NCN HERALD July 2 2025

Since 1864 - North Central News incorporating The St Arnaud Mercury and Charlton Tribune

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NCN HERALD

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WEDNESDAY JULY 2, 2025

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MAYOR’S CASE

BULOKE Mayor Cr Alan Getley is listed on the court lists as appearing in the St. Arnaud Magistrates Court today.

Cr Getley confirmed that he was due to appear in court last week when questioned by the NCN Herald.

Official court website lists the charge against Cr Getley. However, he said the listed document was “a a court error not mine.”

Cr Getley declined from making any further comment when he was contacted last week.

NCN Herald posed questions to the May-

By SUE HYNES

or as to whether he had advised council and councillors of charges against him.

Buloke Shire has also been asked if it has reviewed situation in relation to code of conduct and eligibility to continue in role?

The council has also been asked where the Mayor has advised council whether he will continue or stand aside until matter dealt with.

Buloke Council has responded to questions from NCN Herald that they will al-

ways seek advice and direction from the Victorian Department of Government Services and the Local Government Inspectorate to ensure all appropriate governance and legal obligations are upheld.

The statement further commented that xouncil remains committed to transparency, the principles of natural justice and the safety and wellbeing of all members of the community.

Cr Getley was first elected Mayor in 2022.

Following last October’s council elections, he resumed the role.

Alan Getley

Big ideas for a big butterfly

Butterfly fans Jean Reid and Ellen. NCN PHOTO Butterflies are Beautiful When NCN Herald heard of the idea of ‘making St Arnaud the Butterfly capital of Australia’, or perhaps have a Big Butterfly in town, we were skeptical.

But then we were told by Jean Reid that butterflies that are bred in New South Wales come down through Victoria to Melbourne and stop here at St Arnaud, then we knew that yes, we are the butterfly capital and yes, perhaps a Big Butterfly is not so far off the mark.

The SCAN committee wishes to create a new festival for the town, after the Festival of St Arnaud ceased prior to COVID. The Friends of the Queen Mary Gardens Friends group is keen to establish the botanical gardens as a haven for butterflies, following the publicity of the recent Monarch butterflies on the ABC, says Jean.

“We intend to plant many more flowering buddelja bushes, in order to attract more butterflies.

“The Shire Council Gardens could incorporate more butterfly plants in their gardens, which would require regular watering and dead heading of flowers.”

Jean and Ellen have a vision of a butterfly education centre in St Arnaud — a place to inspire others and share what they have learned, and it is up to all of us to put this centre and St Arnaud on the map as a butterfly tourist destination.

CONTINUED PAGE 5

2 | NCN HERALD Wednesday July 2, 2025

IN BRIEF

NCN HERALD

Tax hit THE FEDERAL Government’s unfair tax on family cars, utes and hybrids commences yesterday which will add up to $17,000 to the cost of new petrol and diesel fuelled cars by 2029, said Mallee MP Anne Webter. She said Mallee families and small businesses will start paying Labor’s tax every time they buy a new car, particularly because Mallee people are more than 7 times less likely to have an EV that benefits from the new tax arrangements. “This is an unfair Labor tax on families in the midst of a cost-of-living crisis, who need to buy a car to meet their needs or small businesses looking to invest in a new car to grow their business,” Dr Webster said.

North Central News incorporating The St Arnaud Mercury and Charlton Tribune

Circulating in the communities and districts of St Arnaud, Charlton, Navarre, Marnoo, and Bealiba Also available in Maryborough, Avoca, Wedderburn, Donald, Wycheproof and Stawell EDITORIAL AND ADVERTISING ENQUIRIES (03) 5495 1055 Phone Email ncn@iinet.net.au Web www.northcentralnews.com.au 16-18 Napier Street Office St Arnaud 3478 Hours Mon-Tues 9am-5pm Wed 9am-1pm Thur-Fri 10-2pm Managing Editor Editor and journalist

Chris Earl Sue Hynes

The NCN Herald is published by Muso’s Media Pty Ltd, PO Box 1188, Kangaroo Flat, 3555, and printed for the publishers by 89 Scott Street, Warracknabeal 3393

Northern Grampians Shire mayor Karen Hyslop, centre, and Cr Karen Probst congratulate St Arnaud’s Kevin Allen on his 100th birthday

Staying active the key for Kevin FIVE-DAY OUTLOOK Today Tomorrow Friday Saturday Sunday

Cloudy Cloudy Cloudy Cloudy Cloudy

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Keeping busy and avoiding alcohol might be among the keys to a St Arnaud man’s longevity.

Kevin Allen turned 100 on Thursday, June 19, celebrating with a few cups of his favourite black tea.

I’ve never drank beer or anything, but I love my black tea, I’d have 10 cups a day,” he said.

“Sometimes with a biscuit.”

A love of tea and biscuits and a desire to stay active have paid off for Mr Allen.

Still sharp as a tack, he and his wife Ruby, 94, still live at home together in a home they purchased more than 75 years ago.

Mr Allen grew up at Gowar East, just outside St Arnaud, and was the only boy in his household, growing up alongside four stepsisters.

He joined the Airforce aged 17 and nine months and was enlisted for three years, visiting places such as New Guinea and Borneo during the war.

The redevelopment of St Arnaud Pool is underway!

The State Labor Government has invested $1.94 million to upgrade the outdoor pool in St Arnaud

Stage 1

Ready for the 2025-26 season

New kiosk and first aid area New change rooms Improved accessibility

Stage 2

Starting early 2026

Repairs to the pool New tiling and painting

It will make such a big difference.

177 High Street, Maryborough VIC 3465 P: (03) 5461 1255 E: martha.haylett@parliament.vic.gov.au MarthaHaylett4Ripon

MarthaHaylettMP

marthahaylett.com.au

Upon returning home to the St Arnaud area, Mr Allen met Ruby Castleman at the picture theatre after seeing a film.

Although her dad said ‘You best get out of here now lad’, the pair married at the Church of England in St Arnaud on April 30, 1949.

They have two daughters, four grandchildren, five great-grandchildren and two great-greatgrandchildren. Congratulations, Kevin.

- SUE HYNES

Freestyle Dance Ministry Year 7-10 students at St Arnaud Secondary College Freestyle Dance Ministry.

The funding of the event was subsidised by Vision St Arnaud, and the College thanked them for their support.

CORRECTION The last editorial referenced the Zone Offset and we are told that no areas exist in Victoria where the offset is available. For further reference check out the ATO website for ‘special areas’.

That will show us never to get involved in ATO issues.

NCN HERALD Wednesday July 2, 2025 | 3

Pushed out two years THE controversial VNI West renewable energy transmission line project finish date has been extended by two years.

Transmission Company Victoria on Monday said the updated timeline reflected revised planning, design and construction assumptions “for one of Victoria’s most significant energy infrastructure projects”.

“The new construction completion target allows more time for detailed environmental, geotechnical and cultural assessments, along with more meaningful landholder engagement on access and easement arrangements,” said TCV spokesperson Claire

Cass.” “We know this updated timeline may be frustrating, but we’re committed to working with landholders respectfully and providing the support they need to consider what is best for them, their properties, and farming or business operations.”

The new finish date revelation came as TCV said landholder liaisons officers had started contacting landholders in the project easement between Stawell and Kerang to “arrange inperson discussions and to personally deliver the package. Support will be tailored to meet each landholder’s needs — whether that’s help reviewing the package in detail,

or advice on accessing independent professional advice” Landowners along the route have vowed to continue refusing access to TCV despite the State Government planning new legislation that would see fines of more than $12,000 if farmers lock their gates in the battle between rural communities and the Government.

TCV says it is developing a program to recognise neighbours — those living near, but not directly hosting, infrastructure — who are affected by the project.

“The program will align with VicGrid’s draft Renewable Energy Zone Community Benefits Plan

and ensure these impacts are appropriately acknowledged,” TCV said. “A social value strategy is also being developed to guide broader community benefits, funded directly by the project and separate to the Victorian Government’s community and traditional owner benefits programs.

“The draft strategy is being codeveloped with a reference group of local representatives and shaped through ongoing community and stakeholder input. It will be released publicly for feedback in the coming months.” .The Government has faced fierce VNI West opposition for two years.

‘Good faith for nothing’ A TCV-requested meeting with Buloke Shire to share a major announcement had been for nothing, council said.

The shire has taken a swipe at TCV claiming lack of transparency and absence of any substantive information or a detailed agenda for the planned meeting in Wycheproof that saw dozens of protesters outside.

The in-person meeting was replaced with online talks after TCV said there were safety concerns.

“The request to meet was initiated from TCV and was communicated to Council via email indicating a public announcement was to be made, regarding the VNI West transmission project,” council said in a statement on Friday.

“Council accepted the invitation in good faith, based on TCV’s indication that an important update on the project would be shared.

“However, during the meeting, council was advised that no announcement would, in fact, be made. Instead, the meeting was reframed by TCV as an opportunity to strengthen its relationship with council and improve consultation processes.

“Council expressed its disappointment at the lack of transparency and the absence of any substantive information or a detailed agenda for the meeting, particularly given the expectations that had been set.”

Buloke councillors last month voted to oppose VNI West “in its current form”.

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IN BRIEF Open Day CHARLTON College held a Tour of the college for Foundation Day 2026 The tour was a huge success said Bailey Kemp from the school’s staff.

The tour included the phonics program which starts in Foundation/Year 2 where students read and write.

The tour then took inthe Trade Training Centre and the Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden (SAKG) where some of the grown delights from the garden were used by the Year 5 and 6 students to put on morning tea.

The delicacies involved plenty of food to make up sausage rolls, a quiche slice and banana muffins.

The tour included time for the ‘new’ students to play and also included the Ag program animals.

Electric vehicles

EMERGENCY services were honoured with thanks of the community at Lord Nelson Park on Saturday. St Arnaud Fire Brigade, police and the local ambulance community officers were part of the North Central Football League’s emergency services appreciation round.

ACO Lynne Pyers (top) is pictured with Niamh Green, Ivy Ezard and Rebecca and Thomas James while (left) Archie Driscoll explores the fire truck with brigade captain David Reynolds. NCN PHOTOS

THE New Vehicle Efficiency Standard (NVES) is already successfully providing Australian drivers with a rapidly growing range of modern vehicles that reduce emissions, lower fuel costs and deliver community-wide benefits, according to the Electric Vehicle Council.

The NVES has been in place since the start of this year but from yesterday penalties and credits will begin to encourage manufacturers to bring their best, most fuel-efficient vehicles to Australia.

“July 1 marks a milestone for Australia as we power ahead with fuel efficiency standards and catch up to the rest of the developed world in accessing cleaner, cheaper-to-run cars,” EVC chief executive Julie Delvecchio said.

“For the NVES to succeed, this next step is crucial because it incentivises manufacturers to bring their best cars to Australia, giving consumers even more choice.

“In part due to the NVES, Australians can now choose from more than 150 electric vehicle models, which is double what was available before Australia committed to a fuel efficiency standard.

With dozens more EV models on the way.”

4 | NCN HERALD Wednesday July 2, 2025

ARTS A beautiful exhibition opens at the Raillery Hub Gallery NATURESCAPES and the journey within is a combined exhibition of textile and mixed media works alongside evocative paintings from Moonambel, opened at the St Arnaud Raillery Hub Gallery last Friday, June 27.

Pictured right are the four artists including St Arnaud’s own Sally Wright (right), The other artists are Narelle Higgins, Caz Rogers and Mackenzie Petrie.

School holiday bonanza at local cinemas MYTHICAL antics will hit the screen in St Arnaud next week when the community cinema screens 2025 American fantasy film How to Train Your Dragon.

Set on the rugged Isle of Berk, which is where the dragons live, this movie stars a young Viking boy named Hiccup and a dragon named Toothless. Hiccup defies the tradition of the Viking clan and befriends Toothless. However, when an ancient threat emerges that endangers both species, this odd friendship becomes the key to forging a new future. Together, they must navigate the delicate path towards peace, soaring boundaries of their worlds and redefining what it mean to be a hero and a leader.

This is an enchanting story for young and old who love a good tale of what it takes to become friends with someone unlike ourselves.

SCHOOL HOLIDAYS BONANZA AT THE REX

Locally screened movies to enjoy!

School Holidays Special price– just $10pp!

“HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON” Wed 9 July @ 2.00 pm Fri____________________ 11 July @ 6.30 pm “THE SMURFS” Sun 13 July @ 2.00 pm Wed 16 July @ 2.00 pm

Organization fundraising Ph. 0447 673 696 Gift Passes 5 for $45.00; 10 for $90.00

Please check our website and Facebook page for updates www.starnaudcinema.com or Ph. 0447 673 696

Extra matinees and kid-friendly movies are lined up at The Rex as school holidays kick off this coming weekend.

THE PASSION OF SAINT NICHOLAS (LIVE): And it’s a live show-opener on Friday July 4, 7pm thanks to the Charlton Neighbourhood House, with the Regional Arts Victoria performance of “The Passion of Saint Nicholas” – a production capturing love, laughter tears and music starring Geraldine Quinn. Tickets: $20 MOVIES - HOW TO TRAIN YOUR DRAGON (PG | 125 mins | Action | Family) The live-action remake of the 2010 animated film, “How To Train Your Dragon” 2025 brings the original to life with flawless CGI and impressive contributions by the cast featuring Mason Thames (Hiccup), Nico Parker (Astrid), and Gerald Butler (Chief Stoick the Vast).

On the rugged isle of Berk, where Vikings and dragons have been bitter enemies for generations, Hiccup stands apart.

The inventive yet overlooked son of Chief Stoick, Hiccup defies centuries of tradition when he befriends Toothless, a feared Night Fury dragon. Their unlikely bond

reveals the true nature of dragons, challenging the very foundations of Viking society.

With the fierce and ambitious Astrid and the village’s quirky blacksmith Gobber (Nick Frost) by his side, Hiccup confronts a world torn by fear and misunderstanding. As an ancient threat emerges, endangering both Vikings and dragons, Hiccup’s friendship with Toothless becomes the key to forging a new future. Together, they must navigate the delicate path toward peace, soaring beyond the boundaries of their worlds and redefining what it means to be a hero and a leader.

Extra matinees on Tuesday July 8 and Wednesday July 9 cater for the holiday audiences.

A MINECRAFT MOVIE (PG | 101 mins | Comedy A single screening of the Jack Black hit “A Minecraft Movie” is scheduled for Friday July 11, 2pm.

Revisit the fantasy adventure comedy based on the 2011 video game Minecraft as a mysterious portal pulls four misfits into the Overworld, a bizarre, cubic wonderland that thrives on imagination where creativity doesn’t just help you craft, it’s essential to one’s survival!

Garrett "The Garbage Man" Garrison (Jason Momoa), Henry (Sebastian Eugene Hansen), Natalie (Emma Myers) and Dawn (Danielle Brooks) - find themselves struggling with ordinary problems when their descent into the Overworld begins.

To get back home, they’ll have to master this cubic world (and protect it from evil things like Piglins and Zombies, too) while embarking on a magical quest with an unexpected, expert crafter, Steve (Jack Black). Together, their adventure will challenge all five to be bold and to reconnect with the qualities that make each of them uniquely creative... the very skills they need to thrive back in the real world.

KARATE KID: LEGENDS (PG 94 mins | Action | Drama). Coming up for week two of the holidays is “Karate Kid: Legends” starring Jackie Chan with a new direction unfolding in this favourite martial arts franchise.

Window, door broken

POLICE are appealing for any information after an attempted burglary last week.

They said offenders had broken a window and forced the door at Nelson Silos in Ballarat Road, St Arnaud between last Wednesday night Friday.

Police from St Arnaud and Northern Grampians Criminal Investigations Unit are probing the incident.

They want anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at crimestoppersvic.com.au. People can also call the Police Assistance Line (PAL) on 131 444 and provide any information or the St Arnaud police station.

In other incidents being investigated by St Arnaud police: Between June 19 and June 24, offender(s) pried open a door and rummaged through a motor vehicle located in Butcher Street, St Arnaud.

A motor vehicle was stolen from the carport of a Butcher Street St Arnaud home between June 21 and June 23.

A motor vehicle was stolen from the rear yard of a Butcher Street St Arnaud address between June 19 and June 24.

Police are investigating the burglary of the rooms occupied by a community group in Rudge Road, St Arnaud, June 9 and last Wednesday. They said an un-

FROM PAGE 1

Butterflies could be big in town Ellen Reid and her daughter Jean have been breeding butterflies since the 1970’s and breed many different butterflies, such as lesser wanderers, monarchs, swallowtails, tailed emperors, and many others.

Their garden is designed as a butterfly breeding centre, with all the plants caterpillars and butterflies need to survive.

They also provide butterflies for school demonstrations, butterfly breeders who supply weddings and zoos.

This year, 2025, has been a bumper butterfly season, with over 2,500 butterflies set free to roam.

Many of the monarch butterflies have decided to overwinter in St Arnaud’s botanical garden, the Queen Mary Gardens.

Every year Ellen and Jean contribute thousands of butterflies of different varieties to St Arnaud’s local population, relishing as they slowly make their way from their home to the botanic gardens down Napier Street.

Around 1,000 Jezebel butterflies were released to fly on their annual migration back to Melbourne, in December/January.

Pharmacy permanent COMMUNITY pharmacists can treat patients for more everyday health conditions from July 1 as the 18-month Victorian Community Statewide Pilot becomes a permanent Program.

“Pharmacists have been successfully treating patients for conditions such as uncomplicated UTIs and resupplying the oral contraception pill for the last 18 months in Victoria and we are please the Government has made this a permanent Program,” said George Tambassis, Victorian President of the Pharmacy Guild.

Other conditions that now become permanent practice including treatment for shingles, mild plaque psoriasis and travel vaccinations.

The Pharmacy Guild of Australia, Victoria Branch also welcomes the Government’s commitment to expand the everyday conditions from five to 22 announced in the recent State Budget.

“The Government’s commitment to ensure pharmacists in Victoria can provide services for the same conditions available in other States and Territories is a huge win for patients,

known offender or offenders forced entry into a building at the Old St Arnaud Swimming Pool. A number of items were stolen from the premises An unknown man attended the service station in Ballarat Road, St Arnaud, and filled his vehicle with petrol at approximately 4:45pm last Thursday. The man attempted to conceal his identity before leaving without paying. He was driving a black Holden Commodore

utility with stolen registration plates.

The Victoria Police (Northern Grampians) Neighbourhood Policing Forum will be held online on August 7 between 6pm and 8pm.

Police are encouraging local services and community members to hear from police about what issues are important in the community. The online forum will explore topics including: Current crime trends and crime prevention, Young people, Family violence, Road policing, Drugs and drug related crime.

The online Neighbourhood Policing Forum will be run by a Victoria Police panel and questions will be taken from the audience through the online question and answer portal during the event.

To register for the event, visit: https:// NHPNorthernGrampians.eventbrite.com

NCN HERALD Wednesday July 2, 2025 | 5

Reading challenge TWO decades of the Premiers’ Reading Challenge – which has nurtured literacy, sparked imagination and instilled a love of learning in young students across the Education State is into its second decade.

At the halfway point of the 20th Premiers’ Reading Challenge, one million books have already been read by more than 270,000 school students.

Since the Premiers’ Reading Challenge began in 2005 about 4.75 million young Victorians have read close to 65 million books.

This year’s Challenge, which finishes on the first Friday in September, is themed ‘20 years of words and wonder’ and encourages children to discover new books and a love of reading.

6 | NCN HERALD Wednesday July 2, 2025

END OF AN ERA

Peter praised for service to town, paper hard road for newspapers these days and thanked Peter and Amanda for their stewardship during these times.

His speech concentrated on the role of the new NCN Herald in the community, stressing that the paper has and will continue to be the paper of the community.

“It is your paper, your news”, Chris said.

It was night to remember and an era to remember but all things come to an end and we look forward to a bright future.

LAST week was the culmination of 15 years at the helm for Peter Marland and the start of a new journey for Chris Earl.

At a function that celebrated the two speeches were not too long and much was made of Peter and Amanda and their time with the North Central News.

Peter thanked his wife, all the sponsors and his staff, including those former employees that could attend the function.

Chris Earl put it all into perspective when he said it was a

Cr Karen Probst congratulates Peter Marland on his decades of commitment to the community. NCN PHOTOS

Peter Marland (centre) is congratulated by employee Bernice Fithall (right) and her husband Noel.

Alan and Heather Esmore congratulate Peter Marland

Narelle and Chris Earl with Peter and Amanda Marland

Bernie Casey, Barry Batters and Chris Earl

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Ebbs and flows but always rewarding PETER Marland was recognised for his contributions to the newspaper industry over more than four decades.

The Victorian Country Press Association, of which NCN Herald is a member, sent a letter of congratulations to Peter for his service to the industry.

New owner Chris Earl read the letter from VCPA executive officer Peter Kennedy at Friday’s retirement function. “(We) thank Peter Marland for his outstanding contribution to regional journalism and to the St Arnaud community,” Mr Kennedy wrote.

“Peter has been connected and respected in the St Arnaud community, supporting local organisations that are the heartbeat of the town.

“The life of a country publisher can indeed be challenging, with the ebbs and flows of each day all too often dictated by whatever the news of the day might be.

“It can be unpredictable, and it can be

tough, but is is always rewarding,” Mr Kennedy said. “I join you all in wishing Peter and Amanda well, and I congratulate and thank them for their outstanding stewardship and service to the local community.”

Mr Kennedy’s words were echoed by Mr Earl and Barry Batters who spoke of Peter’s contributions and service.

Mr Earl also highlighted the importance of the newspaper in providing a voice, and a platform, for local communities to express their ideas and thoughts.

“We will continue to aim and mirror the communities through the pages of NCN Herald, the local newspaper that respectfully honours the heritage of The St Arnaud Mercury and Charlton Tribune that became the North Central News and is now a sister newspaper to the Loddon Herald.

“I am committed, just like Peter has been, to NCN and the communities that allow us to share their stories every week.”

NCN HERALD Wednesday July 2, 2025 | 7

NCN | RURAL

Expo spotlight on innovation

FARMERS, researchers, advisors, and agribusinesses will come together this month for Birchip Cropping Group Ag Tech Expo, a full-day event showcasing cutting-edge digital tools and technologies designed to support the future of farming.

Held at Charlton Park, the expo will spotlight automation, precision agriculture, sensor technologies, and weed control innovations through a practical, grower-focused lens.

“With tighter margins and more data than ever, it’s critical for BCG to help farmers translate technology into decisions.

This event is a step toward building the digital confidence and capability that the future demands.

“Growers are often told they should be using more data or digital tools, but this expo will help them understand exactly how to use what they’ve got, and where to go next,” said event organiser, BCG’s Jess Bidstrup.

“The event is designed to take some of the guesswork out of ag tech. We will cover what’s practical and profitable on-farm right now, but also what’s possible and perhaps not so far away.”

The Expo will feature speakers, with representatives from organisations such as Pairtree

Intelligence, Society of Precision Agriculture Australia CSIRO, Charles Sturt University, Single Agriculture, and INCYT, presenting alongside farmers.

“We know that the most powerful learning often happens between growers,” Jess said.

“When farmers can share experiences and ask practical questions, it accelerates understanding and adoption.

The Grains Research and Development Corporation Grain Automate program, led by the Society of Precision Agriculture Australia (SPAA) will feature throughout the day with facilitator Edward Scott, delivering workshops about variable rate technology, farm mapping, and getting your farm ready for autonomy through data collection.

The sessions will provide handson demonstrations in VRT, data mapping, and system integration.

A highlight of the day will be a panel discussion addressing ‘The future of weed control technologies’ featuring Charles Sturt University’s Professor Michael Walsh, Ben Single (Single Agriculture), Bailey Kilpatrick (SwarmFarm Robotics) and Warakirri Cropping’s Baingarra site manager, Jono Robinson.

Stud pen brings home broad ribbon OAKBANK Merino and Poll Merino Stud has claimed the top price for the best group of three at the Victorian Sheep Show held at Ballarat’s new showgrounds at Mount Rowan. The Gre Gre North stud’s team is pictured displaying the broad ribbon for the group of one ram and two ewes. Oakbank also won the 2 tooth Medium Wool Ewe section, and was named Reserve Champions in the Fine Wool Ram, Fine Wool Poll Ram, Fine Wool Poll Ewe, Strong Wool Poll Ewe, Champion Pair and Best Group of Five.

WOOL MARKET THE Australian wool market held the final sale of the 2024/25 Wool Selling Season, the market finished much the way it has behaved all season, recording very little change, in this case, an unchanged benchmark Eastern Market Indicator (EMI).

Another common thread has been the large impact of currency fluctuations, minimal movement in the Australian dollar (AUD) meant little influence of the market, the EMI gained 1 US cents for the series.

Fremantle returned to the program, pushing the offering up to 29,848 bales.

Now the season has concluded we can accurately compare quantities.

This season there was 1,565,809 bales offered, this was 261,100 fewer bales or 14.3% less than the previous season. The EMI opened the season (July 2024) on 1,142 cents.

The EMI has since gained 65 cents, closing at 1,207 cents. A seasonal increase of 5.7%. In USD terms the EMI opened at 773 cents and is now 784 cents, an increase of

11 cents, a rise of just 1.4%.

To view the performance of micron pockets we can analyse the individual Micron Price Guides (MPGs) in the South. The strongest performer for the season (in percentage terms) was the 28.0 MPG, rising by 71 cents, or 18.1%.

The best of the merinos was the 21.0 MPG which added 108 cents, an increase of 8.3%. The reduction in the national offering had a direct impact on the total dollar amount sold for the season.

The market value of the wool put through the auction system for the season was $1,940 million, this was $298 million lower than the previous season, a fall of 13.3%. This fall corresponds with the fall in the total bales offered.

This week the season starts afresh. The first sale of the season falls into the new financial year, sellers waiting for this opportunity, help to bolster the national offering to 30,351 bales.

- AWX

Importance of winter roughage WITH the escalating price of hay and the availability of other feed supplements farmers may be asking why feed roughage this winter, says Agriculture Victoria’s senior veterinary Officer, northern region, Dr Jeff Cave.

He says roughage will be needed during winter for any of the following reasons: Even though some roughage may be left uneaten, for digestive function livestock require a minimum amount of fibre and long roughage to maintain their digestive systems. This is sometimes known as the ‘scratch factor’ and stimulates rumination (cud chewing) If feeding grain or pellets with too little roughage acidosis or grain poisoning can occur As we move further into winter, hay may be needed to reduce grass tetany risks and allows a way of administering Causmag.

“Livestock need to eat more roughage in cold weather to give them energy for heat production,” he said.

“Roughage in their diet helps keep livestock warm since the fermentation and breakdown of cellulose creates heat energy.

“If they don’t have enough roughage, the weight will melt off as they mine body fat to create energy for warmth.

“Therefore, there are several compelling reasons why roughage may be needed this winter.

“Plus, if you can feed late in the afternoon it will provide your livestock ‘heat’ through the night.”

Dr Cave said that ccross the state any farmer can access technical information and advice to help manage the impacts of increasingly difficult seasonal conditions from Agriculture Victoria.

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8 | NCN HERALD Wednesday July 2, 2025

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ACROSS 1 Card game 5 Mar 10 Lowest point 11 Fish traps 13 Horrify 14 Percolates 15 Reposes 16 Goddess of tillage and corn 18 Strengthening medicine 21 Responsibility 22 Three-pronged spears 25 Lying flat 26 Make lean 29 Close up 31 Foreign 32 Durable cloth 33 Sea nymph 35 Heckled 37 Heathen 38 Advise strongly 39 Fold in cloth 40 Jar on 41 Slowly (mus)

DOWN 2 Occur 3 Traps 4 Stories 5 Use a sieve 6 Unspoilt 7 Chant 8 Sheltered side 9 Donkey 12 Region 16 Innermost part 17 Of the country 19 Lyric poem 20 Imply 22 Part of a church 23 Decay 24 Part of a shoe 25 Filled pastry 27 Manufacturer 28 Burnt-out coal 29 Governing body 30 Struck with amazement 32 Part of the flower’s calyx 34 Not working 35 Fastener 36 Incite

SUDOKU Solution No. 8566 W H I S T S P O I L A A N A D I R N E T S A P P A L F I L T E R S P R E S T S O A C E R E S T O N I C O N U S T R I D E N T S R R P R O N E F O E M A C I A T E S E A L A L I E N S E R G E K N S I R E N H N E E D L E D P A G A N U R G E P L E A T S T G R A T E L E N T O

NAT140

100 YEARS AGO

Mr Henderson the Kara Kara Shire engineer was presented with a neatly carved walking stick by Thomas Berry of Carapooee. The in the Lord Nelson Mine as shaft stick, was made from a red gum sinkers for many years died within beam, which had served its’ purpose two days of each other at Wonthagin the Berry’s Bridge for twenty-five gi. George Taylor age 48, who left a years. widow and four children, was the Slaty Creek residents gathered eldest son of Mrs E and the late Mr to farewell Mr & Mrs Pat Gill who are James Taylor of St Arnaud. Mr J G S moving to Maryborough. They were Wilson was age 54 and had been a presented with a silver tea service member of the St Arnaud MUIOOF on an oval oak tray. The usual con- Lodge since 1906. cert was cancelled due to unavoid- At the Donald Flour Mill Mr C able circumstances, but dancing was Henderson was found unconscious enjoyed till the wee small hours. in the basement lying amongst the In the new hall the work of lin- machinery. Medical aid having been ing the building with pine boards summoned the man was ordered to and erecting ventilators has been go the St Arnaud Hospital as speedily completed by the contractors E Ber- as possible. At six o’clock at night he ry and H Postle for £110. was brought by a goods train, which Well known handicapped deaf stopped at the North Western Road and dumb St Arnaud resident Mr crossing and he was taken from the George Battersby died on 1st July guards van in the ambulance to the age 69. George, who had four broth- nearby hospital. Mr Henderson, who ers and four sisters, was born at had serious contusions to his head Solution No.where 8566 he and a fractured jaw, was reported Alma near Maryborough worked as a tailor for a considerable to be progressing satisfactory a few ACROSS DOWN 1 time.

Whist 2 Happen days later.

Two men who had both worked In the North Western District

5 Spoil 3 Snares 10 Nadir 4 Tales 11 Nets 100 YEARS AGO 5 Sift It came a shock to the people of 13Charlton Appal and district to learn 6 Pristine of the 14death Filters 7 Intone of Mr Thos. Powell, of Teddythat befell John Williams, who is in 15waddy RestsWest. Deceased, who 8 Lee was 65, the employ of Mr W. Baker, Yeun16was Ceres 9 Ass born at Ballarat East, being the groon. It appears he was shifting 18eldest Tonicson of Mr and Mrs12J. Tract Powell. bags in the barn. A cadet rifle was 21The Onus 16 Core late Mr Thomas Powell came to hanging from a nail, muzzle point22Teddywaddy Tridents West some1745Rural years ing downwards, and it had been ac25ago.

Prone 19 Ode He followed farming pursuits, 26but Emaciate 20 work Infer of cidently left loaded. In passing, Wilwas also engaged on the liams must have knocked it with his 29constructing Seal 22 Transept the Avoca River weirs. body. At all events the trigger acted, 31The Alien 23 Rot late Mr Powell was a well-known 32and Serge 24 Sole all and the shot entered his back. Dr W. highly-respected personality the district. He leaves 33over Siren 25 his Piewid- E. Wilson was summoned and was quickly on the scene. Williams was four daughters and27 two sons: 35ow, Needled Maker given all possible attention, medical andCinder John of 37Bridget, PaganMargaret, Denis 28 and otherwise, and is progressing faTeddywaddy West, Mary Ann (Mrs 38 Urge 29 Senate vorably.

Hogan, Jeffcott), and30 Katherine 39T.Pleat Aghast In his monthly report to the 40(Wodonga).

Grate 32 Sepal Shire Council, the Health Officer (Dr In the pleasing programme 41 Lento 34 Idlepre- W. E. Wilson) stated that two cases sented by the local Brass Band, under 35 Nut of scarlet fever and one of tubercuBandmaster Grinham, at36 theEgg Water lar disease, had been reported.

Tower, Clifton Hill, on Sunday afternoon, was the waltz “Prairie Flower”, which was played for the first time in Charlton. The “Royal Australian Navy” march was rendered for the second time.

Remarkable was the accident

A challenge billiard match is now in session between 8 Mechanics’ Institute subscribers, and a similar number selected from members of the Charlton Club. Keen interest is being taken in this contest. All cueists are playing from scratch.

Association Litchfield played St Arnaud but the train to St Arnaud was half an hour late. Scores ¼ time Litchfield 4-2 St Arnaud 1-1, ½ time Litchfield 6-2 St Arnaud 1-4, ¾ time Litchfield 6-5 St Arnaud 2-6, final scores Litchfield 9-6 defeated St Arnaud 3-7. Best players for Litchfield, Hicks, Gazaly and Maloney and for St Arnaud, Henderson, Huxtable and Hunter. Players and spectators were disappointed in the central umpire who allowed too much latitude to players on either side.

In the Kara Kara Association, Swanwater played Coonooer Bridge.

Scores – ¼ time Coonooer Bridge 1-0 Swanwater 2-1, ½ time Coonooer Bridge 3-3 Swanwater 3-2, ¾ time Coonooer Bridge 4-1 Swanwater 6-5, final score Coonooer Bridge 8-4 beaten by Swanwater 9-7. Best players for Coonooer Bridge W Rotherham, S Allen and D Hamilton and for Swanwater Walton, Michael and Hoye.

In Mountain Creek Association Redbank 6-6 defeated Stuart Mill 5-7 at Stuart Mill. Les Erwin of Stuart Mill injured his left shoulder when he collided with another player.

Mr F. A. Street, teller at the Bank of Victoria, left by the early morning train on Monday, to report to headquarters in Melbourne, his new sphere not being at that time defined. On Saturday the members of the Gun Club entertained him to a social evening at the Telegraph Hotel. Appreciative reference to the qualities of the guest as a townsman and a sport, and particularly as an enthusiastic member of the Gun Club were made. Mr W. Halligan, on behalf of the Gun Club, handed to Mr Street a handsome case of Barling pipes, and tobacco pouch, filled with his favorite tobacco.

During June rain has fallen in Charlton on 11 days with 189 pts, as against 169 for the corresponding period of 1914. The totals at the end of each month were as follows: 1st month – 158; 2nd – 262; 3rd – 385; 4th – 415; 5th – 616, 6th – 189; total 815, as compared with 1033 for the first six months of 1924.

Electric Light Company Annual Meeting of the shareholders was held. Mr E. N. Peverill, Chairman of Directors, presided. The net profit for the year is £350 18 11.

NCN Herald thanks members of the St Arnaud and Charlton Historical Societies for researching and preparing our weekly historical feature

SOLUTIONS

Solution No. 8566

Media

Release No. 8566

W H I S T S P O I L A A N A D I R N E T S A P P A L F I L T E R S P R E S T S O A C E R E S T O N I C O N U S T R I D E N T S R R P R O N E F O E M A C I A T E S E A L A L I E N S E R G E K N S I R E N H N E E D L E D P A G A N U R G E P L E A T S T G R A T E L E N T O

ROSSWORD 13 X 13

NCN HERALD Wednesday July 2, 2025 | 9

Driving old those values in service

THERE are still some petrol stations that offer a driveway service where attendants fill your car with petrol, but there are not too many of them around Australia.

One such station that does offer this friendly service is the Apex Service Station in Napier Street St Arnaud owned and operated by Mark and Alan Esmore.

This is a service that was once more common - pull up and have the attendant not only fill the petrol tank but check the tyres and clean the windscreens.

While many stations have moved to self-service, a few locations, particularly those with an on-site repair bay or those catering to specific customer needs, still provide this service.

An attendant comes to your car, fills it with petrol, and handles the payment, rather than you having to do it yourself.

You can just still in your car and relax. If you are elderly, or have a disability you will prefer this convenience.

PEOPLE AND PERSPECTVES | FEATURES

By SUE HYNES

Although some stations have brought back driveway service temporarily as a customer appreciation gesture, it is a dying service.

Shane Jacobson, actor and funnyman, was travelling through St Arnaud in 2022 on his way to Adelaide and was flabbergasted that someone still walks outside and fills up everyone’s cars at the pump.

He was greeted with “It’s all part of the service”.

Mark says that the elderly love the service, particularly ones that do not have family in town.

There are other things that come from the service, says Mark. it keeps the driveway flowing, information or advice on local knowledge of places of note and the personal service is a way in which they gain from customer interaction.

Mark smiles and adds:: “There are no drive offs here.”

Listen to understand the story and the emotion

By CR KAREN PROBST I WAD having a lovely weekend visiting a girlfriend when the US government announced it had bombed Iran.

The news stressed us both, but our reactions and the way we wanted to deal with it were so very different.

My friend wanted to talk about it, to find out more, to listen to the news and the updates, so she could try to work out how it was going to affect her and her family.

I was the opposite. The more she spoke about it, the more stressed I was getting. I couldn’t

do anything about it, so I didn’t want to dwell on it. I felt physically sick in my stomach thinking about my kids fighting and

getting killed in a war. Irrational maybe, but it was my reaction to the news. Neither of us was right nor wrong in our reaction, it was just the way the news affected us.

It’s the same with lots of things in life. We think the way we do things is ‘normal’, but what is normal for us is not normal for someone from a different culture, not normal for a city person, probably not even normal for the person next door!

We all have a story that has made us the person we are. The story of our life then affects how we react, what our inherent motivations are, how we approach various issues.

It can be easy for us to judge another person, especially not knowing what their story is.

We can never fully understand another person’s journey, but we can recognise that we all have different but valid ways of understanding.

We are in a stressful time in our rural communities.

Farmers particularly have the stresses of drought, transmission lines, renewables and increases in the emergency service tax.

For others there’s the lack of affordable housing, the cost-ofliving crisis, social media pressures and the resulting comparisons that make us feel inadequate

(even when we know that’s false).

In these stressful times, it is extra important to listen properly to others, not just half listen while we’re trying to work out a response, but listen to understand, especially to understand the story and emotion behind a person’s words.

So listen, be kind, be positive, make the world brighter for those around us.

It might not change the world, but it will make the day better for those around us.

Cr Probst is a Kara Kara Ward councillor for Northern Grampians Shire

10 | NCN HERALD Wednesday July 2, 2025

IN BRIEF

PUBLIC NOTICES

AT YOUR SERVICE

Lions Club of St. Arnaud

IRONSTONE REMOVALS

Sunday, 2nd February, 2025

SELF STORAGE

Paper Collection Please leave newspapers on nature strip by 9am

SHOW ROOM CLOSURE

- Maryborough - runs south.

Phone: 0412 726 432.

• 7 DAYS ACCESS • BUSINESS STOCK • LONG OR SHORT TERM STORAGE AVAILABLE Hayley: 0409 337 276, Luke: 0458 885 266

DEATH NOTICES McLOUGHLAN - Doreen Elizabeth. (DILLON) 03-06-1927 – 26-06-2025 Aged 98. Of Charlton. Passed away peacefully at Garden View Court, Ararat.

Loved and loving wife of Keith (dec).

Much loved mother of Bernie, Jeff, Marlene (Goudie), Judy (Heath), Leo and their families. Loved mother-in-law and friend of Mary, Phil, Bill and Joy. Loved daughter of Roger and Kathleen Dillon (both dec), sister of Mervyn, Austin, Neville, Len, Eileen (all dec), Brendan and Margaret.

Treasured Memories.

McLOUGHLAN - Doreen Elizabeth. (DILLON) 03-06-1927 – 26-06-2025 Aged 98. Much loved mother and mother-in-law of Jeff and Mary. Loved Grandma of Matt and Anna and friend of Ryan.Adored Great Grandma of Paddy and Bridie.

From Friday 27th June until Friday 1st August.

Any enquiries can be made by contacting Matt 0413 084 449, Locky 0417 904 705.

WHAT’S ON

CHURCH NOTICES DISTRICT CATHOLIC CHURCHES East Wimmera Parish BIRCHIP - Sunday July 6th 10.30am Live Stream out to churches without Mass BOORT - Sunday July 6th 10.30am - Live Stream in BANYENA - No Mass CHARLTON - Sunday July 6th 10.30am - Live Stream in DONALD - Sunday July 6th 8.30am - Mass ST.ARNAUD - Saturday July 5th 7.00pm - Mass WYCHEPROOF - Sunday July 6th 10.30am - Live Stream in Parish Coordinator: Noeline Hogan 0476 617 976

EMPLOYMENT

Forever in our hearts.

FUNERAL NOTICES

Come join us for a spectacular opening of two Exhibitions @ the Station Gallery St Arnaud 28th June 2025 @ 2:00 pm All Welcome to join us for afternoon tea

Solicitor

116 Napier St., St. Arnaud

Practical, experienced advice in plain English Appointments also available in Charlton, Donald & Wycheproof

McLOUGHLAN A Mass for the repose of the soul of the late Doreen Elizabeth will be held in the Saint Joseph’s Catholic Church, 7 Learmonth St, Charlton on FRIDAY (July 4) at 1:30pm. A committal will follow in the Charlton Cemetery.

Ph: 5495 2595

Karen@klp.net.au ARARAT 03 5352 1047

CHURCH NOTICES

Opening: 28th June, 2025 @ 2:00 pm Closing: 17th August, 2025 Gallery Hours Friday - Sunday 11 am - 4 pm Queens Avenue, St Arnaud.

Nicola Kirk Physiotherapist Over 17 years experience Open Mon to Fri 63 Napier Street, St. Arnaud 0400 451 432 or 5495 1108

Top of the Town Beauty Salon For all your hair and beauty needs Ph: 5495 1306 When: Monday 7th July Time: 1.15pm Where: St. Arnaud Senior Citizens Hall Cost: $10 includes afternoon tea and free ticket in Jag the Jocker Jackpot $25 raffle tickets $1 main prize and many minor prizes to be won. Hope to see you there.

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

110 Napier St., St. Arnaud

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

JOB VACANCIES Donald

UNITING CHURCH ST. ARNAUD / STUART MILL Sunday 6th July St. Arnaud 9.30am Worship Team.

All Welcome.

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

Home Support Assessment Officer

St Arnaud Food and Domestic Service Assistant Further information available at: https://ewhs.org.au/careers EWHS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, we welcome applications to all positions from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, LGBTQI+ People, and People of All Abilities.

NCN HERALD Wednesday July 2, 2025 | 11

St Arnaud Secondary College

YEAR 7 2026 INFORMATION EVENING Parents and students are invited to the Year 7 2026 Information evening hosted at St. Arnaud Secondary College. The evening will be on Wednesday July 30th at 5.30pm.

There will be a short tour of our excellent facilities followed by a brief overview by the Principal, Mr Tony Hand. Enrolment packs Contact the College will be available on the evening. +5495 1811

Respect - Responsibility - Resilience

THIS SPOT COULD BE YOURS

KELL FUNERALS Est 1860

PRE PAID FUNERALS AVAILABLE 24 HOURS

Ph: 5495 1043

136 Napier Street St. Arnaud

A good life deserves the best farewell

25 Brooke Street, Inglewood Phone: 5438 189

NAFD Member

Birthday wishes to: July 7th July 2nd Brooke McIntyre Katie Baldwin Ethan McIntyre Emily Sibson Karl Vanderlinden July 8th Brad Baldock July 3rd Bernice Fithall Jacinta Harvey Chance Wild Diane Pritchard July 6th Schantelle Wild

12 | NCN HERALD Wednesday July 2, 2025

SPORT

Burns claims crown

IT WASs a busy week of golf at St Arnaud last week starting with Kara Kara veterans on Tuesday with six St Arnaud players represented and Tony Coloe and David Lanyon doing well.

Thursday’s 9 at 9 was once again won by Rob Batters on a countback from David Lanyon, both on 19 points.

On Saturday, nine players had a stableford round with Alison Fahey victorious on 34 points from Jenny Lanyon on 33.

Nearest the pins were Trevor Baldock on the 6th, Lyn Freeman on the caravan park sponsored 8th, Bill Rodger on the 10th and Lindsay Baldock on the Weirs 18th.

The youthful pairing of Lindsay and Trevor Baldock defeated the more senior John Nevill and Tony Coloe in the 4BBB knockout match.

It was a very close affair with the Baldocks winning on the 18th hole.

Sunday, players welcomed back Duncan Jackson from his short tour of Europe with the Australian under 21 hockey team.

In almost perfect conditions 21 players completed a stroke event.

Winner of the day in Division 1 was Leigh Hines with 84/13/71 from Sam Male on 83/10/73 and Scott Wright on 79/6/73.

The St Arnaud Physio best score of the day went to Tony Coloe in Division 2 with 89/21/68.

Daniel Needs was 2nd with 85/16/69 and 3rd was Trevor Stewart on 88/17/71.

Nearest the pins were Scott Wright on the 6th, Lindsay Baldock on the 8th, Sam Male on the 10th and Leigh Hines on the 18th.

Sunday was also the final round of the club championships with Craig Burn being crowned club champion.

Craig and Scott Wright started the day equal on 153. After several lead changes Craig held on to win by one stroke on the last hole.

Scott Wright was runner-up and the evergreen Bill Rodger 3rd.

In B grade Leigh Hines held 5 shot lead on 174 and managed to turn it into a convincing 12 stroke win.

Rob Batters and Lindsay Baldock were equal runners up with Ivan Jackson 4th.

Daniel Needs was a runaway winner in C grade winning by a massive 30 strokes from Tony Coloe runner up and Ernie Scilini 3rd.

Daniel’s impressive performance also won him the Duff Cup for the best net score of the championships with score of 213.

The player of the year award sees Ernie Scilini currently leading from the Lanyons, Mocha McGrath and Sanga Goode hot on Ernie’s heels.

This week golf returns to Sat-

urday with a working bee on Sunday for the annual wood auction, a major fundraiser for club

CHARLTON

Seventeen players compete in a very closely contested 2025 championship.

At the end of the three rounds there was a tie between Wayne Southwell 89-85-90=264 and Chris Mathews 91-88-85=264.

The playoff started in the rain, and on the first hole Wayne managed to sink a Par putt for the club championship.

Runner up in A Grade was Troy Heenan 87-89-90=266, 3 Best Nets John Headon 84-77-78=239.

B Grade Champion was Chris Mathews 91-88-85=264, Runnerup Mark Hamley 87-90-89=266.

Mark also had the 3 Best Nets 7477-76=227.

The most closely contested C Grade was won by Benno Catherine 99-90-91=280, one shot clear of Jamey Soulsby 92-9693=281.

The 3 Best Nets won by the competition’s most consistent performer was Jeff Cox 73-7173=217.

The Luth Cup award, for the 2 best nets over the whole Championship, was won jointly by Jeff Cox 73-71=144 and Peter Sexton 74-70=144.

The championship was concluded with a casserole tea with 40 club members and fam-

Teenager’s masterful track display drives four to victory at Mildura CHARLTON reinsman Luke Dunne added another four winners to his season’s tally with a masterful display at Mildura on Friday.

After winning races for local Sunraysia trainers Scott Garraway, Fred Posgate and Jeff Gadsden it was the fourth winner All Da Rage that put the icing on the cake for the day as it is trained by Tori Hutchins at the Charlton Training Centre.

The 6yo, who is raced by Andrew German of Red Cliffs, was having just its second start for the Hutchins stable and after having no luck at Melton at its previous start, was much too good for his rivals winning by 6.8m in a time of 1.57.5 the fastest time of the day for the 1790m distance.

Nineteen year old Luke, in his fourth full season of driving, has won 47 races in the first six months of the 2025 sea-

By Inside Running son and has either won or been placed in 44 per cent of his drives.

Probably the most impressive performance of the week was by Gotfeelingsyouknow at Melton on Saturday night.

Part owned by St Arnaud’s Rod Wilton the 5yo gelding has been plagued by hoof problems.

He hadn’t raced since September 21 but was much too good for his rivals winning by 6.2m in 1.56.9.

The lightly raced son of Majestic Son has now had 11 lifetime starts for 6 wins and was driven to victory at Melton by Ross Payne.

This week there is Bendigo tonight, Mildura and Melton on Friday night, Charlton’s Independence Day meeting on Monday and Echuca on Tuesday night.

Leigh Hines (B Grade), Craig Burn (club champion) and Daniel Needs (C Grade and Duff Cup winner) ily coming together to celebrate with the champions for 2025.

KARA KARA VETERANS

Last Tuesday, 19 players played a stroke event in cold windy conditions, in the first round of the veterans’ championship at St Arnaud.

This event is sponsored by Driscoll Douglas East.

The daily event in Division 1 was taken out by Ron Thoulis from Berriwillock with 86/12/74 from David Lanyon from St. Arnaud 83/8/75.

Division 2 was won by Tony Coloe from St. Arnaud with 92/21/71 from Beno Catherine

from Charlton 91/17/74. Nearest the pins were: 6 th Ernie Scilini 8 th Ernie Scilini 10 th Owen Bailey 18 th John Goode.

In the championships, David Lanyon leads A Grade with a one shot lead from Owen Bailey and Ron Thoulis a further two shots back.

B grade leader is Beno Catherine one ahead of Tony Coloe and three ahead of Vince Grant.

A highlight of the day was when life member and elder statesperson Claire Scarce called in with daughter Karen to enjoy a joke and a light meal with the players.

Sanger’s cautious and confident start ROUND Nine of the Inter-Hotels’ Pool Competition was played last Wednesday and, as we farewell the magnificent Marland era and prepare to welcome in the efficiently excellent Earl of Kangaroo Flat reign, there was a right Royal rumble at the peak of the ladder where the two leading teams jousted for supremacy in what was arguably to be the match of the season.

The RSL team approached the stronghold of the Farmers’Arms’s No 1 combination with cautious optimism and began the match confidently when Shane Sanger won a close opening frame against Leigh Watkins however the Farmers’ boys gained the advantage with Ned Gorrie smashing the Diggers’ captain Mitch Phillips while Geoff Watts and Ben Medlyn each won close encounters against Sam Postlethwaite and Dave Russ to have them leading by three games to one at the end of the first round.

The second round was to begin sensationally however when Shane the sorcerer vanquished Leigh the Welsh wizard with a devastating incantation of superior pool prestidigitation to terminate his singles campaign for the evening but no-nonsense Ned was not to be dazzled by this astounding bewitchery and restored the balance by demolishing Mitch.

The Diggers regrouped as Sam counterattacked to level his encounter with Geoff but when Ben the bruiser cut and polished Dave the lapidarist to incur his retirement, this left them trailing by five games to three at the end of the second round and with their undefeated status now in in serious jeopardy.

It was up to Sam to be the saviour in his final battle with the Batlow battler and he was to achieve the success that kept the dream alive then teamed up with slammin’ Shane to square the match in the opening doubles against the duo of Geoff and Ben. Truly inspired now, Mitch and Dave responded to redeem themselves against the pairing of Leigh and Ned for the now-dominant Diggers to extricate themselves with a six games to five victory.

The home derby of the round was to take place in the home amongst the gum trees where the two Country Club sides battled it

By Bob Wooley out for their positions in the top four. The first round was to be a disaster for the Club One as Harley Durward, recovered from his injury, and Grant Doyle opened their accounts against Paul Mullins and Dan Harkin while Will Jackson and Lake Male had converted the cues of Troy Shields and Des Moulday into magpie feather dusters.

After a pause for some resuscitating fluid the traumatized Mean Machine fought back in the second round as Paul, Troy and Des squared their matches against Harley, Will and Jake their only blemish being Dan who had bowed out to Grant, this leaving the Club Two leading by five games three at the end of the round. Harley was to extend this ascendancy at the top of the third round by retiring Paul however Troy was to keep the Meanies alive by disposing of Will but Des was to see the possibility of another Magpie flag slipping from his ageing grasp as he succumbed to Jake in the final round of singles. The cruising Club Two took advantage of the now-deflated Ones to win both doubles, thereby assuming bragging rights by nine games to four.

An interesting encounter was to take place at the Pub in the Scrub when they were visited by the alluring Amazons plus one of the Farmers’ Arms Two team. For the Logan side, Ben Pell and Shaun McNaulty made light work of Ruby Smith and Luke Pole, indeed, Shaun had been so effective with the whip on Luke in their second encounter that Luke had been subjected to the ignominy of terrifying the Avoca Forest wildlife with the obligatory penalty.

On the positive side for the cellar-dwellers Bianca Cannon had been successful against a rusty Jason McNaulty who was still trying to extricate his cue from the cobwebs while captain Alayne Cunningham had taken one game off Stephen Rodger then teamed up with Luke for success in the doubles.

RSL . ........................................................................... 32 Farmers’ Arms ............................................................. 24 Country Club Two . ...................................................... 20 Country Club One ....................................................... 16 Logan .......................................................................... 16 Sporting Club ................................................................ 4 Farmers’ Arms Two ....................................................... 0

NCN HERALD Wednesday July 2, 2025 | 13

SPORT

SENIORS St Arnaud 0.1 3.2 5.5 7.5 (47) Charlton 2.2 4.4 4.7 8.12 (60) GOALS – St Arnaud: K. Torney 2, M. Hungerford, O. Lowe, L. Bridger, Z. Phillips, S. Holroyd. Charlton: L. Collins, B. Lanyon 2, B. Sexton, B. Kemp, A. Schofield, M. Collins.

BEST – St Arnaud: T. Bertalli, O. Lowe, K. Torney, Z. Phillips, S. Driscoll, L. Jackson. Charlton: B. Lanyon, R. Thompson, M. Collins, E. Fitzpatrick, P. Soulsby, J. Thompson.

9.2 14.6 21.13 28.14 (182) Boort 2.0 3.1 3.3 3.3 (21) Donald GOALS – Boort: J. Baddeley-Kelly 9, K. Rutley 6, W. Perryman 4, J. Mulquiny, J. Smith, J. Dick 2, L. Hall, C. Egan, M. Austin.

Donald: S. Arho 2, J. Talty.

BEST – Boort: L. Hall, J. Dick, J. Baddeley-Kelly, K. Rutley, C. Egan, M. Austin. Donald: J. Talty, D. Bell-Warren, D. Pearce, L. Rice, T. Reekie, C. Campbell.

2.6 7.9 7.13 7.16 (58) Wedderburn Calder United 3.2 5.7 9.9 13.13 (91) GOALS – Wedderburn: J. Mortlock, M. Jensen 2, M. Woods, H. Lockhart, O. Holt. Calder United: J. Humphreys 5, D. Pearce 3, M. Farmer 2, D. Watts, R. Smith, G. Turner.

BEST – Wedderburn: J. Mortlock, N. Furlong, C. Lowry, I. Holt, O. Holt, D. Jackson. Calder United: G. Turner, D. Watts, T. Trewin, Z. Keighran, J. Humphreys, D. Munro.

3.3 8.6 10.8 15.10 (100) Birchip Watchem Sea Lake Nandaly 1.5 2.7 6.9 8.12 (60) GOALS – Birchip Watchem: M. Buchanan 4, J. Reid, T. Gibson 3, B. Edwards 2, L. Ryan, L. Foott, J. Christie. Sea Lake Nandaly: M. Cahoon 4, B. Delmenico 2, W. Donnan, B. Weir.

BEST – Birchip Watchem: M. Buchanan, R. Conboy, H. Hosking, D. Bell, T. Gibson. Sea Lake Nandaly: B. McInnes, M. Cahoon, T. Donnan, W. Donnan, B. Poulton, T. McKenzie.

Birchip Watchem 10 Calder United 10 10 Boort Sea Lake Nandaly 10 Wedderburn 10 Charlton 10 St Arnaud 10 Donald 10

10 8 8 6 4 3 1 0

0 2 2 4 6 7 9 10

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

313.99 280.09 189.94 214.45 133.64 27.61 41.64 12.04

40 32 32 24 16 12 4 0

RESERVES St Arnaud 6.4 9.9 14.11 20.13 (133) Charlton 1.0 1.0 1.1 2.2 (14) GOALS – St Arnaud: J. Hicks 7, J. Hicks 5, S. Elliott, L. Ezard 2, G. Gorrie, B. Knight, B. Greenaway, H. Torney. Charlton: S. Zagame 2.

BEST – St Arnaud: B. Greenaway, J. Hicks, B. Knight, S. Elliott, J. Hicks, J. Kell. Charlton: F. Bourke, C. Boyle, M. Campbell, N. McCallum, E. Needs, J. Leathan.

Birchip Watchem 2.1 2.6 7.7 10.10 (70) Sea Lake Nandaly 3.0 3.1 4.2 6.5 (41) GOALS – Birchip Watchem: R. Doran 3, J. Ryan, M. Berry 2, T. Colbert, R. Hogan Jr, C. Boyle. Sea Lake Nandaly: J. Summerhayes 3, E. Ellis, W. Landry, T. Considine.

BEST – Birchip Watchem: R. Hogan Jr, B. Hogan, G. Addis, T. Colbert, J. Lindeback, A. Hay. Sea Lake Nandaly: B. Stadon, J. Stacey, E. Ellis, B. Baskin, T. Considine, H. Pitchford.

Wedderburn Calder United

0.0 3.4

0.1 6.8

1.2 11.10

1.6 (12) 14.13 (97)

GOALS – Wedderburn: M. Lockhart. Calder United: D. Murray 4, A. Hogan 2, K. Kennedy, J. Morrison, R. Botheras, G. Forrester, S. Kelly, L. Cooper, R. Jones, H. Connolly.

BEST – Wedderburn: A. Younghusband, M. Barry, R. Holt, L. Sims, R. Tonkin, N. Winslett. Calder United: J. Bish, L. Cooper, B. Forrester, B. Hogan, J. Turner, M. Fawcett.

Boort 7.3 11.9 19.12 27.16 (178) Donald 0.0 1.0 1.0 1.0 (6) GOALS – Boort: A. Cockerell 6, N. Scott 5, C. Ross 3, C. Hatcher, F. Millar, P. O’Rourke 2, J. Dowling, W. Toose, D. Hatcher, S. Toose, J. Sheahan, C. O’Rourke, M. Coleman. Donald: C. Campbell.

BEST – Boort: W. Toose, S. Toose, N. Scott, A. Cockerell, J. Hall, B. Hewlett. Donald: G. Morgan, S. Pearse, N. Donnellon, B. Harrison, D. Hollis, D. Tatarskyj.

Calder United 10 Boort 10 Birchip Watchem 10 Sea Lake Nandaly 10 St Arnaud 10 Wedderburn 10 10 Charlton Donald 10

10 9 8 5 4 3 1 0

0 1 2 5 6 7 9 10

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

C Reserve

UNDER 17

FOOTBALL

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

678.21 467.73 276.99 148.4 116.41 33.02 30.46 6.81

40 36 32 20 16 12 4 0

St Arnaud 4.1 7.3 9.7 9.8 (62) Charlton 0.0 2.0 2.1 5.1 (31) BEST – St Arnaud: N. Saludes, W. Thomas, A. Lowe, S. Bridgeman, F. Donald, C. Zander. Charlton: J. Monaghan, J. Wright, T. Bourke, I. Bourke, E. Soulsby, M. Olive.

Birchip Watchem 0.0 0.1 1.3 4.4 (28) Sea Lake Nandaly 4.5 8.9 11.10 13.12 (90) BEST – Birchip Watchem: B. Kemp, K. Hamilton, J. Knights, J. Goss. Sea Lake Nandaly: H. Warne, N. McClelland, C. Kelly, C. Mott, A. Smith, B. Allan.

Wedderburn 0.0 1.1 4.1 7.4 (46) 4.5 10.9 14.9 16.9 (105) Calder United BEST – Wedderburn: B. Cunningham, D. Tansley, T. Blair, B. Cramp, N. Winslett. Calder United: M. Fawcett, R. Hogan, J. Harrison, T. Perry, M. Coatsworth.

Boort 3.2 7.2 9.4 13.8 (86) Donald 0.2 1.2 1.4 2.6 (18) BEST – Boort: R. Wagner, D. King, W. Gross, J. Malone, J. Gould. Donald: L. Rice, B. Donnellon, S. Mortlock, M. Burke.

St Arnaud 10 Sea Lake Nandaly 10 10 Boort 10 Calder United Donald 10 10 Charlton Wedderburn 10 Birchip Watchem 10

10 8 7 6 4 4 1 0

0 2 3 4 6 6 9 10

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

289.01 207.49 162.53 176.4 101.47 70.04 47.24 18.54

40 32 28 24 16 16 4 0

Wedderburn 7, 17, 25, 39, (39) lost to Calder United 13, 23, 36, 48, (48). Birchip Watchem 8, 17, 20, 21, (21) lost to Sea Lake Nandaly 17, 35, 54, 64, (64).

Ladder: Sea Lake Nandaly 32, Boort 20, Calder United 16, Birchip Watchem 8, Wedderburn 8, St Arnaud 0.

17 & Under Boort 16, 35, 54, 80, (80) d Donald 12, 22, 25, 29, (29). St Arnaud 20, 28, 43, 32, (32) d Charlton 4, 9, 20, 31, (31). Wedderburn 1, 3, 3, 4, (4) lost to Calder United 18, 32, 49, 73, (73).

Birchip Watchem 14, 24, 41, 48, (48) d Sea Lake Nandaly 9, 16, 26, 42, (42).

Ladder: Calder United 40, Birchip Watchem 32, Boort 30, St Arnaud 26, Sea Lake Nandaly 20, Charlton 4, Wedderburn 4, Donald 0.

14 & Under A Birchip Watchem 12, 25, 34, 34, (34) d Sea Lake Nandaly 0, 1, 1, 1, (1). St Arnaud (40) d Charlton (10). Wedderburn (1) lost to Calder United (31). Boort 8, 16, 27, 37, (37) d Donald 6, 11, 19, 26, (26).

Ladder: Boort 40, Birchip Watchem 36, Donald 24, Calder United 24, St Arnaud 20, Wedderburn 8, Charlton 4, Sea Lake Nandaly 4.

14 & Under B Birchip Watchem 5, 12, 14, 22, (22) d Sea Lake Nandaly 0, 1, 2, 7, (7). Boort 5, 10, 12, 20, (20) d Donald 2, 2, 3, 3, (3). Wedderburn (8) lost to Calder United (9).

Ladder: St Arnaud 28, Boort 28, Birchip Watchem 24, Calder United 16, Wedderburn 14, Donald 6, Sea Lake Nandaly 4.

HOCKEY

UNDER 14 Wedderburn 1.2 4.4 6.7 7.9 (51) 0.1 2.1 2.1 2.1 (13) Calder United BEST – Wedderburn: W. Huismann, C. Jones-Moore, J. McDonnell, B. Cramp, A. Polkinghorne. Calder United: N. Lowry, L. Poyner, Z. Harrison, Z. Cavalier, S. Morrison, R. Harrison.

Birchip Watchem 0.0 0.0 0.0 2.0 (12) Sea Lake Nandaly 1.3 5.8 9.13 9.13 (67) BEST – Birchip Watchem: O. Sharp, D. Coffey, E. Dean, L. Cullen. Sea Lake Nandaly: H. Cox, H. Landry, T. McClelland, M. Bailey, G. Durie, R. Allan.

2.4 4.11 9.19 12.22 (94) St Arnaud Charlton 0.0 0.0 0.0 2.0 (12) BEST – St Arnaud: C. Hendy, F. Wilson, Z. Green, M. Stewart, C. Wickham, R. Wilson-Cook. Charlton: L. Monaghan, D. Olive, C. Dixon, T. McGurk, C. Riley, T. McGurk.

2.0 3.1 5.1 5.2 (32) Boort Donald 0.1 1.2 2.5 3.7 (25) BEST – Boort: L. King, N. Howe, M. Soumelidis, T. Trinchi, C. Nuttall. Donald: S. Mortlock, L. Stopps, E. Geddes, L. Holland, M. Wardlaw, D. Burke.

Sea Lake Nandaly 10 St Arnaud 10 Donald 10 Wedderburn 10 10 Boort Calder United 10 Birchip Watchem 10 Charlton 10

9 9 6 6 4 3 2 1

1 1 4 4 6 7 8 9

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

612.94 424.03 199.15 91.37 72.56 32.22 41.99 26.27

36 36 24 24 16 12 8 4

Men

Boort 2 drew with Donald 2. St Arnaud 12 d Charlton 0. Wedderburn 1 drew Calder United 1. Sea Lake Nandaly Bye. Ladder: Donald 19, St Arnaud 20, Calder United 19, Boort 14, Wedderburn 11, Sea Lake Nandaly 3, Charlton 0.

Women Boort 2 d Donald 0. St Arnaud 2 d Charlton 0, Wedderburn 2 d Calder United 1. Sea Lake Nandaly Bye. Ladder: St Arnaud 24, Calder United 21, Charlton 18, Boort 12, Wedderburn 10, Donald 4, Sea Lake Nandaly 0.

Underage Birchip Watchem 5 d Sea Lake Nandaly 0. Boort 1 lost to Donald 2.

St Arnaud 1 lost to Charlton 3. Calder United Bye. Ladder: Charlton 27, St Arnaud 18, Donald 15, Boort 9, Calder United 7, Birchip Watchem 7, Sea Lake Nandaly 6.

Under 12 Birchip Watchem 3 d Sea Lake Nandaly 0. Boort 1 lost to Donald 7.

St Arnaud 0 lost to Charlton 3. Wedderburn 0 lost to Calder United 1.

Ladder: Birchip Watchem 27, Calder United 25, Charlton 25, St Arnaud 16, Wedderburn 10, Donald 6, Boort 4, Sea Lake Nandaly 4.

NETBALL A Grade St Arnaud 12, 20, 31, 42, (42) drew Charlton 15, 24, 34, 42, (42). Boort 17, 32, 47, 57, (57) d Donald 9, 18, 28, 30, (30). Wedderburn 13, 25, 39, 48, (48) d Calder United 8, 15, 20, 28, (28).

Birchip Watchem 10, 20, 29, 39, (39) lost to Sea Lake Nandaly 18, 31, 51, 66, (66).

Ladder: Wedderburn 40, Boort 32, Sea Lake Nandaly 28, Birchip Watchem 24, Calder United 20, Donald 8, Charlton 6, St Arnaud 2.

B Grade St Arnaud 8, 20, 29, 43, (43) d Charlton 3, 9, 17, 27, (27). Boort 16, 30, 38, 51, (51) d Donald 11, 18, 30, 41, (41). Wedderburn 18, 28, 44, 60, (60) d Calder United 13, 21, 32, 42, (42). Birchip Watchem 13, 23, 36, 43, (43) d Sea Lake Nandaly 9, 18, 25, 36, (36).

Ladder: Wedderburn 40, Boort 36, Birchip Watchem 28, Calder United 28, St Arnaud 16, Donald 6, Sea Lake Nandaly 6, Charlton 0.

C Grade St Arnaud 24, 39, 57, 61, (61) d Charlton 14, 23, 31, 32, (32). Boort 12, 24, 31, 43, (43) d Donald 6, 10, 16, 27, (27). Wedderburn 8, 17, 30, 40, (40) lost to Calder United 16, 35, 52, 69, (69). Birchip Watchem 11, 22, 34, 45, (45) d Sea Lake Nandaly 14, 23, 31, 40, (40).

Ladder: Calder United 36, Birchip Watchem 28, Boort 28, Wedderburn 28, Sea Lake Nandaly 24, St Arnaud 12, Charlton 0, Donald 0.

Poppy Fitzpatrick (Charlton) and St Arnaud’s Addison Wright battle for control of the ball in Saturday’s North Central Hockey Association’s women’s match. The Saints won 2-0. NCN PHOTO

14 | NCN HERALD Wednesday July 2, 2025

SPORT

Battle of the defenders UNDER 14

Charlton 10 def by St Arnaud 43 Steel’s Butchers Best: Rosie Fitzpatrick, FHN Ladies Auxiliary Coaches: Lily-Mae McPhee, Nutrien Ag & Roberts Windrowing “Have a Crack” – Sophie Roberts

GRIT and determination has seen Charlton notch up its third win of the North Central football season.

The Navies worked hard in the opening term against St Arnaud to dominate the scoreboard on Saturday before the home-team Saints whittled worked their way back into the game through Thomas Bertalli, Owen Lowe, and Kurtis Torney.

The Saints were able to nose ahead for a four-point lead at the final change.

Ben Lanyon, Rhys Thompson and coach Mitchell Collins were pivotal and turning the tables in a solid fourth quarter for the Navies.

The surge saw Charlton kick as many goals in 25 minutes as it had in the previous three terms.

Charlton, however, was often inaccurate in the forward 50, giving the Saints opportunities to head into attack.

17 & UNDER

A very tight game to watch this week.

Charlton attackers worked and adjusted well with quite a few changes down their end.

At times, feeding into the ring was a struggle against some strong defenders however, the girls never stop working together to change their game as needed.

Up the other end the defenders were causing just as much havoc to shut down St Arnaud’s attackers leading to many turnovers.

Erin Blair’s pressure over the ball allowed Maggie Riley and Anika Holmes-Brown to cut off multiple passes into a tall GS. Charlton girls showed great resilience to make a strong comeback in the second half unfortunately just missing by the one goal.

Charlton 31 lost to St Arnaud 32 Bendigo Bank + Ergo & Mane Charlton Best: Erin Blair, FNH Ladies Auxiliary Coaches: Taylah Giles, Caffeinated Chaos Captains Coffee: Maggie Riley

C Grade

The Navies’ attackers worked well getting the ball down the court and into the ring to the goalers who were up against some strong defence.

Despite this the goalers continued to work hard keeping Charlton within 10 goals at the half time break.

Some accurate shooting from St Arnaud, with Navies’ defenders doing all they could but with little to no rebounds coming this was tough.

St Arnaud pushed their lead out by the final whistle.

Charlton 32 def by St Arnaud 61 Vale of Avoca + Ergo & Mane Best: Taylah Boyle, JS Plumbing Coaches: Zoe Carney,

Gritty Navies fight back in final term

Tahli Roberts earns front position for Charlton in the clash with St Arnaud. NCN PHOTO Caffeinated Chaos Captains Coffee: Mia Ayars

B Grade

A very welcomed sight seeing Kate Stuchbery back out on court as goalkeeper for Charlton who provided some great defense in the ring along with Holly Thompson.

The opening quarter saw plenty of turnovers, for both sides, taking some time to settle.

With positional changes in the attack end it did make it hard for the girls to convert into goals.

Special mention to Abby Mulquiny unfortunately going down in the third quarter, hopefully she will be back out on court in no time/

Charlton 28 def by St Arnaud 43 Teys Charlton Feedlot Best: Kate Stuchbery , Teys Charlton Feedlot Coaches: Emily Olive, Caffeinated Chaos Captains Coffee: Bec Sexton

A Grade

A young attacking end starting for us this week but they showed their confidence early on with Chloe Walsh as goal shooterbeing a strong option for the girls and shooting with some exceptional accuracy.

A tight tussle down the other end also with Claire Smith working on a holding GS this week taking some time but along with Megan Bruns the work rate never

dropped, keeping St Arnaud’s goalers on their toes.

Isabel Soulsby also applied great pressure out front with many tips leading to turnovers for the girls.

Unfortunately a late injury to Remi Jeffrey in C and some strong defense from St Arnaud, Charlton’s girls couldn’t hold a lead with a tight game ending all locked up.

All the best to Remi for a quick recovery.

Charlton 42 drew with St Arnaud 42 Walsh Motors Best: Isabel Soulsby, Walsh Motors Coaches: Chloe Walsh, Caffeinated Chaos Captains Coffee: Remi Jeffery

St Arnaud’s Jackson Needs

Tradition continues with Coomealla pilgrimage TWENTY-ONE bowlers from the St Arnaud Country Club, St Arnaud, Bundoora, Stawell and Wedderburn Clubs and their support team of four made the annual trip to play in the Coomealla three-day tournament.

This trip was first initiated approximately 17 years ago by the Country Club and has been ongoing since then.

The touranment commenced on the Saturday evening with a meet and greet and to do the draw for teams for the fours to be played the following day.

Sunday saw mixed results with Bob McGregor (s) Kerryn Dyke, Garry Kruser (sub) and Lindy (sub) taking out third place. Lucky card draw was won by Phil McRae. This was perhaps Phil’s best effort for the day with his team winning the Boost Award to help them improve their performance for the next day.

The players met in the evening to organise the following days draw and for the fines session prior to dinner.

Local bowls again among contingent at annual Coomealla tournament Bill Rodger needed to pay his fines by cheque which unfortunately has since bounced.

Monday’s pairs, the only day when the teams were not drawn, saw two fills of the green playing two games of three bowl pairs and one game of 2 by 4 by 2.

Husband and wife team, Jodie Nevill and Garry Woodhouse played well winning three games

to take out third prize in the morning.

Gary White won a lucky card draw.

The Lifesaver Award went to John Nevill and his daughter Lisa Bitzas. Lisa is a new bowler and acquitted herself well.

On Tuesday John Nevill skipping his team of Phil Elliott, Marg McRae and Lindy (sub) had the

best result for the day coming in at fifth place.

Paul Mullins took out a lucky card draw. The Boost Award went to Bill Rodger (s) Phil McRae, Mick Pole and Jack Jorgensen.

The teams performed well and all competitive over the three days but just could not manage to get a first prize in any of the events.

Over the three days of bowling a competition is held within the group.

Bob McGregor was back-toback winner taking out the trophy for the best score over the three days with a score of plus 20, closely followed by Kerryn Dyke on plus 17 and Rhonda Pole with plus 13.

The NABA award was won by Jack Jorgensen.

Raffles were held each day with many prizes going to local players.

Thank you to Kristine and Phil Elliott who kindly hosted the group each evening for the days results, fines sessions and banter prior to dinner at the club.

Thanks also to Simon Elliott and Bill Rodger for their organisation.

All players and wives are hoping to make the trip again next year as do this year’s newcomers Dale and Helen Stephenson, Bob Montabello, Robina Little all from Wedderburn, Garry Woodhouse and Lisa Bitzas from Bundoora.

NCN HERALD Wednesday July 2, 2025 | 15

SPORT

Wilson’s five caps off work up ground

By JASMINE VANRENEN IN COOL but favourable conditions the St Arnaud Under-14s delivered a dominant performance against the Charlton Navies on the weekend.

The Saints had a resounding securing a resounding 12.22 (94) to 2.0 (12) victory edge closer to locking in second spot on the ladder.

Despite the overcast sky, the Saints were bright from the first bounce, with Ned Ezard setting the tone by slotting the opening goal of the match.

From there, it was one-way traffic for much of the game, as St Arnaud controlled possession and kept the ball locked inside their forward half.

Finn Wilson was a standout up forward, booting an impressive five goals, while teammates Charlie Baldwin, Jesse James, Duncan Kirk, Lewis Lowe, Finn

Evans and Sami Weir all chipped in with a goal apiece. Their efforts were the result of relentless forward pressure and quick ball movement through the midfield.

While the scoreboard reflected St Arnaud’s dominance, full credit must go to the Charlton Navies’ defensive unit, who battled tirelessly under constant pressure.

Their resilience made the Saints earn every major, as they struggled at times to convert opportunities into goals.

Charlton found their feet in the final quarter and were rewarded for their persistence with two well-earned goals, one each to Xavier Good and Charlie Zagame, showing the grit and spirit that will no doubt serve them well in the weeks to come.

The Saints will be buoyed by the comprehensive team performance, while the Navies can take heart from their late surge and commitment under pressure.

Match full of intensity and skill

Charlton’s Mason Heenan evades Saints’ Zac Phillips in the Navies’ 13-point victory over St Arnaud at Lord Nelson Park on Saturday. Victory came after a spirited fightback by the Saints in third quarter. NCN PHOTO

Abuse rare: keep it that way

NORTH Central Football League officials have come out in support of umpires after the Bendigo-based association blew the whistle on poor crowd behaviour.

Officials have said abuse towards umpires is rare in the league “and we want to keep it that way”.

“Please support your teams fairly and don’t take frustrations out on the umpires,” they wrote in last weekend’s Record.

“Like players, umpires can make mistakes - accept it and move on.

“If your team isn’t performing well, it’s not the umpires’ fault.”

Bendigo umpires, who officiate at North Central games, raised concerns about poor behaviour after one spectator had to be escorted from the ground.

The association provides field umpires for local matches while club volunteers act as boundary and goal umpires.

Members of the former North Central Umpires’ Association are affiliated with the Bendigo group.

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effort and a credit to the groups work ethic and focus at training.

Hats off to the opposition for a competitive and respectful game.

St Arnaud is two games and un defeated on top of the ladder after 10 rounds.

Charlton is two games outside the four, locked on points with Donald.

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ROUND 11 AWAY SAINTS VS DONALD

Thursday night CASSEROLE NIGHT

THE Under 17 Saints put in a strong performance on the weekend, coming away with a solid win in what was a hard-fought contest from start to finish with Charlton at Lord Nelson Park.

Both teams brought intensity and skill, making it a great game to watch.

It was a strong, all round team

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Chloe Douglas sends St Arnaud into attack as the Saints headed to a 43-27 win over Charlton in Saturday’s B Grade netball clash against Charlton at Lord Nelson Park. NCN PHOTO

THRILLING DRAW

NORTH Central has fought back in the final minutes of Sunday’s under 18 interleague clash at Lord Nelson Park for a thrillingh draw.

Mayborough Castlemaine had been let off the hook by the more dominant North Central outfit that moved the ball well in the first half but was often offline in front of goal.

Second half fatigue in the second half allowed the visiting representative side to skip ahead and hold a 13-point lead with

five minutes left on the clock. A fighting effort by North Central played out for a thrilling draw on the final siren.

The under 18 and under 15 matches were the first time the two leagues had met standalone clashes.

They had previously been part of the AFL Central Victoria gala day in Bendigo.

Joint coach Zane Bigmore said the new concept had been a winner for the leagues.

In the under 15s, North Central

was a convincing winner and saw St Arnaud’s Archer Reyne named best-on-ground.

Reyne had started the match at centre half-forward before being switched to an on-ball role and finishing the in the ruck.

“Archer was one of six or seven really oustanding players for the side,” Bigmore said.

“We were a fraction older than the Maryborough team, our players had been in the academy eight-program and they certainly helped us work on structure and

development of the players who showed good ball use.”

St Arnaud players also in the North Central under 15 side were Finn Greene, Nathan Saludes and Declan Kay. From Charlton were Seth Muller, Mitch Boyle and Murphy Fitzpatrick.

The under 18 side had St Arnaud’s Ryan Bigmore, Ben Greenaway, Jackson Needs, Chase Zander, Aaron Lowe, Austin Lowe, Aidan Wickham and Shaun Bridgeman along with Charlton’s Seb Zagame.

Archer Reyne

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