21st February 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.

$2.00

WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 21st 2024.

Registered by Australia Post, Publication No. VAC 4217.

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

(Incl. GST)

Wind Farm proposed that will impact Stuart Mill to Avoca RESIDENTS of Stuart Mill have been approached over the last weekend by representatives of Pacific Blue as to a proposed wind farm stretching from Avoca to Stuart Mill.

The proposal will span from properties from Avoca to Stuart Mill and include communities in Dunolly, Dunluce and Natte Yallock.

Hayley Batters, whose farm is impacted by the proposal and who was visited by the Pacific Blue representatives, has started a Facebook page for community discussion on the subject, fearing for the impact on the environment.

Pacific Blue has wind, solar and hydro power assets operating in Victoria, Queensland, Western

Australia, South Australia and New South Wales.

the Melbourne Renewable Energy Project, a power purchasing agreement between fourteen leading universities, cultural institutions, corporations and Councils.

Crowlands wind farm Crowlands Wind Farm is located in the Pyrenees Shire Council, 25km northeast of Ararat.

The site was identified as an area highly suitable for efficiently capturing energy from the wind.

Consultation commenced in 2004 and planning approval was granted in August 2010 with development approval to construct and operate a wind energy facility at Crowlands granted in 2013.

Crowlands Wind Farm consists of 39 turbines that produce clean energy equivalent to the yearly needs of around 50,000 Victorian homes.

Above: Crowlands Wind Farm.

SOURCE: The Ararat Advertiser The turbines are rated at 2.05MW each, with a maximum hub height of 100m and a maximum blade tip height of 146.5m.

The wind farm reduces greenhouse gas emissions by providing a renewable energy source for the local and surrounding community, whilst assisting in reaching greenhouse gas reduction targets in

Victoria and contributing to the Renewable Energy Target.

Crowlands wind farm will abate 270,500 tonnes of greenhouse gas emissions each year. Over its 25-year life, it will help reduce greenhouse pollution by more than 6.7 million tonnes.

Crowlands Wind Farm has been underwritten by

Court battle decides against wind farm operators Nearly two years ago two Gippsland farmers won a court battle against a neighbouring wind farm they say emitted unreasonable noise at their properties in Tarwin Lower (170 km south east of Melbourne) since 2015.

The ruling meant that the wind farm operator Infrastructure Capital Group must curtail its operations to stop the

night-time noise disturbance within 3 months.

In the judgment it was stated that although renewable energy is a socially valuable activity and in the public interest to continue, it should be possible to achieve a good night’s sleep as well for the wind farms neighbours.

The conclusion of the case was that the 52 wind turbines had substantially interfered with the men’s enjoyment of their land, particularly their ability to sleep at night.

In describing the sound one of the men, Mr Zakula speaking to ‘The Age’ said although the turbines were just over one kilometre from his home, the noise was “like a roaring train”.

“Your body feels tight, your head feels in a compressive state.”

Changes to Council electoral structures formalised Below: The map of the new boundaries that will come into effect for the 2024 Local Government elections in November.

THE electoral structures of 39 Victorian Councils ahead of the 2024 local government general elections in October this year, will be amended and these have now been released.

Minister for Local Government Melissa Horne announced the

upcoming changes having accepted the recommendation of the

Electoral Representation Advisory Panels (ERAPS).

Initially established under the L ocal

Government Act 2020, the change in legislation has seen extensive work and engagement from ERAPS over the

past 15 months to ensure councils become compliant with the new requirements.

The panels’ reviews have been completed with time to allow for candidates and the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) to implement the necessary planning ahead of the general elections.

The structure amendment will see 30 councils change to a single-member ward structure, except in those cases where

ERAPs have recommended the council have uniform multimember wards or an unsubdivided structure.

Multimember ward structure Four councils including the Northern Grampians and the Buloke Shires will change to a multi-member ward structure.

• Cont. page 6.

Historical projects opened ‘giving the past a future’ • See story and pics page 17.

To the Editor Congratulations Councillors Dear Editor, I wish to congratulate the Northern Grampians Shire Councillors for the way they conducted this year’s Australia Day ceremony.

I was impressed that the councillors stayed with the format of a traditional Australia Day, and did not follow their peers in abandoning the procedure of this great Australia Day. Too many of our traditions are disappearing at the whim of incompetent people who appear to only have one desire in life, and that is to make change to something for no apparent reason.

The ceremony and Naturalisation of two new members of the Australian public, was greatly appreciated by all those in attendance.

Phil McRae Gre Gre North

Proposed Wind Farm for Stuart Mill Dear Editor, We were contacted by a representative from Pacific Blue Energy company on Friday last week regarding a proposed wind farm they are trying to develop spanning an area from Avoca, across to Dunolly and Stuart Mill.

We have confirmation the company has been in contact with other landholders in the district. Pacific Blue are proposing a total of 250 x 150m high wind turbines (plus 80m blades) be installed across farmland in the area, for those familiar with the Waubra turbines these proposed turbines will be double the height of those.

The plan we were shown proposed two turbines on our land at Dalyenong (near Stuart Mill), which the company were offering $50,000/annum/turbine for us to “host” – to which my husband, Luke, replied “I can’t think of a sum of money large enough that you could pay me to put those things on my land or even to look at them on my neighbours place”.

• Cont. page 3.

Working on the challenge of securing GPs in rural towns Victoria’s health system is broken and there is a growing crisis in rural Victoria to attract and retain GPs, as without these medical professionals the future of regional and rural towns is significantly in doubt. Rural GPs are under pressure – they are underpaid compared with their specialist peers and they are overloaded with administration and it has become extremely difficult to attract a locum to give these medical professionals time out.

Some communities have taken up the challenge in order to save their towns from the fate that awaits of a rural town without a GP. General practice and primary health care in small towns all around Victoria has reached a critical point. Projections show that towns are at risk of not having a GP practising in those communities over the next 10 years unless remedial action is taken now.

Mallacoota is an isolated, remote and ageing community with poor transport options and when the last GP was ready to leave town, the community held a meeting, formed the C o m m u n i t y H eG alth Infrastructure and Resilience Fund (CHIRF) and bought the clinic, which opened in November 2019, and then came the task of finding doctors to come and live in their town.

A range of factors influence the sustainability of general practice in small towns in rural and remote communities. From the viewpoint of a GP, the general practice or workplace and the health system are two important issues. An understanding of these factors is necessary to identify and address the vulnerability of communities and secure their access to quality primary care. This will enable health outcome disparities betweenQld people living in cities and rural communities to be addressed.

A 4215 Models of care might begin with nursing practitioners being utilized to undertake some of 1 800of652 284 the lower level health care needs a commuF nity.

Any new model of health service delivery E will involve change, and communities must be ready to manage such change for it to be successful. But the Mallacoota community was ready.

On the coast in Victoria’s east, Mallacoota has been devastatingly affected by bushfires but the community has been stoic in its resilience to survive. This year marks a turning point for the community with a new Medical Centre being opened after a community push founded on the idea that the building and facilities of the existing medical centre were not acting as an attraction to potential GPs. The community’s CHIRF had secured Ted Whillier funding from the federal government toward C the building of the Centre, has now sourced Peta Mandrakas GPs through its Doctor Search program, and has received funding for the Teen Clinic C Program and a Chronic Disease Program. The Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal (FRRR) has provided substantial support to CHIRF for administration, mental health services and occupational health support.

Rural Workforce Agency of Victoria (RWAV) has supported Mallacoota Medical Centre by providing a no fee recruitment service for GP locum D cover, to assist during annual leave and busy holiday periods, as well as providing ongoing locum grants to cover travel and subsidise locum costs. RWAV has also provided a relocation grant of $15,000 for a new GP registrar.

Last year, through the Remote Vocational Training Scheme (RVTS), Mallacoota has secured a GP Registrar for the Centre and the

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

Page 2 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 21st 2024.

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

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

Editorial

N.C.N. INFORMATION

community has a broad vision of the developG ment of their medical services that is innovative and likely to attract people with a strong community focus.

One innovative approach is to provide a 24hour medical service, using the skills of people physically living in the town combined with the expertise of allied health professionals. This would require at least six nurses to operate effectively and deal with everything from broken arms to cardiac arrests and dispensing antibiotics. Is an innovative model of healthcare attractive to those in St. Arnaud? Because even if the rumour that our GPs Drs 4215Vesna and Darko are leaving this year, is wrong, leave they will at some time and when our GPs are in their 1 800 652 284 70s the likelihood that their health becomes F compromised is greater than it was decades ago.

E sudden departure Are we prepared for any and will St. Arnaud be left without a GP and our hospital without the ability to operate an urgent or acute bed arrangement? Only time will tell.

10123

The North Central News is 100% locally owned, independent newspaper, established in 1864. With 10123 an an ABC audited circulation of 1,650 copies, and estimated readership of over 4,250 throughout the Northern Grampians and Buloke Shires.

SUBSCRIPTIONS Annual subscription for 12 months is only $144.00 (inc. GST), including postage and packaging.

ADVERTISING & COPY DETAILS Artwork, and all advertisements or alterations are to be submitted before 5.00pm Friday prior to publication.

Announcements of births, deaths, marriages and engagements must be properly authenticated.

N.C.N. prefers advertisement and editorial copy to be typed or neatly hand-written to avoid being published incorrectly. We accept no responsibility for error or misspellings in illegible advertisement and editorial copy.

DISCLAIMER The views and opinions expressed in this publication are not necessarily those held by the publisher or editor. The publisher and staff accept no liability for injury or losses which may occur as a result of information presented in this publication.

NAT140

© Copyright 2023

No. 10123

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ACROSS 1 Short gaiters 5 Mineral spring 9 Proper function 10 Reddening agent 12 Sacred scriptures 13 Minute particles 14 Daybreak 15 Penny­pincher 16 Allude 18 Easy talk 20 Consumer 21 Renew confidence 23 Fearless 27 Location 29 Cattle 30 Satisfies fully 31 Degrade 33 Easy pace 34 Unite 35 Speech defects 36 Have being 37 Close 38 Cheerless 39 Replenish

Proudly sponsored by:-

W

See this week’s solution on page 13.

DOWN 2 Examines searchingly 3 Merchant 4 Echo sounder 5 Spiritualists’ meeting 6 Fragrances 7 Commotion 8 Gives respite to 11 Leaves out 16 Chews the cud 17 Exploit 19 Firm 21 Mature 22 Building division 24 Perforated nozzles 25 Makes effort 26 Mean 27 Literary ridicule 28 Place of worship 30 Of the sun 32 In the midst of

To the Editor • From page 2.

Young Josh will have one-on-one start to his education YOUNG Joshua Atherton (above) is the single Prep student at Navarre Primary School this year, but could not be any happier as he puts brush to paper on his first day.

We hold deep concern for the impact of wind turbines on our natural environment, wildlife, human health and wellbeing and the burden of their decommissioning/disposal that will be placed on future generations.

For us it was an easy “no thanks” decision, however, we appreciate this may not be everyone’s sentiment, especially given the potential for “easy” income, but we feel it is important that landholders and community members are fully informed of the potential negative implications such projects can bring both personally and at a community level before signing any contracts with wind farm companies.

The proposed wind farm plans show turbines positioned immediately bordering the Kara Kara National Park between Stuart Mill and Redbank.

Personally, our land is bordered by the Dalyenong Nature Conservation Reserve and our property is host to at least one pair of Barking Owls, the most

threatened owl species in Victoria and a massive population of Wedged Tail Eagles, with regular sightings of groups of 10 or more eagles at a time soaring overhead.

The map we were shown by the Pacific Blue representative proposed 8 turbines on the neighbouring land immediately adjoining ours.

Should these turbines be installed it would present a very real threat to the populations of these beautiful, rare bird species, as wind turbine blades kill birds.

Apart from the obvious aesthetic blight these enormous towers would present in the beautiful natural landscape of our region, once installed and operating they will also produce noise.

A noise that never stops.

Residents in other areas of the state that have wind turbines installed on neighbouring properties have sought compensation for the relentless noise from turbines installed just over 1km from their homes, describing the sound as similar to a roaring train.

Pacific Blue’s proposed wind farm would see turbines installed as close as 1.3km to residences.

From a broader perspective, wind farm proposals and projects are impacting many of our surrounding communities and across Victoria, I think it is very important to be aware this is not an isolated situation.

The potential for the existence of numerous large scale wind farms, and the associated high voltage transmission lines needed to transport electricity generated by them, dotted throughout the state will totally and permanently change the landscape, will have an enormous impact on wildlife and affect the liveability of the regions.

I have created a facebook page, Proposed Avoca-Stuart Mill Wind Farm Community Discussion Group, to bring the community together to discuss and share important information.

We are planning to hold a community meeting in the very near future (TBA) to share important information and provide a space for

discussion around the proposed wind farm, we would like to encourage all landholders and community members in the area to join the discussion.

Kind regards, Hayley Batters Dalyenong, Stuart Mill

QUOTE OF THE WEEK The only way to discover the limits of the possible is to go beyond them into the impossible.

Arthur C. Clarke

NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 21st 2024 - Page 3

Health Minister visits with funding and a chat

New Standing Orders firefighting under powerlines available mid-year SIX of the 11 most catastrophic Black Saturday bushfires were started by high voltage electric powerlines causing all but 159 of the 173 deaths.

LOCALS in the towns across the East Wimmera Health Service catchment have had funding for $2.6 million through the Regional Health Infrastructure Fund (RHIF) to upgrade East Wimmera Health Service to standardize fire suppression systems systems at three sites, St. Arnaud, Donald and Wyche-proof campuses including hydrant, water storage, water pressure and associated connections.

Above: Member for Ripon Martha Haylett (left) and Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas (right) had a chat to Maud Coates at the Kara Court Aged Care facility.

St. Arnaud 50 Years Ago: February 1974

More than $2.3 million is for the renovation of Birchip campus Aged Care Facility.

Engagements Kerry Williams and Ray Burns.

Sylvia Lovel and John Herlihy.

Dianne Cummings and John Giblet.

Maud While the Health Minister and the Ripon MP Martha Haylett were in St. Arnaud last Wednesday to announce the funding, they paid a visit on Kara Court Nursing Home’s eldest resident, Maud Coates who is 107 years old.

“Thanks for making our day, Maud,” said Ms. Haylett on her facebook site.

Currently, CFA does not have standing orders or training manuals on fire fighting under high voltage powerlines.

St. Arnaud Group Officer Wayne Rourke reported that the CFA is currently undertaking the writing of Standing Orders for fire-fighting under High Voltage Powerlines.

The Standing Orders and the training manual on this topic will be available, possibly by mid-year.

Recently a fire in metropolitan Melbourne was dangerously close to high voltage powerlines and firefighters refused to fire fight under the lines until the power was disconnected.

This was because of the dense smoke and the danger of arcing from the powerlines.

Wedding Shirley Jardine and Geoffrey Amos.

Births Noel and Joy Bryce a son Daniel Noel.

Gerald and Cheryl McIntyre a daughter Bianca Michelle.

by Heather Pritchard Lyall and Barbara Wheaton a daughter Shelley Ann. Jamie and K ath Ischia nee Youngson a son Joseph James.

100th Birthday

SOURCE: ABC News: Hugh Hogan.

Mrs Emma Caroline McNally.

Deaths Mrs Beatrice Byerley age 87.

Mrs Vera May Miller.

Above: (left to right) Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas, EWHS Board Chair Julianne Clift, EWHS CEO Trevor Adem, and Ripon MP Martha Haylett.

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District CFA supports Grampians towns in bushfires A total of 21 firefighters was sent from the St. Arnaud district to assist with the fires at Dadswells Bridge last week.

There were 4 trucks, Traynors L agoon and Beazleys Bridge trucks, the Gooroc and Kooreh Tankers and the St. Arnaud

G r o u p Fo r w a r d C o m m a n d Vehicle.

Each completed a full shift as a strike team.

Above: Awaiting instructions at Dadswells Bridge.

Below: Taken from a vehicle with the Dadswells Bridge fire on the horizon.

Above: Celebrating (see hands) the ‘new loo’ are (left to right) Kate, Fred, Jude, Veronica, Barbara and Ron.

Riding Club gets its new portable loo STUART Mill Racecourse Reserve Riding Club recently received their new portable toilet. This was part of last year’s $250k Community Grant Program from Bendigo Bank.

NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 21st 2024 - Page 5

Changes to Council electoral structures formalised • From page 1

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Page 6 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 21st 2024.

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The other two shires are Surf Coast Shire Council and Yarriambiack Shire Council.

Unsubdivided structure The A further five councils will change to an unsubdivided structure.

They are Campaspe Shire Council, Gannawarra Shire Council, Hepburn Shire Council, Moorabool Shire Council and Strathbogie Shire Council.

Singlemember Wards The remaining 30 councils will change to a single-member ward structure, and these include Ballarat City Council, Central Goldfields Shire Council, Greater Bendigo City Council, Greater Geelong City Council. Mildura Rural City Council

The Reviews Formed in October 2022, the Electoral Representation Advisory Panels provided advice to the Victorian Government on the recommended structures and included community engagement to ensure local views were considered. This work was supported by the VEC who provided technical and administrative support.

The panels subsequently made recommendations for the total number of councillors for each municipality, the ward structure, the number of wards, number of councillors per ward, ward boundaries and names.

Rural councils (31 in total) were permitted to have any of the three

permissible electoral structures.

This is in recognition that in some cases it may be impractical to divide these councils into single-member wards, for example, councils with large geographical areas and small populations.

Where a council is subdivided, the wards should have approximately an equal number of voters per Councillor.

The number of voters per Councillor in a ward should not vary from the average number of voters per Councillor for all of the wards by more than 10 per cent before the next general election for the council.

Northern Grampians response to changes Cr. Eddy Ostarcevic

was scathing in his attack on the electoral changes for Kara Kara Ward saying that the size of this ward has grown to almost double.

“It is a huge job now to tackle the area that has to be covered, but after the changes we will be driving twice as much”.

The number of councilors in the Northern Grampians Shire has also been reduced to 6, resulting in the possibility of voting in meetings being tied and the Mayor therefore having the deciding vote.

“Councillors are meant to be all equal” said Cr Ostarcevic.

“But who ever becomes mayor will have two bites of the cherr y and others only one” he said.

“It is fraught with problems”.

The Color Purple is new Magic and Music at St. Arnaud Cinema A bold new take that endeared us to the original classic back in 1985 has come to life again.

The story, The Color Purple, is about two Afro-American girls, sisters Celie and Nettie Harris, who suffer sexual and physical abuse by their father after their mother dies.

One day, out walking, they encounter a neighbour Albert ‘Mister’ Johnson, who gets the idea to sexually abuse Nettie, and with Celie’s help she fights back.

His physical strength overwhelms the girls.

But, their strong bond forces ‘Mister’ to take revenge.

He sends Nettie to Africa.

Celie is then married off to widower, ‘Mister’ and help raise his children.

She is subjected to

Contributed the same abuse by her controlling husband.

However, after years of torment she still holds onto her dream of being reunited with Nettie.

This beautiful story wins hearts and minds through its courage in raising awareness on issues of incest, family violence and abuse, sexism and shame.

A must see for all who loved the original movie, it shines with stellar performances by Taraji P. Henson, Fantasia Barrino, Danielle Brooks, Halle Bailey, Colman Domingo.

Screening takes place on Friday 23rd February at 7.3-pm and Sunday 25th February at 2pm.

Charlton 100 Years Ago: 16th – 20th February 1924

by Charlton Golden Grains Museum

Broadcasting benefits The daily broadcasting programme proposed by the Company for which Mr H. Dew, of the Victory Garage, has accepted the local agency, covers a wide area of human interest.

It includes time signals (at 9am and 1pm); movements of Interstate trains, Inter-state and overseas passenger-ships; mails and weather; Australian and cable news; the Night’s entertainments; outlined at 10am musical items; talks on domestic science; home-crafts; infant welfare; hygiene; gardening; market reports of stock, produce, mining, etc. (twice daily), lectures and information to the man on the land; musical entertainments; weather forecast; special items of news; lectures on popular subjects; table talk; after-school stories for children; news of general interest, and sporting results.

Ahead of schedule Splendid progress is being made with the extensions and additions to the Victoria Hall.

The brick walls of the dressing-rooms are now up about 12 feet, and but 4 feet more are required for completion.

The supper room walls are up, and framing the roof is in progress.

The Councillors are doubtless satisfied with the progress, for the work is thus far well ahead of the scheduled time.

Death in the dam Gleefully romping off fair-haired little Lorna Pearl Judd left the home of her parents (Mr and Mrs Fred Judd) at Teddywaddy, between 11.00 and 11.30 on Wednesday.

Near the house is a dam and to this Lorna appears to have made her way.

Ver y soon little

Lorna was missed.

Frantic, the mother began the search and proceeded to the dam.

She saw the body of her little one and with all haste brought the body to the bank of the dam.

Artificial respiration was tried by the mother and helpers.

Medical aid from Charlton was sought but Dr Robinson had to announce life extinct.

The Deputy Coroner (Cr W. Williams) viewed the body and the scene, took police evidence and gave an order for burial.

Burial took place at the Charlton Cemetery on Thursday when there was a large attendance.

dam which supplies the needful fluid for the cucumbers, silverskinned onions, marrows, Turks’ caps, pumpkins, beans, apples, pears, peaches, plums and quinces he grows.

It shows the value of fresh water, and indicates what we shall be able to do when we get our supply from Lake Lonsdale.

Motor Boat Trial Some fifty people assembled on the banks of the railway dam at the week-end, to witness the trial of the installation of an engine

in a boat, five motorcars being on the scene.

Owing to something going wrong with the carburetter, the trial was not wholly successful.

With a smaller size of screw, there is every indication that the next trial will be satisfactory.

Duck Season The “bag” secured by the Power-House party on the opening day was a satisfactory one, 64 birds falling to four guns – Messrs Alf Dabron, E. Dabron, G. Babidge, G. Fanning, and Vin Dew also had a satisfactory shoot, averaging 15 birds per gun.

Mr A. C. Bertoli, by means of a ricochet

Above: Duck hunting. from the water, was shot through the lobe of his ear.

Watery Weekend During the 24 hours ended 9am on Saturday,

43 points were recorded at the Post Office; the following 24 hours yielded 72; while up till 9am on Monday a further fall of 43 points was registered.

On Tuesday a brief

but sharp thunderstorm was experienced; the fall registered up till 9am was 26 points, making a total of 184 for the four days.

(Information from East Charlton Tribune)

Motor vehicle escape A Providential escape from what might have been serious injury was experienced

by Mr Edgar Curnow at Teddywaddy.

It appears that, while his horse and spring cart were standing close to a fence, a motor-car came up behind.

The animal, frightened, shied in towards the fence.

Mr Curnow was standing between the fence and the body of the cart at the time. He grasped the reins to steady the animal; but the horse came farther in, and the wheel struck Mr Curnow on the chest and legs.

Fortunately, the fence post against which he was forced gave way.

Mr Curnow was seen to at his home by Mr Jerry Walsh.

Medical inspection revealed that, although bruised on the chest and legs, Mr Curnow had escaped broken bones.

A Big ‘Un A handsome specimen of the cucumber is that which has been grown by Mr Wm Prater on his farm at Teddywaddy.

Fourteen inches in length, and eleven in circumference, it weighs 3lb. The big vegetable was sown in January, and was grown with fresh water, Mr Prater having a

Above: 1920s Edgar Curnow NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 21st 2024 - Page 7

Connection to Services a key for Thrive 50+ Healthy Ageing Hubs RESIDENTS, community groups and health organisations gathered at the Stawell Library on Wednesday 6th February for the official opening of the Stawell Thrive 50+ Healthy Ageing Hub, a new health-driven service initiative developed by Northern Grampians Shire Council (NGSC).

The council was also due to open a Thrive 50+ Healthy Ageing Hub in St. Arnaud, inside the

Shire Offices at 40 Napier Street, on Wednesday 14th February, but due to the Grampians fires

this was postponed.

The hub will commence however, with the ceremony marking its opening in

Starts y a d o t

Page 8 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 21st 2024.

St. Arnaud happening at a later date.

The service will open Mondays and Wednesdays from 10am to 5pm.

Funded as a pilot project by the Western Victoria Primary Health Network (PHN) and managed by the Northern Grampians Shire Council in collaboration with health partners Grampians Health and East Wimmera Health Service, the Thrive 50+ Healthy Ageing Hub is a forward-thinking program designed to connect residents in the shire aged 50 years and older into community services, activities and events and to empower those who access the service to make their own choices as they age.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (First Nations) people are eligible starting from 45 years of age.

The Stawell Thrive 50 + Healthy Ageing Hub opening was wellattended with representatives from

NGSC greeting the diverse audience with Mayor, Cr Rob Haswell, officially opening the hub alongside CEO, Brent McAlister.

“The Thrive 50+ Healthy Ageing Hub is an invaluable initiative for the residents of Northern Grampians Shire and has been designed to support our population by ensuring that they are well-connected and as healthy and active as can be moving forward.

“When council staff reached out to residents, the overwhelming feedback was that people of this target age-bracket – fifty-years and older – would like to be able to access an in-person service that offers tailored advice, ideally alleviating any anxiety or confusion about the availability of services and activities on offer throughout the shire.

“It is something that we should celebrate and a life stage we can thrive in,” said Mayor Haswell.

“Our residents want to come in, sit down for a cuppa and a chat with someone who has access to all this information and can help connect them to the right information about the most suitable services on offer and to help them navigate it all.

“Now they can.

“The council staff at Thrive 50+ Healthy Ageing Hub are there to support our residents to stay healthy, active, connected and empowered by offering individual support and tailored advice starting now.

“Ageing isn’t something to shy away from, it’s something that we can all prepare ourselves for and this service is a great way to do that,” added Mayor Haswell.

Above: Kim Birthisel (left) and other Northern Grampians Shire staff celebrate the opening of the services.

Raillery Hub success for access changes to Railway Station UNDER the VicTrack new Community Grants Program the St. Arnaud Raillery Hub has been granted $9,100 to have modifications to be made to a window at the Railway Station to create an interconnecting door for better access.

Member for Ripon Martha Haylett has announced the successful applicants will share more than $500,000 in funding to help with small projects and maintenance across Victoria.

“Our not-for-profit groups play such an important role in people’s lives and these VicTrack grants will ensure our rural communities can continue to reap the benefits from them,” said Ms Haylett.

The other successful not-for-profit groups in Ripon which received funding are: • Creative Clunes - $7474 • Creswick Railway Workshops Association Inc. - $10,000 • Kooyoora Women’s Network - $6000 • Loddon Plains Landcare Network - $10,000 • Pyrenees Arts Council - $10,000 The Community Grants Program was launched to support groups with managing their community spaces, which include public open spaces, art galleries, museums, libraries, creative spaces, and community hubs.

The funding will enable the Pyrenees Arts Council to install two outdoor picnic suites at the Beaufort Railway Station, allow Creative Clunes to install a picture hanging system and furniture for a small, adaptable exhibition space and see.

VicTrack makes underused land and buildings available to community organisations through its community leasing program.

It charges groups an affordable rent, which is significantly reduced compared to a commercial rental rate.

Applications were assessed by a VicTrack panel, and the grants will be released to successful applicants early this year.

For more information visit victrack.com.au.

St. Arnaud 100 Years Ago: 15th – 21st February 1924 Duck Opening Many hunters passed through town h e a d i n g t o L a ke Buloke where there were large numbers of ducks.

There is a 25 limit on ducks on opening day and for the rest of the season the limit is 15 per day and no ducks are to be sold.

Quail season opens on 15th March with a limit of 30 per day.

Locals win prize Mr Byerley and Mr Valmadre, employees at the St. Arnaud flour mill won third prize in the Ta s m a n i a Consultation, their share being £900.

daughters and a son, one daughter often sang at various functions when the family lived in St. Arnaud.

Mr William Dash, who had a boot makers shop in Napier St in the 1880’s died in Ballarat age 74 years.

Accidents Mrs Elizabeth Smith suffered horrific burns when flames from under the copper caught her skirt while she was doing the washing at Hines near Redbank.

Her daughter Mrs Costello badly burnt her hands whilst try-

ing to help her mother.

Elizabeth died age 86 the following day and was buried at Redbank, her husband died 15 years ago.

She came from England to Adelaide in 1850, married J Smith in 1861 and moved to Inglewood and later to Redbank where they raised 10 children.

Twenty four year old Patrick Noonan of Birchip fell under a loaded wheat waggon, which badly crushed his arm.

He was rushed to the St. Arnaud

Hospital where his arm was amputated.

He is a son of Ferdinand Noonan, a well-known farmer of Birchip and a former resident in the St. Arnaud district.

Hospital Sunday The St. Arnaud and District Band travelled to Gre Gre Village where they raised £23-6-10 for the St. Arnaud Hospital.

Harvest Festival Special ser vices held in churches

on Sunday.

Tenders called Tenders called to erect a grand stand at the Navarre Racecourse.

Mrs M A Parish wants to lease for 4 years 321 acres at Dooboobetic, recently let on share system to W C o d y, s i t u a t e d opposite Mr M Hoye, 14 miles from St. Arnaud, on Wycheproof Road.

Tenders called to erect a new State School at Swanwater West.

Sales Clifford Crone - 6room W B house on corner of Napier and Burke Sts, with sleepout, wash house, asphalt yard, 2 tanks and splendid garden – sold to Tom Bray for £900.

Martin Coughlan – 320 acres with 7-room W B house and outbuildings, 6 miles from St. Arnaud, ½ mile from Sutherland Railway Station, and next to State School.

James McGrath – 302 acres rich black land at Swanwater with 4-room W B

by Heather Pritchard house and outbuildings – sold to Michael Walsh & Sons for £1810-0 per acre.

At Coonooer Bridge – 2,600 sheep and at Logan 1,597 sheep.

Clearing sale estate late George C o a t e s , Tr a y n o r s Lagoon, splendid prices for sheep but prices for machinery and sundries were low.

Weather After several very hot days heavy rain, thunder and lightning occurred over three days resulting in 279 points.

Farewells The Hon. J W Pennington M L A was entertained by 125 gentlemen at the Town Hall prior to his departure for London to represent the state at the Great Exhibition.

Mr A D Mowbray, accountant at the ES&A Bank for the past eleven years has been promoted to manager of the Clunes Bank.

At a farewell at the Methodist Church Mr Mowbray a Sunday School teacher was presented with a fountain pen from the other teachers and a silk scarf from the students, while Mrs Mowbray was given a set of stainless steel dessert spoons from the ladies.

The Croquet Club presented Mrs Mowbray with a pair of silver vases at their last meeting and the Girl Guides, of which organization she was a foundation member and secretary farewelled her the following evening and the Rangers gave her a copper vase.

Deaths Mr James Dunn died age 32 after a long illness and was buried at Banyena.

Since boyhood he had lived with Mrs A Robertson of Marnoo and later managed the property for her.

James was married for 10 years and leaves a widow, nee Isabella Bryce.

Former St. Arnaud Post Master Mr H A Krone died in St Kilda age 70 years, after being an invalid since having his leg amputated several years ago.

He leaves two

NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 21st 2024 - Page 9

In The Paddock

Real Estate

LISTINGS WANTED •Broadacre •Lifestyle •Residential •Commercial Contact:-

Mark Swanton 0407 102 050

Anthrax detected at second property in Shepparton ANTHRAX has been detected at a second beef cattle property in the Shepparton region, following an initial detection at a neighbouring property last week.

One cow has died, while the remaining livestock are being vaccinated.

A total of ten beef cattle have died across the two properties.

Agriculture Victoria veterinarians and animal health staff are working closely with livestock owners in the region to assist with surveillance and vaccinations if necessary.

Victoria's Chief Veterinary Officer Dr Graeme Cooke said the second detection was not unexpected in northern Victoria, particularly during summer, assisted by the long survival of the anthrax bacteria in soil.

“Local farmers, veterinarians and Agriculture Victoria are well prepared to handle these incidents, with quarantine and biosecurity arrangements in place and

87 Stawell Rd, Horsham

vaccinations underway for potentially exposed livestock,” Dr Cooke said.

Anthrax is not a concern for the public: • Anthrax does not spread rapidly and is not contagious for humans • There is no general public health risk associated with anthrax • Any risk is confined to people who handle dead livestock such as farmers, veterinarians and knackery workers • The Department of Health undertakes risk exposure assessments of individuals who have potentially been exposed and may offer treatment depending on the risk assessment.

•There is no impact on local produce or food safety.

Farmers are urged to report any cases of unexplained deaths to the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888, to your local vet, or to Agriculture Victoria

animal health staff on 136 186.

Anthrax has occurred intermittently in Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland in recent decades.

In Victoria this is of ten in northern areas of the state, but historically it has been recorded across all of the state in

farming areas.

The last detection of anthrax in Victoria was in sheep in February 2022, near Swan Hill.

An Anthrax factsheet on the Agriculture Victoria website is available answering frequently asked questions and providing more information.

VFF STATEMENT: Victorian storm/ fire damage VFF President, Emma Germano has put out this statement: “On behalf of all Victorian farmers, the VFF extends its heartfelt condolences to the Mirboo North farmer sadly killed in recent wild weather.

“Our thoughts go out to the family and loved ones left to mourn after this tragedy.

“Farmers and regional Victorians remain stranded, powerless and in some cases burnt out almost a day after terrible fires

and thunderstorms.

“The impact on our industry and regional communities is immense and once again have been left to pick up the pieces.

“Victoria is still feeling the impact of one of our largest ever power blackouts and the complete lack of planning and resilience by the government is once again crippling our state.

“We must do better.”

FOR SALE

Week ending Thursday 15 February 2024

— By Glendon Hancock

THE Australian wool market has fallen again this series, although the downward slide was halted later in the week.

GREENS CREEK Cropping/Grazing - 1303 Acres For Sale By Expressions Of Interest Closing 4pm Wednesday 6th March Watta Wella Road, Greens Creek A rare opportunity to secure an extremely well presented and well farmed cropping or grazing property comprising 1303 AC or 527 HA (approx), considered 95% arable and has benefited from conservative inputs and farming practices.

Well fenced into 11 paddocks with a central all weather gravel access road to all paddocks making accessibility and stock movement an easy task, featuring scattered gums and rising undulation providing stock protection. The gently rising country has a shallow loam soil profile with heavier loam creek flats fronting the 7-mile creek and is well suited to cereal cropping, hay/fodder production and sheep grazing.

Improvements include a 4-bay machinery shed with 2 bay lockable storage shed with double sliding doors, 24 x 18 x 6m Hay Shed (750 big square capacity) 50m3 Silo, semi-permanent Clipex sheep yards with loading ramp and crutching shed.

The fencing is described as excellent, mostly 7-line

cyclone and the property is well watered by the seasonal creek and 12 dams.

Located in a prominent cropping and grazing region only 16kms from Stawell and accessible from both Watta Wella Rd & Reynolds Rd, this is a rare opportunity to secure a well presented and productive farm with a solid cropping and pasture history. Inspections highly recommended.

Immediate access will be available to the successful QR Code ID: purchaser for farming/cropping preparations

The market opened softly and by the end of the first day, losses in fine merino fleece types were the major factor in the overall market fall.

The individual Micron Price Guides (MPGs) for 18.5 micron and finer fell by between 15 and 59 cents.

The AWEX Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) dropped 8 cents for the day, the twelfth consecutive selling day where the EMI did not manage an increase.

The second day of selling was mixed, however buyer sentiment was stronger and increased as the day progressed.

In the East the merino fleece MPG movements ranged between plus 20 and minus 25 cents.

While in the West,

National Offering Centre North South West Total

Page 10 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 21st 2024.

Week 33 33 33

Days Offering 13, 14, 15, Feb. 8,191 13, 14, 15, Feb.23,209 13, 14, 15, Feb. 9,072 40,472

Future Offerings

Elders Real Estate Ararat Michael Fratin Phone: 0409 184 572

which sold last, there were positive movements across the board of between 4 and 16 cents.

There was little change in the other sectors, so the overall movements were enough for the EMI to finally record an increase, albeit by the barest of margins.

The one cent lift in the EMI was the first positive movement since the 9th of January, when the EMI added eight cents for the day.

The positive tone evident, particularly late in the day, carried into the f inal day stand-alone Melbourne offering.

The Southern MPGs all closed the day higher, the only blemish was the 21 micron MPG which fell by a single cent.

As it was only

Week

34

20, 21, 22, Feb.44,049

Source - AWEX

Melbourne contributing to the EMI, the 2 cent rise in the Southern Indicator was enough to push the EMI up by one cent for the second successive day.

Strong interest in the oddment sector helped to push prices higher for the third consecutive series.

Next week the quantity is expected to rise again.

There are currently 44,049 bales rostered for sale nationally, Melbourne again requiring three selling days.

Melbourne 1127M -4 16.5 1862 -30 17 1764 -21 17.5 1688 -12 18 1565 -37 18.5 1476 -9 19 1413 +9 19.5 1356 +2 20 1330 +4 21 1319 0 22 1310 +12 23 24 25 725 -7 26 535 -17 28 360 0 30 340 +5 32 320 +13 MC 729 +3

Ind.

In The Paddock Re-vamped Food Tax still sucks life out of farmers and families AUSTRALIAN farmers are being treated as cash cows under a new Biosecurity Fresh Food Tax, Member for Mallee Dr Anne Webster says.

The tax will force Australian farmers to pay for the biosecurity costs of international importers who compete for shelf space with their own products, and will drive up the cost for families to put food on the table and in their kids’ lunchboxes.

The Federal Government has announced a remodelling of the tax, which will now be set at a proportion of an industry’s gross value of production over a three year period rather than the

proposed 10 per cent base rate.

“In what parallel universe would any Australian government tax their own farmers to pay for foreigners to bring competitive products into this country?”

Dr Webster said.

“Labor is driving up the cost for farmers and this can only go one way, a flow on to family bills at the checkout.

“The devil will be in the detail when Labor introduces this to Parliament but there

are already significant fundamental flaws in the whole proposal.

“The Government is intent on treating agriculture like its prized cash cow, raising taxes regardless of the cost to farmers and families.”

The Department of Agriculture this week told Senate Estimates it still needs to formally advise industry of their new rate over the coming days and months.

“L abor should accept the Coalition’s suggestion and charge importers for their own biosecurity risks in sending their product

to Australia,” Dr Webster said.

“Taxing our farmers is entirely unreasonable, despite the claims from Agriculture Minister Murray Watt.

“Whether ripping water out of irrigation communities through buybacks, railroading transmission lines through prime agricultural land or raising costs to pay for the risks imposed by international importers, Labor fail to understand or care about our food and fibre producers.

“This will not end well.”

Are you feeding your livestock sufficiently?

AGRICULTURE Victoria is advising livestock owners to assess their livestock feed situation, as failing to provide proper and sufficient feed to livestock is an offence under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986.

Agriculture Victoria Senior Officer of Animal Welfare Morgan Cassell said producers need to make appropriate decisions regarding their livestock and ability to provide adequate feed. Livestock owners and managers should ask: • what are the nutritional requirements for the class and number of livestock I keep?

• how much feed do I currently have on offer and is it meeting my livestock’s energy and protein requirements?

• how much supplement feed do I need to be feeding?

• will I have enough? Will I be able to source more?

• what alternative options do I have; agistment, destocking?

“If you aren’t sure of any of the

answers to these questions, you need to seek advice or do your research.

“There are many free resources and tools available to help and once you know the answers you can then make an informed decision, plan and take action.”

For information on feeding livestock visit Agriculture Victoria’s Feeding Livestock website www.feedinglivestock.vic.gov.au “Agriculture Victoria will investigate any allegation which concerns an owner or person in charge failing to provide proper and sufficient feed to an animal.”

Anyone wishing to make a specific complaint regarding livestock welfare can contact Agriculture Victoria at aw.complaint@agriculture.vic.gov.au or on 136 186.

LEASE BY TENDER

Y R A U R B E F 3 2 Y A D I R F G N I CLOS RD

1943 Logan/Wedderburn Road, “Fentons Creek”, Wedderburn A/c Camarina Farming Pty Ltd Available as a whole or separate allotments Lot 1: Total Lot 2: Home Block Lot 3: Wehla Road Lot 4: Creek Flats Lot 5: Shearing Shed

- 913 ha / 2260 acres* - 376 ha / 930 acres* - 185 ha / 457 acres* - 145 ha / 358 acres* - 207 ha / 512 acres*

Tenders closing: Friday, 23rd February 2024 @ 5.00pm Commencing March 1st 2024 Currently in pasture phase with excellent profile of moisture -

“it’s ready to go”

5 year term

For Inspection and details contact Brett Douglas 0447 162 455

NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 21st 2024 - Page 11

In The Paddock Stop the sale, stop the spread of invasive weeds ALL Victorians can help protect our food growing communities, our biodiversity, gardens, lakes and places of cultural significance by helping to stop the sale of two of the world’s most invasive aquatic weeds.

LISTINGS WANTED Residential, Rural, Commercial & Leasing See your local

Nutrien Harcourts Real Estate team Sharlene Bertalli: 0447 952 320 2 2 4 Drum: Damian 0428 952 284 13-19 Napier Street, St. Arnaud

• 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 Y L T R MP 2 123 m Land OUT P 4 YOU2R For asize no obligation O T D N AN IO T FAC UBURB | 00 Name Street, NSW 0000 Quote Phone: SATIS 2

(03) 5494 3120 Calder Highway Wedderburn

Agriculture Victoria Biosecurity Manager High Risk Invasive Plants Angela Constantine said the ongoing illegal trade of water hyacinth (Eichhornia crassipes or Pontederia crassipes) and salvinia (Salvinia molesta) is putting the state at risk.

“We’re running a campaign helping to raise awareness about the risks of these plants, as they can cause extensive damage by choking rivers, dams, lakes and irrigation channels,” Ms Constantine said.

“The continued trade of these plants helps them to spread fast and once introduced to a new area, these weeds quickly cover waterways.

“These weeds may look attractive, but their ability to quickly spread harms native plants and wildlife, and reduces water quality for farming and recreation.”

nutrienharcourts.com.au

Page 12 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 21st 2024.

Water hyacinth and salvinia are primarily spread by people buying and selling them to go in ornamental ponds, dams and aquariums.

“It is illegal to buy, sell or give away water hyacinth or salvinia in Victoria, however in most cases home gardeners are unaware of the potential harmful impacts of these weeds,” Ms Constantine said.

“When you consider that one water hyacinth plant can produce more

than 3000 seeds over summer, you can see how easily they can be spread from a backyard pond – they also have extensive root systems that can generate other plants too.

“The plants can be carried by birds to other waterways and once established, the infestations can be costly and hard to control.

“Salvinia, also known as ‘water spangles’, is equally invasive, and can cover an entire dam in just

one season.”

Agriculture Victoria will safely treat, remove and dispose of State prohibited weeds such as water hyacinth and salvinia, at no cost to the land holder.

If you suspect you have water hyacinth or salvinia on your property, please take a

photo of the plant and email it to weed.spotters@agriculture.vic.go v.au, or call the Customer Contact Centre on 136 186.

You can also make a report via the Agriculture Victoria website - www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/waterwe eds

IR laws to create turmoil for Mallee farmers and small business says Webster MALLEE farmers and small business owners face turmoil with the Federal Government’s Industrial Relation Laws being passed through Parliament.

Member for Mallee Anne Webster said the new laws around casual employment will particularly hurt agriculture.

Casuals who have worked for six months, or 12 in the case of a small business, and have had a regular pattern of shifts will be

able to seek to convert to a permanent role under the new laws destined to pass after a deal with Senate crossbenchers.

“Farm work is seasonal and casual workers are important for Mallee farmers to have flexibility, particularly during harvest,” Dr Webster said.

“Under L abor’s changes a casual worker can convert to permanent at times when there may not be any work on the property, costing farmers who are getting no income in down times.

“The agriculture industry is already worried about Labor’s imminent PA L M Scheme changes with the guidelines stating workers must be paid even if they were stood down due to a lack of work, these changes cast further doubt.”

Employers’ right to refuse a casual worker becoming permanent will depend on the Fair Work Commission’s interpretation of ‘fair and reasonable operational grounds’, bogging small and medium businesses in Mallee in more red tape.

“More red tape lowers productivity which in turn leads to people losing their jobs,” Dr Webster said.

“Labor is out of touch with the reality in the workplace and especially in regional Australia and are simply cashing in on power for their union masters,” Dr Webster said.

Above: Water Hyacinth in dam.

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AMBULANCE Victoria’s (AV) Health Command vehicle is helping connect residents in Pomonal to the internet following major outages as a result of fire and storms last week.

C

Above: Grade 6 students for 2024, (left to right) Willow Caine, Marlly Morkos, Rosie Fitzpatrick, Isaac Roberts, Darcy Olive and Henry Lanyon.

School Year underway at St. Joseph’s THE 2024 school year was officially recognised at the Beginning of Year Mass, celebrated last Friday by Fr Gerry Prunty at St. Joseph’s Charlton.

- Contributed The theme of the Mass was aptly, WELCOME, as staff, students and community members welcomed the new school year.

St Joseph’s School happily welcomed four new families, five new students and two new staff members, all ready to embrace the year ahead.

The Grade 6 Class were also

recognised as the school’s student leaders for 2024.

A welcome morning tea was held in the school’s multipurpose room at the conclusion of the celebration.

We have been gifted perfect weather as we venture to the Swimming Pool for our two-week intensive swimming program.

Students are learning about water safety, water familiarization and beginning to develop, or work on, stroke technique, depending on individual skill level.

The program will culminate in our

The vehicle was A deployed to Pomonal Community Hall last week to offer provide high-speed broadband internet to residents and other emergency service organisations.

AV Emergency Management Planning Coordinator Paul Burton said the vehicle is typically used in emergencies or at mass gathering events.

“It provides satellite data to crews, ensuring access to internet, intranet, MMS, SMS and wi-fi calls,” he said.

“The vehicle was set up [14th February] and we’ve made it available to all residents, not just emergency crews.

“Pomonal has been significantly impacted by the fires and connectivity in the area is

Ted Whillier

Annual Swimming Carnival next Tuesday.

In the classrooms, teachers have commenced the implementation phase of the Structured Literacy Program, after a year of Professional learning in 2023.

The learning continues throughout 2024 and students are certain to benefit from the explicit, data driven nature of the program.

The Junior Classroom has undergone a major facelift over the holiday break with a new bay of windows installed, significantly improving air flow and aesthetics in the classroom.

disrupted, so the Health Command vehicle will help improve mobile data and wi-fi connectivity for everyone.

Emergency services have been working hard this week to keep community safe from fire and other emergencies in the Pomonal area and across Western Victoria.

Residents who wish to connect to the service can find instructions on the windscreen of the vehicle located at the Pomonal Community Hall.

Solution No. 10123 S P A T S S P A F R R R O L E R O U G E K O R A N A T O M S P B D A W N M I S E R R E F E R C H A T I U S E R R E A S S U R E M A I R N V I N T R E P I D S I T E N O X E N S A T E S A B A S E T R O T M T M E R G E L I S P S E X I S T N E A R L S D S A D R E N E W

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NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 21st 2024 - Page 13

MEETINGS

WHATS ON

This Saturday, February 24 9AM - 1PM

EMPLOYMENT CROPPING MANAGER Family owned broad-acre cropping and grazing property (3,000 hectares) South of Donald in the Eastern Wimmera seeks experienced person to manage and execute annual cropping program: cereals, legumes and canola rotation typical of the region.

Full time position reporting to owners.

Motivated self-starter essential. To work in with livestock manager (managing 2,500 merino ewes).

Attractive salary commensurate with experience.

Housing by arrangement as needed.

Enquiries to

Graeme Male, Elders, Saint Arnaud: 0427 506 193

Lions Club of Charlton

Charlton Town

Garage Sale The TGS is on Sunday 25th February not Sat. 24th as previously advertised,

World Day of Prayer

SLATY CREEK HALL RESERVE

The Annual World Day of Prayer Service will be held at the Church of Christ on Friday, March 1st at 10am.

Guest Speaker Morning tea will follow ALL WELCOME

Biennial Meeting

MEETINGS

If you are planning to have a sale could you please contact Ross Lane 0438 912 032 or Garry Larmour 0409 023 875 as a matter of urgency to make sure you are on the list.

Thursday, 22nd February 5.30pm at the Slaty Creek Hall AGENDA: Election of Committee of Management Enquiries: 5496 5210

St. Arnaud & District Orchid Society AGM Friday, 8th March 2024 7.00 for 7.30pm Start Catholic Parish Centre, On the corner of Queen’s Ave and Alma St.

Friends of the St. Arnaud Queen Mary Botanic Gardens,

GALA DAY

Combined Probus Club of St. Arnaud Inc

AGM 6th March, 2024 to be held at the St. Arnaud Sporting Club at 10.30 am

FOR SALE

Phone Lyn or Deirdre for collection or deliver on the day from 7.30am.

Campus Negotiable • Dietitian • Allied Health Assistant • Allied Health Assistant Trainee • Registered Undergraduate Student of Nursing (RUSON) Birchip • Enrolled Nurse • Resident Lifestyle Officer • District Nurse - Registered Nurse Charlton • Resident Lifestyle Coordinator Donald • Cook/Supervisor • Food and Domestic Service Assistant • Nurse Unit Manager • Enrolled Nurse St Arnaud • District Nurse • Quality and Risk Officer • Associate Nurse Unit Manager • Registered Nurse Further information available at: https://ewhs.org.au/careers

Now in stock at:

HEN PICKED CRAFTS 96 Napier St, St. Arnaud

Ph: 5495 2888

SPEND $20 OR MORE AND RECEIVE 20% OFF. 3 days only Wed., Thurs. and Frid.

Excluding Helium, Fresh Flowers and Price Reductions.

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St. Arnaud Allsorts

Ph: 5495 1161

Ideal Performance Chantelle Petrie 0437 322 641 Exercise Physiologist Do You Have or Suffer from: Arthritis, Diabetes, Chronic Pain, Mobility/ Balance Issues, Overweight, Heart Disease, Depression, Pulmonary Disease, Cancer, Parkinson’s, Stroke, MS or a recent surgery?

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Call Chantelle for a chat today!

You make the move to a better you.

BOOKS FOR SALE - $5 each ‘St Arnaud Gold Mining Trail’ &

‘Lord Nelson Mine’ Available at St Arnaud Museum, Apex Service Station, Parkview Bakery, and St Arnaud Information Centre. (proceeds to St Arnaud Historical Society)

GIVING OUR MINING PAST A FUTURE Did your grandfather, great grandfather or other relative work in the St Arnaud goldfields?

We are compiling a history of local miners – names, dates, mine and any other information.

Please ring or leave a message – 0429 956 272 or contact any member of the Historical Society

Page 14 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 21st 2024.

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

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

Hayley:

0409 337 276, Luke:

0458 885 266 St. Arnaud Serenity Storage

Solicitor 116 Napier St., St. Arnaud

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

Ph: 5495 2595 Karen@klp.net.au

AT YOUR SERVICE

Top of the Town Beauty Salon

Nicola Kirk

FOR SALE

TERM STORAGE AVAILABLE

89-93 Napier Street, St. Arnaud

Stallholders welcome - payment by donation

Donations of plants, books, CDs, DVDs, produce, jams and cakes gratefully received.

AT YOUR SERVICE

Self Storage ADULT COLOURING • 7 DAYS ACCESS • BUSINESS STOCK BOOKS • LONG OR SHORT

Saturday, 23rd March 2024 9am to 12noon in the Gardens Contact Lyn Box (54 951 167 or 0408 951 167) or Deirdre Freeman (5496 3311 or 0417 222 661)

Job Opportunities

FOR SALE

For all your Hair and Beauty NEEDS

Physiotherapist Over 17 years experience Open Mon to Fri

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The Dry 2 on at the REX IT is an anomaly that the second “The Dry” movie is situated within a - Contributed green and lush environment.

BIRTH

THANKYOU

DEATH

FUNERAL

RHODEN - NIXON

Thanks to all CFA brigades, private units, neighbours and friends who attended the haystack fire on our property recently.

Your prompt response was greatly appreciated.

Denis, Patricia, Simon and Naomi Goode

PRICE - Margaret 24/03/1942 to 16/02/2024 Passed away peacefully at Maryborough surrounded by family.

Loved and loving wife of David, Mother of Stephen, Mark and Melanie, Lisa and Ian, Neville and Michelle, Allan and Tracey and families. Special thank you to Amherst staff, Dr Wen and Dr David.

Forever in our Hearts

PRICE A Funeral Service and Service of Committal to celebrate the life of the late Mrs Margaret Ellen PRICE will be held at the Bealiba Town Hall High St Bealiba on Thursday 22nd February, 2024 commencing at 11 AM. Private Cremation.

Dom and Alice are thrilled to announce the safe arrival of

Angus River Rhoden Born 15th February, at Wangaratta Base Hospital, weighing in at 8lb.

Sixth grandchild for Fairy and Mick and first grandchild for Maryke and James.

“MENS SANA IN CORPORE SANO”

SILVER WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

CRONE (Tyler) Gary and Melissa were married on 20/2/1999 at the Immaculate Conception Church, St. Arnaud.

Congratulations

DEATH CAINE - Angela Elizabeth On 13th February 2024 Sister Angela died peacefully at Mercy Place, Ballarat, aged 87 years, in the 66th year of her religious life. A much loved Sister of Mercy and a true Mercy Woman.

Dearly loved daughter of Michael and Maud (both dec); sister of Gerald (dec), Margaret (Sr M.Ursula dec), Ursula Hogan (dec), Patricia Harrison and John (dec); much loved aunt and great aunt of their families.

CAINE - Angela Elizabeth (Sister Angela) You have left me with a empty heart.

Your friendship and love will stay with me forever.

Now with your loved ones.

God Bless.

Love Joan (S)

on a quarter of a century of love, laughter and memories.

Love to you both Mum and Dad, Noah, Tate and Amie; Rebecca, Lilli, Audrey and Ruby; Rachel, Dallas, Kaida and Tyler.

GOLDEN WEDDING ANNIVERSARY

TYLER (Foletti) John and Adrea were married on 23/2/1974 at St. Mary’s Church Donald.

Congratulations Dad and Mum on 50 years together, wishing you many more to come.

Love always your family XX.

WORTHINGTON (Martin) - Jenny Very dearly loved niece of Myra and Laurie Collison (dec), and much loved and loving cousin of Chick and Brendan McIntyre; Peter (dec), and Michelle Collison and their families.

Many Treasured Memories.

WORTHINGTON (Martin) - Jenny Love and sympathy to Jen’s family. Wonderful memories, ours to keep, growing up and sometimes in St. Arnaud.

Rest In Peace Jen. Yours Cecini Family

FUNERAL CAINE Requiem Mass to celebrate the life of Sr Angela Caine will be in St Alipius Church, Victoria St, Ballarat East on Thursday 22 February 2024 at ONE (1.00) pm.

Pat Cashin CAINE - Angela Elizabeth (Sister Angela) Died peacefully on 13th February, 2024.

Devoted Sister of Mercy, tireless worker for St. Vincent de Paul Society in the St. Arnaud Community.

HINES - Peter passed away at Kingston SE, SA on Feb 18th 2024, aged 88yrs.

Husband to Beverly (dec) and loving partner of Glenys. Loved father and father-in-law of Michael and Julie; Susan; Stephen and Alicia. Proud grandfather to 7 and great grandfather of 5.

May he now rest peacefully McCAHON - Edgar ‘Leigh’ 02-11-1935–15-02-2024 Loving husband of Beth. Loved father of Bruce and Sally, Dale and Leigh and Maree.

Adored Pa of Carly and Adam, Sonia and Travis, Danica and Andrew, Jake, Emily, Sarah and Matt, Kiah, Shanae and Aiden, Nathan and Taneesha. Great Pa of 6.

Forever in our hearts.

Ballarat 5333 3911 HINES Peter’s family are gathering at the St Arnaud Sporting Club St Arnaud on FRIDAY Feb. 23rd at 12 noon. to celebrate his life. A private burial will be held.

KELL FUNERALS ST ARNAUD NFDA

EST: 1860

5495 1043

Phelan Funeral Service Maryborough 03 5461 1979

CHURCH NOTICES ST. ARNAUD UNITING CHURCH Sunday 25th February ST. ARNAUD 9.30am G. Postlethwaite STUART MILL No service in Stuart Mill combined with St. Arnaud.

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

Funeral Directors, Kerang & District.

39 Fitzroy Street, Kerang VIC 3579 Ph: 03 5452 1111 e: info@adamsfunerals.com.au

TO ADVERTISE PH: 5495 1055

Victorian Stats

Sunday February 25th 10.30am Live Stream in BANYENA - No Mass CHARLTON

US to scrap 5 day isolation

Sunday February 25th 10.30pm

The USA is poised to scrap its five-day COVID-19 isolation recommendations.

While isolation is no longer a legal requirement in Australia, people who test positive for COVID-19 should also avoid "high-risk settings" like hospitals and care facilities for at least seven days "or until symptoms have gone".

The federal Health

ANGLICAN PARISH OF ST. ARNAUD Christ Church Old Cathedral Friday 23rd February 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

ST. ARNAUD CHURCH OF CHRIST Cnr. Queens Ave & Alma St. Hearing the good news of Jesus Thurs. 22nd February 10.30 a.m. Faith Group Sun. 25th February 10.00 a.m. Prayer Time 10.30 a.m.: Worship & Communion Speaker: Georgie Collins All welcome Enquiries: Brian Eccles Ph: 5495 2267 DISTRICT CATHOLIC CHURCHES East Wimmera Parish Sunday February 25th 10.30am Live Stream in BOORT

Live Stream out to churches without Mass DONALD

Sunday February 25th 10.30am Live Stream in ST. ARNAUD

Sunday February 25th 8.30am - Mass WYCHEPROOF

Saturday February 24th 7.00pm - Mass Parish Coordinator: Noeline Hogan 0476 617 976

rian mountain ranges.

One of the five – Alice (Anna Torv) - is a whistle-blower and when she disappears Australian Federal Police agents Aaron Falk (Bana) and Carmen Cooper (Jacqueline McKenzie) join the search in the hope of finding her alive.

As the investigation takes him deep into isolated bushland, Falk discovers secrets lurking in the mountains, and a tangled web of personal and professional friendship, suspicion, and betrayal among the hikers.

But did that lead to murder?

As Falk desperately searches for the missing woman and the truth about what hap-

pened out there, fragmented memories from his childhood in the same remote landscape fight their way to the surface.

Filmed in the Otways, Dandenong and Yarra Valley Ranges, the strong female cast, including Deborah-Lee Furness adds gravitas to the on-screen talent.

So why not make your own call on this highly anticipated movie, watching a suspenseful couple of hours of Australian cinema.

“Force of Nature: The Dry 2” (M 112 mins) screens on Saturday 24th February at 8pm, Sunday 25th February at 2pm and Tuesday 27th February at 8pm.

COVID Updates and Developments The number of people in hospital with COVID-19 has continued to decline this week.

The 7-day average is 156, compared to 180 last week.

The 7-day average of ICU patients has also decreased this week (9 to 4).

The latest quantitative wastewater measures indicate there are low COVID-19 viral loads in Victorian wastewater in both metropolitan and regional catchments.

Higher levels of SARS-CoV-2 in wastewater suggest higher prevalence of COVID19 infections in the community.

Deaths in the most recent 28-day period, January, declined compared to the prior 28day period (06/12/2023 – 02/01/2024), with a current 28-day total of 136.

Increases and decreases in the reporting of deaths attributable to COVID-19 tend to lag waves of infections and hospitalisations by several weeks.

BIRCHIP

McCAHON A Service of Thanksgiving for Edgar ‘Leigh’ McCahon will be held at Tyndale Uniting Church Pyramid Hill on Monday 26th February commencing at 10.30am followed by a burial at the Pyramid Hill Cemetery.

Unlike its predecessor, filmed in the brown and dusty surrounds of the Wimmera, the sequel only makes the passing reference to the original, with “The Dry 2” tacked on its “Force of Nature” title.

However, people can make up their own minds with “Force of Nature: The Dry 2” screening at The Rex this weekend.

While the reception to this sequel has been mixed, most reviews have praised the outstanding cinematography, along with Eric Bana’s return as Federal Agent Aaron Falk.

The mystery, thriller storyline sees five women take part in a corporate hiking retreat deep in the Victo-

department also recommends avoiding contact with people vulnerable to the disease, wearing a mask and working from home whenever possible.

The Victoria's Department of Health recommends isolating "until five days after the date of the positive test result for COVID-19 and until resolution of acute symptoms".

It also recommends people should not leave isolation for work, school, or to visit a high-risk location for at least seven days and until acute symptoms have subsided.

You should have a negative rapid antigen test (RAT) result before visiting ‘any healthcare facility, residential care facility or person at high risk of illness’.

KELL FUNERALS Est 1860

PRE PAID FUNERALS AVAILABLE 24 HOURS

Ph: 5495 1043

136 Napier Street St. Arnaud

NAFD Member

Birthday wishes to: February 22nd Sean Decker Oscar Reyne February 23rd Stephen Motton February 24th Arley Reyne February 25th Jo Postlethwaite Mary Elliott

February 26th Joseph Battersby Joe Kirk February 27th Rachael Austerberry Dylan Birthisel Norm Birthisel Julianne Baldock Mary Marland Robin Uebergang

NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 21st 2024 - Page 15

Tennis Tournament a Big Hit in Charlton THE 2024 edition of the Charlton Lawn Tennis Club’s Annual Australia Day Tournament was the biggest in recent memory with over 210 players enjoying the hospitality, fun and magnificent 16 grass courts Victoria’s oldest regional club has to offer.

- Contributed The Charlton Club certainly put on a show for their guests and locals alike, helped by funding through the National Australia Day Council, Australia Day Friday saw live music and fireworks compliment some fabulous mixed doubles tennis played under lights on the Charlton Park complex.

Fantastic to see a swathe of locals join in the festivities, enjoying dinner served from food trucks and by local community groups to cater for the 500 strong crowd in attendance.

The paella served from first time visitor Little Sangria a massive hit, highly distractive for the players on court as the distinctive aroma drifted onto court as the staff demonstrated the art of paella preparation and cooking.

A huge effort by the Charlton Lions Club members, backing up from feeding the crowd at Charlton’s Australia Day breakfast ceremony to again ‘man’ the BBQ to ensure the large tennis crowd did not go hungry.

The Charlton & District Community Bank Tournament has continued to strengthen in recent years, this years 213 players a remarkable 55 player increase on 2023, which at the time was seen as strong numbers.

Players in attendance coming from as far afield as Merimbula, Adelaide, Colac, Sale, Euroa/Avenel, Shepparton, Geelong and wider Melbourne as well as a good sprinkling of local talent,

including from Horsham, Bendigo and within the North Central Region.

The weather gods showing mercy on the players for the weekend’s event, a day of rain preceding the tournament, with perfect tennis weather for the following three days.

Kicking off the weekend in style, and now almost the centre piece of the weekend’s event, the mixed doubles day saw over 150 matches played on the day across five very competitive grades of tennis.

13 pairs graced the court in the Charlton & District Community Bank Open event, split into two sections, a battle of the fittest ensued over six and five matches in the two sections.

With the crowd building following the dinner break, first time entrants Nyall and Laura Langmead outpointed Alex Bakogianis and Ash Andrews in an enthralling encounter, wrapping up the match 11-9 just in time to catch their breath and watch the amazing fireworks show put on for the large crowd – those in attendance in awe of the dynamic pyrotechnic performance.

Other winners were – East Charlton Hotel A Grade: John & Rose Nihill defeating Ben Bath & Gen Gordon; Baker y L ane Apartments B Grade saw Sale’s Mick & Jenny Luke defeat mother and son, Charlton’s Rae & Roger Heenan; Atkins Family C Grade: Daniel & Heidi Addlem enjoy-

Wimmera Mallee Cricket Round 13 A Grade Birchip Swans 0/42 (6.3) def. St. Arnaud Saints 10/40 (23.2) BrimKSH 6/98 (40) lost to Donald Jeffcott 8/143 (40) Wycheproof/Narraport 10/94 lost to Marnoo 1/95 (20.3) Bye St Marys A B Grade Charlton 10/75 (33) lost to Southern Mallee Giants 7/150 (40) Donald Jeffcott 10/122 (25.4) lost to BrimKSH 6/124 (38.5) St. Arnaud Saints PENDING Birchip Swans Watchem Panthers 10/54 (18.2) lost to St Marys 9/148 (40) Ladders pts B Grade Charlton 32 A Grade Donald Jeffcott 32 Donald 44 Birchip 28 BrimKSH 36 Giants 26 Marnoo 26 St. Marys 14 Birchip 26 Watchem 12 St. Arnaud 12 BrimKSH 12 St. Marys 10 St. Arnaud 0 Wyche-Narraport 2

ing their first foray to Charlton defeating Dean Fergie & Ali Snow; and Charlton Caravan Park D Grade: David Patrick & Penny Coulson outlasting Keith Chittleborough & Elise Turner.

Highlighting the strengthening of number, the BQS Group Men’s Open Singles saw 26 men enter the main draw – a number that hasn’t been reached anytime since the 1990’s, thankfully still in an elimination style format, players battled across the day through the round of 32 through to the final – fought between two of Shepparton’s best, Nick Gattuso and up and coming Zach Ranson.

The crowd that stayed and watched were treated to a high calibre exhibition, the raw hitting power of Ranson going toe to toe with the control and touch of 2022 title holder Gattuso.

In the end it was a single break to Gattuso that decided the match, Nick holding onto the advantage to win the tussle and trophy 11-9.

The ladies unfortunately could not match the numbers, Open and A Grades combining to play a round robin event between the five entrants.

Charlton’s own English import Jo Southcombe demonstrating her rapidly improving competence on the Charlton grass courts to win the 2024 Charlton Authorised Newsagency title, winning on a countback from long time supporter of the event Rhian Shepherd from Melbourne.

Charlton players featured heavily in the winners’ circle, ex local and club singles Champion Sarah Crutch winning the Fergie Family Ladies B Grade Singles, defeating doubles partner Luci Tanashevic to do so; Tessa Fitzpatrick winning the North West Ag Services D Grade Ladies defeating L ayla Fitzpatrick, grand-daughter of Brian, playing in her first Charlton event.

The Charlton Hardware C Grade Ladies saw Victoria Peake defeat Amanda Briody.

In the mens graded events, Ryan Sweeney took out the Hannaford Seed Cleaning A Grade, defeating Kyle Johnston; James Sutton winning the Vale of Avoca B Grade event, defeating Harrison Condliffe; while in the Signwise S o l u t i o n s / Wr i g h t s Digging C Grade event Donald’s Samuel Mortlock couldn’t quite

Page 16 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 21st 2024.

get his hands on the prize, going down to Lachlan Peake; and in the Foley’s Hill Farming Mens D Grade Thomas Peake proved too strong for Justin Dungey.

For those not wanting to run the court by themselves on Singles Day, the rotating partner doubles format was on offer, 10 men and nine ladies playing four sets to determine winners in each event.

Winning the Heenan Family Ladies event was Judy Jungling, runner up Norma George; and taking out the Steel’s Butchers Mens was John Nihill, James Coulson finishing runner up.

Providing the exclamation point on the superb weekend, Sunday’s doubles events continued to display great tennis across all grades, strong local entries from Donald, Wycheproof and St. Arnaud along with Charlton club players boosting numbers to record levels since moving to round robin

competition way back in 2006.

Despite the increase in total numbers, ladies Open and A were combined to give the five pairs entered a great days tennis in the Charlton IGA L adies/Priority 1 Property Open event; Michelle Balic & Deb Bish proving too strong for Jessica Millar & Bronwyn Osborne; The Foundry Palms Motel B Grade event saw Sarah Crutch & Luci Tanashevic combine to outpoint Deb & Rhian Shepherd; Rae Heenan using her grass court experience to pair with daughter Bronwyn Pokorzynski to win the Boral Charlton C Grade Doubles, defeating Amanda Briody & Leah Burns; while Wycheproof ’s Priya Coatsworth & Lana Fa w c e t t w e r e t o o strong in the Perry Contractors D Grade, winning over Issy Gordon & former Australian Opal Gabe Richards.

In the mens side of the table: The Walsh Motors Mens Open

Doubles final showcased the tournament’s most endearing qualities, played in great spirit Zach Ranson carried his Saturday form into Sunday, combining with Alex Bakogianis to defeat Ned Nihill & Dom Tobin 11-9.

A total of 15 pairs competed in the Teys Australia A Grade, St. Arnaud’s Stephen Rodger pairing with Grant Woodbridge to defeat the power game of Ben Bath & Tom Garner; The Charlton Massage Clinic Mens B Grade final saw brothers Jack & Harrison Thompson defeat Tyson McCoomb and Paul Robinson; the Fine Farm Organics Mens C Grade Doubles was won by Dave Beer & Brett Stephens, defeating a wear y Adam Clohesy and Sam Payne; while in the MCG Airconditioning Mens D Grade, Donald locals Miles Hollis & Jack Reilly held their nerve to defeat Josh & Oscar Bath.

The Charlton Tennis Club would like

to sincerely thank all of those people who contributed in any way to make this one of, if not, the most successful tournament weekends ever held by the club.

Once again it has been fantastic to see the swell in visitors to the town, not just over the weekend, but in the week leading up; a number of entrants taking the opportunity to make the most of the Friendly River Town’s hospitality and providing a welcomed boost to the local economy while they are in town.

The event would not happen without the amazing efforts of all of our volunteers, or without our advertisers and financial supporters who allow the event to happen, special thanks to the Charlton Lions Club for your ongoing support of the weekend.

Looking forward to seeing what the 2025 instalment has to offer over Saturday, Sunday and Monday the 25th, 26th and 27th of January.

See you all there…

Above left to right winners of the A Grade Men’s Doubles – Stephen Rodger, Grant Woodbridge, runners-up – Ben Bath and Tom Garner.

Below Good crowds were able witness the many exciting matches from the verandah of the tennis club.

Historical projects opened ‘giving the past a future’ ST. ARNAUD Gold Mining Trail opened last week, one of three projects that the St. Arnaud Historical Society had taken on.

With these three projects completed and finalised they were at last opened by the Northern Grampians Shire Council (NGSC) Mayor Cr. Rob Haswell in the presence of other local councillors, and the NGSC CEO Mr Brent McAlister.

They were the St. Arnaud Gold Mining trail, the Lord Nelson Mine Precinct and the L ord Nelson Mine Information Shelter.

St. Arnaud Gold Mining Trail Although little remains of the mine precinct you can walk the trail and read the signs.

David Hodgkison, Dr. Yvonne Postlethwaite and Bev Reid and others worked tirelessly on the trail project and have developed two printed booklets, being the Gold Mine Trail and Lord Nelson Mine.

A GPS guided trail of the mining sites and

remains of many of the mines has been developed of the St. Arnaud Goldfield.

Signs at the mining sites, providing a history of each mine, including photos and plans of the underground workings now exist.

Lord Nelson Mine Precinct St. Arnaud owes its existence to gold and although the true figures of gold are difficult to establish the Lord Nelson Mine was by all reports one of the top producers of gold across the Goldfields of Victoria.

The Lord Nelson mine was also amongst the very deepest mines in Victoria, apart from Bendigo.

It is from the wealth of gold that many of St. Arnaud’s buildings were built.

It is nearly a decade since NGSC commissioned the St. Arnaud Civic Precinct Plan

Above: MC Barry Batters introduces the speakers at the opening of the Lord Nelson Mine Information Shelter.

aiming to make St. Arnaud a tourist destination.

In that time the St. Arnaud Historical Society, looking for options to highlight the significance of mining to the existence of St. Arnaud, firstly started with a small booklet on the history of the Lord Nelson mine.

With funding from Navarre Minerals the society erected signs to identify the L ord Nelson Mine Precinct, where the mine existed and the size of the mine shaft and drives.

Signs at the mining sites, provide a history of each mine with photos and plans of the underground workings.

The Lord Nelson Mine Information Shelter Housed at the first level of the mine, the poppet head, with tailings dumps and the mine dam (now the Old St. Arnaud Swimming Pool), the new Information Shelter has been built.

Above: Guest speaker David Hodgkison reflected on the significance of gold to St. Arnaud.

Above: NGSC Mayor Cr Rob Haswell cuts the ribbon at the Information Shelter.

Left: Len Reid introduced the Guest Speaker David Hodgkison.

It contains the history of the mine, and includes photos and underground plans as well as showing the connections with other mines in this precinct.

Much of the thanks for the three projects goes to Dr. Yvonne Postlethwaite and Bev Reid and their respective husbands for the tireless commitment to the project over several years.

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.

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Phone: 0400 377 278 20 Melbourne Road, St. Arnaud Phone office 03 5495 2734 Above: (left to right) Len and Bev Reid, Dr. Yvonne and Allen Postlethwaite, David Hodgkison in front of the comprehensive display of history on the Lord Nelson Mine on view inside the Information Shelter.

See Solution page 18

NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 21st 2024 - Page 17

St. Arnaud Piranhas second swim meet THE Piranhas hosted their second swim meet for the season on Saturday - Contributed 17th February 2024.

Above: Competing last year (left to right) Rylan Leach, Matilda Polkinghorne, Henry Small and Alex Medlyn have all returned for another season with Beazley’s.

Annual North West Area Rural Fire Brigades Championships at Charlton again

Another beautiful day by the pool with many great results.

Nine Piranhas competed with 15 Gold, 7 Silver and 5 Bronze.

Jesse Amos Men’s 16-29yrs 50m free 1st, breast 3rd, fly 1st, back 1st, open 400m free 6th, open 200m IM 3rd and open 200m back 4th.

Belinda Burke Women’s 16-29yrs 50m free 3rd and back 3rd.

L eanne Burke Women’s 30&O 50m free 1st, breast 1st, fly 1st and back 1st.

Riley Burke Men’s 16-29yrs 50m fly 2nd, breast 2nd and open 200m breast 4th.

Archer Reyne Boys 12-13yrs 50m free 1st, breast 4th, fly 2nd, back 1st, 100m free, breast and back 1st.

Arley Reyne Boys 10-11yrs 50m free 4th, breast 4th and back 4th.

Eliza Scarce Girls 12-13yrs 50m free 2nd, breast 2nd and back 1st.

Hamish Tannock Boys 14-15yrs 50m free 5th, breast, 100m breast and 100m free 4th.

Finn Wilson Boys 12-13yrs 50m free 2nd, breast 3rd, fly 1st, back 4th, 100m free 2nd, 100m breast 4th, 100m

fly 1st, 100m back 4th and 200m IM 4th.

The Leigh Amos Memorial Trophy Male and Female 12/13yrs best performing swimmer of 4 strokes 100m was awarded to Flynn Dodson (Horsham) and Eljah Keam (Warracknabeal).

The Heather Phillips Memorial Trophy - 10/11yrs Aggregate Points Winner 50m events was awarded to Vincent Brennan from Horsham.

Open Mixed Freestyle relay with Riley, Leanne, Hamish

and Jesse 3rd.

13&u Mixed Freestyle relay with Finn, Archer, Arley and Eliza 1st.

13&u Mixed Medley relay with Archer, Eliza, Finn and Arley 1st.

Big thankyou to everyone who helped in running the meet.

Also, thankyou to Torney’s Fighting Fit Sambo Group for keeping us all hydrated and fed.

Out of the eight swim meets for the season, we only have one left at Horsham before we are back at the St. Arnaud Swimming Pool on the 2nd March 2024 for the Wimmera Championships.

THE annual championships held each year on the last Sunday in February will commence from 9-30 this coming weekend at Charlton park, this year’s demonstration features the strongest field of junior teams for some time with 17 teams across the 2 age groups alongside 13 senior teams - Contributed all coming from 11 different brigades.

Brigades are once again coming from far and wide with Elaine from the South, Murrayville and Swan Hill from the North across to Mandurang from the East and different places in between.

Beazley’s Bridge is once again the only local brigade represented taking 4 senior and 5 junior teams to the event, Beazley’s has a new senior team with some of last year’s

juniors stepping up including Lara Small, Ben Greenaway, Elsie Patton and Kynan Torney who will be ably assisted by the young at heart Tom Small in the 5 man events.

There is also a new junior team in the under 13’s with Sam Greenaway, Betty Batters, Jacob Fernandes and Morgan Greenaway in one team, taking part in other teams Emily Hilton,

Archie and Jack Batters have also joined and are all starting their fire brigade journey this year.

Following the Charlton championships demonstrations relatively close by will be held at Maryborough March 3rd, Mandurang Monday the 11th, Smythesdale Sunday the 17th and then the State Championships will be once again held at Maroopna over the weekend of March 23/24.

St. Arnaud Indoor Bowls ATTENDANCE of Bowlers has been up and down over the past few weeks, but for those who attend, have an enjoyable afternoon, doing their best - Contributed trying to beat their opponnents.

Tuesday 6th February Four teams bowled this week being two teams of three bowlers and two teams of two bowlers.

Being the start of the month, which is cuppa day, only six ends were played.

Winning all three games with a total of 43 points was Flo Andison (S) and Brenda Beggs.

In the first two

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

games they only lost one end in each with their scores 8 points to 2 points with five ends and 10 points to one point with five ends.

In the third game they won seven points to four points with three ends.

Tuesday 13th February 2024 With six bowlers that made up two teams, it was decided we would do somthing different.

Instead of playing the normal three games of eight ends each, we played two games of ten ends each.

Winning both games very convincingly was Malcolm Campbell (S), Dot Baldwin and Brenda Beggs with a total

of 34 points.

They took control of both games from the start.

Their opponents put down some good bowls and tried many different taticts but kept getting outdone.

The winning team won the first game 20 points to three points with eight ends and the second game 16 points to seven points with six ends.

Above: (left to right) Presented by Jesse Amos is The Leigh Amos Memorial Trophy Female winner Eljah Keam, The Heather Phillips Memorial Trophy winner Vincent Brennan, The Leigh Amos Memorial Trophy Male winner Flynn Dodson.

Left: Riley Burke swimming his 50m butterfly where he came 2nd.

Right: Leanne Burke swimming her 50m breaststroke where she came 1st.

Interested in playing?

Indoor bowls is a great game to play and the Club is always looking for new members.

If you have a free Tuesday afternoon, why not come along and have a go.

We meet at the R.S.L. Liberty Hall at 1.00pm every Tuesday.

Page 18 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 21st 2024.

Above: The dream team for the day, 13&u Mixed Relay (left to right)1st Archer Reyne, Arley Reyne, Eliza Scarce and Finn Wilson.

Charlton Croquet CHARLTON Croquet Club held its Association Croquet Section - Contributed Championships for 2024 on 8th and 10th February.

Congratulations to Naomi Patullo for winning Section 4.

Sue Nicholls finished 2nd and Margaret Bowen, Sue and Margaret were tied at the end of time in their match but Sue won in extra time.

Naomi and Sue will now compete in the Murray Valley

Championships at Swan Hill on 9th March.

Lindsay Patullo (Sect. 1), Anne Kenny (Sect. 2) and Barb Dalrymple (Sect. 3) are the only players in those sections so they automatically proceed to the Championships in Swan Hill.

Above: St. Arnaud's Steve Zsigmond on the mat watched very closely by his opposition skipper Damien Mason. These two bowlers should contest a very interesting Champion of Champion final next Sunday at the Country Club.

Wedderburn win well • From page 20.

Above left to right: Section 4 Championship results M. Bowen 3rd, S. Nicholls 2nd, N. Patullo 1st (2).

Match details: A.Jackson 23 def A. Dyke 13 L. Witham 23 def P. McRae 16 D. Mason 25 def S. Zsigmond 23 Wedderburn 71 shots defeated St.Arnaud 52 shots.

Elimination semifinal results: Third and fourth on the ladder Wycheproof and Donald Golf played

Kara Kara firmly in the Four ST. ARNAUD’S Kara Kara team has placed itself firmly in the top four of the North Central Lawn Tennis Association ladder with an impressive with a hard-earned win over Charlton in Saturday’s Round 12 matches.

Bealiba Hall Indoor Carpet Bowls - Contributed

ANOTHER great roll up this week and we welcome our new bowler John Maher to Bealiba and to our bowls club.

As it was supper night, Kitty was left where she rolled which normally can prove quite difficult but the bowling was so good this week it didn’t seem to be an issue.

Congratulations go to the winning pair of Lyle Streeter and Heather Cooper on the perfect score of three wins.

Supper followed and Malcolm Campbell won the raffle.

Happy bowling.

In pleasant playing conditions at Charlton, Kara Kara proved too strong in each section to come home winners 117-55 games (10-0 points) and cementing their third on ladder placing.

I n t h e M e n’ s Doubles sections Kara Kara’s 40-13 games win set the scene for the day with Jason Rowe, Rogan Hando, Sam Male and John Goode each winning two of their three sets for the day.

Kara Kara’s Kim Nevill, recovering from a tiring week of Tennis at the Country Week Tournament in Albury - Wodonga, led the way in the Ladies Doubles section winning two of her three winning sets haul for the afternoon, strongly supported by t e a m m a t e s We n d y S h a w, C h r i s a n d Caitlyn Goode and “ring in” Don Erwin for a 38-20 games result.

The Mixed Doubles section provided a similar 39-22 games win to cement the overall victory.

The second St Arnaud team – St Arnaud – battled hard against current ladder second place Donald but found itself undermanned in all sections losing 102-143.

The “loan” of players by Donald was appreciated, however.

The family names Hollis, Campbell, Bath and Reilly for Donald are a disincentive for any opposing team, nevertheless St. Arnaud provided creditable resistance in each section with the Men’s Doubles beaten 35-46 games, the Ladies Doubles losing 32-53 games, and the Mixed Doubles 35-44 games.

Stephen Rodger was the only three set winner.

Both St. Arnaud teams will travel to Birchip next Saturday for matches against

a strongly contested cut-throat elimination final.

Wycheproof ended the season for Donald Golf by 12 shots, winning 2 rinks and drawing the third, 68 shots to 56 shots.

Division Two Charlton eliminated.

Donald Golf ’s Division Two team performed better in their close clash with Charlton, winning 2 rinks for a 3 shot victory, 69 shots to 66 shots.

In the other Division Two semi, top team

Wycheproof, defeated Wedderburn by 11 shots, 75 shots to 64 shots.

Next Saturday’s Preliminary Finals The preliminary finals will be held at Wedderburn for both Divisions next Saturday.

Division One – St. Arnaud v Wycheproof Division Two – Wedderburn v Donald Golf.

High praise for St. Arnaud Country Club The staging of last Saturday’s semi finals

by the Country Club was excellent and was appreciated by all those participating on the day.

The greens were very well prepared and made for first class bowling .

The surrounds and spectator facilities were also very good and the hospitality of the club was well received.

All the hard work by the Country Club members ensured that the semi final was a great success.

- Contributed the two Birchip teams.

The NCLTA Ladder stands currently at (points): Nullawil 103, Donald 88, Kara Kara 83, Birchip 70, St. Arnaud 46, Wirrim 41, Charlton 34, Wycheproof 15.

Ladies’ Social tennis is held at 9.30 a.m. each We d n e s d a y morning in a child friendly environment, lasting about 60-90 minutes and new participants are welcome to join in on the morning, racquets supplied.

The St. Arnaud and District Lawn tennis Club acknowledges John Goode on receiving the 2024 St. Arnaud Senior Citizen o f t h e Ye a r o n Australia Day. John is an integral part of the Club and has been instrumental in preparing each week the lawn courts, the envy of tennis players from throughout the state, in addition to his roles as President and Vice President of the Club on multiple occasions.

Congratulations John!

Above: (left to right) Tony Marland, Doug Walker and John Prendergast, Twilight Bowls winners last Thursday.

A big day of bowls THEY started arriving at 9.00am at the St. Arnaud Bowling Club, and - Contributed the last of them left at about 9.00pm.

There was a break of a couple of hours during the afternoon, but it was a big day at the club last Thursday.

The first event was the semi-finals of the North Central Midweek bowls competition, followed by Twilight Bowls.

The weather was great for both events and the bowlers kept the spectators well entertained.

One game left There is only one game of twilight bowls left to be played this season, which has been well supported each week.

Last Thursday 28 bowlers played the usual 10 ends of mixed triples, and the winners of the Country Kitchen free pizzas were Tony Marland, John Prendergast and Doug Walker, 12 shots up.

Equal runners-up were Gary Shinners, Damian Yole and Michael Bearder, 8 shots up, and Terry McSwain, Paul Micallef and Anne McNally 8 shots up.

The last Twilight Bowls evening is next Thursday February 22nd at the St. Arnaud Bowling Club at 6.30pm.

NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 21st 2024 - Page 19

Page 20 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY FEBRUARY 21st 2024.

SPORT

A change of luck

HOME DELIVERY 5495 1055

Charlotte Stewart to represent Australia

Inside running

by Archie

CHARLTON Pony Club local, Charlotte Stewart will represent Australia next month in Mounted Games in New Zealand as part of the prestigious Horse of the Year (HOY) event held annually.

MARK and Janice Boyle’s pacer “Yapper” made the most of its change of racing luck at Echuca on Wednesday with a narrow but solid win.

At Maryborough when the gelding was first up from a lengthy spell the sulky seat became detached from the gig and he had to be pulled up.

Second up at Charlton the 6yo was checked and broke but at Echuca driver Ewa Justice left nothing to chance by going to the top from barrier 3 and with a 28 sec. last quarter was still in front at the finish.

“Yapper’s” success was the first leg of a winning treble for Ewa in what ended up being a big night for the ladies with them winning 7 of the 8 races on the card.

8yo mare “Stylish Gem” won another race for Birchip owner/trainer Gary Living at Maryborough on Monday.

The 9 times winner was having her second start for her trainer after spending some months racing at the Mildura track in the hands of Koorlong trainer Frank Cavallaro.

Promising concession driver Ben Ziriha, who has won 16 times in his 14 months of driving had to forego the drives on two subsequent winners at Bendigo on Thursday after having a slight mishap with a chainsaw.

Ben’s misfortune was capitalised on by Taylor Youl and Lauren White who “chalked up” her first victory on a pacer.

Next Monday, the 26th racing returns to Charlton and then it’s Boort Cup day on March 3 and Birchip’s Mallee Bull Cup day on the Sunday of the Labour Day weekend.

Above: Charlotte Stewart riding Jess at the Victorian Team training in 2023. Photo credit: Carolyn Stewart.

Wedderburn win well Straight into Grand Final.

L ast Saturday’s North Central Division One Pennant bowls semi final, between the top two teams, played at The St. Arnaud Country Club, resulted in an impressive win

by Wedderburn over St. Arnaud.

Wedderburn won all three rinks with the Allan Jackson skipped four leading the charge, winning by 10 shots against Ashley Dyke, Terry McSwain, Maurie Wood and Tony Marland.

The Wedderburn four led from start to finish, 10-4 after 10 ends, 17-6 after 15 ends and could not be challenged, all four bowling consistently well.

Phil McRae, Col Marchment, Graham Simpson and Darren Shepherd were trailing Laurie Witham’s team 6-12 after 10 ends, fought back to 11-14 at

- Contributed 15 ends, but lost 7 of the last 10 ends.

Steve Zsigmond, Glendon Hancock, Greg McNally and Tom Amos started slowly against Damien Morgan’s four, but levelled at 9 all after 10 ends, and went to a 2011 lead by the 15th end.

The Wedderburn team was down 13 – 23, with 5 or 6 ends to play in front of a big crowd of players, all of whom had completed their games.

The Wedderburn bowlers turned on a great display of draw bowls, scoring 12 shots in 4 ends, ensuring they had an unattainable overall lead, ending the game on the 23rd end.

• Cont. on page 19.

Right: Wedderburn Division One Skipper Damien Mason lines up his bowl watched by his teammates.

Charlotte was selected as part of the team competing at HOY by the Australian Mounted Games Association committee.

The Equestrian discipline of Mounted Games is a ‘fast-paced competition that showcases the rider's athletic ability, agility, precision of riding and general horsemanship.”

Charlotte has previously represented Victoria twice at the Prince Philip Mounted Games Nationals in Canberra in 2022 and Benalla in 2023.

The Australian team

of 5 plus reserve, consists of 3 Victorian riders, two from NSW and a Western Australian rider.

The riders will compete on borrowed ponies sourced from New Zealand locals and have therefore been selected for their ability to ride a variety of horses as well as for their individual mounted games skills.

In addition to the team event, Charlotte will also compete in the Pairs competition with fellow teammate Brodie Haliday-Tough.

Charlotte and

- by Desmond Haliday Coach: Brodie have competed as a pair previously at State level, obtaining the title of State Under 18 Pairs Reser ve Champions at Ayr Hill last year coming second to world champion team riders Gabe Smith and Ryan Bissicks.

Charlotte and the rest of the Australian team are honoured and excited for the opportunity to represent their country overseas and further promote the sport that they are passionate about.

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