2nd March 2022 by North_Central_News

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St. Arnaud, Charlton, Wedderburn & Surrounding Districts

Est. 1864

18 Napier Street, St. Arnaud. 3478. - Advertising & Editorial Material - Ph.: (03) 5495 1055; Fax.: (03) 5495 1937. Email: ncn@iinet.net.au Published weekly. Registered by Australia Post, Publication No. VAC 4217.

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WEDNESDAY MARCH 2nd 2022.

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

(Incl. GST)

MPs check on progress of upgrades to caravan park More funding to WITH so many Victorians keen to check out their own backyard again after lockdowns, the upgrades at the St. Arnaud Caravan Park will be very welcome. Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Development, Danielle Green MP - Member for Yan Yean, and Martha Haylett, Candidate for the seat of Ripon, took a tour of the park with Northern Grampians Shire Council CEO, Liana Thompson, and Mayor, Tony Driscoll last Friday. The Victorian Government has provided $455,000, through the Regional Infrastructure Fund (RIF) 2020/2022, for Northern Grampians Shire Caravan Park upgrades in St. Arnaud and Stawell. Ms Haylett said that her family are van campers so it’s great to see the improvements in Northern Grampians Shire parks. “These upgrades will no doubt increase visitation and support local tourism. “And it’s dog friendly” she said.

strengthen our communities REGIONAL Australia will be given more government support on the other side of the COVID-19 pandemic.

Above: (left to right) Martha Haylett, Cr Tony Driscoll Mayor Northern Grampians Shire, two members of the construction business conducting the upgrade, Liana Thompson CEO Northern Grampians Shire and Danielle Green MP.

Above: Work continues on the internal roads of the Caravan Park.

Red Hatters turn the Dancing Kelpie red THE Charlton Chapter of the Red Hat Society was in town recently for a social event at the Dancing Kelpie. The group is part of the largest International women’s social club, whose focus is on living life to the

fullest, having fun and not ‘acting your age’. Members are women over 50 years of age and they

dress in the distinctive purple clothing and red hats and are known as ‘Red Hatters’. Hatters hold events ranging from picnics and coffee mornings, to elaborate

themed dinners and even cruises. The events are loads of fun and the Charlton Chapter aims to support local business by holding functions at local venues.

Applications are now open for the new Rebuilding Regional Communities Program, giving local businesses and community groups a chance to share in $5.7 million. Grants are available for a range of grassroots, community-led initiatives that will help our communities bounce back by strengthening social connections, supporting jobs and creating economic opportunities. Federal Member for Mallee, Anne Webster, said the funding would deliver a much-needed boost for local businesses, communities and towns hit hard by the pandemic. “The Nationals and Liberals are continuing to invest in the projects and initiatives that will make our communities more resilient and more vibrant,” Dr Webster said. “After being hit with bushfires, drought and flooding in recent years, the COVID-19 pandemic brought with it new challenges for locals and the communities in which they live. “Access to this funding will help local groups restart activities and maintain social support networks in regional towns as they recover from these setbacks. “I look forward to working with local groups to help secure the funding they need to bounce back strongly and deliver for locals as we recover from the pandemic” Dr Webster said. The Government is partnering with the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal to deliver the Rebuilding Regional Communities Program. Funding will be available from two streams to support regional initiatives. The Micro Projects stream will provide small grants of up to $10,000 for regional communities with fewer than 50,000 people to help sustain local organisations and their work. The COVID Recovery stream will provide up to $50,000 for larger projects that will enhance the recovery of communities affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. For more information and to apply: https://frrr.org.au/funding/place/src-rebuilding-ruralcommunities/

Above: “Madam” Aileen Wolfe (left) with the Charlton Red Hatters group, pictured outside the Dancing Kelpie last Thursday.

Editorial Call out bullies and emulate those that inspire Two men head the news this week for entirely different things, and these two men are held up by the populations of the world for entirely opposite acts and characters. They are Vladimir Putin and John Landy. The unprovoked and heinous attack this week by Russia’s Vladimir Putin on Ukraine has been the focus of the world and has captured worldwide condemnation and public outcry in cities around the globe to stand with Ukraine against the bully Putin. The shudder that reverberates through the globe stems from the similarities between the World War 2 German dictator Adolf Hitler and the circumstances that surrounded the commencement of that war to the invasion of Ukraine and the man that is Putin. What these two men in history have in common is the belief that the borders of their countries must be extended. Both men lead invasions that had long-term implications for security in Europe and both men met in the first instance with little opposition from the rest of the world. Ukraine in 2022 is chillingly similar to Czechoslovakia in 1938. Putin, an ex-KGB agent who never recovered from the breakdown of the USSR, is a greedy, grubby, grasping thug, which does not endear himself to the others even as much as Hitler did who had more charisma and charm than the bully Putin. Perhaps the people of the world seeing a thug as a thug will sway the course of history that this man wishes to change. Because, if Putin is successful, it is highly likely that the new border for Russia will be creeping towards Hungary, Slovakia, Romania and Poland. The world can gain its inspiration from the life of a truly good and great man, John Landy, who died this week in Victoria. It is this former Olympian, former Victorian Governor John Landy that we lament and praise. Not only for all he achieved but for the qualities that he displayed. No more so than in 1956 when in the Australian mile Championship, in a race that was widely believed to be his to break his own mile world record, he was trailing another Australian Ron Clarke. When Ron fell in front of him and as he was jumping over the fallen Clarke, he clipped his spikes on Ron’s arm and shoulder and stopped to check that the other athlete was OK before sprinting off and making up the 40 metre lead to win the race. It was an act of consideration, selflessness and was truly inspirational. It was a show of great humility that John Landy said that it was just instinct that made him stop rather than any great act of sportsmanship - the words of a truly great man. We are poorer in this world without men of John Landy’s stature. We are saddened that the world today must concentrate on the aggressive acts of Putin rather than those inspiring acts from Landy, but the threat from Putin is unfortunately more pressing. We hope and pray that it is the role of people power that can turn this conflict around. We somehow think Putin has underestimated the role and the power that good people hold. Good people who are prepared to stand up, and even fight, against bad people. The hope is that this rising opposition to Russia’s invasion shows Putin and other aspiring dictators around the world that imperialism is an historic mistake. Never be bullied into silence.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK The people have the power. All we have to do is awaken the power in the people. - John Lennon.

To the Editor

Express or Snail Mail Dear Editor, Ever wondered why mail costs so much and takes so long to be delivered? Here’s a hint. Send an Express Mail envelope to Melbourne (at the exorbitant cost of $10.70) and then track its progress! Received by Australia Post - ST ARNAUD VIC - Fri 4 Feb, 1.12pm Item processed at facility - MELBOURNE AIRPORT VIC - Mon 7

Feb, 12.44am In transit to next facility in BALLARAT VIC - Mon 7 Feb, 2.02am Item processed at facility - MELBOURNE AIRPORT VIC - Tue 8 Feb, 12.57am In transit to next facility in BALLARAT VIC - Tue 8 Feb, 1.39am Item processed at facility - MELBOURNE AIRPORT VIC - Wed 9 Feb, 11.44am In transit to next facility in BALLARAT VIC - Wed 9 Feb, 11.45am Item processed at facility - MELBOURNE AIRPORT VIC - Wed 16 Feb, 1.04am

WEEKLY RAINFALL ST. ARNAUD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .1.2 RAINFALL FOR FEBRUARY . . . . . . . .0.4 YEARLY RAINFALL TO DATE . . . . . .58.9 CHARLTON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .0.0 RAINFALL FOR FEBRUARY . . . . . . .28.0 YEARLY RAINFALL TO DATE . . . . . .56.8

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 an ABC audited circulation of 1,650 copies, and an estimated readership of over 4,250 throughout the Northern Grampians and Buloke Shires. SUBSCRIPTIONS Annual subscription for 12 months is only $144.00 (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.

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. © Copyright 2022 North Central News is published weekly by Peter Marland, 3279 Charlton/St. Arnaud Road, Slaty Creek for NCNews Pty. Ltd., 18 Napier Street, St. Arnaud. A.C.N. 146 461 903. Printed by Western District Newspaper P/L, Camperdown Vic. Registered by Australia Post Publication No. VAC 4217 - Recommended and maximum selling price only.

Page 2 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY MARCH 2nd 2022.

In transit to next facility in BALLARAT VIC - Wed 16 Feb, 1.22am Arrived at facility late - WENDOUREE VIC - Wed 16 Feb, 8.25pm Item processed at facility - MELBOURNE AIRPORT VIC - Fri 18 Feb, 2.46am In transit to next facility in BALLARAT VIC - Fri 18 Feb, 3.59am Item processed at facility - MELBOURNE AIRPORT VIC - Mon 21 Feb, 12.33am In transit to next facility in MELTON VIC - Mon 21 Feb, 1.03am – Arrived at facility MELTON VIC - Mon 21 Feb, 7.02am Onboard for delivery - MELTON VIC Mon 21 Feb, 7.49am Attempted delivery - MELTON WEST VIC - Mon 21 Feb, 11.05am In transit - BROOKFIELD VIC - Mon 21 Feb, 11.41am Waiting collection at MELTON WEST LPO MELTON WEST VIC Mon 21 Feb, 11.41am Yes, in total exhaustion from its game of “ping pong” the EXPRESS MAILED letter finally reached its destination after a mere 17 days! Furthermore, Aust Post advises it was Carbon neutral delivery! Melbourne Airport 6 visits, Ballarat 5 visits….hmmm?? It does however beg several questions of Australia Post such as.... • The more kilometres the mail travels the more it can charge? •“EXPRESS” means it can charge lots with-

Supporting performers Dear Editor Be a hero and support an indie artist. During the pandemic the arts have taken a beating. The independent, small guys with their sketch pads and 2nd hand guitars have moved online. We have been busy producing new art and don't qualify for government subsidies like the established artists. Bandcamp.com's initiative (BandCamp Fridays, 4thMarch), where ALL of the payments (less fees) go direct to the artists' pockets. Look for Australian performers such Littmus Steampunk Band and Tinker's Tales (Audiofiction). Bernard Quince St. Arnaud

out providing an Express service? • Aust Post managers are keen followers of table tennis? • St. Arnaud is a country town at the “other end of the earth” and really doesn’t deserve a decent mail service? • Smoke signals are Aust Post’s preferred method of communi-

cations delivery? • No more Gold Cartier watches for the “head honchos” at Australia Post? Australia, once, was the “smart countr y”.…sadly not anymore. Ah, for the days when you could rely on our postal service! Stephen Greenall St. Arnaud

North Central News

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ACROSS Grinding tooth Meditate Drink Fish eggs Planet Permit Insect Threatening Postpone Evil emperor Paradise T ke away Ta Abode of the dead Like better Fork tailed bird Country Indicate indiff f erence ff Supplier Respectful fear Grade of proficiency Love god Sailor Eft fs ft Whole Lustre

DOWN 2 Followed orders 3 Quickness of perception 4 Step’s vertical face 5 Went befo f re fo 6 Draw with fo f rce 7 Va V st age 8 Answering sharply 10 Dash 14 Wearies 17 Indicate assent 18 Reckless from despair 19 Festivity 22 Minesweeping device 24 Consumer 25 Biblical king 27 Tree 28 Bird 29 Titanium dioxide 31 Numeral 32 Cults 33 Saucy 35 Pale

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Mali Heart Street Art Festival drawing visitors, friends and family home RESIDENTS of Birchip and Watchem have been mailing postcards far and wide inviting family and friends home this Labour Day weekend, ahead of the Mali Heart Street Art Festival from 11th to 13th March. Festival organisers have some big surprises planned for both towns, headlined by the unveiling at Watchem of a major new painted silo to add to Australia’s far-famed Silo Art Trail, created by artist Adnate. “Let’s be honest it’s time we all made a trip home and renewed our

connection to the Mallee – it’s the refreshing break we all need,” said Buloke Shire Council Mayor Daryl Warren. The three-day event features some significant new art installations at Birchip and Watchem, along with live music and bush cuisine.

The event was made possible by funding sought by the Buloke Shire Council through the Buloke Silo Art Activation Program, and also provided by the Victorian Government and Department of Jobs, Precincts and Regions. Visitors will be treated to wall art being

created right before their eyes by artist Phil Rigg, with a new series of his permanent tin art works on view when the Mali Heart Street Art Festival kicks off at Hoban Street, Watchem, on Friday afternoon. A community concert will take place at the Watchem church in the evening, featuring the Phil Para Band in the evening. Market stalls will fill Birchip’s streets from

9am to 1pm on Saturday, with a photographic exhibition at the Birchip Town Hall, Historical Society Museum exhibition and the Men’s shed on display. A ‘Welcome to Countr y Smoking Ceremony’ by traditional owners at 1pm will signal the commencement of sharing the rich and diverse history, legends and stories seeded in local folklore.

over the years, I also attended the Tourism Action Plan meeting on Tuesday 15th February. The most recent consultant Bernard Whewell followed a tired formula we have heard so many times before. On most Thursdays a group of us sit in the Queen Mary Gardens having coffee and a chat, we see the row of Caravans that stop. St. Arnaud is not their destination, they use our toilet amenities stretch their legs, grab a drink and continue on their journey. How do we tap into

this tourist potential? Change in our Town will always come from the commitment of the local residents. We need many more committed people in our town to step up with new ideas, to continue to make St. Arnaud a destination. Northern Grampians Shire support your rate paying residents, be interested in their projects and financially support them from the bottom up. Not employ outsiders who are blind to our real needs.

To the Editor

Resilience equals tourism Dear Editor, If this is the case then St. Arnaud should be the Halls Gap of the North. Do St Arnaud residents have resilience? They certainly do, the volunteers of any organization in St. Arnaud are the backbone of the Community. Most projects in this town are driven from the bottom up by a committed group or individuals who are inspired by the vision of seeing improvements which will benefit the whole town and not just Tourism. Prime examples of

wonderful projects which have been led by residents/groups are the Raillery Hub, Local Silo Art and Murals, Rotary and the Bike Trails, Love’s Cottage, Mining Trail and Historical Buildings publications which have been developed by the Historical Society. A current project being developed by Yvonne Postlethwaite and members of the Historical Society is a two staged project incorporating the Mining history of the Lord Nelson Mine, including a Poppet Head landmark with information board and a 2nd stage redevelopment at the Old Swimming Pool site including walking tracks and access to the

lookout above the caravan park. Here we have a project driven from the bottom up with endless hours of work gone into grant applications and information gathering. Then we have the Northern Grampians Shire Tourism Action Plan, the shire have engaged “consultants” based in Western Australia, who try to develop a concept of how to make St. Arnaud a tourist destination. Many of the residents in attendance at this meeting have lived in St Arnaud all their lives and certainly know what their town has to offer. I have participated in many, Northern Grampians Shire Workshops and Consultation meetings

Jane Sutherland St. Arnaud

Five new Art Walls will also be unveiled, with Birchip’s freshly updated streetscape transforming into an outdoor art and performance theatre filled with roving buskers, magicians, art workshops, caricature and outdoor games in the afternoon. The featured artists include Adrian Doyle, Heesco, Kaff-eine, Maja, Hayden Dewar, Nolij and SuPanSa. Art workshops for children with artist Catherine Bijker, and stencil art workshops with Blender Studios are offered to anyone wishing to try their hand at creating their own ‘work of art’. Art walls will also be painted by roving artists at several locations throughout the town, with street food and music entertainment provided at dining venues. This includes a wall at the Birchip Hotel to be painted by the artist known as Nolij, while a DJ is banging out some tunes. Children are invited to participate in a watercolour workshop conducted by artist, K ate Alexander at Watchem on Saturday morning. Kate’s latest

works will also be on exhibition. Watchem will host a town market and garage sale from 7am on Sunday, followed by the painting of the town’s small silos and the official launch of the Silo Art at Watchem, recognising local legends, Graeme Lang and Ian McCallum. “The Mali Heart Street Art Festival offers something for all ages and celebrates everything that connects people to this spectacular undulating patch of land in North Central Victoria, characterised by inland lakes interwoven with our iconic twisted Mallee scrub,” said Mayor Warren. A complete event schedule can be obtained by visiting Buloke Shire Council’s website www.buloke. vic.gov.au/mali-heartstreet-art-festival.

SUDOKU SOLUTION

Tougher penalties needed for farm trespass NEW penalties for farm trespass have been introduced in parliament last week but the National Party say that the amendment to the trespass laws does not go far enough. The amendment, Livestock Management Amendment (Animal Activism) Bill 2021 doubles the maximum penalty that can apply to activists who illegally invade farms. Member for Lowan Emma Kealy says it is crucial that farmers are protected against illegal and traumatic farm trespass crime. “Our farmers and their families need to be able to feel safe in their own homes,” Ms Kealy said. “Labor’s changes don’t go far enough to ensure that, which is why The Nationals moved amendments to double the maximum penalty that can apply to activists who illegally invade farms, bringing Victoria into line with other states. “These farms are far

more than businesses or even livelihoods, they are people’s homes.” The Nationals have also moved to fix problems in the legislation that would otherwise see farmer’s leased river frontage land excluded from protection by the laws. Ms Kealy said Parliament’s farm trespass inquiry exposed serious flaws in the current trespass laws and heard of terrible failures of justice. “In one instance an activist who illegally entered a farm in Yarragon before stealing livestock and threatening biosecurity was subsequently fined just $1. Where’s the deterrent or justice in that?” Ms Kealy said. “It’s only due to The Nationals that we now

have these laws before Parliament. But the penalties must be significantly increased so that our farmers aren’t forced to deal with extreme activists swarming into their homes. “There is simply no justification for why the penalties in Victoria should be significantly less than other states or why river frontage land should be excluded. “We must strengthen trespass laws to send a message to those who would go to any lengths to destroy the livelihood of hardworking Victorian farm families. “If the parliament can’t back the farmers who provide our food and fibre and manage much of our landscape, then it’s not doing its job.”

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NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY MARCH 2nd 2022 - Page 3

St. Arnaud 100 Years Ago - 24th Feb – 2nd March 1922 Farewell Well known residents Misses Alice and Addie Treacy were given a farewell by a large group of friends who presented the ladies with a wallet containing 25, £1 notes. Af ter running a hotel in Bealiba they moved to St. Arnaud eleven years ago and took over the Commonwealth Hotel with their sister Clara, now Mrs James Fay. Over the past few years Alice and Addie leased, then purchased the Union Hotel on the corner of Napier and Inkerman Streets. Due to the serious illness of their mother they have leased the

Union Hotel to Mr James Bernard Gurry of Geelong and are moving to Moonee Ponds.

Death Mr William Dick of Beazleys Bridge passed away on 28th February age 102 years. If he had lived another two days he would have made it to 103 as he was born on 2-3-1819 in Dundee. A long cortège left Walter Hall’s residence at Beazleys Bridge for the St. Arnaud cemetery on what would have been the old man’s 103rd birthday.

Court Mr Robert Harmsworth of Racecourse

Hotel was fined £4 for trafficking liquor on a Sunday and failing to have his lodger’s book entered up. Constable Thompson and Mounted Constable Hedger who rode out to the hotel on bicycles with no lights caught them. There were two people in the bar at the time; they were Mrs Harmsworth’s stepbrother Mr Passini [a boarder] and her 14year-old nephew. Mr George Jamison was fined £5 for being in charge of a horse and cart while drunk. Constable McPhee and Snr Constable tried to stop him speeding down Napier St at 9 pm, endangering the lives of several people.

Train was late The passenger train was three hours late leaving St. Arnaud due to an accident at the Wedderburn Station where an engine and one truck overturned.

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WHILE STOCKS LAST! Phone: 5495 3222

The Clock is back Residents are pleased to see the clock on the Post Office has been repaired and cleaned.

Fishing A monster cod weighing 32½ lbs, caught in the Avoca River by A Perry and J Tyson is on display at Crone’s butchery.

HACBS by A Dillon and H Ward 14 each.

Bowls St. Arnaud 97 defeated Wycheproof 38 at Wycheproof. The St. Arnaud teams were[1] Suggett, McKechnie, Lorimer and Williams –28. [2] Coupe, Dunstan, McNicol and Thureau –35. [3] Steward, Crone, Levick and Cook – 34.

Bush Fire

Cricket

A bush fire, which started last week is still burning fiercely and has spread to within four miles of Avoca, to within three miles of Lexton and across to Ampitheatre, an area of thirty miles. The ever-changing direction of the wind making it difficult to control the fire, which has destroyed over 100 miles of fences.

St. Arnaud & District Assoc. Moolerr 111 defeated Stuart Mill 80 with most runs for Moolerr by T R Ritchie 34 and O Lightbody 26 and for Stuart Mill by W Walsh 22 and J Erwin 18.

Sales

Amateur Assoc. Moolerr 71 defeated HACBS 62, with most runs for Moolerr by A J Burge 23 and A Cameron 17 and for

Mr John McLennon of Banyena holds a clearing sale as he has sold his property and is leaving the district. Mr A Jorgenson

- By Heather Pritchard holds clearing sale at Kooreh South. McKew Bros of Gooroc hold a clearing sale. Mr William Wright sells 20 acres with 4room W B house, stables, sheds etc on the Charlton Road ½ mile from St. Arnaud Mr John Martin sells 230 acres [known as Edward’s] at Gowar East, joining W and J Martin, opposite G Brown, D Robinson, and J Vallance.

Weather Very hot week. Rain during February 115 points

St. Arnaud 30 Years Ago ON Sunday 1st March 1992 the new war memorial situated in the Town Hall gardens was unveiled by Bruce Ruxton, State President of the RSL and dedicated by Father Bohan. The date was chosen, as it was the anniversary of the sinking of HMAS Perth in Sundra Strait in 1942 and the last RAAF flight out of Vietnam in 1972.

The memorial commemorates World War Two 1939-1945, Korea 1950-1953, Malaya 19481960, Borneo 1962 – 1966, Vietnam 1962 – 1973 and Gulf [Kuwait] 1991.

The names of those who lost their lives during W W 11 – Baldwin E W, Baldwin J E, Barker E B, Burrage J, Dimelow W B, Edelsten I, Edelsten G, Ellen A, Evans J, Giles W C, Golden T E, Groves H Mc, Hoye M T, Johns W H, Lester J, McDonald W H, McL eod J, Nancarrow J, Rothwell

- By Heather Pritchard L, Rowe W G, Simpson N, Smith M, Westerman R, Wilson J, Woodford K, Woods R W. and in Korea, Claxton E C. Two hundred people attended the dedication, which took place in pouring rain, the first rain for two months.

This week the Band travelled to Gre Gre Village in sweltering heat, where they raised £27-14-0

Mechanics Institute At the annual meeting, elections results were; President H J Mewkill, Vicepresident Rev F W Coupe, Secretary and Treasurer W G Williams. Membership had grown by 30 making 126 and revenue from the hall had also increased this year to £22-16-9.

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Above: At the unveiling of the new war memorial in St. Arnaud (left to right) St. Arnaud RSL Branch President Dave Canty, State Pesident RSL Bruce Ruxton and Max Torney, St. Arnaud Branch secretary.

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Page 4 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY MARCH 2nd 2022.

MOVES are afoot to improve gas heater safety in Victoria by setting a minimum servicing standard for Type A gas appliances such as stoves and cookers, heaters and hot water services. Minister for Energy, Environment and Climate Change Lily D’Ambrosio has opened a Regulatory Impact Statement (RIS) for consultation, which will determine the best approach for setting minimum standards for gas appliance servicing from 1st June 2022. In Victoria, there is currently no mandated

minimum standard for the servicing of gas appliances, particularly gas heaters. The mandated standard would reduce the risk to householders associated with ineffective servicing, including carbon monoxide poisoning. In 2018, a coronial inquest into the death of Ms Sonia Sofianopoulos recommended that AS

4575 be updated to include a carbon monoxide spillage test. This recommendation was delivered with a 2019 update. The government wants to ensure these standards are compulsory to put a stop to more preventable deaths. The move to mandate ser vicing standards is the latest measure to improve gas appliance safety in Victoria. New standards effectively ban new

open flued gas space heaters by ensuring that they are no longer certified from 1st January 2022, and laws introduced last year require safety checks for gas appliances installed in rental properties. Consultation on the RIS closes 22nd March and Victorian households, businesses and industry can provide feedback at engage. vic.gov.au/regulatoryimpact-statement-man date-australian-standard-4575.

OPINION by Peter Walsh, Leader of the Nationals

We need a positive plan to rebuild rural healthcare I can’t begin to understand the gut-wrenching panic of finding a loved one, unconscious, moments from their last breath, only to have desperate calls to Triple Zero go unanswered. But this is exactly the situation a regional Victorian family recently endured. Swan Hill man Alfred Edwards, 87, passed away after his family tried to get through to emergency services for forty min-

utes, powerlessly watching as their loved one slipped away. Victoria is in the midst of a healthcare crisis. It runs through our ambulance services, our hospital and healthcare workforce,

COVID Updates and Developments

and right through to rural GP clinics. The challenges of the pandemic and workforce isolation requirements on our hospitals have highlighted the serious problems in our health system that come after decades of neglect by the State L abor Government. Victoria has been the only state to impose a Code Brown on our hospitals. Blanket bans on elective surgery have robbed thousands of Victorians of the ability to be independent,

pain free and have a better quality of life. In rural communities, long delays to book in to see a GP or specialist and the frequent turnover of doctors is a story that’s all too common and that’s making sick people sicker. When people can’t get in to see their GP, potentially serious illnesses go undiagnosed and untreated meaning we’ll see more people coming through the public health system who are critically unwell. Daniel Andrews has

run Victoria’s health system as Premier or Health Minister for 11 of the last 15 years. In that time, he’s presided over years of underinvestment and a lack of proper planning and preparation which has left our healthcare system unable to stand up to the extra pressure of a global pandemic. Victoria’s healthcare crisis demands urgent attention. We need to recover and rebuild from the ground up. Only a Liberals and Nationals Government

will work with public and private healthcare workers and organisations to halve the elective surgery waitlist in our first term. We will provide better mental health services by making changes to government legislation and funding criteria that will mean an extra 4000 workers can offer mental health treatment to relieve high demand on the workforce following the pandemic. And for couples seeking to start a family, we’ve committed to never putting IVF on hold.

Regional Victorians deserve to have confidence their healthcare system is properly resourced to keep them well. This is never more important than in an emergency. Victorian lives depend on it.

Solution No. 10031 M O B V E Y D E E D S P R E R A W T A E N

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N D R A N G O D U S T E H R R U P S H E

E R O E N T O R C T I R N U G T I D L E N

Victorian statistics On Tuesday, there were 6,879 new cases up on the day before.Unfortunately, there were 18 deaths, all individuals were over the age of 70. There are 255 in hospital with 16 active cases in ICU including 5 on a ventilator and an additional 25 non-active cases still in ICU. There are nearly 42,000 active cases in Victoria.. There are 40 active cases in Northern Grampians Shire and 24 in Buloke Shire.

Test isolation payment closing The government’s payment to individuals who must isolate while awaiting the results of a COVID test will close on 9th March. The Test Isolation Payment was introduced to support workers to stay home from work and quarantine while waiting for the results of a PCR test. Now, Victorians can receive test results within minutes, with rapid antigen tests the recommended method of testing.

Novavax vaccine available Victorians aged 18 and over are now able to access the COVID-19 vaccine Novavax through selected state-run centres as well as GPs and pharmacies from last Monday. The Australian Technical Advisory Group on Immunisation recommends the Novavax vaccine be given in two doses at least three weeks apart. Novavax is not currently approved for use as a third dose or for children. It can be used with another approved COVID-19 vaccine as either a first or second dose.

Change to pandemic management The Minister for Health has appointed a panel of independent experts to provide oversight and advice as part of Australia’s most transparent and accountable pandemic management framework. The Independent Pandemic Management Advisory Committee (IPMAC) – formally established by the Minister for Health last week – will include members with knowledge and experience in fields such as public health, infectious diseases, primary care, emergency services, critical care, business, law and human rights. Multiple members will also represent the interests and needs of traditional owners and Aboriginal Victorians as well as other vulnerable communities, including those from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds. More than half of the Committee’s inaugural members are women.

New Zealand cases soar New Zealand has ended its self-isolation requirements for vaccinated travellers arriving from Australia, as the country’s COVID cases soar to among the highest in the world. From Wednesday, vaccinated travellers will no longer need to self-isolate but will still be required to undergo a Covid-19 test on arrival and on day five or six, prime minister Jacinda Ardern announced on Monday.

NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY MARCH 2nd 2022 - Page 5

Charlton 100 Years Ago: 25th February – 1st March 1922 Vale of Avoca Fifty horse stalls have recently been added to the stabling accommodation at the Vale of Avoca Hotel and extend for 250 feet around the three sides of a quadrangle. They are strongly built of Wedderburn timber, and securely roofed and ventilated, and each compartment is five feet in width. Two long water troughs are within the yard, and easily accessible for the thirsty teams travelling along the dusty summer roads. The woodwork was erected by Messrs Scandolera Bros and the roofing by Mr C. Rowlands, and the job is an admirable one, and strength and durability were evidently the essence of their contract. In our prophetic hearing the horses of next wheat carting sea-

By Charlton Golden Grains Museum son are neighing their approval of Mr Dwyer’s amiable forethought.

Fire Brigade A pleasing function lightened the proceedings at the last meeting of the Charlton Fire Brigade, when it devolved upon Captain J. J. Arundell, himself a holder of long service badges for 15 and 20 years, to present excaptain A. R. Jenkins, and brigadier P. Arundell with badges for long service and good conduct extending over 15 years. He referred to the recipients as good and efficient members, always ready to respond to the call of duty and join in any movement for the benefit of their brigade, whether in competitions or emergencies. The other holders of 15-year badges are ex-captain James Saffron and brigadiers

Above: Vale of Avoca in early 1920s. Charles Meggs and W. Williams. The medal is of silver with a coat of arms in red enamel and gold, showing quarterings of a crown, anchor, flag, and helmet, with the crest, a hand holding an axe. Around it is the legend, Countr y Fire Brigades Board, Victoria, set inside a laurel wreath, and beneath in blue enamel the words, “long service”, whilst the whole is surmounted by a fireman’s helmet and two branches, crossed.

Display of Stacks A Charlton Wheat Trophy

Above: Fire Brigade medal (owner unknown).

Over 199,000 bags of wheat have been received at Charlton from the farmers this season, and they make a brave show along the line. Huge piles of bags 22 feet in height, sloping to 19 feet, challenge admiration for the manner in which they have been bonded together and made to

stand four-square to the elements. They impress on with their solidity and conjectural market value, and convey unmistakable evidence of the wealth of the district and good farming. The largest stack is built of wheat received for the VPC Co-op Co. Ltd by Mr J. O’Brien, and consist of 48,500 bags and were constructed by Messrs Newman Bros, Williamstown, in a manner provocative of admiration. Other stacks received were by Mr Wingfield, Mr J. T. Dwyer, Mr F. Flynn, Mr W. A. McGuffie, Mr Charles Hando and Mr H. J. Jackson. The wheat this season passing through the town, represented at 5s per bushel, the nice little sum of close upon £150,000.

Charlton Turf Club A general meeting of the Turf Club was held on Monday at the Vale of Avoca Hotel. Present – Messrs R. M. Klunder (president), J. S. Bennett, H. J. Jackson, J. Egan, J.

Spain, J. Dwyer (secretary). The business was to receive a statement of receipts and expenditure in connection with the meeting held on Wednesday, 1st February. The Secretary stated that the special train had been run satisfactorily without any loss, and the deposit of £81 1s 2d refunded. As a matter of fact, the club had never lost a sixpence on special trains since its inauguration. A profit of £77 8s 3d was submitted. The President said it was pleasant to have a profit of £77 as contrasted with £40 on the wrong side of the ledger last year. The club should be able to reduce its overdraft of £114 to within a more reasonable amount, and he congratulated members on the satisfactory state of affairs. At the cookery examination held in December of last year, certificates were gained by the following students:- Annie Kennedy,

Hazel Morrison, Florence Edwards, Gladys James, Annie Paterson, Jean Feiss and Phyllis Dew. All licences issued by the Shire of Charlton to cowkeepers, dairymen and purveyors of milk expired on 31st December last. Fresh registration may be effected at the shire office. The new trustees of the Charlton racecourse recommended by the public meeting on Monday are Messrs Nelson Frahm, H. J. Jackson, J. T. Dwyer, J. Spain and J. S. Bennett.

Tennis – High School v Woosang On Thursday afternoon, 23rd inst, a team of four girls and four boys came in from Woosang school in charge of their teacher, Miss Stewart, to try their skill against the H.E.S. team in charge of Miss Hazlett. Miss Ruse, Mr Maxwell, Miss Stewart, Miss Wood and Mr Greening very kindly consented to umpire the matches, and a most

interesting set of games was played. The Woosang team has not been playing long, and they deserve great credit for their very fine performance. The Charlton girls played in their usual good style, and the boys, although they had had very little practice, showed that they were quite capable of “doing their bit”. The result of the match shows a win for Charlton H.E.S. by 8 sets to 2. Charlton players – H. Morrison, E. Curnow, D. O’Meara and L. Procter, F. Windsor, F. Robertson, E. Owen and C. Stewart. Woosang players – A. Edwards, G. Flatman, I. Edwards, E. Forsey, D. Edwards, H. Adams, J. Campbell and A. Adams.

Weather During February, at Charlton Post Office, 1 point of rain was recorded on 20th, 9 on 21st, 18 on 27th and 20 on 28th.

(Information from East Charlton Tribune)

World Day of Prayer THE theme of the World Day of Prayer acts as an invitation to put your trust in God in terms of suffering.

Above: Charlton Fire Brigade circa 1904 (left to right) Perce Arundell, Charlie Meggs, Harry Osler, Snowy Sutherland, Arthur Croker, Albert Jenkins.

Page 6 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY MARCH 2nd 2022.

The program is based on the letter that the prophet Jeremiah wrote to the exiles in Babylonia. The exiles were in a context of suffering, uncertainty, and opposing views of how to respond to the moment. The World Day of Prayer Committee says “that we come together today to hear the stories of women who feel excluded, listen to the fear of a child refugee and learn to see the context of a multi-ethnic, multi-cultural, and

Above: World Day of Prayer will be celebrated in St. Arnaud on 4th March. multi-faith society. “World Day of Payer as an international, inter-church organisation enables us to hear the thoughts of women from all parts of the world. “Their hopes, concerns and prayers, and is celebrated in over 170 countries” the

Committee says. The World Day of Prayer service will be held this year in the Anglican Church St Arnaud on Friday 4th March at 10am. The guest speaker will be Gloria Eccles, and morning tea will follow. All are welcome.

In The Paddock New cereal disease guide to help growers prevent grain loss GRAIN growers are urged to consider their disease management plans for their winter crops, using Agriculture Victoria’s 2022 Cereal Disease Guide. Produced with support from the Grains Research and Development Corporation (GRDC), the guide released

this week provides updated information on crop disease ratings and advice on how to reduce the risk from disease.

Week ending Thursday 24th February 2022.

Checking the latest cereal disease ratings is an important step for all grain growers when making plans for this season.

— By Glendon Hancock

AFTER two weeks of small losses the Australian wool market has recorded an overall increase this week, albeit by the smallest of margins. Originally the scheduled offering was to be 50,142 bales, by the end of the series the actual amount offered was 46,338 bales, due in part to the 3.6% of wool withdrawn prior to sale. The strongest buyer focus was centred on good style, low vm (less than 1.0% vegetable matter) wools, particularly those possessing favourable length and strength results. General overall increases in these wools was a driving factor in the overall positive movement in the market. Lesser style, higher vegetable matter lots and wools with poor additional measurements results were highly irregular, but generally easier. These wools accounted for many of the 13.0% of wools that were passed in.

Buyer demand for specialty Non-Mulesed types was again extreme for this series, intense bidding on these wools helped them to obtain premiums of upwards of 200 cents, when compared to similar Mulesed lots. The overall market movements across the week were minimal, this was reflected in the AWEX Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) which lost one cent on the first selling day, gained two on the second, then remained unchanged on the final day (In which only Melbourne was in operation). The end result of these movements was a one cent increases in the EMI, which closed at 1,421 cents. This week four separate lines of HILLCRESTON / BIGGA attained 1PP certi-

National Offering Centre North South South NZ West Total

Week 34 34 34 34

Days 1, 2, Mar. 1, 2, 3 Mar. 1, 2, 3 Mar 1, 2 Mar.

Offering 12,675 23,320 1,360 8,983 46,338

Future Offerings Week

8, 9, 10 Mar.

Source - AWEX

51,295

fication. 1PP certificates are issued to a select group of superfine wools annually that exhibit superlative quality, style and soundness and are prepared in the best possible manner. The approval criteria for 1PP certification is stringent and is carried out by a panel made up of industry participants with exceptional knowledge and experience in the area of superfine wools.

Melbourne Ind.

16.5 17 17.5 18 18.5 19 19.5 20 21 22 23 24 25 26 28 30 32 MC

1360

2701n 2457 2185 1933 1708 1554 1434 1352n 1313n

+1 +21 +12 +14 -3 +7 +2 -16 -4

734n 420 353n

-6 0 -2 +4 -2

996n

Agriculture Victoria Senior Research Scientist Dr Grant Hollaway said an example of a disease that will be important this season is stripe rust, which can cause significant yield losses in wheat. “There will be disease carry over on volunteer cereals growing over summer due to recent above average rainfall. “Due to the longrange dispersal of rust spores, even the green bridge in NSW will have implications for Victorian growers.” Dr Hollaway said because of the heightened risk posed by stripe rust this year, it will be important to remove volunteer cereals before the end of March and plant rust-resistant varieties of wheat when possible. “ We e n c o u r a g e growers to consider use of seed or fertiliser applied fungicides and monitor crops closely.” In planning for the increased risk from stripe rust, and other diseases, growers should review the disease ratings in the new cereal disease guide. Dr Hollaway advises that the disease ratings can identify which varieties are at risk from disease this year and require additional management during the season. “Another reason to check the new guide is because a variety’s

Above: Checking the latest cereal disease ratings is an important step for all grain growers when making plans for this season, such as, for stripe rust in wheat. rating can change. Therefore, changes in disease management may also be required.” Dr Hollaway recommends using the tablet-based app S t r i p e Ru s t W M , t o support in-crop fungicide decisions. The app is free for iPad and Android tablet users and can be downloaded from the Apple App or Google Play stores. The new disease ratings provided in the cereal disease guide are based on an understanding of the diseases present in Victoria and on data collected from plant pathologists working across Australia with support from the GRDC. The 2022 Cereal Disease Guide is available on the Agriculture Victoria website.

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

SPECIALISING IN THE SALE AND LEASE OF RURAL AND LIFESTYLE PROPERTIES THROUGHOUT THE WIMMERA AND SOUTHERN MALLEE AREAS. ENQUIRIES INVITED Contact: Bill Ower Real Estate 2 Jardwa Court, Horsham, 3400.

Phone 03 5382 3449 or 0428 504 395

NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY MARCH 2nd 2022 - Page 7

In The Paddock BCG Trials Review Day “invaluable” “BCG’s Trials Review Day was invaluable for me leading up to the growing season,” said Wycheproof grower and adviser Ben Brennan discussing BCG’s Trials Review Day held last Friday at the Birchip Leisure Centre. “The information on up-and-coming varieties, the latest research, hearing what worked and what didn’t last season and ways to combat these challenges was relevant and timely. It was certainly worth my time.” “The Getting the Crop in session with Tim Pohlner, Matt Bissett and Luke Maher was great. “Hearing these respected agronomists from across the Wimmera Mallee speak openly, particularly around the pre-emergent issues of last season and their advice moving forward was beneficial for me. The NVT barley and

wheat varieties presentation was also a highlight for Ben. “As an advisor I collect a lot of data and opinions about a variety before I recommend it to growers. “There is a lot of data in the NVT results. Having BCG’s lead NVT researcher Brooke Bennett deliver the results in such a simple summary was excellent” he said.

Grain storage Grain storage was also a topic of interest with Primar y Business’s grain storage expert Chris Warrick’s interactive presentation drawing

interest from the crowd. Chris encouraged attendees to commit to monitoring their grain regularly for insects as well as for temperature. “In warm conditions many grain pests can complete their lifecycle in as little as three to four weeks causing significant damage.

Above: Aaron Tonkin and Dave Tuppen discussing Goldacres’ Weedetect artificial technology at BCG's Trials Review Day.

“By monitoring for pests early and knowing how to identify which pest/s are present this can help growers detect problems early and manage them before significant grain damage occurs. “Early monitoring can also avoid surpris-

es and costly rejections on delivery,” Chris said. “Temperature is important. “Reducing the temperature through correct aeration can dramatically reduce pest numbers and make managing the pest an easier and

more effective task.” “Grain silo bags were also of interest with audience members asking how best to treat grain in this storage now that it is required by some bulk handlers for any grain delivered postharvest. “After treatment, grain in silo bags needs to be vented to ensure

residues are reduced to an acceptable level prior to delivery. “This can be challenging in a silo bag. “A phosphine clearance meter is the surest way to avoid residue rejections,” Chris concluded.

Networking Culgoa’s Georgie Warne said she never

misses Trials Review Day. “There is always something that I learn that I’m excited to try on farm. “I also really enjoy the social side, meeting new people and catching up. “I inevitably learn something at morning tea or lunch that further adds to the day.”

FOR SALE CEREAL PRODUCTION ENTERPRISE CHARLTON

BY EXPRESSIONS OF INTEREST E.O.I CLOSE 23rd MARCH 2022 at 3.30pm 966.86 Hectares equalling 2389 Acres Offering as a whole lot (Lot 1 - 2389 Ac ) or 2 lots (Lot 2 -1200 Ac) and (Lot 3 -1189 Ac)

Above: Grain storage expert Chris Warrick explained to BCG Trials Review Day attendees how to use a phosphine meter to ensure stored grain is fumigated and vented properly to avoid rejections at delivery.

Inclusive in the property sale: 6 Bay 24m X 48m hay sheds, 3 Bay 24m X 20m hay shed, Macey hay shed, 3 X 50 tonne grain silos, 2 X 10- tonne seed silos, 2 X 55 tonne fertiliser silos, 2 X machinery sheds/workshop, 1 X Barn, Shearing shed with attached sheep yards, (Lot 2)- 3 X 30,000 litre water tanks and troughs. (Lot 3)- 3 X 30,00 litre water tanks & troughs. Excellent arable country in well held district, well fenced, ideal soils for lentil and hay production.

Property has been well managed with proactive cereal production practices. TERMS: 10% deposit on signing, balance in 60 days. Working rights will apply upon deposit being received.

F. P. Nevins & Co. Real Estate PTY LTD Real Estate Agents, Auctioneers

Further Particulars: FP Nevins & Co Real Estate P/L 92 Brooke Street INGLEWOOD VIC 3517 Office: 03 5438 3041

James Nevins: 0407 302 900; Luke Nevins: 0418 510 166

Page 8 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY MARCH 2nd 2022.

National biosecurity strategy consultation draft released THE national biosecurity strategy consultation draft has been released for comment.

actions, implementation, and next steps.

This will be Australia’s first national biosecurity strategy and will set the direction for the future of the national biosecurity system. This strategy is for all Australians, and your input is important. The consultation draft captures views from stakeholders about how the biosecurity system needs to evolve.

Provide your views

It outlines a vision and purpose, priority areas and initial proposed actions. It also includes questions for stakeholders to consider when reading and providing comment on the consultation draft. Your input will help shape the final national biosecurity strategy – including further

To read the consultation draft and provide comment, visit the national biosecurity strategy Have Your Say page. Comments close at 5pm AEDT Friday 18th March. You can also contact the National Biosecurity Strategy Project Team at nationalbiosecuritystrategy@awe.gov.au.

Ukulele group tuning up for a fun year

World Vision ready to support children impacted by Ukraine crisis WORLD Vision has been gearing up and is ready to assist children affected by the crisis in Ukraine.

- Contributed

THE Ukulele group formed in September 2019 and meet in the Band Hall each Tuesday evening at 7pm. For a few, it was the first experience playing a ukulele, but the enthusiasm was there! Each person bought a ukulele, two ukulele song books, music stand and tuner. Early in 2020, with COVID restrictions, everyone could only practise at home. In 2021 it wasn’t much better, but the players all improved. We had one gig at the Uniting Church, a performance in Mulligan’s Music store and we played at the Carols by Candlelight in the gardens. The group enjoys playing a mix of old and new songs usually from the song books and we take it in turns to choose a song to play and sing. We often finish at 10pm.

Above and Below: Members of the Ukulele group concentrate on ‘getting it right’. Quite a work out, but always lots of laughs and good fun. We would like to encourage others to join the group and learn to play music in a relaxed, fun setting. Visit us on a Tuesday evening, currently in the Uniting Church and see what we do. We will also be participating in the Community Gathering in the Queen Mary Gardens on 19th March. Come and talk to us. For information Kathy Vallance ph: 0439 256 332 Helen Burns ph: 0402 642 371

The Australian charity and aid organisation is hugely concerned for the welfare of children, warning of the significant risks they face if the crisis escalates. If the situation deteriorates further, and humanitarian needs increase, World Vision says it will look to support people on the move and is ready to work with partners on the ground in Eastern Europe. World Vision Australia CEO Daniel Wordsworth said the world was sick and tired of brutes and bullies ruling the world and leading to situations like this. “It is heart-breaking that countless children will bear the brunt of this conflict, forced from their homes and schools as they flee in search of safety.” Daniel said World Vision was ready to support those affected, as the violence takes its toll on children’s physical and mental health, facing the loss of loved ones and destruction of homes. “We are deeply con-

cerned about the risk posed to the most vulnerable – children. “To this end, we are prepared and ready if a larger humanitarian response becomes necessary and we call on all sides to promote peace, as we pray for a solution to prevent a full-scale humanitarian crisis.” Daniel said the agency had helped 3.2 million people across its Middle East and Eastern Europe region last year with emergency response programmes, and it could call on this capacity to respond to the Ukraine crisis if needed. “We are supporting our office in Romania to be ready to respond, should children and their families be forcibly displaced from Ukraine and need emergency assistance,” he said. “The consequences for children affected by this conflict escalation are a huge concern to us. The focus here needs to be directed to protecting those most vulnerable to the escalation of this crisis - children.”

NO ONE’S UNSINKABLE To all those Unsinkable Guys out there – You might think it’s safe to have a few drinks around water, skip the lifejacket when you’re out on the boat or go for a swim without checking the conditions. But statistics prove that 4 out of 5 drownings are men. Just remember that no one’s unsinkable.

UNSINKABLE GUY

RETHINK

TAKING RISKS AROUND WATER

NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY MARCH 2nd 2022 - Page 9

WORKING FOR THERN THE NORTHERN GRAMPIANS ANS SHIRE GRAMPI THE NOR 211 Dana Street, Ballarat Central VIC 3350 P: 5332 2405 E: jaala.pulford@parliament.vic.gov.au Authorised by J Pulford, 211 Dana Street, Ballarat Central. Funded from Parliamentary budget.

MEETINGS

Vision St Arnaud Inc.

NOTE: CHANGE OF MEETING DATE

Monday March 21st, 2022, 5pm St Arnaud Community Resource Centre 85 Napier St. ALL WELCOME

Wednesday 9th March 2022 at the Catholic Church Meeting Room. Plus

AGM

TO ADVERTISE PH: 5495 1055 ST. ARNAUD SENIOR CITIZENS CLUB PRESENTS

VENESSA WAARA

OPEN DAY Sunday 6th March @ 10.00am Featuring the Ruston Hornsby Engines

Free admission Covid safe rules apply Supported by the Loddon Shire

CONCERT WILL COMMENCE AT 1.30pm on Monday 7th March in the rooms at Market Street ADMISSION $5.00 Includes AFTERNOON TEA Raffle tickets $1.00 Looking forward to seeing you all there!

St. Arnaud R.S.L. Women’s Auxiliary

Notice of

AGM 10th March at 1.30pm R.S.L. Hall

Lions Club of St. Arnaud

HAIRDRESSING SERVICES

EMPLOYMENT

EFTPOS available

AGM Monday 28th March 2022 7.30pm Kooreh Hall All Welcome Potential projects discussed.

St Arnaud Agricultural Society Wed. 23rd March 7.00pm Venue to be advised in later edition. All welcome

Charlton Women’s Day of Prayer Service Friday 4th March 10.00am

• Enrolled Nurse

Learmonth Street. Speaker: Sister Anne Cossar ALL WELCOME!

• Nurse Unit Manager • Registered Nurse

Further information is available at ewhs.org.au/employment.html

Instant Employment ID Photos taken at:-

North Central News 18 Napier Street, St. Arnaud. 3478. Phone: (03) 5495 1055

FRESH FLOWERS available at

Nicola Kirk Physiotherapist Over 15 years experience Open Mon to Fri

St. Arnaud Allsorts

Ph: 5495 1161

8 Nelson Parade ST. ARNAUD

89-93 Napier Street, St. Arnaud

0400 451 432 or 5495 1108

CANVAS & PANEL BOARD

St. Joseph’s Catholic Church

• Physiotherapist

Phone: 0410 066 244

KOOREH LANDCARE

• Associate Nurse Unit Manager • Food & Domestic Service Assistant

Sun 6th March 2022 Please leave newspapers on nature strip by 9am

9.00am - 5.00pm TUESDAY TO SATURDAY After hours by appointment Situated at the back of the St. Arnaud Health & Fitness Gym by entering Mewkill Court from McMahon Street. OVER 10 YEARS EXPERIENCE

WHATS ON

Job Opportunities

Paper Collection

FOR SALE

AGM

Page 10 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY MARCH 2nd 2022.

AT YOUR SERVICE

St. Arnaud & District Orchid Society Inc.

AGM

Wedderburn Historical Engine & Machinery Society Inc

WHATS ON

25% off

Solicitor 116 Napier St., St. Arnaud

all sizes

Practical, experienced advice in plain English

HEN PICKED CRAFTS

Appointments also available in Charlton, Donald & Wycheproof

96 Napier St, St. Arnaud.

Ph: 5495 2595

Ph: 5495 2888

Karen@klp.net.au

Don’t Forget

NCN Photos can be ordered

Call in or phone NCN on 5495 1055

KELL FUNERALS Est 1860

PRE PAID FUNERALS AVAILABLE

Ukulele Group 7pm Tuesday Dimelow Hall Uniting Church St. Arnaud Beginners and new players Contact Helen Burns Ph 0402 642 371

Rubber Stamps North Central News (03) 5495 1055

24 HOURS

Ph: 5495 1043

136 Napier Street St. Arnaud

NAFD Member

Birthday wishes to: March 2nd Damian Austerberry Dale Casey Kylie Hendy Anne McSwain March 3rd Abby Needs Diane Ostarcevic March 4th Chris Reid

March 5th Jess Baldock March 6th Amanda Moore Jake Male Sean McPhee March 7th Aaron Evans Sandra McIntyre Jack Tillig Dayne Reyne March 8th Scarlett Robinson

BIRTH

Anderson - Bodikian To Alexandra Anderson and Christopher Bodikian of Mount Eliza, a son,

Maxwell Anderson Bodikian 21st February 2022. A brother for Theodore (Teddy) and grandchild for Jim and Christobel Anderson of St. Arnaud.

Community Bendigo Bank grant assists Angling Club CHARLTON Community Bendigo Bank and the Bendigo Community Enterprise Foundation issued a Challenge Grant of $3,300 to Charlton Angling Club Inc toward a grant of $4,740 applied for last June to construct seating at the boat ramp in Charlton Park and to add a defibrillator box to the wall of the Angling Clubhouse in Charlton Park. This Challenge meant we had to raise $1,440 to receive the Challenge Grant which we did to receive the funding. With receiving the grant back in June 2021, we had many

issues with supply of the seats with Covid, and when the parcel of the two seats arrived, no bolt holes would line up to bolt the seat and top to the frames. A phone call and photos to the

GOODE, Audrey Mae Sheridan and Matthew Goode are excited to announce the safe arrival of their first child,

Audrey. She was born on Monday 21 February 2022 at St. John of God Hospital, Bendigo, weighing 3.566kg. Audrey is the first grandchild of Glenn & Andrea Johns of Bendigo, and John & Christine Goode of St. Arnaud.

BIRTHDAY

Happy Birthday Diane

Above: The new defibrillator box at the Angling Clubhouse in Charlton Park.

70TH BIRTHDAY

CHURCH NOTICES

Happy

ST. ARNAUD UNITING CHURCH

70th

You continue to brighten our day with your love, care and humour. We love you and some welcome you to the Senior Citizens group now that you have hit this significant milestone. Great to see that you have eased your way into your 60th birthday as part of the Triple Bowls Champions for 2022. We will be kind to you now that you are a senior member of the community. All our love Eddy, Claire and Angus.

What an outstanding achievement to be together for 7 decades and experience so much over your lives. Your legacy continues to grow as the number of great grand children increases.

Happy 21st birthday

Lots of love from Colin and Robyn, Neil and Jan, Helen and Greg, Diane and Eddy 8 Grandchildren and 12 Great Grandchildren

Wedding Anniversary to Peg and Bruce Coates.

Jake Male IN MEMORIAM JOHNS - Violet 03/03/1992 Forever missed, remembered always. Your loving Family.

CHURCH NOTICES ST. ARNAUD CHURCH OF CHRIST

Wishing you the best of everything. Love always Mum, Dad, Sophie, Sam Grandma and Pop. Xxx

Cnr. Queens Ave & Alma St. Celebrating faith in our Lord Thu 3rd March 10.30am: Faith Group Fri 4th March 10.00am: World Day of Prayer Sun 6th March 9.45 a.m.: Prayer time 10.30 a.m.: Worship & Communion Speaker: Stephen Greenall Enquiries: Brian Eccles Ph: 5495 2267

ST.ARNAUD Sunday 6th March 9.30am Worship Team “In lieu of Pancake Day, we are holding pancake morning tea to follow the service with a donation for Uniting”. PARISH OFFICE Chris & Rob Batters Pastorial Co-ordinators Enquiries 5495 6223

ANGLICAN PARISH OF ST. ARNAUD Ash Wednesday 2nd Mach 1pm CCOC St Arnaud Friday 4th March 9am CCOC St Arnaud Morning Prayer 10am CCOC St Arnaud World Day of Prayer Service 7pm St. David’s Bealiba World Day of Prayer Service Sunday 6th March 9.30am CCOC St. Arnaud The Rev’d Judi Bird Phone: 0439 757 278.

ANGLICAN PARISH OF CHARLTON/ DONALD Wednesday 2nd March St. Martin’s Charlton 5.00pm Ash Wednesday Service Friday 4th March St. Paul’s Birchip 5.00pm Holy Communion Sunday 6th March Holy Communion (all services) St. George’s Donald 11.00am St. Martin’s Charlton 1.00pm Holy Trinity Wedderburn 3.00pm Rev. Judi Bird Ph: 0435 593 359

- Contributed supplier ended up with new frames arriving, excuse was they changed their supplier. This time we got one seat completed and half the next one. Another call and more photos, this time two more pieces arrived, and the job was complete. We did intend to put a seat each side the boat ramp, but with safety in mind we didn’t put one on the right-hand side as the big gum tree has some dead timber in it and looked a bit dangerous to be sitting under. With our challenge grant now complete there is seating at the boat ramp for the community and passers by who may stop and

Above: Seating has at last been installed at the boat ramp for both community members and visitors. have lunch within Charlton Park, or some locals may even throw a line in to catch a fish and use the seats, the defibrillator is now on the wall of the Angling Club for public use if needed,

Wimmera Mallee Cricket Round 14 A Grade Jeffcott 157 def Marnoo 135 St. Arnaud 3/73 def. Wycheproof/Narraport 8/69 cc Donald 5/135 def. Birchip 9/132 Brim Kellalac Sheep Hills bye Ladder pts St. Arnaud 66 Jefcott 66 Brim Kellalac Sheep Hills 66 Donald 57 Birchip 36 Wyche/Narraport 21 Marnoo 18

B Grade Jeffcott 1/313cc def Watchem 6/213 Birchip 8/131cc def. Charlton 87 Brim Kellalac Sheep Hills 6/78 def. Southern Mallee Giants 10/75 St. Arnaud 3/115 def. St. Marys 111 Ladder pts Jeffcott 63 St. Mary’s 54 St. Arnaud 51 Birchip 51 Charlton 51 Southern Mallee Giants 33 Brim Kellalac Sheep Hills 18 Watchem 15

Darts is coming back

from sunrise to sunset there is always someone walking through the park around the river that may need this AED. We are proud that we were allocated this grant for us to assist in

making Charlton Park a more user friendly facility for the community. The Angling Club is thankful to the Bendigo Bank for the extension and being understanding.

St. Arnaud Country Club midweek pennant UNFORTUNATELY this is my last report for 2021/2022 Pennant Season without climbing - Contributed up the ladder. Better luck next season. At least we got the Wooden Spoon. We played our nearest rivals on the synthetic green in St. Arnaud. Heather Esmore’s team of Colleen Bond, Yvonne Templar and Yvonne Nevill were too good for Colin Marchment’s team of Thomas Amos, Lynette Arbuckle and Heather Stevenson winning by 4 shots 23/19. Trish Goode (S) Amanda Marland, Faye Rodger and Leigh Abbott were defeated by Phil McRae (S) Graham Simpson, Gary Shinners and Diane Ostarcevic 18/30. Rhonda Marchment (S) Rhonda Pole, Betty McDonald and Diane Fullarton were defeated by Maurie Wood, (S) Sandra McIntyre, Margaret McRae and Gary Smith 21/27.

PERSONAL CARING SERVICE -

LODDON Darts is having a team nomination meeting on Tuesday 8th March at Wedderburn bowling club at 7:30pm. by Robert Day We encourage all teams and any new players or teams to attend this meeting. Matches will hopefully start the following week. I would like to apologise for this season taking so long to get up and going but I contracted COVID19 and it has hit me pretty hard and I am only just getting back to some sort of normal life. We were meant to be having our AGM but committee has decided to postpone for a couple of weeks and just try and get darts back up and running. To anybody that has tried to call Robert Day on 0439 372 118 my phone did a hissy fit and I lost lots of voicemails and contacts, please feel free to contact me again and I should be able to answer this time around. Loddon Darts hopes to see all teams back and hopefully some new teams to start getting some community spirit back into our country region.

CHARLTON & DISTRICT — 5492 2547

NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY MARCH 2nd 2022 - Page 11

The Boyles’ Night Out A positive mid race move by driver Ryan Sanderson paid dividends for Charlton Harness Racing Club Life Members Janice and Mark Boyle when their 4yo “Yapper” won at Mildura last week. Janice, current CHRC Vice President and Race Day office secretary for over 40 years races the gelding with husband Mark who has served the Club on the committee for over 50 years since joining it as a 17yo. Trained by Mark, “Yapper” was having its first start for 6

months and has now recorded 2 wins and 5 placings from 12 lifetime starts. The weather conditions were less than ideal for the last three races at the Horsham Cup meeting on Sunday but that didn’t stop Ryan Sanderson driving his second winner for the week

Inside running by Archie

aboard the Kerr yn Manning trained “The Sportz Star” who was an easy winner of race 7.

Left: Janice and Mark Boyle with their cleverly named Mildura winner “Yapper”. The horses sire is “Tell It All”. Photo. Andrea O’Gorman.

Mixed tennis results at Birchip

Charlton Croquet Invitation Doubles

THE trip to Birchip on Saturday for the St. Arnaud Lawn Tennis teams returned one very close result and one comprehensive victory in hot and trying conditions. - Contributed. Thankfully for its ver y strong Men’s Doubles combinations St. Arnaud’s K ara Kara team was able to secure an overall win despite its loss in both the Ladies Doubles and Mixed Doubles sections. Birchip’s Wirrim Team Men’s Doubles players could manage to win a miserly 11 games, but its

Wo m e n’ s D o u b l e s players outshone Kara Kara to restrict it to just 18 games, while in the tightly contested Mixed Doubles honours were almost even with Wirrim managing a 4 games win. Overall, the result was a victory for Kara Kara 101 – 98 games (6-4 points) with three set winners Thomas

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Watts, Sam Male and Luke Jackson. St. Arnaud, intent on cementing its place in the finals, pulled out all stops against Birchip to gain a clear win 124-77 games (8-2 points). Again, it was the Men’s Doubles combination leading the way with a sterling 48-10 games win, but its Mixed Doubles teams contributed admirable for a 43-23 games win. Birchip proved stronger in the Ladies Doubles to record a 4433 games win. Three set winners for St. Arnaud were Stephen Rodger, John and Callum Goode, Jake Male and Don Erwin. The wins should consolidate both St. Arnaud teams in the NCLTA top four for the 2021-22 season. The final home and away round will be held next Saturday with return matches against the Birchip teams, this time on St. Arnaud’s lawn courts. Ladder Nullawil Kara Kara St. Arnaud Charlton Wirrim Birchip Donald

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CHARLTON Croquet Club held its annual Association Croquet Invitation Doubles on Saturday 26th February 2022. The weather was perfect and the lawns in good condition after the rain. We had entries from Kalimna Park (Horsham), Swan Hill, Boort and Charlton. Handicaps varied from -1.5 to the maximum of 20. There were some close games but also some not so close games. The winner was Lindsay Patullo, who won both his games and finished with 38 nett points, with Ian Potter from Boort also winning both his games but with 33 nett points. Association Croquet players will be playing their Club Championship this week and Golf Croquet continues with its Section Championships.

pts 89 77 64 53 44 42 21

Left: Lindsay Patullo winner with 38 points (left) and Ian Potter with 33 points.

St. Arnaud midweek pennant bowls ST. ARNAUD hosted Country Club in the last round of the Midweek Bowls. - Contributed Maurie Wood’s team played Rhonda Marchment’s team Some good bowls from Maurie’s team saw them have a handy lead at lunch time, but Rhonda’s team fought hard after lunch to come back, Maurie’s team steadied and went on to win 27/21. Phil McRae’s team played Trish Goode’s team. Both teams had first year bowlers playing as leads and it was good to

Page 12 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY MARCH 2nd 2022.

saw Dianne Ostarvic and Leigh Abbott both enjoying the game. Phil’s team went on to win 30/18. Col Marchment’s team played Heather Esmore’s team. Col and his team of Tom Amos, Lyn Arbuckle and Heather Stevenson have been very consistent for the year, but Heather’s team of Yvonne Nevill, Yvonne Templar and Colleen Bond combined well to break

Col’s winning run. St. Arnaud 19 to Country Club 23. Final scores St. Arnaud 76 shots 10 points to Country Club 62 shots 2 points. St. Arnaud finished 6th on the ladder equal with 5th placed Wedderburn, both on 100 points. The top four Korong Va l e , Wy c h e p r o o f , Boort and Donald Golf played in the semi finals held last Thursday with Boort and Wycheproof to play in the grand final on Tuesday.

St. Arnaud Indoor Bowling Club ANOTHER month of great bowling, it’s always great to meet each week. - Contributed We had some great bowling with the highest score of 47 points. Congratulation to all winners. Winners for the last three weeks are as follows. Winners 8th February 2022 Kay Smith S, Rex Salter, Bill Deanshaw with 47 Points Winners 15th February 2022 Jenni Drury S, Kay Smith with 43 points Winners 22nd February 2022 Aline Deanshaw S, Rolf Wacker, Win Battersby with 34 points.

Above: The North West Lighting Development Squad, hosted by the St. Arnaud Hockey Club.

St. Arnaud hosts North West Lightning Hockey event ON Sunday the St. Arnaud Hockey Club was lucky to host the North West Lightning Development Squad. These groups come from as far as Mildura for their training days and skills sessions. It was great to hear all the coaches give out their advice and ideas to the kids! North West Lightning was started in 2019 which saw the collaboration of Hockey Victoria and all the associations located in the North West quadrant of Victoria; Hockey

Central Vic, North Central HA, Sunraysia HA and Wimmera HA coming together to provide an elite pathway from under 13’s right through to Vic League 1 Mens and Women's. The collaboration brought with it junior development pathways to allow for greater hockey success in the region. It aims to provide all juniors within our associations an elite hockey pathway for development and ease the burden of everyone having to travel to Melbourne! The days are often spread out evenly between Bendigo,

St. Arnaud Depot: 16 Salisbury Road, St. Arnaud, Vic 3478

- Contributed Swan Hill and Mildura - but this time St. Arnaud was chosen for a new surface to train on and ease of location for the North Central Crew (northwestlightning.org.au). Many attended the day and supported the club, most importantly to help cater, cook the BBQ and organise the day. The club appreciated local businesses who provided supplies - Cooks Choice, Six2Six and Weir’s Supa IGA.

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NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY MARCH 2nd 2022 - Page 13

Piranhas take out the Wimmera District Championships 2022 THE Piranhas took to the pool for the last time this season on Saturday 26th of February 2022 for the Wimmera District Championships at Warracknabeal. - Contributed The Wi m m e r a Championships are like the grand final of swimming. Tw e n t y - t h r e e Piranhas competed in a highly contested meet. 8&U: Myah Carroll competed in the 50m free (2nd) and breast (2nd). 9-10: Sienna Carroll competed in the 50m free (2nd), back (3rd) and breast. Lewis Lowe competed in the 50m free (1st), fly (3rd), breast (2nd) and back (3rd). Finn Wilson competed in the 50m fly (1st), breast (3rd), back (2nd) and free. Duncan Kirk competed in the 50m free

(2nd), breast (1st), back (1st) and fly. Duncan was also awarded the 9-10 boys age group champion. 11-12: Declan Kay competed in the 100m free, fly and breast. Forbes Kirk competed in the 100m free (3rd), fly, breast, back and 200m IM (3rd). Archer Reyne competed in the 100m free, breast and back. Austin Lowe competed in the 100m free (1st), fly (1st), breast (3rd), back (1st) and 200m IM (3rd). Austin was also awarded the 11-12 boys age group champion. The Alan Williams Memorial Trophy for the 11-12 years back-

Above: Austin Lowe with the Alan Williams Memorial Trophy 12 years backstroke champion.

stroke champion went to Austin. Eliza Scarce competed in the 100m free and breast. Heidi Start competed in the 100m free (1st), fly (1st), breast (2nd), back (1st) and 200m IM (1st). Heidi was also awarded the 11-12 girls age group champion. 13-14: Tom Scarce competed in the 100m free (2nd), breast and back (2nd). Owen Lowe competed in the 100m free (1st), fly (1st), breast (2nd), back (1st) and 200m IM (1st). Owen was also awarded the 13-14 boys age group champion. 15-16: Jesse Amos competed in the 100m free (2nd), fly (2nd), breast (3rd), back (1st), 200m IM (1st) and Open 200m IM (2nd). Keegan Amos competed in the 100m free, breast (3rd) and 200m IM. Ebony Start competed in the 100m free (1st), fly (1st), breast (1st), back (1st), 200m IM (2nd) and Open 200m IM (1st). Ebony was also awarded the 15-16 girls age group champion. 17&O: Imogen Amos competed in the 50m free, breast and back. Leanne Burke competed in the 50m free, fly, breast (3rd), back and 200m IM (2nd). Belinda Burke competed in the 50m free, breast and back. Sophie Male competed in the 50m free and breast.

Jodie Perkins competed in the 50m free (2nd), fly (3rd), breast (2nd), back (2nd) and 100m free (3rd). Riley Burke competed in the 50m free (2nd), fly (2nd), breast (3rd) and back (3rd). Jordan Start competed in the 50m free (1st), fly (1st), breast (1st), back (1st), Open 100m free (1st), Open 100m fly (1st), Open 100m breast (1st), Open 100m back (1st), 200m IM (1st), Open 200m IM (1st), Open 200m breast (1st) Open 200m free (1st) and Open 400m free (1st). Jordan was also awarded the 17&O boys age group champion and the Open age group champion. The Rose Bowl for the highest individual aggregate went to Jordan. The Shane Hauesler Perpetual Trophy for the men’s open 400m freestyle went to Jordan.

Above: Club President Scott Wilson (centre) with Club Captains Jordan and Ebony with the Barrow Shield for the standardised club aggregate for the Wimmera District Championships.

Relays 14&u free relay with Owen, Heidi, Tom, and Austin came 1st. 10&u free relay with Finn, Sienna, Lewis, and Duncan came 1st. 16&u free relay with Jesse, Keegan, Ebony, and Owen came 1st. 12&u free relay with Forbes, Archer, Eliza, and Austin came 1st. Open A free relay with Riley, Leanne, Jodie, and Jordan came 1st. Open B free relay with Sophie, Belinda, Imogen, and Jesse came 5th. 16&u medley relay with Tom,

Above: A great 10&u relay team coming 1st with (left to right) Lewis Lowe, Finn Wilson, Duncan Kirk and Sienna Carroll. Keegan, Jesse, and Ebony came 1st. 12&u A medley relay with Austin, Eliza, Heidi, and Finn came 1st. 12&u B medley relay with Forbes, Duncan, Archer, and Declan came 6th. Open A medley relay with Belinda, Riley, Jordan, and Jodie came 1st. Open B medley relay with Owen, Imogen, Leanne, and

Sophie came 3rd. To complete such a successful day the St Arnaud Piranhas were awarded the Barrow Shield for the standardised club aggregate for the Wimmera District Championships of which we haven’t won since the 2008/2009 season. Piranhas travelled home with 43 gold, 21 silver, 15 bronze, 32

PB’s and 6 age group champions. Most importantly an amazing team effort from everyone. Coach Nicole said it perfectly by saying “It didn’t matter if you came first or last, we were all part of an amazing team that stuck by each other all season”. Congratulations all on an outstanding and big day in the pool.

Above: Piranhas age group champions from the Wimmera District are (left to right): Owen Lowe, Jordan Start, Duncan Kirk, Heidi Start , Ebony Start and Austin Lowe.

Page 14 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY MARCH 2nd 2022.

Above: First and third in the last race of the season the open medley relay left to right back: Jodie Perkins, Belinda Burke, Leanne Burke, Owen Lowe, Sophie Male, Imogen Amos. Front Jordan Start and Riley Burke. Left: Team Piranhas for the last meet of the season with all their medals around their neck.

St. Arnaud bowlers premiers again • From page 16. At this stage, St. Arnaud’s Glendon Hancock, Maurie Wood, Darren Shepherd and Terr y McSwain were leading the way, 15 shots to 4 shots up on George Coatsworth’s team. The St. Arnaud team, well skipped by Glendon Hancock, fought off a strong comeback by the Wyche team to record a very solid 14 shot win. The match was in the balance at 15 ends with Wycheproof trailing by just 2 shots overall. However, Allan Jackson, Ashley Dyke, Col Marchment and Tom Amos, struggling and 5 shots down at the break against Brett MacDonald’s team, really came to life after the break. Led by an animated and verbally enthusiastic skipper, Allan Jackson, this four outscored the Wyche boys 22 shots to just 3 shots over the vital last 10 ends, for a match winning 16 shot win, producing some great bowls, much enjoyed by the quite large crowd of spectators. The only bright spot for Wycheproof was the come-from-behind

efforts of Eric Raye’s team. St. Arnaud’s Phil McRae, Graham Simpson, Kerryn Dyke and Greg McNally started well and went to a 7 shot lead after 7 ends. However Wycheproof fought back well and turned this deficit into a 14 shot win. But this was not enough to offset the 14 shot and 16 shot winning margins of the other two St. Arnaud fours.

Right: St. Arnaud Bowling Club President Sandra McIntyre with the Premiership Shield and plaque, presented by Pam Rollinson, Wimmera Bowls Region Chairperson, and Lance Stanfield North Central Match Committee representative.

Final results:G. Hancock 27 def G. Coatsworth 13 A. Jackson 34 def B. MacDonald 18 P. McRae 19 lost to E. Raye 33 St. Arnaud 80 shots defeated Wycheproof 64 shots.

Division two Wycheproof wins Division two premiership All was not lost for Wycheproof at this season’s grand final. The Wycheproof Division 2 team won a hard-fought premiership over Donald Golf by 7 shots. Wycheproof won 2 of the 3 rinks for a 65 shots to 58 shots premiership win.

Above: Wycheproof North Central Bowls Division Two Premiers 2021-22. (Left to right) Steve Barratt, Reg Pollard, Betty Taylor, Peter Coles, Lorraine Milburn, Ross Coles, Jeannie Grylls, Paul Connolly, Allan Wallace, Donald Denney, Grant Allan & Rex Tierney.

Donald Basketball is back BASKETBALL for all abilities program is on again at the fantastic Donald Community Precinct. - by Rhonda Allen The Donald Amateur Basketball Association is once again facilitating the 4 week program which is open to anyone who wants to have some fun playing indoor basketball Students from Donald High School will be attending for the four weeks to assist and buddy up with the participants during each session. The participants are very keen and enthusiastic and enjoy meeting their new friends each week. The session commenced with a warm up, ball drills, dribbling, shooting goals and hand control of the ball

Above: One of the North Central premiership medallions, presented for the first time by the Wimmera Region. Below: Phil McRae St. Arnaud surveys the head during last Saturday’s grand final

drills followed by a modified game. There was plenty of energy burned during the session. Each session staff and clients from McCallum Day Services-St. Arnaud and WoodbineWarracknabeal plus other community members will attend to enjoy the opportunity to play basketball. With three sessions to go, there will be plenty more fun to be had in participating in physical activity for the better of their health and wellbeing.

Below: Participant Peter Ryan (left) shooting hoops with some of the Donald High School students.

Above: St. Arnaud’s Ashley Dyke sends down a bowl during last Saturday’s grandfinal against Wycheproof.

NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY MARCH 2nd 2022 - Page 15

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Page 16 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY MARCH 2nd 2022.

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We are the champions Right: Players are proudly wearing their premiership medallions presented for the first time for the North Central premiers in the Wimmera Region. The St. Arnaud Division One bowls team North Central Premiers 2021-22 (left to right) Graham Simpson, Greg McNally, Maurie Wood, Col. Marchment, Terry McSwain, Allan Jackson, Tom Amos, Kerryn Dyke, Darren Shepherd, Glendon Hancock, Phil McRae, Ashley Dyke. Front – St. Arnaud Bowling Club president Sandra McIntyre with the Cec Arbuckle Premiership Shield, and premiership plaque.

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A repeat of last season’s Grand Final saw St. Arnaud Division 1 Pennant bowlers the North Central premiers for season 2021-22. They managed to retain the Cec Arbuckle Memorial Shield for the second successive season with a 16 shot win over Wycheproof in last Saturday’s grand final at Wedderburn. Conditions were great, and Wedderburn received, and deserved high praise for the high standard of the greens and for the way they conducted all other aspects of the grand final.

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- Contributed Committee representative Lance Stanfield, welcomed and congratulated the finalists and wished them good bowling. They expressed their appreciation of the great presentation of the Wedderburn facilities.

Good start by St. Arnaud. St. Arnaud had a 12 shot lead over Wycheproof after the first five ends, but this had been reduced to 5 shots by the afternoon tea-break.

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