29th November 2023

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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.

WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 29th 2023.

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

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Farmer says hay was just too good A haystack in Beazleys Bridge owned by Ken and Susan Jackson caught fire on Thursday last 23rd November and destroyed the lot of 4,500 vetch bales and the shed they were stored in.

The land is cleared around the shed so there was no threat to other outbuildings.

Ken is scratching his head to know why this occurred the next day when approached by North Central News.

“I do not know why this has happened” Ken said.

“I was very confident that we would be alright so I do not know what happened.

“The bailers have moisture meters

on them and I was very confident that they would be fine.

“I can only assume that maybe the sugar content was high.

“I guess the hay was just too good” Ken said ironically.

Ken said that the CFA are probably going to bring in an excavator on Sunday to try and extinguish the last of the smoldering haybales.

“I am probably the only farmer that is today thankful for the rain” he said on Friday.

Above: The Energy Breakthrough in full swing last weekend.

- Source facebook

Energy Breakthrough is rain and shine for all The Energy Breakthrough in Maryborough is not just a once-a-year event as School groups work throughout the year to design, build and test machines within detailed specifications.

Last week’s on-track trials were the culmination of a team’s efforts in Design and Construction, Display and Presentation.

St. Arnaud Primary School Team 2 (#6) was the overall winner in the Yunkyard Challenge and Team 1 (#5) was runner-up.

Congratulations to all those involved.

- See story and more pics page 6.

CPR machine unveiled at Charlton Ambulance Open Day CHARLTON Ambulance held their Open Day last weekend where about 50 people attended to see the unveiling of the new machine, Corpuls CPR, which called for quite a celebration in the Charlton community.

The new Ambulance facilities were admired and it gave the community a chance to view the insides without needing to be a patient.

The Lions Club ran a BBQ to add to the day’s events.

The Corpuls CPR It can become quite tiring performing CPR for any length of time, and a machine that can undertake this function without effort is quite an advantage for any community, and particularly valuable for a small and largely remote community.

There are a multitude of benefits from the Corpuls CPR and Charlton will have one in the Ambulance on every occasion that CPR is required.

This machine can relieve an Ambulance officer so that if he/she is on their own they can resume driving.

Peter Watts from the Lions Club said that the machine is costly, about $20,000, but that Charlton was fortunate in having the Lions Club of Australia donate about half of the amount and the remainder was found from Charlton Neighbourhood House and the Charlton Hospital Auxiliary and Op Shop.

“We hope that it doesn’t get used.

“But if it does and it saves just one life, then it will be worth it” Peter said.

Above: (left to right) Peter Watts Lions Club, Val Bourke Friends of EWHS Charlton Hospital, Gill Gretgrix Charlton Op Shop, Bruce Hudson Lions Club, Jamie Jones Team Manager Charlton Ambulance Branch, David Pollard Ambulance Community Officer, April Start Ambulance Community Officer.

- More pics page 9.

Editorial Greater scrutiny is coming for Local Government Councils Currently there are a number of mechanisms to scrutinize Local Councils and all of them seem to work to some degree from Local Government Investigations and Compliance Inspectorate, which investigates concerns related to council operations, including electoral and conflict of interest provisions; The Ombudsman Victoria who investigates complaints about actions, decisions or conduct of public bodies, including council; and the Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Commission (IBAC) which investigates complaints relating to corruption and misconduct in public public bodies including councils.

However, the Victorian Ombudsman Deborah Glass, in her annual report, declared Casey, Hume, Merri-bek (formerly Moreland), Whittlesea and Darebin as the watchdog’s “most complained-about councils in the 2021-22 financial year with disputes over rates and fines, dissatisfaction with councillors’ decisions, waste bins going uncollected, the conduct of council staff, crumbling community facilities and complaints over potholes”. Ms Glass’ workload is enormous and perhaps there is another more innovative manner to scrutinize a council.

The use of a Citizens’ Jury, or panels, are being used increasingly in Victoria. They involve everyday people in the process of government decision-making and have increasingly become recognised for their capacity to deliver outcomes that are trusted by the broader community. The success of the jury model is based on the premise that if the public knows that a representative group A of their fellow citizens have reached a consensus around a decision, they immediately have more trust in the decision than if it were made solely by someone in elected office or the public service.

F Citizens’ Juries improve both understanding and E decision-making on the issue at hand.

Recently we noticed that the Geelong Citizen Jury report handed down in January 2017 included a more descriptive adjective for ‘community engagement’ that they recommended be used by the Geelong Council, that they believed would enhance the range of community engagement C undertaken by their council.

Any phrase such as ‘community engagement’ has different meanings for different people but the ‘jury’ C considering the situation in Geelong believed that a more definitive word needed to be used to more accurately achieve true community engagement.

They added ‘diverse’ to community engagement.

This struck us as particularly important as recently we heard the Mayor of Northern Grampians Shire Council reiterating that the new process for where the pre-prep modular buildings will be located would entail “community engagement with key stakeholders”. Mr. Mayor, we would like to draw your attention to the fact that these very words were those that DID NOT actually include all the stakeholders involved in the previous decision to locate the kinder buildings in Market Square carpark.

Key stakeholders can mean many things. In this case it could, because they are key, largely involve only parents of pre-school children, however, if the community engagement is diverse then it will include all those that have an interest in St. Arnaud both as a town and its development but how it looks andD functions as well.

We hope that ‘diverse community engagement’ will be undertaken for this decision. Greater scrutiny on local councils will soon discover that ‘key stakeholders’ does not necessary include all those ‘diverse’ stakeholders that should be involved in decision making.

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.

To the Editor

Shame, Councillors, Shame!

Dear Editor, It is a great outcome for St. Arnaud that Market Square will be retained as a central gathering point.

It was pleasing to see the requirement for future community consultation and engagement (perhaps add to that “communication”) raised again by Martha Haylett, Member for Ripon, and in the NCN editorial (NCN 22 /11).

However, the decision by Council raises more questions than it answers!

Moreover, the way this “about face” by Council was delivered at its Unscheduled Council Meeting (noticeably not held in St. Arnaud?) shows the weak underbelly of Council.

“O” yes, it’s been discovered the site is unsuitable due to flood impact, and “O” yes, we can blame our original decision on the tight establishment timelines required by the Victorian Schools Qld Building Authority.

4217 But where was the fulsome apology for the division hurt occa1 800 and 652 284 sioned on the St. Arnaud community, or the countless hours and expense expended by many to “right a wrong”?

Cr Dempsey rightly expressed at the Council Ted Whillier Meeting (04/09/23) that she was “really disappointed the way it Matt Trickey (“Council’s Decision”) has divided the community, and a lot of hostility people have been subjected to” and listed a raft of unsavoury repercussions, even amongst families, resulting.

For months Councillors have been aware of the impact its hasty decision has had on the St. Arnaud Community but NOT ONE acknowledged that impact when recoiling from plonking the building in Market Square…not one had the guts to stand and deliver that acknowledgement and offer a genuine apology to the St. Arnaud community that “the Council had got it wrong”!

Not even a Mayoral statement.

Crisis leadership requires one to “own a problem, apologise and do your penance”.

We know being a Councillor can be a tough gig at times, but in this instance the

Page 2 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 29th 2023.

response was spineless.

Shame, Councillors, shame!

“Slip slidin’ away” sung by Paul Simon is an appropriate way to describe Council’s slithering out of its unholy dilemma by pulling out the “flood” plug to justify its decision.

With the “St. Arnaud Flood Study Report” completed in August 2022 with its colourful displays of flood levels and emblazoned with a cover photo of gushing flood waters in the vicinity of Market Square on its front cover, who would have “thunk” that this wasn’t raised as an issue before Council’s ill-fated decision months later to plonk a prefabricated building in the square?

Yet, in all the officers’ reports presented at Council Meetings, not a mention of that possibility.

Many other Consultant reports impinging on the use of Market Square such as the “Market Square Master Plan”, heritage and town planning reports, or the need for traffic management planning barely rate a mention in the reports presented or were simply “waved” away.

The sole focus of the reports was on establishing the Pre-Prep building and smacks of a “silo” view as opposed to a “corporate” view of the project by officers which would have highlighted the flooding Qld Aissue, and 4217many other issues, before the original decision was made.

1 800 652 284 F It is my hope that Councillors and officers E will debrief in an honest roundtable to understand how they got it so wrong so that such careless decision making Ted Whillier • Cont. next page.

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

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

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No. 10116

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ACROSS 3 Exclude 9 Like better 10 Photographic apparatus 11 Classifies 12 Worshipped 15 Danger 18 Showing veneration 21 Adults 22 Nuisance 23 Most unctuous 25 Large­billed bird 27 Longings 29 Honey drink 31 Make lace 32 Guarded against attack 35 Replenish 37 Whole 38 Representative 40 Chant 41 Town on Eyre Peninsula 42 Finished

DOWN 1 Weapon 2 Take away 3 Army quitter 4 Wear away 5 Perform 6 Coarse file 7 Temperature unit 8 Tumble 13 Decrease fullness of 14 Reprieve 16 Distinguished 17 One with special advantage 19 Clamour 20 Facial twitch 24 Mourned 26 Was ahead 28 Reason 30 Farewells 33 Receiver of stolen goods 34 Retard 35 Attack 36 Decline in power 39 Necessary information

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70 Woods Street, Donald — 5497 1211 See this week’s solution on page 8.

To the Editor • From page 2. (as with the Bowen Street shanty development) is avoided in the past when dealing with major community projects.

Issues Some issues would include: • How, why and by whom, was the Council “led down the garden path” away from its original acceptance by the VBSA and the Council Executive of the Primary School site in December 2022?

• Was the “Easter Egg hunt” a suitable method of community consultation? (The answer is “No”).

What should have been the next step in community engagement and communication?

• What strategic improvements are needed in fact gathering by officers so that when Council makes a major decision it has “all its ducks in a row”, to avoid ill-informed decisions?

• How can Council match its “Transparency Policy” words with genuine and meaningful revelation as those trying to obtain any information were met with obfuscation, or simply no response.

• How might Councillors be encouraged to ask more pertinent questions of staff before making decisions? (the original

decision was merely a “rubber stamping”)

Where to?

So, we are “back to square one”!

Had the Council proceeded with the Primary School site in February this year the Pre-Prep program would undoubtedly be up and running in the new modular building by the start of Term 1, 2024, subject to staff recruitment.

It has cost this community, division.

It has lost this community 12 months of planning.

It has denied early access to Pre-Prep education for the children.

Now is the time for urgent action.

Councillor Ostarcevic’s motion (13/11/23) included “locates the Pre-Prep modular building within a site that is suitable.”

The Pre-Prep building is being funded by the State Government and, according to Council, it can be temporarily located (as for Market Square) while a fully integrated Early Learning Centre incorporating Day Care can be established.

Presumably, if it temporary, it can be repositioned later at State Government expense given, apparently, the VSBA is so sympathetic to Council’s wishes, according to Cr. Ostarcevic.

I put it to Council that the Primary School site was considered suitable in December last year and does not require rezoning.

To avoid another hasty decision for the siting of a permanent integrated ELC and to expedite the Pre-Prep program for the children surely the next move is to proceed with that location in the interim …as Martha Haylett says, “St Arnaud families are counting on it”.

Having made the fatal mistake that Market Square was suitable for the Pre-Prep building, Council is now keen to make sure that future Councils do not make the same mistake, and respect the Community’s wishes to retain the area for its original and present purpose.

Perhaps, it might take a leaf out of Avoca townships book, replace the fencing with attractive fencing / land- scaping and sign both ends with “Market Square.

Established c1860”.

Might frighten off future Councils tempted.

EV charging station Finally, if it is proposed that the new EV charging station intrude into a residential street, might not it be more appropriate to locate it at the Market Street end of the Market Square car park where, with the

time required to charge, there is toilet facilities, shade and BBQ, playground, a drinker nearby and avoid the need for families to cross a road(s). Sounds about right to me!

Stephen Greenall St. Arnaud.

Financial Counselling Victoria Dear Editor, Calls to the debt helpline in Victoria have surged by 47 percent, laying bare the harsh reality of the cost-of-living crisis created by Labor.

Financial Counselling Victoria, dedicated to helping those in financial distress, has been forced to seek support from The Nationals state MPs, as their pleas for assistance continue to be ignored by the incompetent Allan Labor Government.

The organisation is in desperate need of additional government funding to address its rapidly growing waitlist.

Qualified counsellors, who provide free, non-judgmental advice, are portrayed as the last line of defence for those drowning in debt.

The escalating demand for financial assistance alarmingly

mirrors the challenging financial circumstances confronting many Victorians.

Families that were once self-reliant are now finding it difficult to afford necessities such as food.

Many must now choose between paying for housing, bills or groceries.

Even with 310 financial counsellors statewide, wait times now exceed eight weeks, and in some regions, counsellors are having to turn away desperate individuals seeking assistance as they just don’t have capacity.

The Allan Labor Government's inaction on the cost-of-living crisis in Victoria is glaring.

Premier Jacinta Allan must take responsibility and ensure that support is accessible for Victorians grappling with the consequences of the cost-of-living crisis her government has constructed.

This is just another reminder that Premier Allan can’t manage money, can’t manage projects and she certainly can’t manage to ensure desperate Victorians have the financial support they need, when they need it.

Sincerely, Emma Kealy Member for Lowan Deputy Leader of The Nationals.

Wallaloo East Road bridge to get upgrade NORTHERN Grampians Shire Council (NGSC) will receive funding from the Federal Government to improve the safety and efficiency of the local road network in the Wimmera.

An amount of $370,000 will be received towards to replace Wallaloo East Road bridge.

The Bridge redesign will include strengthening and pavement works, widening the bridge to accommodate two-way traffic, realigning the road, and installing guardrails.

It is one of 11 projects sharing in over $41 million, under the latest round of Bridges Renewal Program funding.

Upgrades to bridges will stretch across Australia’s rural and regional communities, from Cloncurry in Queensland, Young in NSW, Wallaloo in Victoria,

and Indigo Valley in Western Australia – as part of the $85 million per year program.

Single-lane timber bridges will be replaced with double-lane concrete structures, which will be safer and more durable.

The upgraded bridges will increase heavy load capability, improve pedestrian access, and be more resilient to flooding events – ensuring vital community access points remain open. For more information on the Bridges Renewal Program, visit: https://investment.infra structure.gov.au/about/l ocal-initiatives/bridgesrenewal-program.aspx.

St Arnaud Community Update Standpipe relocation Planning approvals for the relocation of the standpipe have now been received and the contract has been awarded to Halls Gap Plumbing for installation of the pipework that will run to the new standpipe location.

The standpipe should be fully operational by early next year.

Pressure improvements Approvals have been received to replace the Bowen Street main. The next step is to award a contractor for the works. We expect these works to be completed by mid-2024.

Further opportunities to improve pressure in St Arnaud will also be considered once works are completed to relocate the standpipe. !"#$"%&'()# !"#$%&'(#)*++#&+$('#5 pm Friday 22 December 2023, and reopen 8 am Tuesday 2 January 2024.

Customers can pay their water accounts during this time at any ,!(-".+*.#/$(-# %&'#$!-+'-(#$"#0*.#1/.23 4$"#5*%&!+-*'(#.65#7.!+-(8#9+'.('#&.++#!(#$6#1800 188 586 any time.

GWMWater wishes all our customers a happy and safe festive season!

NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 29th 2023 - Page 3

Yes, it is Christmas and Red Star promotion around the corner THIS year is the year of the cash - $1,000 for the winner of the Red Star sale days, sponsored again by North Central News.

All you have to do is purchase something of value from participating stores (to be announced in next week’s North Central News), complete a Red Star voucher and you will go into the draw for the cash.

The promotion will run from Wednesday 6th to Saturday 12 noon 9th December.

The winner will be announced at the afterprocession entertain-

ment on Friday 15th December.

Participating stores will have some great specials again this year to help you with your Christmas shopping.

AND … the Golden Ticket

promotion Each participating business runs their own offers for Golden Ticket holders, and tickets can be pur-

chased for $20 at many of the participating businesses.

You only need one ticket, then you can present that ticket at any of the participating businesses to unlock their offer.

Golden tickets can be presented each time you shop, check each individual business for their terms.

Your once-off $20 will go directly into the tally total and the more

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Golden Tickets sold the higher the prize will be.

The Golden Ticket prize will be in the form of a St. Arnaud shopping voucher.

The Golden Ticket will be announced also

Participating businesses are:

Kitchen, Pure Bliss, The Shire Café, The Royal Hotel, Taylors Auto Electrical, Tom's Small Engines, Zyia Active Wear and Just a Whim.

Betta Home Living, Trendz on Napier, Elma Park, Ramjac, Russ Studio Jewellers, Greentime Nursery, Physiobiz Fitness, St. Arnaud Physiotherapy Centre, Country

Any businesses not yet involved in the Golden Ticket promotion, can join in at any time by dropping into Betta Home, Elma Park, Ramjac, Trendz or Russ Studios.

at the after-procession entertainment on Friday 15th December.

Late night shopping To be more accessible during the busy shopping season, late night shopping on a Friday evening until 7pm is being trialled, with several local businesses partaking (not just those in the Golden Ticket promotion) in the extended trading in the lead up to Christmas.

Council’s Multicultural Action Plan on show with inaugural multicultural event THE diversity in the Northern Grampians Shire continues to grow and with it comes many benefits to the community.

Job vacancies are filled, creativity and innovation increase, and we have access to new and diverse cultures.

Along with the benefits to our community, come vulnerabilities for some of our multicultural residents experiencing language barriers and uncertainty as to the services available to them and finding it difficult to make connections in the broader community.

Northern Grampians Shire Council (NGSC) has established a part-time multicultural officer position to develop and

implement a Multicultural Action Plan (MAP) to support the region’s growing multicultural population.

The MAP aims to build a more cohesive and vibrant community of people who feel welcome and connected, and whose needs are met.

Mayor NGSC, Cr Rob Haswell said that one of the critical components of the MAP is to engage, empower and develop the capacity of our multicultural community members, sustaining them into the future.

“A significant outcome of the MAP that

we are particularly proud of is the Living Room, (also known as the Grampians Multicultural Hub).

“It is a community initiative created by a diverse group of people who are inspired to connect with people from other backgrounds in the Grampians Region.

“The Living Room provides space where people can run activities, share information and learn about each other’s history and culture.”

The first Living Room get-together was held on Sunday, 12th November and was attended by over 70 people from a variety of nations including Vanuatu, Taiwan, China, Philippines,

Papua New Guinea, Timor Leste, Brazil, Fiji, Uruguay, Samoa, Colombia, Peru, New Zealand, Netherlands, Germany and local Australians.

It was a truly multicultural event with South American snacks, storytelling through music and dance by the Timor Leste group, and a Zumba dance class led

by Giovanna, our resident from Peru.

The guest speaker was the Community Leader of Vanuatu, Junior Issachar, who shared the journey of Vanuatu in the region with a focus on their success in connecting with the wider community through their music and community service volunteering.

Movie Drama and Sci-Fi in ‘Foe’ A blend of sci-fi, drama and romance are the themes of this - Contributed weekend’s Rex movie “Foe”.

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Academy Award nominees Saoirse Ronan and Paul Mescal star in what is a haunting exploration of marriage and identity set in an uncertain world.

Hen and Junior farm a secluded piece of land that has been in Junior's family for generations, but their quiet life is thrown into turmoil when an uninvited stranger (Aaron Pierre) shows up at their door with a startling proposal.

Based on best-selling author Iain Reid's novel of the same name, directed by Au s t r a l i a n G a r t h Davis, and co-written

by Davis and Reid, Foe's mesmerizing imagery and persistent questions about the nature of humanity (and artificial humanity) bring the not-too-distant future to luminous life.

“Foe” (M110 mins) screens on Saturday 2nd December at 8pm, Sunday 3rd December at 2pm a n d Tu e s d a y 5 t h December at 8pm.

ality 1 acre property in the St Aranud township DOUGLAS: 0458 087 619 4 bedrooms, 2 bathroms, ithTRISTAIN bushland views.

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Page 4 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 29th 2023.

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Energy Breakthrough is rain and shine for all FOR the students at schools around the state it was really a celebration of team work and volunteering at the centre of the Energy Breakthrough at Maryborough, last week.

There were 700 volunteers helping support over 230 teams with more than 5,000 participants from schools across Victoria.

From camping, administration, wrist banding, corner marshalling, judging, design, scrutineering, social media and the Event Operations

Centre, each volunteer has played an integral part to the success of the Energy Breakthrough each year.

St. Arnaud Secondary College With two ‘vehicles’ ‘Send it forever’ and

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‘Sister Siesta’ performed well again and with the assistance of volunteer supporters made it a memorable weekend.

Many volunteers were on hand to assist and were much appreciated.

St. Arnaud Primary School All participants had a fabulous, busy, strenuous, fun, exciting and hard-working 3 days for their riding team of 13.

Some super quick times were recorded including Alex Medlyn, beating the fastest lap time in their competition with a lap of 2.18.

The school’s Facebook page read “our amazing kids pushed themselves to their limits and smashed some PB times in the cart.

“Our crew today really showed that we are leaders and not followers.

“Thank you to all the parents who came and watched, supported and checked in.

“A massive thanks to Bruce Hando for his pit crew assistance.

“We were thrilled to start day 2 riding in 7th position and pushed ourselves up to 4th at the end of the session.

Above: “Saints go marching” on - the members of the St. Arnaud Primary School team.

SOURCE: Facebook

St. Patricks Primary School The St Patrick’s team in ‘Flying Purple People Eater’ was thrilled to be placed 5th overall in their class and proud of their ‘amazing bunch of students’.

Their Facebook page stated “we are all so proud of the way they worked together

Page 6 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 29th 2023.

Above: Members of the St. Patrick’s Primary School team with cart “Flying Purple People Eater”.

SOURCE: Facebook and supported each other through the whole event.

“What an achievement in our first year”.

Our congratulations to all schools for their massive achievements.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK A diverse mix of voices leads to better discussions, decisions, and outcomes for everyone.

Sundar Pichai

Above: Stuart Finch (left) was one of the volunteers on hand to help out the St. Arnaud Secondary College who had two carts competing.

- SOURCE: Facebook.

Charlton 100 Years Ago: 24th – 28th November 1923

by Charlton Golden Grains Museum

Electric Light and Power Co. Ltd The half-yearly meeting was held in the registered office of the company, corner Halliday and Camp Streets.

There was a fair number of shareholders present.

Mr E. Richards occupied the chair.

The revenue from sales of current for light, heat and power being £896 5/1; from sales of lamps £5; house installations £53 ¾; distilled water £1 5/-; and interest £6 19/-; thus making a total of £962 12/-.

On the other hand the expenditure amounts to £806 6/11 leaving a balance, net profit on the half-year’s working of £156 5/6.

Tennis Charlton played its second doubles match in the Northern Tennis Association competition, the opposing team being St. Arnaud.

The match resulted in a victory for Charlton.

Scores:- O’Donnell and Wilkinson defeated Ritchie and Feaney 65,4-6, 6-1. O’Donnell and Wilkinson defeated James and Scarff 6-5, 62.

Stowe and White lost to James and Scarff 5-6, 3-6.

Stowe and White defeated Ritchie and Feaney 4-6, 6-0, 6-1.

Miss Ruse and Miss Frahm defeated Miss Matthews and Miss Henderson 6-1,6-1.

Charlton 4 rubbers, 8 sets, 64 games; St Arnaud 1 rubber, 4 sets, 41 games.

Buckrabanyule A meeting was called in the Buckrabanyule Hall with a view of forming a local tennis club, and was largely attended.

Apologies were received from Messrs O’Donnell Bros, and Crutch Bros, for nonattendance.

After a brief discussion, it was unanimously decided to form a club and the following office-bearers were elected:- President, Mr Jas. L. Ennis; vicepresident, Mr D. Storer; treasurer, Eric Larmour; secretary, Alex Black.

Application has been made to the Railways department for a piece of ground for the erection of two courts, and has been favorably received.

The president made a very substantial donation to the club.

Bowls The first Association match took place on 21st inst, the Charlton team visiting Donald, and being defeated by 73 to 46.

During the afternoon the visitors were entertained and welcomed by the president (Dr Calhoun).

The president of Charlton (Mr Day) suitably responded.

Following are the scores, Donald being mentioned first in each instance:- No. 3 rink: Dr Calhoun (captain, W. Cruickshank, J. N. Baker, A. Mitchell – 28.

Messrs Day (captain), J. Morris, S. Wood, and E. Tormey – 19. Rink No. 2: W. Bandy (captain), J. Hickey, C. H. Davies, F. Clarke – 23. Messrs Wilkinson (captain), A. Wylie, Procter, and McGuffie – 13. Rink No. 4; W. James (captain), G. Charlesworth, W. G. Pitty, and J. Barber – 22.

Messrs Wood (captain), McConchie, Frahm, and Wylie – 14.

branch was held in the local hall on 19th inst.

Eighteen representative landowners attended, and arrangements were made to cope with the usual outbreaks of fire during the summer months.

The unusual dryness of last summer and late autumn was responsible in a degree for the appearance in the district of “Furphy” watercarts which should prove of immense benefit, in case of fire.

Election of Officials: Cr Edyvean (president), Mr F. A. Cossar (captain), Mr G. M. Bennett (vice-captain),

Mr R. R. Edyvean (secretary), Messrs James Cossar, Joseph Bartlett and Les Parry (collectors).

The credit balance was £66 0/6.

(Information from East Charlton Tribune)

Strawberry Fete

Left: The 1920 Intermediate Certificate in Piano for Miss Rosalind Hinkins.

On Thursday and Friday the Victoria Hall was the scene of gaiety and much activity on the part of the ladies of the Presbyterian congregation, who had decorated the old building to a stage beyond recognition, and were holding high carnival amongst the strawberries, and bestowing smiles upon the lucky possessors of

sufficient currency to acquire them.

On every side was inducement to invent money in aid of a good cause in return for which the purchaser bore away some sou-

venir of a happy evening.

The stalls were: Sweets, Fancy Goods, Strawberries, Jumble, Ice Cream, Hoop-la, Produce, Refreshment, and Shooting Gallery.

Doorkeepers - Mrs J. J. Arundell, Mr G. Hudgson. Treasurer Mrs L. A. Wilkinson.

Secretar y - Mrs Andrew Robertson.

President - Mrs W. G. Fitzgerald.

Charlton Honors The results of the examinations held by the Musical Society of Victoria at Charlton are as follows:- Preparatory Grade: Piano - Pass, Thomas J. Howard, Ellen Paterson, Francis A. James.

Elementary Grade: Piano - Pass, with honors, Kathleen Hurley; Pass, Margaret Cossar, Cliff Gretgrix, Dulcie M. Blackwood, Lillian F. Blackwood, Francis A. James.

Intermediate Grade: Piano - Pass, Kathleen Kelly, Amy G. Giles.

Second-class Diploma: Piano - Pass, Kathleen E. Allison, Marjorie B. Nolen (Miss Reed), Ellen A. Elder, Jane Paterson, Annie J. Paterson.

First-class Diploma: Theory Harmony: Form pass, with honors, Dorothy J. P. Hosking.

Miss Hosking, who gained her first-class diploma in piano last year, now holds the distinction D. M. S. V. (Diploma of the Musical Society of Victoria).

Miss Hosking is the fourth pupil to gain the distinction D.M.S.V. since Mr Geo. H. Hinkins first came to Charlton.

Mr Hinkins entered 17 pupils this year and got 15 passes, two gaining honors. Miss Reed only entered the two this year and got two passes.

Bush Fire Brigade The annual meeting of the Yeungroon sub-

NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 29th 2023 - Page 7

Charlton Probus Month Celebrations A Month of Friendship, Fun, and Fantastic Adventures OCTOBER was an absolute whirlwind for our cherished members of the Charlton Probus Club as we wholeheartedly embraced the essence of Probus Month.

We are thrilled to share all the exciting events and memories created during this lively celebration.

Probus Month Unveiled In 2023, we proudly celebrated our Probus Month, expanding our festivities throughout the entire month of October.

The theme "Good Friends, Great Times, New Adventures" beautifully encapsulates the heart and soul of Probus.

This month was all about fostering and celebrating the incredible friendships we've built and the exhilarating adventures we've undertaken together.

October Probus Meeting On the auspicious Friday, 13th October, our club met at the senior citizens hall. The atmosphere was brimming with warmth as the

Solution No. 10116 S R D E B A R D F P R E F E R C AM E R A E M S O R T S G L A D O R E D P E R I L R E V E R E N T M E N P E S T O I L I E S T L P E L I C A N I D E S I R E S M E A D T A T D E F E N D E D R E N EW E N T I R E A I A G E N T E L I N T O N E C E D U N A D Y E N D E D S Y

president welcomed both members and guests.

Reports and Celebrations Our treasurer's report brought great news, showing a healthy financial balance.

With 43 members in attendance and six apologies, it was a wellattended gathering.

October birthdays were celebrated in style, with warm wishes extended to Sandra Patton, Beth Curnow, Nick Saunders, Laurie Harvie, and Eily Rosewall.

Our outings officer, Sandra Patton, presented an enticing list of outings.

These included a visit to Heather Hargreaves' garden, a real treat for nature lovers.

Heather’s garden consisted of a wonderful lawned area around the house with shady cool vistas leading to large open areas in the extended garden.

Probus members from Wycheproof, Charlton and Boort were inspired by the beauty and work that Heather had put into the gardens.

Our adventures extended beyond local gatherings.

Members attended the Minyip Probus meeting, where we enjoyed a scrumptious lunch and learned about the making of the Royal Flying Doctors series

from Shirley and Sandra, the Vice President and Secretary of the Minyup Probus Club.

The trip to the Bendigo Capitol Theatre for a performance by David Scheel was the icing on the cake.

David’s wit and playing provided a wonderful afternoon for all that attended.

Neighborhood House Presentation

Bulldozers, Truck, Scrapers, GPS Graders, Excavators, Tip Trucks for roads, Shed Pads, Dams and all general earthmoving.

In Conclusion October was an extraordinary month of adventure, friendship, and fun for the Charlton Probus Club.

As we transition from spring to summer, we eagerly anticipate more experiences and good times.

Remember to stay safe, stay well, and cherish the moments with good friends.

Right: Birthdays for October were celebrated.

We had the privilege of hearing from Markus Phillips the coordinator from Charlton Neighbourhood House, who shared their remarkable achievements and services for this year.

The over 6,000 hours that volunteers have given to the community is truly commendable.

In General Business President David discussed the recent management committee meeting, where elections and Christmas party plans were on the agenda.

Proposed changes to the standard Probus club constitution were also noted and the members were encouraged to obtain a copy.

Above: The Charlton Probus group

A Twist on Cinderella The meeting took a delightful twist with a retelling of Cinderella, aptly named "Rindercella."

Directed by Anne Kenny, the cast included Lee Parker as Rindercella, Bev Mullholland as Mugly Other, Kim Wishart as First Sad Blister, Marj Bartlett as Second Sad Blister, Sandra Patton as Pransom Hince, and Pat Mathews as the Gairy Fodmother.

A spectacular and entertaining performance.

The Probus Lawn Bowls team We have all the latest cutting-edge equipment:

- Contributed

Consisting of Greg Barnard, Eily Rosewall, Brian Patton and David Beaty the team attended their first bowls day at Warracknabeal.

The competition was friendly and fun.

The next bowls competition will be at Nhill where Nick Saunders will be joining the team.

Page 8 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 29th 2023.

Above: The cast of “Rindercella” with Director, Anne Kenny (back).

Christmas musical ‘Journey to Bethlehem’ JUST a couple of days after its Australian release on Thursday, St Arnaud and district residents will have the privilege, by special arrangement, to enjoy a screening of ‘Journey to Bethlehem’ (PG) this Sunday as its prelude to Christmas.

‘Journey to Bethlehem’ brings the story of the birth of Christ to life in a family-friendly, musical extravaganza.

This heartwarming production invites viewers on an enchanting journey to the humble town of Bethlehem, where they’ll witness the timeless true story of the Nativity in a new and captivating way.

Seventeen years in the making “Journey to Bethlehem” is a joyful, hope filled movie that captures the essence and truth of Christmas and although this is a musical version of the Nativity Story, the filmmakers treat the birth of Jesus with the proper reverence it deserves.

This live-action musical celebration for the

- Contributed whole family (that includes children) weaves classic Christmas melodies such as “Silent Night” in with new pop songs and stars rapper Lecrae as the Angel Gabriel, Milo Manheim as Joseph, Fiona Palomo as Mary and Antonio Banderas as King Herod.

“Journey To Bethlehem” is a movie for ALL people including those who are not churchgoers and whose children may not have knowledge about the real reason why Christmas is celebrated.

It is destined to become a classic Christmas movie.

The single screening, this Sunday 3rd December at 2.00 p.m., is a fundraiser for youth work in St Arnaud by Vision St Arnaud, and you will be treated to a Christmas themed afternoon tea.

Tickets $17.00 pp at Ramjac, through Vision St Arnaud members or by phoning Pat Wood 0423 75 751.

CPR machine unveiled at Charlton Ambulance Open Day • From page 1.

COMMUNITY UPDATE 16 Days of Activism Northern Grampians Shire Council is hosting a range of activities for anyone interested in getting involved in the campaign.

1 December - Walk against family violence Starting at Queen Mary Gardens at 3.30pm. Walk through St Arnaud finishing with a free BBQ from 4pm to 5pm.

If you have any questions, please reach out to Sandy Bevan, Family Violence Prevention Project Officer, on 03 5358 8700.

FOGO Trial Participants Important! Plastic and compostable bags don't belong in your green bin.

You might like to place a layer of newspaper or leaves at the bottom of your bin to prevent food sticking.

Above: Jenny Pollard from Teddywaddy (left) has a question for Jamie Jones on the workings of the new Corpuls CPR machine.

You can also help limit smells in your bin by freezing fish and meat bones and adding them to the bin on collection day.

When you place general rubbish or recycling into your green bin, even when it is placed there by mistake, can make the whole load of food and organics too contaminated for processing. This can undermine the entire community's efforts to reduce the amount of waste that is going to landfill and also increase the cost of recycling.

For further information on FOGO, please visit www.ngshire.vic.gov.au or www.sustainability.vic.gov.au

Fire Hazard Inspections on Private Property

Above: Charlton Lion Craig Quinn manned the BBQ for the Lions Club.

Council officers will be conducting fire hazard inspections on private property throughout the Northern Grampians Shire. Fire Prevention Notices will be issued to property owners who have not taken appropriate measures to reduce the risk of fire on their property.

Australia Day Awards 2024 Nominations for the 2024 Australia Day Awards are now open and will be presented at the annual awards ceremony held on Friday, 26 January 2024 in events held in Stawell and St Arnaud.

To nominate, visit www.ngshire.vic.gov.au/AustraliaDayAwar ds2024 Nominations close 5pm Friday 15 December 2023.

Arts and Culture Grants Projects and initiatives will need to focus on one of the following priority areas in order to apply for this grant.

The provision of workshops and activities that provide opportunities for community members to connect and participate in arts and culture.

Design and/or deliver smaller scale public art murals to activate public spaces.

Design larger scale public art projects and installations for council to deliver.

For more information visit www.ngshire.vic.gov.au/residents/grants/ arts-and-culture-grant-program Email tina.baker@ngshire.vic.gov.au or call 03 5358 8772.

StoryTowns Reindeer Scavenger Hunt Friday 1 December to Friday 22 December 2023 Hey Kids! Santa has lost his reindeer and he needs help finding them before Christmas. There are eight cheeky reindeer who went shopping when they were visiting St Arnaud, can you help Santa find them? Santa has given you some clues to help find them. Listen to the clues via the Story Towns podcast, find the cheeky reindeer hiding in the shop windows and fill out the entry form to go in the draw to win a prize.

Scan the QR code to start finding the reindeer.

The best way to minimise this risk is to reduce the fuel load present on and around your property. You can do this by: Mowing or slashing grass and weeds to less than 10cm high Raking up leaves and bark in the immediate area around buildings Pruning low branches from buildings Please note: Northern Grampians Shire and fences Council councillors, employees and their Removing rubbish and garden waste families can participate but are not eligible You must ensure your property remains to win prizes. in a low-risk state for the duration of the For more information, please contact Fire Danger Period. This may mean that frequent mowing or slashing is required. Emma Howlett, Economic Development Officer, Northern Grampians Shire For more information on council's fire Council at hazard inspections process, visit emma.howlett@ngshire.vic.gov.au www.ngshire.vic.gov.au/emergencies/fire Above: (left to right) Jamie Jones Team Manager Charlton Ambulance Branch presented Service Awards to David Pollard (30 years) and Ian Walsh (15 years).

Visit www.ngshire.vic.gov.au Phone 03 5358 8700 Follow

/ngshire

/northern grampiansshire

NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 29th 2023 - Page 9

PUBLIC NOTICE

WHATS ON

St Arnaud Carols at The Square Market Square

Lions Club of St. Arnaud

Paper Collection Sun., 3rd December, 2023 Please leave newspapers on nature strip by 9am Get it through our

WANTed ads!

(03) 5495 1055

(Behind the Town Hall)

FOR SALE

PHOTO Self Storage ALBUMS

Saturday 9th, Dec, 7:30pm

Assorted Sizes

Please bring your own chairs, rugs etc

available at

Please be seated by 7:15pm Wet weather venue: Town Hall

AT YOUR SERVICE

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

Hayley:

0409 337 276, Luke:

0458 885 266

St. Arnaud Allsorts

St. Arnaud Serenity Storage

Ph: 5495 1161 89-93 Napier Street, St. Arnaud

GARAGE SALE Contact: Andrew George Vision St Arnaud Ph: 0409 291 430

Solicitor

GARAGE SALE December 2nd STRICT START @ 10am to 2pm Grey St., Entry Only

NORTH CENTRAL NEWS

EMPLOYMENT

Country Road, Motel.

St. Arnaud.

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

Ph: 5495 2595 Karen@klp.net.au

AT YOUR SERVICE

POSITION VACANT CASUAL Driveway Attendant Weekdays and Weekends as needed Position includes fuel & shop sales, general cleaning and other sundry duties.

Basic computer knowledge.

Applications in writing, delivered to:Alan & Mark Esmore St. Arnaud Apex Service Station 1 Silvermines Road, St. Arnaud. Vic. 3478

Top of RELOCATED the Town Beauty Salon Nicola Kirk Physiotherapist Over 15 years experience Open Mon to Fri 63 Napier Street, ST. ARNAUD

0400 451 432 or 5495 1108 TO ADVERTISE PH: 5495 1055

Job Opportunities Birchip • Nurse Unit Manager • Associate Nurse Unit Manager Charlton • Registered Nurse • Enrolled Nurse • Resident Lifestyle Coordinator • Administration Assistant Donald • District Nurse Wycheproof • Registered Nurse • Enrolled Nurse • Nurse Unit Manager Further information available at: https://ewhs.org.au/careers

Page 10 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 29th 2023.

116 Napier St., St. Arnaud

For all your Hair and Beauty NEEDS

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

110 Napier St., St. Arnaud

KELL FUNERALS Est 1860

PRE PAID FUNERALS AVAILABLE 24 HOURS

Ph: 5495 1043

136 Napier Street St. Arnaud

NAFD Member

Birthday wishes to: November 29th Chris Amos Troy Hendy Cameron McKenzie November 30th Lindy O’Brien Larissa Duncan December 2nd Talia McPhee Teegan Meade Mackenzie Wild

December 3rd Jasmine Harvey Jason Andison Alana McSwain Alexandra Anderson December 4th Graeme Meade Marley Rose O’Donnell Melissa Weir December 5th Neil Robinson (Mouse) Suzanne Petrie Jack French

DEATH MURDOCH - Barry Francis ‘Mick’ Passed away peacefully at Charlton on November 21st, 2023.

Aged 83 Years.

Loved twin brother of Noreen Ryan, loved younger brother of Bill (Dec). Fond uncle of their families.

RIP

CHURCH NOTICES

ST. ARNAUD UNITING CHURCH Sunday 3rd December ST. ARNAUD 9.30am G. Pearse PARISH OFFICE Chris & Rob Batters Pastorial Co-ordinators Enquiries 5495 6223

DISTRICT CATHOLIC CHURCHES East Wimmera Parish BIRCHIP

Sunday December 3rd 10.30pm Live Stream out to churches without Mass BOORT

Sunday December 3rd 10.30am Live Stream in BANYENA No Mass CHARLTON

FUNERAL

ANGLICAN PARISH OF ST. ARNAUD

MURDOCH - Barry Francis ‘Mick’ A Service of Thanksgiving to celebrate the life of the late Mr. Barry Francis ‘Mick’ MURDOCH will be held at St. Joseph’s Church Charlton on WEDNESDAY (November 29th, 2023) commencing at 2.30pm.

The Funeral cortege will leave at the conclusion of the service for the Charlton Lawn Cemetery.

BENDIGO FUNERALS 5444 0400

Christ Church Old Cathedral Friday 1st December 9am Morning Prayer St. Arnaud 9.30am Every Sunday Eucharist Bealiba 8am 2nd/4th Sunday All Welcome Rev. Peter Downes Enquiries phone: Phone: 0412 957 383

Sunday December 3rd 10.30am Live Stream in DONALD

Sunday December 3rd 8.30am Mass ST. ARNAUD

Saturday December 2nd 7.00pm Mass WYCHEPROOF

Sunday December 3rd 10.30am Live Stream in Parish Coordinator: Noeline Hogan 0476 617 976

Thomas Evans, an auctioneer on the staff of Bray Bros suffered severe burns when his car burst into flames.

Tom and his wife had been visiting relatives in Carapooee and he returned home at night leaving her at her father’s home.

It is believed Tom was taking steps to replenish the petrol tank and lighted a match to see, as it was dark night.

The car burst into flames, which enveloped him.

He jumped in a nearby dam but was badly burnt on the upper part of his body, face and hands.

He managed to walk 1 mile to the home of Mr A C Wemyss [his father-in-law].

The top portion of the car, a 6 cylinder Buick that was owned

by Bray Bros was destroyed.

Tom recovered several weeks later.

Endeavours to obtain workmen from Ballarat and Bendigo proved futile; however sufficient men have now been engaged from Ararat.

The battery will now commence running in two shifts.

ST. ARNAUD CHURCH OF CHRIST

TO ADVERTISE PH: 5495 1055

Accident

Welcome Nelson Mine

CHURCH NOTICES

Cnr. Queens Ave & Alma St. Learning more about Jesus Thu 30th November 10.30 a.m.: Faith Group Sun 3rd December 10.00 a.m. Prayer Time 10.30 a.m.: Worship & Communion Speaker: Video Message No shared luncheon All welcome Enquiries: Brian Eccles Ph: 5495 2267

St. Arnaud 100 Years Ago: 23rd – 30 November 1923

FOR SALE Rotary Club of St. Arnaud Traditional Rum & Brandy Fruit Cakes

$20

Ideal as tm h C rissent e r P

available at North Central News and Apex Service Station St. Arnaud.

Deaths Gavan Daily, St. Arnaud letter carrier has been informed his brother Farquhar Daily has died in Perth, age 50 years.

Farquhar was also a letter carrier and leaves a widow and six children.

Mrs Matthew, relict of former St. Arnaud resident James Mathew died age 90 years at

Coburg and was buried at the Fawkner cemetery.

She leaves six children, including James Matthew a tailor in Napier St, St. Arnaud.

New Health Act All hotels must have sewerage systems connected and a lavatory must be provided in two-storied hotels.

The Mongomerie – Nelson Septic Tank System is being installed at Mr S Patterson’s Victoria Hotel and is the first hotel in St. Arnaud to comply with the new Health Act. Similar work is being carried out at the hospital.

Farewell Friends gathered to farewell Charles Dolman whose lease of the St. Arnaud Hotel has expired.

He was presented with a wallet containing £26.the new licensee with takeover on 1st December.

Council Buys Motor Waggon The Shire Council has acquired an A E C motor waggon.

It is being used to transport stone from a quarry in T Hodgson’s paddock at Swanwater West to road works between Well’s and Morley’s; three miles away.

The motor waggon makes eight trips a day carrying a load of five ton of stone and travels at fifteen miles per hour.

To load the motor waggon it is backed into a loading pit 10 ft deep in the quarry and the stone is tipped into it from drays.

To unload it the sides are released and the stone falls onto the roadway ready for spreading.

- by Heather Pritchard Mr F Corbett is in charge of the motor waggon and is a competent mechanic.

Cricket St Arnaud 150 defeated Beazleys Bridge 145, with the most runs for St. Arnaud by W Hickox 111 and for Beazleys Bridge H Tucker 78.

Tennis St. Arnaud 6 games defeated Birchip 47 games at St. Arnaud Men’s doubles Ritchie and Feeny [St A] beat Hogg and Small [B] 6-2.

Ladies Doubles Miss Mathew and Miss Henderson [St. A] lost to Mrs McClelland and Miss Barber 5-6.

St. Arnaud’s Annual Off Shears Sheep Sale Of the 10,431 sheep offered, 6,663 sold.

Some of those who sold sheep were – W Swanton, J Erket, J Burge, D J Ross, G Emerson, F Jesse, L Hudson, A Smith, H Knights, W Northby, J Arbuckle, W Hill, McDonald Bros, A Wemyss, McGowan Bros, H Doyle, A and D Mathison.

Weather Three days of extremely hot weather 94, 98, 100 degrees; followed by a dust storm then a cool change.

Rain for November 59 points making a total so far this year of 19 ins 91 points.

Reservoir depths, Goldfields 12 ft 4 ins, Government 11 ft 2 ins and Teddington 26 ft 7 ins.

COVID Updates and Developments Victorian Stats The number of people in hospital with COVID-19 increased this week to a daily average of 325, up from 317 last week.

The current average is high compared to recent months but remains below the most recent peak in May/June.

The 7-day average of ICU patients increased this week (14 to 16).

Quantitative wastewater levels indicate there are currently high COVID-19 viral loads in Victorian metropolitan wastewater.

Deaths in the most recent 28-day period have continued to increase, with a current 28-day total of 145. Increases and decreases in the reporting of deaths attributable to COVID-19 tend to lag waves of infections and hospitalisations by several weeks.

A mix of Omicron

recombinant XBB* sublineages continue to dominate in Victoria.

There is currently no evidence of increased severity for XBB subvariants.

EG.5 and one of its sublineages, HK.3, currently have the highest relative abundance in Victorian wastewater samples.

HK.3 has increased in abundance in recent weeks and is being closely monitored, whilst EG.5 has been detected at high levels since July.

Globally, EG.5 is the most prevalent variant of interest.

The WHO has evaluated the public health risk of EG.5 as low, aligning with other circulating variants of interest such as XBB.1.16, with no reported changes in disease severity to date.

BA.2.86 has been detected in Victorian wastewater at low levels.

It is classified as a WHO variant under monitoring due to

high divergence from other BA.2s.

Anti viral medications The number of anti viral medications that have been prescribed in November is rising and that figure is greatest for Victoria than any other state.

Sharp rise in boosters There has been a sharp rise in the number of booster vaccines for COVID over the past fortnight in Australia which is seen as a sure indicator of the amount of COVID within the community.

Therefore there are two new vaccines that will be available in mid December.

Medical experts are in agreement that everyone aged 75 and older should get a booster if it has been more than six months since their last dose or infection.

The time between doses is important, as protection wanes at about the six-month mark.

Those that are not yet eligible for a booster should consider other protective strategies, and encourage those who can to get their booster.

Another booster?

Additional protective measures

Vaccines help protect people against the new variants and strains in circulation, and promote better immunity and the COVID virus has changed in terms of what it looks like to the immune system.

People who are symptomatic to wear a mask and avoid gatherings and high-risk settings if they need to leave home, while those at higher risk of severe illness may also wear one to protect themselves in public.

NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 29th 2023 - Page 11

TOWNS across the state can soon apply for grants to deliver local projects that will make a huge impact in tiny towns right across Victoria.

Minister for Regional Development Gayle Tierney last week visited the Talbot Arts and Historical

New grants for the tiniest towns Museum, which received a grant in 2022 to renovate the museum and create a new community space, to officially launch the first round of the Tiny Towns Fund, delivering on a key commitment from the L abor

Government at last year’s election.

Member for Ripon Martha Haylett said the tiny towns in Ripon have so much to offer.

“We are helping them unlock new reasons for people to visit, explore, work and live

in them.”

The grants, which open next week, encourage local community groups to bring their best project ideas to the table, and will give more communities like Talbot the support they need to

develop projects to benefit locals and attract visitors.

The fund will offer grants between $5,000 and $50,000 to deliver community infrastructure, facilities, and capability-building projects, such as hik-

ing trails, splash parks, playgrounds, community hall and library upgrades and public art.

Applications can come from community and non-profit groups and councils in towns with under 5,000 peo-

ple across regional Victoria and the 10 interface council areas.

Round one of the Tiny Towns Fund opened last Monday, 27th November and will close in February 2024, with further rounds to open from next year.

For more information visit rdv.vic.gov. au/tiny-towns-fund.

SLUDGEBUSTERS Septic Tank & Grease Trap Cleaning Now servicing the North Central Area Ask about our GROUP BOOKING discounts Mobile:

0417 598 614

Mobility Aids To Move You Safely!

Stocking a large range of: • Scooters • Wheelchairs • Toilet Commodes • Walkers • Walking Sticks • Access Ramps

Hire of all products (exc. scooters) Sale & Service Open: Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday 9.00am to 4.00pm 79-81 Napier St., St. Arnaud. Ph: 0483 821 090

David Barrance Dtp. Hart., Burnley

LANDSCAPE CONSTRUCTION & DESIGN PAVING CONTRACTOR Call David for Professional, Pruning, Gardening, Weed Spraying and Lawn Mowing

Ph: 0413 782 303 dave.i4gardens@gmail.com

ST. ARNAUD BLINDS

Call for a free Quote

We are NOW based in your area

0409 517 064

FOR ALL TYPES OF INDOOR AND OUTDOOR BLINDS, SECURITY DOORS AND FLYSCREENS, ALUMINUM ROLLER SHUTTERS AND PLANTATION SHUTTERS Free measure and quote at your request.

PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION

Ph. Trevor - 0421 194 711 Trading as:

Wimmera Blinds & Awnings

Your local option for commercial & residential solar installations Phone: 5495 1449 107 NAPIER STREET, ST. ARNAUD

For Sale • Mulch • Sleepers • Posts

Phone: (03) 5497 1464 94 Woods Street, Donald Email: plumbing@hardinghams.com.au

TRUE BLUE FLOORS Ric Lang Owner operator

0417 110 922 18 Napier St., St. Arnaud.

Phone: (03) 5495 1055

Tree Maintenance, Pruning, Removal, Stump Grinding, Mulching, Limited access towers Qualified Arborist

Licensed Plumbers and Gasfitters

Open Wednesday to Sunday

FOR ALL YOUR PRINTING NEEDS!

Fully Insured & Qualified www.pyreneestrees.com.au

For all your Trophy and Engraving needs!

FLOOR SANDING AND POLISHING NEW AND OLD FLOORS RECOATING OF FLOORS

Phone: 0428 951 441

truebluefloorsanding@gmail.com

18 Napier Street, St. Arnaud.

Page 12 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 29th 2023.

In The Paddock Jim Moran - Grains Industry Biosecurity Officer Agriculture Victoria

Biosecurity matters for contractors AS the winter crop ripens rapidly in the southern state’s grain belt, thoughts of managing the harvest are front of mind for grain growers.

Contractors employed to assist with your harvest management activities need to be aware of your farm biosecurity standards and expectations, to manage the risk of introducing h i t c h h i ke r p e s t s , weeds, and diseases onto your property.

Regardless of the contractor’s expertise in spraying, windrowing, harvesting, transporting, or storage, it’s essential your biosecurity standards are included and agreed to as part of the contracting process.

By including clear and precise wording in the contract it can minimise assumptions about the biosecurity activities to be undertaken, how they will be done, what proof is required, and what penalties apply if they aren’t observed.

Contractors should be committed to main-

taining biosecurity practices that protect both your business and theirs from the risk of biosecurity events.

Essential contractor responsibilities include: • meeting all statebased quarantine requirements and general biosecurity obligations • training their staff in biosecurity awareness and procedures • arriving clean and leaving clean • supplying agreedupon evidence (written or photographic) of pre-arrival cleanliness and pre-exit cleanliness of all their machinery and equipment • signing in and signing out all staff, equipment, and machinery.

Quotes from contractors should consider: • time required for cleaning before arrival

Week ending Wednesday 22 November 2023

on your property • time required for cleaning before departure from your property • fees and charges relating to required biosecurity documentation and inspections when travelling interstate.

• Property owners should consider providing contractors with the location of suitable washdown areas and cleaning equipment to clean f o o t w e a r, machinery and equipment appropriately.

Have the conversations about biosecurity with contractors early and often to avoid noncompliance with your farm biosecurity expectations.

Make it impossible to fail to prevent any nasty surprises.

The promotion of biosecurity practices within the grains industry has resulted in an increase in onfarm and industry wide knowledge about best practice biosecurity management

— By Glendon Hancock

THE Australian wool market has recorded a solid increase for the second consecutive week, again driven by gains in the merino fleece sector.

Last week’s rises encouraged more sellers to the market, pushing the national offering up to 43,688 bales. Although the better style types and wool with favourable additional measurement results attracted the strongest competition, all wool regardless of style or additional measurement results rose, as buyers fought to secure quantity in the rising market.

By the end of the series, the individual Micron Price Guides (MPGs) for merino fleece had risen by between 18 and 59 cents.

The skirtings tracked a similar path to the fleece, with all types and descriptions recording gains, as again buyers fought for market share.

The AWEX Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) rose by 19 cents for the

series, closing the week at 1,170 cents, a 1.7% rise.

The overall market increase was tempered by the crossbred sector.

The crossbred MPG movements ranged from unchanged to minus 25 cents.

These losses prevented the EMI from posting a larger increase.

The EMI has risen for five consecutive selling days, adding 48 cents across this run, an increase of 4.3%.

The overall market increase was recorded despite a strengthening Australian dollar.

The AUD was 0.59 US cents higher than the close of last week.

T his meant when viewed in US dollar terms the increase in the EMI was greater (in percentage terms).

National Offering Centre North South South NZ West Total

Week 21 21 21 21

Days Offering 21, 22 Nov. 11,239 21, 22 Nov. 22,111 21, 22 Nov. 2,170 21, 22 Nov. 8,168 43,688

Future Offerings 22

28, 29 Nov.

Source - AWEX

49,134

The EMI added 19 US cents for the series, closing at 767 US cents, an increase of 2.5%.

Next week’s offering is again forecast to increase, as sellers continue to be encouraged to the market by the price rises.

49,134 bales are currently expected to be offered in Melbourne, Fremantle and Sydney, which is a designated Superfine sale.

If this quantity is reached it will be the largest sale since April.

Melbourne 1140L +15 16.5 1868 +36 17 1758 +22 17.5 1690 +42 18 1594 +31 18.5 1518 +31 19 1463 +38 19.5 1399 +18 20 1367 +31 21 1352 +28 22 23 24 25 745n 26 546 -25 28 350 -5 30 327 -6 32 303 -7 MC 696n +3

Ind.

techniques.

With recent examples of how fast a weed, pest or disease can spread there’s every motivation to ensure accountability for anyone visiting and working on your farm to meet your biosecurity practices and standards.

It’s important for grain growers and all

land managers to take ownership of biosecurity at their farm. It’s no longer unusual to have conversations about biosecurity with people, before they enter the farming property.

All farmers are encouraged to place a biosecurity sign at the farm’s main gates, as a reminder that biose-

curity matters and is everyone’s responsibility.

Establishing the requirement for all visitors to contact you prior to entry allows you to enforce your biosecurity requirements.

Grain Producers Australia Chair and WA grain producer, Barry Large, said

Prevent parasite impacts on your pig herd health AGRICULTURE Victoria has found roundworm (Ascaris suum) in one-third of pig herds tested as part of a free new animal health program.

Agriculture Victoria Principal Veterinary Officer Dianne Phillips and her team have undertaken testing on 45 herds statewide to help raise awareness of the risks to herd health.

‘The large roundworm is found in the small intestine of pigs and left untreated, it can reduce growth rates by up to 10% in piglets, particularly in the 6-12 week old age bracket,’ Dr Phillips said.

‘Roundworm parasites can block the small intestines and bile duct of heavily infested pigs.’

Roundworm eggs can survive on pastures and even concrete floors for up to 10 years, which presents a further risk to pig herds.

‘The best thing you can do for your herd is to get them tested – we have spaces available and it’s a great chance for pig owners to ask staff any questions they may have,' Dr Phillips said.

Agriculture Victoria aims to test 200 small, medium and largescale herds across the state as part of the biosecurity program funded through Victoria’s Swine Compensation Fund .

Faecal samples are collected for free roundworm and whipworm testing and results reported back with information about treatment and management options.

‘There have been no whipworm detections in the pigs tested to date, which is great news for owners,’ Dr Phillips said.

‘Whipworms (Trichuris suis) are found in the large intestine and can cause bloody diarrhoea, with affected pigs losing up to 20% bodyweight and suffering 10% mortality rate.’

Strongyle eggs, potentially from a number of internal parasites, have been detected in over 50% of the sites tested – if left untreated, they can reach high numbers and impact pig health and welfare.

As well as providing free worm testing, Agriculture Victoria staff have helped pig owners to identify and reduce animal health risks through developing an on-farm biosecurity plan.

‘An effective biosecurity plan is key to keeping out pests, disease, weeds and contaminants from your property, many of

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which can seriously impact pig health and welfare,’ Dr Phillips said.

‘Implementing an effective biosecurity plan is the key to reducing risks to pig health, including emergency animal diseases such as foot and mouth disease and African swine fever.’

To register your interest for the free worm testing program and gain hands- on help with developing a tailored biosecurity plan, email the team at pig.biosecurity@agriculture.vic.gov.au .

For more information, visit Biosecurity plans and worm testing program or contact your local animal health officers.

everyone needs to stay vigilant on biosecurity to help protect vital grain market access and safeguard farm businesses against damaging pests and diseases.

Mr Large said the Australian Custom Harvesters Association, that represents professional contract harvesters across Australia, included biosecurity in recommended standard contracts with a pragmatic and common -sense approach.

‘GPA supports this approach, with biosecurity terms included in contracts, when engaging a contractor to work on your farm,’ he said.

‘This will ensure we lif t standards to strengthen biosecurity protections, with greater accountability and shared responsibility, to support the profitability and sustainability of grain producers and our industry.’

For free biosecurity g a t e s i g n s , Fa r m Biosecurity Manuals, Monitoring Grain Storage Manuals, and biosecurity fact sheets, please contact Agriculture Victoria on 136 186.

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NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 29th 2023 - Page 13

Undeterred by rain

Midweek Pennant at home

AN hour before the scheduled start of play on Saturday things looked decidedly ominous for tennis at the St. Arnaud Lawn Courts as the skies opened over St. Arnaud and ‘Huey’ sent - Contributed it down.

However, nothing was going to deter the two local teams from enjoying an outing with Charlton and Donald tennis clubs, and so, after a short delay, competition commenced, courtesy of well drained and prepared courts.

St. Arnaud’s Kara Kara team faced off against the strong Charlton outfit, but the former handled the damp conditions better with its Men’s Doubles pairings, strengthened by the return of Greg Simpson, outclassing its opposition perhaps undermanned due to anticipated harvest commitments.

Three set winners Matt and John Goode and Jake Male were a force to be contended with as the men powered to 48-19 games win and a clean sweep of all sets.

The K ara K ara Ladies Doubles players commenced its section with a fine first set win but were gradually overwhelmed four of the last five sets, to hand the section win to Charlton 41-27 games, placing St Arnaud in a handy position leading by 15 games heading into the Mixed Doubles.

That proved sufficient for Kara Kara with Wendy Shaw, Kim Nevill and Sharyn Erwin teaming with Matt, John and Jake respectively to record excellent set wins, and with the other pairings playing close matches, Kara Kara drew away by a further two games (37-35 games) to record a welcome victory overall 112-95 games (8-2 points).

It was a different story for the other team, St. Arnaud,

Wimmera Mallee Cricket DUE to wet conditions last Saturday only one match in both grades was played in round 6 A Grade Donald Jeffcott A 2/96 (25.2) def. BrimKSH A 10/94 (34.1)

B Grade BrimKSH B 8/114 (40) lost to Donald Jeffcott B 5/116 (29.1)

Ladders A Grade Pts Donald Jeffcott Brim KSH Birchip Marnoo St. Arnaud St. Marys Wyche-Narraport

20 20 10 6 6 4 2

B Grade Donald Jeffcott Birchip Charlton Giants Watchem St. Marys Brim KSH St. Arnaud

Pts 16 12 10 10 8 8 0 0

- Contributed

ST. ARNAUD played host to Charlton for Round 6 of Midweek Pennant.

Above: Stephen Rodger (St. Arnaud) unleashes a powerful serve. hampered by the absence of its top players, as it faced the Donald team.

Donald, with a surfeit of players looking for a game, generously “loaned” St. Arnaud some players and this enabled 28 players, between the teams, to grace the courts…an excellent outcome.

Already in the top four of the NCLTA competition Donald were aiming to consolidate a higher ranking.

The Men’s Doubles section saw some excellent tennis in the heavy conditions, with low bounces and slow stroke play, and Donald handled the conditions a tad better to record a 50-42 games win.

The absence of top ladies’ players saw St. Arnaud struggle against its stronger and

more experienced opposition, leading to losses in both the Ladies Doubles and Mixed Doubles sections and a win for Donald 152-86 games (10-0).

Hopefully, with the return of top players Bailey Durward and Tracey Graham, St. Arnaud will again return to the winner’s podium.

It appears that “Huey” got the better of the other matches involving Nullawil, Birchip, Wirrim and Wycheproof so the bearing of split points on the NCLTA ladder will prove interesting – at this stage Kara Kara is in third place.

Next Saturday, St. Arnaud and Kara K ara are home to Birchip and Wirrim respectively.

Tom Amos’s team played Lyn Southwell’s team.

Tom’s team combined well to win 10 of the 15 ends before lunch to lead 15-8 at the break.

They continued to increase their lead by picking up 11 shots in 3 ends to run out comfortable winners 29-16 Phil McRae's team played Wayne Keenans team.

Although St. Arnaud won the first 2 ends a 4 to Charlton on the 3rd end and another 6 on the 6th end saw them take a strong lead to be up 20 –10 at the lunch break.

St. Arnaud steadied to win 9 of the next 10 ends.

The score was 22 all on the 24th end.

Two shots to St. Arnaud on the last end saw them win 24 –22.

Col Marchment’s team played Kevin Willeys team.

St. Arnaud led 14 –7 after the 8th end, but that’s when Charlton started their comeback, winning the next 7 ends before lunch, adding 17 shots to their score.

Charlton continued their fine form to be leading 34-15 on the 21st end, before St. Arnaud picked up the final 4 ends to finish the game 21 – 34 down.

Final Scores St. Arnaud 74 shots 10 points to Charlton 72 shots 2 points in a close game.

St. Arnaud 40 Years Ago: - by November 1983 Heather Pritchard

St. Arnaud Indoor Bowls

Engagements

Tuesday 14th November

Kathleen Marshall and Gordon Wallace.

Jane Le Nepveu and Peter Battersby.

Julie Faulkner and Phillip McIntyre.

Kerry Jones and Stephen Scilini.

Rosalie Roberts and Simon Avery

Wedding Kerri Wardlaw and Tony Meade

Births Mandy and Robert Medlyn a daughter Amy Louise.

Janet and Peter Hemmings a daughter Megan Jane.

Pamela Leonard a son Tyson Gregory.

Brian and Judith O’Haire a daughter Erin Alexander.

Tony and Kay Pickthall a daughter Theresa Anne.

Chris and Maree Pole a son Bradley Christopher.

Faye and Bill Rodger a son Stephen Alexander.

Kerry and Shane Birthisel a son Matthew James.

21st Birthdays Andrew Petrie, Julie Ward and Daryl Adams.

Deaths Les Wood age 95.

Our last day for the extended year 2022/2023, having played 48 weeks of competition bowling.

Twelve bowlers participated which made up four teams of three bowlers.

Competition was fairly even throughout the afternoon with three teams all winning two games and losing one game each.

When scores were talled up, it was Flo Andison (S), Maria Hills and Brenda Beggs who won the day with 35 points from the next two teams who both won 33 points each.

The fourth team unfortunately did not win a game.

Tuesday 21st November Today being Presentation Day, first up we played three games of six ends.

With eleven bowlers, we had three teams of three bowlers and one team of two bowlers.

Bob Wooley attended on behalf of the St. Arnaud R.S.L. and ended up being in the winning team for the day.

Page 14 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 29th 2023.

- Contributed Winning all three games with 42 points were Malcolm Campbell (S), Kaye Smith and Bob Wooley.

After completion of today’s play, the Presentations were then held.

Treasurer, Marie Craddock announced the winner of the Aggregate for the most wins for 2022/2023.

To their surprise, it was Maria Hills with 15 wins.

Congratulations Maria on a very competitive year.

President Rolf presented prizes to the winners for the Championships that were played throughout the year.

Fours / Rinks:- Flo Andison (S), Betty Mazucco, Bill Deanshaw, Jenni Drury.

Triples:- Malcolm Campbell (S), Kaye Smith, Maria Hills.

Pairs:- Dot Baldwin (S), Kaye Smith Bob Woolley then presented the prize to the Singles Champion - Flo Andison, which was donated by the St. Arnaud R.S.L. Thank you Bob for your attendance as the Bowls group appreciate the support of the St. Arnaud R.S.L.

Above: Driver Ellen Tormey with “Twisted Bliss” in the colours worn by the two Major Miracle syndicate bred winners at Mildura on the November 21.

- Photo. Stuart McCormick.

A Major Miracle double THE Major Miracle Syndicate made it 8 wins for the season when two pacers they bred were successful at Mildura on the 21st.

Trained by John Tormey the 5yo mare “Twisted Bliss” and her 8yo half-brother “Bruised Ego” are from the syndicate’s “Village Jasper” mare “Prestigious Stride”.

“Twisted Bliss’s” stake earnings are now only $495 short of the magical $100,000.

The first success for the night at Mildura was the Markham family’s 3yo filly “Sassy Dancer” who broke through for her maiden win at a juicy $34 the win.

The good form continued for those who tripped up the Calder when Michael Gadsden was reunited with his parent's horse “Im Stuck Man” who won its 6th race for the season.

The 4yo gelding appears to be improving with each run and won with ridiculous ease on Tuesday.

Ryan Sanderson rounded off the night in the best possible way by driving the winner of the last race aboard “Robert Crocka” for Mildura trainer Andrew Vozlic.

Despite being in the last race at Mildura at 10.58pm Ryan had a drive in race 1 at Mar yborough on Wednesday at 12.44pm which produced a second for Stawell trainer Chris Blake and then he drove the Gadsden stable’s “Markleigh Caz” in race 4 for another second.

The good form of the Gadsden camp continued in race 5 at Maryborough with the success of the Mildura owned pacer “Bizzness Class” who made it 3 wins and 2 placings in its 9 starts out of the Charlton Training centre.

Wednesday night racing was at Geelong with the first race being a heat of the Bacchus Marsh Cup. The McNaulty’s had

Inside running

by Archie

two starters in this heat, the impressive winner “Slice Of Cheddar” and the 5th placegetter “Redbank Molly” who both go through to the final at Ballarat on Friday night.

A win shouldn’t be far off for the stables 4yo trotter “Its Not Love Me” who ran a creditable second in the last race on the program only being beaten by 2.4m by the odds- on favourite “Arabella Showdown” with a 6m gap to the rest of the field.

Charlton race on Friday and the club have their members Christmas BBQ after the last race.

Attention then turns to a great night at Ballarat where the volunteers of the Bacchus Marsh Club are recognised for their contribution to harness racing by running regular trials at their venue.

Sunday is Stawell Cup day when that Club hold their $30k Pacers Cup and a $20k Trotters Cup. Ps. On Sunday Ryan Sanderson arrived at the stables of his host in France for the start of his fortnight’s adventure.

He is meant to drive at Vincennes on the 1st with a good chance it will be telecast on Sky channel.

SUDOKU SOLUTION 2 5 7 8 9 1 6 4 3 3 9 1 5 6 4 2 8 7 8 4 6 2 7 3 5 9 1 5 7 3 4 1 8 9 2 6 6 8 2 3 5 9 7 1 4 4 1 9 6 2 7 3 5 8 1 2 4 9 3 6 8 7 5 7 3 5 1 8 2 4 6 9 9 6 8 7 4 5 1 3 2

Saints score all the points ST. ARNAUD’S Division 1 bowlers returned to the winners list with an all rinks win over Boort in last Saturday’s round 7 of the North Central pennant competition.

- Contributed St. Arnaud strengthened their position on top of the ladder, but the loss by Boort, and a big win by Donald Golf, saw Boort fall to 5th, replaced in 4th position by Donald Golf.

Conditions at St. Arnaud were not ideal with light showers interrupting play a couple of times.

St. Arnaud bolted The first five ends were disastrous for the visitors, when St. Arnaud outscored them by 23 shots to just 5.

Te r r y M c S w a i n , Maurie Wood, Kerryn D y k e a n d To n y Marland led the way, outscoring Kevin Depiazza 10 shots to nil.

However the Boort four fought back strongly and scores were level at 12 all after 13 ends.

Terry’s four managed to regroup and went on to scrape home by 3 shots.

The biggest winners on the day were Phil McRae, Col Marchment, Graham Simpson and Darren Shepherd.

They ruthlessly outbowled Shane Morris’ four, leading 28 shots to 2 after 16 ends, and coasted to a 21 shot win.

They won 19 ends to 6.

Steve Zsigmond, Glendon Hancock, Greg McNally and Tom Amos had established a 15 shots to 6 lead against Laurie Maxted’s four and maintained their dominance against good opposition, for a strong win, winning 15 ends to 10.

Overall St. Arnaud won 49 ends to Boort’s 26.

Match details: P. McRae 35 def S. Morris 12.

S. Zsigmond 28 def L. Maxted 15 T. McSwain 23 def K. Depiazza 20.

St. Arnaud 86 shots defeated Boort 47 shots – 12 points to 0 points.

Results of other division one games Charlton 53 shots lost to Wycheproof 81 shots – 0 pts to 12 pts Country Club 48 shots lost to Donald Golf 81 shots – 0 pts to 12 pts.

Donald 56 shots lost to Wedderburn 59 shots – 2 pts to 10 pts.

Ladder pts 1. St. Arnaud 64 2. Wycheproof 55 3. Wedderburn 54 4. Donald Golf 45 5. Boort 35 6. Charlton 34 7. Country Club 30 8. Donald 19

Division two Saints scrape in St. Arnaud Division 2 bowlers managed to beat Boort by 6 shots thanks to a very good win by Gary Shinners, Craig Cheesman, Marg.

McRae and Garry Smith.

This four went to a 20 to 6 shots lead over J. Earl, but were only 5 shots in front with 2 ends to play.

The St.Arnaud four scored two 4s and thus ensured an overall win for the Saints.

Lloyd Goddard, Colin Coates, John Prendergast and Frank James had a tight first half against Boort’s G.Smith, trailed by 11

shots to 23 after 20 ends, but importantly, won the last 5 ends to go down narrowly.

Brian Eccles, Kell Bibby, Terence Robertson and Jason Barron had an up and down clash with G. Hudson, down 4-11, but fought back to lead 21 – 18, and then lost the last 5 ends.

It is interesting to note that after 21 ends the scores were 21 – 21.

Match details: G. Shinners 30 def J. Earl 17 L. Goddard 20 lost to G. Smith 23 B. Eccles 21 lost to G. Hudson 25 St. Arnaud 71 shots defeated Boort 65 shots –

8 points to 4 points.

Other Division 2 results Donald 61 shots lost to Wedderburn 87 shots – 2 pts to 10 pts Charlton 75 shots def Wycheproof 70 shots – 8 pts to 4 pts.

Country Club 83 shots def Donald Golf 65 shots – 8 pts to 4 pts.

Ladder pts 1. Wycheproof 65 2. Charlton 54 3. Wedderburn 50 4. Donald Golf 48 5. Country Club 42 6. St. Arnaud 41 7. Boort 26 8. Donald 10 Next week round 8 St. Arnaud v Charlton Country Club v Wycheproof Donald v Donald Golf.

Boort v Wedderburn

Above: St. Arnaud skipper Steve Zsigmond likes this bowl sitting right on the kitty, but Boort skipper Laurie Maxted doesn't seem so enthusiastic.

Piranhas are back!

THE St. Arnaud Piranhas have began their 2023/2024 swim season.

The 2023/2024 Committee, President Scott Wilson, Vice President Brett Kay, Secretary Tara Lowe, Treasurer Tania Scarce

and Public Relations Belinda Burke.

The 2023/2024 Coaches, Leanne Burke, Belinda Burke, Riley Burke, Jodie Perkins

Above: Jesse Amos with his silver medals.

Above: Howard Amos going home a happy man with his brand new coffee machine.

- Contributed and Sheree Carroll.

Club Captains Austin Lowe and Hamish Tannock There is a big season ahead with eight swim meets and the Wimmera Championships.

The Piranhas and St. Arnaud Swimming Pool have been lucky enough to host three swim meets for the season, which includes two meets and the Wimmera Championships.

Tuesday 21st November 2023 saw our first training session along side coaches Leanne, Belinda, Riley, Jody and Sheree.

With only a couple trainings completed the first swim meet was just around the corner.

On the 25th November Jesse Amos represented the Piranhas and competed in the first swim meet, The Stingray Open Classic in Ararat.

Jesse competed in the Mens 16-29 50m Free, Breast, Fly and Back.

He came 2nd in all his events.

A great start to the season Jesse, keep it up!

Howard Amos also came home a winner, winning the raffle and taking home a coffee machine.

The Piranhas would like to welcome any new swimmers to our Come and Try Night on Thursday 30th November at 6pm.

Come along to see if swim club is something you would be interested in over the summer months.

Training is inclusive and open to all ages.

We look forward to seeing you and it’s our shout for ice cream afterwards.

Above: Leon Lynch in action last Saturday against Donald Golf.

St. Arnaud Country Club bowls ROUND 7 of the pennant competition was a disappointing day when they failed to win a rink against Donald Golf.

The Donald bowlers adapted to the conditions better and simply gave us a bowling lesson.

Bowlers if we are to have any chance of reaching the finals, we have to start winning games now.

John Nevill lost to Peter Hibberd 13-23 Simon Elliott lost to Geoff Rigby 17-27 Jason Abbott lost to Robert Reseigh 18-31

48 shots to 81 0 Points to 12 Division 2 Division 2 managed to win one rink out of three, thanks to the team of Phil Elliott, Chris Webb, Paul Mullins and Leigh Watkins winning by 22 shots.

Mick Pole and Hughie Craddock both had narrow losses by two shots which was very good.

Phil Elliott

- Contributed defeated George Wood 37-15 Mick Pole lost to Brenda Dixon 26-28 Hugh Craddock lost to Peter Raynes 20-22 83 shots to 65 8 points to 4 Although a disappointing day for the club, we all enjoyed a lovely meal at the Farmers Arms Hotel on Saturday night.

Above: Country Club’s Paul Mullins gets a bowl on its way.

NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 29th 2023 - Page 15

Page 16 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY NOVEMBER 29th 2023.

SPORT

HOME DELIVERY 5495 1055

First year bowler wins club championship - Contributed

ANNE McNally defeated Kerryn Dyke to win the Ladies Singles Championship of the St. Arnaud Bowling Club.

Above: (left to right) Lynne Southwell (Charlton), Thelma Moresi (Boort), Amy Roberts (Wedderburn) Joan Wood (Donald) seated.

Region State Fours - Contributed

On November 10th 2023 our Regions State Fours bowling teams played at Donald Golf.

The teams were from Boort, Wedderburn, St. Arnaud and a mixed team.

The mixed team won the day and will go on to play in the next round possibly in Horsham, during March 2024.

It was a very hot day to play 3 games with the temperature hitting 37.5C.

Country Club’s ladies Champions Above: St. Arnaud Country Club 4’s Champions for 2023/2024 (left to right) Rhonda Pole, Lyn Moulday, Colleen Bond and Heather Esmore.

A large crowd attended to watch what was anticipated to be a great game and they were not let down.

Anne started well winning the first end only to see Kerryn win the next 4 ends to be 51 up after 5 ends.

Anne settled and won 11 of the next 12 ends to add a further 18 shots to her score including 3 shots on 3 ends to lead 19-6 on the 17th end.

As many of her opponents know, the 4-time champion never gives up.

She picked up 9 shots on the next 3 ends to be down 15 –19 on the 20th end.

Anne kept her cool and managed to win enough shots to keep ahead although Kerryn got to within 3 shots on the 25th end.

Anne won the last 2 ends to win the championship 26 –20.

Anne only started playing competitive bowling this season and this is the first time she has entered the Club Championship.

She has practiced and listened to advice given to her by seasoned bowlers in the club and fully deserved the win.

The St. Arnaud Bowling Club congratulate Anne and hope she enjoys many years at our club.

More sport inside

Above: Anne McNally.

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