FINALE
JOHNNY Xenitellis’ famous home made nuggets and wedges can bring people from all across the country.
And it’s those fantastically fried foods that St Arnaud will miss the most when he switches off the fryers for the final time this Saturday.
But for Johnny, he will miss the customers the most.
“You do this job for more than
By ALEX GRETGRIX
40 years and you meet so many different people,” he said.
“I’ve always wanted to look after my customers and the people of St Arnaud have looked after me too.
“But it’s my time.”
And his daughter, Maria, said this sentiment couldn’t be more true and was shared by all.
“Dad always goes above and beyond for everyone he meets, especially his customers,” she said. “Ever since word got around that he was finishing up, people who maybe hadn’t been in for a little while were coming in just to see him. To order food and thank him. It’s really special.”
Mr Xenitellis started JPX Take Away in 1984 after spending time running fish and chip shops in Melbourne and Nagambie.
But it was a friend who coaxed him into the St Arnaud direction.
“He told me they needed a good fish and chip shop in town, so I moved,” he said.
“I worked hard to make a good business, we made mistakes along the way, but we learned that if you look after the people, they look after you.
“You make a lot of good friends, they say they will miss me and I will miss them too.”
Mr Xentellis said he always wanted to go the extra mile for his customers, which is where his famous home made food came in.
“You need to give your customers the best quality food you can,” he said. “There’s only so far frozen food can go, so I started making the nuggets and wedges from scratch.
CONTINUED PAGE 3
Johnny Xenitellis will serve up his last lot of fish and chips - and his famous home made nuggets and wedges - on Saturday.
NCN HERALD
Bringing more beauty to town
AFTER moving to town to be close to family earlier in the year,
Jena White knew she would be bringing her beauty business to St Arnaud.
Between the gap in the market and needing somewhere to get treatments herself, she knew it was the right move.
“I’d also been off the tools for a long time, I missed it,” Mrs White said.
“I loved the people and the community, it was just something I knew I had to do.”
That dream to bring beauty to town came true when she opened Bodii Kollective in Napier Street last week.
By ALEX GRETGRIX
Mrs White said the store would specialise in pain-free, non-invasive body sculpting treatments with instant results, advanced skin treatments for anti-ageing and acne, and beauty services such as brows, lashes, and nails to complete your self-care journey.
“Every treatment is designed to help you love the skin you’re in, boost your body confidence, and embrace self-love,” she said.
Mrs White said the main challenge she has faced is changing the idea around body sculpting and letting everyone know it’s a
great option for a lot of people in different situations.
“There’s such a misconception,” she said. “We know diet and exercise goes a long way, but some people stuggle with their weight and skin post-partum or after surgery.
“It’s not a taboo subject.”
Mrs White hopes to bring her educational sessions and master classes about body sculpting to town in order to help change the thoughts around the treatment.
“I love being able to explain and educate, I want to bring that knowledge to St Arnaud,” she said. “I look forward to it.”
IN BRIEF
Watch for parcels thieves AS PARCEL volumes surge ahead of Christmas, Australia Post is urging Australians to be on high alert as this time of year tends to see a spike in porch pirate activity.
Opportunistic thieves are taking advantage of online shoppers who are eagerly awaiting arrival of their parcels.
While theft after delivery is a matter for police, Australia Post’s top parcel theft prevention tips include:
Use a free 24/7 Parcel Locker
Download the AusPost app
Post Office collection Request to have a parcel left in a safe place
Climber to take on mount
IT’S NOT every day a dedicated paramedic mountaineer, boasting a résumé just shy of completing the Seven Summits, sets her sights on the mighty Mount Wycheproof, the world’s smallest registered mountain.
Yet on Sunday, Alison Bowen will do exactly that
Hosted by The Friends of Mount Wycheproof (FoMW), Ms Bowen will visit the Mount Wycheproof Recreation Reserve at 10am and assist with unveiling a commemorative mural board, together with GWM Water representatives, celebrate the spirit of mountain communities globally, and add Mount Wycheproof to her impressive global climbing story.
SCAN ME
Jena White is excited to open her second beauty salon right here in St Arnaud. NCN PHOTO
Tax hike ‘delay’ adds fuel to fight by firies, farmers
A 12-month delay in the State Government hitting farmers with a 150 per cent hike in the controversial emergency services tax had failed to quell rural anger.
CFA volunteers and the Victorian Farmers’ Federation have vowed to continue their fight until the tax introduced on July 1 is abolished.
The Government used a Friday update on its Budget in Melbourne to extend the hit on farmers until 2027 - after next November’s election. Homes and businesses are already paying a higher tax.
“This is a money grab for the State Government to fill the black hole they’ve caused and delaying it by however long isn’t going to change anything,” said local CFA volunteer Barry Batters who has been on the frontline of rallies against the tax the Government is forcing local municipal councils to collect for the State Revenue Office.
“This tax is supposed to support emergency services; our firies, our life savers, to improve their services. But it’s clearly not going to the right place. This will effect everyone.”
“And despite the extension, far too many volunteers and landholders are still being left behind.
“There’s another concern that we cannot ignore - if the Allan Government is re-elected, they may claim a mandate to continue or even expand the ESVF tax, given that the levy is now delayed until voters go to the polls.
“Our message is simple – fairness shouldn’t be temporary, selective or politically timed.
“The CFA Volunteer’s Group has pushed relentlessly for real, lasting reform, and this extension only happened because volunteers, farmers and rural communities stood together and demanded better.
JPX Take Away thanks town for all the support
FROM PAGE 1
“I seem to have done something right because it’s what the people love.”
And while he won’t be the face behind the Napier Street counter anymore, Mr Xenitellis has been working with the new owners to ensure his legacy lives on.
“They are a wonderful family from Bendigo who have decided to take over,” Maria said.
“Dad has been teaching them a thing or two over the last few weeks and we’re confident they will do a good job in the shop.”
Mr Xenitellis said he won’t be too far away when people miss him.
“I won’t be able to help myself,” he said.
He estimated each farmer would “save” an average $10,000 by not being hit with the 150 per cent increase next year.
“Let’s hope this is a sign that the Government sees value in the voices of regional Victoria,” Mr Hosking said.
Brigades from across the St Arnaud, Charlton and broader North Central region have taken their protests to Bendigo, Ballarat and Parliament House in Melbourne where the Coalition made an election commitment to axe the
Victorian Farmers’ Federation president Brett Hosking, to who witnessed local anger first-hand at a St Arnaud branch meeting in July, said the VFF had been “relentlessly taking to the State Government” to have the tax dropped.
tax. CFA Volunteers’ Group secretary Leigh Harry said on Friday: “The State Government’s decision to extend the ESVF tax exemption and rate increase for another 12 months is a win we’ve fought for on behalf of CFA volunteers, farmers and rural communities.
“But let’s be clear: this last minute announcement, timed before an election and conveniently pushing the tax beyond it, raises concerns,” Mr Harry said. “Many Victorians see this as tactical timing, designed to quiet unrest rather than fix the underlying problems.
Town’s vintage tyre sign stolen
After 11 Incredible Years…
A PIECE of Charlton history has been taken in an early morning heist over the weekend.
Charlton Tyre & Battery was targetted in the early hours of Saturday morning, with thieves caught on camera taking a vaulable - and arguably heavypiece that all who travel through town would know well.
Owner Ian Donaldson said the Olympic Tyre sign had been standing tall on the High Street site since the shop was built in 1956.
“It’s quite a unique piece,” he said.
“We caught people on camera at about 4.45am on Saturday morning and it looks like they were gone by 5am.
“It looks like they’ve used something like an angle grinder to cut it off at the base, but left some of the pole there.”
Mr Donaldson said he had been receiving calls from people across the state saying they had been offered the vintage piece.
“It’s great that people have rang and said someone had tried to sell it to them, but we still don’t know where it is,” he said. “We’ve got police working hard on helping us find it, we just want to have it back.”
Anyone with information is urged to contact Charlton police or Crimestoppers.
Brett has decided it’s time to park the truck. After more than a decade of service, it’s now time to focus on family and the next chapter.
We want to extend our deepest thanks to all of you for the support, trust, and friendships we’ve built over the years. It’s been an incredible ride, and we couldn’t have done it without you. Saint Freight will officially cease operations on 24th December 2025
We kindly ask that any outstanding accounts be settled by 30th December 2025. Thank you again for everything
An Even Better New Year
– Brett & Rebbecca Torney
“We will keep fighting until every CFA volunteer and rural property owner gets the recognition and support they deserve –without political games.”
The Government’s announcement included increasing the volunteer rebate cap for farmland from $5 million of $10 million of CIV and a delay to the change for investment properties by 12 months.
Questions on whether the Government would start new talks with local government, VFF and other rural stakeholders and details of the rebate increase were not answered after inquiries to the Government. All 79 Victorian councils have opposed the tax.
“I will still be in town and want to come and visit [the shop].
“But being over the other side of the counter might take a bit of getting used to.”
Mr Xenitellis said while he is sad to go, it’s time to take some time for himself.
“I will have a few days to bring my garden back to what it used to be,” he said.
“I also want to visit my friends too.”
The Xenitellis family wanted to thank St Arnaud and surrounds for all their support in business.
Nash Kinder, Velvet and Craig Walsh at a rally in Bendigo in September.
The sign was stolen in the early hours of Saturday morning.
HAD YOUR DAMAGED?
UPLOAD YOUR EVIDENCE NOW HAD YOUR BURGLED?
REGISTER YOUR AND STAY SAFE HAD YOUR GO MISSING? HAD YOUR STOLEN? KEEP YOUR WHILE AWAY
Sensational spirit at shopping night
COMMUNITY spirit and festivities filled the air across St Arnaud on Thursday night as residents shopped their hearts out.
Local traders kept their doors open a little longer to allow shoppers to make a start or continue their Christmas shopping on an annual shopping night.
There were times the streets were filled with patrons, all chatting about the bargains they had taken advantage of, but there were times it was all quiet.
Quiet in a good way as people slipped into each shop on the roster, spending their cash locally.
With an array of different
stores with different offerings, there were plenty of options to become the perfect gift for a loved one.
Whether it’s a new dress or candle, a custom jewellery piece, gift card for a beauty treatment or must-have electronic at bargain price, you couldn’t go wrong. And to add to the festivities, there were activities and nibbles at different stores.
Betta Electrical owners Chris and Nicole Amos showed customers all the cool features of a few Ninja products by serving up kebab meat, slushies, soft serve and home made sausage rolls.
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CHRISTMAS DAY LUNCH
Marlena Argent serving customers at Trendz on Napier.
Hen Picked Crafts owner Lisa Radomski was keen to see customers throughout the night. NCN PHOTOS
Kathy Adams and Amber Bass at Lyal Eales. Karen Russ with the beautiful pieces at Russ Jewellers.
Bray family looks back 150 years
THE Bray name is well known across St Arnaud and has been for a long time.
More than 150 years to be exact.
Jean and Dick Bray made it their mission to keep the family name in business - literally - for almost 50 years.
And last week they came back to the store they had run, that is now Trendz on Napier, to celebrate the building’s 150 year milestone.
“There’s a lot of memories here,” Mr Bray said.
“We feel we’re on sacred ground every time we come back in here.”
The couple made the move back to town to take the load off in one of the many businesses the Bray family ran back in the 60s.
But they wanted to be a bigger
By ALEX GRETGRIX
part of the family business.
“We thought we wanted a newsagents,” Mr Bray said.
“We didn’t even know the shop here was for sale, but we were the right age, in the right place at the right time.”
The couple took over Brays in 1968 and didn’t look back, keeping the legacy of Australia’s oldest drapery store, built by Mr Bray’s great grandfather William Bray in 1972, going until 2014.
“We had ups and downs,” Mr Bray said.
“In the first three months, we had a major robbery, they took a lot, nearly sent us under. But our warehouses helped out and the town helped.
“And then our children grew up here, basically in the back of the
shop. “I think the thing we miss most is the people. The people of St Arnaud were so good to us.”
But when the time came to hand on the batton to the next generation, there were no regrets.
“We knew it was time when Kerrie [Cadzow] offered to take over,” Mrs Bray said.
“We couldn’t be happier with what Kerrie has done here. She’s kept the legacy going in her own way.”
Ms Cadzow said she is proud to be in the store with so much history and family love.
“It’s an honour to celebrate with these wonderful people,” she said.
“I haven’t changed much, I’ve renovated a bit over time, but wanted to keep the history in tact. Just a bit of a freshen up.”
New group wants to bring spark back to community
SEE those sleigh bells ringing and jingling around Charlton?
All that tinsel and those lights?
You can thank the new community group that wants to bring the spark back that once was lost for that.
A group of locals that wanted to bring their childhood memories back to life came together back in June to discuss bringing the Christmas spirit and Santa back to town.
“We want to build connection, bring people together and create something the whole town can be proud of,” Community Spark
president Tanya Windsor said.
“Our focus is Christmas decorations and community pride, especially in the main street and public spaces. “We had 23 people involved
throughout the whole process, with 18 volunteers able to come out on decoration day. And without the generous donations from local businesses this wouldn’t be possible and we are so grateful.”
With a theme of ‘Aussie Christmas’, the group brought in Brian Townsend, who was able to continue his love for art and create 12 boards that are hidden around town for residents to find. Entries can be dropped at the Post Office before the winner is announced at Christmas Fest on Wednesday.
Future members can email communityspark@outlook.com.
Community health helps more than 5000 clients in record breaking year
GRAMPIANS Community Health
(GCH) helped more than 5000 people over the past year, setting a new record for local support.
GCH’s annual report released today shows 5,046 clients were supported by 230 staff and 36 volunteers, an increase of more than 1,000 on previous years.
Chief executive Greg Little said much of the growth came from aged care and NDIS services, along with the introduction of new programs, including the community paramedic program, chronic health support programs, Diabetes Connect and other health-focused programs.
“We’re meeting targets and, in some cases, exceeding them and dealing with wait lists,” Mr Little said.
During the year, staff covered 769,871km while 168 volunteers drove 41,636km to take people to medical appointments. Staff also answered 36,686 phone calls, provided 21,659 hours of family violence support, 10,450 hours of carer support and respite, 1,653 hours supporting healthy mothers, healthy babies, 3,914 hours of counselling, 1,306 hours chronic disease management and 1,957 hours diabetes support.
A total of 1028 people accessed in-home supports and GCH supported around 250 home care package clients. There were 535 counselling referrals and 497 carers were supported.
GCH’s commitment to supporting people with a disability was evident with 839 NDIS participants in the past year.
The need continues in the region to provide support for people with alcohol and other drug issues, with 417 people seeking support.
Outgoing Chair Patricia Flood said GCH celebrated significant milestones during 2024-25, including accreditation under the
QIC and National Mental Health Standards, while growing its regional impact with new programs dedicated to equitable community-based care.
“Throughout four decades of change, GCH has remained true to its purpose: standing beside people, responding to local needs, and supporting our communities,” she said.
Ms Flood said GCH would launch a new strategic plan in 2026 with the organisation well placed to meet future challenges.
After warning last year of tight financial times for community health services, GCH recorded its first deficit of $297,294 for almost 10 years despite revenue of more than $44 million. This follows a $60,665 surplus the previous financial year.
Mr Little said it was a tough environment for all community health services.
“Ongoing cost pressures and a lack of growth in community health funding cast a shadow over our work but our staff continue to give their all, as we advocate for more government support,” he said.
“We have made tough decisions and are budgeting for a breakeven result this financial year,” he added.
GCH remains in a strong position with total net assets of more than $6 million.
Mr Little said GCH remained a strong advocate for the community with a deep commitment to connection and care. “Our role as custodians of the community health program is not taken lightly,” he said.
GCH was once again on the ground across the region during and after the summer bushfires, reopening relief centres and supporting recovery.
Jean and Dick Bray celebrated the building their business used to be in turning 150 on Friday. NCN PHOTO
Brian Townsend created the festive boards for residents to find. NCN PHOTOS
Tanya Windsor and Aileen Allan.
Busts at music festival, raft of thefts and vehicle impound
A PROACTIVE road policing operation was conducted in and around the Carapooee and St Arnaud areas between November 14 and 17.
This was in conjunction with the running of the Wild Horses Music Festival.
As part of the operation, police from St Arnaud along with officers from Maryborough, Wedderburn, Avoca, Stawell, Ararat, Ballarat, Northern Grampians Highway Patrol and State Road Policing Command undertook multiple checks including speed, alcohol, illicit drug and roadworthy compliance during the period.
A small number of offences were detected throughout the operation.
Police remind drivers that sin-
gle acts of non-compliance like driving without a licence, travelling at excessive speed, drink driving, drug driving or a combination of these behaviours contribute to about a quarter of fatal collisions on Victorian roads.
Slaty Creek burglary
POLICE are appealing for information regarding a burglary that occurred at a property on Yawong Road, Slaty Creek.
Between November 13 and 18,
offender(s) stole an unregistered vehicle, unregistered trailer, unregistered motorbike and air compressor from different location on a rural property.
Theft of fuel
At approximately 1.45pm on November 18, a man driving a blue Subaru sedan with cancelled registration filled his vehicle with a substantial quantity of petrol at a Melbourne Road St Arnaud service station.
The male made no attempt to pay for his petrol before driving off.
Theft of farm vehicle and more
A FARMING property located off Swanwater North Road, Cope Cope was targetted by thieves be-
tween November 22 and 26.
A red Suzuki ATV quad bike, Honda post driver, toolset and an air compressor were reported stolen.
Police are asking if anyone with information in relation to this or other burglaries could assist with their investigations.
Vehicle impound
At around 8.05pm on December 1, St Arnaud police saw a vehicle travelling toward them on the Wimmera Highway at St Arnaud East with front end damage and no registration plates.
The vehicle was stopped and the 61-year-old male driver from Melton South was found to be allegedly driving with a suspended licence.
Further to this, police allege
the registration of his vehicle was expired.
The man was interviewed for allegedly driving whilst suspended, drive unsafe/unroadworthy vehicle and drive unregistered vehicle. His vehicle was impounded for 30-days at a cost of $2700 and he will be required to appear in court at a later date.
See this movie before Christmas closure
THE MAGIC crime thriller, “Now You See Me, Now You Don’t” provides plenty of action for the final movie screening of 2025 before the Rex Theatre Charlton winds down for a Christmas break.
In the third outing of the “Now You See Me” franchise, this current movie sees a return of the Four Horseman as they join forces with a new generation of illusionists, who together, aim to steal the world’s largest diamond from a South African mogul who heads an international crime syndicate.
Director Reuben Fleischer (“Zombieland” movies, “Venom” and “Uncharted”) develops this big budget production – set 10 years after the previous movie – as a contest between the established old hands and the newbies, with Rosamond Pike starring as the dazzling villain, Veronika Vanderberg –the South African diamond heiress. Each generation of the Horsemen bands together to take down Pike, who launders money for arms dealers through her South African diamond company.
Presenting a range of new, mind-blowing tricks, plenty of surprises and magic such has never been seen on screen before, “Now You See Me, Now You Don’t” reunites the ensemble cast headed by Jesse Eisenberg,( J. Daniel Atlas), Woody Harrelson,( Merritt McKinney), Dave Franco (Jack Wilder) and Isla Fisher (Henley Reeves) with Justice Smith, Dominic Sessa, and Ariana Greenblatt, and stalwarts, Pike and Morgan Freeman.
For those love a magician-led heist– this is definitely a movie for you!
“Now You See Me, Now You Don’t” (M 113 mins) screens Saturday from 8pm, Sunday from 2pm and Tuesday, December 16 from 8pm.
Rex Christmas closure
THE REX will be closed from December 17 with screenings resuming on January 17 at 8pm with the movie “Zootopia 2” (PG 108mins).
The kids animated movie will screen January 17 at 8pm, January 18 at 2pm and January 20 with a matinee at 2pm, plus the evening 8pm session.
And consider a Rex gift when looking for something for that hard-to-buy-for person. Vouchers and Memberships offer a lasting option, while something more immediate like the new Rex monogrammed Christmas tree baubles make for a distinctive festive add-on. For more items head to: https:// www.rextheatre.org.au/store/c2/Merchandise.html
Christmas greetings
THE REX would like to thank their many patrons for their support over the year, as well as acknowledge the massive contribution which our volunteers provide to ensure that we can run The Rex on a weekly basis for all to enjoy. They extend Christmas greetings to all for a safe and happy festive season, a New Year filled with promise and fulfillment, and look forward to welcoming you back in 2026.
Police at the Wild Horses Festival.
Gates slamming shut on VicGrid
LOCAL farmers along the proposed line from Wycheproof to Wallaloo have intensified their opposition to the proposed VNI West transmission-line project.
Scores of landowners, community members and supporters, have “locked the gates” in multiple standoffs across the Wimmera and Mallee.
Large groups blocked access to workers from VicGrid, the agency charged with planning the VNI West, at Marnoo farmer Ben Duxson’s property recently.
“Like we’ve been doing the past few weeks, we’re continuing our message of access denied,” Mr Duxson said.
“We’ll continue on that plight.
“We don’t think this is a project that’s proper fit for Australia and we’ll keep fighting that.”
Recent attempts by VicGrid to access farmland under newly granted compulsory-entry powers were rebuffed by several hundreds of protesters at properties who successfully prevented entry.
The proposed VNI West is 250 kilometres of 500 kw overhead powerlines running from Kerang to Bulgana north of Stawell.
Local farm groups in St Arnaud have a map of the properties in the line of the proposed VNI West that show 195 kilometres of land
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that have locked the gates and deny access to the project.
The projected costs for VNI West, from previous estimates of about AU$3.9 billion to as much as $11.4 billion.
The Wallaloo and Gre Gre District Alliance has called this “a blowout that undermines the needs of the overhead transmission and demands that it Vicgrid go back to the drawing board on its planning”.
“Our land, our livelihood. Farmers want to farm, not face VNI West,” they said.
“We stand with every farmer along the line.”
A POSITIVE week for the wool market with majority of merino MPG’s gaining ground and not any particular micron range more in favour than the other, other than the broader merino microns now exceeding their previous peak back in early October and the finer microns having some more work to do to reach the last peak.
By the close of the sale week 23 the EMI sat at 1521, up 17c for the week posting a gain of 6c on day 1 and adding another 11c Wednesday.
In US$ terms the EMI went back over the $20 mark up 23c to 1,001.
While merino fleece showed moderate rises overall, merino pieces generally increased over and above their fleece counterparts showing improved demand for those end products.
Buyers were willing to bid strongly for those lots carrying fleece like measurement but also shorter types showing little or no processing faults like jowl and non scourable colour.
The cooler seasonal conditions have slowed the onset of increased grass seed (vegetable matter) for many wool growing areas which has narrowed premiums and discounts for V.M for now.
Crossbred fleece MPG’s had a quiet week with minimal changes, all overseas buyers remain active with supply set increase as we enter the main supply period for crossbred wool.
The Merino Carding Indicator (MCI) also gained with all qualities improving throughout the week.
Season to date sale offerings are 4.9% lower when compared to the same time last season, while AWTA testing volumes are some 14% below during the same period indicating a further run down in grower held stocks.
This week’s sale (week 24) being the second last sale of 2025 is rostered at over 41,000 bales with all three centres operating yesterday and today.
Glendon Hancock Glendon.Hancock@elders.com.au
Mining company
gold mill owner
AUREKA Limited (ASX: AKA) (Aureka or the Company) has engaged gold mill owners and small-scale Victorian gold production specialists Core Prospecting Pty Ltd (Core) to advance the St Arnaud Comstock Project. Core Prospecting will complete an initial scope of works to assess the regulatory pathway, engineering, logistics and targeted drilling required to prepare Comstock for possible early mining commencement. Core will deliver its findings and recommendations in the first quarter of 2026. The scope includes an assessment of mill options, including suitability of the Core owned and operated Wedderburn Milling Facility.
Aureka declared the JORC Resource for St Arnaud Comstock earlier in 2025 and has been successfully drilling since.
Farmer Barry Batters speaking with a VicGrid worker at Marnoo last week.
Northern Grampians Shire Council
COMMUNITY UPDATES
SUMMER READING CHALLENGE
It's back! The Big Summer Read kicked off on December 1 and runs until January 31, 2026. The Big Summer Read is an annual reading challenge run by Public Libraries Victoria, designed to encourage young people up to 18 years to read and engage with their local public libraries over summer school holidays. The process is easy - sign up, borrow, read and go in the draw to win prizes. Visit St Arnaud or Stawell branches for more information or to sign up for the challenge. The Big Summer Read was popular among our community last year and we are keen to share our love of reading with even more people this summer.
WASTE COLLECTIONS OVER THE BREAK
There are minimal changes to general rubbish, recycling and FOGO collections over the Christmas and New Year period. There will be no collections on Christmas Day, Thursday, December 25, which will instead be on Friday, December 26. There are then no changes to collections on New Year’s Day, Thursday, January 1. Please scan the QR code above for more details.
WORKSHOP TO PROVIDE PRACTICAL TIPS FOR IMPORTANT CONVERSATIONS
St Arnaud and district residents who would like to increase their knowledge and skills to help support people in their community doing it tough can attend a Talk the Talk workshop on Monday, December 15. The workshop, hosted by Rural Financial Counselling Service in partnership with Grampians Community Health and Northern Grampians Shire Council, will be in the St Arnaud Town Hall community meeting room from 10.30am to 12.30pm.
Who should attend? Anyone with an investment in their rural community - whether you are an agronomist, vet, contractor, financial service provider, field officer, health professional or work in the supply chain.
What you will learn: Awareness; observation; strategies and tools; responding to crisis; grief and loss cycle; protective factors. The workshop is free of charge and includes lunch. For more information or to RSVP by this Friday, you can scan the QR code above or visit https://events.humanitix.com/talk-the-talk-st-arnaud. You can also call Rachel Whittaker at council on (03) 5358 8700. The workshop is part of a broader campaign to support the mental health and wellbeing of farmers in the municipality.
Job opportunity: Love the outdoors? We are on the lookout for a motivated, hands-on Maintenance Employee/Plant Operator to join our St Arnaud team and help shape the spaces and places that locals love and visitors remember. This is a permanent, fulltime position. For more information and to apply by Sunday, December 21, scan the QR code above.
Unscheduled council meeting: There will be an unscheduled council meeting this Friday, December 12 in the Council Chamber, Pleasant Creek Historic Precinct, Stawell at 1.30pm. The meeting is to consider the school crossing supervision service in Stawell. The meeting is open to the public and will be livestreamed via our YouTube channel. The agenda is available on our website.
Births
50 Years Ago
December 1975
Geoffrey and Elsie Coates nee Raffety, a daughter Suzanne Emma.
Robert and Marie Hufer nee Hoye, twins Carl Patrick and Matthew Charles.
Peter and Joy Hannett nee Macey, a son Joshua Charles.
Geoff and Elizabeth Thompson nee James, a son William Allan.
Trevor and Rhonda Harvey nee Swanton, a son Hayden Charles.
Robert and Gwenda Wescott nee Hose, a daughter Naomi Joy.
21st Birthday Murray Donaldson.
Junior Band Competition
The St Arnaud Citizens Band won eleven out of the twelve sections they entered.
The winners were: Peter Hamilton [under 12 & under 14], Allan Greenaway [under 16 & under 18], Julie Young, Judy Hamilton, Paul Goss, Linda Youngson, Brendan Scilini, Ian Preece and Brett Burke.
Family Reunion
The Fleneley family held a reunion at the racecourse.
Two Fleneley brothers came from Ireland in the 1860’s and Charles settled at Kooreh where he married Emma Battersby.
In 1896 the family moved to St Arnaud where Charles worked in the Lord Nelson Mine.
In 1911 Charles was killed instantly in a mine accident, when he hit his head on the cap of the rising cage as he stepped in to it.
Of the couples’ thirteen children Wilva [Mrs Angus McSwain] was the only one alive at the time of this reunion.
Hire Car Service.
At the end of the year the well-known Hamilton’s Hire Car Service will cease operations.
It was started in 1917 by Alf [Tom] Hamilton who drove Dr Charles Fleming to his many patients, night and day
until 1929. The Hamilton family has kept to their motto of punctuality, safety and cheerfulness throughout the many years of serving the town.
Some of the cabs they operated were a 1912 Russell, a 1919 model Dodge, a 1925 Hudson and a 1933 Reo Sedan.
Holiday at Portsea.
Once again, the St Arnaud Jaycees have arranged sponsors to enable St Arnaud children to attend the Lord Mayors Holiday Camp at Portsea.
The children, who will be in the care of leaders Denise Hicks and Greg Fithall, are Brenden Birthisel, Jamie Hudson, Chris Rafferty, Allen Hall, Hayden Hamilton, Graham Rogers, David Plumb, Martin and Colin O’Connor, Dean Humphries, Paula Lysaght, Pauline Meade, Annette Rice, Ann-Maree Scilini, Carolyn Shepherd, Bernadette and Margaret Organ, Dedrie Palmer and Samantha Currie.
Charlton St Joseph’s tennis team, 1929-30. Back L to R; Bill Patton, Mrs Mick Heenan, Jack Scandolera.
Centre: Kit Mahoney (Mrs Jack O’Connor), Joe Lazarus, Carlie Wall. Front: Mary Soding, Jack Dullard, Father Kelly, Bill Killeen, unknown.
PICKLES
100 Years Ago
November 28 - December 2, 1925
New Motor Repair Shop: Mr J. M. Smith announces to the public that he has severed his connection with Mr H. Dew, for whom he was foreman mechanic for over six and a half years, and has now started a motor repair shop on his own behalf opposite the Foundry. Having had 21 years practical experience in every class of trade he is prepared to undertake all classes of motor, tractor, oil and steam engine repairs, and hopes to get a fair share of public patronage.
St Joseph’s Tennis Club: A general meeting was held in the School Hall. The object of the meeting was to discuss improvements to the courts. Mr L. Jenkins offered to erect new seats if the club would supply the timber. All members are asked to assist to erect seats etc. at a working bee on Dec. 9th. A tournament consisting of ladies’ doubles, men’s doubles and mixed doubles will be held on Xmas Day, Boxing Day and Monday, Dec. 28th. Entrance fee will be 1/- each player with prizes for each event of £1/1/ winners and 10/6 runnersup. Partners will be drawn for.
West Charlton Grain Shed: The annual meeting was held at the Vale of Avoca. The caretaker. Mr J. T. Dwyer stated that about 12,320 bags of wheat and about 2,300 bags of oats were received for storage. Mice were fairly numerous and are doing considerable damage to the oat stacks. The shed is in good repair except for the doors, platforms and spouting.
The 1925 season balance sheet shows a credit balance of £11. The following officers were elected: President, Mr G. Parish; Treasurer, Mr W. B. Wood; Auditor, Mr P. Spain.
Methodist Fair: The Annual Fair was held in the Victoria Hall. The hall was tastefully decorated. A bevy of fair and willing helpers coaxed the very slightly reluctant men folk to participate in the various competitions and into purchasing for their wives and lady friends the many beautiful
and inexpensive articles on view.
The Band contributed good music on each evening and also Miss Irene Carroll. Performers were Miss Lois Procter, Mr Jack Tippett, Miss Florence Edwards, Miss Edie Curnow, Messrs W. Wood, F. Edwards and H. Gamble. The fair was most successful financially and socially and expected to clear over £200.
St Joseph’s Annual School Concert: Those who attended were loud in their praises of the talent and organisation. It was a great tribute to the training by the Sisters of the Convent. The program opened with a musical selection on the violins. Next came the song and drill by the junior girls. An action song given by the “tiny tots’ was loudly applauded. “The Hobby-Horse Brigade” by the junior boys provided much amusement. The star turn of the evening was the drill with brass rods by the senior girls. A drama concluded the excellent programme. As a finale, the pupils rendered the “Australian Anthem.”
New Season’s Wheat: The first load was delivered at West Charlton on the 4th Dec. by Mr H. E. Wood, from his Wooroonook farm. The wheat was a good sample of Federation and was purchased by J. Dwyer for the Bridgewater Milling Co.
PLEASE:
We wish the Council chaps would meet, And take a walk up Armstrong Street: Too true – in a most shocking way, This street has been for many a day. To see the cars go bouncing by Would almost make a mummy sigh, We often hear the neighbors say What happens to the rates we pay? We feel that strangers passing thro’ Must wonder what our “wise ones” do.
SUDOKU
New mayor wants to leave legacy
By ALEX GRETGRIX
IT’S Graeme Milne’s hope that by finally succuming to pressure to take on the top job in Buloke, he can complete two things.
He wants to tie up any lose ends with projects that need finishing.
He also wants to change the image of Buloke Shire Council.
Because for him, this could be his last term on council.
“I absolutely love what I do,” he said.
“But I’m in my 60s now, I can’t do this forever.
“There’s other things to do in life, but there’s a few things I want to get done before I go.”
Cr Milne said the words of encouragement to take on Mayor, which he says he pushed aside for years, wasn’t the only pressure he’s had on him during his 13 years on council.
In fact, that’s how his whole career in local government started.
“I’m not sure I ever had the desire to join council,” Cr Milne said.
“But I was approached by Harold Flett and he assured me I should give it a go and I’d be good at it.
“And I’ve got a lot out of it.
“We’ve had our tough times, but I’m definitely enjoying what we’re doing and what we’ve been doing.”
Cr Milne said when he first started on council, the financial position it was in wasn’t positive.
“I’ve wanted to stay on in this
role because when I started, council was in a very low period, we were in debt. A $7m debt,” he said.
“We’ve worked our way out of that. While a lot of people think we’re not solvant, we are very solvant and we have a lot to look forward to.”
Cr Milne said helping people around him, like he aims to do on council, is just in his blood.
“I’m a community person through and through,” he said.
“I was CFA Group Officer for a number of brigades for a long time and I’d say I’ve on just about every other committee you can poke a stick at.
“And as football club president, you meet people along the way.
“I’m passionate about the people.”
It was this love for people and customer service that lead him through his various working
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR
Calling for transparency
ON BEHALF of the CFA Volunteers Group (CFAVG), we are calling for urgent transparency around the new Emergency Services Volunteer Rebate (ESVF).
The Government claims that 55,126 CFA and VICSES volunteers are “covered” by the scheme, yet provides no explanation of how this figure was reached. CFA’s own reporting lists more than 50,000 CFA volunteers alone, but there is no public data showing how many actually meet the rebate’s strict criteria or how many are being ruled ineligible. Volunteers across the state are already reporting rejections without clear reasons, including long-serving members caught out by administrative or techni-
roles in real estate, livestock and farming.
Cr Milne says that comes from growing up a country boy - first born in Warracknabeal and moving across to Donald and then on to Watchem later on in life.
And it was those early years where he picked up the nickname that’s stuck with him ever since.
“Since about grade two at Watchem Primary School, I’ve been called Chunky,” he said.
“It’s because I had a bit of fat on me, and I guess I’ve carried it and that name around ever since.
“I used to be addressed by Chunky on bills and such, so I guess it’s just stuck.”
And while many in the Buloke communities know him by this nickname and know his face, Cr Milne said there was still work to be done in creating a positive aura around council itself.
“I want us to get away from some of the negativity we got from the monitor [Peter Harriott appointed by MP Melissa Horne to complete financial review],” he said.
“The perception was that things were wrong and we’re a basket case, but we’re looking to change that. We want people to know we hear them and see them.”
Cr Milne said the “new council” and staffing changes could go some of the way to doing that.
“We’ve got a new CEO and good directors,” he said. “We’re short on staff, but I like to think
that over the next 12 months we can build the profile up again.”
Cr Milne said he hoped that by finishing off some projects around the region would make some difference too.
“I like to think of myself as a straight up and down guy. I don’t like BS and like to get something started and finish it,” he said.
“And with the way the government hands out money, we haven’t been able to do that.
“We’ve got projects hanging and dragging out for three or four years.
“Our roads are still suffering from the 2022/23 floods and we’re still waiting on $50m plus to come in. We’re getting dribbles of it, but not getting much.”
He said other projects on his list are completing streetscape works, finalising recreation reserve plans, addressing potential asbestos issues and working with the community to potentially reduce the number of councilowned assets.
Cr Milne said he wanted to see residents coming together to support one another when it comes to renewable energy.
“We’re going to struggle to get what we want out of this with the way [these organisations] operate,” he said.
“We need a lot of common sense to come into play to keep our communities holding together. We’ve got a hell of a battle ahead of us.”
Road sink hole leads to picture of ‘desperation’ and ‘frustration’painted
KOOREH resident Carly McNaulty has joined the fight to get road issues noticed.
She hopes by bringing attention to a big sink hole on the Wimmera Highway, something may be done before someone gets hurt.
It comes after Logan resident Leigh Sutton started a competition to see if comparing road rubble to the size of a brick might make a change.
Ms McNaulty said the sink hole was in a dangerous place on the road.
“The sinkhole is so large, a photo doesn’t do it justice,” she said.
“It takes up the entire road, it’s right on the bend and has guardrails up each side, so there is no-
cal issues. A scheme intended to recognise service should not become a source of confusion or inequity.
We call on the Government to release full eligibility and rejection statistics and improve verification and appeals processes. Volunteers deserve clarity, fairness, and respect—not uncertainty.
Leigh Harry CFA Volunteers Group (CFAVG)
What are we getting from emergency services tax?
VICTORIANS are being slugged more than $3 billion for Labor’s increased emergency services tax, yet frontline crews at Forest Fire Management Victoria
are still stuck with offline vehicles and second-hand equipment from interstate. If this is what the Allan Labor Government calls “investment,” then Victorians deserve a refund.
What exactly are we getting for this massive new tax?
The CFA and SES base budgets have been cut, CFA brigades are dealing with old trucks and ageing stations while volunteers, already giving their time and risking their lives, are being taxed by the very government that claims to support them.
No wonder so many are hanging up their jackets.
The government’s latest stunt, deferring the ESVF levy hikes for farmers and rental providers until after the next state election is nothing more than a political ma-
Have we lost meaning of Christmas Day?
By KAREN PROBST
HO, HO, Ho… hum? How does this time of year affect you?
All around us we see the glitz and glitter of Christmas; food, presents, Santa, happy families, excited kids, Christmas songs in the shops, tinsel, crackers, red and green, even snow!
Some of us are excited and love the buzz of organising a get-together (or two or three), buying presents, arranging a holiday, catching up with family.
Some of us though find the pressure of this time of the year not so much fun.
Fractured families, illness, death; these hard situations can become harder to cope with as Christmas approaches and the loss of what we thought life would be is accentuated.
Then there’s the financial pressure; extra food, presents, buying a tree, decorations, fuel, servicing the car.
And the traffic, rushing to get from Christmas lunch to Christmas tea, trying to see everyone in one day.
And the time pressures; jobs to finish, deadlines to meet, changing jobs, moving house to start a new job in the new year, all the while fitting in extra get-togethers – life doesn’t stop.
And kids home from school, getting under our feet, fighting with each other, how to entertain them.
We get so sucked in to ‘doing’ that we don’t take time just to ‘be’, to rest, to enjoy the people around us.
where to go if you lose control and head into oncoming traffic.
Someone painted an obscenity on the road about this hazard, not out of vandalism, just desperation and frustration.”
Ms McNaulty couldn’t understand why taxpayer money wasn’t going to council to fix the roads.
“Our Shires do a great job with the tight budgets they have to work with but this highway is maintained by Vicroads and our State government has redirected all our road taxes to fund megaprojects in Melbourne and gives nothing to fix our rural roads,” she said.
“The only surplus they seem to have is potholes.”
If the Allan Labor Government is serious about community safety - it would properly equip and respect the volunteers who stand on the frontline when disaster strikes.
A Nationals and Liberal Government will ensure our emergency services are supported, respected and properly funded to continue the amazing work they do – because lives depend on it. Labor can’t manage money, can’t support our emergency services and Victorians are paying the price.
Danny O’Brien Leader of The Nationals Shadow Minister for Emergency Services
Society pushes us to conform, to do what everyone around us seems to be doing, to fit in, to post our happy snaps, to put on a brave face.
You may have heard me mention that I don’t like cooking.
Some of my favourite Christmas Days were when the kids and I stayed in our pyjamas lounging at home all day; cold turkey and ham from Cookies butcher, preprepared salads from Weirs IGA and Aunty Sara-Lee ‘baked’ us a cheesecake.
For me, that was a perfect day, but the build-up was hard, feeling like I was doing the wrong thing because I wasn’t fitting in with the rush and busyness of the time.
Is there still a real meaning of Christmas?
Is it appreciating family and friends?
Enjoying a holiday?
A break from the day-to-day routine of life?
Maybe you reflect on the life of Jesus?
Christmas did start out as the celebration of his birthday; celebrating a rebel who questioned the status quo of society and encouraged people to think about a different way.
So, as we hit full swing for this hectic time of year, I challenge you to stop and pause; think about what is important to you, how you want to celebrate, what you want to celebrate, be brave to challenge the norm, do it your way and enjoy.
Karen Probst is a Kara Kara Ward councillor for Northern Grampians Shire Council.
Kooreh resident Carly McNaulty next to a sink hole on the Wimmera Highway
Buloke Shire Council mayor Graeme Milne.
EMPLOYMENT
Plant Operator – St Arnaud
Full-Time
We are looking for a skilled Plant Operator in St Arnaud to help keep our roads and community running smoothly. If you can operate loaders, graders, rollers or excavators – we want to hear from you!
This role will involve:
z Road maintenance and construction
z Operating plant and trucks
z Basic daily machine checks
z General labouring when needed
Applications close Sunday, December 21, 2025
For more information and to apply, please visit our website: www.ngshire.vic.gov.au/ Careers
BRENT MCALISTER
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
JOB VACANCIES
Campus Base Negotiable
District Nurse
Domiciliary Nurse
Donald
Home Care Support Worker
St Arnaud
Finance and Administration
Assistant
Director of Operations
Deputy Maintenance Manager
Associate Nurse Unit Manager
Executive Assistant – Primary Care
Primary Care Administration Officer
Wycheproof
Registered Nurse Enrolled Nurse
Further information available at: https://ewhs.org.au/careers
EWHS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, we welcome applications to all positions from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, LGBTQI+ People, and People of All Abilities.
GARAGE SALE
Garage Sale
Tools. Power Tools. Old Compressor. Metal Drop Saw other equipment. Camping. Turned Verandah Posts. Freezer. Fridge. Stained Glass. Saturday 13th December. 57 Dunlop Road, St. Arnaud. 8am start. NO EARLY BIRDS.
Careers at Loddon
Loddon Shire Council is seeking applications for the following positions from highly motivated, enthusiastic, energetic and outcome focused individuals who want to make a difference and help shape our future.
Early Childhood Teacher
z Part-time, permanent position
z An attractive hourly rate of $39.34$58.96
z Based at the Inglewood Kindergarten
Early Childhood Activity Group Leader
z Part-time, permanent position
z An attractive hourly rate of $28.38$29.24
z Work across Loddon Kindergartens in Boort, Dingee, Inglewood and Pyramid Hill
Cartage Truck Driver
z Full-time, permanent position
z An attractive salary range of $72,764.46 - $76,401.11 per annum plus employer superannuation
z Based in Council’s Shire Wide team
Systems Administrator
z Full-time, permanent position
z An attractive salary range of $100,154.60
- $111,273.24 per annum plus employer superannuation
z Based at the Wedderburn Office with flexible working arrangements available
Applications for the positions above will close on Monday 15 December 2025 at 5pm.
Early Childhood Teacher
z Part-time, permanent position
z An attractive hourly rate of $39.34$58.96
z Based in Boort
Applications for the position above will close on Monday 26 January 2026 at 5pm.
Casual Maintenance Worker
z Based in Council’s Outdoor Works Department
z An attractive Hourly rate of $40.69
z · Casual position
Applications for the positions above will close on Monday 29 June 2026 at 5pm.
Early Childhood Educator
z Casual position
z An attractive hourly rate of $33.96
z ·Work across one, some or all of Council’s five sessional kindergartens
Applications for the positions above will be considered as they are received
For further information, including a detailed position description and details on how to apply, please visit Council’s website www. loddon.vic.gov.au or contact Council’s Organisation Development Unit on (03) 5494 1200.
‘The garden clean up specialists’
PUBLIC NOTICE
The Lions Club of St. Arnaud with the support of St. Arnaud Solar encourage the local community of St. Arnaud to light up your homes with the spirit of Christmas. The Annual Christmas Lights Competition is open to all individual residents.
To enter please send an email to johnbeggs2003@yahoo.com.au
- Secretary of St. Arnaud Lions Club Phone: 0417 448 929.
Judging will take place between the 15th and 18th December.
Winners will be announced at the Lions Christmas Procession on the 19th at around 8.30pm.
NCN HERALD CLASSIFIEDS CONNECT SHOP LOCAL THIS CHRISTMAS
PUBLIC NOTICE
Wycheproof Mens Shed
2025 Christmas BBQ Luncheon
Thursday 18 December - Noon to 1 pm. BBQ sausages, hamburgers and salad, plus sweets.
Gold Coin Donation. All welcome.
Festive Season Closure
From Thursday 18 December. Re-open on Tuesday 13 January 2026.
Trial Change in Open Hours in 2026
The Wycheproof Shed will trial for 3 months altered open hours. Tuesdays - 1 pm to 4 pm, Fridays - 10 am to 4 pm.
No Thursday opening.
271 Broadway, Wycheproof 3527 wycheproofmensshed@gmail.com
St Arnaud Carols at The Square Market Square (Behind the Town Hall) Saturday 13th, Dec, 7:30pm
Please bring your own chairs, rugs etc
Please be seated by 7:15pm Wet weather venue: RSL Hall, Raglan St. Contact: Andrew George Vision St Arnaud Ph: 0409 291 430
Council Meeting Schedule 2026
Council meetings are held on the first Tuesday of each month and alternate between Stawell and St Arnaud.
The dates and locations set for council meetings in 2026 are as follows:
4 August
1 September
6 October
10 November
10 November
Tuesday 1 December
Council meetings are held in the Council Chamber, Pleasant Creek Historic Precinct, Stawell and in the Perry Room, St Arnaud Town Hall, St Arnaud.
All council meetings are open to the public, livestreamed and recorded to council’s YouTube channel.
BRENT McALISTER CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Sunday, 14th December 6pm ‘till 10pm
Guest ArtistBrendon Scott Walk ups welcome
St. Arnaud Sporting Club Charlton Road, St. Arnaud
Further details contact 0427 831 613
IRONSTONE REMOVALS
- Maryborough - runs south. Phone: 0412 726 432.
Practical, experienced advice in plain English
Appointments also available in Charlton, Donald & Wycheproof Ph: 5495 2595
Karen@klp.net.au
Hayley: 0409 337 276, Luke: 0458 885 266
DEATH
KELL FUNERALS
CHURCH NOTICES
Est 1860
FUNERAL BONDS AVAILABLE
24 HOURS Ph: 5495 1043
136 Napier Street St. Arnaud NAFD Member
December 10th
Kyle Birthisel
Abby McIntyre
Corbin O’Donnell
December 11th
Matt Condie
Donald Palmer
Hailie Jackson
December 12th
Drew Swanton
December 13th
Kelli Hicks
December 14th
Mark Fithall
December 15th
Sam Cummings
Richie Needs
Shane Organ
Kayla Walker
Trenton Wright
December 16th
Breanna Burge
Colleen Rusk
Hannah Snow
CARTER
- Marilyn Ruth ‘Mazzy’
Passed away on December 5th, 2025. Loving mother of Jodie, Adam, Robert and Sophie. Adored nana of Alice, Jessica, Emma, Joseph, Lachie, Ned, Josh and Leo.
So dearly loved and forever in our hearts.
FUNERAL
CARTER
The funeral service to celebrate the life of Marilyn Ruth ‘Mazzy’ Carter will be held at the Thomas J. Scott Memorial Chapel, 5 Piper St, Kyneton on THURSDAY (Dec 11, 2025) commencing at 10.30am Private cremation.
T. J. Scott & Son Funeral Directors
Kyneton 54226455
Thank you & goodbye
After over 40 years, the time has come for all of us at JPX Take Away to say goodbye as we prepare for our last day of trading on Saturday the 13th of December.
A big thank you to all who have supported our little business over the years since we first opened in 1984. Ever grateful for the good times, laughter and love shown to our family. We will take with us many fond memories and will miss seeing all the familiar faces in the shop. Looking forward to continuing the great relationships we have built with you all, as we begin this new chapter of our lives in St Arnaud on the other side of the counter! 83 Napier Street, St. Arnaud. Phone: 54951869.
ANGLICAN PARISH OF ST. ARNAUD
Christ Church Old Cathedral
St. Arnaud: 9.30am Every Sunday Eucharist
Bealiba: 8am 2nd/4th Sunday
All Welcome - Rev. Peter Downes Enquiries phone: 0412 957 383
ST. ARNAUD CHURCH OF CHRIST Cnr Queens Ave & Alma St. Celebrating the season of the Lord’s birth! Thu 11th December:
10.30 a.m.: Faith Group in recess Sun 14th December:
10.30 a.m.: Worship & Communion Speaker: John Allott Tues. 16th December:
4.00 p.m.: Discovery Club in recess
All welcome to the above occasions. Enquiries: Church 0494 391 466
UNITING CHURCH
ST. ARNAUD / STUART MILL
Sunday 14th December
Family Christmas Service at St. Arnaud 9.30am & Empty Christmas Tree (Money gifts only) All Welcome.
PARISH OFFICE
Chris & Rob Batters Pastorial Co-ordinators Enquiries: 5495 6223
DISTRICT CATHOLIC CHURCHES
East Wimmera Parish
BIRCHIP - Sunday December 14th
10.30am - Live Stream in
BOORT - Sunday December 14th
10.30am - Live Stream in BANYENA - No Mass
CHARLTON - Sunday December 14th
8.30am - Mass
DONALD - Saturday December 13th
7.00pm - Mass
ST.ARNAUD - Sunday December 14th 10.30am
Live Stream out to churches without Mass
WYCHEPROOF - Sunday December 14th
10.30am - Live Stream in
Parish Coordinator: Noeline Hogan 0476 617 976
25 Brooke Street, Inglewood Phone: 5438 189
Over the recent long weekend, more than 1,800 happy festival-goers and 200 hardworking crew came together to celebrate three days of music, arts, workshops, and community in the beautiful Carapooee West countryside.
It was another successful edition and the positive energy from attendees and locals alike made it truly special. We want to extend our deepest thanks to the people of St Arnaud and the greater Northern Grampians region for welcoming us back.
We are truly grateful to the township of St Arnaud for its ongoing support, and we also wish to acknowledge the surrounding communities of Donald and Avoca, where many locals, businesses, and suppliers have worked closely with us in bringing this event to life.
Across the festival weekend and the month of preparation beforehand, we spent tens of thousands of dollars with local small businesses, contractors, tradespeople, and suppliers in the St Arnaud area alone. Events like Wild Horses provide a vital economic boost to regional towns across
Australia, bringing an influx of visitors, tourism spending, and opportunities for local operators to shine.
It took many hands and countless hours of work to create this year’s festival, and just as much care went into the pack-down. We’re very pleased with efforts of all our crew so a massive thanks to all contributors to this years edition!
We would also like to extend a sincere thankyou to our local police and emergency services, who continue to be wonderful to work with. Their support, communication, and collaborative approach help us keep the event safe and enjoyable for everyone. We look forward to continuing this strong partnership as the festival grows.
Most importantly, we want to thank the St Arnaud community for your patience, your hospitality, and your willingness to host thousands of people who come to admire this part of the world.
We can’t wait to return and continue building something special here for years to come.
— The Wild Horses Festival Team
Kara Kara sneaks home in tussle with Blues
FANS were treated to another spirited afternoon of competition on Saturday, as the two St Arnaud teams continued their duel for top position on the North Central Lawn Tennis Association ladder.
In a tightly contested clash, Kara Kara edged out Charlton 123–113 on games to secure the points 8–2.
St Arnaud, meanwhile, produced a stronger overall showing against Wycheproof, prevailing 109–86 (8–2).
Kara Kara gained the early advantage through the Men’s Doubles, claiming four of the six sets for a 46–30 games result.
Charlton responded in the Ladies Doubles, reversing the momentum with a 42–35 win to narrow the margin.
The match came down to the Mixed Doubles, where only a single game separated the sides.
Kara Kara held firm to win 42–41, sealing victory. Owen Lowe and Bruce Hando finished the day with three set wins each.
On neighbouring courts, St Arnaud’s Men’s Doubles pairings set up their triumph with a tight 48–46 result, though the Ladies Doubles combinations were outplayed 25–41 by a strong Wycheproof line-up.
St Arnaud steadied in the
Mixed Doubles, securing valuable set wins — Jake and Sam Male, along with Callum and Matthew Goode, each recorded three sets for the match.
This Saturday both St Arnaud teams head to Birchip, with Kara Kara meeting Birchip and St Arnaud taking on Wirrim.
LADDER
and wet weather on
urday saw the Wimmera Mallee Cricket Association clash between Marnoo and St Arnaud abandoned. Charlton forfeited its
Profitable 600km trip and loss of a legend
MILDURA again proved a profitable venue for Charlton-trained runners, with three locally prepared horses saluting after the long 600km round trip.
Charlton trainer–driver duo Tori Hutchins and Luke Dunne combined to win the opening event with Lester, a seven-yearold gelding by Hes Watching. Drawn on the second row, Lester was buried on the pegs before Dunne found clear running at the 500-metre mark.
The gelding sprinted sharply to reel in the $1.75 favourite at the top of the straight, drawing away for a comfortable four-metre victory. Lester has now started six times for the stable, returning two wins, two seconds and a third.
The pair claimed a second success with Archie Moth, a three-year-old by The Storm Inside, raced by breeders Len and Irene Parker of Maryborough.
The gelding had shown consistency with two wins and five seconds before joining Hutchins’ Charlton team. He has since added another win and a third, with Wednesday’s winning mile rate of 1:56.8 the quickest recorded for the 1790-metre trip on the day.
Charlton’s third winner came courtesy of trainer Zac Steenhuis, whose two-yearold filly Brave Art broke through impressively.
Driven by Jack Laugher and beginning swiftly from the pole, Brave Art controlled the race throughout and scored decisively by 12.8 metres, closing in 58.1 seconds for her final half-mile.
Remarkably, the filly had gone 16 starts without a placing before joining Steenhuis’ stable.
While the Charlton barns dominated, Bendigo driver Ellen Tormey continued her outstanding season, adding three more
wins to take her tally to 123 victories by week’s end.
At Ballarat on Thursday night, the Ainsworth family celebrated a welcome return to form from their promising four-yearold trotter Singara Ted.
Raced by Katrina, trained by Barry and driven by Ashley Ainsworth, the gelding looked an exciting prospect early, winning at Melton at his second career start before finishing third in the 3YO Qbred Final at Albion Park last August. Benefiting from a kinder run at Ballarat, he finished strongly to score by 1.5 metres.
The harness racing community is mourning the passing of Joe Thompson of Charlton, whose death early last week has left a significant void.
A renowned educator of young horses, Thompson was respected widely across Australia and New Zealand. Locally, he was admired for his unwavering commitment to Charlton and was a driving force behind the establishment of the Charlton Harness Racing Training Centre.
Despite recent health challenges, he continued advocating for improvements to the facility.
Back: Finn Wilson, Declan Kay, Austin Lowe and Jesse Amos. Front: Leanne Burke, Leo Kay, Lewis Lowe, Eliza Scarce and Heidi Start were members of St Arnaud Piranhas successful team last Saturday’s swimming competition in Horsham.
The late Joe Thompson
Katie Erwin
Crunch game looms for rival Saints
ST ARNAUD bowling clubs face a season-defining moment when they clash in Saturday’s North Central pennant.
Country is pushing for top spot on the division one ladder with just six points separating the leading four sides.
They can add to the club with a victory over rivals St Arnaud who are starting to lose touch with the top sides and needs a win this weekend to stay in the hunt.
St Arnaud is currently 11 points outside the top four.
Last Saturday, St Arnaud Country Club hosted Donald Bowls Club on Saturday in blustery, overcast conditions following persistent morning rain.
Despite the very windy and gusty weather, the greens played true and the home side settled quickly.
From the outset St Arnaud applied strong pressure across all three rinks, with plenty of encouragement and clear instructions ringing out as the bowlers found their line and length.
By the lunch break St Arnaud held the lead on every rink.
The home side resumed after the break in the same vein, maintaining control and extending their advantage as the match progressed.
Donald fought hard throughout the afternoon but were unable to turn the momentum.
St Arnaud finished the day with a clean sweep, highlighted by one rink recording a commanding 24shot victory — a standout result and a real “wow” moment for the club.
The midweek pennant fixture saw St Arnaud Country Club hosting Wedderburn Bowls Club in chilly, windy conditions that made for a challenging day on the green.
Despite the weather, the greens were in excellent order and played true throughout.
St Arnaud settled early, applying pressure across all rinks, but Wedderburn responded strongly and ensured a tight contest. By the lunch break scores were close on every rink, setting up a hardfought second half.
The arm-wrestle continued with both sides trading shots in a competitive finish. St Arnaud Country Club secured victory, winning two of the three rinks.
PENNANT BOWLS RESULTS
Division 1 St Arnaud Country 97-12 d Donald 58-0. D. Moulday, R. Pole, M. Esmore, T. McDonald (s) d M. Kelly, W. Meyer, N. Barber, H. Wingfield (s) 27-25. F. Rodger, L. Lynch, J. Abbott, W. Rodger (s) d K. Adamson, M. Harris, I. McEwen, N. Hollis (s) 40-16. S. Atkinson, A. Marland, J. Nevill, D. Mullins (s) d J. Subprom, W. Hegarty, B. Milne, L. Morgan (s) 30-17. Donald Golf 80-10 d St Arnaud 60-2. W. Livingston, B. Murray, S. Hollis, P. Hibberd (s) lost to D. Shepherd, C. Marchment, P. McRae, A. Dyke (s) 21-22. G. Stopps, R. Adams, R. Reseigh, G. Rigby (s) d K. Dyke, P. Micallef, G. Hancock, S. Zsigmond (s) 31-25. L. Kelly, A. Dionisopoulos, D. Peake, D. Pettifer (s) d T. Marland, A. Welsh, G. McNally, T. McSwain (s) 28-13. Wycheproof 77-11 d Wedderburn 60-1. M. Nicholls, R. Coles, P. Wellington, J. Grylls (s) drew R. Tonkin, L. Holt, A. Caserta, L. Witham (s) 23-23. D. Denney, J. McLean, D. Groves, J. McKay (s) d A. Roberts, S. Steel, B. Hargreaves, B. Montebello (s) 20-19. D. Nicholls, A. Grylls, P. Connolly, E. Rayes (s) d R. Guelfo, D. Stephenson, A. Holt, A. Jackson (s) 34-18. Charlton 69-4 lost to Boort 71-8. P. Watts, J. Cox, L. Southwell, K. Willey (s) d S. Nelson, K. Walton, C. Newsome, T. Moresi (s) 27-23. S. Harper, D. Finlay, M. O’Brien, W. Southwell (s) d D. Gibson, G. -Hudson, J. Gibson, K. Depiazza (s) 29-21. M. Hamley, D. Gretgrix, D. McCallum, S. Perry (s) lost to G. Carrall, L. Maxted, K. Birt, K. Ritchie (s) 13-27. Ladder: Donald Golf 77, Wycheproof 75, St Arnaud Country 72, Wedderburn 71, St Arnaud 60, Charlton 28, Donald 25, Boort 24. Division 2 Wycheproof 71-2 lost to St Arnaud Country 87-10. A. Coatsworth, S. McKenna, J. Ritchie, S. Barratt (s) lost to G. Watts, D. McAllister, P. Marland, D. Goode (s) 17-31. T. Sheppard, A. Grylls, L. Milburn, H. Grylls (s) lost to F. Rodger, L. Lynch, N. Robinson, C. Webb (s) 25-29. J. Howell, R. Coles, C. Jones, D. Denney (s) d P. Jorgensen, G. White, P. Mullins, G. Shaw (s) 29-27. Donald Golf 71-10 d Boort 65-2. W. Nelson, J. Slater, G. Stopps, G. Wood (s) d L. Cameron, S. Polack, Y. Cashen, A. Matley (s) 23-20. M. Frank, B. Brasier, P. Raynes, S. O’Shea (s) lost to C. Wood, A. Gould, P. Waters, J. Earl (s) 1127. C. Stopps, M. Raynes, B. Bayles, L. Borden (s) d I. Allison, S. Rollinson, J. Hampson, G. Smith (s) 37-18. Charlton 59-2 lost to Donald 95-10. J. Ong, Z. Irwin, B. Laffin, E. Rosewall (s) d K. Wyllie, P. Wyllie, substitute, E. Adams (s) 40-16. R. Gahan, G. Thomson, B. Bailey, J. Headon (s) lost to A. McEwen, J. Subprom, M. McEwen, J. Howley (s) 10-44. J. McGrath, G. Barnard, G. Bateson (s) lost to C. Perry, M. Hollis, substitute, R. Gravestocks (s) 9-35. Wedderburn 68-8 d St Arnaud 61-4. J. Murnane, R. Hall, A. Noordennen, G. Burnside (s) lost to P. Duncan, M. McRae, J. Prendegast, P. Micallef (s). R. Ashley, A. Benaim, N. White, J. Grant (s) lost to H. Stevenson, A. Tyler, G. McIntyre, L. Goodwin (s) 20-29. H. Stephenson, M. Guelfo, C. Mills, L. Standfield (s) d J. Barron, D. Ostarcevic, C. Coates, L. Goddard (s) 29-10. Ladder: Wycheproof 81, St Arnaud 68, Wedderburn 66, Boort 63, St Arnaud Country 62, Donald Golf 58, Donald 24, Charlton 10. Midweek - Wycheproof 64-10 d Charlton 462. L. Nicholls, V. Grant, A. Jones, M. Nicholls (s) d G. Barnard, R. Porter, M. Hamley, K. North (s) 26-14. C. Jones, D. Nicholls, H. Grylls, J. Grylls (s) lost to J. McGrath, J. Cox, D. McCallum, L. Southwell (s) 17-18. A. Coatsworth, S. McKenna, L. Milburn, D. Groves (s) d E. Rosewall, D. Finlay, D. Gretgrix, J. Headon (s) 21-14. Donald Golf 103-10 d St Arnaud 53-2. L.
Kelly, E. Brasier, G. Stopps, G. Rigby (s) d H. Stevenson, M. McIntyre, S. McIntyre, L. Goodwin (s) 42-10. C. Stopps, J. Hollis, R. Reseigh, S. O’Shea (s) lost to A. McNally, M. McRae, P. Micallef, D. Goddard (s) 24-28. D. Adams, G. Wood, B. Dixon, P. Hibberd (s) d P. Duncan, W. Rourke, M. Hufer, P. McRae (s) 37-15. Boort 62-10 d Donald 57-2. G. Charles, Y. Cashen, P. Baker, T. Moresi (s) lost to K. Wyllie, M. Hollis, J. Subprom, I. McEwen (s) 20-21. T. Noles, G. Tweddle, J. Earl, K. Depiazza (s) d M. Quick, J. Wood, W. Hegarty, K. Adamson (s) 21-19. P. Gould, S. Polack, D. Gibson, J. Gib-
son (s) d A. McEwen, M. McEwen, N. Barber, L. Morgan (s) 21-17.
St Arnaud Country 65-7 drew Wedderburn 65-5. D. Fullarton, G. Fullarton, A. Marland, R. Pole (s) d R. Little, J. Murnane, R. Hall, J. Grant (s) 23-21. L. Abbott, C. Bond, P. Goode, H. Esmore (s) lost
to H. Stephenson, C. Mills, L. Standfield, S. Steel (s) 18-23. Y. Templar, F. Rodger, L. Moulday, D. Moulday (s) d L. Don, S. Standfield, J. Matthews, A. Roberts (s) 24-21. Ladder: Donald Golf 74, Wycheproof 59, Boort 54, Charlton 53, St Arnaud 42, Donald 40, Wedderburn 31, St Arnaud Country 31.
Charlton’s Wayne Southwell takes to the green. NCN PHOTO
Charlton’s Stephen Perry
Wednesday DECEMBER 10, 2025
JESSE Amos and Heidi Start were the stars on Saturday when swimmers took to the Horsham pool for St Arnaud Piranhas Club second competition of the season.
The pair brought home a swag of major awards in a succesful day for St Arnaud team.
Start delivered one of the strongest performances of the entire meet, finishing with seven firsts, two seconds and a third.
The team’s strong show has members primed for this Saturday’s carnival at Warracknabeal. FULL REPORT - PAGE 18
