5th June 2024

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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.

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WEDNESDAY JUNE 5th 2024.

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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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Council accused of inactivity by ‘kicking the can down the road’ THE frustration was palpable by the Women Councillors of the Northern Grampians Shire Council (NGSC) at the council meeting of Monday 3rd June, this time at Northern Grampians being one of only a few Victorian Councils who are not signatories to the Victorian Government’s Gender Charter.

There are 74 of the 79 local councils that are signatories to the charter.

There was a degree of tension in the air as Cr Karen Hyslop read a letter from Veronica Monaghan questioning why the NGSC was not a signatory to the Gender Charter when it was discussed in 2018.

In 2018 it was decid-

ed by council that as they were already working on gender equality that it would be a duplication of effort and as a result it was not endorsed.

The question remained largely unanswered but Cr. Ostarcevic moved a motion for the question to be ‘left on the table’.

Cr. Hyslop once again tried to bring up

Council make decision on Meals on Wheels AT the Northern Grampians Shire Council meeting of Monday 3rd June a contract was announced that East Wimmera Health Service would be the provider of Meals on Wheels for St. Arnaud.

The contract will be for 12 months from 1st July 2024.

the topic as a matter for urgent business and moved that the council becomes a signatory to the Gender Charter.

What is the Gender Charter The charter, developed in 1996, supports the principles of gender equity, diversity and active citizenship.

It is unique to Victoria and is endorsed by the Women’s Participation in Local Government Coalition (WPILGC), Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) and Victorian Local Government Association (VLGA).

Argument continued Cr Hyslop said that she was supportive in 2018 when the council were considering the Gender Charter and added that it can be

another platform for women.

“We have enough information and it is very relevant to its connection to Family Violence”.

Cr. Eddy Ostarcevic who was not on Council in 2018 wanted more information on the Charter.

“Just because everyone is doing it, does not mean we should” he said.

He followed by putting forward a variation of the motion so see further information gained on the issue and have it placed back on the agenda for the next meeting.

Cr. Dempsey’s mission Cr. Dempsey has been on a mission in recent times and has posted on her facebook page, that “Throughout my time on council, I have been yelled and screamed at, ganged

Above: Cr. Dempsey (left) chats with Prue McAlister outside the Perry Room at the Northern Grampians Shire Offices after the meeting on Monday. up on, threatened, gaslit, intimidated, excluded and treated with complete disrespect (just to name a few), and this is all at the hands of some councillors.

“With a lack of willingness for change, I can no longer continue to put myself in an environment that I feel is toxic and psychologically unsafe.

“I spoke about this

on ABC radio recently.

“I will no longer tolerate this behaviour and call on the Minister for Local Government to make drastic change to the sector as the current systems do not support councillors across the state who are dealing with issues similar to or worse than mine.

“System reform is needed NOW!” Cr Dempsey concluded.

Cr. Lauren Dempsey was nominated by Cr Hyslop as the Champion for the Gender Charter.

The argument concluded with a motion that was unanimously supported to obtain information on the Gender Charter and bring the item back on the agenda for the next monthly council meeting.

Mayor comments on plight of farming committee and the VNI West MAYOR Rob Haswell took the opportunity in his report on his activities during the last month to defend and side with the farmers in their fight with AEMO on the VNI West Interconnector powerlines.

“This is a difficult time for farmers “The whole process has been so badly handled in that all forms of public consultation have been poor.

Mayor Haswell believed that there has been no word on how the powerlines will affect the lives of farmers and their farms.

“We are a local government authority and do not have much authority over this process, “But we can advocate.”

Mayor Haswell believes that it is important to have a voice and continue to speak out.

“It is also important to have a backup plan, an insurance type of thing.

“My suggestion is that they consider a large respectable accountancy firm draw up a report about fair and equitable settlement to all affected farmers.

“It would be a document that would have a high level of clout”, Cr. Haswell concluded.

Readers please note:

Stuart Mill stud produces an Arabian Champion Above: Shown off at the Championships by Amy Francis of Ekala Arabian Stud, Mill Park Zeinah shows why she was crowned Reserve Champion. - see story page 3.

PHOTO: Supplied by S. Douglas Greig.

Due to King’s Birthday Weekend, next week’s edition of the North Central News will be available Thursday 13th June 2024.

Mayor’s cancellation questioned by Women4Council - Story page 3.

COVID Updates and Developments

Editorial Leveraging off the Grampians

Victorian Stats

The number of people in hospital with COVID-19 has decreased this week.

The 7-day average is 319, compared to 347 last week. The latest There are rumblings that the latest of documents quantitative wasteto come out under the auspices of the Northern water measures Grampians Shire Council, the Local Area Action indicate there are increasing SARS-CoVPlan (LAAP), is short of aspirations for the 2 viral loads in Kara Kara ward in particular. This document Victorian wastewater was compiled by Stafford Strategy for the in regional catchments.

Northern Grampians Shire Council and the Increasing levels of SARS-CoV-2 in wasteGrampians Tourism Board and it provides a vision water suggest and direction for the sustainable development increasing prevalence of the Northern Grampians visitor economy. The of COVID-19 infections report will form the basis for attracting in the community. investment across the region and ensures that Deaths in the most recent 28-day period (17 the Grampians will remain a leading nature-based Apr 2024 - 14 May 2024) tourism destination. It is about having a path have increased comto support tourism. pared to the prior 28-day This is nothing to do with the St. Arnaud period (20 Mar 2024 - 16 Structures Plan which is an urban design frameGRID Apr 13 2024), with a current work and about rezoning and the form that the 28-day total of 76. community wanted which will go to the Planning However, increases Minister. This report is a document that will be and decreases in the used to substantiate the tourism industry. reporting of deaths We cannot agree that the document is light on attributable to COVIDin its capacity to harness all that this district Kara 19 tend to lag waves of Kara has on show for tourists. We know that as infections and hospia tourist destination the St. Arnaud region will talisations by several come in last to the Grampians National Park and weeks.

Halls Gap. But we (or some of us) are happy to The Both Features Northern People piggy back on the Grampians and take some of Grampians Shire and the glow from the publicity that surrounds that Buloke PO Box 8271Shire have NIL region. reported cases of Bundall Qld The aim of this report is to grow visitor numCOVID this Australia 4217 week. bers and spending by focusing on the growing Code Yellow in number of visitors to this region. It recognizes that Telephone: (07) 5553 3200 this will be done in part by developing new, Toll SA Free: 1 800 652 284 visitor-ready and bookable experiences and prod- Fax: SA (07) 5553 3201 hospitals enter ucts and creating bookable packages. This is where ‘Code Yellow’ emerthis region, Kara Kara, may benefit from the high Email: gency as a new profile that the Grampians has with the rest of auspac@auspacmedia.com.au COVID/flu wave hits Visithospitals. our site: Victoria. www.auspacmedia.com.au If this end of the shire is to be recognized as part The numbers of of Victoria’s best nature-based destination, leverhealth staff that have aging the Grampians is a good way to do it, as it been struck down as is already a recognized nature amenity with its well as the surge in national part, walking trails, lakes and waterways new patient presentaand as the report says ‘will continue to be a major tions is creating havoc driver of visitation for the region’. St. Arnaud and with the SA Health sysdistrict will win with those that are susceptible to tem. extending their stay and visiting the region or A medical profesreturning to say Melbourne via St. Arnaud. sional from one It is worth a read. Hopefully we will get another hospital said there was chance to engage with the shire staff on this a growing number of document as the last evening was only attended COVID presentations by 3 residents. in particular, but also a Created: Ted Whillier If this editorial contains a complaint it would be growth in pneumonia Creator no: 10135 that the shire still has not found a multi-pronged and heart failure and Qxpress: Peta Mandrakas avenue to reach this community. Although the other conditions which community was informed of the launching of this canRosemary be triggered by Checked: J document, with a piece in the Northern Grampians older Australians havUpdate of the North Central News, not all would ing a viral illness of a have seen such a small item. Press releases to the variety of different North Central News are often late for an edition, types. or do not come at all. Media calls to the Shire in Should I have Stawell are not returned in a timely fashion, or if my child ever, which is more than likely.

Recorded cases of Diseases Surveillance RSV have nearly douSystem, there were St. Arnaud, Charlton & surrounding districts bled across Australia 56,063 RSV cases over the last year, to recorded in Australia N.C.N. INFORMATION about 56,063 up to up to April.

April.

This is nearly douThe North Central News is 100% locally owned, Nearly three fifths ble the 29,390 cases independent newspaper, established in 1864. With of those with the virus recorded at the same an ABC audited circulation of 1,650 copies, and an were aged four or time last year. estimated readership of over 4,250 throughout the under.

NATIONAL CROSSWORD 13 X 13 Release No. 10135 Northern Grampians and Buloke Shires.

The Royal Aust- GRID 13 SUBSCRIPTIONS ralian College of Annual subscription for 12 months is only $144.00 General Practitioners (inc. GST), including postage and packaging. has called on governments to make RSV ADVERTISING & COPY DETAILS D immunisation free Artwork, and all advertisements or alterations are for vulnerable infants to be submitted before 5.00pm Friday prior to 7 6 5 3 4 2 1 All life is an publication. in Victoria, South Features People The experiment.

Announcements of births, deaths, marriages and 10 9 8 Australia and Tasmania. engagements must be properly authenticated.

According to the - Ralph Waldo PO Box 8271 12 13 11 N.C.N. prefers advertisement and editorial copy to be Bundall Qld federal government's Australia 4217Emerson 17 being published 16 hand-written to avoid 15 or neatly 14 typed National Notifiable

QUOTE OF THE WEEK

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Telephone: (07) 5553 3200 Toll Free: 1 800 652 284 North Central News is published (07) by 5553Peter 3201 Fax: weekly

Marland, 3279 Charlton/St. Arnaud Road, Slaty Creek for Email: NCNews Pty. Ltd., 18 Napier Street, St. Arnaud. A.C.N. auspac@auspacmedia.com.au Visit our site: District Newspaper P/L, 146 461 903. Printed by Western www.auspacmedia.com.au Camperdown Vic. Registered

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NATIONAL CROSSWORD 13 X 13

Auspac Media

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Phone: (03) 5495 1055; Email: ncn@iinet.net.au

incorrectly. We accept for error or 20 19 no responsibility 18 misspellings in illegible advertisement and editorial copy.

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DISCLA26IMER 29 28 27 The views and opinions expressed in this publication 33 the publisher or 31 32 held by 30are not necessarily those editor. The for 35 accept no36liability 37 34 publisher and staff injury or losses which may occur as a result of 40 38 information presented in 39 this publication.

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Proudly sponsored by:Solution No. Solution No.10135 10135 S O R E P O R T R C O N T R I V E R U DOWN E ACROSS DOWN ACROSS E P 3 Explosion 1 Fragment WARNING !!! 3 Report RA L OI O EF P LI T MO1 MI Scrap S E R P O N D E R T I N T E 8 Plan with ingenuity Note 2 Vegetable 8 Contrive W D R U M 2T I Onion L E S to Editor: E S S 10 Regret 3 Tear 10 Rue DA RE ME ME D M OB AT 3L MI Rip S Solution to this puzzle should T E R 11 Abstract 4 Wicked 11 EpitomeM A N E W P O4 S Evil I N E not 5appear on the same page 14 Reserved Favourite 14 Aloof GA U NA ST KS A KN C 5SE E Pet R S E R T 17 Hand auger 6 Table support 17 Miser DE F ET D U CR EE DA 6S S Trestle D S 18 Meditate 7 Keep under 18 Ponder 7 Repress 20 Pale colour 9 Allude 20 Tint 9 Refer 21 Percussion 12 Leave out 21 Drum 12 Omit instrument 13 Belittle 23 Tiles 13 Minimise vaccinated?

Let’s all try to lift our game.

23 Roofing items 15 Let down 25 Deem 15 Lower The COVID-19 vac- 25 Judge 16 Remnants of broken 27 Mot 16 Oddments cine is not currently 27 Pithy saying sets 29 Mess 19 Rum Note to Editor: recommended for 29 Untidy state 19 Spirit 30 Armed 22 Mob children" but Created"healthy in QUARK 30 Having weapons 22 Unruly crowd 32 Bali 24 Essen if they have other medXPRESS. VER.4.03 32 Indonesian holiday 24 German city 34 Anew 25 Damaged ical co-morbidities, Items not for isle 25 Harmed suchneeded as immune-com35 Poster 26 Emanate promised, it should be publication can be 34 Afresh 26 Proceed from a 38 Aunts 28 Tap ST. ARNAUD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15.2 considered.

35 Large placard source erased as each is in a 40 Seine 31 Desk RAINFALL FOR JUNE . . . . . . . . . . . .0.0 With the current 38 Family members 28 Faucet 41 Askance 33 Loses separatesurge text box. in viruses, YEARLY RAINFALL TO DATE . .115.8mm 40 French river 31 Furniture item 44 Eft 36 Tired experts seem to agree 33 Fails to keep 45 Reassert 37 Rests CHARLTON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15.0 that government’s 41 With a side glance 44 Salamander 36 Weary 46 Educed 39 Knee should be providing RAINFALL FOR JUNE . . . . . . . . . . . .0.0 37 Reposes free Respirator y 45 Reaffirm 42 Arc YEARLY RAINFALL TO DATE . .144.0mm Syncytial Virus (RSV) 46 Brought out 39 Joint 43 Cad See this week’s solution on page 4. immunization.

42 Curve 43 Bounder Page 2 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY JUNE 5th 2024.

WEEKLY RAINFALL

Mayor’s cancellation Isolation and the transience of life are themes of new photography exhibition questioned by Women4Council IN a Public Question from the gallery Prue McAlister stated that the Mayor had accepted an invitation to address the Wo m e n 4 C o u n c i l group but had declined later to the invitation.

A new exhibition opened at the Raillery Hub on Saturday, this one by Ian Kemp and the opening was to be conducted by the Mayor of the Northern Grampians Shire Council, however, he called in ill with the flu and Jo Postlethwaite undertook the duties to open the exhibition.

The opening was well attended and community members are welcome to view the exhibit at the Raillery Hub art gallery from Friday to Sunday from 11am to 4pm until 21st July.

Ian, an art photographer based in Ballarat,

presented "Solitary," that delves into themes of isolation and the transient nature of life.

Above: Cr. Karen Hyslop is joined with photography exhibitor, Ian Kemp (right) PHOTO: J. Postlethwaite

Cr Haswell was to address the group at their May meeting but cancelled and the meeting date changed to accommodate him but he cancelled again with no explanation despite numerous phone calls to his office.

Then for the 18th June meeting Cr Haswell accepted but has since cancelled.

There is concern

Above: Prue McAlister reads her question to Council on Monday.

PHOTO: L. Dempsey amongst the group that the cancellations are a pattern of behaviour and they are obviously frustrated by the situation.

In a second question, Prue wished to know whether the

mayor would commit to meeting with the group and if so, when.

Mayor Haswell took the question on notice, to give himself more time to properly word a response.

Council CEO gets salary increase backdated AT the Northern Grampians Shire Council meeting of 3rd June it was passed that the CEO would get a 3% increase in salary backdated to 13th February 2024.

The increase was noted to be for 12 months duration until February 2025.

CEO

Values led | Seymour based | Well positioned for growth

Since 1981, Goulburn Options is deeply embedded in the fabric of the community and has provided quality personalised services to individuals with disability. They are seeking a new CEO who will ably lead the organisation’s strategic plan and execution, including exploring feasibility of service growth.

Supported by a stable and engaged board, the CEO will work to deepen community relationships and connections across the Goulburn region. The incumbent will continue to develop capabilities within the leadership team and bring a fresh perspective to all operational and financial aspects.

Stuart Mill stud produces an Arabian Champion AWARDS from showcasing Arabian horses in Australia happen at the Australian Arabian National Championships (AANC) and are prestigious amongst enthusiasts.

This year, an Arabian bred at Mill Park in Stuart Mill secured the title of Reserve Champion Crabbet Mare.

Mill Park Zeinah is sired by Mill Park Artemus and out of Mill Park Zahra.

Mill Park Arabians Stud is based in Stuart Mill, the home of Don Greig and Shirley Douglas Greig.

In 2024 the Championships returned to Victoria and the Mill Park Stud in Stuart Mill was represented.

Mill Park Zeinah made, what was described as “a powerful entrance into the arena, captivating the judges with her beauty and presence”.

In the Winter edition Vol 58/1 of ‘Arabian Horse Lifestyle’ it was said that there had been a surge in support for Arabians by the inclusion of the Straight Egyptian and Crabbet Classes in the programs of shows.

Mill Park Zeinah is now co-owned by Mill Park, Ekala and Lionnah Arabian Studs.

If you're passionate about the human services sector and making an impact in the lives of those with disabilities, we invite you to apply. Please visit brookerconsulting.com.au/positiondescription to view the Position Profile and upload your CV (in word format) to apply by 5.00pm Monday, July 1. Alternatively, feel free to reach out to Leighton Cantrill at 0493 827 145 or Lesley Lightfoot at 0429 381 277 for a confidential discussion.

www.brookerconsulting.com.au

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Above: Mill Park Zeinah displays her sash with Amy Francis PHOTO: Supplied by S. Douglas Greig

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NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY JUNE 5th 2024 - Page 3

History of the St. Arnaud Fire Brigade In the Fourth of our series on the St. Arnaud Fire Brigade we take up where we left off with the 1912 use of the old manual engine. This is an excerpt from the History of the St. Arnaud Fire Brigade and Original Fire Station 1883 by E. Ebery and J. Cameron (1995)

The Manual Engine

ered at the Station mending hoses, playing cards etc, when word came that the wood stacks at White and Worsdells were on fire.

The old manual engine was sometimes used. On one occasion on a Sunday morning in 1912, the firemen were, as was usual on a Sunday morning gath-

There was little use taking the hose reel, but a few minutes later, a man leading a

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delivery horse in full harness went past.

The horse was commandeered, and all aboard the fire engine, the firemen raced to the scene. A good dam of water was available and they were able to put the fire out.

(Story from the late A.E. Walsh who was a fireman at the time).

Many a startled horse quietly pulling a delivery van past the fire station, found itself galloping to a fire attached to a fire cart in time of emergency., Fire Brigade practice was held in front of the building in the cordoned off main street with traffic going around.

There was a bell tower across the drain that caused some problems of access if the drain was flooded.

The Fire Station now in use in 1995, on the corner of Dundas and Walker Streets was built in 1916, and the old one abandoned.

The original Fire Station was later used for Housing the horse drawn ambulance, then remained vacant until its restoration and reopening in 1995. ...

The late Arthur Walsh joined the

AUCTION ST ARNAUD 47A MILLETT STREET SATURDAY 22ND JUNE 2024 11:30am Sharp On site

Brigade in 1907 and On one occasion, the following chapter Arthur and another of information supfireman were having plied by him gives Qld an supper in a cafe in A 4217 Napier Street when excellent history of the later years of the someone said the 1 800 652 284 Brigade in Fthe early Salvation Army Hall part of this century. was on fire.

E The continuing “We ran around the handicap of lack of corner and if only we water was always a had had half a dozen problem. buckets of water, we

could have saved it, but there was not a drop available.

“We watched it burn to the ground” he said.

(Ironically in 1995 the site of this fire is the one proposed for the building of a new fire station, the third in the brigade’s history).

CommBank Charlton supports locals with community donation COMMONWEALTH Bank Charlton branch has donated $2,000 to local organisation, Charlton Traveller's Rest, as partAof its nationwide Community Ted Whillier Donations C Program.

10135

Q o n w e a Peta Comm l t h Mandrakas ed two local communiC Bank is committed to ty organisations as driving positive change potential recipients for in the cities, suburbs, the $2,000 donation. and regional towns it For six weeks over serves to help build a March and April, brighter future for Charlton branch cuscommunities across tomers, along with Australia. members of the local As part of this community, voted for commitment, which nominated comCommonwealth Bank munity organisation has pledged to donate they would like the $500,000 Australia-wide program to support. from its Community The runner-up comDonations Program to munity organisation recognise organisawill also receive a tions that make a donation of $500. difference to the local “Our Community communities they Donations Program operate in. has been running for Commonwealth several years now and Bank’s Charlton it’s been great to be branch team nominatable to support local organisations who do such good work within our community.

“It’s also been wonderful to have our branch customers and the local community involved in the program by being able to have their say and - by Heather Pritchard

St. Arnaud 50 Years Ago: June 1974

vote”, Michelle Jenkyn, Commonwealth Bank Charlton Branch Manager said. “ C h a r l t o n Traveller's Rest makes such a valuable contribution to our local community by providing a place where both locals and visitors to the town can go and relax near the river and enjoy the BBQ facilities.

“Charlton also uses the space for many social get togethers.

“We hope the donation will help them to maintain the space”, Michelle said.

Solution No. 10135 S O R E P O R T R C O N T R I V E R U E R I E P I T O M E P A L O O F L M I S E R P O N D E R T I N T E W D R U M T I L E S D E E M M O T M E S S A R M E D B A L I S M A N E W P O S T E R A U N T S K S E I N E G A S K A N C E R S E F T R E A S S E R T D E D U C E D D S

Engagements Karen McKinley and Andrew Reading.

Debbie Hewitt and John Needs.

Rosemary Davies and Barry Wilson.

Maureen Wilson and Daryl Le Hunt.

Wedding Glenda Griffith and Peter Mayberry.

As original is this 1880’s Miners Cottage renovate or detonate, on 966m2 allotment and only 550m from the main street. Offering all the lovely township of St Arnaud has to offer from shopping to professional services.

With 4 main rooms and set deep on the block with rear access available from a back laneway this cottage is a one bedroom, living room with solid – fuel heating – open fireplace, Kitchen / Dining area, bathroom with shower and vanity and separate sewered toilet.

Single carport and 2 sundry pre 1900’s sheds in need of repair.

An excellent opportunity to acquire a sizable allotment of land just 550m from the bustling main street.

Genuine seller

Further Particulars/ Inspections: James Nevins 0407 302 900 Email: inglewood@fpnevins.com.au

Births Carol and Wally Burton a daughter Melissa Jane.

Janice and Ralph Dewhurst a son Rhett Campbell.

K aye and Noel Boyd a daughter Rochelle Margaret.

Helen and Tony Green a son William Angliss.

Julie and Ken McLean a daughter Kirsty Lee. Dianne and Kevin White a daughter Kym Dianne.

21st Birthdays FP NEVINS DOES NOT WARRANT THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ABOVE

Page 4 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY JUNE 5th 2024.

Peter McSwain and Trevor McDonald.

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St Arnaud Community Update

Above: With concussion such a hot issue currently there were many clubs represented at the Concussion Management session. PHOTO: Supplied

Clubs encouraged to become Concussion Champions in their clubs CONCUSSION is becoming a prominent issue in sport, with player welfare first and foremost, there are new guidelines that have been released this year and that clubs are expected to abide by.

Recognising and managing concussions is difficult, so St. Arnaud Physiotherapy was on hand to help.

Concussion management can be challenging to implement without further education and so St. Arnaud Physiotherapy Centre jumped in.

Clubs had already completed an expression of interest for this session sent out by SAPC Physiotherapist, Aidan Goode.

The response to this EOI was huge, so SAPC developed this session to provide education on the issue of concussion management for the remainder of the season.

Over thirty people attended the St. Arnaud Physiotherapy Centre (SAPC) session on Concussion Management Education Monday 27th May at

Standpipe relocation GWMWater has now relocated the St Arnaud standpipe from Preece Street to the corner of Reservoir Road and Kell Road, St Arnaud. The new location will reduce the impact of standpipe operation on water pressure in the area. The previous location on Preece Street has now been decommissioned.

Pressure improvements Works to replace the Bowen Street main are now complete. Further opportunities to improve pressure will be considered as they arise.

Receive your water bills via email Register for eNotices to receive your water bills via email! To register, !"#$%&'()&*+,&,-.*!/, &$.0.&.(&%.12&34*,2&5!$$&4()&1 ,&*+,&/.),&*.& register.

By registering, you will be able to not only receive and pay your water bill online, but also pay your bill through our online payment portal via Credit Card, Apple Pay or Google Pay, access your bill on any electronic device, and view your current and past bills.

If you have any questions, please feel free to reach out to our Customer Call Centre team on 1300 659 961.

Above: Aidan Goode presents an overview on concussion first which is considered a difficult subject to address.

PHOTO: Supplied. the Lord Nelson Park community room.

The clubs from North Central Football and Netball League of Sea Lake, Donald, Charlton and St. Arnaud, and a North Central Netball Association representative all attended.

Aidan has a special interest in sports concussion and offered this education session for coaches, medical team members, trainers and helpers from the North Central

Football, Netball and Hockey League.

The session gave an overview on concussion, including: • What is a concussion?

• Discussing myths and misconceptions • How do I recognise concussion and what tools can I use?

• What do I do if I suspect a player is concussed?

• Return to sport following concussion • Resources and further information

Affected by a recent major emergency?

You may be eligible for recovery support.

For more information vic.gov.au/recovery

Ward Boundaries changes in time for 2024 Elections THE ward boundaries for ten Victorian councils, who had voter imbalances, will be altered in time for the 2024 elections following a review by the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC).

Under the Local Government Act 2020, the number of voters per councillor in a ward should not vary by more than ten per cent from the average number of voters per councillor for all of the wards.

In February 2023, the VEC advised that ten councils were projected to have at least one ward with councillor to voter ratio imbalances at the time of the October 2024 elections.

In April 2023, in accordance with section 17 of the Local Government Act 2020, the Minister for Local

Government asked the VEC to conduct ward boundary reviews for these councils.

The VEC’s reviews have been completed in time to allow for candidates and the VEC to implement the necessary planning ahead of the general elections in October this year.

The ten councils that will alter their ward boundaries include the Pyrenees Shire Council: The ward boundary details are available at localgovernment.vic. gov.au/council-governance.

NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY JUNE 5th 2024 - Page 5

The Unbreakable Farmer visits Charlton ONE of Australia’s leading rural mental health speakers and advocates Warren Davies - The Unbreakable Farmer - visited Charlton on Wednesday 22nd May.

Above: The appreciative crowd was enthralled by Warren’s tales of resilience and persistence.

PHOTO: Supplied.

Page 6 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY JUNE 5th 2024.

In front of a crowd of 60 at Charlton Park, Warren shared the story of his own battles with mental health, of hitting rock bottom, and the lessons he learnt as he picked himself up and pieced his life together again.

With the weather getting cooler and our farming communities busy, it was wonderful that so many people could gather.

Warren spoke of resilience, persistence, and determination and of having a ‘toolkit’ to

lean into when times are tough, and our mental health is down.

Warren’s three key lessons for the audience centered around communication, connection and support.

He encouraged attendees to be courageous, take steps to check-in with their networks, and speak up if they’re not traveling so well.

Af ter hearing Warren’s presentation, guests enjoyed a meal and a chance to reflect and socialize with one another.

With the event coinciding with Victorian L aw Week, Allie Collyer from Mallee Family Care attended and shared information on a range of legal issues and the support

available in the Mallee area.

East Wimmera Health Service (EWHS) and Loddon Mallee Public Health Unit also provided a range of health and wellbeing resources for attendees.

The evening was made possible with thanks to L oddon Mallee Public Health Unit and EWHS’s Health Promotion team.

If you or someone you know needs support, contact EWHS Wellbeing and Counselling team on 03 5477 2222, Lifeline on 13 11 14 or other mental health and wellbeing services.

In an emergency, phone Triple Zero (000).

Above: Warren Davies, The Unbreakable Farmer, during last week’s event in Charlton.

PHOTO: Supplied.

EPA say illegal burning off still a concern EPA is looking into recent reports that there have been more on farm illegal burn offs and will contact properties in the north west of the state regarding their requirement to comply with regulations about disposal of industrial waste materials.

L ast year, E n v i r o n m e n t Protection Authority Victoria (EPA) cracked down on the practice of illegal burn offs on farms fining offenders and warning that further enforcement would follow if noncompliant behaviour persisted.

“We have given several warnings already and fined individuals and companies that failed to listen to our advice; you cannot dispose via burning materials like treated pine posts, grape vine covers, rack sheets, waste tyres, agricultural plastic, mattresses, hessian and other general waste,” EPA North West Regional Manager Paul Ratajczyk said.

“Smoke from waste burn-offs can lead to

harmful effects on human health, particularly for people with asthma or other lung conditions, older people, pregnant women, babies and young children.”

Mr Ratajczyk said there had been reports of more burn offs and while winter usually slowed the practice, stockpiling material with the intention of burning off as the weather improved toward spring might still be in some people’s plans.

“Take waste like that to a facility licensed to accept it.

“If you’re trying to save a few dollars with a back paddock burn, EPA will take action,” Mr Ratajczyk said.

If you see illegal burning off activity call EPA on 1300 372 842 or contact@epa.vic.gov.au

St. Arnaud 100 Years Ago: 30th May – 5th June 1924 New Post Office When local butcher James Crone noticed brick laying was about to commence he requested permission to convey the first new hods of bricks and mortar on the work.

When a 15-year-old he was employed as a hod-carrier and proved he had not forgotten the ‘knack’ of his boyhood days.

Bricklaying is in charge of Mr R Stainforth of Melbourne and Mr W Millen of Mildura.

Four men have been employed and 44,000 bricks will be used

Memorial Gates Unveiled Marnoo residents gathered at the entrance of Memorial Park to officially unveil

the WW1 memorial gates with two tablets attached to them.

One bears the names of local soldiers who made the supreme sacrifice and the other one the names of those who returned.

Kara Kara Shire Engineer Mr Henderson designed the gates and tablets and supervised their construction.

Lieutenant- Colonel

Nurse Practitioner to commence in St. Arnaud IN the coming months, St. Arnaud will have Nurse Practitioners working at the St. Arnaud Medical Centre.

Nurse Practitioners are registered nurses who have authority to practice independently and collaboratively in an expanded clinical role.

Nurse Practitioners can undertake comprehensive assessment and care planning and their consultations are subsidised by the Medicare benefits Scheme.

Nurse Practitioners can prescribe medication within their scope

of practice.

Patients will be asked to pay a co-payment for the service to cover what Medicare doesn’t.

This is an exciting development that introduces a new type of practitioner into the healthcare team and bookings can be made by contacting the medical centre.

East Wimmera Health Service would also like to remind ever yone that the

health ser vice is available for Urgent Care needs and for anyone interested, the Victorian Virtual E m e r g e n c y Department (VVED) is available to provide online care at any time www.vved.org.au – you just need the ability to use a camera as part of the online consultation.

This can be achieved with a computer, or a smart phone and it is a free service.

As always, please call Triple Zero (000) if your situation is life threatening.

H W Dunkley representing the Kara Kara Shire Council unveiled the gates and Cr Hall President of the Stawell Shire Council unveiled the tablets.

Deaths Five-year- old Daphne Elizabeth Raymond eldest daughter of Mr and Mrs A J Raymond of Canterbury St. died on 30th June.

Daphne had been visiting her grandmother in Wycheproof when she became ill and was taken home.

The Catholic school children marched in the funeral procession and six b o y s , S Wa r d , W Moore, S Travaglia, J Cadzow, R Cronin and R McErlain acted as coffin bearers, with six girls E Clarke, D McGoldrick, E Russell, M Kennedy, L McKew and E McErlain as pall bearers.

Mr John Gifford of Moolerr died at his residence age 66 on 4th June. John was born in Somersetshire England, came to Australia as a young man and selected land at Moolerr.

He leaves a widow Martha Gifford nee Brown and nine children.

Football Those training for St. Arnaud - R Cadzow, T Fitzpatrick, Joe and John Cecini, E Griffiths, L Goltz, C Lardner, T Perry, C Cousins, W J Huxtable, A Fithall, F B r a d s h a w, W McNicol, B Wyatt, W Kennedy, M Caine, J Millgate, Webb, Bray, Woods, Mathews, L and J Crone, E G o l d s b u r y, L Greenwood, G and T Henderson, R Nash, T Ryan, Foster, Riley and Coleman.

Opening matches took place this week with St Arnaud 5-12 defeating Watchem 47 - a t Wa t c h e m , Birchip 11-6 defeating Donald 5-8 at Donald and Cope Cope 6-11 defeating Litchfield 4-11 at Cope Cope.

Skating The result of a fun filled polo match was, Fire Brigade nil and Imperials 5 goals.

Imperials – A Meyers, R Jardine, A B o d i n n a r, P Anderson, W McDermott and H

Jackson.

Fire Brigade – A Whitney, R Wescott, W Kennedy, H Davy, A Summerfield and L Crone

Sales Mrs Keegan has a furniture sale at her private hospital opposite the Post Office.

Mr G L V Oxley sold 80 first cross 4 tooth ewes in lamb to Border Leicester rams at a record price of 55/- per head to Geo Barratt of Gre Gre North.

Mr V M Price whose contract on the channels is completed sells near new harness, swings and chains plus four hors-

- by Heather Pritchard es, guaranteed good workers.

Miss Doris McNeill sold 5-room house in Millett St. to Mr J Bruce.

Mr T Hayden wants to sell rubber tyred gig, pony and harness.

Rain During May – 90 points making 10 ins 23 p so far this year compared to only 371 points for the same period last year.

Wa t e r l e v e l s o f reservoirs Goldfields 12 ft 8 ins, Government 11 ft 6 ins and Teddington 21 ft.

St. Arnaud 50 Years Ago: June 1974 Deaths

- by Heather Pritchard

Mrs Clara Petrie age 65.

Mrs Mary Payne age 49.

Mrs Alice Martin age 78.

Mr William McDonald age 81.

Mr Claude Burgess age 72.

Mr Edward Warwick Young age 72.

Mr Roy Wagner age 63.

Mr James Alexander Stewart age 83.

Mrs Daphne Taylor age 83.

Robert Thomas Walker age 17 was killed in a motorbike accident.

NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY JUNE 5th 2024 - Page 7

In The Paddock Upskilling the future of our Agriculture industry BY investing in the future of agriculture in Victoria the Victorian Government is ensuring young farmers across the state can gain valuable new skills and investment towards their future.

Minister for Agriculture Ros Spence last week launched the 2024 Upskill and Invest Young Farmers Scholarship Program, encouraging the next generation of farmers to apply and receive

the skills they need to thrive in Victoria’s vibrant agriculture sector.

Ms Spence stated that more than 100 young farmers had been been helped by this program to better prepare for their future

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

career in agriculture.

“We understand the vital role our young farmers will play in ensuring our agricultural sector remains strong, innovative and sustainable for many years to come, and we will back them to reach their full potential.”

The Program offers scholarships of up to $10,000 with each recipient reimbursed up to $5,000 to support their training and study, and up to $5,000 to invest in putting their new skills into practice.

Successful applicants can receive training to build their knowledge and expertise in areas such as

GRAIN growers considering subsoil amelioration on their farms are encouraged to visit Agriculture Victoria’s new dedicated webpage and support guide to help navigate the decision-making process.

Agriculture Victoria Land Management Extension Officer Adam Buzza said subsoil amelioration is a land management practice where organic matter is typically injected into the subsoil using a specialised deep ripping machine.

“Our online resources provide decision support on when to consider subsoil ame-

lioration, when it's least effective, what it costs and guides on how different subsoil types respond,’ Mr Buzza said.

“Subsoil amelioration aims to improve nutrient availability, water movement and root development for better crop growing conditions and a higher yield at harvest time.

“Research shows that subsoil ameliora-

tion can increase grain yields by an average of 12% but its effectiveness is dependent on factors such as average annual rainfall, subsoil type and any constraints such as salinity or water logging.

“It’s important to note that amelioration upfront costs can be above $2000 per hectare and for some subsoils this is not a

cost-effective option,” he said.

Mr Buzza said the decision support guide is available in the grains, pulses and cereals section of the Agriculture Victoria website.

The resource was developed with the support of the National Landcare Program Smart Farms Small Grants – an Australian Government initiative - and the Grains Research and Development Corporation.

Week ending Wednesday 28 May 2024

used her scholarship to upskill and complete a remote pilot licence training and a Certificate IV Wool Classing course.

Megan also invested in infrastructure to improve her stockyards.

Albert Nunn from Central Western Victoria who is a mixed beef, sheep and grain farmer used the program to complete a diploma of Agriculture through South-West TAFE and then invested in a portable sheep handler.

Applications are open to farmers aged between 18 and 35 who have been working in farm businesses for at least three days a week for the past three months, with at least two years total experience on-farm.

Applications will close on 17th June.

To learn more about the program and to apply for a scholarship, visit vic.gov.au/youngfarmers.

— By Glendon Hancock

THE Australian wool market has recorded a small overall increase this series.

(03) 5494 3120 Calder Highway Wedderburn

Farmers welcome China beef export news FARMERS for Climate Action, representing more than 8200 farmers across Australia, has welcomed news China will re-open trade with five major Australian beef exporters.

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

own professional development to kickstart their career as a farmer.

Since 2015, the Upskill and Invest Young Farmers Scholarship Program has successfully supported 117 young farmers from a range of agriculture industries.

Megan Cooper is a wool grower from the Wimmera region who

Subsoil help for dryland grain growers

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

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

We have all the latest cutting-edge equipment:

irrigation, agronomy, conservation and land management, as well as core business skills in areas including accounting, human resources and marketing.

Once they have completed their studies, applicants can invest in modern technology and equipment, on-farm strategies and planning, and their

CEO Natalie Collard said Australian farming relies on trade.

“We’re a nation of 26 million people, and our farmers grow enough food for more than 70 million people, so trade is vital to Australia and its farmers,” Ms Collard said.

“The resumption of trade for these major exporters is great news for the beef industry, as

Page 8 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY JUNE 5th 2024.

were the previous announcements when other commodity exporters had their trade bans to China lifted.

“There is more to do as there are still another two exporters still waiting to have their bans lif ted. We acknowledge this has been a great team effort by the meat industr y and the Government.”

After 4.7% of the original offering was withdrawn prior to sale, there was just 31,383 bales left available to the trade.

This was the smallest sale of the season and the smallest since Week 51 (June) last year.

With minimal currency movement (the Australian dollar lost 0.16 cents compared to the US dollar since last week’s close) the price increases were driven more by increased buyer demand.

Main buyer interest continued to focus on good/best style wools with favourable additional measurement results.

However, due to the limited offering most merino fleece types generally sold at slightly higher levels than in the previous series.

Across the country, the movements in the individual

Micron Price Guides (MPGs) for merino fleece ranged by between minus 2 and plus 26 cents.

The merino skirtings tracked a similar path to the fleece, with small improvements generally recorded.

The crossbred sector had a solid series, with all MPGs recording increases, ranging between 5 and 22 cents.

The highlight was the 26.0-micron MPG in the South which added 22 cents for the week, this equated to a 4.2% rise.

The oddments had a relatively unchanged week, the three merino carding indicators (MC) rose by an average of 1 cent, helped by a 5 cent rise in the Western region.

The AWEX Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) climbed by 7 cents for the series, closing the week at 1,137 cents.

National Offering Centre North South West Total

Week 48 48 48

Days Offering 28, 29 May 8072 28, 29 May 16,998 28, 29 May 6,313 31,383

Future Offerings Week

49

4, 5 June

Source - AWEX

27,499

Fremantle has a non-sale week next week and the national offering is forecast to fall below 30,000 bales.

There are currently 27,499 bales expected to be on offer in Sydney and Melbourne.

Even if this full quantity is realised it will be the smallest sale since September 2020 (Week 13), where interestingly, in this very small sale the merino fleece MPGs added between 94 and 185 cents for the series.

Ind.

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

Melbourne 1102 L +9 1789 +13 1694 +12 1612 +23 1523 +19 1461 +15 1404 +11 1366 +12 1350 +12 1286 0 1275 -1 1252 735n 540 365 333 293 719n

+19 +22 +10 +5 +8 -2

What is big, red and is sitting at the top end of the Band Hall carpark?

THIS is one of the CFA Mobile Training Props which are deployed across Victoria to allow CFA volunteers to have the opportunity to train using live fire under safe conditions.

The unit currently in St. Arnaud is the Car Prop, allowing firefighters practise dealing with vehicle fires.

This mock-up of a car allows for the bonnet area, cabin and wheel to “burn” using a gas driven fire, giving opportunities to train for various scenarios.

Local firefighters have had the opportunity to extinguish car fires

of various fuel types, including gas and electric, train to do “snatch and grab” type rescues and try attacking a car fire in a confined space.

It allows firefighters to further develop the vital basic skills of hose management, pumping, teamwork, and communication.

St. Arnaud Group Training Coordinator, David Reynolds said

- Contributed that training is vital, like any good sports team.

“Firefighting requires constant training and practice to be efficient and effective in what we do.

“Being able to conduct live fire training gives our volunteers the opportunity to hone our skills in an environment that simulates what we may see on the fireground.”

The mobile prop will remain in place until late June.

Above: (left to right) Firefighters James Newton and Josh Prior attack the fire in Breathing Apparatus.

PHOTO: Blair Dellemijn of Uniform Photography.

Above: (left to right) Captain Rod Wilton and Firefighter Daryl Wright extinguishing an engine bay fire.

PHOTO: Blair Dellemijn of Uniform Photography.

Above: (left to right) Lieutenant David Reynolds observing Captain Rod Wilton protecting Firefighter Daryl Wright (obscured) while he forces open the car bonnet.

PHOTO: Blair Dellemijn of Uniform Photography.

NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY JUNE 5th 2024 - Page 9

Page 10 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY JUNE 5th 2024.

Birdie visits Wycheproof to help young people cope with challenging events LAST week, the Buloke Shire Council's Community Recovery team, in collaboration with Stuart Simmie from Emergency Recovery Victoria (ERV), visited the Wycheproof playgroup to share the "Birdie’s Book" series with the children.

The team read "Birdie and the Flood," offering the young listeners a story designed to help them understand and cope with challenging events.

This initiative is part

of the Buloke Council's ongoing efforts to support recover y through connection in communities.

Reading ‘healing and helping’ stories to children is a powerful

Left: “It rains so much, Birdie and Mr Frog have to get away from the rising water. The flood breaks Birdie's nest and fills Mr Frog's pond with mud and rubbish. Who will help?” Community Recovery Coordinator, Claire Cook, exclaims in an animated voice as she reads to Charlie (left) and Shelley Coles holding baby Lucinda Allan.

tool to help them understand their surroundings and manage 'big feelings' like fear and worry.

These stories play a crucial role in aiding children to recover from stressful or disruptive events and manage anxiety as they happen.

Engaging in story time with children of all ages, including babies, toddlers, and preschoolers, fosters bonding and supports their learning and development.

These moments of shared reading not only strengthen the parent-child relationship, but also enhance

the child's cognitive and emotional growth.

Educators and caregivers can extend the benefits of healing and helping stories beyond the home.

The Birdie Series is available from Buloke libraries across the Shire.

Teachers and parents now have access to these stories.

By incorporating healing and helping stories into daily routines, both parents and teachers can provide children with essential tools for emotional resilience and understanding.

This initiative is jointly funded by the Australian and Victorian Government’s Community Recovery Hubs program.

Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes at the REX A new direction for the epic “Planet of the Apes” movie franchise brings a grand and triumphant return to the much-loved genre in “Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” which screens at The Rex Theatre this weekend.

Director Wes Ball breathes new life into the globalfranchise which is set 300 hundred years into the future after the legendary alpha chimp, Caesar's reign, in which apes are the dominant species living harmoniously and humans have been reduced to living in the shadows.

As a new tyrannical ape leader, Proximus Caesar, builds his empire, one young ape (Noa) undertakes a harrowing journey that will cause him to question all that he has known about the past and to make choices that will define a future for apes and humans alike.

As the earth becomes overrun by apes who have formed into regional clans, it is only the oldest chimps who know the history of the ruined human cities, they are thekeepers of a secret knowledge that could threaten the newly dominant species.

As young Noa takes up the quest for revenge against Proximus (with assistance from a human girl named “Nova”), a return to a time of peace between apes and humans becomes the desired outcome.

- Contributed Filmed in motioncapture (“mo -cap” records the movement of people or objects and translates the data into animation software), the apes have a fluid realism – light years away from the 1968 original “Planet of the Apes” which used with actors in chimp suits.

The movie, which was filmed at Disney Studios in Sydney and on location in New South Wales,is the first installment of a proposed 9-part Planet of the Apes saga, and follows on from the 2011 “Rise”, (2014) “Dawn” and (2017) “War of the Planet of the Apes”.

“Kingdom of the Planet of the Apes” (M145 mins) screens on Saturday 8th June 8pm, Sunday 9th June at 2pm and Tuesday 11th June at 8pm.

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

Charlton 100 Years Ago: 31st May – 4th June 1924

by Charlton Golden Grains Museum

Nine Mile A large crowd from all the surrounding districts gathered at the Nine Mile Hall, when Mrs Wright, an old resident of the locality, was tendered a farewell social, on the eve of her departure for Mildura, in which place her husband and family have already proceeded.

The family had lived at Nine Mile for many years, and were always foremost in any movement for the good of the district. Cr A. D. White, during an interval in the dancing, presented Mrs Wright with a suitcase, a travelling-rug, and a case of stainless cutlery.

Dancing was resumed, and continued until a late hour.

The district ladies provided a splendid supper, to which justice was done.

Woosang The alterations to the Woosang State School are nearly completed.

Adequate arrangements for lighting and ventilation have been made.

The children will greatly benefit by these, especially during the summer.

Miss Stewart has resumed duty, after being on leave, on account of the death of her mother.

One of the pioneers The many friends in this district of Mrs Julia McRae, will regret to learn of her death, which took place at her home at Piangil West.

The late Mrs McRae was one of the oldest pioneers of the district, having arrived from Scotland in 1868.

Their first place of residence was

Scarsdale and afterwards lived at West Charlton.

Her husband (the late Mr Duncan McRae) died at West Charlton in 1898.

She shortly afterwards went to reside at Piangil West.

Had she lived until July, she would have been 98 years of age.

She leaves a family of seven, one of whom is Nancy (Mrs Thomas Bish, Chirrup).

Nearly a sensation While Charlton was playing billiards, listening to the gramophone, pattering over the keys of the piano, or otherwise amusing itself the other evening, something was happening which might easily have provided a sensation.

At the back of one of the business premises, rubbish had been burned off during the day.

Evidently, later, the ashes smouldered, and, bursting into flame, caught some boxes that were not far away.

A man passing that way noticed the illumination, and hurried off to find someone connected with the firm.

Fortune led him into the billiard room of the East Charlton Hotel and here he found an employee of the firm.

On receipt of the startling news, down went the cue; the red was allowed to hang on the lip of the pocket for the next player to attend to; and the informant and the employee hurried to the scene of action.

A few minutes’ energetic work in stamping out the elements of a first-class conflagration saved the situation.

Ex-Students’ Association Formed in 1919, the Association has built up a fine record of service to the School.

Through its activities, a new piano was purchased, at a cost of £124; a Dux medal is presented each year; financial assistance has been rendered in entertaining visitors on the occasion of InterSchool contests; and crockery has been purchased.

The Ex-Students’ Ball was held in the Victoria Hall.

It was the fif th “annual”.

The attendance must have numbered about 100 couples.

It is expected that £25 will be cleared.

The arrangement of the stage, a lounge, with sea-grass furniture and carpeted floor was the subject of approving comment.

The supper menu included sandwiches, jellies, fruit salads, fruit, tea, coffee etc.

The social status of the function was worthily upheld by the elegance of the dresses.

The music was played by the Charlton Jazz Trio.

been made off the main Wycheproof Road.

This will be a great boon to those going to the football matches by car, as it will obviate the necessity of going through the Tyrrell Creek, which is usually very boggy during the season of kicks and bounces.

(Information from East Charlton Tribune)

Above: 1930s Woosang State School (1926 Ex Students Reunion) (left to right) Back: Lily Marr, Kathleen Paterson, Beryl Jenkyn, Norma Hando, Doris Marr, Phyllis Paterson, Eileen Maher, Jeff Hannigan, Gladys Bingham (Spriggs). Front l: Ian Wright, Kath Marr, Evelyn Paterson, Isabel Paterson, Pat Marr, Rene Marr, Elma Hannigan, Arthur Hando. Teacher: Miss Anne Donovan (Mrs Jack Campbell).

Right: J.J. Arundell and Ted Dabron.

Weather Wise The rainfall for May amounted to only 69 points. Rain fell on 7 days and the heaviest pointage recorded in any one day was 21.

Charlton Park improvements The surrounding fence was in a bad state of repair, but it has now been strained up; and the addition of two barbed wires makes it stock-proof, although this causes inconvenience to golfers.

A new entrance has

Above: 1900s Nine Mile Gold Mine.

NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY JUNE 5th 2024 - Page 11

PUBLIC NOTICE St. Arnaud & District Orchid Society Inc.

WOOD RAFFLE WINNER Maria Hills Donated by Darryl Heaton.

Thankyou to all volunteers and patrons.

FOR SALE

AT YOUR SERVICE

DEATH

Assorted

Self Storage

PARISH (nee Medwell) - Dawn Maree Passed away peacefully at Bendigo on May 29th, 2024. Aged 90 years.

Dearly loved Wife of the late George.

Loved Mother of Anne, Jenny, Terry, Sue, Lisa, and their families.

‘Always In Our Hearts’

Stickers available at St. Arnaud Allsorts

Ph: 5495 1161 FOR SALE

89-93 Napier Street, St. Arnaud

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

Hayley:

0409 337 276, Luke:

0458 885 266 St. Arnaud Serenity Storage

FUNERAL

AT YOUR SERVICE

Home Deliveries Ph: 5495 1055

Contact us for your local paper home delivered every Wednesday morning.

Nicola Kirk

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

$20 available at North Central News and Apex Service Station St. Arnaud.

Solicitor 116 Napier St., St. Arnaud

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

Ph: 5495 2595

Gilmac is Australia's leading hay exporter, responsible for one quarter of all Australian hay exports, with major markets in Asia. Testament to our rapidly growing business, we have 6 Hay Processing plants across 3 states. Our St Arnaud hay processing plant currently has vacancies for fulltime plant operators.

Plant operators are hands on, running and maintaining the hay processing plant, housekeeping and working to improve plant safety, quality and performance. They set up, operate, trouble shoot, service and maintain both fixed and mobile hay plant and equipment. They produce a quality product that meets our customers’ needs, and Gilmac’s safety, cost and production targets. They ensure plant is maintained to optimal conditions, and safely process and package hay to export quality. All operators are trained in quality, safety and operation of processing hay.

For this vacancy we are also looking for applicants who currently hold tickets, or who are willing to undertake training for forklift, telehandler and reach stacker. Initially this will be a key part of the role.

The successful applicants will be: • Committed to safety, quality and preventative maintenance.

• Able to legally work in Australia on a permanent basis.

• Work well in a team environment.

• Able to work both day, afternoon and night rotating 8 hour shifts for up to 5 consecutive days.

• Able to pass a pre-employment medical eg: drug screen & ability to work in a physical hay environment.

Starting rate of $33 per hour, with opportunity to increase after probation and training events.

Resumes and queries to: carl.leach@gilmac.com.au or hr@gilmac.com.au Phone: (03) 5495 1100.

Page 12 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY JUNE 5th 2024.

0400 451 432 or 5495 1108

Top of the Town Beauty Salon

Job Vacancies – PLANT OPERATOR

63 Napier Street, ST. ARNAUD

Karen@klp.net.au

EMPLOYMENT HAY PROCESSING PLANT – ST ARNAUD, VIC

Physiotherapist Over 17 years experience Open Mon to Fri

Campus Negotiable • Enrolled Nurse Trainee • Graduate Enrolled Nurse • Graduate Registered Nurse • Nurse Unit Manager (community nursing) Charlton • Enrolled Nurse • Registered Nurse Donald • Registered Nurse • Enrolled Nurse St Arnaud • Food and Domestic Assistant • Cleaner • Associate Nurse Unit Manager • Executive Assistant Wycheproof • Associate Nurse Unit Manager • Enrolled Nurse • Registered Nurse • Resident Lifestyle Coordinator Further information available at: https://ewhs.org.au/careers

For all your Hair and Beauty NEEDS

Ph: 5495 1306

SMITH A memorial service to celebrate Elsie Smith’s life will be held in the Anglican Church Old Cathedral St.Arnaud on FRIDAY (June 7th ) at 1.00 pm. Followed by an internment of ashes at the St Arnaud Cemetery.

KELL FUNERALS ST ARNAUD NFDA

PARISH - Dawn Maree A Service of Thanksgiving to celebrate the life of the late Mrs. Dawn Maree PARISH will be held at the Charlton Uniting Church, 6 Halliday Street, Charlton on FRIDAY (June 7th, 2024) commencing at 1.30pm.

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

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Birthday wishes to: June 5th Marissa Goltz Travis Johns June 6th Ella Darby Trudi Torney Kyle Webb June 8th Mitchell Birthisel Tyler Torney

June 9th Aaron Durward Ryan Grech June 10th Ava Wallace June 11th Elaine Palmer

IN MEMORIAM HOWARTH - Craig Bruce 7/6/1969 - 5/6/2019 Son to Bruce and Colleen, brother to Mark (Howie) and sister to Sonya (dec.).

Uncle and good mate to his friends.

Loved and sadly missed.

TORNEY - Peter Lofty Everyday, but especially on the 40th anniversary of your passing, we fondly remember a gentle giant with a big heart and a kind soul.

You are missed everyday.

Love Maz, Kylie, Trudi and Adam

CHURCH NOTICES ST. ARNAUD UNITING CHURCH Sunday 9th June ST. ARNAUD 9.30am G. Postlethwaite STUART MILL Combined with St. Arnaud PARISH OFFICE Chris & Rob Batters Pastorial Co-ordinators Enquiries 5495 6223

ST. ARNAUD CHURCH OF CHRIST Cnr. Queens Ave & Alma St. Hearing the Good News of Jesus Thurs. 6th June 10.30 a.m.

Faith Group Sun. 9th June 10.30 a.m.: Worship & Communion Speaker: Sharon Douglas Enquiries: Brian Eccles Ph: 5495 2267

DISTRICT CATHOLIC CHURCHES East Wimmera Parish BIRCHIP

Sunday June 9th 10.30am Live Stream in BOORT

Sunday June 9th 10.30am Live Stream in BANYENA - No Mass CHARLTON

Sunday June 9th 8.30am Mass DONALD

Saturday June 8th 7.00pm Mass ST. ARNAUD

Sunday June 9th 10.30pm Live Stream out to churches without Mass WYCHEPROOF

Sunday June 9th 10.30am Live Stream in Parish Coordinator: Noeline Hogan 0476 617 976

Webster believes lack of funding will let feral cats out of the bag MEMBER for Mallee Dr Anne Webster MP says she is dismayed that the Australian Government has let the feral cats out of the bag by failing to commit funding in their ‘war on feral cats’ while the Agriculture Minister Murray Watt presides over a go-slow on adequate mouse baiting.

“In September the Minister said ‘if we don’t act now, our native animals don’t stand a chance’ saying that cats ‘kill six million animals every night in Australia.’

“However, this month’s Federal Budget did not allocate any funding over the next four years for this ‘war’ on feral cats.”

Before the last Federal Election the former Coalition Government announced $724,547 in funding in Mallee under its Threatened Species Strategy Action Plan.

The funded measures included initiatives to improve feral cat and fox management to reduce the impact of these invasive predators on the South-eastern RedTailed Black Cockatoo and Black-eared Miner.

In the middle of 2023 federal authorities approved the use of the robotic ‘Felixer’ grooming trap to tackle feral cats with initial trials in Western Australia.

The former Coalition government made Felixer commercially possible thanks to $1.2 million grant from the Environment Restoration Fund.

However, the Australian Government has been consulting on a new action plan to stop feral cats from decimating native wildlife and driving

CHURCH NOTICES ANGLICAN PARISH OF ST. ARNAUD Christ Church Old Cathedral Friday 7th June 9.30am 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

vulnerable native species to the brink of extinction.

“Meanwhile, with hopeful rains on our cropping farmers, the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority (APVMA) still haven’t decided on continuing the 50 gram per kilogram double-strength zinc phosphide baits for mice,” Dr Webster said.

Agriculture Minister Murray Watt responded to Dr Webster’s letter to him saying the decision would happen shortly, however there is at this time no decision.

Grain Producers Australia (GPA) had applied for their permit to be renewed for

the double-strength baits as farmers consider them effective, but normal-strength baits ineffective.

GPA’s permit expired on 31st December but despite GPA’s consistent advocacy, the APVMA still have not made a decision.

A recent GPA grower survey indicated 78% of farmers had lower crop yields due to mice in the past two years.

Sixty four per cent had used the doublestrength ZP50 in 2023.

“We see Labor big on rhetoric but missing-in-action when it comes to delivery on protecting the environment and our crops,” Dr Webster said.

Container Deposits hit half a billion dollars VICTORIANS in every corner of the state are embracing the Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) in record numbers, having returned more than 500 million cans and bottles to be recycled.

Minister for Environment Steve Dimopoulos has visited the CDS Vic Depot in Melton, the second-highest performing site in Victoria to announce Victorians have put an impressive $50 million back into their pockets while donating thousands to participating charities or community groups.

The Melton depot which has handled 14.7 million cans, glass, and PET plastics in just over six months is operated by KARI in partnership with Clean Vibes, a sustainable event waste management company.

KARI is a not-for-profit organisation that supports Aboriginal families and youth. They also manage a second refund point in Coburg North and employ 17 people from mostly First Nations backgrounds across both sites.

Victorians continue to step up to the challenge in record numbers, returning an average of 138 containers per transaction with CDS Vic processing around 17 million cans, cartons and bottles statewide every week.

Williamstown is leading the state with over 18.6 million containers returned while Hallam is Melbourne’s third best performing site with residents having returned 10.9 million containers.

Mildura maintains its position as the top-performing refund point in regional Victoria, having returned an astounding 11.7 million containers, followed closely behind by Shepparton with more than 9.7 million containers collected.

Containers collected through CDS Vic can be transformed into all kinds of new things, including material for roads, furniture, construction, textiles and more – creating new economic opportunities that will support more than 600 jobs across Victoria.

More than $260,000 has already been donated to the scheme’s 3000 participating charity partners, including Citizen Blue in Williamstown, Scouts Victoria in Glen Waverley and Envirobank in Kangaroo Flat and East Bendigo.

Once fully rolled out in August, Victorians will be able to return eligible drink containers to around 600 refund points across the state.

To find your nearest refund point and for more information, visit cdsvic.org.au.

Raising the flag for Reconciliation Week COUNCILLOR Eddy Ostarcevic raised the Aboriginal flag at Market Square last Friday to mark the commencement of Reconciliation Week with the children of the PreSchool joining in.

NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY JUNE 5th 2024 - Page 13

World-Leading action in Ballarat to prevent family violence BALLARAT will lead the way in family violence prevention with a new project to saturate anti-violence awareness and action, providing valuable learning for communities.

Right now, there are many programs raising awareness about family violence and promoting respect in Victoria, whether that’s in the classroom, footy club or at a parenting class.

These programs are making a real difference.

But we need to make sure that we’re using every available touch point and reaching every corner of the community.

Ballarat will be home to a world-leading ‘saturation model’, bringing together new

and expanded programs, policies and services with a singular focus: to drive down the rates of family violence and men’s violence against women.

The four-year saturation model will bring together every part of the community – from local sporting clubs, workplaces, community, organisations health ser vices, council, schools, emergency services and more – to deliver a new coordinated approach to prevention.

Member for Ripon

Martha Haylett said the region has been demanding we do more to end violence against women.

“This model will completely change how we prevent and respond to such violence.”

It will also deliver initiatives to test new prevention approaches, reflecting the changing nature and dynamics of violence and harmful attitudes to women.

Because of the influence of social media – and because it’s a place where toxic

attitudes to women are spread and sowed in young people – the model will have an online focus, too.

This could include geo-targeting tools on social platforms and working with local influencers who can counter harmful attitudes to women.

It will also deliver stronger referral pathways between prevention programs and specialist response services, so people experiencing violence – or seeing early warning signs – can get the help they need as early as possible.

Of course, no community is immune to violence.

It’s happening in homes across our state and nation.

But because of the heartbreaking loss of three women earlier this year, the people of Ballarat are more determined than anyone to put an end to violence.

This saturation project will channel that determination, with a four-year intensive approach informed by the latest research from around the world.

And because the Ballarat community know better than anyone what the local barriers and challenges look like – Respect Victoria will work with locals to develop and

deliver initiatives that are tailored to the needs of the city.

The impact of these actions will be closely measured – giving us a real-world example of

what works – and potentially providing a transformative understanding of how to prevent and respond to violence against women.

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Page 14 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY JUNE 5th 2024.

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Is the key to fighting bee disease hiding in the honey?

GOPIKA Kottantharayil Bhasi loves honey.

Not because it tastes good, or its many health benefits, but because it holds the secrets to the health of bees.

Gopika is the first recipient of the Shah Rukh Khan La Trobe University PhD Scholarship, established in recognition of the Bollywood actor who was presented an Honorary Doctorate at the University in 2019.

The scholarship is made possible by the University’s longstanding partnership with the Indian Film Festival of Melbourne.

After a two-year delay due to COVID travel restrictions, Gopika arrived in Melbourne in early 2022 and is now halfway through her three-year PhD studying diseases in bees, with the aim of developing a fast and low cost way to diagnose diseases through honey.

The timing couldn’t be more important: bee pollination is integral to global farming and biodiversity, but diseases and pathogens carried by the bees can cause the complete death of a hive, drastically reducing bee populations and therefore, food production.

The devastating varroa mite has been

prevalent in bees in India for more than 20 years, however it was discovered for the first time in Australia in 2022 and eradication efforts, estimated to have cost more than $130 million, with about 30,000 hives destroyed, have failed.

Australian beekeepers are now learning how to live with the disease.

Gopika was researching gut pathogens in Asian elephants in India when SRK presented her with the PhD scholarship. She swapped her study from one of the world’s largest animals to one of the smallest because their existence is so integral for human survival.

“Bees are essential because they are an important livestock species and if we want food, we want bees, because they are major contributors to crop pollination,” she said.

Gopika's research offers vital insights into the complexities of bee health and the factors contributing to population decline, through the early detection of bacterial infections like American or European Foulbrood, along with fungal diseases such as Chalkbrood and Nosemosis and identifying the impact of opportunistic pathogens within the bee’s microbiota.

Rather than inspecting bees for the pathogens, she’s testing honey from around Australia for signs of the pathogen’s DNA. So far, she’s received more than 100 honey samples from Queensland, NSW, Victoria, South Australia and Western Australia. After optimising an extraction method for getting environmental DNA from a honey sample, she has been able to identify DNA from pathogens lying within the honey.

“I’ve examined 135 samples, and more than 80 per cent have tested positive for the major bee pathogens like American foulbrood, European foul brood and Nosemosis, and even parasites like small hive beetles and greater wax moth,” she said.

“It’s a non-invasive method, we’re not killing bees, we are not affecting them, we’re just looking at the honey samples.”

At the end of 2023, none of the samples had shown the presence of varroa mite.

Gopika is now reviewing patterns in the sample results, including any regions where the pathogens were detected, weather patterns that affect bee behaviour, and biodiversity within the bee’s diet – all of which can affect a bee’s health,

and that of an entire hive.

“Bees, like all animals, are susceptible to bacteria, viruses, and parasites. When your health and nutrition are at their best, you are more resistant to harmful factors.

Environmental issues, including chemicals used to protect crops from insects and weeds, climate change, food availability and other factors, could adversely affect bee health, making them more susceptible to pathogens,” she said.

For example, Nosema ceranae and Nosema apis cause infections in the bee’s gut and are prevalent during peak winter.

Bees are often simultaneously infected with a variety of pathogens, which further decrease their colony health and make them vulnerable to other challenges.

“If their health is getting adversely affected, these pathogens can be more active. So, it’s important to maintain their good health,” Gopika said.

Gopika said the use of honey DNA could be important to establish early and effective measures to contain pathogens at the local or regional level, and prevent widespread impact.

“We are looking for a less expensive and

Above: La Trobe SRK Scholarship recipient Gopika Kottantharayil Bhasi believes honey holds the key to bee disease. less time-consuming method to test for diseases. Some of the pathogens that I’m looking at are not well studied anywhere, not even in Australia, so it will be great for beekeepers to know about them and understand their impact and treatments,” she said.

Gopika said it was a privilege to be selected as the first female candidate for the inaugural Shah Rukh Khan La Trobe University PhD scholarship.

“I came to Australia with lot of expectations and dreams of developing my understanding of science and

research, as La Trobe has world-leading laboratories. I have learned a lot from basics to sequencing here, and have a lot more to explore,” Gopika said.

“I am happy to be part of the L a Trobe AgriBio centre and working with

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

Report recommends major bank reform to save regional branches A Senate Committee report into the impact of regional bank branch closures has found that private banks have failed regional Australians.

The final report found that without regulatory intervention, banks will continue to close branches and communities will pay the price.

More than one third of regional bank branch services, almost 800 in total, have closed in the 6 years to June 2023.

Half of the automatic teller machines (ATMs) in regional Australia have also closed.

The Regional Banking Taskforce was established to examine the issue and they visited Mildura in January 2022 and reported in September 2022.

Dr Anne Webster MP Member for Mallee called for a moratorium on

regional bank branch closures in February 2023, accepted by the Commonwealth Bank.

Bendigo Bank nonetheless announced they would close their Warracknabeal agency in March 2023 and Robinvale’s Westpac branch was spared closure in May 2023.

Several major banks had indicated that while the Senate Committee was investigating closures, they would self-impose a moratorium on further closures.

Wi t h o u t a c t i o n f r o m t h e Fe d e r a l Government The Nationals fear the moratorium will now lift.

Dr Webster agrees with the Committee’s recommendation that regional Australians

need reasonable access to cash and financial services.

“The loss of services is so dire, we must seriously consider the Committee’s recommendation for a Regional Community Banking Branch Program comprising a public-private partnership to help local communities establish banking services.

“If that takes a miniscule increase in the Coalition’s 2017 Major Banks Levy, I support that because thus far regional Australians have only seen cuts, not improvements, from the money raised from the Levy.

“The Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee report also

recommends meaningful consultation on bank branch closures, which the Regional Banking Taskforce also recommended in September 2022.

“Time and time again I highlight that corporations and government services do not consult meaningfully with regional communities.

“Consultation is tokenistic at best with a premeditated and inevitable outcome.

“Banks and other corporations alike that threaten a negative impact on regional communities need to both consult and compensate in meaningful ways. “ R e g i o n a l

Australians must never forget that during the Global Financial Crisis the Reserve Bank issued $73 billion in bonds through a guarantee scheme which at its peak covered $170 billion of bank liabilities.

“The RBA later determined those guarantees were worth an implicit $1.88 to $3.75 billion to the major banks, or $2.32 to $4.62 billion in today’s terms.

“Banks have a moral obligation to support all taxpayers for that assistance and should stop cutting services in regional Australia” Dr Webster said.

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Department Head Professor Travis Beddoe, who has provided amazing support.

“I am looking forward to learning more about bees and their pathogenesis.”

Gopika’s final paper will be presented in 2025.

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NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY JUNE 5th 2024 - Page 15

St. Arnaud Men’s golf round up

Winter bowlers running hot THERE were 14 teams competing at last Sunday’s Winter Bowls at the St. Arnaud Bowling Club, filling the green with well-rugged-up players.

It was cool, but one pair ran hot, winning both games of 10 ends in commanding fashion, allowing their opponents in each game to score on just 3 of the 10 ends – 18-3 and 19- 3; 31 shots up overall.

This ruthless pair was Terry McSwain and Peter Duncan, easily the best winners on the day.

Runners-up were Tom Amos and John

- Contributed Prendergast, 2-game winners, 17 shots up.

Just 2 shots behind, and 15 shots up were Paul Mullins and Kevin Meade.

There was only one other 2-game winning pair, David Peake and Heather Stevenson, 7 shots up.

The St. Arnaud Bowling Club’s Winter competition is proving to be popular and is attracting a full green each fortnight, with the bowlers obviously enjoying the friendly social gatherings. The next Winter Bowls day is on Sunday June 16th starting at 1.00pm.

- Contributed

Above: Terry McSwain (right) and Peter Duncan winners by far last Sunday.

North-Central Football Roundup Goldacres Seniors

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

2.5 5. 8 7.10 11.14 (80) CHARLTON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0.7 3.10 4.13 6.13 (49) Goals for Donald: Trent Grant 5, Blake Grant 2, Dale Kerr 2, Andrew Browne, Josh Potter.

For Charlton: Christopher Gavaghan 2, Bailey Kemp 2, Mitchell Collins, Billy Sexton.

Best for Donald: Ryley Barrack, Andrew Browne, Dale Kerr, Ryan Hards, Trent Grant, Tom Heuston.

For Charlton: Sam Woods, Jed Thompson, Mitch Collins, Bailey Kemp, Pat Soulsby, Deek Roberts.

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

5.1 9.3 14.6 21.10 (136) ST ARNAUD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0.1 1.2 1.3 2. 5 (17) Goals for Sea Lake-Nandaly: Billy McInnes 4, Thomas Cox 3, Brody Weir 3, Lachy McClelland 2, Tyson McKenzie 2, Max Cahoon, Matt Elliott, Callan Noonan, Ryan O’Sullivan, Billy Poulton, Will Simpson, Chase Tait.

For St Arnaud: Mitch Egan, Brayden Phillips, Jake Male, Jake Hicks, Harley Durward, Matthew Goode.

Best for Sea Lake-Nandaly: Thomas Cox, Jack Poulton, Wade Donnan, Brody Weir, Kane Donnan, Max Cahoon.

For St Arnaud: Mitch Egan, Brayden Phillips, Jake Male, Jake Hicks, Harley Durward, Matthew Goode.

NULLAWIL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1.2 9.3 10.4 13.9 (87) BOORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

7.2 9.2 9.6 12.6 (78) Goals for Nullawil: Jack Exell 5, Mitch Farmer 2, Lucas Caccaviello, Zachary Caccaviello, David Isbister, Dean Smith, Rylee Smith, Adam Thomson.

For Boort: Frasier Holland 3, James Keeble 3, Jhye Baddeley-Kelly 2, Jarrod Fitzpatrick 2, James Byrne, Natnael McLaren.

Best for Nullawil: Daniel Watts, Zachary Caccaviello, Andrew Oberdorfer, Lucas Caccaviello, Dean Smith, Jack Exell.

For Boort: Matt Austin, Jarrod Fitzpatrick, Keiren Wilson, Natnael McLaren, James Byrne, Jayden Dick.

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

2.3 3.5 8.8 12.10 (82) BIRCHIP-WATCHEM . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

4.0 7.4 11.7 12.10 (82) Goals for Wedderburn: Oscar Holt 4, Anthony Zelencich 3, Hamish Lockhart 2, Mitchell McEwen 2, Darcy Jackson 1.

For Birchip-Watchem: Ben Edwards 4, Meyrick Buchannan 2, Daniel Bell, Ty Colbert, Hamish Hosking, Joseph Reid, Nicholas Rippon, Samuel Simmons.

Best for Wedderburn: Oscar Holt, Darcy Jackson, Jordan Hargreaves, Jackson McEwen, Joe Lockhart, Hamish Lockhart.

For Birchip-Watchem: Meyrick Buchanan, Angus Butterfield, Daniel Bell, Darcy Reid, Nicholas Rippon, Samuel Simmons.

BYE: Wycheproof-Narraport.

Haeusler’s Reserves

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

6.2 7.5 9.7 11.11 (77) DONALD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1.0 4.2 6.2 6. 3 (39) Goals for Charlton: Joseph McGrath 6, Travis Salmon 2, Bailey Dixon, Anthony Judd, Angus Soulsby.

For Donald: Gavin Beckham 2, Dawson Hollis 2, Simon Morgan, Jeremy Pearce.

Best for Charlton: Bailey Dixon, Dan Whykes, Hugh Sait, Joseph McGrath, Mathew Thompson, Anthony Judd.

For Donald: Eddie Landwehr, Kalon Green, George Morgan, Ethan Clapham, Beau Morgan, Dawson Hollis.

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

2.8 6.12 11.17 14.19 (103) ST ARNAUD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0.1 2. 4 2. 4 2. 7 (19) Goals for Sea Lake-Nandaly: Nathan Wight 6, Zachary Wemyss 4, Harry Harcourt 2, Joel Clohesy, Cruz O’Sullivan.

For St Arnaud: Hayden Torney, Ryan Bigmore.

Best for Sea Lake-Nandaly: Isaac Durie, Cooper Allan, James Trewick, Brayden Allan, Ethan Ellis, Zachary Wemyss.

For St Arnaud: Simon Elliott, Owen Lowe, Colin Campbell, Beau Knight, Jarryd Kell, Harrison Meagher.

NULLAWIL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1.2 5.4 5.5 6.6 (42) BOORT . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

1.2 1.4 2.6 3.6 (24) Goals for Nullawil: Lachlan Braine 2, Tom Fawcett, Matthew Hogan For Boort: Alex Cockerell 2, Caleb Keanelly.

Best for Nullawil: Lachlan Braine, Zac Kelly, Jayden Coghlan, Billy Forrester, Matthew Hogan.

For Boort: Jordan Sheahan, Mitch Buchanan, Angus Potter, Jack Hall, Sam Barraclough, Kobie Streader.

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

3.1 4.3 8.6 11.7 (73) WEDDERBURN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

2.2 2.5 3.7 4.8 (32) Goals for Birchip-Watchem: Matthew Berry 2, Callum Goode 2, Jack Ryan 2, Cormacc Wilson 2, Jak Goldsmith, Alexander Noonan.

For Wedderburn: Chris Hargreaves 2, Luke Brown, Mitchell Woods.

Best for Birchip-Watchem: Charlie Frank, Alexander Noonan, Jak Goldsmith, Cormacc Wilson, Connor Chase, Matthew Berry.

For Wedderburn: Robert Tonkin, Chris Hargreaves, Samual Carroll, Mitchell Woods, Maikia Punguika.

Community Bank Charlton & District Under-17s

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

1.4 3.7 5.7 7.9 (51) CHARLTON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0.2 1.2 1.4 2.5 (17) Best for Donald: Luca Rice, Baylee Coleman-Young, Ethan Clapham, Jesse Lydom.

For Charlton: Samuel Olive, Leigh Van Boven, Ethan Soulsby, Beau Johnstone, Isaac Bourke, William Thomas.

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

4.2 7.4 8.9 8.16 (64) SEA LAKE-NANDALY . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0.1 3.1 6.3 7. 4 (46) Best for St Arnaud: Owen Lowe, Chase Zander, Kynan Torney, Frankie Donald, Ryan Bigmore, George Gorrie.

For Sea Lake-Nandaly: Judd Durie, Cruz O’Sullivan, Callum Mott, Brayden Allan, Jack Stacey, Joss Tait.

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

3.3 6.5 12.10 16.12 NULLAWIL . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0.0 2.2 2. 2 4. 2 Best for Boort: Max Beattie, Brodie Arnold, Cooper Gooding, Lachlan Hall, Jake O’Flaherty.

For Nullawil: Tiger Vearing, Max Fawcett, Tynan Perry, William Gilchrist, Locke Coles.

(108) (26)

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

5.3 7.6 10.9 WEDDERBURN . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

0.1 1.3 2.4 Best for Birchip-Watchem: Charlie Frank, Oliver Cook, Austin Dean, Ben Perry.

For Wedderburn: Liam Budge, Tyson Blair, Jye Dingfelder.

(103) (30)

15.13 4. 6

Next Round

Round 8, Saturday, June 8 — St Arnaud v. Charlton Nullawil v. Wedderburn Bye: Sea Lake-Nandaly

Donald v. Boort Birchip-Watchem v. Wycheproof-Narraport

Page 16 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY JUNE 5th 2024.

Uniting Church Under-14s

DONALD 5.16 (46) d. CHARLTON 1.4 (10).

Best for Donald: Hugo Funcke, Liam stopps, Jack Reilly, Samuel Mortlock.

For Charlton: Murphy Fitzpatrick, Joshua Bartlett, Toby Bourke, Darcy Olive, Flynn Zagame, James Fitzpatrick.

SEA LAKE-NANDALY 7.7 (49) d. ST ARNAUD 1.1 (7).

Best for Sea Lake-Nandaly: Zander Wight, Harry Wight, Cooper Symes, Finn Austerberry, Henry Cox, Riley Allan.

For St Arnaud: Nathan Saludes, Finn Wilson, Lewis Lowe, Chase Hendy, Sami Weir, Samuel Greenaway.

BOORT 8.15 (63) d. NULLAWIL 0.1 (1).

Best for Boort: Jacob Malone, Liam King, Tyler Bennett, Cooper Gould, Beau Kane.

For Nullawil: Mason Seddon, Smith Morrison, Ryder Harrison, Nate Harrison, Harry Humphreys, Toby Kemp.

BIRCHIP-WATCHEM 8.3 (51) d. WEDDERBURN 2.5 (17).

Best for Birchip-Watchem: Willow Ryan, Desmond Coffey, Garth Kilroy.

For Wedderburn: Caleb Gault, Blaz Cramp, Benjamin Cunningham, Brodie Turnbull, Luke Martin.

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

Sea Lake-Nandaly . . . .

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

Wedderburn . . . . . . . . .

Nullawil . . . . . . . . . . . .

Wycheproof-Narraport .

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

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

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

P 7 7 6 6 6 6 6 6 6

Teams Nullawil . . . . . . . . . . . .

Sea Lake-Nandaly . . . .

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

Birchip-Watchem . . . . .

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

Wycheproof-Narraport .

Wedderburn . . . . . . . . .

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

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

P 6 7 6 7 6 6 6 6 6

Pts 26 24 16 14 12 12 8 0 0

% 203.49 187.37 111.45 145.24 109.37 88.33 71.33 44.73 34.65

W 6 6 4 3 3 3 2 0 0

L 0 1 2 2 3 3 4 6 6

D 1 0 0 1 0 0 0 0 0

B 0 0 1 1 1 1 1 1 1

For 816 712 438 549 537 401 423 276 236

Ag 401 380 393 378 491 454 593 617 681

D 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

B 1 0 1 0 1 1 1 1 1

For 597 581 429 417 449 267 231 200 195

Ag 149 215 174 456 329 530 511 451 551

Haeuslers Reserves Pts 24 20 20 16 12 8 4 4 4

% 400.67 270.23 246.55 91.45 136.47 50.38 45.21 44.35 35.39

W 6 5 5 4 3 2 1 1 1

L 0 2 1 3 3 4 5 5 5

Community Bank Charlton and District U17s Teams Birchip-Watchem . . . . .

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

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

Sea Lake-Nandaly . . . .

Nullawil . . . . . . . . . . . .

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

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

Wedderburn . . . . . . . . .

P 7 5 5 6 6 5 5 5

Teams Sea Lake-Nandaly . . . .

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

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

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

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

Wedderburn . . . . . . . . .

Birchip-Watchem . . . . .

Wycheproof-Narraport .

Nullawil . . . . . . . . . . . .

P 7 6 6 6 6 6 7 6 6

Pts 20 16 16 16 8 8 4 0

W 5 4 4 4 2 2 1 0

L 2 1 1 2 4 3 4 5

D 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

B 0 2 2 1 1 2 2 2

D 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

B 0 1 1 1 1 1 0 1 1

Uniting Church U14s

Voting for round 7:

Pts 28 20 20 16 12 8 8 0 0

W 7 5 5 4 3 2 2 0 0

L 0 1 1 2 3 4 5 6 6

Tooleybuc Sporting Club Presidents’ Award

Donald: R. Barrack 3, A. Browne 2, D. Kerr 1.

Charlton: S. Woods 3, J. Thompson 2, M. Collins 1.

Sea Lake-Nandaly: T. Cox 3, W. Donnan 2, J. Poulton 1.

St Arnaud: M. Egan 3, B. Phillips 2, M. Goode 1 Nullawil: D. Watts 3, Z Caccaviello 2, A. Oberdorfer 1.

Boort: M. Austin 3, J. Fitzpatrick 2, K. Wilson 1.

Wedderburn: O. Holt 3, D. Jackson 2, J. Hargreaves 1.

Birchip-Watchem: M. Buchanan 3, A Butterfield 2, N. Rippon 1.

Saturday’s Leading Goal Kickers Seniors Reserves

Ben Edwards (Bir.-Watchem) 4 . . . . . .

Nicholas Rippon (Bir.-Watchem) 2 . . . .

Jack Exell (Nullawil) 5 ...........

Anthony Zelencich (W’burn) 3 . . . . . . .

Trent Grant (Donald) 5 . . . . . . . . . . .

Mitch Farmer (Nullawil) 2 . . . . . . . . . . .

Tom Campbell (W’burn) - . . . . . . . . . . .

Joshua Jenkins (SLNT) - . . . . . . . . . . .

47 21 21 19 19 19 18 18

Andrew Oberdorfer (Nullawil) - . . . . . .

Billy Poulton (SLNT) ...........

Anthony Judd (Charlton) 1 . . . . . . . . . .

Chris O’Rourke (Boort) - . . . . . . . . . . .

Adam Thomson (Nullawil) - . . . . . . . . .

Harry Harcourt (SLNT) 2 . . . . . . . . . . .

Chris Hargreaves (W’burn) 2 . . . . . . . .

Joseph McGrath (Charlton) 6 . . . . . . .

22 20 18 15 15 14 11 11

CHS Broadbent Club Championship

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

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

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

Nullawil . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

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

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

Wycheproof-Narraport . . . . . . . . .

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

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

Snr. 10 5 0 10 10 5 0 0 0

Res. 6 6 0 6 0 0 0 6 0

U-17 0 4 4 0 4 0 0 0 4

U-14 2 2 2 0 2 0 0 0 0

Ttl. 120 113 76 74 60 45 42 32 28

SIX hardy souls braved the bleak conditions on Thursday, with Leigh Hines continuing his fine form from Birchip, scoring 26 points.

Runner up on 20 points was Hayden Heyme, who is proving to be a model of consistency.

Nearest the pin on the 18th hole was Brian Dixon.

Saturday produced another fine day on the weather front, with three ladies and 18 men making up the field.

A round of the Kevin Nevill singles was played between Will Jackson and Lindsay Baldock, with Will continuing his good form from Birchip, overcoming Lindsay in a close match.

A match in the WL Bray was played, with Leigh Hines teaming up with his good mate from out west, Bill Knights, to overcome the up-and-coming John Goode / Hayden Heyme combination.

The Birchip form seems to be holding up when put under pressure.

In A Grade, David Lanyon returned to the winner’s circle, with a fine 75/9/66, clearly responding to his preference for playing on grass, not concrete.

Will Jackson was runner-up in a countback from Lindsay Baldock.

In B Grade, Tom Douglas was scorching the turf, with a decisive 84/19/65, leaving the rest of the field in his wake.

For his efforts, he was awarded the St Arnaud Physiotherapy Award.

Runner up was the quietly consistent Hayden Heyme, with 92/20/72.

The St. Arnaud Caravan Park NTP on the 8th hole was won

by David Lanyon, and the Weir’s IGA NTP on the 18th was won by Trevor McDonald.

NTP on the 6th went to Hayden Heyme and the NTP on the 10th went to David Lanyon.

The Club welcomed back John and Gaye Batters for the day, and memorable moments were relived in the Clubhouse afterwards judging by the laughter and banter.

A reminder to members that the Club championships commence this Sunday and a good roll up would be appreciated to make it a keenly contested affair.

The 2024 Inter-hotels’ Pool Competition ROUND Five of the Inter-Hotels’ Pool Competition was played on Wednesday, 29th May and there was high drama for the teams in occupancy of the executive suite on the ladder, including the execution of the biggest upset to occur so far this season.

- by Bob Wooley The perpetrators of this sensation were to be the virgin soldiers, the winless warriors of the RSL brigade as they advanced across the arid fairways of the Country Club to launch an assault on the entrenched Country Club One team but, in what had been prophesized as a kamikaze mission, by the top of the second round it resembled a blitzkrieg with the rampaging Diggers having stormed to a four games to one lead.

The RSL’s fearless leader, Ned Gorrie, had demolished the Club’s venerable skipper Paul Mullins while earlier

Jack Ryan and new recruit George Gorrie had each accounted for Troy Shields and Des Moulday in their opening stanzas while Neil Robinson had kept the Club alive against the company cook, Peter Anderson.

As all good quality teams do, the shellshocked defenders of the Mean Machine regrouped to take three of the next four games as Troy and Neil closed out their respective matches however desperate Des was to be a harbinger of doom for his team and beloved Magpies (as it transpired) when he was eliminated by George

Maryborough Castlemaine District Football Netball League Seniors Campbells Creek 7.7 49, Avoca 14.13 97 Carisbrook 13.7 85 Talbot 8.4 52 Maldon 11.6 72 Dunolly 8.10 58 Newstead 9.5 59 Maryborough Giants 17.9 111 Natte Bealiba 12.12 84 Trentham 9.11 65 Harcourt 16.15 111 Navarre 5.4 34 Bye Lexton Reserves Campbells Creek 5.9 39 Avoca 15.10 100 Carisbrook 7.15 57 Talbot 8.8 56 Maldon 16.8 104 Dunolly 3.3 21 Newstead 6.7 43 Maryborough Giants 13.6 84 Natte Bealiba 11.10 76 Trentham 4.3 27 Harcourt 22.18 150 Navarre 1.1 7 Bye Lexton

but when the pairing of Troy and Neil won the opening doubles against Ned and Jack suddenly the match was tied at five games apiece however the dead-caterpillar duo of Paul and Des fell before the cues of George and Peter in the final skirmish of the night to hand the dynamic Diggers their first success for the season by six games to five.

In the words of the Duke of Wellington after the battle of Waterloo, it had been a close-run thing.

The unconquered Royal One team were pushed all the way to the line by co-tenants Royal Two in the home derby of the round.

The contest went frame for frame and it wasn’t until the third game of the second round, when Sam Postlethwaite squared his match with Simon Elliot, that the reigning premiers had shown their ascendancy, now leading by five games to two with the Ones’ Mitch Phillips square in his contest with Dillon Baldock while their gentleman jeweller, Dave Russ, had already relegated Dillon Baldock to the bar.

The Twos however showed no inclination to go belly-up, even after Mitch had closed out his match against Dillon in the third round, as Simon extinguished Sam and Toby Pickthall dispatched Thomas Watts, they then won the first of the doubles to level the encounter.at six games apiece but the pairing of the Ones’ Mitch and Dave was to prove too overwhelming for Nick and Toby allowing them to retain their unblemished status as kings of the castle with a get-out-of-gaol seven games to six victory.

The Farmers’ Arms One team did not have it all their own way either when they hosted the Sporting Club side at the Parisian end of town.

They were leading by just one game at the completion of the singles combats after the Welsh wizard Leigh Watkins produced a return to top form against Jesse Cook while Ben Medlyn had been successful against Jack Hodges but it had been the

dogged efforts of the Clubbers’ captain Dayle Pitt and his amiable sidekick Reg Nazifouski that had kept the match alive with victories against Hayden Perr y and Geoff Watts respectively but they had cashed in all of their chips and lost both doubles, handing the Farmers’ boys a seven games to four triumph.

Biggest winners of the concluding round of Autumn were to be the Country Club Two side who had the roadie to the wilds of the Avoca Forest to enter battle with the Logan outfit but the boys from the Pub in the Scrub were to be overwhelmed as Harley Durward and Grant Doyle were brilliant against Ben Pell and Keith Turner while Will Jackson and Jake Male only lost one frame each in their encounters with Shaun McNaulty and Eddie Swanton respectively.

The rollers and floggers then went on to win both doubles to take home the points by ten games to two.

Ladder Team Won Lost For Agnst pts % Royal One 4 32 15 16 213.3 Country Club Two 4 1 39 21 16 185.7 Farmers’ Arms One 4 1 35 23 16 152.2 Country Club One 2 2 27 18 8 150.0 Royal Two 2 2 28 20 8 140.0 RSL 1 3 19 26 4 73.1 Sporting Club 1 3 15 30 4 50.0 Logan 1 3 13 31 4 41.9 Farmers’ Arms Two 4 10 34 29.4

Above: (left to right) Flo Andison (S) and Maria Hills.

Flo and Maria Pairs Champions TUESDAY 28th May 2024, eight Bowlers competed in the St. Arnaud Indoor Bowls Pairs Championships.

Pairs are decided by a random draw.

When all names were out, the Pairs were:- Beate Wacker (S) and Brenda Beggs, Flo Andison (S) and Maria Hills, Malcolm Campbell (S) and Marie Craddock, Dot Baldwin (S) and Win Battersby.

Games are played on an elimination format with winners going on.

At the completion of the elimination games the four players to play off in the final were Flo and Maria, Malcolm and Marie.

All four bowlers were in good form.

After the twelve ends were played to decide the winning pair, it was Flo and

Maria who won the title of being the 2024 Pairs Champions.

Tuesday 21st May This week we had two teams of three bowlers and two teams of two bowlers.

The winning team with 35 points was Flo Andison (S) and Brenda Beggs who both bowled well.

In the first game they won 10 points to four points with six ends.

Their second game, although they won five of the eight ends played, they lost by one point.

The third game they started off slow but managed to get home winning eleven points to seven points with four ends.

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NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY JUNE 5th 2024 - Page 17

Wedderburn vs Birchip St. Arnaud Under 14’s

Above: Owner/trainer John Tormey won the Josie Harvey Memorial Trot with his 5yo mare “Dona Amalia”. Josie’s daughters Karryn and Lisa are pictured with the winning trainer.

PHOTO: Charlton HRC.

A day for the outsiders at Charlton IT was a gloomy day at Charlton trots on Thursday but no one was complaining about the few millimeters of very welcome rain that fell and if you were “on” a winner some big rewards were to be had with two of the winners paying in excess of $10 and three starting at $41 and better.

Inside running

by Archie

rocket “Harr yhoo” return to the winners’ list for former Charlton trainer Danny Curran.

The 6yo gelding is raced by Brent Curran, Eugene Brauer and Jenny Curran and has now won on eleven occasions with thirteen placing and stake earnings of $75,170.

With superior prizemoney on offer at Wagga Wagga twentysix Victorian trained horses from the Shepparton and Bendigo area chose to race there on Friday afternoon.

Among the four winners from south of the Murray was “Wild Bull” who was having its first Australian start for Cormack Racing and Greg Norman.

The winner was driven by Ellen Tormey.

With the dates set to

be announced soon for the 2024/25 season it seems that the smaller clubs are set to pay the price again for the ineptitude of HRV Boards this century.

The word from Stawell is that their club, who had 11 meetings this season, have had their dates cut back to 6 along with Ararat and Horsham.

The Clubs that had two meetings for the season, St. Arnaud, Wedderburn, Boort and Gunbower have only retained their Cup meeting and there is some conjecture as to whether that will be held on their home tracks.

At the other end of the scale Shepparton will race on 52 Tuesday nights and Mildura will race every Friday afternoon.

Among the roughies at $51 was the bookies pal “Double Dot” who has averaged better than $31 in her last three wins, not that there are many bookies anymore.

The Tormey stable’s good form from Bendigo on Tuesday where they had a winner, continued with an impressive win by “Dona Amalia” in the NR 40-49 Trot at Charlton when the mare trotted her last half mile in 59.3 to street the opposition winning by 19.7m.

The stable also raced at Shepparton on the same night with “Tupelo Beach” winning when driven by Liam Older for owner Alison Tormey.

Bendigo on Tuesday night saw the pocket

Lead changes after second round of championships GLORIOUS autumn weather greeted the keen golfers for the second round of the Women’s Club Championships held on Wednesday.

There are only five strokes separating the top three.

Brenda Proctor hopes to add to her Championship tally with scores of 82 and 85 to hold a two stroke lead over Jenny Lanyon.

Jenny’s rounds of 86 and 83 puts her in striking distance to win her first Championship.

Club record holder Marilyn Knights’ rounds of 80 and 92 also keeps her in the mix, being five strokes behind Brenda.

In the B Grade

championships, Mary Elliott is enjoying her comeback to golf with two consistent rounds of 96 and 94.

Mary holds a four stroke lead from Chris Batters, with Bernice Fithall 8 strokes behind Mary.

The Norfolk Aggregate for the best nett rounds over the Championships is hotly contested.

Brenda Proctor leads with 137, Bernice Fithall 138, Marilyn Knights 141, Jenny Lanyon 144, Sharyn Erwin 144 and Mary Elliott 144.

- Contributed Winner of the daily stroke event was Sharyn Erwin with 70 nett.

Jenny Lanyon was runner up on a countback from Brenda Proctor and Mar y Elliott.

The Nine hole event was won by Margaret McRae – her score was boosted by a birdie on the par 5 15th hole scoring her an unheard of 6 stableford points for the hole.

Nearest the pins winners were Weirs IGA 6th – Lyn Freeman, 8th - Sharyn Erwin and St. Arnaud Physiotherapy 18th – Bernice Fithall.

Page 18 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY JUNE 5th 2024.

Reserves The Redbacks and Bulls provided spectators an acceptable standard of twos football at Donaldson Park.

A reasonably even first half saw both teams with the same number of scoring shots, the Bulls a little more accurate and held a ten point lead.

The third term, the premiership quarter saw the Bulls take a firm grip on the game, set up a five goal break at three quarter time and go on to record a seven goal victory as they held control during the final term.

The Redback stocks were boosted somewhat with the inclusion of Luke Brown and Cam Weston, back on board for the opening of the new Complex.

Both acquitted themselves very well, experience being a key to their form.

A solid defence led by Robbie Tonkin with support from Sam Carroll and Makia Punguika performed stoutly and were able to somewhat restrict a stronger and skilful Bulls outfit.

Chris Hargreaves at full forward with two goals offered a target but his normally strong marking game was not as effective as usual.

The Bulls had a little more firepower up forward with Matt Berry, Cormacc Wilson and Callum Goode scoring two goals each.

Connor Chase, Charlie Frank, Alex Noonan and Jak Goldsmith rounded out the better performers for the winners.

Under 17s While the scoreboard showed a decisive win to the Birchip Watchem boys the game was a solid workout for the Bulls.

The generous loaning of players to the Redbacks by the Bulls assisted with the evening out of the contest somewhat and contributed to the spectacle.

- Contributed With talent in each key position the Bulls were always on a win but the Redbacks through Liam Budge in the ruck, scored two goals, Jye Dingfelder in the centre and Tyson Blair doing great work in defence the Bulls were not handed victory on a plate.

Lannon Sellick in his first game of football was acknowledged for a solid first up effort.

Charlie Frank, Austin Dean, Oliver Cook and Ben Perry were best performed for the Bulls with Charlie Frank going on to do just as well in the reserves game.

Under 14s The Redbacks went into this game without a need for calling on opposition players to make up numbers.

While a win did not happen the determined and improved efforts of all Redbacks was very notable and makes for great hope in the future.

After an even first half the Bulls with more key position strength had a big third term scoring five goals while holding the Redbacks scoreless.

The final term saw a role reversal as the Redbacks were able to put goals on the board and hold the Bulls to their three quarter time score.

Caleb Gault continued his consistent form of late.

Good positioning and an awareness of what was going on around him saw him pick up many possessions.

Blaz Cramp, Ben Cunningham, Brodie Turnbull and Luke Martin were also great contributors to the Redback cause.

The bulls best were Willow Ryan, Desmond Coffey and Garth Kilroy.

All being able to get to where the ball was on numerous occasions and put their team to advantage often.

Charlton v Donald netball 14 & Under A Charlton 6 def by Donald 39 Loveland Electrical Best: Sophie Roberts, REX Cinema Coaches: Marley McGurk, Ladies Auxiliary Coaches: Lily Lane 17 & Under A Charlton 33 def Donald 28 Steel’s Butcher & Teejet Best: Maggie Riley, REX Cinema Coaches: Taylah Boyle North West Ag Coaches: Annie Olive Holmes-Brown Floor & Window Coverings “Have a Crack”: Isabel Soulsby C Grade Charlton 21 def by Donald 40 Roberts Windrowing & Fencing Contractors Best: Abby Mulquiny, S&D Consulting Coaches: Jac Leslie Special Mention to Dayne Bartlett for being ever reliable in the Centre B Grade Charlton 24 def by Donald 40 The Vale of Avoca Best: Tessa Sexton, Charlton IGA Coaches: Alinta Marshall A Grade Charlton 42 def Donald 40 Teys Charlton Feedlot: Megan Bruns, Walsh Motors Coaches: Kiara Perry Heenan’s Lucky Volunteer of the Day – Dayne Bartlett

vs Sea Lake-Nandaly THE Saints started off strongly with great tackles from Patrick Zsigmond and getting the ball down to score the first goal by Finn Green.

A lot of great tackles throughout the match were

by Chase Hendy, Finn Wilson, Sami Weir and Sam Greenaway.

Good team work went into this game against a much larger opposition, this didn’t stop the smaller Sainters chasing the ball till the final siren.

Scores Saints 7 points to Sea Lake-Nandaly 49 points.

North Central Netball Association results 14 & Under A: Charlton 6 Donald 36 Boort 18 Nullawil 20 Wedderburn 5 Birchip Watchem 35 Sea Lake Nandaly 24 St Arnaud 11 14 & Under B: Wedderburn 2 Birchip Watchem 19 Sea Lake Nandaly 0, St Arnaud 26 17 & Under A: Wedderburn 15 Birchip Watchem 47 Boort 15 Nullawil 62, Sea Lake Nandaly 19 St. Arnaud 28 Charlton 33 Donald 28 A Grade: Boort 64 Nullawil 32 Sea Lake Nandaly 60, St. Arnaud 30 Charlton 42 Donald 40, Wedderburn 42 Birchip Watchem 42 B Grade: Sea Lake Nandaly 62 St Arnaud 28 Charlton 24 Donald 40 Boort 39 Nullawil 36 Wedderburn 56 Birchip Watchem 30 C Grade: Charlton 21 Donald 40 Boort 41, Nullawil 43 Sea Lake Nandaly 50 St Arnaud 21 Wedderburn 40 Birchip Watchem 34 C Reserve: Wedderburn 37 Birchip Watchem 38, Sea Lake Nandaly 58 St Arnaud 18 Ladders pts Donald 24 Birchip Watchem 24 Sea Lake Nandaly 20 Boort 12 St. Arnaud 12

Nullawil 8 Wyche/Narraport 8 Charlton 4 Wedderburn 0 14 & Under B: Birchip Watchem 20 St Arnaud 12 Wedderburn 8 Boort 4 Donald 4 Sea Lake Nandaly 0 17 & Under A: Birchip Watchem 28 Nullawil 20 Wyche/Narraport 16 St Arnaud 16 Charlton 12 Sea Lake Nandaly 8 Donald 8 Wedderburn 4 Boort 0 A Grade Wedderburn 18 Boort 18 Birchip Watchem 16 Nullawil 16 Sea Lake Nandaly 16 Donald 12 Charlton 8 Wyche/Narraport 8 St. Arnaud 0 B Grade Wedderburn 18 Boort 18 Birchip Watchem 16 Nullawil 16 Sea Lake Nandaly 16 Donald 12 Charlton 8 Wyche/Narraport 8 St Arnaud 0 C Grade Nullawil 20 Wedderburn 20 Birchip Watchem 20 Sea Lake Nandaly 16 Boort 12 Donald 8 St Arnaud 8 Charlton 4 Wyche/Narraport 0 C Reserve Sea Lake Nandaly 16 Nullawil 12 Wyche/Narraport 8 Birchip Watchem 8 Wedderburn 4 St. Arnaud 0

North Central Hockey Association results round 7 Under 12: Charlton 6 Donald 0, Sea Lake Nandaly 0 St. Arnaud 9

Underage: Charlton 0 Donald 4 Sea Lake Nandaly 0 St. Arnaud 4 Wedderburn 0 Birchip Watchem 2

Women: Charlton 11 Donald 0 Sea Lake Nandaly 1 St. Arnaud 0 Wedderburn 2 Birchip Watchem 0

Men: Charlton 1 Donald 6 Sea Lake Nandaly 0 St. Arnaud 3

St. Arnaud vs Sea Lake U 17s

Saints finally return to LNP FOR the first time in a month, the Saints return to Lord Nelson Park action, as Round 8 rolls in, when they take on Charlton. - Contributed

- Contributed

THE top of the table clash was played in cool and sunny conditions at Sea Lake on Saturday.

An impressive start by the Saints put them in front 4 goals 1 point to nil score at quarter time.

First hands on the ball by Chase Zander in the ruck and early goals to George Gorrie were critical to the first quarter lead.

Sea Lake opened the second quarter with a point and St. Arnaud continued to put pressure on the scoreboard as well as providing solid defence through Kynan Torney and Hamish Darby.

The breeze continued to pick up and the ball was more tightly contended throughout the quarter.

Sea Lake added to their score with a goal but was quickly answered by a goal from Bob Donald to finish the half Saints 7-4 (46) to Tigers 3-1 (19).

S e a L a ke w e r e determined to close the gap and were the first to goal in the second half.

Saints had some inaccurate scoring to start the second half adding one goal and 5 points to their score.

Saints 8-9 (57) Tigers 6-3 (39).

The message from coach, Harley Durward at three quarter time was to keep composure, do the work and hit the short targets.

Fr a n k i e D o n a l d and Owen Lowe continued to take marks throughout the middle of the ground driving forward play to the team’s advantage.

The goal posts copped a couple of hits for both teams b e f o r e S e a L a ke scored the first major for the last quarter.

In the end the Saints kept the Tigers at bay with a final score of St. Arnaud 816 (64) Sea Lake 7-4 (46).

Goals: George Gorrie (4) Bob Donald (2) Austin Lowe, Chad Hendy (1) Aw a r d s : J&B Beggs - Owen Lowe, Croplands - Chase Z a n d e r, Uniting C h u r c h - Ky n a n To r n e y, Pa r k v i e w B a ke r y - Fr a n k i e Donald, S TA F C C a n t e e n - Ry a n Bigmore, Sonya’s Hair Directors - George Gorrie, MCL Legal Bob Donald.

Above: Saints’ Tristan Ward applies a strong tackle on Sea Lake Cooper Allan in the reserves match.

- Photo by Tara Lowe.

Above: Saints’ Owen Lowe reaches out to tackle Sea Lake Isaac Durie as Beau Knight is set to help out in the reserves match. - Photo by Tara Lowe.

Being their only scheduled home game within the window that spans between 11th May and 29th June, the Saints will be looking to make it a good one!

All of the early season breaks, and the two biggest road trips are out of the way, and it’s now time to resume laying those foundations, as they continue their build towards that sustainably successful future.

After 21 days without competitive footy, the Seniors suffered their heaviest defeat of the year at the hands of the standard bearers of North Central Footy, as the Tigers ran away with a comfortable win.

AWARDS- (Driscoll Douglas East Rural Real Estate) Mitch Egan, (Douglas Hire) Brayden Phillips, (Country Kitchen) Jake Male, (Royal Hotel) Jake Hicks, (PhysioBiz) Harley Durward.

The reserves were much better than the scoreboard indicated, however the Saints still found themselves on the end of a heavy defeat at the hands of the Tigers.

AWARDS- (Saints) Simon Elliott, (North We s t Ag) Col Campbell, (Farmers Arms) Beau Knight, Sporting Club (Owen Lowe) St Arnaud Physiotherapy Centre (Harrison Meagher) The Under 17s had a solid win against the former top side, how-

ever will be looking to improve their accuracy in front of goals, after kicking 8 goals and 16 behinds, in their victory.

AWA R D S - ( J & B Beggs) Owen Lowe, (Croplands) Chase Z a n d e r, ( U n i t i n g Church) Ky n a n To r n e y, ( Pa r k v i e w B a ke r y ) Fr a n k i e Donald, (Canteen) Ry a n Bigmore, (Sonya’s Hair Directors) George Gorrie, (MCL Legal) Bob Donald.

The Under 14s worked hard all game, but were no match for their Ti g e r s Opponents.

AWARDS- (Banavie Merinos) Nathan Saludes, (Uniting Church) Finn Wilson, (ParkView Bakery) Lewis Lowe, (Canteen) Chase Hendy, (Sonya’s Hair Directors) Sami Weir, (Croplands) Sam G r e e n a w a y, ( M C L Legal) Finn Green.

THIS SATURDAY

NIGHT the Saints head down to the Town Hall for the return of their annual SAINTS BALL! Tickets are just $40 and available online here:- https://www.trybooking.com/CRSFR You can also purchase yours by contacting Brooke Wi l l i a m s , S o p h i e Male, Torri Tillig, or by catching up with Hully at the Bar in the Social rooms Thursday night, and in the Sheep Pavillion on Saturday..

Major events upcoming • Round 11 - Goods and Services Auction @ The Sporting Club • Round 13 - Netball Club Event •Round 16 - Kids Night • Round 18 - Combined Saints Event

whats coming up

•|This week|• round 8 | home v Charlton Above: Saints’ Harrison Meagher gets his kick away in front of opposition player Ethan Ellis in the under 17’s match.

- Photo by Tara Lowe.

SAINTS BALL this saturday | june 8 | from 7:30pm st arnaud town hall formal attire

tickets $40 | PURCHASE via qr code or via brooke williams, sophie male or torri tillig

Above: Under pressure Saints’ Sami Weir gets a handball to team mate Patrick Zsigmond in the under 14’s match.

- Photo by Tara Lowe.

•|coming up|• round 9 | away v boort | tba round 10 | away v wedderburn | awards @ royal hotel round 11 | home v wyche/narra | goods & services auction round 12 | away v bir/watch round 13 | home v nullawil | NETBALL event round 14 | away v Donald | awards @ sporting club round 15 | bye round 16 | home v sea lake nandaly | KIDS NIGHT round 17 | away v Charlton | awards @ farmers arms round 18 | home v boort | combined event tbc

NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY JUNE 5th 2024 - Page 19

Page 20 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY JUNE 5th 2024.

SPORT

HOME DELIVERY 5495 1055

Bealiba Hall Indoor Carpet Bowls IT was a dark, cold, rainy night in Bealiba but six die-hard bowlers came out to play.

Three men and three ladies, the grudge match was on.

The last time this was played the men were the victors but the ladies were determined to level the score.

The first game started evenly until the ladies broke away and by the last end the men were not going to be able to score enough for

Above: (left to right) (Back row): Imogen Watts, Ned Ezard, Lewis Lowe and Xavier Taylor. (2nd row): Isobel Green, Sam Greenaway, Chase Wilson, Chaise Buttery and Elyza Mernik. (Front row) Bailey Gigg, Kayne Williams, Lilyana Stewart and Phoenix Grasby.

Black Ranges Cross Country event - Contributed

THIRTEEN students recently represented St. Arnaud Primary School in the Black Ranges Cross Country event held at Lord Nelson Park.

Congratulations to Lewis Lowe who won the Black Ranges 12 year old boys event at Lord Nelson Park and progressed onto the Greater Western Regional Cross Country in Warrnambool.

Lewis finished in 15th place in Warrnambool, narrowly missing out on state level.

Well done and congratulations to all students who gave their best and are to be commended for challenging themselves against students from across the region.

Right: Lewis Lowe won the Black Ranges 12 year old boys 3km event.

North-Central Football Roundup - page 16

the win.

One point to the ladies.

The second game was very much the same as the first and the ladies scored again.

The third game saw the ladies in the lead but then the men scored a five on one end and that bought them right back into the game.

- Contributed It all came down to the last end and the ladies hung on for another win.

With 3 – 0 to the ladies, the battle of the sexes is tied until the opportunity for a rematch occurs.

Congratulations to Shirley Coburn, Heather Cooper and Chris Evans defeating Lyle Streeter, Malcolm Campbell and Tiger Coburn.