COUNCILLORS GREEN LIGHT ELECTRONIC MUSIC FESTIVAL
PERMIT PULSE
A THREE-day electronic music festival at Carapooee West has been given the go ahead after positive feedback from the public.
But not without strict conditions being imposed by Northern Grampians Shire.
Organisers will be forced to have security and medical staff on site. An ambulance will also be required at the festival site each day.
Councillors last week also vot-
ed to reduce festival plans by 24 hours to three days.
The 2025 Wild Horses event will take place in mid-November for patrons aged at least 21..
After the application by organisers was made public. council received eight objections, but also 16 letters of support.
Backing included the owners of one of the closest homes to the event and 15 from local business supporting the festival.
Cr Murray Emmerson told last week’s council meeting he had
a long list of concerns, including the environmental impacts it would have on the site, particularly to Kara Kara National Park and potential for anti-social behaviour.
“I could go on and on,” he said. “The main thing is, it’s never been indicated or proven to me the economic benefit to the community.
“People come in, bring their own drinks, bring their own drugs, set up and have their weekend then walk away. Some-
body has to tidy up and suffer the consequences.”
Cr Karen Probst said it was a difficult issue as it would be unfair for surrounding residents to have the constant music making them “feel uncomfortable in their own homes”.
But Cr Probst did ultimately vote to approve the application.
“It does tick all the boxes,” she said. “There are a lot of conditions that do try to minimise the risk.”
Councillors backed officer rec-
ommendations to issue a planning permit for a reduced threedays festival in line with previous events.
Cr Emmerson and Cr Jack Blake voted against the permit.
Wild Horses organisers say the event will be capped at 2500 people.
“We’re excited to reunite our tribe together for the 9th edition and looking forward to seeing you all once again. We aim to create a safe environment to enjoy freedom in its full sense,” they say.
NCN HERALD
community happenings as weekly
Key theft. Between 5:30am and 7:00am on August 26 a set of keys from inside a letterbox were reported stolen from a Canterbury Street residential address.
Trailers stolen. Two trailers containing various tools were stolen from a Howitt Street St Arnaud address between approximately 6:30pm last Thursday and 1pm Friday. Police have since recovered one of the trailers.
Burglary. Offenders had used a vehicle to gain access to a busi-
ness in Alma Street, St Arnaud at approximately 4:00am last Sunday morning. Police allege offenders wearing black clothing entered the premises and stole
multiple power tools. If anyone has any information or surveillance footage relating to any of the above crimes, you are urged to contact police.
No need for speed. St Arnaud police intercepted a Melbourne man last Wednesday on the Banyena Road at Traynor’s Lagoon, allegedly travelling at 31 kmh over the speed limit. As a result, the 32-year-old received a $560 fine and his driver’s licence will be suspended for three months.
IN BRIEF
Health talks
EAST Wimmera Health Service board of directors have met at the St Arnaud Campus to progress several key initiatives, including the finalisation of the 2025–2028 Strategic Plan and preparations for compliance with the new Aged Care Act. The meeting opened with a community engagement session attended by representatives from the St Arnaud Community, highlighting the board’s commitment to local collaboration. A major focus of the meeting was the draft EWHS 2025-2028 Strategic Plan, which has consolidated stakeholder feedback into four strategic pillars. The board of directors and EWHS staff continue to work toward meeting the strengthened age care standards. 20/20 vision
TEMPORARY closure of the Charlton Town Hall will see the Charlton Arts Committee hold its annual Art and Photography show at the Charlton Park 20/20 building October 10 to 13. The doors will open at 6.30pm on the Friday followed by the offical opening at 7.30pm.
Parent views
THE parent, caregiver and guardian opinion survey at Charlton College will close next Friday. This survey allows for families to share their thoughts and experiences with the school.
Former St Arnaud resident Cliff Dunstone has celebrated his 100th birthday with family and friends. Cliff, who worked at the post office for many years, and his wife Carmel now live in Geelong. Cliff and Carmel keep in touch with local
readers of NCN Herald. Carmel was a teacher at the primary school.
Poetry makes friends
JULIA Morant has taken out top prize in the annual St Arnaud Friends of the Library poetry competition.
Winners were announced last Thursday when writers shared their prose with an appreciative audience and heard comments from judges.
Julia said she enjoyed writing about nature and this year’s butterfly theme had allowed her to embrace the subject.
Belinda Huggins told NCN Herald: “St Arnaud Library really appreciates the support of the community in running this event.
“Friends of the Library do a fantastic job,” she said.
“We appreciate the support of our judges Dr Jane Grant at St Arnaud Books, Dr Calvin Taylor from St Arnaud Secondary College and the prizes donated by Friends of the Library and Tania Smith’s company 136 Creative.
“It all goes a long way to support the writers in our community. We also owe a massive thank you to Jean and Ellen Reid.
“The topic butterflies was chosen to increase awareness in the community of our local relationships to the environment and butterflies and the wonderful work these two do.”
Adult winner - Julia Morant, 2nd Place Florence Lisner, 3rd Place Nicole Moir Under 12 Winner - Halley Huggins, 2nd Place Hannah Greig, 3rd Place Zach Judd.Librarian Prize WinnerLynda Dennis. Special MentionJason Abbott.
THE POEMS
Talking convoy
THE crowd was treated to more than just great football, netball and hockey at the preliminary final hosted in St Arnaud over the weekend. Representatives from R U OK? were in attendance as part of their Conversation Convoy, spreading an important message about checking in on one another. The team added a meaningful touch to the day, reminding players, supporters and the wider community of the power of starting a simple conversation. The health promotion team from East Wimmera Health Service was also in attendance with guidance on local support pathways. Thursday is R U OK? Day, a reminder to pause, reach out and ask someone the question that could change a life “Are you ok?”.
Fees will be updated
EAST Wimmera Health Service will update its fees for primary care services from next month. EWHS says the changes support the continued delivery of high-quality care across our communities. Full details will be released later this month.
Tax pressure
VICTORIAN Farmers Federation president Brett Hosking said the mounting outrage is adding more weight to calls to scrap massive increases in the emergency services tax.
Phone: Martin 0429 388 216
E-mail: mcdean@activ8.net.au For all your earthmoving and plant hire needs!
ST ARNAUD PRIMARY SCHOOL
BENEFITS OF A STAPS EDUCATION:
Genuine, embedded approaches to supporting student health and wellbeing
Programs and teaching that develop and educate the whole child
Classrooms that offer inclusive and accepting learning environments
Highly trained staff experienced in inclusive practices
Quality evidence based resources
Allied Health Team supporting students, parents and staff to achieve growth and happiness
Stephanie Alexander Kitchen Garden
School Wide Positive Behaviour Support
EXTRA CURRICULAR
Community connections
School traditions
Free Science excursions
Low cost, experience rich camps
TRANSITION & ENROLMENT
2026 Prep Transition dates 14, 19, 27 November
P-6 Step Up Day 2nd December
Enrolments open year round, encouraged by 19th September for 2026
School Tours available in school time
Principal interviews to discuss individual student needs
out for yourselfcome behind the hedge and check out
Find
St Arnaud Primary School
Flood fix bill frustration
THE State Government is under fire for what Buloke Shire Council labels unacceptable delays in funding local flood recovery works.
Mayor Alan Getley said the community was paying the price and left frustrated over the state of local roads damaged in 2022 and 2023.
Mildura MP Jade Benham has told Parliament that Buloke was still dealing with the damage with recovery works valued at between $60 million and $80 million.
“But the State Government has yet to release the funding it committed,” she said.
“Buloke was one of the hardesthit areas, yet funding has been delayed, watered down, or tied up in shifting rules from the Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements assessors.
“Council is being left to manage unsafe roads with only a fraction of the promised support. Families, school buses, contractors and emergency services are being forced to use roads that are not fit for purpose, and the risk increases every day.”
Ms Benham said council was now resorting to using variable message signs to warn road users of hazards, while reports of vehicle damage from unsafe conditions continue to increase. She said the State Government is prioritising large-scale infrastructure projects, such as the Sub-
urban Rail Loop, with it’s $11.66 billion cost blowout, over essential community needs like flood recovery.
“These recovery works are critical for public safety, and the Government needs to focus on what really matters for regional communities,” she said.
“This is completely unacceptable. A small rural shire like Buloke, already struggling with a limited ratepayer base and vast geography, can’t carry these costs alone. The Treasurer and the Minister must step up, honour their promises and support the community’s recovery,” she said.
Cr Getley last week said: “Delays cost money and the delays in receiving this critical funding mean our staff have had to continually rescope and redevelop projects according to everchanging goalposts.”
“The Disaster Recovery Funding process keeps shifting and our community is left paying the price as frustration over crumbling roads grows,” he said. “We’ve buffered complaints with explanations and reassurances, but enough is enough. These are not minor inconveniences—they are serious safety risks.”
“We appreciate Ms Benham’s advocacy and echo her call for the government to honour their commitments,” Cr Getley said.
“We’ve done our part. Now it’s time for them to do theirs.”
Commonwealth re-opens after a decade
THE beer will be back on tap at St Arnaud’s Commonwealth Hotel from Friday ... more than a decade after the historic 1901 building last saw a beer pulled at the bar.
Manpreet Singh, who has run the Dancing Kelpie since 2020, has progressively worked to have the hotel trading at the top end of Napier Street.
“It was always the plan to re-open the hotel and
after many hours of work, we’re now ready to open the bar and welcome patrons back into this great historic building,” Manpreet said.
“We’ve a range of beers on tap and there will also be bar meals available and live sport on the TV screens,” said Manpreet.
The hotel is still recruiting staff ahead of the doors being thrown open to patrons at 3pm.
Coonooer Bridge Wind Farm are pleased to announce the commencement of the Community Grants Program for 2025.
The grant program is offering financial support to eligible groups to encourage and support projects that benefit residents. Grant funding up to $25,000 will be allocated to projects that contribute to the social, economic, and environmental sustainability of the community around the wind farm.
Applications open 15th September and close 17th October 2025.
Please visit
www.coonooerbridgewindfarm.com.au for details including the community grant guidelines and application forms.
For further information please contact us via our website or call 1800 940 360.
Manpreet Singh ready to have the Commonwealth back in business. NCN PHOTO
Alex joins your NCN team
YOUR NCN Herald will have a new face when Alex Gretgrix joins the team as editor and journalist from next Monday.
Alex has been a senior communications officer with Bendigo Health for the past two years and was previously a journalist with Echuca’s Riverine Herald and Bendigo Advertiser.
Originally from Wycheproof where she attended school, Alex was a member of the Demons’ netball sides over several years.
Announcing Alex’s appointment, owner and managing editor of NCN Herald Chris Earl thanked retiring editor and journalist Sue Hynes for her
contribution to capturing the stories of the St Arnaud and Charlton districts over the past seven years.
“Sue has also assisted in the transition of NCN Herald following our acquisition of this important local newspaper at the end of June,” he said.
“We take this opportunity to wish Sue well for the future.”
Mr Earl said Alex shared his commitment to telling the stories of rural Victorian communities.
“Alex is coming to a patch she knows from growing up in the area and playing sport against local teams and will be a valuable addition to our NCN team,” he said.
Crime squad arrests two
ARMED Crime Squad detectives have arrested two people and seized an illicit firearm as part of an investigation into a shooting in St Arnaud.
Police last Thursday said: “With assistance from local police in the Western Region, police executed warrants at two residential properties in St Arnaud last Thursday August 28.
“During the search, police located a loaded privately manufactured handgun, as well as firearm parts and cartridge ammunition.
“A significant amount of cannabis was also seized by police.”
Police said a 21-year-old St Arnaud man and a 55-year-old St Arnaud man were arrested
and interviewed by police. The 21-year-old man will be charged with non-prohibited person possess firearms, possess ammunition and possess drugs of dependence.
He will face the St Arnaud Magistrates Court on September 25.
The 55-year-old man will be charged on summons for possession of drugs of dependence and hinder/resisting police.
He will face the St Arnaud Magistrates Court at a later date.
Police said they were investigating whether this firearm may be linked to a shooting at a property on Kings Avenue in St Arnaud on July 28 – which left a 40-year-old St Arnaud man with a non-life-threatening gun-
shot injury to his upper body. A 37-year-old man was charged with reckless conduct endangering serious injury, intentionally cause injury, common law assault, use firearm contrary to firearms prohibition order, theft of motor vehicle, drive whilst disqualified, dangerous driving whilst being pursued by police, commit indictable offence whilst on bail and contravene a conduct condition of bail.
Police allege the incident was targeted, with both parties known to each other.
Anyone with information on illicit firearm activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au
Freaky on a Friday
JAMIE Lee Curtis and Lindsay Lohan star in the comedy movie Freakier Friday screening at The Rex in Charlton this weekend.
The fantasy/comedy, produced by Walt Disney Pictures, is a nostalgic, fun and heartfelt celebration of family.
Anna Coleman (Lohan) and her mother Tess (Curtis) are in another predicament when they swap bodies with Anna’s daughter. Now it’s up to the three of them to reverse the body swap.
This sequel, made 22 years after the original, sees single mum and music manager, Anna quickly fall head over heels for handsome single dad Eric (Manny Jacinto). The couple marry and move their blended family to Britain where Curtis (Tess) as the overbearing grandmother tries to “help” her daughter with endless parenting advice.
When a body swap sees Anna and Tess assume the bodies of the Gen Z youngsters and the young ones become the older generations the jokes flow thick and fast.
The movie is filled with plenty of fun and is focused on mothers and daughters. The message is about the intensity of mother / daughter love while also emphasizing that all young people want is control over their own lives.
Based on the book of the same name, the original “Freaky Friday” movie first appeared in 1976 starring Barbara Harris and a young Jodie Foster, before it resurfaced almost three decades later with the 2003 remake.
Both were smash hits, poking fun at the explosive relationship between Tess and her teenage daughter.
Now the sequel is here and there’s a chance to reconnect with these characters as they line up once more for this generational romp.
Making of Burton
THE British bio-drama Mr Burton screeens at St Arnaud Cinema this week.
Set in the Welsh town of Port Talbot in 1942, Mr Burton reveals the inspirational life story of Richard Jenkins, a young school boy facing the pressures of a troubled family life amid World War Two and of lost lives.
With the death of his mother when aged two and being raised by his sister Cecelia and her husband, facing many challenges and working as a young boy to help with the family income. The film explores his self-doubts and school years.
Richard finds his passion for singing and acting with mentoring from schoolmaster Phillip Burton.
His talent and resonant baritone voice eventually takes him to Oxford University where he enrols in drama college.
Richard’s application and dedication to drama sees hard-won results realised and he emerges as a celebrity the world came to know as actor Richard Burton.
Mr Burton stars Toby Jones, Harry Lewtey and Lesley Manville.
Top weights find favour with bidders
TWO top weight rams sold for top prices at Friday’s Kerrilyn Merino and Poll Merino Stud onproperty sale.
Brendan Lanfranchi, of Mt Hooghly, near Dunolly, paid equal top price of $3000.
It was the second year Mr Lanfranchi had paid top price at the Kerrilyn auction.
His 2025 purchase of the 18.7 micron March 2024 drop ram was one of three for the day.
Weighing 98.5kg, the ram was one of the heaviest poll sheep that saw potential buyers bid against the clock.
A second poll ram, weighing 91.5kg, was bought by SA and JA Jackson.
Kerrilyn’s Norm Weir said the offering of 42 rams were the “biggest in weight we have put up for auction at our on-property sale”.
“And surprisingly, it has been the horned rams that have matured fastest this season,” he said.
“That goes against convential breeding outcomes and one that I can’t explain ... it’s just been the season.
“There’s a marked difference
in maturing rates at the moment.” Mr Weir said the horned rams were between 7kg and 10kg heavier than the polled.
“One of the horned rams has come in at 124kg and yet he has a poll father,” he said.
The top weight ram sold to district buyers SJ and KS McClelland for $2000 who were among returning buyers at Kerrilyn.
Most buyers were from the central Victorian region.
The auction sold 18 of 42 rams offered for an average of $1678.
Last Friday’s auction also marked one of the final appearances for long-time stock agent Tim Hill, of Elders.
Meanwhile, Kerrilyn has again supplied wether lambs for the Victorian school sheep competition.
Six shorn 2024 drop wethers have been judged for wool and meat traits with Greater Shepparton Secondary College overall winners for a second year.
Australian Merino Sheep Breeders Association and Australian Wool Innovation are backing the competition.
WOOL REPORT
THE Australian wool market has continued its unblemished start to the 2025-2026 wool selling season, recording an overall positive result for the seventh consecutive selling series.
This is the longest run of weekly rises since 2019 and the first time that the market has risen for the first seven weeks of a season since 1979.
There were again less than 30,000 bales on offer nationally. What wool was on offer received excellent support, as buyers were in an aggressive mood in the rapidly rising market.
On the first selling day all sectors of the market recorded healthy gains.
This was reflected in the benchmark Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) which rose by 17 cents for the day, this was the largest daily rise in the EMI since March.
On the second day the market continued to rise, all sectors of the market again recording gains, pushing the EMI up by a further 13 cents. This extended the run of daily EMI rises to 12.
This is the longest upward run of the EMI since June 2011. Although some of the rises in the EMI over this run were relatively small, when accumulated they have
become a significant upward trend.
The EMI started the run (July 8) at 1208 cents. It is now 1291 cents, an 83 cent or 6.9% increase. In further positive news, the EMI also rose in US dollar terms, adding 24 US cents for the series.
This was the third successive series where the EMI rose in both Australian and US terms. The crossbreds also performed very well again in this series, pushing the MPGs up into ranges not seen for years. The largest gains in this series in percentage terms were all achieved by the crossbred sector, with 28.0 and 30.0 the best for the second week in a row.
The oddment sector also had a very positive series, this was reflected in the Merino Carding Indicator (MC) which rose by an average of 23 cents.
Glendon Hancock Glendon.Hancock@elders.com.au
What’s below can impact production
FARMERS and advisors attending Birchip Cropping Group’s Main Field Day today at Birchip will have the chance to step into a 20-metre-long soil pit to see first-hand what lies beneath their crops and how it impacts production.
BCG senior scientist Dr James Nuttall will lead the discussion, drawing on his extensive research into subsoil constraints, water movement and crop responses in Mallee farming systems.
“Wheat, barley, canola and pulses all have different rooting depths and tolerances to subsoil constraints,” Dr Nuttall explained. “If roots can’t access water and
nutrients due to chemical toxicity or physical barriers, yield potential is lost – even if the water is there.”
The soil pit session will be one of the highlights of a full program at BCG’s Main Field Day, bringing together growers, researchers, and advisors to share the latest knowledge and strategies to drive farm productivity and profitability.
Dr Nuttall will walk growers through the typical characteristics of alkaline soils in the region, explain how subsoil properties affect the movement and storage of water, and show what soil water is currently available in the pit and what crops are using.
Norm Weir and agent Tim Hill with Noah and Brendan Lanfranchi and their top price ram. NCN PHOTO
ACROSS
3Book of the Bible 9Carry too far 10Girl’s name 11Rubber
12Supplying
16Literary ridicule 17Mexican ridingblanket 20Barren place 21Acting parts 23Injures
26Seesaw
29Entertains
31Made level
33In an uncontrolled rough way
34Waver
36Bait
37Area 38Ingredients
DOWN 1Meal courses 2Far apart 3Meditates 4Baking chambers 5Church attendant 6Period of time 7Scoundrel 8Set of things in line 13Radioactive metallic element 14Calls on 15Anger 18Decayed 19Sea bird 22Tentacles 23Manage 24Steal cattle 25Harsh 27First woman 28Bring on 30Sea nymph 32Passing away 35Bees’sound
100 YEARS AGO
September 5-9
Trotting Track Accident: While Mr “Mick” Scandolera, the popular trotting owner, was exercising a horse belonging to Mr Mart Fanning at the local track, the animal fell and Mr Scandolera was rendered unconscious for a number of hours. We are pleased to be able to announce he is now out of danger.
The Dance of the Season: The annual Catholic Ball held in St Joseph’s hall was assuredly the ball of the season. The attendance was large, over 300 being present. Together with local people, parties of visitors from districts near and far, added to the gaiety of the occasion. The hall presented a wonderful spectacle, and one wondered on entering if it were fairyland. The decorative scheme was gold and blue. For the supper the guests were seated at tables laden with a plentiful supply. The guests partook of a “right Royal spread.” The gorgeous colorings of the frocks blended with the darker shades of the gentlemen’s clothing in harmonious contrast.
17; and H. Bish, 13; were amongst the best bags. A call of 2/- per shooter, and land owner, whose land was shot over, was made, the money to be equally divided between the local cricket and tennis clubs.
Agricultural Society: A meeting of the Agricultural Society was held in the Mechanics’ Hall. Those present were:- Messrs S. Wood (president), G. M. Bennett (vice-president), R. M. Klunder (treasurer), J. Nolan, F. Edwards, J. Wright, C. Storey,W. McGuffie, J. S. Bennett (secretary), H. E. Wood, A. R. Blackwood, F. Judd, G. Cox, T. R. Edyvean, W. Cossar, J. Peverill, S. Perry and G. Parish. In the Yard Committee’s report, mention was made of the arrangements made for the erection of the special marquee for the school exhibits, as last year the shed used for this purpose was badly congested. Special trains will, as usual, be run from Sea Lake and Bendigo.
signalling, sending and receiving messages, quarterstaff drill, etc, was interspersed with several ably-rendered songs and a scout play entitled “Won Over”. Scoutmaster Grinham, on behalf of the scouts, presented a gold scout Thanks badge to the Rev. A. E. Freeman, Chaplain, for his efforts in establishing the troop in Charlton. The gross takings for the concert, sale of sweets and programmes was approximately £30. Fashion’s Latest: At Wm Wylie’s showrooms most comprehensive arrangements have been made for the display of the new season’s goods. The latest fashions in dresses, hosiery, handkerchiefs, boots and shoes will be shown.
ACROSS 3Proverbs 9Overdo 10Vera 11Eraser 12Providing 16Satire 17Serape 20Desert 21Roles 23Hurts 26Teeter 29Amuses 31Evened 33Violently 34Dither 36Lure 37Region 38Elements
Granite Flat: The hare shoot at Granite Flat was very successful, about 170 hares and one fox being shot. On some squares, hares were very numerous, and good shooting was enjoyed by the 21 shooters who took part. Ray Owen, 21; Les Owen,
100 YEARS
AGO
September 4-10
In the Kara Kara Junior Football Assoc 600 spectators gathered at King George Park to watch Swanwater 8-11 beat Kooreh 7-5, on a wet slippery ground making it difficult to hold the ball. Best players for Swanwater J & H Walton, F, G, H & J Michael and for Kooreh N, V & L Proctor, R, W, & C Moore. This means next week the same teams will play again in the grand final.
Some of the children who performed at the Coonooer Bridge State School concert were songs - Laurie Phillips, Ray Hartley, Nellie Reed, Doris Williams and recitations –Austin Hartley, Jack Phillips Clive Watts, Os Carroll.
DOWN 1Soups 2Remote 3Ponders 4Ovens 5Verger 6Era 7Rascal 8Series 13Radium 14Visits 15Ire 18Rotten 19Petrel 22Feelers 23Handle 24Rustle 25Severe 27Eve 28Entail 30Siren 32Dying 35Hum
Mrs Margaret Pickthall wife of William Pickthall of St Arnaud, died age 55 leaving five children. She
Brownies and Cubs’ Concert: The concert display and operetta (The Fairy Chain) given by the Scouts, Cubs and Brownies, in the Victoria Hall was an extremely enjoyable and successful entertainment. The Brownies were dressed in their new brown and gold uniforms. A series of displays, morse and semaphore
died in Melbourne and her body was brought home on the train.
The 2 storied brick building of 6 rooms in Napier st, owned by the estate of James Brain dec, occupied by chemist H J Mewkill and dentist G B McNair was sold to Mr H J Mewkill for £1,790.
Many St Arnaud residents took the special return train to the Donald show, where G Oxley and Dyke Bros won championships for draught horses.
The Sutherland State School held a sports day and ball to celebrate their golden jubilee, were the winners of the Queen Competition
Spring Fashions and Styles: With the spring comes the desire to dress and look well. Messrs Egan and Spain are showing a large and varied assortment of new season’s goods. Ladies are specially catered for in the way of fashions, materials, dresses, millinery and footwear. Little But Big: At the little shop for big bargains, R. J. Tippett has a spring display of all the latest styles in millinery, dresses, gloves, hosiery and all the odds and ends that delight the feminine heart. In material and design the new season’s goods are calculated to please the most fastidious.
to raise funds for a piano were announced – 1st Minnie Hoye ‘Faith’, 2nd Mary Walsh ‘Hope’, 3rd Ettie O’Donnell ‘Charity’ and 4th Olive Glesson ‘Peace’, with Willie Walsh acting as herald and Thelma Sharpe as mistress of the robes.
The annual conference of Manchester Unity Friendly Society was held in St Arnaud with many delegates and their wives in town for the whole week. While the men attended the conference the ladies were entertained with the following programme – Sunday Band recital in the gardens moved to the front of the Town Hall due to rain, followed by an address by Rev Cannon Fleischer at Christ Church. Monday - two separate receptions for men and ladies plus a smoke social at night, which was attended by 200 delegates. Tuesday - ladies visit the hospital and there was a ball at night.
Solution No. 8574
But terfly words
ADULT SECTION
Winner - Kalleidoscope by Julia Morant
Kaleidoscope
A shimmer of Jezabels
In white silken veils, Blue Morpho butterflies
With black Swallow-tails, And Wanderers returning to Old breeding grounds, But I yearn to see again
A tiny Clouded Yellow
Sipping nectar from the wildflowers
Which grow in grassy meadows, On an island far away Across the seas
2nd place - That Time by Florence Lisner
That time… That time remember… was it December? the surge of the sea resounding symphonic salt seaweedy air thrilling our nostrils
On a twig in the tea tree two butterflies
Conjoined… we marvelled, hushed for quite a while then continued to the Point… half an hour later, returning they were still thus
3rd place - Will They Listen by Nicole Moir
Will they listen?
Magpies sounded the alarm across the land. The Grampian Range arose. Her rage burned hotter than bushfires, her tears fell faster than flash-floods.
She needed no drums.
She borrowed the kookaburra’s song.
She waved no banner, only a swarm of monarch butterflies.
The bush spoke: Enough! “No more transmission lines.”
UNDER 12
Winner Halley Huggins
A girl chased a beautiful monarch butterfly through fields of flowers, one landed on her hand – wings transparent. She whispered a wish to the creature, her voice soft and quiet. Years later, in the girls darkest moments,
The magic of the moment never fades away!
2nd place - Hannah Greig
Butterflies are natures beauty A butterfly dances in the sky
Meeting the needs and wants of life
I HAVE been getting some feedback about the last write up and got good positive ideas for me to investigate so thank you to those that contributed.
Now this brings me to a couple of conversations I have had with people in the last few days regarding everyone’s favourite topic - politician bashing ie, what they are doing wrong.
It ceases to amaze me how we, as people and a society in general, bag governments either at a federal, state or, in my case, local level.
We do this at any opportunity we can without giving an alternative positive solution to a problem. Yet it is society that created the problem in the first place.
Let me dive into that further. We as humans have basic needs. Manslow’s human pyramid outlines five basic levels to sustain a healthy life. A hierarchy of needs is pretty basic stuff. It’s not rocket science by any stretch of the imagination. But next to that is wants, and there is the problem. We want, but at what cost is the wants? It is huge, especially from a goverment viewpoint, because we want free education, free health, free childcare and I could go on and on as to the myriad of things we expect at a small cost to us personally but huge cost to governments.
So we have governments spending our money accordingly to get us the wants not necessarily the needs. I know some will see it differently to myself as society says. They are not wants anymore but needs.
It
morning
Once a crawler slow and small Now it Soars above us all
A whispering breeze a silent sigh
Natures beauty leaning to fly every day
3rd place Zach Judd
Oh, to be a butterfly!
Vivid green and blue, I would soar, I would fly.
But, what about you?
If you were a butterfly,
Then we would be twained.
Butterflies up in the sky, What jubilation gained!
All this imagination, All this pondering, This, my creation
My world of wondering.
Hence we blame governments when in reality it is us that is to blame. We place demands on them to satisfy our wants.
So if we are to achieve some sort of balance in goverment spending maybe we need to look at ourselves first. We need to provide more of our wants by our own means first before we go to governments with hat in hand to pick-up our wants.
I had someone say to me the current government is killing Australia and we will end up with nothing left as big companies will disappear etc I said to that person it won’t happen, at least not in my lifetime. There’s too much wealth in the ground. Although they may bring in cheap labour as we as Australians have priced ourselves out of the labour market.
But really we are killing Australia because we want cheap and free if possible. So as a society we’re only getting what we’re putting in. So to end the rot, give more of yourself in a positive light.
As the farmers out there know sow and you will be rewarded.
Just a bit of food for thought
Cr Barrett is a Lower Avoca Ward councillor for Buloke Shire
an identical butterfly lands on her palm, she smiles through her tears.
Wings like rainbows drifting by From flower to flower soft and light
sparkles in the
light
Robert Nowak from Friends of the Library with award winners. NCN PHOTO
Cohen King reciting his poem on Thursday night
EMPLOYMENT
JOB VACANCIES
Campus Base Negotiable
Planned Activity Group Assistant Charlton
Junior Food and Domestic Service
Assistant
Planned Activity Group Assistant
Donald
Junior Food and Domestic Service
Assistant St Arnaud
Acting Campus Manager
Nurse Unit Manager
Associate Nurse Unit Manager
Endorsed Enrolled Nurse
Registered Nurse Wycheproof Nurse Unit Manager
Associate Nurse Unit Manager
Planned Activity Group Coordinator
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. EMPLOYMENT
NOTICE OF AN APPLICATION FOR A PLANNING PERMIT
The land affected by the application is located at 70 Dempsey Street, Wycheproof VIC 3527.
The application is for a permit to construct a building or construct or carry out works (dwelling) in a Commercial 1 Zone and Heritage Overlay.
The application reference number is PA25024.
You may view the application and supporting documents on the Buloke Shire Council Website https://buloke.greenlightopm.com/ planning or by making contact with the office of the Responsible Authority, Buloke Shire Office, Wycheproof on 1300 520 520.
This can be done during office hours and is free of charge. Any person who may be affected by the granting of the permit may object or make other submissions to the Responsible Authority.
An objection must be made to the Responsible Authority in writing, include the objectors name and contact details, include reasons for the objection, and state how the objector would be affected. An online submission form is available at https://www.buloke.vic.gov.au/planningapplications-on-exhibition.
The Responsible Authority will not decide on the application before 25 September 2025.
If you object to the application, the Responsible Authority will tell you it’s decision.
Council is seeking comments on a proposal to rename Davies St (Charlton) running East from High St to John Curtin Drive along the Avoca riverbank, to Walklate Lane (Charlton) Members of the public can provide feedback on the names or submit name nominations by [date], within 30 days of this notice addressed to:
Buloke Shire Council
367 Broadway, Wycheproof VIC 3527
buloke@buloke.vic.gov.au
Contact No: 1300 520 520
Council is seeking comments on a proposal to rename Old Wedderburn Rd Pt1 (Yeungroon) running west from YeungroonCoonooer Rd to a gate at west end of road, to Fanny Price Lane (Yeungroon) Members of the public can provide feedback on the names or submit name nominations by [date], within 30 days of this notice addressed to:
Buloke Shire Council 367 Broadway, Wycheproof VIC 3527 buloke@buloke.vic.gov.au
Contact No: 1300 520 520
NOTICE OF AN APPLICATION FOR A PLANNING PERMIT
The land affected by the application is located at 462 Broadway, Wycheproof VIC 3527. The application is for a permit to construct a building or construct or carry out works (Office, associated with the public land use conducted on behalf of the public land manager).
The application reference number is PA25022
You may view the application and supporting documents on the Buloke Shire Council Website https://buloke.greenlightopm.com/ planning or by making contact with the office of the Responsible Authority, Buloke Shire Office, Wycheproof on 1300 520 520.
This can be done during office hours and is free of charge. Any person who may be affected by the granting of the permit may object or make other submissions to the Responsible Authority.
An objection must be made to the Responsible Authority in writing, include the objectors name and contact details, include reasons for the objection, and state how the objector would be affected. An online submission form is available at https://www.buloke.vic.gov.au/ planningapplications-on-exhibition. The Responsible Authority will not decide on the application before 25 September 2025. If you object to the application, the Responsible Authority will tell you it’s decision.
LEGAL NOTICES
Ann Parry late of Riverview Aged Care, 1A Aitken Avenue, Donald, VIC, 3480, Home Duties, deceased.
CREDITORS, next of kin, and others having claims in respect of the will of the above named deceased, who died on 11 August 2024 are required by the executors, Stephen Parry and John Parry, c/- the undermentioned solicitor, to send particulars of their claims to them by the 26 November 2025 after which date the executors may convey or distribute the assets, having regard only to the claims of which they then have notice.
MCL LEGAL
78 Napier Street St Arnaud VIC 3478
TIME TO ADAPT
Since our establishment in 1860 we have always included the St Arnaud Cemetery fees into our Accounts to lessen the burden on our customers to pay these funds prior to a Burial taking place.
Kell Funerals would like to publicly announce that as of 1st Sept 2025 we can no longer absorb the cost of St Arnaud Cemetery fees into our Funeral Accounts.
We are only a small business and with the cost of the St Arnaud Cemetery reflecting figures that are similar or more than a standard grave in Melbourne, Bendigo, Ballarat we can no longer absorb the cost until payment of a funeral which can exceed 2 months or more.
To be buried in the St Arnaud Lawn as of 1st Sept 2025
Purchase of Land $2156
Digging of Grave $2200
Extra foot for double grave $265 Plaque standard $715
Total $5336
2nd Burial $ $2871
The price difference for the Old Section of the Cemetery is $3992 (without a plaque or headstone)
2nd Burial $2200
It is common practice for Funeral Directors in the major towns that they refer families do go to the Cemetery after arranging the Funeral and pay the costs required for the Grave in their chosen Cemetery.
Sadly the City has caught up with the country and regretfully our practices will have to change
Stuart
18th
ST ARNAUD CFA GROUP MEETING
Tuesday 16th September 2025, 7:30PM AT
150 Years Celebration
St Arnaud Citizens Band
Keeping Music alive in the Wimmera Past players are invited to join the Band celebrate 150 years of Brass Banding in St Arnaud. Concert
Saturday 18th October 2025 7:30pm St Arnaud Town Hall Showcasing the Band and Community groups
Sunday, 14th September 6pm ‘till 10pm Guest ArtistCameron Mason 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.
Nicola Kirk Physiotherapist
Over 17 years experience
Open Mon to Fri
63 Napier Street, St. Arnaud 0400 451 432 or 5495 1108
Solicitor
116 Napier St., St. Arnaud
Practical, experienced advice in plain English
Appointments also available in Charlton, Donald & Wycheproof Ph: 5495 2595 Karen@klp.net.au
SELF STORAGE
• 7 DAYS ACCESS
• BUSINESS STOCK
• LONG OR SHORT TERM STORAGE AVAILABLE
Hayley: 0409 337 276, Luke: 0458 885 266
DEATH NOTICES
MEDLYN (Wright)
- Thelma Amy passed away peacefully at St Arnaud on Sept. 3rd 2025 in her 100th year. Dearly loved wife of Bill (dec) and loving mother and mother-in-law of Kaye; Neil (dec) and Maree; Fiona and Chris Page; Lexie Walker; John; Robert and Mandy; Lyndon and Sue; Deirdre and Austin Freeman. Adored Grandmother of 17 Grandchildren, 32 Great grandchildren and 13 Great great grandchildren. Always loved, always remembered. Rest peacefully Mum.
FUNERALS
MEDLYN
A graveside service for Thelma will be held at the St Arnaud Lawn Cemetery on THURSDAY Sept. 11th at 1.00 pm
Tributes at lifelived.com.au
KELL FUNERALS
NFDA EST: 1860
ST ARNAUD 5495 1043
CHURCH NOTICES
UNITING CHURCH
ST. ARNAUD / STUART MILL
Sunday 14th September
St. Arnaud 9.30am
Worship at Anglican Church. All Welcome.
PARISH OFFICE
Chris & Rob Batters
Pastorial Co-ordinators
Enquiries: 5495 6223
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 faith in our Lord
Thu 11th September
10.30 a.m. Faith Group
Sun 14th September
10.30 a.m.: Worship & Communion Speaker: Norma Hunt Tues. 16th September
4.30 p.m.: Discovery Club
All welcome to the above occasions. Enquiries: Church 0494 391 466
DISTRICT CATHOLIC CHURCHES
East Wimmera Parish
BIRCHIP - Sunday September 14th
All the president’s men
CHARLTON broke through for a hard fought win to finally wrestle the President’s Cup back from arch golfing rival Wedderburn on Saturday.
The Charlton team went into the contest as underdogs, starting without the availability of it’s President and Captain, however the lower order players were up for the challenge to record a stableford average of 31 points to defeat the more fancied Wedderburn opponents on 29 points.
Individual good scores came from P. Sanderson 37 points, R. Weston C. McHugh both 36 points, W. Southwell, I. Jenkins, B. Byrne, R. Walklate, J. McLoughlan all 34 points. A. Tormey 33 points. Nearest the Pins: 2nd Christie Fitzpatrick, 7th Glenda Bird, 14th T. McGurk.
RSL Diggers day is this Sunday with a two-person Ambrose, any combination. All proceeds to Bendigo Legacy.
St Arnaud
Saturday’s main event was the final of WL Bray 4BBB competition between the Gre Gre Composters team of Trevor and Lindsay Baldock and the Burrumbite Graziers team of Rob Batters and Trevor McDonald.
With only three points difference in the four players scores it was no surprise that
the match was square after 18 holes.The Baldock Composters held on to win on the 2nd playoff hole.
In the other board event seven players had qualified for the final of the Mewkill Trophy.This was also close with three strokes difference in the top six players. President Chris Campbell was the winner with 94/21/73. Tony Coloe,Bill Rodger,Rob Batters and Trevor Stewart all finished three strokes back on 76 net.
Winner of the daily event was Chris Campbell from Tubby Drendel.Nearest the pins were Chris Campbell on the 6th,Trevor Stewart on the 8th,Tubby Drendel on the 10th and new player Robert Harvey on the 18th.
HRV chiefs will share new year plans
HARNESS Racing Victoria have announced that their current round of consultations with industry participants and the broader trots community will include a session at Charlton Park next Tuesday.
Subjects for discussion include a review of the 2025 financial year and forecast plans for 2026 and beyond. For those that can’t attend the Charlton show the Kilmore session the night before is being telecast on Trotsvision from 7pm.
There were only five races at Terang’s Monday night meeting, six races were programmed but one was declared a no race, and the combination of Deep Lead trainer Marnie Bibby and Charlton driver Luke Dunne took the honours with two long price winners.
The 7yo gelding Swiss Lightning, who Marnie bred, has now won fourteen races and started at 30-1 in what was a career best time of 1.58.8. Stablemate, Starzinhereyes, a 6yo mare bred in Concongella by Owen Martin won race 3 at 20-1. The
next night at Swan Hill it was another six race programme with the Shaun and Jason McNaulty trained 3yo Impeached breaking through at its sixth career start when it won the Battlers in the Bush Maiden and then Tori Hutchins won the trot with Rakero Warrior who was driven by Jordan Leedham. The 6yo has now won 4 with two placings in its seven starts for the Hutchins/Leedham combination.
At the almost all trot night at Bendigo on Wednesday the Tormey family won a Nutrien Equine Classic heat for 2yo Colts and Geldings with Glorified. The gelding, who started at 30-1 and trotted its last half mile in 58.8 is by Majestic Son from Gloriadon making him a half brother to eight times winner Blackrange Glory.
At Mildura on Friday Luke Dunne won one race and Ellen Tormey drove a double taking her seasons total into the nineties. Bendigo race again tonight and next Monday the attention turns to Stawell. - INSIDE RUNNING
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
10.30am - Live Stream in BOORT - Sunday September 14th
10.30am - Live Stream in BANYENA - No Mass
CHARLTON - Sunday September 14th
8.30am - Mass
DONALD - Saturday September 13th
7.00pm - Mass
ST.ARNAUD - Sunday September 14th
10.30am
Live Stream out to churches without Mass
WYCHEPROOF - Sunday September 14th
10.30am - Live Stream in
Parish Coordinator: Noeline Hogan 0476 617 976
September 4th
Ellie Hendy
September 5th
Stewart Egan
Kathryn Hendy
Jacki Letts
Emily Brierley
September 6th
Nicole Devereux
Pat McGee
September 7th
Ashley Aspland
Chandra Griffith
Sarah Torney
September 10th
Bec Weir
THE annual Murray Valley Golf Croquet Tournament was held at Charlton Croquet Club attracting 30 entries.
Players came from Ballarat West, Boort, Castlemaine, Colac, Eastern Park, Horsham, Maldon, Mildura, Quarry Hill, Sale, Swan Hill, Wangaratta, and Williamstown clubs. In Section 1 going into the last round Andy Barbero (Wangaratta) and Richard Parks (Williamstown - last year’s winner) were undefeated. Andy defeated Richard to take the Section 1 Shield, remaining undefeated. In Section 2 Alister McDougal (Boort) dominated the field, undefeated with seven wins. Gary Dykes (Maldon) was runnerup with five wins. Section 3 played in two blocks, followed by cross-block knockout finals. Lois Munro (Swan Hill) emerged as the winner, defeating Karen Davidson (Mildura) in the final. Lois won a total of six games and Karen won five.
Tournament leading players Richard Parks, Karen Davidson, Andy Barbero, Alister McDougal, Lois Munro, Gary Dykes
Wedderburn’s Geoff Weston (left) and Owen Bailey (right) hand over the President’s Cup to Charlton’s Anthony Hargreaves and Trevor McGurk.
Gripping finale to season
By BOB WOOLEY
THE gathered enthralled throng at St Arnaud Country Club were treated to another epic match with a resuscitation from the near-dead that produced a grandstand finish in the InterHotels Pool Competition grand final.
Of the eight combatants who graced the baize for the big dance only two were lacking in Grand Final experience, one of these was the RSL team’s Kyle Postlethwaite who opened the evening’s encounter when he broke against the Country Club Two’s Grant Doyle. It was to be a sedate opening frame as both players attempted set-ups and safety with Grant finally opening the scoring but he also obliged Kyle by potting his first ball for him as well. The nerves were now beginning to settle as each player began to steadily eliminate his object balls until Grant was down to three however Kylie then potted four in rapid succession only to snooker himself on the black. He failed to extricate himself and this allowed Grant to pot his remaining three and close out the frame with a characteristic long blast on the black.
Club Two 1 – RSL 0
The second of the RSL’s Grand Final virgins was Sam Postlethwaite and he was up against the C/Club captain Harley Durward, the hero of last’s year’s dramatic Granny victory and the quickfire pace of this frame was to be a stark contrast to the previous game as Harley potted a ball off the break then went in-off while potting another. The frame then went virtually ball for ball until Harley produced a scintillating fine cut inside one of Sam’s balls that appeared to be obstructing a corner pocket then an equally fine cut to encourage the black to enter a centre pocket.
Club Two 2 – RSL 0
The Diggers’ captain Mitch Phillips now entered the fray against Will Jackson and the match was to retain the Formula One frenzy of the previous encounter as, after a good break by Mitch, Will potted four balls in quick succession and Mitch followed with two however the pace slowed momentarily as both players jockeyed for setups and safety until Mitch committed a fatal error, going in-off while attempting a double, thus allowing Will to pot his final two object balls. The eminentlypottable black ball was in a dangerous in-off location but Will, being stout of heart, went for it, potted it and watched intently as the cue ball jawed tantalizingly in the centre pocket before coming to rest on the playing surface.
Club Two 3 – RSL 0
Dave Russ now stepped to the baize for the Diggers and after yet another good break, this time by the C/Club’s Jake Male, he potted two balls in the same corner before going for safety as his remaining balls were all awkwardly positioned. After Jake had risked deliberately potting one of Dave’s balls to create an opening for himself Dave
was unable to capitalize and Jake came home with a wet sail to clear the table of his balls and take the frame with an excellent corner pot on the black.
Club Two 4 – RSL 0
With the bedazzled Diggers appearing to be in never-never land at the end of the first round of singles it was obvious that something be needed to extricate them from their lethargy or the duty bugler would be sounding Lights Out prematurely for the evening.
Grant broke against Kyle in the opening frame of the second round and Kyle got off to a good start with two excellent pots in each of the baulk corners but Grant retaliated, potting three balls in quick succession at various locations around the table but then a hit-and-hope shot brought a gleam to Kyle’s countenance and he deftly dispatched his remaining object balls. With the black ball in a precarious inoff situation he opted for safety however this allowed Grant to eliminate three of his five remaining balls and leave Kyle with a difficult cut on the black but he was up to the task and the RSL were finally on the board.
Club Two 4 – RSL 1
Sam produced yet another excellent break in the next frame and, after Harley had opened the scoring, they had gone pot for pot cautiously amidst a mixture of attempted safety shots until Harley missed with a pot in a corner only to watch on in despair as the black ball disappeared at the opposite end of the table thus handing the frame to Sam. Suddenly the frenzied feasting and serious slurping of the spectators, who had anticipated an early extermination of the RSL, slowed dramatically as the more streetwise among them awoke to the realization that this may have indeed been a turning point and that they may not be retiring to their nuptial couches that early after all.
Club Two 4 – RSL 2
Will broke in his next encounter with Mitch and, although it
proved to be a fair break Mitch, buoyed by the successes of the previous two games, continued the counter-attack by quickly potting four balls but in his exuberance went in-off with the cue ball on his next attempt. Will recovered to stem the advance momentarily but after Mitch had sunk his last object ball with a long shot along the cushion, only to then leave the black in the jaws, he pulled off a magnificent treble, only to stymie himself on his last ball. He attempted to double the cue ball on to it but only succeeded in setting up Mitch for an easy execution of the black.
Club Two 4 – RSL 3
In the final frame of the second round Dave began on a positive note, potting a ball off the break and continued in that vein by bagging another three but an attempted double then fell well short of the pocket. Jake then went on a potting frenzy and was suddenly down to his last ball which he was only able to set up but then it developed into a game of guile as Dave, with two awkwardly placed balls, could only reset Jake’s ball to a safer location and for the next three visits each player could only call on his pool expertise nous in an attempt to gain an advantage as attempted snookers and set-ups became the mode of play. The end came when Dave was finally able to pot his last two object balls but he attempted a double on the black ball that left it on the cushion in an apparently safe location but when Jake potted his final ball the cue ball rebound conveniently and moved the black to a position where he was able to deliver the coup-de-grace and put the Rollers and Floggers back on to the fairway.
Club Two 5 – RSL 3
At the top of the third round Kyle produced another fine break against Grant, both players opened their accounts with pots in the centre but the pressure was obviously beginning to arouse the little demon in the grey cells as they missed rela-
perched in the middle of the table. Will, still staring at four object balls, missed with a bold attempt along the cushion but went unpunished when Mitch made an uncharacteristic meal of his next shot on the black. Will prolonged the frame when he snookered Mitch but when he missed an attempted pot on his penultimate ball Mitch was able to finally prevail with a cut into the centre pocket.
Club Two 6 – RSL 5
tively gettable shots but inevitably the object balls became less numerous until Grant jawed an attempted corner pot on his final ball. Kyle was able to edge his way past this obstacle to pot his final ball then caress the black into the baulk corner with gentle ease.
Club Two 5 - RSL 4
After Harley had executed yet another excellent break Sam opened the scoring, Harley then retaliated with two pots into opposite corners before missing with a bold attempt at a centre pot. Both players attempted to gain the ascendancy which produced a series of missed pots and set-up attempts, punctuated by the occasional pot, until Harley, with four object balls surrounding the black, attempted to clear them out but only succeeded in sinking one of Sam’s balls. This presented a golden opportunity for Sam to produce a virtuoso performance and he began with a brilliant cadenza, potting his remaining object balls fluently but fluffed the finale when he failed to nail a difficult attempt at the black thereby allowing Harley to take the bows by potting out.
Club Two 6 – RSL 4
With his team now on the wood Mitch initiated a thunderous break that would have registered about five on the Richter Scale as well as causing drinks to be spilled, knickers to be soiled and a stampede amongst the kangaroos grazing on the surrounding fairways. When the cloud of chalk dust had cleared from across the table it was discovered that the cue ball had taken shelter in a pocket so, as a sense of normality returned to the arena, Will took advantage of the situation to pot three balls but with the remainder awkward he opted to play for safety however this was to prove to be futile as mighty Mitch methodically dispatched his object balls to all points of the table only to be finally confronted with a difficult black. He attempted a double on this but only left it
The match would now be decided in the doubles with Sam and Mitch teamed up against Harley and Jake in the first of these. Harley broke and potted a ball in doing so then made the crucial decision to play the opposite colours and proceeded to pot two then set up another. Sam countered by setting up inside this and thereby set the pattern for the remainder of the frame with Jake and Mitch potting and initiating counter set-ups in their respective visits however when Harley potted three in a row they were down to their last object ball which was in a difficult position but he had snookered himself on it and failed to accomplish a recovery. The RSL duo still had three balls remaining, Sam was able to eliminate one of these and set up another and while Jake was fortunate to even make contact with their ball he had presented Mitch with a golden opportunity to clean up which he did.
Club Two 6 – RSL 6
The only controversy for the evening was to occur in the final match of the Granny when Will potted the cue ball on the break thereby handing over the table to Kyle who then had apparently positioned the cue ball incorrectly for his visit. Suffice to say that after a lengthy discussion it was mutually agreed that the balls should be re-racked and the frame begun afresh. The silence emanating from the stunned spectators was deafening as Will broke again, this time with a fair outcome. Kyle missed with his opening shot but Grant and Dave each potted one in their respective visits but it was to be the Rollers and Floggers who were to gradually gain the ascendancy until they were down to just two object balls while the RSL pair were confronted with six. Kyle potted one then jawed another with a long push along the cushion then Grant potted the Club’s penultimate ball before stunning all and sunder by deliberately potting the RSL ball that was blocking their last, thereby throwing down the gauntlet and handing the table over to Dave. He undertook what appeared to be an effective snooker but Will was able to make the pot, he was now confronted by a black ball awkwardly placed on the cushion however he doubled it and the low murmur radiating from the room rose in crescendo as the ball crept at an ever-decreasing tempo towards a corner pocket before it finally disappeared into same, accompanied by another kangaroo-stampeding roar from the delighted County Cup Two team who had achieved the glory of a repeat Premiership with their seven games to six victory.
2025 victors Simon Elliot, Will Jackson, Harley Durward, Grant Doyle and Jake Male
Gallant Navies run out of time
THE clock beat a gallant Charlton in its under 12 North Central Hockey Association preliminary final against Birchip Watchem. Both teams opened nervously, trading turnovers in the midfield and struggling to find clean chances.
Birchip-Watchem earned the first short corner after ten minutes, but Charlton’s defence countered through Toby Bourke and drove the ball back to the other end and threatening a goal for themselves.
Birchip’s Oscar Sharp and Denley Tyler combined to threaten Charlton’s goals but a gripping save by goalie Archie Smyth kept the scores level heading into half time.
The second half lifted in intensity immediately. Denley carried the ball forward and found Oscar on the spot inside Charlton’s D, whose sharp strike was only just saved by the keeper.
Charlton replied instantly with the ball moving back into attack using Ruby Wright but the backboard still couldn’t be found as Birchip’s keeper Zayvier Saggers stopped their scoring chances.
The game turned when a slick 1-2 passing move between duo Denley and Oscar opened up space in the D, where Oscar managed to receive the ball behind keeper to slot the first goal with eleven minutes left.
Charlton surged desperately, driving the ball forward again, but Birchip’s defence held.
A series of saves by the Charlton keeper kept the match alive, but time ran out. Birchip-Watchem prevailed 1-0, booking their place in the grand final against Calder.
St Arnaud struck early and struck hard in the underage preliminary final against Donald, Jesse James threatening with two dangerous chances connecting with Mara Reynolds on post with frantic work by Donald’s keeper Kailie Krauise to keep it out.
It wasn’t long before Lewis Lowe managed to break through though putting Saints up. Carrying that found momentum saw minutes later, a cross from Finn G to Lewis, who coolly slotted his second.
Saints carried a 2-0 lead into
halftime despite Donald’s best efforts, with Lilly Nuske holding back the Saints tide.
Not ready to give up, Donald came out firing after the break, Oakley Brennan driving a shot onto the post for Ellie Burke to deflect home, cutting the margin to 2-1 inside a minute of the half starting.
This increased pressure from Donald saw the Saints scrambling for several minutes before steadying and forcing the ball into a pointed attacked on the goals.
A shot from top came rocketing in and was deflected up by the Donalds’s goalies pads, where the quick reactions by Jesse saw the overhead ball volleyed back past the keepers stick and into the net in what might be the goal of the year.
Saints didn’t look to be slowing down as they continued their assault and when Jesse found his second for the match minutes later a solid buffer had been formed with 10 minutes of game left to play.
Donald fought until the end, Oakley testing keeper Forbes Kirk with a rocket from a short, but Saints held strong to win 4-1. They will now meet Charlton in the grand final.
The men’s preliminary final had the crowd on edge from the opening whistle. St Arnaud and Donald created early chances, Donald earning the first short corner but unable to convert and the quarter ending with no scores.
The breakthrough to the stalemate came late in the second quarter, with Glenn Pearse’s run up the field and pass across the D to set up Lyric Davis, who finished with a deft reverse stick to put Donald 1-0 up at halftime.
Donald doubled their lead early in the second half, Leo Nuske linking with Glenn Pearse who slotted a sharp-angle strike that snuck past the keeper.
St Arnaud refused to be beaten, followed up with force earning a series of short corners.
From one, Thomas Watts’ strike was stopped by keeper Sam Pearse but the deflection was picked up by Ed Parry, who made no mistake finishing the ball to bring it back to 2-1.
The final quarter brought high drama. Just a minute in, Ben Batters converted a short to level the scores 2-2.
A furious attack by Henry Bourchier was stopped by Saints keeper Sam Cook to keep the scores even.
With only two minutes remaining, Hamish Pearse pounced on a turnover in the attacking half and driving home the third goal. Donald fought hard to equalise again and take it to shoot outs but Saints calmly controlled the ball until time was up, giving Saints a 3-2 victory.
St Arnaud’s resilience to fight back from a two-goal deficit saw them book their spot in Wedderburn this weekend, where they will meet Calder United in a thrilling showdown.
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Bulls book spot to challenge Saints for under 14 flag
THE North Central netball under 14B preliminary final at Lord Nelson Park on Saturday had a ferocious start as Boort and Birchip Watchem battled to take on St Arnaud in the grand final.
Boort scored the first goal of the match. The ball went up and down the court several times due to a few nervous footwork calls.
Both teams were playing a strong defensive game, putting the goalers under all sorts of pressure. By the end of the first quarter both teams managed to settle down and find some rhythm, with Birchip Watchem leading by two goals.
The Bulls started strongly in the second term with some very slick plays by their mid-courters. Boort was very good at working the ball around and waiting un-
til the best opportunity presented itself. Boort had their chances to get ahead in the second quarter but inaccuracy under post meant they went into half time down by three.
Birchip were very strong after half time, increasing their defensive pressure all the way down the court. It was goal for goal for most of the third quarter and the pressure certainly intensified.
The Bulls maintained a two-goal lead at the final break.
In the last quarter Boort scored off three crucial turnovers, scores drew back level with five minutes remaining. Birchip regained their composure and had some great plays going down court.
Birchip took out a very hard fought win to defeat Boort by three goals.
Amelia Watts (top) and Luke Batters (above) help the Saints to victories. NCN PHOTOS
NORTH
SENIORS
Birchip Watchem 2.6 5.10 8.13 8.17 (65)
Sea Lake Nandaly 1.0 3.4 6.5 8.7 (55)
GOALS – Birchip Watchem: T. Gibson, L. Foott 2, B. Edwards, D. Bell, J. Christie. Sea Lake Nandaly: J. Jenkins 3, B. Delmenico 2, R. O’Sullivan, M. Cahoon, T. McKenzie.
BEST – Birchip Watchem: B. Hogan, B. Lakin, M. Buchanan, D. Hinkley, H. Cook, H. Hosking. Sea Lake Nandaly: A. Mertz, B. McInnes, B. Delmenico, K. Donnan, T. Donnan, M. Cahoon.
RESERVES
Boort 1.3 1.4 3.7 4.10 (34)
Birchip Watchem 2.2 4.4 6.4 9.8 (62)
GOALS – Boort: J. Baker, W. Toose, H. Weaver. Birchip Watchem: T. Colbert, J. Reid, S. Pye, R. Doran, C. Lee, M. Berry, C. Goode, B. Colbert.
BEST – Boort: C. Ross, M. Beattie, J. Baker, A. Trethowan, A. Potter, F. Millar. Birchip Watchem: S. Pye, R. Hogan Jr, B. Edelsten, C. Lee, J. Lindeback.
UNDER 17
St Arnaud 1.3 4.5 4.8 5.9 (39)
Boort 0.2 1.4 2.5 6.8 (44) BEST – St Arnaud: E. Hilton, W. Thomas, A. Wickham, F. Donald, C. Hendy, C. Zander. Boort: J. O’Flaherty, C. Gooding, L. Boyd, S. Muller, R. Wagner, B. McPherson.
UNDER 14
Sea Lake Nandaly
(55)
BEST – Sea Lake Nandaly: H. Cox, H. Wight, R. Allan, F. Austerberry, J. Hodgson, T. McClelland. Boort: S. Muller, A. Lee, C. McNally, J. Perryman, T. Broad, L. King.
MARYBOROUGH CASTLEMAINE
SENIORS
Trentham 1.4 6.8 7.8 9.9 (63) Navarre
Harcourt 12.1 (73) lost to Natte Bealiba
RESERVES
Talbot 9.7 (61) d Harcourt 8.5 (53). Carisbrook 9.10 (64) d Trentham 4.6 (30).
UNDER 17.5
Carisbrook 8.7 (55) d Navarre 3.5 (23). Natte Bealiba 4.4 (28) lost to Maryborough 4.6 (30).
UNDER 14.5
Natte Bealiba 6.6 (42) lost to Carisbrook 9.7 (61). Trentham 4.6 (30) d Navarre 2.2 (14).
UNDER 11.5
Talbot 4.3 (27) d Harcourt 1.4 (10). Navarre 8.4 (52) d Newstead 3.1 (19).
Navy thankful for family ties
SECOND year Charlton ruckman Ben Lanyon has put together a fine season to be named the Barry Cossar Medalist as Charlton Football Club’s best and fairest for 2025.
Barry’s son John on hand to place the medal around Lanyon, highlighting the connection Ben has to Charlton and to Cossar’s Yeungroon roots.
Ben is the grandson of Charlton premiership player John, and joined the Navies last season after moving down from Sydney for work and now study purposes, in his acceptance speech, on top of glowing praise for coach Mitch Collins and his teammates, Lanyon paid special tribute to uncle Des and auntie Francie for the room afforded him at the end of each week, no doubt making the transition so much easier.
Lanyon has put together an outstanding individual season to reverse last years count result, and overcome Collins. A year ago it was Collins finishing over the top of Lanyon, the two clear standouts for the battling Navies. Lanyon played all 16 games and was rarely out of the best each Saturday.
In a 20-year first, all three codes came together for a joint presentation day, all junior awards completed in the morning before players, families and supporters joined for lunch, and then into the senior awards.
In other senior awards presented on the day, Collins named Mason Heenan this year’s Alan Britton Most Determined recipient, acknowledging his growth and development as a midfielder within the team. Bailey Hooper-Dixon receiving the Coach’s Award, often tasked with minding the opposition’s best forward, Hooper-Dixon was applauded for his commitment and resilient team first attitude throughout 2025. Elliott Fitzpatrick’s contribution not going unnoticed, named as Charlton’s Rising Star for 2025, his dash and intercept marking a feature from his regular half-back post. Marcus Campbell’s contribution on and
off the field acknowledged when he was named this year’s Graham Teasdale Annual Achievement Award recipient, Campbell as a player and a member of the Senior committee praised for his dedication to the Charlton Football Club.
Recognition also afforded to Carla Hooper-Dixon, shocked recipient of the Charlton Football Club Best Club Person honours for season 2025, Carla acknowledged for her tireless work around the club, at both Junior and Senior level, not to mention her support for club President, husband Kris.
In the Reserves, Luke Dunn was named Best & Fairest for 2025, Dunne spent the majority of the second half of the year in the Reserves’ side, his commitment to harness race driving at Melton on Saturday nights, making him unavailable for senior consideration, his ability to rack up possession through his speed of foot evident in the voting, bolting up the leader board to claim top honours from Fergus Bourke, a masterful Seconds tap ruck-man, Bourke often giving Charlton’s onballers first look. Coach Ben Roberts was an early leader before a season and possibly career ending injury curtailed his vote collecting.
The Alan Britton Most Determined in the Reserves going to Marcus Campbell, Coach’s Award to Lachlan Holmes-Brown and the Most Improved being awarded to Ethan Needs
A Grade
Boort 9, 16, 24, 30, (30)
Sea Lake Nandaly 4, 15, 21, 31, (31)
B Grade
Calder United 14, 25, 35, 46, (46)
Birchip Watchem 5, 17, 20, 28, (28) C Grade
Wedderburn 13, 27, 36, 47, (47)
Boort 7, 19, 34, 44, (44) C Reserve
Sea Lake Nandaly 16, 25, 37, 44, (44)
Calder United 9, 25, 34, 45, (45) 17 & Under
Birchip Watchem 17, 33, 55, 69, (69)
Boort 5, 10, 16, 22, (22) 14 & Under A
Birchip Watchem 2, 6, 9, 13, (13)
Donald 4, 9, 14, 19, (19)
Boort 3, 5, 11, 15, (15)
14 & Under B
Birchip Watchem 5, 8, 13, 18, (18)
Ben Lanyon and John Cossar.
FLAG CHASERS
Saints and Navies in hunt for premiership glory
THE 2025 North Central season will reach its climax at Wedderburn’s Donaldson Park on Saturday.
Birchip Watchem, after going through the home and away season, has taken the long way to the senior football grand final.
The Bulls will meet Calder United with the Lions having omens and history on their side.
Formed from the merger this season of Wycheproof Narraport and Nullawil, the Lions will be hoping to repeat the achievement of 1964 when Wycheproof and Narraport won the North Central flag in their first season as a combined club.
St Arnaud will have its under 14 footballers in action. The Saints won their second semi-final with a three-point victory over Sea Lake Nandaly.
But the Tigers’ hopes of another crack at the young Saints evaporated when they went down by 28 points to Boort in last Saturday’s preliminary final played at Lord Nelson Park.
In the seniors lastt Saturday, The Bulls came out strongly in the first term with eight scoring shots to the Tigers one, however 2.6 in front of goals, left the door open for the Tigers. It was more even in the middle two periods, with the bulls adding 6.7, to the Tigers 5.5,
The Tigers begun closing the gap in the final term, however Birchip Watchem had done enough, to record a 10 point win.
St Arnaud will be well represented in hockey finals. The men’s, women’s and underage team have all made the deciders.
For the underage grand final, the Saints will be up against Charlton in a rematch of the second-semi final when the Navies had a 1-0 win.
It was a hard-fought contest from start to finish that day.
Charlton began brightly, pushing into attack and forcing Saints’ keeper into early saves. The Navies were able to book a grand final berth and another close match is expected this Saturday.
St Arnaud will also feature in the under 14A netball grand final.
The Saints’ under 17 footballers dropped out of the race after Boort came surging home in the final quarter on Saturday.
St Arnaud had gone to the main break with a 19-point lead. However, the Pies battled windy conditions in the third term with better passages of play and tackling, keeping the Saints to just three behinds. Boort lifted another cog in the fourth quarter through Cooper Gooding and added four goals while St Arnaud was contained to 1.1.
Ethan Hilton, William Thomas, Aidan Wickham and Frankie Donald were among the Saints best.
Meanwhile, there has been praise for St Arnaud club volunteers for their organisation of a successful day of community sport at Lord Nelson Park on Saturday. The official gate for preliminary final day was $18,335.
Jack Batters will be among the Saints vying for premiership honours on Saturday. NCN PHOTO