 17s teams of Saints and Magpies clashed in the first match - Contributed of the season at Lord Nelson Park.

Above: (left to right) Anne Kenny Club Champion and Naomi Patullo runner-up.

Charlton Croquet CHARLTON Croquet Club has been a hive of activity over the last few weeks.

On a beautiful autumn day the Charlton Croquet Club hosted the Murray Valley Golf Croquet Championships on Saturday 22nd March.

Games commenced at 8.30am and continued until 5pm.

Clubs represented were Boort, Red Cliffs, Swan Hill and Charlton.

The winners were Section 1 Daryl Henderson (Boort), Section 2 Julie Barber (Swan Hill) and Section 3 Alister McDougal (Boort).

These players now will represent Murray Valley at the Victorian Regional Championships at Cairnlea “from 11th-13th April.

On Tuesday 25th March the staff from St Joseph’s School enjoyed playing 2 games of Golf Croquet.

The competitive spirit of some members was evident!

The Association Croquet Club Championship was played on Thursday 27th & Saturday 29th March. Margaret Bowen, Barb Dalr ymple, Naomi Pa t u l l o a n d A n n e

- Contributed Kenny competed in this round robin event.

The final game was the decider with Anne Kenny coming from behind to defeat Naomi Patullo.

Naomi reduced her handicap to 12 during the event.

On Saturday 3rd April the Murray Valley Association Croquet Championships were played in Charlton.

Sections 1 and 2 were uncontested.

In Section 3 Naomi Patullo was narrowly beaten by Lois Munro from Swan Hill.

In Section 4 Margaret Bowen defeated Julie Barber (Swan Hill) by 1 hoop in the first game and at the end of time in the 2nd game scores were level.

In extra time both players had their chances with Margaret finally winning 10 hoops to 9 hoops.

The team to represent Murray Valley at Geelong in the Victorian Country Regional Championships from 27th – 30th April will be Section 1 L i n d s a y Pa t u l l o , Section 2 Anne Kenny, Section 3 Lois Munro (Swan Hill) and Section 4 Margaret Bowen.

The sun was shining, the crowd was buzzing, and both teams gave their all in an exhilarating encounter that saw Saints come out on top with a 10-goal, 7-point (67) to 8-goal, 10-point (58) victory.

Coaches Carl Leach and Mitch Birthisel led the Saints with tactical brilliance and a disciplined team effort.

The match was full of intensity from the first bounce, with both sides eager to get their 2025 campaign off to a winning start.

Boort got off to a strong start, building an early lead thanks to a solid performance across

all areas of the field.

The Saints worked hard with Austin, Jack and Talan working together, applying pressure to the Pies.

St. Arnaud fought back in the second quarter, keeping the game close with some fine individual performances, including a solid effort from J a c k , Ry l a n , a n d Archer to push the Saints score in front of Boort.

The game saw some standout moments from both teams.

Archer’s precise kicking helped push Saints further ahead, while Declan and Ethan provided crucial support across the

backline.

Chad, Chase and Aidan’s agilities were ke y i n s e t t i n g u p multiple scoring opportunities.

The Saints wholeteam effort helped to create defensive pressure that prevented Magpies from building any momentum.

As the final siren sounded, the Saints had managed to hold onto their narrow lead, taking the win by just 9 points.

The final score: Saints 10.7 (67) to Magpies 8.10 (58).

Post-match, awards were handed out to several standout players, with Austin Lowe, Archer Reyne, Jack

Batters, Bob Donald, Declan Kay, and Ethan Hilton all recognised for their performances.

The victory marks a promising start to the season for the Saints, who will be hoping to build on this momentum in the coming weeks.

With Coaches Carl and Mitch at the helm and the team showing great unity and determination, Saints look poised for another successful campaign.

The first match of the season set the tone for an exciting year ahead.

Both teams can hold their heads high, with much to look forward to as the season progresses.

The Magpies will no doubt be looking to bounce back in their next encounter, while the Saints will be eager to build on their victory.

Left: Austin Lowe takes a strong mark in front of (left to right) team mates Sean Bridgeman, Chase Zander, Boort’s Jake O’Flaherty and Cooper Gooding.

- Photo contributed.

The Saints started the game strongly with early goals to Jack Wait, Charlie Baldwin and Duncan Kirk to lead 19 – 0 at the end of the first quarter.

With much of the play being in the Saints attacking half of the ground, the team worked well together to extend their lead throughout the second quarter to 32-6 at the main break.

Boort put in a gallant effort in the second half, but it wasn’t enough to stop the determined Saints with a further 3 goals scored in the third quarter from Arley Reyne, Sam Greenaway and Jack Wait to lead 52-14 at three quarter time.

Finn Wilson, Jesse James and Chase Hendy all starred, and Oliver Goode had a fantastic first game for the Saints.

Over all it was a fantastic team game from all players who displayed increased confidence and teamwork as the game progressed.

The team enjoyed singing “Oh when the Saints” for the first time this year!

Final scores: St Arnaud 10.4 (64) Boort 3.4 (22) Awards: Banavie Merinos – Finn Wilson Coaches Award – Chase Hendy Uniting Church – Jack Wait Park View Bakery – Duncan Kirk Sonya’s Hair Director’s – Jesse James Croplands – Ollie Goode

NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY APRIL 9th 2025 - Page 15

Page 16 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY APRIL 9th 2025.

SPORT

Saints vs ’Pies under lights WHILE the evening's results weren’t as the Saints would like, it was another very successful evening for the Club, as they hosted the Boort Magpies under lights, to kick off Season 2025.

The weather was on point, the crowd was up and about, and Lord Nelson Park lit up the sky for the district to see.

The Magpies came out with a fury, they moved the ball fast, and had a clear plan of attack.

Jhye BaddeleyKelly was everywhere, while Tom Potter and Kayne Rutley were also among the better players in a strong Magpies outfit.

For the Saints, it was Torin Petrie who stood tall, with Max Hungerford providing a target down forward.

Jay Kirwood looked lively at times, with the returning Brad Organ, Owen Lowe, and Bailey Nicholas rounding out the top 6.

It was a similar story in the Reserves, with a perennially

- Contributed strong Boort outfit taking charge early.

Alex Cockerell was prolific in front of the sticks, kicking 4 of his sides 13 goals.

Jacob Mulquiny was named best, with Harry Weaver also contributing strongly.

For the Saints, Luke Jackson had a very impressive debut game, with Gus Meagher and Colin Campbell also among those named in the best.

Congratulations also to Beau Knight, who played his 100th Reserves game.

This week the Saints head over the Avoca River, to take on the Redbacks at Donaldson Park.

It’s two sides who have undoubtedly improved across the

summer, looking to kick their 2025 campaign into gear.

This week, the awards will be in the rooms after the game, however we encourage all Saints to get back to the Farmers Arms ahead of their Royal Childrens Hospital Good Friday

Above: Senior Saints’ Bailey Nicholas in action as he quickly puts ball to boot.

Photo - Jason Smith.

Appeal auction.

It’s a cause that goes well beyond our club, and something that has impacted many lives within our community.

Social calendar The Saints social Calendar will be posted on their socials this week.

Memberships available Memberships are available for purchase.

If you would like to support the Saints with a membership, please contact John Beggs, on 0417 448 929, or catch up with a member of the committee at trainings or game days.

Above: The crowd enjoying the evening match at Lord Nelson Park as the sun begins to set.

- Photo by Carl Leach Right: Beau Knight, played his 100th Reserves game for the Saints.

HOME DELIVERY 5495 1055