18th October 2023

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St. Arnaud, Charlton, Wedderburn & Surrounding Districts

Est. 1864

18 Napier Street, St. Arnaud. 3478. - Advertising & Editorial Material - Ph.: (03) 5495 1055; Fax.: (03) 5495 1937. Email: ncn@iinet.net.au Published weekly.

WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 18th 2023.

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

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Powerlines info session turns into a shouting match and a no-go by organisers WITH CFA trucks tooting their way down Napier Street St. Arnaud and a minor disruption when AEMO’s representatives barred Bill Baldwin from bringing in an amplifier into the Town Hall, you could be forgiven if you thought there was going to be trouble.

It was when an AEMO organiser started to talk and he was met with shouts of ‘liar, liar’ and other disruptive comments from some of the audience that he refused to continue.

Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO) and Transmission Company Victoria (TCV) were holding information sessions in some of the district’s towns to follow up on the newly announced 2km corridor and to answer questions from residents.

However, St. Arnaud missed out when the stalemate between some sections of the farmers group and the AEMO organisers who refused to come together.

St. Arnaud and Stawell police attended and according to AEMO advised on not going ahead with the meeting.

Many were left frustrated by the move by AEMO not to proceed with the meeting and they were forced to go home with unanswered questions.

Anja Wolf the Media and Social Media Advisor, the AEMO Spokesperson, said that developing new transmission lines that will deliver low-cost renewable energy to offset coal-plant retirements is challenging, with no new transmission built in regional Victoria for generations.

“Before publishing the draft corridor, TCV spent 6 weeks talking with, visiting and sharing information with as many property owners as possible within the draft corridor.

“These conversations have been respectful, appreciated and very important to gather information from farmers on their land and land use.

“Our planned community meeting at St. Arnaud on Wednesday evening was abandoned on advice from the Victoria Police due to protesters’ intimidating and violent behavior” Ms Wolf said.

According to AEMO two TCV personnel have made statements to Victoria Police, with a view to pressing charges.

Ms Wolf said that AEMO’s priority was the safety of the community and their staff.

“When the police advised us not to go ahead with the event, we had to listen.

“This is unfair for the families that attended, wanting to ask questions on the critical infrastructure project” Ms Wolf said.

AEMO/TCV will conduct an online webinar to be held this Thursday evening at 4pm, and all community members are welcome to attend to hear an update from the project team and ask questions.

Gatherings St. Arnaud 23 Night Blooms THE Northern Grampians Shire Council event Gatherings 2023 ‘St. Arnaud Night Blooms’, produced

by ACT Natimuk took place on Saturday 14th October. And what a great event it was!

The cool night did not stop people coming out in the hundreds to the Queen Mary Botanical Gardens which was activated through music, projections and light.

Local residents’ art and multimedia was enhanced by innovative light installations across the foliage in the gardens.

The beautiful voice of Eleanor Parry captivated audiences and added to the ambience and delight of the evening.

The animations that featured in ‘The Hothouse’ were inspired by the town of St. Arnaud and

offered the community world class artistic design with the ability to interact with the artwork.

Augmented Reality allowed animated ducks and palms to be viewed through visitors’ mobile devices.

This cutting-edge technology was achieved by multimedia company Pink Lake Creative and artist Desiree Cross.

“It was fabulous to see so many people, families, children, and tourists enjoying the Queen Mary Botanical Gardens.

“Laughing, having fun, and learning what artists can achieve

in rural communities is a vital part of Gatherings” said Night Blooms Producer Jacinda O’Sullivan.

New Augmented Reality animation was also added to a number of murals on the St. Arnaud Augmented Reality Trail.

The Northern Grampians Shire Council acknowledges the support of the Victorian Government through the Local Living Fund for Gatherings 2023.

PHOTO SOURCE: Rogan Hando - More photos page 9.

Above: Gre Gre CFA truck was one of the trucks that headed down Napier Street.

Above: Those left in the hall without an information session gathered on stage for a photo opportunity.

Below: A stand-off with organisers was attended by Police from St. Arnaud.

Editorial You gotta be at the table to affect change If we were going to draw lessons from everyday life here in the Wimmera and Mallee, there’s no better place to start than the issues of the day. Looking at the VNI West Interconnector powerlines issue, the Upper Teddington Reservoir issue and the Market Square carpark and the PrePrep modular buildings, we have a full house of avenues in which to achieve ‘our’ goals.

The Upper Teddington issue appears to have gone cold and although the majority of people involved believes that keeping discussions respectful would allow continuation of dialogue, or put another way, would keep the avenues open for dialogue, if there was going to be any.

However, we see that Parks Victoria has not budged from their initial position. Yes, they apologized for not consulting with the community but they continue to plan for decommissioning the reservoir.

In the Market Square issue there is disagreement on both sides with some residents acting with a considerable lack of respect and therefore some work is required to heal the chasm that now exists. However, the issue is between a section of the community and the Northern Grampians Council and the council has now said that they believe community engagement was undertaken in line with their policy. So, just like Parks A Victoria they will move on and agree to disagree on community engagement.

The third case in question is the tussle between farmer groups and the AEMO / TCV F where last week we saw a section opposing AEMO being loud and disruptive resulting in TCV leavE ing the hall and for those that wanted answers to questions being denied that opportunity.

Whether or not you agree with either side is irrelevant to this argument. The farmers are creating many headlines, but are they achieving their goals of stopping the powerlines from going C through? We suppose only time will tell on that, but the current balance is that AEMO is in the lead.

C We are lead to believe that it is best for a win/win outcome to keep the dialogue going and show respect and be prepared to compromise.

That is asking a lot involved in all these issues as a compromise may still be somewhere down the track.

But from where we all sit now it looks very much like the bigger you are the more power you have. Parks Victoria just ignore the community and plough on. They do not even have to worry about elections as do the Northern Grampians Shire Council who are currently defiantly saying that the community engagement was within policy. But both organizations are more powerful and hold the power strings. The farmers in their dispute with AEMO are sitting in a different box because if Wednesday’s meeting is an example of their level of dialogue with AEMO/TCV they will be getting the headlines but not necessarily the outcome they want and will not even get the chance to compromise on a deal with both parties not even at the table.

WEEKLY RAINFALL ST. ARNAUD . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21.3 RAINFALL FOR OCTOBER . . . . . . .21.3 YEARLY RAINFALL TO DATE . . . . .351.6 CHARLTON . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .N/A RAINFALL FOR OCTOBER . . . . . . . .N/A YEARLY RAINFALL TO DATE . . . . . .N/A

To the Editor Fire risk article is short on facts and misleading for community Dear Editor, Bushfire risk is considered at every stage of planning and design for a major project like VNI West. Victorians currently live and work around 6,500 kilometres of transmission lines.

Bushfires have been managed and successfully fought around transmission infrastructure for decades.

It is true that any new infrastructure must be factored into fire management plans.

However, that risk is manageable, and not the catastrophic disaster implied by the article “St. Arnaud exposed as massive fire risk by narrowed VNI West corridor” (October 11).

QldThe draft corridor for4217 VNI West transmission is 15km to the west of St Arnaud at 652 284 the1 800 closest point.

Claims that it would be an “undefendable line” in a bushfire are simply wrong and raise unnecessary fears for St Arnaud residents.

Other important Ted Whillier facts to note: • The network operator (TNSP) is required Matt Trickey to work with fire authorities to ensure that any bushfire in the area can be fought, including aerial firefighting capability.

• Firefighters receive training on the control measures for fighting fires near transmission lines.

• Victoria’s safety regulator, Energy Safe Victoria (ESV) has recently published a guide to bushfire management around transmission (Bushfire Management and Community Safety).

It states on page 4 that “Transmission lines, when managed and maintained properly, pose a very low risk of starting a fire.

This is due to factors such as the height clearance between the transmission lines and the ground, as well as the managed vegetation beneath the lines that runs for the length of the line.”

•In a major bushfire emergency, depending

Page 2 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 18th 2023.

on the circumstances, transmission can be “turned off”, so there is no power running through the lines.

A preliminary bushfire risk assessment has already been carried out, which fed into the development of the draft corridor as we looked to avoid highrisk areas.

The project must go through a strict regulatoryDenvironmental and planning approvals process before it is approved by Government.

As part of this, a detailed fire risk assessment must be conducted by an inde-

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

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

pendent expert, which will require consultation and input from fire authorities including the CFA. Sam Magee, Project Director VNI West

St. Arnaud, Charlton & surrounding districts

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

A Scuffle or scuttle?

Dear Editor Was it a ‘scuffle’ or was it a ‘scuttle’?

- scuffle- a short confused fight at close quarters - scuttle – to move quickly with short Qld especially sharp steps, A order 4217 in to escape • Cont. next page.

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1 800 652 284 F North Central News is published weekly by Peter E Road, Slaty Creek for Marland, 3279 Charlton/St. Arnaud 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 - RecommendedTed and Whillier maximum selling price only.

C

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.

Matt Trickey

C

© Copyright 2023

No. 10110

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ACROSS 3 Makes mute 9 Sucking fish 10 At all times 11 Inventor's grant 12 Shut out 16 Small tower 17 Available for rent 20 Defeated 21 Sifting implement 23 Cults 26 Condiment 29 Supplication 31 Fold 33 Twisted awry 34 Of the backbone 36 Musical sound 37 Sweet apple 38 Proposes as suitable

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DOWN 1 Subterranean chamber 2 Electrical unit 3 Acknowledged rank 4 Leprosy victim 5 Dodges 6 Meshed fabric 7 Bring into being 8 Become established 13 Eraser 14 Sly 15 Permit 18 Crab's claw 19 Reluctant 22 Lengths of army front 23 Sudden convulsions 24 Being concerned 25 Calm 27 In favour of 28 Consuming 30 Annoys 32 Prepares for publication 35 Egg drink

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70 Woods Street, Donald — 5497 1211 See this week’s solution on page 21.

To the Editor • From page 2.

Yes, there were a few minutes of discussion which was followed by a scuffle for a minute or so when a security person attempted to prevent an amplifier being taken into the St. Arnaud TCV meeting last Wednesday night.

The purpose of the amplifier was to play the song ‘Stop the Transmission Lines’.

The song to the tune of Joni Mitchell’s ‘Big Yellow Taxi’ begins This is our Paradise, where they’re putting up big power lines, With towers and cables and a whole lot of warning signs, On and on it seems to go, we just don’t know what they’ll take till it’s gone It’s our Paradise, but they’re putting up big power lines.

Simply a brilliant effort that says it all and definitely worthy of a ‘listen’.

Stop the Transmission Lines was filmed in the local area – our Paradise and sung by local girl Eleanor Parry.

Before the actual scuffle (a short confused fight at close quarters) had finished,

maybe a minute or so, the TCV contingent had certainly scuttled, (short sharp steps esp. in order to escape) they were nowhere to be seen!

What a perfect ‘out’ for them.

It looks like this was just what they needed to once again show no respect and to not engage with the St Arnaud community.

They will however be able to tick the box once again for ‘community engagement’, but there will be no box to tick for ‘omitting the truth’, that they, “TCV, walked away before the meeting even started.

A good Chair person I’m sure would have resulted in a far better outcome.

AEMO’s TCV must expect strong opposition because it is our Paradise, but surely a scuffle at the back of the room with a local with his amplifier doesn’t warrant the scuttle that happened at the front of the room.

The only TCV person involved was TCV’s door security.

All actions have consequences.

TCV’s hideous scuttle’s consequence is that at some point they

must walk back and reengage with the St. Arnaud community and answer their questions as well as offer information/explanations to the many who drove home - once again with no answers but this time bewildered and dismayed as well as to what had just occurred.

Poor form TCV, I believe last Wednesday night in the St. Arnaud Town Hall, you made your ‘monumental mistake.’

Glenda Watts Coonooer Bridge

Our Paradise

by Eleanor Parry Dear Editor I wish to share the message from this song through your pages.

Simply a brilliant effort that says it all!

Stop the Transmission Lines was filmed in the local area – our Paradise and sung by local talent, Eleanor Parry.

The song is to the tune of Joni Mitchell’s ‘Big Yellow Taxi’ STOP THE TRANSMISSION LINES

This is our Paradise, and they’re putting up big power lines, With towers and cables and a whole lot of warning signs, Don’t it always seem to go, that you don’t know what they’ll take til it’s gone It’s our Paradise, but they’re putting up big power lines.

They’re destroying the crops and the trees, to bring power to the city Not sure what they’ll leave us but we know it won’t be pretty Don’t it always...

It’s our Paradise Hey farmer, farmer you’re our main food provider, So let’s leave them in peace along with the birds and bees Please Don’t it always ...

It’s our Paradise It’s hard to make a fight, we’ve got to make a stand We won’t let the off shore man control our land Don’t it always...

It’s our Paradise and they’re putting up big power lines And don’t it always...

Said it’s YOUR paradise and they’re putting up big power lines Everyone’s Paradise

and they’re putting up big power lines.

Appreciated Glenda Watts Coonooer Bridge

Tired of near misses Dear Editor, In the past three weeks I have almost been hit by inconsiderate drivers on the pedestrian crossing near the Post Office.

Each time I was crossing while the traffic lights were red and the green (pedestrian) crossing man was illuminated.

One time it was a South Australian driver who sailed through at 50 km/hr while I was halfway across the road.

I assume he was half an hour behind or perhaps just a moron. The other two times it has been locals.

Over the past 5 years I have had 9 (very) near misses.

For those who were wondering, the concept is quite simple.

If the traffic light is red, you stop.

That means you whoo, halt, pull up, weigh anchor, hold on….whatever floats your boat.

When that light is red you don’t enter the

crossing.

If the light is green, then the road is yours.

Could I suggest that if this concept is a little too tough to grasp then you hand in your licence.

I am big enough and ugly enough to handle myself, but one day it

Just $12.00 pp !

will be kids coming home from school, grandmothers out to buy a newspaper or just some poor blighter who didn’t expect that the day would be their last because a moron decided that the road rules don’t apply to them.

• Cont. next page.

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NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 18th 2023 - Page 3

To the Editor • From page 3.

Yes, I know a lot of people don’t hit the button.

We call them idiots, but that’s a whole new Pandora’s Can of Worms that I won’t open.

I do hit the button, along with many others.

We do the right thing, it is time you, as drivers, do the right thing too.

Stop and wait. It doesn’t take long, and if it means someone will go home and see their family then isn’t that a good thing?

Hector the Safety Cat (name and address supplied)

Referendum an emphatic result Dear Editor, The emphatic result of the Voice referendum is a loud and clear

call for unity.

The outcome proves that most Victorians proudly believe we are all Australians, regardless of our heritage, and that disadvantage in all parts of our society needs to be addressed.

As Victorians, we don’t want more division.

We want unity of purpose and are tired of those elites who talk down on us and tell us how to live our lives.

Our national anthem says “we are one and free” and The Nationals are committed to that statement for all Victorians - including our indigenous Victorians.

This was a referendum that we did not need to have.

Pushed by elites and the Albanese Labor Government, it was a virtue-signalling and divisive distraction from the real work of government.

Now, Victorians – and the nation – have spoken.

It is now time that Labor governments focus on real issues and real solutions.

We must all rally, unite and redouble efforts to actually close those gaps in life outcomes which, to this day, deny so many indigenous people the dignity and equality of opportunity they deserve.

And with the referendum done, we must now sharpen our focus on a raft of other key issues.

Our communities need action on the cost of living, the lack of housing, the dangerous state of our roads, and the unequal education opportunities for our children.

With the distracting and divisive referendum behind us, the real work starts now.

Peter Walsh MP Leader of The Nationals Shadow Minister for Aboriginal Affair

Some honeymoon

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Dear Editor, So much for a traditional honeymoon period for new Premier Jacinta Allan.

Truth is, the honeymoon never started.

Only two weeks into her term, she is grappling with the ongoing nightmare that is the Commonwealth Games debacle.

Allan refused to front an inquiry into the Games cancellation, even though she was the Minister responsible for delivering the much-vaunted regional event.

It has become a common theme, as Allan also dodged questions under heavy fire

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Page 4 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 18th 2023.

in Parliament last week. Everybody in regional Victoria deserves answers, not arrogant stone-walling.

Alarmingly, it is now becoming clear Allan and others knew far more about Games costs blow-outs than they let on.

There were revelations in The Age on Monday that Allan was warned four months before the pin was officially pulled on the Games that almost $2 billion extra would be required to host the event in five regional cities throughout Victoria.

Yet we were strung along, and told everything was going swimmingly. In the end, it was a hoax.

As a regional MP, and a Bendigo resident, you’d expect her to champion regional cities. Instead, she snubbed them, cruelly taking them along for a ride that was never going to have a happy ending.

The cost of cancelling the Games has now blown out to beyond $500 million – and watch that figure rise.

New analysis of figures provided to the Victorian Parliament’s Select Committee probing the Games disaster confirms at least $533 million has been wasted so far. The damning breakdown of numbers includes $380 million on cancellation cost, $43 million in operating grants, more than $21 million on athlete villages and more than $6 million on Victoria Police security initiatives.

What a waste Allan should have fronted the inquiry this week. It’s the least she could do. But we will keep the questions coming.

There is no honeymoon, and no way out of this nightmare for Allan.

Peter Walsh MP Leader of The Nationals

COVID Updates and Developments Victoria stats Another week of higher than expected newly reported COVID cases with 1,015 recorded for the week ended last Friday.

There has been an increase of 15 in hospitalisations and an increase of 1 in ICU. There have been 7 deaths in the week.

Buloke Shire October Council Meeting Wrap BULOKE Shire Council’s October Meeting was highlighted by the setting of the upcoming pool season and advocacy around maintaining a local Police presence.

The dates for the upcoming pool season have been set with opening day to be Saturday 18 November 2023 for all seven pools across Buloke.

Access to Buloke swimming pools will again be free this season with the closing day scheduled for Monday 18 March 2024.

Council will write to the Minister for Police, The Hon. Anthony Carbines MP calling on the State Government to guarantee that oneperson police stations will not close.

A notice of motion was brought in

response to Victoria Police Enterprise Agreement negotiations that could amend the agreement by increasing the mobility for deployment and rostering of one-person station employees.

If the amendment was successful, employees from 98 one-person stations in small towns across Victoria including those in Birchip, Culgoa and Wycheproof, may be rostered out to larger regional centres and cities, which would undermine the safety and security of rural

St. Arnaud 50 Years ago: October 1973 - by Heather Pritchard

Engagements Lynne May and Robert O’Brien.

Sharon Ryan and Kevin Hill.

Geraldine Burke and Ron Scheggla.

Marj Turpin and Geoff Payne.

Ann Vallance and Kevin Adams

Births Ken and Jenny Sloane nee Wood, a daughter, Tanya Jane.

Wayne and Jenny Torney nee Tr ye a daughter, Jody Louise.

John and Pauline Mullins nee Moore a son Danny Christopher.

Mervyn and Helen Amos nee Bathols a son Jason Robert.

Barry and Therese Jane nee Burke a son Timothy Roger.

Fundraiser for Murdoch House A Bed-a-Thon in which many groups pushed their bed and ‘sleeper’ from Kings Avenue to Lord Nelson Park.

Winners – open section Kerang Rotaract, Junior section St. Arnaud High School and ladies section Kara C W A.

communities.

The Financial and Pe r f o r m a n c e Statements 2022/23 have been approved in principle ahead of the statements being submitted to auditors.

Council is required under the L ocal Government Act 2020 to approve, in principle, the Statements prior to receiving certification from the Auditor General.

Council also received regular reports on Building Permits, Planning Applications and reports on Activities of Charlton Park Community Asset Committee and from the Audit and Risk Committee Chair.

Minutes and documents relating to the October Council Meeting will be made available on Council’s website.

Council will hold an Additional Council Meeting on Monday 23 October 2023 to receive the Financial Statement, Performance Statement and Annual Report for 2022/23.

Council will hold its Statutory Meeting and next scheduled monthly Council Meeting in the Wycheproof Supper Room on Wednesday 9th November 2023.

Deaths Joseph Moss age 82.

Edith Duxson age 82.

Wiliam [Shooter] Groves age 64 Alex Francis age 59.

QUOTE OF THE WEEK In a negotiation, we must find a solution that pleases everyone, because no one accepts that they MUST lose and that the other MUST win…

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NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 18th 2023 - Page 5

Charlton 100 Years Ago: 13th - 17th October 1923 Bowling Club

Above: The Bowling and Croquet Green, Charlton

Page 6 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 18th 2023.

The annual meeting was held in the Presbyterian Hall.

Balance sheet – the chairman reported that the sum of £96 10s/ had been collected and accounts amounting to £50 17/ had been paid.

Election of Officers: President – Mr G. C. Day unanimously reelected; Vice presidents – Mr S. Wood and Rev. Fitzgerald; Secretary – Mr A. F. Sleeman; Treasurer – Mr J. E. Morris; General Committee – Messrs P. Spain, W. Wylie, N. Frahm, L. A. Wilkinson and F. Edwards.

The subscription was fixed at £2 for members within a radius of three miles, and £1 for those outside.

The official opening day was fixed for the second Wednesday in November.

by Charlton Golden Grains Museum Collection of pansies – Mrs Hinkins; Sweet peas – Mr R. J. Tippett; Bulbs – Miss V. Bilton; Ranunculus – Mrs Dew; Bowl of lilies – Mrs Ogburn.

Tennis Club

Methodist Circuit

The annual meeting was held i n t h e Presbyterian Hall.

The balance in the bank for the coming year represented 17/4.

The previous season had been started with £24 18/5.

Expenses were erection of a shed, repairs to the asphalt court, two new nets had been purchased, and the old one sold, the fences had been repaired.

The membership had increased from 16 gentlemen and 11 ladies last year to 21 gentlemen and 14 ladies this year.

Opening day was fixed for 24th October.

It was moved that a slap-dash tournament, without any handicap, be played.

Mr Clive Luth promised to donate two tennis balls, and Mr E. O. Stowe a box of sweets as prizes.

The secretary was instructed to write to Donald, St. Arnaud, Wycheproof and Boort, respecting the holding of home and home matches.

It was moved that in the home and home matches that the gentlemen buy the balls and the ladies supply the afternoon tea.

St Martin’s Flower Show Victoria Hall was blooming with all the floral beauty of the district, and revelling in color and perfume reminiscent of lovely parterres and exquisite hot-house exotics, despite the most adverse circumstances.

L ess dependent upon outside influences and secure in their own domestic sovereignty, the neat-handed peerless princesses of the pastry-board, and queens of the kitchen concocted delicious delicacies, of sweet or savoury, as their fancy led.

Victoria Hall was hardly large enough to accommodate the people who thronged around the stalls.

The Rev. C. D. Crigan, Secretary, may be congratulated upon the success of this year’s efforts, by which a sum of £150 was netted for St Martin’s Church.

Some winners:

The quarterly meeting was held with Charlton, Granite and Mt Gower represented, owing to Charlton Show falling on the same day as the annual synod in Bendigo, nobody was willing to attend the synod as delegate.

M r F. P i n k w a s examined by the Rev. R. B. McConchie for a fully accredited local preacher.

The examination was very satisfactory, and the report of Mr Pink’s services being likewise satisfactory, he was admitted to the ranks of the local preachers.

Owing to inability to supply the services, it was decided to combine the Yeungroon and Gowar services, and to hold services at 3pm alternately at Gowar and Yeungroon.

Cricket That a game like cricket, which has provided healthful amusement for thousands of young people, and excited the keen rivalry of two hemispheres, should have fallen into desuetude in Charlton is a matter of surprise which is hard to account for.

Cricket was conspicuous last season by its absence from the playing fields.

A representative general meeting was held in the Presbyterian Hall at which it was decided to re-form the Cricket Club, and assume energetic measures for a prosperous season through the medium of a cricket association, having for its object local practice teams, and combined competition with neighboring clubs.

Lost L ady’s handbag (black in color), with broken clasp, in excursion train on Saturday.

Bag contained three £1 notes, an American letter, and other papers.

Keep money and bag, return American letter to Mrs S. Campbell, Brooke Street, Inglewood.

(Information from East Charlton Tribune)

RESPECT IS CHALLENGING GENDER STEREOTYPES WITH YOUR FRIENDS. RESPECT STARTS WITH A CONVERSATION Find out how to start the conversation.

Scan the QR Code.

NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 18th 2023 - Page 7

COMMUNITY UPDATE Detox Your Home St Arnaud

Children's Week 2023 Children's Week is a national celebration that recognises the talents, skills, achievements and rights of children. It will run from Saturday 21 October to Sunday 29 October 2023, with thousands of Victorian children taking part in the festivities.

The theme for Children's Week 2023 is "Children have the right to relax, play and to take part in activities they enjoy" based on Article 31 of the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child.

When: Saturday 11 November 2023 Where: Lord Nelson Park, St Arnaud Time: 9am -12noon Cost: FREE Registrations are required via Eventbrite.

This link directs you straight to the St Arnaud registration page: https://detoxstarnaud2023.eventbrite.co St Arnaud m.au

Unscheduled Council Meeting

Above: (left to right) John Beggs Secretary, Arnold Bond President, Des Jones District Governor.

Thursday 26 October Market Square 10am to 12pm

A Council Meeting will be held at 12.30pm Free and fun activities for all children! on Monday, 23 October 2023 in the Council Chamber, Pleasant Creek Historic We have arranged a wet weather alternative, just in case: St Arnaud Town Hall Precinct, Stawell.

We’d love to see you there. For more

The purpose of the meeting is to consider: information, please email Marita Tobin at marita.tobin@ngshire.vic.gov.au or phone 03 Adoption of Annual Report 2022-23 5358 8700.

C4 2023/24 - Plant Replacement Exciting opportunity for St Arnaud Program

Lions District Governor attends Dinner meeting The Lions Club of St Arnaud Dinner meeting held on Wednesday 11th October had the privilege of having in attendance the Lions District Governor Des Jones.

Businesses

Businesses operating from Napier Street (St Arnaud) are invited to connect, share ideas and be part of a new project to build business community resilience.

Prompted by the October 2022 flood event, ‘Building Better Business in St Arnaud’ is a project being led by social enterprise Resilient Ready in conjunction RFT C3 2023/24 - Provision of with Northern Grampians Shire Council Transfer Station Service - St Arnaud and other key stakeholders.

Northern Grampians Shire Council invites This project will work closely with local tenders for the management of Council’s businesspeople to discover shared goals, Transfer Station at St. Arnaud to best opportunities, and areas for growth. The practice standards, while meeting service focus will be on business sustainability, requirements and cost effective service disaster preparedness, and building delivery within Council’s resource connections. Bekah Baynard-Smith, capacity.

Program Coordinator at Resilient Ready Tenders close 2.00pm, Thursday 9 will be in St Armaud on 30 October to November, 2023. To download a copy of introduce herself to Napier Street the tender documents please go to the business owners and promote the website www.ngshire.vic.gov.au/tenders project launch event for 27 November. and follow the link.

For more information and ways to participate, Arts and Culture Grants visit:resilientready.org/projects/buildingFollowing councils' endorsement of the better-business-in-st-arnaud/ new Public Art Guidelines 2023, this .

Community Grants round of Arts and Culture Grants has Council recognises that running and priority areas that enable public art sustaining local community groups and murals and installations.

Projects and initiatives will need to focus organisations can be challenging. Many groups have members who are getting on one of the following priority areas. older, and volunteers are not as easily The provision of workshops and found as they once were. Planning for a activities that provide opportunities sustainable future and sourcing of for community members to connect larger amounts of funding can be and participate in arts and culture. assisted through the development of Design and/or deliver smaller scale strategic plans. public art murals to activate public Grants open 27 September 2023 and spaces. close 8 November 2023.

Design larger scale public art projects For more information visit and installations for council to www.ngshire.vic.gov.au/Residents/Gr deliver. ants/Community-Grants For more information visit www.ngshire.vic.gov.au/residents/grants Current vacancies Are you looking for a job? Visit our careers /arts-and-culture-grant-program page Email tina.baker@ngshire.vic.gov.au or www.ngshire.vic.gov.au/careers/currentcall 03 5358 8772. vacancies

The Council Meeting is open to members of the public and will be livestreamed to council’s YouTube channel. A link to view the meeting online will be available on council’s website at www.ngshire.vic.gov.au/Council/CouncilMeetings.

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

/ngshire

Page 8 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 18th 2023.

/northern grampiansshire

Above: Helen Rigby (right) is presented with a gift from John Nevill.

St. Arnaud Kara Kara Combined Probus Report THE St. Arnaud Kara Kara Combined Probus Club held their monthly meeting at the St. Arnaud Sporting Club on Wednesday 11th October, Contributed with 26 members in attendance.

The Club was delighted with the very interesting talk and presentation made by Helen Rigby on behalf of the Royal Flying

Doctors Service.

This is a wonderful service that has been given to the residents of St. Arnaud and District.

Please use it or we will lose it.

Any inquiries please contact Helen Rigby on 03 7046 4664

TRUCK HIRE See Lyal Eales Stores

LYAL EALES STORES •Camping •Disposals •Hardware •Homewares 59 NAPIER STREET, ST. ARNAUD. PH: (03) 5495 2021 Monday to Thursday 9am - 5.30pm; Friday 9am - 6pm; Saturday & Sunday 9am - 2pm

Gatherings St. Arnaud 23 Night Blooms - Continued. from page 1

Above: Eleanor Parry and her baby grand.

Below: Dorothy Patton and ‘the Talking Tree’ - Photos: Rogan Hando.

Above: The cutting-edge technology was achieved by multimedia company Pink Lake Creative and artist Desiree Cross.

Below: Animations were featured in ‘The Hothouse’.

- Photos: Rogan Hando.

Free Kinder: Enrol for 2024 Free Kinder is available for three and four-year-old children in Victoria at participating services.

Free Kinder is available in sessional (standalone) and long day care (childcare) settings, saving families up to $2,500 each year, per child.

At kindergarten, your child will: •

learn language, literacy and numeracy skills through play, art, music and dance

•

learn to express themself and make friends in a safe and caring environment

•

build skills and confidence before primary school.

Contact your preferred kinder service or local council to learn about how to enrol for 2024.

Visit: vic.gov.au/kinder

NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 18th 2023 - Page 9

Record breaking freight train delivers the goods A record-breaking trial run for the longest intermodal freight train will pave the way for regular, more efficient services between Merbein and the Port of Melbourne.

Above: (left to right) Arnold Bond President of St. Arnaud Lions Club, John Beggs Lions Good Friday Appeal co-ordinator, Leigh Watkins publican of the Farmers Arms Hotel, St. Arnaud.

Farmers Arms made a huge difference to Good Friday Appeal T h e 2 0 2 3 G o o d Fr i d a y A p p e a l co-ordinator for the St. Arnaud area John Beggs presented a certificate of appreciation to Leigh Watkins publican of the Farmers Arms Hotel for its major contribution towards the total in the St. Arnaud area.

A magnificent total of $31,341.20.

The next appeal which will be the 93rd

- Contributed Annual Appeal will be held on Friday 29th March 2024.

The backbone of the Good Friday Appeal are all the fundraisers, volunteers, supporters and donors.

Create a fundraiser or get involved with one and help make a difference.

Page 10 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 18th 2023.

Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne said that laying the groundwork now for this and other services to grow as part of our long-term strategy and commitment to move more freight by rail and reduce the number of trucks on roads.

“Our investments mean operators can capitalise on spare capacity from existing services and run longer, heavier intermodal and bulk grain services – that’s great news for operators and producers.’’

The 1500 metre container train opera t e d b y Pa c i f i c National was hauled by three locomotives pulling 86 wagons.

This longer, heavier train can haul approximately 4000 tonnes of freight without needing extra locomotives and train crews.

Longer trains will operate during peak seasons to move high-

er volumes of produce such as table grapes and citrus from the Sunraysia Region, taking more trucks off regional and urban roads.

The extra freight capacity will provide cost savings for farmers, producers and operators without the need to run an additional service.

Regional communities will benefit from $181 million investment in the Murray Basin Rail Project for critical maintenance on the regional rail network through the 2022/23 Victorian Budget.

Each year the train known as the “Fruity’’ carries approximately $450 million worth of horticultural produce on three return-services weekly from Merbein near Mildura t o t h e Po r t o f Melbourne.

Tr a i n s a r e a l s o shifting export grain from Yelta, north-west

of Mildura, for the first time in four years.

Major upgrades on the Mildura freight line, including upcoming works on a mobile refueling facility and signalling upgrades at Ouyen yard and an extension to the passing loop at Emu, are being delivered by Rail Projects Victoria as part of the Murray Basin Rail Project.

The project is delivering key benefits for primary producers and freight operators including increased capacity, improved network reliability and resilience, and reduced journey times.

The record-breaking service is thanks to a partnership between V/Line, freight operator Pacific National and freight forwarder Seaway Intermodal whose services are benefitting from a more resilient network with longer sidings, upgraded track and higher axleloads.

The Voice divides on disadvantage not politics WHAT the Voice polling showed us on Saturday was that politics does not divide us as much as does disadvantage.

Above: John Goddard with his Red 1968 HK Holden Monaro.

Lions Swap Meet near perfect SUNDAY 8th October, what a beautiful day combined with what was the best Swap Meet to Charlton Lions have run, 62 sites, good crowd, most site holders happy, ‘near perfect’ said President Ross Lane when asked by a member who couldn’t be there on the day how the Swap Meet went ‘but by gosh we were busy on the barbeque’.

Lions President Ross Lane went on to say “I am just so proud of how the Lions members come together when we have a function and the Swap Meet was no exception given that several of our members were not available on the day, it was a fantastic effort by all concerned”.

Many of the new site holders complemented the club on the venue and thanked the Club for continuing to hold the meet at a time when so many other similar events were being cancelled.

Most of the site holder reported good to reasonable business and said they would like the same site next year.

Treasurer, Garry

Larmour said “the profit from the venture was not yet finalised but it looked like being the best ever result that we have had in the previous 22 Swap Meets the Club has run.

“We are very happy given the staffing difficulties and sincerely thank Lloyd Paterson and Helen HooperHeath for becoming a Lion for the day by volunteering their help” he said.

One of the points of interest for the meet was again the display of vintage and classis cars.

“This year we had a great representation from the Kerang Car Club with 15 or so cars plus car enthusiasts from other areas totalling 21 beautifully presented vehicles cov-

- Contributed ering the era from the late 1920/30s to the early 2000s.”

The Club offered fuel vouchers for the two Best Presented Vehicles. The winners were Lindsay and Maxine Tonkin, Lakeside Cruses Boort with his mustard XY Falcon Ute and John Goddard Kerang with his 1968 red HK Holden Monaro both a credit to their owners.

Ross said “we are also very grateful to Arnold Bond (also a Car enthusiast) from St. Arnaud for judging the car exhibits again this year”.

The winner of the $200-00 IGA Voucher was Brendan from View Street Charlton.

Investigation into the voting preferences by polling booth has verified what we heard on Saturday night from the pollsters.

The voters in those polling booths in the most disadvantaged areas of the country and the state were clearly polling the highest No votes.

Secondly, that disadvantage increases the further you move away from the capital cities.

The closer to Melbourne, for those in Victoria, the higher was the recorded Yes vote and it was repeated across the country.

Specific voting patterns Carlton was the highest Victorian Yes vote with 93.05%.

Of the 2,015 polling booths in Victoria only 55 booths polled greater than 80% and only 144 voted Yes in 70% of polling booths.

At the other end of the Voice voting were

those that were considered ‘disadvantaged’.

Both St. Arnaud and Charlton polled Yes votes of 20.91% and 20.5% respectively.

Only 365 polling booths from the 2,015 booths voted Yes in 70% of cases and only 134 booths voted Yes in 80% of cases.

The smallest Yes vote was recorded in Underbool (7.46%) and others such as Sealake, Beulah, Cohuna, Swan Hill, Gunbower, Goroke, Kerang, Hopetoun, Minyip, Horsham, Quambatook, Boort and Rainbow were amongst those in the under 20% Yes voting booths.

Premier’s Statement “We know that a lot of First Nations people will be hurting today.

“We know that for many Australians, the pain they feel will linger – and for others, it may never fade at all.

“To First Nations people, we say this clearly: Victorians respect you and your culture.

“We want a better future for you.

“We want a better future for your communities.

“We want a better future for your children.

“And we want a better future for the generations to come.

“The Voice was intended to be a way to hear what First Nations people have to say, and work to build a better future – together.

“We can all get behind that principle.

“Australians have decided that the Commonwealth approach to change the Constitution – in this particular way – was not the right way to go.

“There is one truth we know to be self-evident: when Aboriginal Victorians thrive, we’re all the stronger for it.

“Four years ago, we had an election where ever y Aboriginal Victorian got the opportunity to pick their representatives.

From those elections, the Victorian First People's Assembly was set up.

“This year, we had our second round of elections. Aboriginal Victorians put their faith in the process – the doubling of voters on the Assembly roll is testament to that.

“It’s a model with bipartisan support. It has proven to be an effective way for Aboriginal Victorians to get to have a say, and for us to work together towards reconciliation.

“We have a lot more to do, of course – in health, education, employment, housing and justice.

“We’ll keep working towards a stronger, fairer future for Aboriginal Victorians – led by, shaped by and driven by Aboriginal Victorians.

“And at all times, we’ll remain in awe of the extraordinar y strength, resilience, and survival of First Nations people across this countr y” said Jacinta Allan, Premier of Victoria.

Detox your Home is coming to St Arnaud Detox your Home is Victoria’s free, safe way to dispose of unwanted household and garden chemicals – without harming your health or the environment.

Register today for Sustainability Victoria’s free household chemical drop-off day, supported by Northern Grampians Shire Council.

Detox your Home accepts: Acids and alkalis Aerosol cans Ammonia based cleaners Anti-freeze, coolant Brake fluid Car care products and waxes Cooking oil Cosmetics, nail polish and remover Detergents, bleach, disinfectants and drain cleaner Fertilisers Fire extinguishers Floor-care products and waxes Fuels: petrol, diesel, kerosene, other Glues: water-based and solvents Hand sanitiser

Herbicides and weed killers Insect spray, pesticides, rat poison Oven cleaner Pool chemicals Solvents Thinners, turps and paint stripper Transmission fluid Wood preservatives and finishes And other items found at home with these symbols:

For a full list of chemicals accepted, visit: www.sustainability.vic.gov.au/ accepteditems

St Arnaud Event

To register

Saturday 11 November 2023 10.00 am to 12.00 pm Lord Nelson Park, 26 Dunstan Street, St Arnaud

Scan the QR code, visit sustainability.vic.gov.au/ detoxyourhome or call 1300 363 744

Detox your Home events are drive-through and contactless.

For safety reasons we can’t accept containers of more than 20 litres or 20 kilograms. Chemicals can’t be emptied out of their containers and the containers cannot be returned to you, so bring them in the original packaging or disposable containers.

Above: Lindsay and Maxine Tonkin and their Mustard XY Falcon Ute.

NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 18th 2023 - Page 11

Victoria’s duck abundance Australian-first pilot program survey commenced expands across Victorian schools THE Game Management Authority (GMA) has this week begun its annual aerial survey of Victoria’s game duck population.

The suvey will be conducted by experienced wildlife biologists, who will record the presence, species and number of game ducks at more than 870 waterbodies across Victoria, including wetlands, farm dams, sewerage treatment plants, streams and rivers.

Satellite imaging will then be used to determine the amount of wetland habitat available and, together with abundance estimates, will inform an estimate of the total abundance of Victoria’s game duck

species.

The GMA is continuing this research in 2023, in line with existing government policy, as part of the Victorian Government’s Sustainable Hunting Action Plan 2021-24 and commitment to introducing adaptive harvest management.

GMA Chief Executive Officer, Graeme Ford said regularly collecting data is critical to understanding what drives the abundance and productivity of game duck populations.

“Victoria’s approach to adaptive harvest management depends on abundance and habitat data being collected consistently and regularly so we can accurately predict future abundance, based on environmental conditions at the time,” Mr Ford said.

“This research benefits wildlife conservation by increasing our understanding of the ecology of Victoria’s game duck populations and the health of their habitats.”

The 2023 survey is scheduled to take place until Thursday, 2nd November.

The flight schedule

may change from day to day, depending on weather conditions or other factors.

Residents in surveyed areas may see a helicopter flying at low levels for a short time and for no longer than is necessary.

The safety of people and livestock is a priority.

The results of the survey will be published on the GMA website in 2024, following analysis of the survey data.

For more information, including a map of the proposed flight path, visit: gma.vic.gov. au/research/duckresearch

AN Australian-first pilot program that teaches Year 7 Victorian students how to save lives will now be expanded to Years 8 to 10 students.

The Kids Save Lives program aims to improve cardiac arrest survival rates by teaching students how to give lifesaving cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) and use an automated external defibrillator (AED).

Last year there were more cardiac arrests in the state than ever before, with paramedics treating 7,361 patients – an increase of six per cent.

While Victoria has

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Page 12 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 18th 2023.

one of the best cardiac arrest survival rates in the world, every day about 20 Victorians suffer a cardiac arrest but only one in 10 people survive.

With nearly 80 per cent of cardiac arrests occurring at home, Ambulance Victoria Executive Director of Operational Communications Danielle North said it is important that both adults and young people know CPR and how to use an AED. “It’s essential for everyone to be equipped with these life-saving skills,” Ms North said.

“Students will not only be able to share their knowledge with friends and family but also with their wider community.”

CPR training in schools is endorsed by t h e Wo r l d H e a l t h Organisation, which recommends the optimal age to learn is from 12 years old.

The program is designed to be delivered by Victorian teachers to assist students to recognise when someone is in cardiac arrest and to learn the three simple steps of Call (Call Triple Zero 000), Push (Perform CPR) and Shock (use an AED).

The program is conducted in partnership with the Heart Foundation, Monash University, Australian Resuscitation Council, Department of Education and Training and Heart of the Nation (established by original Yellow Wiggle Greg Page who survived a cardiac arrest in January 2020).

Heart Foundation Victorian General Manager Chris Enright said Heart Foundationfunded research shows only half of Australian adults are trained in

CPR, but that those trained are more willing to help others in emergency situations.

“Educating children is a successful way to reach the entire population as children can be encouraged to teach others. We know that CPR training programs in schools that have run overseas in Sweden, Fr a n c e , Denmark, Norway and the UK, have equipped participants with lifesaving knowledge; these countries now have some of the highest bystander CPR and survival rates internationally,” Ms Enright said.

“Working alongside our project partners, and with the support received from The Lionel and Yvonne Spencer Trust, and the Danks Trust, we are confident students will learn the skills that could save the life of someone in their community.”

Minister for Ambulance Services Mary-Anne Thomas said the expansion of the Kids Save Lives program coincides w i t h AV ’ s a n n u a l Shocktober campaign which is also aimed at improving cardiac arrest survival rates.

“Shocktober is all about giving more Victorians who suffer a cardiac arrest a greater chance of returning to their loved ones,” Minister Thomas said.

“You don’t have to be a paramedic to save a life – you just need to be able to perform CPR and know how to use an AED.” For more information about Shocktober and how to become a GoodSAM responder visit w w w. a m b u lance.vic.gov.au/shock tober Victorian teachers who are interested in learning more about the Kids Save Lives program can email community.engagement@ambulance.vic. gov.au.

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

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

Increased monitoring and less labour in lotfeeding lambs THE ability to draft feedlot or containment fed lambs into weight categories ready for processing without using any labour is a benefit of the award winning The Shepherd Auto Drafter.

Temora prime lamb lot feeder Justin Dunn, The Shepherd Ag Pty Ltd, was highly commended in the 2023 Henty Machine of the Year for his auto drafter on September 19.

HMFD Machine of the Year judge Warren Scheetz said the auto drafter automatically weighs and draf ts lambs in the feedlot, saving time, labour and increasing animal welfare.

“Producers want the animals to be as stress free as possible to put on the weight and this eliminates the work for the prod u c e r, a n d a l s o electronically moves the animals from one pen to another once they reach a certain weight,” Mr Scheetz said.

Justin Dunn said the data captured by the drafter was sent back in real time to

the producer’s mobile phone 24 hours a day.

“This unit is built by ourselves in-house at Temora, everything from the sof tware development to the steel fabrication,” Mr Dunn said.

“Henty was our launch so it is now ready for people to put it out there in the wild – we will go through a 12-month pre-commercial deal so we can work closely with those clients to make sure the machine settles in.

“At Temora we have a privately run research and development unit where we hone all the equipment we sell. For the past 12 months we have had the auto drafter working in our own commercial feedlot.”

Mr Dunn breeds commercial Aussie White and Sheepmasters, along

with finishing second cross trade lambs in the feedlot.

“Skilled labour is very difficult in the ag sector these days and affordability of those who do have the skills is a challenge. Facing a drought, the prospect of feeding and bringing sheep into close containment where they are monitored is key,” he said.

“We are developing our systems, so it is straight monitoring with low stress handling and less workflow. We are managing the glycogen levels in the animal, resulting in better carcase quality.”

The sheep passively walk onto the drafter of their own accord, attracted by a lick block.

“We found a side effect was marketing as the lambs are going into pens of particular weight groups, we know at any particular time how many sheep we have in each weight band. Right

now, it is competitive and if a processor contract opens, we can look at our phone and know comfortably how many lambs we are prepared to book.

“We still use a traditional weighing system for onboarding sheep into the feedlot and the final draft to get the maximum number of lambs into the top of the grid.

“This particular machine is about low

they go right through the feeding process and we are monitoring exactly how many lambs are progressing and how fast. We can graph trajectories and predict how many sheep will be ready at any particular point.”

While most of these types of drafters are air operated, the S h e p h e r d Fe e d l o t Auto Drafter is solar powered, retails from $8000 and comes with complete technical

WYCHEPROOF Special Store Sheep Sale Friday 27th October at 12.30pm

Quality 1st BL/Mer X & 6,000 6,000 Merino Sheep Further entries invited. www.eldersrural.com.au/livestock Sam Crow, 0455 506 622 Shane McLoughlan 0418 844 533 Bailey BBaxter 0429 508 204 or your local Elders agent

Real Estate

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

Mark Swanton 0407 102 050 87 Stawell Rd, Horsham stress handling while

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support.

LAND AUCTION

GOWER EAST - ST. ARNAUD - “WILLIAM’S” Week ending Wednesday 11 October 2023

— By Glendon Hancock

AFTER managing a small overall increase in the previous series, the Australian wool market has recorded another overall fall this week.

After 3.8% was withdrawn prior to sale, the national offering was only 116 bales less than the previous week, 39,692 bales were available to the trade.

The prices on offer for merino fleece types were consistently below those achieved in the previous series.

By the end of the week the movements in the Micron Price Guides (MPGs) for merino f leece ranged between plus 4 and minus 61 cents.

The largest falls were seen in the fine Merino MPGs, the 17-micron MPG in Sydney and the 16.5-micron MPG in Melbourne losing 53 and 61 cents respectively.

After being the strongest performing sector over the past few series, the crossbred market succumbed to the falling market this week, with

an overall softening recorded, although there was one MPG that managed an increase, the 32-micron MPG in Melbourne rising by 5 cents.

The skirtings tracked a very similar path to the fleece.

The oddments also finished lower; the three Merino Carding Indicators (MC) dropped by an average of 9 cents.

The end result of these market movements was a 10 cent drop in the AWEX Eastern Market Indicator (EMI), the EMI closed at 1,128 cents.

The EMI has recorded ten successive sale days with single digit movements, including one unchanged, six out of the ten were falls and over this period the EMI has dropped 20 cents.

The EMI continues to drop compared to the previ-

National Offering Centre North South Sth NZ West Total

Week 15 15 15 15

Days 10, 11 Oct 10, 11 Oct 10, 11 Oct 10, 11 Oct

Offering 11,221 19,614 1,686 7,171 39,692

Future Offerings 16

17, 18 Oct

Source - AWEX

44,552

169.07 HECTARES OR 417.78 ACRES - A/C KR & EL Pole AUCTION: THURSDAY, 26TH OCTOBER 2023, 11.00AM AT COONOOER BRIDGE COMMUNITY HALL

ous season.

At this stage last year, the EMI was 143 cents higher when it was 1,271 cents, the EMI has fallen by 11.3% in the year that followed.

Despite the lacklustre performance of the market in this series, next week the national offering increases.

44,552 bales are currently expected to be offered in Melbourne, Fremantle and Sydney, which is a designated Superfine sale.

Melbourne 1113M -8 16.5 1792 -61 17 1675 -23 17.5 1582 -28 18 1493 -24 18.5 1428 -1 19 1376 -22 19.5 1334 -25 20 1314 -5 21 1300 +4 22 23 24 25 735n 26 612 28 395 -7 30 372 -10 32 317 +5 MC 699 -2 Ind.

GOOD CROPPING COUNTRY WITH CREEK FLATS AGENT REMARKS: Good rising arable soil with a black ridge.

Not cropped for 20 years.

Spring fed dam, 4 dams in total, in 2 titles with 5 paddocks.

For further particulars & inspections: 13-19 Napier Street, ST. ARNAUD VIC. 3478

Office: 03 5495 1722 Damian Drum: 0428 952 284 Sharlene Bertalli: 0447 952 320

TERMS: 10% deposit on signing, balance in 60/90 days or earlier by agreement.

NUTRIEN ST. ARNAUD DOES NOT WARRANT THE ACCURACY OR COMPLETENESS OF THE INFORMATION CONTAINED ABOVE

NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 18th 2023 - Page 13

Nature Notes : WAMA Visit and Run Kara Kara Run Kara Kara

Paddy Pallin, CLIF and Out Here Beer.

Whilst some raced the trails, others stopped and appreciated the abundance of shiny everlastings, native peas and orchids. \ A huge thank you must go out to the Buloke and Northern Grampians Landcare Network team for making this event possible and bringing together keen outdoor enthusiasts from across the region to share the experience of getting outdoors on a beautiful Sunday morning!

Runners and walkers came from near and far to participate in the inaugural Run Kara Kara event on Sunday, 8th October, and hosted by For Wild Places as part of the month-long Galngaa Festival.

Thirty participants traversed the wildflower-lined trails of Kara Kara National Park, taking in the sights and sounds of the rocky trails around the reser voir and beyond.

It was fantastic to see people of all ages get involved.

However, the teenagers stole the show, with Stuart Mill local Tyler Medlyn taking out first place in the 10k in an impressive time of 47 minutes.

Noah Hando came in first in the 5-kilometre event with a time of 25 minutes.

Congratulations to all who participated and shared the prizes generously donated by

Wildlife and Art Museum Australia On a sunny but fresh morning a group of Avon Plains Banyena L andcare members and friends travelled to WAMA (Wildlife and Art Museum Australiawhere art meets nature) near the Halls Gap Zoo. The WAMA Project vision was announced in 2018.

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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It is a destination project creating an art and environment precinct near the Grampians National Park.

Through hard work by patrons Glenda and Greg Lewin with the help of generous donorsand many volunteers they have managed to raise sufficient funds to revegetate at least 21 hectares of the WAMA site with indigenous native grasslands.

A large vermin proof fence was installed in 2020 and propagation of plants for the Grampians Endemic Botanic Garden started with the support of Jallukar L andcare and Greening Australia.

The garden will be divided into sections to showcase all endemic species found in the different plant communities across Gariwerd (Grampians).

In 2021 they launched a biennial Art Prize and planting for Stage 1 of the Gardens commenced in 2022.

Above: (left to right) Glenda Lewin and Fiona Burchell at WAMA. We were welcomed

by Glenda Lewin and volunteers for the project and over morning tea, while we were seated around a warm firepit, with a wonderful backdrop of the surrounding hills, Glenda explained the history of the project, their progress, and the exciting news that after raising a significant amount of money and receiving funding from the Victorian Government they are now able to begin the construction of the building that will house the Art gallery,

café, learning centre and amenities.

They then took us on a guided tour of a large section of the property enclosed by a high vermin proof fence.

They discussed the challenges faced such as getting the rabbit population under control and the immense weeding efforts required, but also the rewards.

Highlights of this wonderful walk through their grassland and bushland areas included the completed Stage 1 sec-

tion of the endemic gardens, the wonderful sculpture and nature play area overlooking the large dam – currently full and the magnificent old eucalyptus trees, silver wattles and blackwood We ended the visit back at the firepit where we enjoyed our lunch.

Glenda had even made a delicious minestrone soup to share.

Af ter thanking Glenda and the others for their hospitality, time and inspirational work we finished the

trip with a visit to the Pomonal Nurser y which is now home to Jallukar Landcare.

Here this dedicated group propagate endemic and indigenous seeds and cuttings collected from the local area to be used by L andcare groups and WAMA. A big thankyou to Carol Campbell for organising the outing which was very uplifting and inspiring.

Anyone interested in finding out more about this project can visit their website www.wama.net.au.

St. Arnaud 100 Years Ago: 12th – 18th October 1973

SUDOKU

Contributed

by Heather Pritchard

Wirths’ Circus When the circus arrived on their huge train filled with a large variety of animals and circus folk, the monster tent was quickly pitched next to the railway line.

A smaller enclosure was erected for a zoo where patrons could view ‘wild’ animals before the show.

One of the star attractions were two boxing ponies fitted with large gloves on their fore feet so they could rear up and box two rounds until one is ‘knocked out’ and falls down, laying there while the vanquisher counts him out by tapping the floor with his hoof.

There was ‘the largest herd of elephants in Australia’ plus a baby elephant, trained lions and tigers, Arab horses performing a military drill, Mimi the strong girl, a lady trick rider and many other acts.

Concert The East Kew Musical Company from the East Kew Girl’s Home under the auspices of the Salvation Army per-

Page 14 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 18th 2023.

formed at the Town Hall.

There were 16 girls under the command of the matron; Adjutant Ferguson and they performed physical drills, humorous songs and handbell-ringing. Last month the Boys Home visited St Arnaud.

Sunday School Picnics The children of the Church of England, Presbyterian and Methodist Churches were all conveyed 1½ mile to the Public Park off Inglewood Road, the Roman Catholics went to Murphy’s paddock in the southern end of town and the Church of Christ children went to a shady nook on the creek near Inglewood Road below Mr H T Edwards property.

Farewell Mr and Mrs Charles Supple who have leased their land at Navarre and are taking an extended pleasure trip were given a farewell by local residents.

They have taken an active part in all social and public matters and representatives of the Football, Cricket, Turf and Tennis Clubs made speeches.

The Church of England parishioners presented Charles with a pipe and smokers outfit and Mrs Supple with a brush and comb set and their many friends gave them a well-filled wallet of notes.

New Vicar inducted The Institution and Induction of the Church of England’s new vicar, Rev E C W Fleischer, was followed by a welcome by parishioners in the Parish Hall.

Catholic Church Quarant Ore or forty hours adoration of the Blessed Sacrament was celebrated at the Church of Immaculate Conception beginning with High Mass on Thursday at 9am and closing on Saturday at 9am with Missa Cantata.

Special sermons were held on Thursday and Friday evenings by visiting clergymen and drew large congregations.

Traynors Lagoon Rifle Club Mr J A Boyle donated the trophy, which was competed for at

600 yards and won by W Reither 49, followed

by J H Cunningham, Joe Clarke and J A Boyle all scoring 47.

Sales Mr Alex McKay who is leaving the district held a clearing sale, which included 9 horses, 6 cattle, 100 fowls, machinery and sundries.

Nurse Keegan has her private hospital, opposite the Post Office [corner Kings Ave and Millett sts] for sale or lease.

Sheep sale at St. Arnaud – 1167 sheep, competition dragged but a total clearance was made at low rates,

a number of lots being shorn. Prime lambs 27/-, shorn sheep 4-6 t m ewes, 100% in lamb 40/-, woolly cbk wrs, 2 t, 34/-.

Special cattle sale at St. Arnaud – 370 head, the majority being 1 to 2 year old steers and heifers for which there was no demand, 2½ to 3 year old bullocks £15/17/6, cows in full profit £5 and springers £4/12/6 to £6.

Depths of reservoirs Goldfields 12 ft 10 ins, Government 11 ft 11 ins and Teddington 27 ft.

Instant Passport/ ID Photos Have your passport or ID photo taken at:-

18 Napier Street, St. Arnaud. 3478.

Phone: (03) 5495 1055

Orchids are so precious and delicate…here are some in pictures Such delicacy should never go unnoticed, but on a Saturday that was teeming with events, the St. Arnaud and District Society Orchid Spring Show on at the St. Arnaud town hall, lost out.

Only a few turned up to see these spectacular flowers but those who did, left with memories of sheer beauty.

Above: Reserve Grand Champion.

Above: Brad and Joy Scott, the Most Creative Display.

WK

&KDUOWRQ 6KRZ

Saturday 21st October 2023

7LPH 7DEOH RI (YHQWV

Program subject to change

Above: Best Australian Native by a Division 1 Grower – Anne Gardiner.

Time 11.30am From 1.00pm

T

Event Miniatures & Shetlands Woodchop Events Working dog trials Food vans Market Stalls, Exhibitors, Vintage vehicles & engines Camel Rides Pavilion Opens (closing at 6.00pm) The Zone ± Rock Climbing Wall, Laser Tag & Jurassic Park Jumping Castle SES & Ambulance displays Boomerang Throwing demonstrations & painting Beer tasting with Lake Meran Brewery Animal nursery Camel Rides The Amazing Mister Mike²Kids entertainment Live music from Elias Lanyon Official Show Opening followed by Miss/Master Showgirl/boy judging The Water Drops Stilt Walkers Pizza E\ ³7KH 9DOH of Avoca´ Dumplings Sheaf toss Live Music²Y U Ask? Raffle Drawn Fireworks More music from Y U Ask?

Event Miniatures & Shetlands T F Event W 2.00pm From 2.00pm dog Miniatures & Shetlands Working trials F WFood vans Market Stalls, Exhibitors, Vintage vehicles Working dog trials & engines Food vans From 2.30pmRides Camel Market Stalls, Exhibitors, Vintage vehicles 2 Pavilion Opens 3.00pm Above: There were plenty of orchids for sale and to admire as well as & The engines Zone those that won a ribbon.

From 5.00pm Camel Rides onwards SES & Ambulance Pavilion Opens displays Boomerang Throwing demonstrations & painti The Zone 8.30pm Beer tasting with Lake Meran Brewery

2

(or on dark)

F 3

Animal nursery $GPLWWDQFH

SES & Ambulance displays Camel Rides Adults: $15 Family: $40 Students: $5 Aged Pensioners: $10 The Amazing Mister Mike Boomerang Throwing demonstrations & paint Under School Age: Free Livetasting music from Beer with Elias Lake Lanyon Meran Brewery The Charlton A & P Society committee would sincerely like to thank all our sponsors, trophy donors and volunteers for their contribution to the 2023 Charlton Show.

Animal nursery Camel Rides

NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 18th 2023 - Page 15

EMPLOYMENT Lineworker Apprenticeship

RURAL PRODUCTS SALES REPRESENTATIVE

BASED OUT OF OUR CHARLTON DEPOT Central Power P/L is a family-owned business (approx. 40 employees) managing the powerlines in regional Victoria for the last 23 years.

Our main office is based in Maryborough but we have depots in Ararat and Charlton.

We are looking for a Rural Products sales rep to join the St Arnaud branch.

Nurture. Grow. Thrive.

Accepting a role with Elders means you will be joining the family backed by a team ready to support and grow your career. Be part of a culture that has been in the making for more than 180 years, a culture so strong it is almost tangible. Much like the farmers and communities we work with, you will experience, passion, dedication and resilience across all parts of the business. With such an iconic, essential business in the Australian landscape we are confident that you too will be proud to grow your career at Elders and wear the pink shirt.

We are looking to put on an apprentice for 2024 to become a Distribution Lineworker.

Suitable candidates must; • Be in good physical health • Be disciplined and self-motivated • Enjoy physical hands-on and outdoor work • Have driving licence (minimum car) • Not be afraid of heights!

Apply via Cover Letter and CV via email

mro@centralpowervic.com.au

About the role We are looking for a Rural Products Sales Representative to join the team on a permanent, full-time basis.

PUBLIC NOTICE

St. Arnaud & District Orchid Society

Raffle Winners 1st Bob Wooley 2nd Sandra McIntyre 3rd Bob Wooley 4th Rose Haines 5th Marie Medlyn And a big thank you to all our sponsors with out their support all our trophies could not happen, their generosity is very much appreciated.

Candidates seeking part-time employment or flexible working arrangements are encouraged to apply.

As an Elders Rural Products Sales Representative, your expert product knowledge and customer service skills will enable you to build and maintain strong relationships with clients, including finding new opportunities for them to explore.

Although there is a particular focus on animal health and livestock production, the St Arnaud branch is a multifaceted branch offering good variety in all areas of production including crop protection, wool, seed, and fertiliser.

Supported by the Elders network, you will be provided with the tools necessary for you to grow in your career.

Responsibilities • Building and maintaining strong relationships with clients, recommending the Elders range of products and services that will strengthen the growth of their business • Proactively source new business to achieve KPI’s and targets • Supporting inventory management, including in stocktake and dispatch • Processing sales and performing sales quotes About you • Are comfortable and thrive in a collaborative working environment • Are passionate about effecting real change for both your clients and your community • Have technical seasonal and rural products knowledge to support clients • Have a proven track record in sales, including retail skills • Have an ability to provide a high level of customer service and cultivate relationships with current and future clients • Have a driver’s licence. A forklift licence is preferred however we can support you to obtain one.

To apply visit Elders Careers (myworkdayjobs.com)

SAM10

For further information please contact Scott Cameron, branch manager on 0418 991 776.

Job Opportunities Campus Base Negotiable • Home Care Coordinator • Home Care Support Worker • Food and Domestic Service Assistant • Junior Food and Domestic Service Assistant • Clinical Support Nurse • Diversity and Inclusion Officer • Graduate Registered Nurse • Graduate Enrolled Nurse Birchip • Registered Nurse • Enrolled Nurse Charlton • Enrolled Nurse • Associate Nurse Unit Manager • Infection Control Nurse St Arnaud • Food and Domestic Service Assistant • Associate Nurse Unit Manager Wycheproof • Enrolled Nurse • Associate Nurse Unit Manager • Nurse Unit Manager • Registered Nurse • Campus Manager Further information available at: https://ewhs.org.au/careers

CCalling alling aallll BBusinesses usinesses We’d love to invite every local local business in our region to be part of the North Central Directory.

To ΈQG out how we can help heelp support your business online contact us on 5495 1055.

www.northcentralddirectory.com.au www.northcentraldirectory.com.au Page 16 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 18th 2023.

WHATS ON

Christ Church Old Cathedral KEEP SAFE ON THE WATER! BOAT & JET SKI Marine Licence & PWC Endorsement Course LIMITED PLACES REMAINING Sunday November 19th 1:00pm to 5:00pm Cost of course: $125 per person.

Enrol and Pay By Tuesday 10th November

St Arnaud Community Resource Centre

MEETINGS

85 Napier St. Phone: 5495 1997

St. Arnaud Country Club

Open Hours: Mondays to Fridays: 9:00am-2:00pm. or Email at: stacrc@bigpond.net.au

AGM

Queens Avenue, St Arnaud.

The Induction of Rev Peter Downes [and Kathy] as Priest in Charge, will be on Thursday 19th October at 6pm, conducted by Bishop Matthew Brain, Anglican Diocese of Bendigo.

All Welcome, stay for a cuppa afterwards.

Get it through our

WANTed ads!

(03) 5495 1055

Thursday Oct 26th 7.30pm All Welcome

TO ADVERTISE PH: 5495 1055

Available at TRENDZ ON NAPIER St. Arnaud

BROTHERHOOD OF MAYTONE AND

DEATH

FOR SALE

AT YOUR SERVICE

Kids Colouring Books, Pencils and Textas.

• IRONSTONE

available at

Nicola Kirk

St. Arnaud Allsorts

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

REMOVALS - Maryborough- runs south.

Phone: 0412 726 432.

Physiotherapist Over 15 years experience Open Mon to Fri 8 Nelson Parade ST. ARNAUD

0400 451 432 or 5495 1108

Top of the Town Beauty Salon For all your Hair and Beauty NEEDS

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

110 Napier St., St. Arnaud

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

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

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

Ph: 5495 2595 Karen@klp.net.au

WANTED TO BUY

Self Storage

WANTED TO BUY

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

Sugar gum plantations

Hayley:

(For Cropping)

0409 337 276,

Firewood trees

Luke:

(Green or dead)

0458 885 266

Firewood logs

St. Arnaud Serenity Storage

Phone Marcus 0427 489274

DEATH

116 Napier St., St. Arnaud

BERTALLI (Hughes) - Mary Ellen It is with a heavy heart that I say goodbye. All these years of caring and giving took a toll on your body. It was just worn out. You didn’t complain or fuss and did as much as you could for as long as you could. Its time to take a rest, do things at your own pace.

Cook a chocolate sponge, a roast or sausage rolls because you want to, not because you have to.

Go out the river and catch a reddie and burn as much wood as you want. Its time to gather up the dogs, hop in the ute with Max and go rabbiting.

Rest peacefully my dearest mother.

Your loving Son David.

To our wonderful mother in law and Nan. Hope you are at peace now. We will so miss your amazing cooking, dry sense of humour, and no nonsense attitude. Your food was your love and we were always full.

Another chapter closes but will remember you fondly.

Sharlene, Casey and Will, Tom and Alex, Bill, Pepper, Bluey and Lola.

DEATH

HALL (Chisholm) - Mavis (May) passed away peacefully in St Arnaud on the 12th Oct. 2023, aged 84 years. Loved wife of Tom (dec).

Much loved Mum to Anne and Will (dec). of Mother-in-law Paul. Loving Nan to Jessica and Tim; and Jason. Granny to Josh, Ben and Jake.

Sister of John, Ronnie, Michael, (Trapper), Barbara and Diane.

Re-united with Dad and Will R.I.P. HUFER - Robert Charles 1-1-1941 – 15-10-2023 Passed away peacefully. Courageous to the end.

Beloved son of Charlie and Iris (both dec). Devoted brother of Marabeth (Torney). Loved husband of Marie, and cherished father of Sarah, Carl and Matthew. Much respected father-in-law of Todd and Tash.

Proud Pa Bert of Sachin, Quinlan, Paddy, Finn and Emme.

Many happy times shared that will be greatly treasured.

– (Marie) Much loved by us all.

So many stories shared and laughs had together. Always interested in everyone and everything.

– (Sarah, Todd, Sachin and Quinlan).

Now at peace.

Forever grateful for all you did for us.

Your legacy will live on through us and you will always be in our hearts.

– (Carl, Tash, Paddy, Finn and Emme).

A strong and selfless father who never spared himself for others.

– (Matt).

HUFER - Robert Charles Son of Iris and Charlie (both dec.).

Loving brother and brother-in-law of Maz and Peter (Lofty dec.) Torney. Loving uncle of Kylie, Trudi and Adam and families.

Fond memories, will never be forgotten.

HUFER - Robert Charles Loved brother-in-law and friend to Barry and Angela. Much respected uncle of Bernadette, Roger, Phil, Tim and Rose and their families.

Deepest sympathy to Marie, Sarah, Carl, Matt and families.

Rest in Peace.

HUFER - Robert Charles Rest peacefully Rob. Dearly loved nephew of Bob and Shirl Casey (both dec.), loved cousin of Barry (dec.), Wendy, Robyn, Lynette and Sue and their families.

Deepest sympathy to Marie and family.

HUFER - Robert Charles Loved Nephew of Bernie and Bev, much loved Family (Brother). Treasured Cousin and Friend of Lucinda and Damian, Dale and Lyndall (Dec), Nathan and Narrelle, Karena and Steven and Families.

Loved Grandson of Robert and Annie Casey.

Fond Nephew of Joyce and Evan Bryan (Dec), Peg and Jack Bradley (Dec), Bette and John Price (Dec).

Cousin of Casey and Dean, Ross (Dec) and Gillian and Familes.

Always remembered and Forever loved.

HUFER - Robert Charles 1-1-1941 – 15-10-2023 Loved nephew and cousin of Les and Pat O’Rourke, Paddy and Shane (all dec’d) and Elizabeth.

Fond memories of our times spent in St. Arnaud with the family Now resting in God’s care.

Rubber Stamps North Central News - (03) 5495 1055

DEATH

HUFER - Robert Charles “Hufe” Everyone at Caseys Truck and Tractor Centre are saddened to hear of the passing of “Hufe” We are going to miss your cheerful Friday visits, your discussions on caravanning and fuel calculations.

The catch up on all of the local stories were always entertaining to all the staff Our thoughts are with Marie, Sarah, Carl, Matt and families Hufe will be sadly missed HUFER - Robert Charles I will always remember the times we spent together at the racecourse and the fire brigade, a true gentleman and a very kind man.

Deepest sympathy to Marie, Sarah, Carl, Matthew and family.

Richard and Sue Chipperfield.

HUFER - Robert St. Arnaud CFA would like to extend our condolences to Marie, Sarah, Carl and Matthew on the passing of Life Member Robert for his service of 50 years.

Rest in Peace.

WARD - Eva Maureen Passed away peacefully on the 9th October. Fond Stepmother of Joy and McSwain, Barry dearly loved nana of Susan and Ian White, Chris and Shelly, Michelle and Wes Jenkyn, Clinton and Joelene, loved Nan Nan of their families.

We will miss our morning coffee and chat with you and Zac. Our memories will last forever.

WARD - Maureen Adored and loving Nana of Susan and Ian and ‘Nan Nan’ to Lauren and Brent.

Forever in our hearts, sadly missed.

WARD - Maureen The St. Arnaud R.S.L. Women’s Auxilary is saddened by the passing of Maureen.

Our dear friend and long time respected member.

Sincere sympathy is extended to her family.

KELL FUNERALS Est 1860

PRE PAID FUNERALS AVAILABLE 24 HOURS

Ph: 5495 1043

136 Napier Street St. Arnaud

NAFD Member

Birthday wishes to: October 18th Sydney Brooks Kyle Postlethwaite Montana Harvey

October 19th Ben Baumgartner Jason Rogers

October 20th

October 21st Brock Ezard Luke Reyne

October 23rd Lyn Box Marie Engelmann Hamish Tannock

Barney Ezard Megan Hortle

NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 18th 2023 - Page 17

FUNERAL

CHURCH NOTICES

HALL (Chisholm)

DISTRICT CATHOLIC CHURCHES East Wimmera Parish

A Graveside Service for Mrs. Mavis (May) Hall will be held today at the St Arnaud Lawn Cemetery on WEDNESDAY (Oct. 18th) at 11.00am.

KELL FUNERALS ST ARNAUD NFDA

EST: 1860

5495 1043

HUFER

Live Stream in BOORT

Sunday October 22nd 10.30am - Live Stream in BANYENA No Mass CHARLTON

Requiem mass for the repose of the soul of Mr Robert C. Hufer will be held at the Church of the Immaculate Conception St Arnaud on THURSDAY (Oct. 19th) at 11.00 am.

A private burial will be held.

KELL FUNERALS ST ARNAUD NFDA

BIRCHIP

Sunday October 22nd 10.30am

EST: 1860

5495 1043

CHURCH NOTICES ST. ARNAUD UNITING CHURCH Sunday 22nd October ST. ARNAUD 9.30am G. Pearse STUART MILL 11.00am G. Pearse PARISH OFFICE Chris & Rob Batters Pastorial Co-ordinators Enquiries 5495 6223

Sunday October 22nd 10.30pm Live Stream out to churches without Mass DONALD

Sunday October 22nd 10.30am - Live Stream in ST. ARNAUD

Sunday October 22nd 8.30am - Mass WYCHEPROOF

Saturday October 21st 7.00pm - Mass Parish Coordinator: Noeline Hogan 0476 617 976

ST. ARNAUD CHURCH OF CHRIST Cnr. Queens Ave & Alma St. Learning more about Jesus Thu 19th October 10.30 a.m.: Faith Group Sun 22nd October 10.00 a.m. Prayer Time 10.30 a.m.: Worship & Communion Speaker: Norma Hunt All welcome Enquiries: Brian Eccles Ph: 5495 2267

CHURCH NOTICES ANGLICAN PARISH OF ST. ARNAUD Christ Church Old Cathedral Friday 20th October 9am Morning Prayer St. Arnaud 9.30am Every Sunday Eucharist Bealiba 8am 2nd/4th Sunday All Welcome Locum Priest Archdeacon Peter Blundell Enquiries phone: Phone: 0427 694 720

Page 18 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 18th 2023.

Above: Grampians Community Health introduce an expanded executive management team (left to right) Michael McAlister, Kate Astbury, Greg Little, Faith Hardman.

New executive management team for GCH GRAMPIANS Community Health (GCH) has unveiled an expanded executive management team as it continues to grow its service offering across the region.

The previous threemember executive team has been replaced by a four-member team and CEO Greg Little says the changes have been prompted by the organisation’s growth.

The previous structure was established in 2018 when GCH had less than 150 staff and a turnover of under $20 million. It is now a $35 million organisation with more than 200 staff plus 60 volunteers.

“We needed the structure change to support the growth,” Mr Little said. “Our service offerings have expanded and we’ve grown our footprint outside of our main Ararat, Stawell and

Horsham bases to provide services across the Wimmera and southern Mallee and into Maryborough, Hamilton Warracknabeal, St Arnaud and with Nhill on our agenda.”

“The structure has been set up for where we envision we will be in five years.”

GCH is also basing an executive team member in each of its main sites in Ararat, Stawell and Horsham.

The decision to base a general manager at each main site reflects the growth of each office.

“With one of the executive managers based at each of the site it better supports staff

and provides information directly into the executive decisionmaking process,” Mr Little said.

Previous General Manager for Business, Support and Innovation, Kate Astbury, has taken over the Aged and Disability portfolio.

Previous Manager of Corporate Services, Michael McAlister, is the new General Manager of Systems and Engagement, including health promotion and marketing and communications.

Faith Hardman has joined GCH as General Manager of Community Services overseeing mental health, alcohol and other drugs, family violence and counselling.

Mr Little said creation of an aged care and disability portfolio

reflected GCH’s greater focus on these services.

“Disability services through the NDIS have become an important part of our business and we need to ensure we deliver the services that people need, and aged care is growing with the move to person-centred delivery through aged care packages and the Commonwealth home care service in Horsham,” he said.

The Community Services role focuses on a wide range of community support programs which have many connections.

As the organisation has grown, corporate compliance, quality assurance and accreditation requirements have also grown promoting the need for Mr McAlister’s role.

“This new position is very much about our corporate services but also how we engage with our communities, including stakeholder connections, intake and front counter services,” Mr Little said.

Grampians Community Health will hold its 38th Annual General Meeting at North Park Stawell on the 30 from 4pm.

To advertise contact the

North Central News 18 Napier Street, St. Arnaud.

3478.

Phone: (03) 5495 1055

Wings without Barriers with Hayden McDonald DURING the school holidays, the Rex Theatre at Charlton hosted an inspiring community event with Hayden McDonald, Winner of ABC Trailblazers, a young person who is autistic and a pilot.

The event was part of Hayden's mission to fly solo around regional Australia to promote awareness of Autism and he flew into Charlton just hours earlier for the event.

“Wings Without Barriers” combines his passions for aviation and promoting real inclusion for people on the spectrum. Hayden wants to inspire young people and show them that no matter what challenges you face in life, you can break down those barriers.

Wendy Pollard from

the Wycheproof P12 school was instrumental in securing the event and she proudly introduced Hayden to the audience.

The audience were treated to a viewing of one of Hayden’s videos called “Why is it so IMPORTANT to have AUSTISTIC People to have a VOICE?” Hayden followed with a speaking presentation which had it all - it was powerful and inspiring and the audience could feel the passion in his words as he shared what it’s like

to be autistic, not promoting awareness, but rather acceptance of autism – seeing people for their ability not their disability.

Hayden was thrilled to have a major sponsor, Andrew Eddy from Genious Armoury, in the crowd who had travelled from Melbourne for the event and Hayden invited him on stage for a presentation in appreciation. To conclude the event, Hayden answered many questions from the enthralled crowd before intermission allowing the gathering to meet Hayden.

To complement Hayden’s stor y a screening of Temple Grandin followed, a

true story with a powerful autistic message.

Hayden’s website ‘Wings Without Barriers’, provides more information on both his challenges and successes, as well as links to the numerous videos he has produced.

Hayden’s next stop on his journey was Tocumwal and if you would like to follow his journey, a map is provided on his site as well as links for sponsoring his mission.

The event was proudly presented by Wycheproof P12, the Buloke Engage! program, North Central LLEN, the Charlton Youth Group and the Rex Theatre.

Above: (left to right) Hayden McKinnon in front of the historic Rex Theatre in Charlton with Andrew Eddy sponsor from Genious Armoury.

SLUDGEBUSTERS

David Barrance

Septic Tank & Grease Trap Cleaning

Dtp. Hart., Burnley

Now servicing the North Central Area

Open Wednesday to Sunday

Ask about our GROUP BOOKING discounts

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

Mobile:

Ph: 0413 782 303

0417 598 614

dave.i4gardens@gmail.com

Call for a free Quote

0409 517 064

Mobility Aids To Move You

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

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

Fully Insured & Qualified www.pyreneestrees.com.au

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

For Sale • Mulch • Sleepers • Posts

ST. ARNAUD BLINDS We are NOW based in your area FOR ALL TYPES OF INDOOR AND OUTDOOR BLINDS, SECURITY DOORS AND FLYSCREENS, ALUMINUM ROLLER SHUTTERS AND PLANTATION SHUTTERS Free measure and quote at your request.

TRUE BLUE FLOORS Ric Lang Owner operator

0417 110 922

PLEASE DO NOT HESITATE TO CONTACT US FOR MORE INFORMATION

FLOOR SANDING AND POLISHING NEW AND OLD FLOORS RECOATING OF FLOORS

Ph. Trevor - 0421 194 711

truebluefloorsanding@gmail.com

Trading as:

Wimmera Blinds & Awnings

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

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

For all your Trophy and Engraving needs!

Phone: 0428 951 441 18 Napier Street, St. Arnaud.

NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 18th 2023 - Page 19

Charlton Open Gardens shows what can be done with little or lots NORTH Central Garden Club Open Gardens held their Open Garden Day on Sunday 15th October with many beautiful gardens on display, gardens that not only offer tranquillity but a place to spend time in and for the enjoyment of the owners.

The North Central Garden Club thanks the Uniting Church for the use of their facilities and to the Garden Club members for their assistance and to all the owners of the gardens for their generosity in opening their gardens.

Leo and Kate’s garden in Rutherford Street was bare and bindii-infested until they cleared, fenced and planted and eventually created this cottage garden with lots of places to sit and enjoy.

St Andrews village gardens have been a

joy to behold and for those that enjoy their plots and their gardens. Bev finds the small space ver y rewarding with lots of colour.

Julie has created an outdoor area filled with pots and a couple of small gardens beds so that she can still potter even though she has come from a large garden.

Moria has also come from a large garden and feels very fortunate to have a lovely lawn area with established trees and the accompanying birds, along with curving gar-

dens beds and a lovely outdoor area.

In L earmonth Street, Bernie and Wendy Laffin have a low maintenance garden which suits their lifestyle with large trees.

Michelle and Wes established their countr y style garden, Clifton Hill, on 30 acres overlooking Mt Dooboobetic.

Featuring a combination of roses and cottage flowers in the front and a mix of Mediterranean out the back giving you the peace and tranquillity of country living.

Above: Michelle and Wes’s garden overlooking Mount Dooboobetic on the edge of the Charlton township.

Above: Bernie and Wendy Laffin Learmonth Street, Charlton.

Below: Bev’s garden in St. Andrews Village.

Above: Julie’s garden in St. Andrews Village.

Below: Moria’s garden in St. Andrews Village - Photos by Marg Batters.

Above: Leo and Kate’s garden in Rutherford Street, Charlton.

Page 20 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 18th 2023.

A busy time at Charlton Croquet start of season THE Australian Croquet Association President’s Eights is an annual - Contributed competition.

The event for 2023 consisted of three open Eights of 8 players in each event.

All Eights were a double round robin of singles games played at Cairnlea (Victorian Croquet Association’s headquarters) from 69 October.

This year Lindsay Patullo was eligible for the Third Eight.

Unfortunately 2 players withdrew so Lindsay competed against players from Tr a r a l g o n , Q u a r r y Hill, Southport (Qld), Stephens (Qld) and Cooks River (NSW).

Lindsay won 6 games out of 10 to finish Runner up.

He lost 3 games by only 1 hoop, including the games against the winner.

Congratulations Lindsay.

Opening On Thurs. 7th Sept.

Lindsay Pa t u l l o (President) officially o p e n e d C h a r l t o n’ s 2023/24 season.

Golf Croquet was then played.

Unfortunately due to other commitments the number of players was less than usual.

Golf Croquet Pennant has begun.

U n f o r t u n a t e l y, Boort Croquet Club has withdrawn from Association Croquet Pennant so a Social Inter Club competition will be played between Swan Hill and the two Charlton teams.

Charlton Hockey Club “Granny’s in the Granny” spent their post grand final win at the Croquet Club on Sunday 17th learning the rules thanks to

Anne, Naomi and Lindsay followed by a golf croquet elimination competition with Xanthe and Trista being crowned the winners.

The players and supporters in attendance had a fun filled day, a huge thanks to the Croquet club for this opportunity.

On 7th October some of the young people on the “Sound Tr a c k s ” w e e ke n d enjoyed a game of Golf Croquet while having a break from the music at the Bowling Club.

Right: Hockey Celebration: (left to right) Brooke Thompson, Tessa Fitzpatrick, Xanthe Fitzpatrick, Trista Wright, Kelly Wright and Jess White.

St. Arnaud Indoor Bowls - Contributed

N

A F

Tuesday 3rd October

Qld 4217 1 800 652 284

E

Above: Pres. Eights: Lindsay Patullo C

Right: Opening Day (left to right): Lindsay Patullo, Margaret Bowen, Ena Green, Sue Nicholls, Joy Freeman, Judy Stephen and Dot McKee.

C

Ted Whillier Matt Trickey

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St. Arnaud Country Club bowls ROUND one of the pennant season commenced on Saturday 14th October, with the Country Club facing Wycheproof finalists in both divisions last year.

- Contributed Division one was a great game, played at times in tricky conditions, with Wycheproof being the victors by a small margin of two shots overall.

Mark Esmore defeated Aron Mead 28-15 Simon Elliott lost to Dale Groves 26-27

Bill Rodger lost to Jonno Grylls 19-33 73 shots 75 2 points to 10

Division two Division two having a replay of last year’s Grand final, had to lower their colours to a ver y good team Wycheproof.

The game was very close all day with Wycheproof winning by six shots.

Phil Elliott defeated Rob Grylls 31-23 Graham Shaw drew with Brett McDonald 19-19 Hugh Craddock lost to Jason McKay 15-29 65 shots to 71 3 points to 9 The club extends a very warm welcome to four new bowlers today

for the start of pennant.

Norm Bales, Graham Shaw, Leigh Watkins, and the return of Hughie Craddock.

Great to see.

This week it was Lyle Streeter (S), Maria Hills and Aline Deanshaw that were outright winners with 43 points, winning all three games.

Playing six ends today, their first game they won 7 to 3 with four ends.

Second game was 9 to 1 with five ends and the third game was 10 to 5 with four ends.

Tuesday 10th October Due to a delayed start and being low in numbers it was decided that we would not do competition bowls for this week.

Instead we turned the afternoon into a fun bowling day.

We still played three games of six ends each, but with a difference.

For each game, bowlers played in a different team and also in different positions.

This gave bowlers an opportunity to try their skills in a different team position.

Those that attended all had an enjoyable fun afternoon doing something out of the ordinary.

SUDOKU SOLUTION

Solution No. 10110

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

C A S I L E N C E S R E M O R A E V E R E Y P L P A T E N T P R E C L U D E D A T T U R R E T R E N T A L B E A T E N S I E V E B F D S P E S E C T S P E P P E R P R A Y E R C R E A S E A R D I S T O R T E D S P I N A L O I I M N O T E R E N N E T S U G G E S T S G S

NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 18th 2023 - Page 21

St. Arnaud Top-of-the Ladder first win THE St. Arnaud Bowlers have started the 202324 North Central Division One pennant season with a big win over Charlton, at Charlton last Saturday.

- Contributed

Above: Steve Zsigmond all set to deliver another of his good bowls watched by opposing skipper Kevin Willey.

The win takes St. Arnaud to top position on the ladder, as they were the only team to win all three rinks.

The St. Arnaud bowlers started slowly, taking some time to adjust to the gusty wind and the grass green, and were trailing Charlton 11 shots to 19 after the first 5 ends.

The next 5 ends saw a dramatic change, with Phil McRae, Col

Marchment, Darren Petrie and Graham Simpson outscoring Charlton’s K. North by 10 shots to one, and Steve Zsigmond, Glendon Hancock, Greg McNally and Tom Amos outscoring K. Willey by 9 shots to one.

Ziggy’s four finished very strongly, going from 15 all after 17 ends to a 31 shots to 16 win.

Af ter 15 ends

played, St. Arnaud led by 14 shots overall, 49 – 35 and they continued to widen this margin until the end.

The only St. Arnaud four to be really challenged was Terry McSwain, Maurie Wood, Darren Shepherd and Kel Bibby against Charlton’s Lyn Southwell, whose four led for 22 of the 25 ends, only to drop 4 shots on the last end, to give St. Arnaud a clean sweep.

Match details St. Arnaud v Charlton Round 1.

Show jumping at St. Arnaud Show SHOW Jumping results for Saturday 7th - Contributed October.

60cm 1. Ava Kennedy - Farlight Acres Aladdin 2. Karri Krasna - MCT Mallee Rose 3. Lockie Bailey - Colo 4. Grace Sim - Jingella Butterfly Junior Prize Mietta Lumsden - Double TT Debonar 70cm 1. Karri Krasna - MCT Mallee Rose 2. Ava Kennedy - My Silver Fox 3. Rachael Kane - Minnamurra Park Apona 4. Tony Blanchard - Pie Man 90cm 1. Matisse Fergeus - Danny Long Legs 2. Melissa Robertson - Sinatra 3. Tony Blanchard - Jango 4. Rachael Gane - Minnamurra Park Apona 1m 1. Tim Haworth - Jingella Blue Print 2. Tim Clarke - Cantango 3. Cindy Morrison - CP Richard 4. Nellie Rogers - Valliant Star 110 cm 1. Nellie Rogers - Valiant Star 2. Rachael Gane - Minnamurra Park Catatol 3. Tim Clarke - Cantanog 4. Stuart Abrahams - Fanqueer 1.25m 1. Tim Clarke - Cantango 2. Rachael Gane - Minnamurra Park Calatol 3. Katie Hope - Finch farm Gun 4. Zara Smith - Catena

Above: Cop that!!! St. Arnaud skipper Phil McRae has a drive .

P. McRae 34 def K. North 14 S. Zsigmond 31 def K. Willey 16 T. McSwain 23 def L. Southwell 21 St. Arnaud 88 shots defeated Charlton 51 shots - 12 points to 0.

Other Division 1 results Wycheproof 75 shots def Country Club 73 shots – 10 pts to 2 pts Donald 70 shots def Donald Golf 66 shots – 10 pts to 2 pts Wedderburn 83 shots def Boort 55 shots – 10 pts to 2 pts.

Ladder pts 1. St. Arnaud 12 2. Wedderburn 10 3. Donald 10 4. Wycheproof 10 5. Country Club 2 6. Donald Golf 2 7. Boort 2 8. Charlton 0 Division Two Charlton defeat St. Arnaud Charlton won 2 of the 3 rinks by considerable margins, more than could be overcome by a big 17 shot win by St. Arnaud’s Lloyd Goddard, Gary

Shinners, Frank James and Anne McNally, over D. Gretgrix.

Match details St. Arnaud v Charlton L. Goddard 33 def D. Gretgrix 16 B. Eccles 17 lost to M Preston 29 W. Rourke 16 lost to E. Rosewall 32 Charlton 77 shots defeated St.Arnaud 66 shots – 10 points to 2 points.

Other Division 2 results Wycheproof 71 shots def Country Club 65 shots – 9 pts to 3 pts Donald Golf 95 shots def Donald 59 shots – 12 pts to 0 pts Wedderburn 106 shots def Boort 53 shots – 12 pts to 0 pts, Ladder pts 1. Wedderburn 12 2. Donald Golf 12 3. Charlton 10 4. Wycheproof 9 5. Country Club 3 6 St. Arnaud 2 7. Donald 0 8. Boort 0 Next Week’s games round 2 Division 1 and 2 St. Arnaud v Wedderburn.

Below: Darren Petrie has eyes focused on the kitty at Charlton last Saturday.

Above: Rachael Gane, on Minnamurra Park Calatol, winner of the David Harvey Memorial perpetual trophy.

Below right: Maurice Clark winner of Marie Hendy Memorial 1.20m.

Below left: Kristy Haworth attempting to clear a jump during competition

Page 22 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 18th 2023.

Above: Midweek bowls last Tuesday Charlton’s first time bowler Wendy Laffin delivers a bowl.

St. Arnaud Country Club Midweek bowls results ST. ARNAUD Country Club Midweek pennant team travelled to - Contributed Charlton last Tuesday.

Everyone was looking forward to playing the first game of the 2023-24 season on a beautiful Spring day.

Charlton’s green was a real credit to the ground keeper and his team.

There were plenty of comments of how well it ran.

Heather Esmore’s team of Trish Goode, Greg Fullarton and Dianne Fullarton were defeated by Kevin Willey’s team of John Headon, Eily Rosewall and Gary Bateson.

It was a very close game On the 13th end scores were 10-11 in Charlton’s favour.

Final scores were St. Arnaud Country Club 19 to Charlton 24.

Colleen Bond’s team of Rhonda Pole, Lynne Moulday and Yvonne Templar were defeated by Lyn

Southwell’s team of Richard Porter, Doug Gretgrix and first time bowler Wendy Laffin.

Scores on the 13th end were 20 to 15 in St. Arnaud Country Club’s favour.

Charlton scored on the last 5 ends to win 28 to 35.

Amanda Marland’s team of Leon Lynch, Fa y e R o d g e r a n d Leigh Abbott were defeated by Wayne

Above: At Social bowls last Saturday Colleen Bond (left) and Rhonda Pole determine who has the closest bowl to kitty.

K e e n a n’ s t e a m o f Michael Presten, Dale McCallum and Susan Nelson.

Scores on the 18th end were 13 to 25.

St. Arnaud “had a lot of catching up

to do”.

St. Arnaud C.C won the last five ends to close the gap.

Final score 24- 26.

Charlton 85 – 12 defeated St. Arnaud Country Club 71 – 0.

Social Bowls It is proposed to have social bowls each Saturday - names in at one for 1.30 start.

All most welcome.

1000 wins for Ellen • Cont. page 24 Today Charlton race again with a large contingent of locals going around including seven from the Gadsden camp.

The first of today’s 9 races is at 12.39 and the

last at 5.28.

The heats of the Victorian Trotters Derby are on Sunday at Maryborough and the St. Arnaud Pacing and Trotting Cups are scheduled for Sunday the 5th of November.

Left: The Charlton training centre pacers had the field covered in a four way finish to race 6 at Charlton with the winner “Abbey Fields”(8) nearest the pegs, outside her is the Major Miracle syndicate’s “Bruised Ego”(2) who was second.

Next is the fourth placegetter “Bizzness Class” (10) and on the outside the free legger “Markleigh Caz”(9). The margins were, a short half head, a half head and a half head.

Midweek Pennant Bowls at home against Wedderburn MIDWEEK Pennant Bowls commenced last week with St. Arnaud hosting Wedderburn at home.

Tom Amos’s team of Sandra McIntyre, Marg McRae and Andrea Tyler played Andrew Caserta’s team of Ian Hall, Sandra Standfield and Neville White.

St. Arnaud managed to hold on to a 1 shot lead at the lunch break.

Resuming af ter lunch, Wedderburn managed to score 14 shots in 3 ends to turn the game around.

The home team steadied to pick up 6 shots on the last 2 ends to go down 22 to 30.

Phil McRae, Lloyd Goddard, Sheila Sorraghan and

Heather Stevenson played Laurie Witham, Amy Roberts, Joan Murnane and Robina Little.

Phil’s team managed to take the early lead to be well ahead at the lunch break.

We d d e r b u r n improved after the break and closed the gap slightly.

St. Arnaud won 34 –20 Col Marchment’s team of Wayne Rourke, Di Ostarcevic and Ann McNally played Alan Jackson’s team of Ruth Hall, Sandra Steel and Helen Stephenson in the closest game of the day.

Col’s team managed to stay ahead with a handy lead at lunch time.

We d d e r b u r n improved after lunch and managed to get within 2 shots on the final end.

St. Arnaud 21 d Wedderburn 19 Final Scores St. Arnaud 77 shots 10 points d Wedderburn 69 shots 2 points.

Right: St. Arnaud's Heather Stevenson watches her bowl closely and is very pleased to see it pick up the kitty and stay with it for a great shot.

Right: Lloyd Goddard is concentrating hard as he prepares to bowl.

NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 18th 2023 - Page 23

Page 24 - NORTH CENTRAL NEWS, WEDNESDAY OCTOBER 18th 2023.

SPORT

HOME DELIVERY 5495 1055

1000 wins for Ellen CENTRAL Victorian reinswoman Ellen Tormey drove her 1000th winner when the Mitchell Park trained “Paris Abbie” was successful at Melton’s meeting last Wednesday.

Ellen joined an elite group of females, Kerryn Manning, Kate Gath and Jodi Quinlan who

Left: Having driven her 1000th winner Ellen Tormey started on the next 1000 by winning aboard the Zac Steenhuis trained “Ourbeachbabe” at Melton on Wednesday.

Photo. Stuart McCormick

have previously achieved that milestone.

Ellen commenced driving in the 06/07 season and the horses she has driven have earned $6,966,591 in prizemoney and with this year’s win tally of 111 wins she is well on the way to eclipsing her 2022 total of 133.

As the leading Victorian female driver this season Ellen has been selected,

along with Lexton driver James Herbertson, to represent the state in the Australian Drivers Championship being held in Launceston, TAS on October 21.

Charlton trainer Joe Thompson was rewarded for his patience when the 3yo filly “Joe Got Rolled” won at her home track last week.

The daughter of USA sire “Roll With Joe”, who is raced by Kevin Thompson, L eon Fanning and Andrea O’Gorman, has now started 19 times for 2 wins and 8 placings.

The following Charlton race was a great result with locals training the

Inside running

by Archie

first four placegetters.

Bragging rights for the day belong to the Tr a i n i n g C e n t e r ’ s newest trainer Emily Wo m b w e l l w h o s e pacer “Abbey Fields” scored by a short half head from the John To r m e y trained “Bruised Ego” with a half head to Michael G a d s d e n’ s mare “Markleigh Caz” and another half head to Michael’s other starter “Bizzness Class”.

• Cont. on page 23.

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