SCALING STAIRS
Volunteer firies are stepping up for cause
TWO St Arnaud Fire Brigade volunteers are preparing to take on the Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb.
James Newton and Josh Prior will ascend the gruelling 28 Floors of Melbourne’s Crown Metropol hotel to raise vital funds for Cancer Research and Crisis Support next month. They will join hundreds of firefighters from across Australia and the globe as they take on this challenge, wearing their full firefighting gear weighing over 25kgm.
James said that they may struggle. “But we won’t be the only ones”.
James is a truck driver, under 30 years old and lives in St Arnaud and has joined the gym to get the fitness up so he can give this climb his best shot.
Josh on the other hand is a farmer and at 22 years of age has time on his side. He is in training, but that is simply his every day work.
“I will give it a red-hot shot, we will get to the top, it’s just the time. I am a farmer and we do pretty intensive work.
Both men have until September 6 to prepare themselves. This is a first-time experience for both
James and Josh. Both have been engaged in running, leg strength exercises and endurance training with the breathing apparatus.
Josh said that they will be dressed in their full firefighting gear.
“It’s like wearing a doona because they are designed to withstand a few hundred degrees it can’t have gaps for any fire to get into your body.
“That is the normal gear we wear and the 25kg is the air tank,” Josh said.
To top it off Josh and James will be ‘on-air’ using their breathing apparatus when they do it.
They both will be taking the ‘on-air’, so they are doing it the hardest way possible.
Some firefighters will take on the challenge with the 25kg but not connected and when it is connected, the ‘on-air’ challenge, it is the most gruelling of methods.
Josh laughed when asked why and said: “We wanted the challenge”.
The Stair Climb raises money for Lifeline, Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation and the 000Foundation (supporting the mental health of Emergency Services Personal).
The motivation for both Josh
SOLD SOLD
and James undertaking this task is to support causes that have impacted them and people close to them.
“To say that our brigade is proud of them is an understatement”, said Captain David Reynolds. “Having done it before I know that they are in for a real challenge both mentally and physically, but they are deter-
mined, fit and definitely up to it”.
Both James and Josh aim to do the climb in under 10 minutes.
Both agree that the mental aspects of the challenge will be the feeling of not getting to the top, the extreme pain throughout the time and how they will cope with that.
Josh said that after his son was born in February he change.
“If he needed me at the top of the stairs, I will get there.”
He and James are quite prepared for the challenge.
If you would like to support James and Josh, please donate to James Newton www.firefighterclimb.org.au/climber/jamesnewton/ Josh Prior www.firefighterclimb.org.au/climber/joshprior/
Ready to climb ... James Newton and Josh Prior
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AUXILIARY HONOURS TWINS THE St Arnaud RSL Women’s Auxilllary has honoured twins Lyn Box and Marie Engelmann for their 10 years of service. The pair each received a framed certificate and words of appreciation “A willing worker, a wonderful cake maker, organizer of celebrations when needed and always cheerful”. The auxiliary says tt is a pleasure to have them on ther team and hope to continue this friendship for many years to come.
Critical thinker
LEIGH Van Boven (pictured), a student at Charlton College, is bright, not only because he has been accepted into the Centre for Higher Education Studies Year 10 Enrichment Elective program, but because he believes, according to his mother Penny, that his choice of elective ‘Critical thinking for Creative Minds’ will help him in his future University Studies. Penny said that her son likes to challenge himself to be better.
Funding share
NORTHERN Grampians Shire community groups and not-for-profit organisations can apply for a share of $120,000 in funding through the 2025 Bulgana Green Power Hub Community Benefit Fund. The fund supports community-led projects that create lasting, positive change across the shire.
CWA’s taste of Sri Lanka
CWA members have been busy recently with two members attending the state conference at Shepparton where Mrs Jenny Nola was re-elected as Victorian State President.
Many interesting guest speakers attended and spoke on a variety of current issues.
Members have delivered meals on wheels and continue to visit residents of Coates Hostel and Kara Court for their birthdays – a joy for both visitor and residents alike.
International night was celebrated in June with members providing and sharing a meal of
Grants promoting community
NINE groups and not-for-profit organisations have received a share of almost $37,000 in funding through Northern Grampians Shire Council’s 2025 Community Grants Program.
This year’s program has a focus on projects that promote community equity and inclusion, with grants going towards projects that support opportunities for multicultural inclusion; enable all residents to be socially connected; enable access to healthy and affordable food; and provide leadership opportunities for women and girls.
Mayor Karen Hyslop said she was impressed by the quality of applicants and the work they were doing to benefit their communities.
dishes from the country of study which is for 2025 Sri Lanka.
The delicious food was followed by a very informative talk by CWA’s international officer Aileen on Sri Lanka.
Members attended Bealiba’s 90th birthday celebrations recently; all branches from East Wimmera group attended and caught up with friends.
Entertainment was enjoyed as was the wonderful spread provided by the members of Bealiba.
The next day was a friendship luncheon hosted by the Kara CWA sister branch Avoca at the Memorial Hall in Avoca
A wonderful three-course meal was cooked by the members, this was followed by a spirited auction for the many wonderful surprise parcels that were donated by the local community.
Members have been attending the Creative Craft days held at St Arnaud on the first Tuesday of the month, when they have been making a covered sewing box over the last 12 months.
These days are open to anyone who wishes to attend.
Numbers were down for last month’s meeting with four members heading for the so-called warmer weather.
Candle wicking – a great pastime for the winter months - was explored at the meeting.. Members have been invited to a casserole luncheon at Marnoo branch.
The East Wimmera CWA will be holding its spring conference on August 27 at St Arnaud, hosted by the Stuart Mill Branch.
Past group president Pam Brightwell will continue to fill in for the new group president Barb Douglas of Bealiba who has not been well.
Bealiba will host the next group craft day at St Arnaud on September 9.
AUCTION
1113 Baringhup-Eddington Road, Baringhup
Friday the 19th September 2025 @ 11am Baringhup Hall
167.2ha or 413.88 acres of farming land, including 700 megalitres of secured underground water.
-3 phase underground water bore
-3 x 60 acre centre pivot irrigators
-Lasered irrigation bays
-Highly productive red loam soil type
-Suitable for broadacre/horticulture crops, (potatoes previously grown on current property)
5% Deposit / Settlement 60 Days
Agent: Troy Driscoll 0428 641 112 / troy@driscollag.com.au
OPEN HOUSE INSPECTION
143 Lock Road, St Arnaud
OPEN HOUSE INSPECTION: 16th of August 2025 10am-11am
AUCTION:
3 OCTOBER 2025 @ 11AM
Lifestyle Farmlet on the Edge of Town
A rare opportunity to secure a highly sought-after 40-acre lifestyle property just a short walk from the heart of St Arnaud.
Selling Agent: Brett Douglas 0447 162 455
EXPRESSION OF INTEREST
IN BRIEF
Dangerous Dogs
THE discretionary power to refuse to register and cancel registrations of declared dangerous dogs has been declared by Northern Grampians Shire. The policy has been amended so that Council may cancel the registration if an offence is believed to have been committed. The new policy will support the refusal to register dogs that are from the restricted breeds. Declared dangerous breeds are American Pit Bull Terrier, Japanese Tosa, Fila Brasileiro, Dogo Argentino or Perro de Presa Canario. Registering of dangerous dogs is a preventative measure to protect the community from harm.
HR costs
A RISE in the costs of associated of the same number of employees over a decade into the future from $21,000 to $29,000. These predictions were contained in the Budget that has been approved by the Northern Grampians Shire Council for the next decade.
Great debate
WORD is out! The Rotary Club of St Arnaud and the St Arnaud Secondary are going to have a debate. While it will be a serious debate, it will also be light-hearted and enjoyable. More information will be available in coming weeks
CLOSING 11AM OCT 3RD, 2025.
PROPERTY ONE:
Lot 1 Perry Jones Road, Greens Creek
1 allotment – 98.24 ha / 242.75acres*
PROPERTY TWO:
Lot 2 Boort- Wedderburn Road Borung 2 allotments total of 427.25 acres*
CA 73 Sec 4 125.91 acres* (Left Block) CA 51 301.34 acres* (Shearing Shed Block)
Both properties offer the opportunity for excellent cropping and grazing options.
Troy Driscoll 0428 641 112 / Brett Douglas 0447 162 455
Band members Joanne Wiseman and Bruce Sutherland accept their cheque from Cr Karen Probst
Emus star in gallery’s Pollard retrospective
CHARLTON Courthouse Gallery was filled with warmth and colour on Sunday August 3 as visitors gathered for the official opening of Retrospective, an exhibition celebrating the remarkable artistic journey of local creative, Jenny Pollard.
Jenny’s vast catalogue of work, spanning back to her student days, was on full display — a rich mix of caricatures, cartoons, paintings, life drawings, and delicate embroidery.
Gallery chairperson Win Scott officially opened the exhibition
before an appreciative crowd.
Jenny, in turn, shared her reflections on her artistic life, thanked everyone for attending and thanked the gallery committee for giving her the opportunity to showcase her work.
When asked about the recurrent subject of emus in her work, Jenny explained,
“My family farmed emus, so I had the rare opportunity to study them up close and capture their character in my work.” This quirky link is just one example of the playful humour that shines
through in much of her work. Guests remarked on the impressive breadth of mediums on display, admiring the wide-ranging subjects, noting how Jenny moves effortlessly between humour, observation, and heartfelt expression.
Adding a special touch to the afternoon, friends Dana Czarski on piano and Eleanor Healy on electric bass, performed ‘Just the Way You Are’ in Jenny’s honour. Light refreshments followed, with guests lingering to enjoy the art and each other’s company.
Friendship hits screen at Rex
IT’S been called an ‘absurdist comedy’ and the ‘funniest film of the year’, so patrons can make up their own minds when “Friendship” screens at The Rex in Charlton this weekend.
The story revolves around Craig (Tim Robinson), a socially awkward marketing executive whose wife, Tami is in remission from cancer.
With his life slowly rolling down a hill, he becomes fast friends with the new neighbor Austin (Paul Rudd), a quirky local weather man who plays in a punk band.
Craig’s taste of friendship quickly becomes romanticized and just as quickly he ruins it.
Bringing both comic relief, along with heart-wrenching pathos, Craig’s vulnerability is exposed for the world to see.
Rather than just being awkward—he was crumbling under the weight of loneliness and unspoken pressure.
Robinson - best known as the star of the Netflix sketch show ‘I Think You Should Leave,’- has a particular brand of comedy which for some may be an acquired taste. However, given the uniformity of reviews which ‘get’ the humor and have praised its appealing ‘cringeworthy’ feel, it might be a style which resonates much more broadly.
Be it “bromance” or building a friendship, this is a movie which one reviewer quoted “is a 100-minute spiral into insanity”. Why not try it and see!
Commenting online: socially with respect
BULOKE Shire Council has re-opened announced comments on its Facebook posts, following a period aimed at safeguarding the wellbeing of both the community and staff.
According to the shire, comments had been paused due to overwhelming and, at times, harmful online interactions, which Council’s small team cannot monitor around the clock.
“As a public body council has a responsibility to make sure that its online spaces are safe and respectful, in line with the Local Government Act 2020 and other digital media guidelines,” said Buloke Shire Council Mayor Cr Alan Getley.
“We know people are under pressure and want to be heard. That’s important to us too.”
“We’re opening comments again, but please think about what you write before you post,” he added.
“Council’s renewed social media moderation approach invites community members to engage in public discussion with empathy and consideration, helping to make council’s platform a space where people feel safe to share ideas and concerns — not just about Council services, but also the broader issues affecting our communities that we want to bring attention to.”
Jenny discussing her work with Chris Wyatt and Jackie Noonan
Freight blueprint a positive for future: VFF
THE State Government’s Victorian Freight Plan 2025-30 has been called a positive step toward strengthening the freight network and delivering improved outcomes for agriculture.
Victorian Farmers’ Federation president Brett Hosking said the VFF appreciated the opportunity to contribute to the development of the strategy through its participation in the Industry Stakeholder Reference Group and the plan was key to enhancing our freight network.
“As farmers, our viability depends on keeping freight costs under control and getting product to customers efficiently. This plan is all about making sure we can do that in a future where demands on the freight system are radically increasing.”
“Ensuring we have a fit-for-purpose freight network that delivers increased efficiency, productivity and safety is a nonnegotiable and this plan must strive to deliver exactly that.”
“VFF has been around the table to shape this plan with input from our members, and we can see that input reflected in the result,” Mr Hosking said.
The plan outlines 58 initiatives under four key objectives, with a strong focus on both road and rail infrastructure, port access and performance tracking.
The VFF welcomes measures to improve
Club entered
A storeroom was entered via a window at the St Arnaud Tennis Club between July 18 and 28.
Offender/s have made their way throughout the building forcing doors open. At the time of reporting, it appears nothing was stolen.
Charity bin
On August 3, at approximately 9:19pm, a male has entered the rear of the Salvation Army Thrift Shop via Crone Lane, subsequently rummaging through the donation bin and removing items. These bins are for donation purposes only and the removal of items from donation bins is considered theft.
Farm theft
Between July 28 and August 4, a rural shed was entered in Swanwater West. Toolboxes were rummaged through and various vehicle accessories and keys to farm machinery were stolen.
An unregistered box trailer was also stolen.
Victoria’s rail freight system and strongly supports the development of a dedicated rail freight strategy. Road transport also remains a vital piece of the puzzle, and the commitment to plan for future investment in Victoria’s Principal Road Freight Network is a step in the right direction.
“We’re particularly pleased to see initiatives aimed at improving access to and the competitiveness of the Port of Melbourne, which is essential for the export and import of agricultural products and inputs vital to farming operations.
“Victorian produce has never been so in demand in the global market and investment in our critical freight infrastructure will help ensure we retain our mantle as Australia’s most valuable agriculture exporting state,” Mr Hosking said.
Importantly, the publication of key performance indicators to track the Plan’s success provides greater transparency and accountability. However, the VFF notes that adequate funding is essential to deliver these ambitions, and current commitments only cover a limited number of initiatives.
The VFF looks forward to ongoing engagement with the Government to ensure the needs of Victorian farmers remain central to the plan’s implementation, said Mr Hosking.
Reporting what you see
If you see, hear or know something, please let us know
Any information relating to criminal activity, no matter how big or small, or if you think something you saw or heard might not be important, it could still help.
The smallest of detail could be crucial to our ongoing investigations.
Please contact Crime Stoppers Victoria anytime on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at crimestoppersvic. com.au.
You can also call the 24/7 Police Assistance Line (PAL) on 131 444 for non-urgent matters or contact the St Arnaud Police Station.
In an emergency requiring police attendance, always call Triple Zero (000).
A SIGNIFICANT freight corridor at the top end of Northern Grampians Shire is set to be upgraded.
Labor Senator Jana Stewart has announced that Wallaloo East Road will be upgraded after $2.12 million in infrastructure funding was received from the Federal Government coupled with $530,000 from council’s capital works program.
The project is one of 23 in regional and rural Australia receiving funding through the Government’s Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program designed to increase productivity and make local roads and bridges safer and more resilient.
Wallaloo East Road, Wallaloo, has seen partial upgrades in stages to widen the road and last week’s funding announcement means more of the road will be widened and upgraded to meet the needs of the community.
The upgrade, which will be delivered by the Northern Grampians Shire Council, will rehabilitate and widen six kilometres of Wallaloo East Road to a 6.2 metre road width. The works will also include upgrades to two intersections to allow usage by heavy vehicles.
The existing load limit of the road means only 68 tonne B-Double heavy vehicles can use this important freight route, however the upgraded road will facilitate the use of A-Double heavy vehicles, vastly increasing productivity for the surrounding area.
Once complete, the project will provide safety benefits to all road users by providing a wider and consistently sealed road that is free of potholes and other degradation.
Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said the upgrade was a
AMBULANCE Victoria is applauding Victorians for saving ambulances for the state’s sickest people, with new data showing paramedics are responding 10 seconds faster to the most critically ill.
Acting executive director regional operations Michael Georgiou said demand for ‘lights and sirens’ ambulances fell 3.5 per cent between April and June, compared with the same time last year, coinciding with an AV community information campaign to save paramedics for emergencies.
“April to June last year was AV’s busiest three months on record – with 102,419 Code 1 emergencies,” Mr Georgiou said.
“Across the same period this year, we’ve responded to 98,874 Code 1 cases.
Compared with the same time last year, performance improved in 53 Local Government Areas. One of the biggest improvements was in the Grampians Region.
genuine partnership between the government and council.
“It is really important to be partnering with Northern Grampians Shire deliver improved roads.
“We know farmers are trying to get their goods to market, people are trying to get their kids to school, tourists travelling through the area and being able to partner with local government to improve those local roads is part of our safer local roads and infrastructure program,” she said.
“We have increased funding under the Safer Local Roads and Infrastructure Program to ensure local roads across the country, and right here in Western Victoria, get the investment they need.
“This funding will enable local councils like Northern Grampians Shire Council to improve road safety and allow more money and time to be spent on other priority projects,” Ms King said.
Member for Ripon Martha Haylett said funding was “a huge win for our local communities”.
Northern Grampians Mayor Karen Hyslop said: “Council recognises the significance of improving the road’s condition and the impact that will have on road safety in the region,” she said.
Senator Jana Stewart said: “Wallaloo East Road is a key agricultural freight route, with over 20,000 tonnes of grain carted over the existing road every year. This investment of over $2.12 million in funding from the Albanese Government will be welcome news for producers and freight operators.
“The upgrade will benefit all road users with the newly sealed road providing a smooth travel surface and reducing the risk of wear and tear on all vehicles that use the road,” Senator Stewart said.
Northern Grampians LGA paramedics attended 61.6 per cent of Code 1 patients within 15 minutes – up from 57.1 per cent a year ago.
In the Grampians Region crews responded to 4,194 Code 1 cases between April and June 2025, down from 4,418 last year, but up from 3,960 three months ago. AV is urging people not to be complacent, with demand for emergency ambulances climbing again as winter illnesses spread through the community.
“We’ve already seen a 3.7 per cent jump in Code 1 demand since the first three months of 2025,” Grampians Regional Director Steve Doyle said. “Winter is always our busiest time. Our paramedics are focused on reaching the sickest patients first — but every day, more than 500 calls to Triple Zero don’t need an emergency ambulance.”
Variety trial data guides growers
BIRCHIP Cropping Groups’s Main Field Day next month will give farmers the opportunity to hear the latest on wheat and barley varieties being put to the test in the Grains Research and Development Corporation’s National Variety Trials program.
BCG research agronomists
Anna Marcus and Ashlee Tierney will present an overview of how key varieties are performing under this season’s dry start, and what growers should be watching for as spring unfolds.
“There’s always an interest in what came out on top last season, and this year, we’re also taking a close look at how early establishment has played out given the challenging conditions in May and June,” Anna said.
Attendees can expect updates on top-performing varieties including Shotgun, Tomahawk, Brumby and Rockstar, as well as barley standouts Compass, Neo and Combat.
With no significant disease pressure so far this season, the focus will be on growth, yield potential, and agronomic performance.
Ashlee said growers will also get an early look at new, unnamed varieties in the pipeline.
“This year we’ve included two new barley lines.
One is an IMI-tolerant variety from Intergrain suited to low rainfall environments, and the other is a herbicide tolerant line for low rainfall conditions from
AGT.” The NVT program, delivered in partnership with GRDC, provides an independent national platform to evaluate varietal performance across different regions and environments, in nonnitrogen limited conditions.
“The NVT program aims to assist Australian grain growers and advisors in varietal decision
making by providing information on commercially available grain varieties, including comparisons of yield performance, disease resistance and grain quality,” Anna said.
“It’s important for growers to remember that we ensure these trials are not nitrogen limited, so they are indicative of a variety’s
NFF gets place at reform table
THE National Farmers’ Federation has welcomed the opportunity to participate in the Federal Government’s Economic Reform Roundtable.
President David Jochinke said the NFF had been actively working with the Government to ensure Australian agriculture and regional communities were represented at the roundtable.
“We thank the Treasurer and the Government for ensuring agriculture has a seat at the table,” Mr Jochinke said.
“Our inclusion in the session on ‘international risks, opportunities and trade’ is timely. The global landscape that has long supported our sector through geopolitical stability, strong institutions, and consistent policy is under pressure. Given the importance of the regions and agriculture to Australia’s exports, it’s essential the NFF has a seat at the table shaping Australia’s economic future.”
The NFF has been a consistent voice in support of the principles of free and open trade, both over the proceeding decades and now.
Agriculture is one of Australia’s most trade-exposed industries, with over $70 billion of produce exported annually, accounting for over 10% of all national exports. “More broadly, our sector contributes about $90 billion to the national economy and supports about 275,000 jobs,” Mr Jochinke said.
“But farming is more than just numbers, it’s the backbone of regional Australia, a pillar of national prosperity, and the foundation of global food security.”
The NFF’s 2030 Roadmap outlines an ambitious goal to grow farmgate output to $100 billion by the end of the decade.
“Economic reform must go hand-in-hand with agricultural growth,” Mr Jochinke said.
best genetic potential.” At the Main Field Day, Anna and Ashlee will be joined by plant breeders and local agronomists for an interactive discussion covering varietal traits, herbicide tolerance groups, and how newer lines are shaping up under Mallee conditions.
Growers are encouraged to
come along with questions and take advantage of the opportunity to talk directly with researchers, breeders and agronomists about what’s working, what’s new, and what to consider for 2026 sowing decisions.
Entry to BCG’s Main Field Day is free for BCG members and $50 for non-members.
: BCG Research Agronomists Anna Marcus and Ashlee Tierney gather samples for variety data
12Asserted 13Kept under 14Corded cloth 15One of affected modesty 17Tier
20Perfume
22Minute particle
24Accomplished
26Newts
27Female horses
29Farm birds
30Slowly (mus)
32Vehicle
34Diverts the attention
36Fill again
37Catch sight of
38Illuminated signs
39Male deer
40Without sound
DOWN 2Worship 3Ooze 4Expunged 5Cuts off 6Generates 7Ingredient 9Catch the breath 11Regret deeply 14Quantity of paper 16Faults 18Correcting 19Equip 21Former Russian ruler 23Most lofty 25Dispirit 28Fence crossings 31Norwegian capital 33Trembling poplar 35Prison room
100 Years Ago
August 7 - 13
North Western Football Assoc, second semi-final Donald 7-7 defeated Cope Cope 7-5 at Donald.
Kara Kara Junior Assoc, Swanwater 6-16 defeated St Arnaud Rovers 4-5. Traynors Lagoon 7-10 defeated Mitchell’s Hill 3-5 with Bartholomew kicking 5 goals and Coutts 2 for Traynors Lagoon and for Mitchell’s Hill Sully kicked 2 goals & Petrie one.
Result of elections at the St Arnaud Boy Scouts Association annual meeting President G H Osborne, Vice-President G Suggett, Secretary & Treasurer H J Walters, Scoutmaster J F Sandercock.
Since the Scout Troop was formed there have been 21 scouts enrolled, of these 5 left and there are 2 new tenderfoots making 18 members at present. During the year there were 12 half day parades and 47 night meetings, 3 church parades and a 4 day camp held at Easter.
Solution No:8570
100 Years Ago
on Mr L McLean’s property at Carapooee was found dead in bed by fellow employee Mr Waters. Thomas, who had worked there for 20 years and had recently been in hospital for some time was buried at St Arnaud but was born in Kilmore 55 years ago.
Sixty-two year old James Taylor, watchmaker and jeweller died during the night at the Union Hotel where he had resided for many years. James came to St Arnaud in 1893 and was in partnership with Mr Sandford until 1895 when he left and James continued the business alone in the shop adjoining Mrs McLean’s confectionary shop in Napier St. James was a Past Master of the Masonic fraternity and also a
Past Grand Lodge officer and held the office as Director of Ceremonies in the local Lodge for many years.
Winton stud rams have been purchased by Thain Bros of Carapooee one for 85 guineas, J Arbuckle of Beasley’s Bridge one for 35 guineas and F Cameron of Emu one, price not given.
New business – St Arnaud Building & Repairing Co has commenced operations – apply F Appleby, Canterbury St. St Arnaud Rifle Club spoon shoot results- W Pickthall 50, W J Wilton 49, P Gent 44, P Willougby 43, J Young 41 and L Ward 40. Bad weather resulted in a low attendance at the Paradise & Winjallock joint school concert. Vocal items given by Mrs Stanley, Misses E & A Cheesman, C Coleman, E Murray, F Swanton, B McDonald and dancing by the Winjallock children. Sam McKay of Moolerr held a clearing sale which included 200 sheep, horses and harness.
August 8 - 12
Charlton East: Mr A. Maher drew the attention of the Shire Council to the fact that the formation of the Charlton-Marmal Road would have the effect of cutting off the water supply from his dam.
He asked if something could be done in the matter. Cr W. Williams moved, Cr P. Rogan seconded and it was agreed to, that Mr Maher be supplied with pipes for culvert, provided he is prepared to put same in to the satisfaction of the Engineer.
Enjoyable Evening: The Yeungroon Presbyterian Church concerts have established their name, and the latest in the local hall, on behalf of the Church funds, well maintained it.
ACROSS 1Passed 5Speed 8Eager 10Mode 12Avowed 13Repressed 14Rep 15Prude 17Layer 20Scent 22Atom 24Did 26Efts 27Mares 29Geese 30Lento 32Car 34Distracts 36Refill 37Espy 38Neons 39Stags 40Silent
DOWN 2Adore 3Seep 4Deleted 5Severs 6Produces 7Element 9Gasp 11Deplore 14Ream 16Defects 18Amending 19Rig 21Tsar 23Tallest 25Depress 28Stiles 31Oslo 33Aspen 35Cell
The attendance was a very large one, including numerous visitors from Charlton. Encores were the rule throughout. Rev. W. G. Fitzgerald presided. A hearty vote of thanks to the artists was moved by Mr G. M. Bennett, and carried by acclamation. He also particularly thanked the residents of Charlton who had placed their cars at the disposal of the artists.
During the interval, sweets were
sold by Misses Olive Cossar, Annie and Doris Bennett, Lila and Linda Parry, and May McIntyre.
Successful Dance: The dance held in Mr P. Maher’s barn was an unprecedented success, and the local State School and the River Tennis Club funds should benefit appreciably. Good music was supplied by Messrs R. Sait and Benson.
The supper tables were daintily arrayed in the vestibule of Mr Maher’s house, and the decorative scheme reflected credit on the local ladies. At midnight, supper was thoroughly enjoyed and then dancing was indulged in until the first streaks of dawn appeared in the East. Mr Joseph O’Donnell officiated in his usual capable manner as M.C. and Mr Con Maher carried out the secretarial duties.
Low Water Bridge: The subject of the proposed low water bridge came up for discussion at the special meeting of the Charlton Council.
After the matter, on the latest information available, had been gone into, Cr S. Wood moved, Cr C. H. Churchill seconded and it was re-
solved, that the Secretary be authorised to enter into an agreement with Mr Irwin to erect a low water bridge at the price of £4 per lineal foot, and that the length of the bridge be approximately 100 feet.
The Trotting Track: With P. Glasheen, the leading reinsman (formerly of Buckrabanyule) and Grand Voyage, the premier horse of the season, the Belmont Trotting Stud Farm at Huntly has achieved a record that appears to be unique. P. Glasheen’s placed performances are 23-15-14; and Grand Voyage placed performances are 11-5-1.
Charlton Basketball Champions: Bendigo High School entertained the Charlton ’A’ team, who left by the 1.20 train on Friday, and met their rivals on the Saturday morning. The visitors were in the charge of their Sports Mistress, Miss L. Soding. Charlton was represented by: Freda Edwards, back; Alice Arundell, half-back; Ida Hando, back wing; Susie Lang, centre; Gwen Edwards, forward wing; Edna Arundell, 2nd goaler; Lorna Jeffrey, 1st goaler; eighth player Edie Paterson.
The game was a closely contested one. Charlton won by 22 goals to 17 and the visitors are a credit to their school.
Having a real ball being in a pickle
THE latest sporting craze is set to continue following the success of an introductory Rock Up to Pickleball session at St Arnaud.
Northern Grampians Shire Council’s Thrive 50+ Healthy Ageing Hubs team will host ongoing pickleball sessions at St Arnaud Sports Stadium on Wednesdays at 10am.
The sessions are free of charge and all equipment is supplied.
Pickleball is a mix of tennis, table tennis and badminton played on a badminton-size court with a paddle and a small, perforated plastic ball.
It can be played in singles or doubles format, but the big draw is the ease at which a new player can pick up the game.
Mayor Karen Hyslop said the come-and-try event was wellattended, with plenty of interaction between participants.
“It was great to see people of all abilities and fitness levels come
along and give pickleball a go,” she said.
“A couple came along just to watch, due to existing injuries, but they were able to participate and loved it.”
“I wasn’t sure my knees would be able to cope with the game, but I felt really good and had so much fun,”
Cr Hyslop said organisers had received great feedback from participants, including from Tracey.
“I wasn’t sure my knees would be able to cope with the game, but I felt really good and had so much fun,” Tracey said.
Linda said she also enjoyed the rock-up event.
“I had physio on my leg the day before and thought I’d just pop in to see what the hype was all about,” she said. “I loved it. I played and felt great.”
Cr Hyslop said an after-hours session could be arranged if there was enough interest and that people could call the Thrive team on (03) 5358 8700 for more information.
She said the council had introduced the casual pickleball sessions at St Arnaud following the successful introduction of the sport in Stawell, through a partnership between council, Pickleball Victoria and Wimmera Regional Sports Assembly.
Stawell Sports and Aquatic Centre continues to host casual pickleball sessions on Tuesday mornings between 10am and noon, Thursday afternoons between 5pm and 7pm and Saturday mornings between 9:30am and 11:30am.
Think Smarter and solve housing crisis
By Cr STEPHEN BARRATT
JUST a follow up from my last piece - I have received postive feedback and followed these up by email. But this edition of my opinion is on housing.
My thoughts are that we need to think outside the box and as Buloke Shire is an elderly shire where many are living by themselves, maybe we can help by having the young and the old living together.
It can be beneficial to both - the person with the home can benefit from the companionship and the renter may be able to gain a home with an elderly or single resident.
We need accommodation in our area. It is in short supply and we may be able to free up and share facilities.
It is easy to say to those in single accommodation, perhaps even large accommodation, to move into something smaller, but emotionally and mentally it may be a very different thing.
Perhaps the answer lies more in bringing in accommodation to backyards.
Tiny homes would both solve the problem of loneliness and solve the problem of accommodation.
We need to start thinking smarter.
Tiny homes would utilize the same facilities and the infrastructure is already there.
My thoughts are that we have to think outside the square and as we have an older population in our shire, and we are all getting older, and a few are living by themselves, maybe we can provide some guidance about having young and old living together.
If we like the idea of Tiny homes in backyards, then it may
be that the planning rules have to change or we have to work within the planning rules as they exist at the moment.
We have had health forums at Buloke Council and the housing situation keeps coming up and EWHS for example are lacking in free accommodation to its workers and the problem must be addressed and addressed in a smarter way than we have. If we do not address this issue the future looks bleak.
We need to consider all the options and we need to think much smarter at all the options available to us.
Otherwise we will have this housing problem into the future and the problem is not going away.
LETTERS TO THE EDITOR NCN Herald welcomes letters to the editor from readers. Preference will be given to letters of 300 words or less and must include your name with address and phone number provided for verification (not publicaton). We reserve the right to edit letters for legal reasons.
Send your letters to ncn@iinet.net.au
OPINION PIECES The NCN Herald welcomes receiving opinion pieces for consideration of publication. These pieces should be no more than 800 words and should be discussed with the editor before submission.
Cr Stephen Barratt is Buloke Shire Councillor for Lower Avoca Ward
The frst crew to enjoy pickelball in St Arnaud
PUBLIC NOTICE
Imelda Catherine Hewitt late of Mercy Place Ballarat, 60 Corbett Street, Ballarat, VIC, 3350, Home Duties, deceased.
CREDITORS, next of kin, and others having claims in respect of the will of the above named deceased, who died on 19 November 2024 are required by the executors, Kevin Joseph Hewitt and John Francis Hewitt, c/- the undermentioned solicitor, to send particulars of their claims to them by the 5 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
WHAT’S ON
Retrospective Exhibition
Jenny Pollard
Official Opening
Sunday 3rd August, 2pm
Opening Times
Sat/Sun 9th & 10th Sat/Sun 16th & 17th 10am – 4pm
Charlton Courthouse Gallery 8 Camp Street, Charlton. Entry by Donation
FARMERS AMAZING RACE
FREE EVENT FOR MEN AND WOMEN FARMERS
Challenge Yourselves
This event will be conducted using golf buggies as a way of completing the challenges around the course.
Ages from 18 to 90 can join in the fun.
Location: St. Arnaud Golf Club
When: Sunday, 24th August
Time: Start 9.30am - Finish: 2.30pm
Morning Tea and a Free BBQ Lunch will be provided
Guest Speaker: Chris Guthrie the author of Collinsville and Beyond
Prizes throughout the day
Free Raffle tickets at the Door
Don’t miss out on the
Let the race begin!
EMPLOYMENT
JOB VACANCIES
Charlton
Chef
Donald
Food and Domestic Service Assistant
St Arnaud
Quality and Risk Officer
Wycheproof
Endorsed Enrolled Nurse
Associate Nurse Unit Manager
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.
MEETINGS
ST. ARNAUD BASKETBALL ASSOC.INC
Wednesday, 25th August 2025 at the Sports Stadium, St. Arnaud at 6:00pm. All Welcome.
AT YOUR SERVICE
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
Top of the Town Beauty Salon
For all your hair and beauty needs Ph: 5495 1306
~ Open ~ Monday to Friday
Colours, Perms, Unisex Cuts, Waxing, Teeth Whitening, Brow Wax & Tinting, Tanning etc..
110 Napier St., St. Arnaud AT YOUR SERVICE
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
DEATH NOTICES
CARROLL
- Maxwell passed away peacefully on the 5th of August 2025 in bendigo. Partner of Joy for 28 years. Father of Justin and father in law of Renée and Pa of Brooke and Charlote.
Resting in the arms of Jesus
A service was held to celebrate the life of Maxwell at the St. Arnaud Lawn Cemetary on Monday 11th of August at 2 pm.
KELL FUNERALS
ST. ARNAUD
NFDA EST: 1860 5495 1043
DEATH NOTICES
CARROLL
- Maxwell
Died 5-8-2025. Aged 88 years, 7 months
A no fuss, fun loving, hard worker who loved his cows.
A loving partner who traveled along life’s road for 28 years with me. Goodbye dear mate, I’ll see you again in heaven. Part of my heart goes with you Joy (Alias) pumpkin.
Justin and Renee miss you too. Thanks for everything and who you were to us.
DYKE
- Betty Noreen (nee Shepherd)
Passed away peacefully in St. Arnaud on Friday, 8th August 2025. Aged 91 years. Loving wife of Geoff (dec). Loved mother of Mervyn and Robyn, Ashley and Linda, Glenda and Michael and Kerryn and Mark. Adored Nanna Betty of Justin, Melissa, Daniel, Jesse, Samuel and Thomas. Great Grandmother of Zack, Abby, Sami, Lexi, Otis, Birdie, Hattie, George and Ted.
A life well lived, A rest well earned. R.I.P.
DYKE
- Betty Noreen (nee Shepherd) 15/12/1933 - 08/08/2025
Cherished mother and mother in law of Ashley and Linda. Nanna Betty of Jesse and Marcy, Sam and Carly, Tom and Rachael. Great Nanna Betty of Otis, Birdie and Hatlie, George and Ted.
Rest Peacefully
DYKE
- Betty Noreen (nee Shepherd) 15/12/1933 - 08/08/2025
Dearly loved Mother, Mother in law, Nan and Great Nan.
Thankyou for guiding us through life by teaching us resilience, determination and gratitude.
Thanks for the memories.
Love Glenda and Michael and family. Reunited with Dad after 31 years.
DYKE
- Betty Noreen (nee Shepherd) 15/12/1933 - 08/08/2025
Together again with Dad. Always loved and remembered. Love Kerryn and Mark.
DYKE
- Betty Noreen (nee Shepherd) 15/12/1933 - 08/08/2025
Nana Betty, I have been lucky to call you Nana Betty. Our kids have been lucky too. You lived your life interested in what they were up to.
Always proud of us.
I will miss you dearly.
Love, Melissa, Andrew, Zack, Abby and Sami
COATES (nee Clifford)
- Margaret Alice ‘Peg’ Mum, Nan, Great Nan.
You have contributed so much and we will remember and treasure our shared experiences and your lasting legacy.
Love Diane and Eddy, Claire, Hayden, Angus and Jamilla, Billy.
FUNERAL
DYKE
The funeral for the late Mrs. Betty N. Dyke will be held at the Uniting Church St. Arnaud on FRIDAY, (August 15th 2025) at 11.00am. The cortege will then leave for the St. Arnaud Lawn Cemetery.
KELL FUNERALS
ST. ARNAUD
NFDA EST: 1860 5495 1043
THANK YOU.
Many thanks for the best wishes for my birthday.
Lucy Rogers.
CHURCH NOTICES
THANK YOU.
The family of the late Margaret Alice (Peg) Coates send our sincere thanks for your kind expressions of sympathy and support, flowers and cards of condolence following her sad passing. Your support at this difficult time was very much appreciated and of great comfort to the whole family.
Special thanks to the Coates Hostel staff for their care and understanding along with Bowling Club members for their support and catering, Graeme Pearse and the Uniting Church congregation and Kell Funerals for their attention to detail.
CHURCH NOTICES
Christ
NCN CLASSIFIEDS CONNECT
DISTRICT CATHOLIC CHURCHES East Wimmera Parish
BIRCHIP - Sunday August 17th
10.30am - Live Stream in BOORT - Sunday August 17th 8.30am - Mass
BANYENA - No Mass
CHARLTON - Saturday August 16th 7.00pm - Mass
DONALD - Sunday August 17th 10.30am Live Stream out to churches without Mass
ST.ARNAUD - Sunday August 17th
10.30am - Live Stream in
WYCHEPROOF - Sunday August 17th
10.30am - Live Stream in
Parish Coordinator: Noeline Hogan 0476 617 976
August 13th
Thomas Scarce
Pat Torney
August 14th
Barry Kearnan
Tamara Baldock
Sam Donaldson
Judy Anne Fraser
Kristin Hancock
Ava Wilson
August 15th
Emily Erwin
Kerry Swanton
Mia Wallace
August 16th
Helen Casey
Matthew Peacock
Hugh
Sam Torney
Karina Cameron
August 18th
Bev Casey
Hannah Jennings
Karl Swanton
Daniel Gash
Narelle Marland
August 19th
James Driscoll
Kate Marland
Nails biting at the RSL
Round Fifteen, the penultimate round of the Inter-Hotels’ Pool Competition, played last Wednesday, produced what was undoubtedly the most extraordinary assortment of pool matches that we have witnessed this season.
The contest at the Farmers’ Arms hotel being unquestionably the most critical of these while there was a lengthy nail-biter at the RSL.
The boys from the Pub in the Scrub travelled to this venue content with the knowledge that they only needed a victory over the lowly Farmers’ Arms Two team to retain fourth spot on the ladder.
But their captain, Shaun McNaulty, with his shattered side trailing by five games to one half way through the second round, may well have been forgiven for uttering the same words as Senkichi Awaya, the mayor of Hiroshima, in those milliseconds before he was incinerated when the first atomic bomb to be used in anger annihilated his city on this day eighty years ago.
This seemingly inconceivable scenario that confronted Shaun was the direct consequence of
McDonald putts along nicely
TOURNAMENT season is now underway so some of the St Arnaud club members are off to other clubs to represent us in their respective tournaments.
It was a smaller field of 14 golfers on Saturday.
Trevor McDonald had day out with his putter dropping them in from everywhere to finish with 39 points to give him the St Arnaud Physiotherapy best score of day award.
Tony Coloe fresh from the Queensland sunshine had 35 points to be the runner up. Jenny Lanyon and Leigh Hines both finished on 34 points. Jenny’s good form has her well in front in the Golfer of the Year award.
Nearest the pins were Trevor McDonald on the 6th, Jenny Lanyon on the Caravan Park sponsored 8th, Mark McGrath on the 10th and Bill Rodger collected the goodies on the Weirs IGA sponsored 18th.
The winner of last Wednesday’s ladies golf was Jenny Lanyon with 34 points. Runner-up was Lyn Freeman.
Nearest the pins were 6 th Jenny and 8 th Marilyn Knights Nine holes winner was Mary Elliott,
Regional crown
Lindsay Patullo has won the Goulburn Valley Association Croquet Singles Tournament played at Rich River.
Ten entries played in two blocks with the block winners playing off for 1 st place.
The playoff between Lindsay and Kerri-Ann Organ couldn’t have been more exciting. At one point Lindsay had made 18 hoops and Kerri-Ann hadn’t started. But when Kerri-Ann got her chance, she was off like a shot. The final score was Lindsay 26 to KerriAnn 25.
By BOB WOOLEY
two home-team heroes, Ruby Smith and Jack Hodges, who produced plutonium-powered pool to annihilate Ben Pell and Keith Turner.
Shaun was able to stem the haemorrhaging momentarily when he eliminated Bianca Cannon but he was forced to capitulate when the fiery Farmers’ Luke Pole delivered the coup-de-grace by scorching Stephen Rodger.
The doubles, which were shared, were a mere moppingup exercise however the fallout from this seven games to four triumph by the fab Farmers’ Four is that not only have they have relegated the Sporting Club to the basement but exacerbated the serious jeopardy of the Loganites tenuous hold on fourth place.
The battle that took place on the baize at the RSL was to be consistent with the positions of the two combatants on the ladder and it was to be the Farmers’ Arms One who were to gain the early advantage when Ned Gorrie overpowered Mitch Phillips in the opening frame then his teammate Andy Pym, playing his first
match for the season, had the good fortune to see his opponent, Sam Postlethwaite, foul on the black ball while he himself still had six object balls on the table.
Sam was to eventually extract revenge however, allowing Andy to pot only one more ball in their next two frames, thereby relegating him to the standard penalty in the frigid Raglan street atmosphere.
In the meantime the RSL’s Thomas Watts and Kyle Postlethwaite had opened their accounts against Geoff Watts and Ben Medlyn and after Mitch had squared his match against Ned at the top of the second round they were looking comfortable with a four games to two lead but when Geoff and Ben levelled their respective matches and Ned dismissed Mitch at the top of the third round the score was now five games apiece and after Geoff and Kyle completed victories in their matches the teams could still not be separated at the end of the third round.
With the doubles shared it was down to the tie-breaker and the Diggers’ pairing of Mitch and Sam were to prevail
over Ned and Geoff in a heartstopper thereby allowing them to retain their unbeaten status with an eight games to seven triumph.
The home derby of the round took place at the home among the gum trees and was also to produce a close one but the Country Club Two team had the match in the bag at the conclusion of the singles after Harley Durward had bombed Paul Mullins off the table, Grant Doyle had inflicted the Colliewobbles upon Troy Shields and Jake Male had dealt severely with Dan Harkin.
Only Des Moulday was able to dismiss temporarily from his mind the premonition of the horrifying sight (which was to eventuate) of his beloved Magpies hopes of another Premiership disappearing in a cloud of Hawk feathers and beat first-time player Luke Jackson.
The Club Two lost both doubles but won the match by six games to five and the Mean Machine must now beat Alayne’s amazing Amazons in the final round in order to usurp fourth spot on the ladder as the Avoca Foresters, who have the bye, are relegated to the position of spectators.
Play-offs decide season’s champions
OVER the past weeks, St Arnaud Indoor Bowls played their 2025 Club Championships. In the pairs, games were played in an elimination format, losers are out and the winners move on.
The two teams going into the final to decide the Pairs Champions were Flo Andison (S) and Kaye Smith playing Dot Baldwin (S) and Win Battersby.
With 12 ends to play, Dot and Win took the lead early. On end seven, Flo and Kaye took over the lead and were able to stay in front for the rest of the game, winning by three bowls, Flo and Kaye are this year’s ‘Pairs’ Champions.
Four teams played off in an elimination format for the triples crown and it was Dot Baldwin (S), Betty Mazucco and Gaye Campbell to play Beate Wacker
(S), Kaye Smith and Rex Salter in the final.
Playing 14 ends, Beate, Kaye and Rex were in front until end eleven.
Winning seven bowls on end eleven, Dot, Betty and Gaye moved into the lead and held on for the next three ends to win by five bowls. Dot, Betty and Gaye are this year’s ‘Triples’ Champions.
Code mourns passing of a legend
By INSIDE RUNNING
THE passing of John Byrne bought to an end his involvement of more than 60 years with the Boort Trotting Club. John joined the club in 1964 and when the secretary retired in 1978 he stepped into that position until 1991 when he took on the role of club President for 10 years.
His contribution to the Boort club and harness racing in general was recognised in 2008 when John was named as the Volunteer of the Year at the industry’s annual awards night.
John will remembered by all who knew him as a thorough gentleman and by some for his impassioned speech at a Country Clubs meeting at Kilmore on a Saturday afternoon in 2006 where amongst other things he said the current crisis facing harness racing, V3, was tearing the industry apart.
History has proved that he was spot on with amongst many indicators the number of licensed trainers and drivers falling by over 40 per cent since 2005 and the average age of club volunteers, those that are still with us, increasing markedly over the same period.
At Mildura on Friday the good form of the Tori Hutchins stable continued with the Sunraysia owned pacer All Da Rage winning again.
The 6yo gelding from the Saab mare Hush Hush Lombo showed blistering speed from barrier 6 for driver Luke Dunne to reach the front before the first turn then leading for the rest of the 1790m trip with a very creditable rate of 1.58.6.
There was more interstate success last week with Noel and Kaye Boyd’s Luvaflair winning again in WA off a four week break between starts and then in Tasmania Alison Tormey’s Coniston won easily for Michael and Jack Laugher and then John and Paul Thompson’s mare Twisted Bliss won again, this time for Michael Laugher and Ellen Tormey.
Former Charlton driver Ryan Sanderson had a huge three days at the end of last week beginning with a winner in race 3 at Ballarat on Thursday that was run at 6.30pm.
On Friday his first drive of five for the meeting, was 546km away at Wagga Wagga, NSW, in race 2 at 1pm.
Twelve Bowlers made themselves available to take part in the Fours Championships, making up three teams.
Each team played two games of 14 ends to decide the champions.
Narrowly winning both their games, it was Flo Andison (S), Betty Mazucco, Kaye Smith and Mitch Horwill, who bowled well together on the day to have them claim the Fours Championships.
Ryan drove the winner of race 4 then after his last drive in race 6 at 3.23pm he headed for Melton, a mere 469km away where he won race 8 at 10.01pm.
On Saturday night it was back to Melton for another two winners a second and a third from seven drives. This coming week there is the usual Wednesday night meeting at Bendigo and then on Monday night they race at Ararat.
Fours’ Champions - Mitch Horwill, Kaye Smith, Betty Mazucco and Flo Andison.
Dot Baldwin, Betty Mazucco and Gaye Campbell
NORTH CENTRAL FOOTBALL
SENIORS
St Arnaud 0.0 4.3 6.6 7.10 (52)
Boort 7.5 10.9 15.12 21.17 (143)
GOALS – St Arnaud: J. Male 2, K. Torney, L. Jackson, S. Elliott, O. Lowe, D. Schilder. Boort: J. Baddeley-Kelly 7, E. Coleman 4, L. Hall, J. Byrne, K. Rutley, P. Barbopoulos 2, J. Keeble, C. Hatcher.
BEST – St Arnaud: D. Gifford, K. Torney, O. Lowe, J. Kirwood, J. Needs, J. Male. Boort: J. Baddeley-Kelly, L. Hall, K. Rutley, M. Austin, E. Coleman, T. Potter.
Donald 0.1 0.2 0.3 1.4 (10) Calder United 8.5 11.16 21.19 32.26 (218)
GOALS – Donald: B. Arho. Calder United: J. Exell 10, S. Kennedy, M. Farmer 4, J. Humphreys, R. Allan 3, Z. Keighran, K. Hommelhoff, O. Madden 2, G. Turner, B. Barker.
BEST – Donald: R. Young, B. Arho, C. Campbell, D. Pearce, S. Arho, H. Forrest. Calder United: K. Hommelhoff, Z. Keighran, J. Exell, S. Kennedy, J. Humphreys, G. Turner. Sea Lake Nandaly 5.2 10.5 14.7 16.11 (107) Wedderburn 1.2 3.3 5.3 6.6 (42)
GOALS – Sea Lake Nandaly: M. Cahoon, C. O’Sullivan, J. Summerhayes 3, B. Delmenico, A. Pattison 2, J. Keogh, A. Mertz, T. Donnan. Wedderburn: M. McEwen, M. Jensen 2, J. McEwen, J. Mortlock. BEST – Sea Lake Nandaly: A. Pattison, T. Donnan, K. Donnan, C. O’Sullivan, W. Donnan, J. Poulton. Wedderburn: J. McEwen, C. Lowry, D. Benaim, M. McEwen, I. Holt, N. Furlong.
Charlton 0.0 0.0 1.1 1.3 (9) Birchip Watchem 7.5 14.12 21.15 27.18 (180)
GOALS – Charlton: B. Kemp. Birchip Watchem: B. Edwards 11, N. Rippon, S. Simmons 3, G. Addis, J. Christie 2, T. Gibson, D. Bell, R. Hogan Jr, A. Dean, M. Rippon, D. Hinkley. BEST – Charlton: B. Lanyon, J. Zagame, P. Soulsby, R. Thompson, J. Thompson, J. Harris. Birchip Watchem: N. Rippon, S. Simmons, D. Bell, B. Edwards, A. Dean, T. Gibson.
Birchip Watchem
15 15 0 0 0 320.62 60
Calder United 15 12 3 0 0 286.98 48
Sea Lake Nandaly 15 11 4 0 0 274.47 44
Boort 15 9 6 0 0 144.51 36
Wedderburn 15 7 8 0 0 142.78 28
Charlton 15 4 11 0 0 27.5 16
St Arnaud 15 2 13 0 0 36.06 8
Donald 15 0 15 0 0 11.92 0
RESERVES
Charlton 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.1 (1)
Birchip Watchem 2.4 5.13 11.15 16.18 (114)
GOALS – Birchip Watchem: C. Goode 4, S. Pye, T. Wiantara, M. Rickard 2, L. Sirett, B. Colbert, A. Lewis, R. Doran, B. Baxter, P. Lakin.
BEST – Charlton: L. Dunne, J. Durie, T. Salmon, J. DeanGilley, J. Leathan. Birchip Watchem: S. Pye, T. Colbert, B. Colbert, M. Rickard, T. Wiantara, J. Woods.
St Arnaud 6.2 8.3 12.3 15.5 (95) Boort 3.2 5.4 6.8 9.9 (63)
GOALS – St Arnaud: T. Petrie 9, J. Hicks 4, H. McNally, B. Greenaway. Boort: A. Cockerell 3, J. Vella 2, J. Hall, C. Gooding, C. O’Rourke, N. Scott.
BEST – St Arnaud: T. Petrie, R. Burke, T. Ward, L. Ezard, B. Knight, H. Darby. Boort: W. Toose, A. Trethowan, A. Cockerell, J. Hall, D. King, R. Wagner.
Donald 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 (0) Calder United 9.3 17.6 25.10 30.13 (193)
GOALS - Calder United: C. Green 9, D. Kelly 7, Z. Kelly, H. Connolly, G. Forrester, H. Senior 2, C. Fawcett, S. Kelly, K. Kennedy, R. Botheras, R. Jones, D. McLennan. BEST – Donald: E. Clapham, C. Slattery, B. Barber, D. Tatarskyj, G. Burke, N. Clark. Calder United: D. McLennan, C. Green, R. Botheras, H. Connolly, Z. Kelly, D. Kelly. Sea Lake Nandaly 6.5 11.11 16.15 22.18 (150)
Wedderburn 1.0 2.0 2.1 3.1 (19)
GOALS – Sea Lake Nandaly: J. Clohesy 6, I. Durie, C. Elliott 3, E. Ellis, C. Tait, J. Cox, B. Weir 2, W. Landry, T. Griffiths. Wedderburn: B. Huismann, O. Huismann, L. Maher.
BEST – Sea Lake Nandaly: C. Michael, C. Allan, C. Tait, I. Durie, B. Weir, J. Stacey. Wedderburn: J. Jones, A. Younghusband, R. Tonkin, F. Turnbull, N. Winslett, S. Carroll.
Calder United 15 14 1 0 0 501.63 56
Boort 15 12 3 0 0 285.81 48
UNDER 17
Sea Lake Nandaly
Wedderburn
(108)
(57)
BEST – Sea Lake Nandaly: J. Durie, Z. Wight, B. Kelly, B. Allan, C. Symes, H. Cox. Wedderburn: N. Winslett, A. Smith, D. Tansley, W. Cunningham, M. Dean.
Charlton 5.3
Birchip Watchem
(122)
(7)
BEST – Charlton: J. Roberts, L. Monaghan, S. Olive, L. Van Boven, M. Fitzpatrick, S. Zagame. Birchip Watchem: N. Dean, O. Cook, C. Jones, M. Field.
Donald
Calder United
(36)
(56)
UNDER 14.5
Maldon 1.0 (6) lost to Harcourt 8.13 (61). Talbot 2.6 (18) lost to Natte Bealiba 17.11 (113). Avoca 17.14 (116) d Campbells Creek 3.1 (19). Maryborough 2.0 (12) lost to Trentham 11.14 (80).
UNDER 11.5
Maldon 0.0 (0) lost to Harcourt 5.19 (49). Talbot 7.7 (49) d Natte Bealiba 1.0 (6). Avoca 9.6 (60) d Campbells Creek 0.0 (0). Maryborough 0.0 (0) lost to Trentham 4.1 (25). Navarre 10.3 (60) d Lexton 0.0 (0).
NORTH CENTRAL NETBALL
Birchip Watchem 15 11 4 0 0 260.15 44
Sea Lake Nandaly 15 9 6 0 0 191.31 36
St Ar naud 15 7 8 0 0 123.83 28
Charlton 15 3 12 0 0 35.29 12
Wedderburn 15 3 12 0 0 29.29 12
Donald 15 1 14 0 0 8.2 4
BEST – Donald: O. Brennan, J. Lydom, J. Borden, E. Clapham, J. Nuske, S. Mortlock. Calder United: M. Fawcett, T. Vearing, A. Cowell, D. Coles, H. Humphreys, H. Bartlett. St Arnaud
Boort
(41)
(57)
BEST – St Arnaud: W. Thomas, F. Green, J. Batters, C. Hendy, B. Donald, T. Berryman. Boort: J. O’Flaherty, C. Gooding, R. Wagner, B. McPherson, D. Perryman, L. Boyd.
Arnaud
UNDER 14
BEST – Charlton: C. Zagame, D. Olive, L. Monaghan, S. Cossar, I. Roberts, T. Fitzpatrick. Birchip Watchem: H. Jones, A. Tyler, D. Tyler, D. Coffey.
Sea Lake Nandaly
Wedderburn
BEST – Sea Lake Nandaly: R. Allan, H. Wight, G. Durie, T. Allan, H. Landry, H. Cox. Wedderburn: B. Cramp, C. Gault, J. Laverty-Smith, A. Polkinghorne, Z. Polkinghorne, W. Huismann. Donald
Calder
BEST – Donald: S. Mortlock, E. Geddes, R. Jones, M. Podasca, J. Hepworth, L. Stopps. Calder United: N. Harrison, R. Harrison, D. Polzin, F. Polzin, H. Humphreys, B. Hogan.
St Arnaud
Boort
(4)
(36)
BEST – St Arnaud: P. Zsigmond, F. Wilson, F. Evans, J. Wait, L. Ezard, R. Batters. Boort: S. Soumelidis, S. Muller, C. McNally, N. Howe, T. Broad.
Arnaud 15 13
Lake Nandaly
A Grade
Charlton 10, 27, 41, 54, (54) lost to Birchip Watchem 23, 37, 52, 63, (63). Sea Lake Nandaly 10, 12, 21, 26, (26) lost to Wedderburn 7, 23, 33, 46, (46). St Arnaud 6, 15, 23, 28, (28) lost to Boort 25, 42, 52, 73, (73). Donald 6, 10, 17, 27, (27) lost to Calder United 14, 27, 42, 51, (51). Ladder: Wedderburn 60, Boort 44, Sea Lake Nandaly 44, Calder United 36, Birchip Watchem 32, Donald 16, Charlton 6, St Arnaud 2.
B Grade
Charlton 9, 15, 21, 29, (29) lost to Birchip Watchem 10, 25, 40, 51, (51). Sea Lake Nandaly 8, 17, 26, 41, (41) lost to Wedderburn 20, 37, 48, 65, (65). St Arnaud 12, 17, 30, 45, (45) lost to Boort 11, 23, 35, 46, (46). Donald 4, 7, 12, 16, (16) lost to Calder United 15, 27, 38, 48, (48). Ladder: Wedderburn 60, Calder United 48, Boort 44, Birchip Watchem 40, St Arnaud 20, Sea Lake Nandaly 18, Donald 10, Charlton 0.
C Grade
Charlton 6, 12, 19, 30, (30) lost to Birchip Watchem 13, 27, 45, 56, (56). Sea Lake Nandaly 14, 26, 34, 47, (47) lost to Wedderburn 15, 24, 39, 53, (53). St Arnaud 4, 13, 20, 25, (25) lost to Boort 8, 21, 26, 39, (39). Donald 4, 11, 14, 20, (20) lost to Calder United 22, 41, 61, 83, (83).
Ladder: Calder United 56, Wedderburn 44, Sea Lake Nandaly 40, Boort 40, Birchip Watchem 32, St Arnaud 20, Charlton 4, Donald 0.
C Reserve
Sea Lake Nandaly 15, 38, 49, 61, (61) d Wedderburn 9, 13, 19, 26, (26). St Arnaud 3, 10, 12, 20, (20) lost to Boort 18, 37, 64, 77, (77).
Ladder: Boort 40, Sea Lake Nandaly 40, Calder United 24, Birchip Watchem 16, Wedderburn 8, St Arnaud 0. 17 & Under
St Arnaud 13, 25, 38, 51, (51) d Boort 9, 19, 27, 40, (40). Sea Lake Nandaly 14, 22, 33, 48, (48) d Wedderburn 8, 15, 28, 34, (34). Charlton 10, 14, 19, 22, (22) lost to Birchip Watchem 11, 25, 38, 48, (48). Donald 0, 2, 2, 4, (4) lost to Calder United 27, 56, 82, 112, (112).
Ladder: Calder United 56, Birchip Watchem 52, St Arnaud 38, Boort 38, Sea Lake Nandaly 28, Charlton 16, Wedderburn 8, Donald 0.
14 & Under A
Charlton 0, 1, 2, 2, (2) lost to Birchip Watchem 7, 16, 28, 32, (32). Donald 8, 11, 15, 22, (22) d Calder United 4, 8, 12, 16, (16). St Arnaud (12) lost to Boort (24). Sea Lake Nandaly 14, 20, 29, 35, (35) d Wedderburn 2, 3, 4, 5, (5).
Ladder: Boort 60, Birchip Watchem 52, Donald 44, Calder United 32, St Arnaud 24, Sea Lake Nandaly 12, Charlton 8, Wedderburn 8.
14 & Under B
MARYBOROUGH CASTLEMAINE
SENIORS
GOALS – Navarre: A. Slorach 11, B. Tillig 2, R. Bibby, W. Clough, J. Jok, J. Mentha, O. Notting, D. Reading, S. Rickard, S. Walker. Lexton: P. Gleeson 2, J. Hobson.
BEST – Navarre: B. Tillig, A. Slorach, S. Rickard, A. Bade, J. Mentha, W. Moloney. Lexton: L. Guelen, A. Verhoeven, A. Broughton, L. Thomas, L. Blazko, J. Debast. Maldon 8.8 (56) lost to Harcourt 14.10 (94). Talbot 15.15 (105) d Natte Bealiba 8.10 (58). Avoca 10.16 (76) d Campbells Creek 8.7 (55). Maryborough 4.6 (30) lost to Trentham 24.19 (163). Bye: Carisbrook, Dunolly, Newstead.
RESERVES
Maldon 4.5 (29) lost to Harcourt 16.18 (114). Talbot 19.12 (126) d Natte Bealiba 2.2 (14). Avoca 12.4 (76) d Campbells Creek 5.6 (36). Maryborough 1.5 (11) lost to Trentham 24.11 (155). Navarre 5.6 (36) lost to Lexton 6.7 (43).
UNDER 17.5
Maldon 3.4 (22) lost to Harcourt 24.6 (150). Talbot 2.0 (12) lost to Natte Bealiba 26.15 (171). Maryborough 24.19 (163) d Trentham 2.0 (12). Navarre 6.8 (44) d Lexton 2.3 (15). Avoca 2.4 (16) lost to Carisbrook 14.14 (98).
Donald 2, 2, 5, 7, (7) lost to Calder United 1, 5, 8, 8, (8). Sea Lake Nandaly 0, 2, 4, 7, (7) lost to Wedderburn 7, 11, 14, 15, (15). St Arnaud (12) lost to Boort (15).
Ladder: Boort 48, St Arnaud 44, Birchip Watchem 32, Wedderburn 22, Calder United 20, Donald 10, Sea Lake Nandaly 4.
NORTH CENTRAL HOCKEY
MEN
Sea Lake Nandaly 2 drew Wedderburn 2. Donald 1 lost to Calder United 3. St Arnaud 9 d Boort 1. Charlton Bye.
Ladder: Calder United 31, St Arnaud 29, Donald 28, Boort 20, Wedderburn 15, Sea Lake Nandaly 7, Charlton 0. WOMEN
Sea Lake Nandaly 1 lost to Wedderburn 5. Donald 1 lost to Calder United 2. St Arnaud 5 d Boort 0. Charlton Bye.
Ladder: St Arnaud 33, Calder United 33, Charlton 27, Wedderburn 19, Boort 15, Donald 7, Sea Lake Nandaly 0. UNDERAGE
Donald 1 drew Calder United 1. Charlton 17 d Birchip Watchem 1. St Arnaud 7 d Boort 1. Sea Lake Nandaly Bye.
Ladder: Charlton 39, St Arnaud 31, Donald 19, Boort 16, Calder United 12, Sea Lake Nandaly 7, Birchip Watchem 7. UNDER 12
Sea Lake Nandaly 0 lost to Wedderburn 4. Donald 0 lost to Calder United 6. Charlton 2 drew Birchip Watchem 2. St Arnaud 7 d Boort 0.
Ladder: Calder United 38, Birchip Watchem 37, Charlton 36, St Arnaud 25, Wedderburn 19, Boort 7, Sea Lake Nandaly 7, Donald 6.
Defenders set scene
DEFENDERS gave Charlton A Grade netballers a strong start in their North Central clash wth Birchip Watchem on Saturday.
Issy Soulsby was getting tall hands to put pressure into the ring followed by some beautiful rebounding by Claire Smith in GK.
The second quarter saw Claudia Lee step into GA with some great passing into Chloe Walsh at GS. Unfortunately a strong quarter by Birchip saw their lead push out.
The Third quarter was a strong one by Charlton with Chloe rotating well in the goal circle and shooting and defence pressure still on.
Into the fourth Charlton showed no signs of slowing, breaking down Birchip’s zone to get the ball down the court well with Megan Bruns providing some great support through the transition.
Whilst the score didn’t go Charlton’s way it was a great game to watch showing our girls never stopped fighting.
Charlton 54 def by Birchip-Watchem 63. Walsh Motors Best: Claire Smith. Walsh Motors Coaches: Megan Bruns. Caffeinated Chaos Captains Coffee: Maggie Riley. Connect Coffee and Stacy’s Dental Lucky Volunteer of the Day: Liz Riley.
In the 14 and Under A clash, honours went to the Bulls. Charlton’s awards: TeeJet Best: Lily Lane. FHN Ladies Auxiliary Coaches: Isabella Stahl. NWAG & Charlton Caravan Park “Have a Crack” – Anna Fitzpatrick.
In 17 and under, Charlton had a strong start with the attackers working hard, moving well with their drives and front cuts. With plenty of rotations all the girls
continued to play well together. Down the other end defenders faced a tough challenge but worked hard as always.
Anika Holmes-Brown and Maggie Riley combined for a standout performance in the ring.
Unfortunately Birchip took a strong lead in the second quarter which set them up for the win.
Credit to Charlton for still playing well and encouraging each other!
Charlton 22 def by Birchip-Watchem 48. IGA Charlton Best: Anika Holmes-Brown. FNH Ladies Auxiliary Coaches: Lacey Smith. Caffeinated Chaos Captains Coffee: Rosie Fitzpatrick
In C Grade, it was a great start for for
Charlton who held their own against a strong side, keeping in the scores right for the first half. special mention to Taylah Giles who stepped up again into the goal ring shooting well along with Jac Leslie. Lily Campbell back again providing strong drives and defence through the centre. Another comeback story this week with Kirsty McKenzie back out on the court after welcoming baby #2.
In defence Brooke Prior held strong in GK with Zoe Carney getting hands to plenty of ball in GD.
A good team performance leading into next week’s last game for the season!
Charlton 30 def by Birchip-Watchem 56. Jack Thompson Construction Best:
In B Grade, a solid start by the Charlton girls with both Erin and Sarah Blair coming on to provide some difference on court. Some beautiful defensive work by Anika Holmes-Brown gaining some opportunities in which Tahli Robert converted down the other end. All girls down the court fought hard for every loose ball. A tough opposition with Birchip running away in the end but still plenty of great plays made. Charlton 29 def by Birchip-Watchem 51. Teys Charlton Feedlot Best: Emily Olive and Anika Holmes-Brown.
Brooke Prior. S&D Consulting Coaches: Zoe Carney. Caffeinated Chaos Captains Coffee: Taylah Giles.
Twenty-two bowlers enjoyed social winter bowls at the St Arnaud Bowling Club in perfect conditions.
Charlton’s Chloe Walsh (left) made her presence felt on the court while Millie Hando (right) looks for options in the A Grade clash with Boort. NCN PHOTO
Challenging Pies had final legs
St ARNAUD under 17s made a strong start in their clash with Boort, with Bob Donald kicking the opening goal.
His goal was followed by Ryan Leach and Sean Bridgeman adding to the scoreboard to give the Saints a 3.1 (19) to 1.1 (7) lead at quarter time.
Boort responded in the second quarter, closing the gap to just four points at half time, St Arnaud leading 4.1 (25) to 3.3 (21).
The third quarter saw the Saints play fast, contested football, stretching the margin to 15 points at three quarter time, 6.3 (39) to 3.6 (24).
But Boort had the legs in the last quarter, kicking two quick goals to take the lead with six minutes remaining. Boort claimed victory with the final score an 8.8 (56) to 6.5 (41).
Best for St Arnaud: Will Thomas, Finn Green, Jack Batters, Chad Hendy, Bob Donald, Talan Berryman.
In the previous round against Birchip Watchem, with the Bulls short on players, a bunch of the Saints boys happily threw on the opposition jumper to even up the numbers, a great show of sportsmanship right from the start.
The Saints came out firing, keeping the ball in their forward half for most of the first quarter.
Aidan Wickham, Declan Kay and Rylan Leach all slotted goals early, before Birchip finally pushed forward to snag their first major just before quarter time.
Quarter Time: Saints 3.7.25 to Bulls 1.0.6
In the second quarter, the Saints kept the pressure on with some strong intercept marks and lots of second efforts around the ground.
A big kick from Chase Zander bounced through for the first score of the term, followed by goals from Chris Chaplain and Aidan Wickham. Jack Batters broke away through the middle to set up Rylan Leach for his second.
The Bulls had a few chances but couldn’t convert, and the Saints’ hard work saw them take a good lead into halftime.
Half Time: Saints 7.12.54 to Bulls 1.0.6
After the break, a few of the younger Saints returned to their side and some older players swapped over to help out the Bulls. Birchip opened the third quarter with a goal, but Rylan
Leach answered quickly with another for the Saints.
The Saints had the better of the quarter overall, though a 50m penalty helped the Bulls get one back. Young Chase Hendy kicked a goal to finish the quarter off with the Saints clearly in front.
Three Quarter Time: Saints 11.17.83 to Bulls 3.0.18
The final quarter had a bit of everything. The Bulls kicked the first two goals, including one from Charlie Baldwin who was filling in from the Saints. Jack Batters scored another for the Saints, before Frankie Donald and Finn Green (playing for Birchip) slotted two goals for Birchip.
Chase Zander and Sean Bridgeman kept working hard through the middle, and Fraser, usually in defence, had a crack up forward and almost scored himself a goal.
A big shout-out to all the kids who played for both sides and gave it their all. It was great to see everyone get around each other and make it a great morning of footy.
Final Score: Saints 12.19.91 def Bulls 7.2.44 Best Players: Chase Zander, Archer Reyne, Frankie Donald, Aidan Wickham, Rylan Leach, Max Ezard
CHARLTON had a tough assignment in North Central football on Saturday, up against premiership favourite Birchip Watchem. Bailey Kemp brought up the Navies’ only goal in the third term. This Saturday night, the league’s Feeny Medal will be live streamed while Charlton has its presentation day for seniors and juniors in football, netball and hockey on Sunday, NCN PHOTO
St Arnaud’s Edward Parry was part of the Saints’ big hockey win over Boort. NCN PHOTO
NCN HERALD sport
GLIMPES GIVING HEART
A FLAT-FOOTED opened term and star forward stood in the way of victory for St Arnaud in Saturday’s North Central Football League clash with finals-bound Boort at Lord Nelson Park.
The Saints showed more than a handful of passages as they exposed Boort’s level of defensive skills in a dominant second term.
They were able to run the ball better into the forward zone and outscored the Pies, and bridging a little of the huge lead that the visitors had been allowed to amass in a dominant opening term.
St Arnaud was held scoreless in that opening 30minute onslaught when Jhye Baddeley-Kelly started working towards a day’s haul of seven goals for Boort.
But the Pies’ goal guru didn’t have play on his terms. He kicked as many behind as goals and a few not even within the sticks.
Daniel Gifford proved the general of the backline for St Arnaud, turning over play and linking through the midfield on countless occasions.
Torney and Lowe were active across the midfield while constant rotations saw Jake Male kicking two of St Arnaud’s seven goals for the day, five others registering majors.
The Saints were down more than a handful of regular players for the penultimate match of the season.
The younger brigade was again given a chance to earn some stripes and were key cogs in a performance that was full of grit.
However, Boort’s more experienced players and rising youngsters Tom Potter and Lachie Hall were able to steer the Pies towards regaining momentum late in the third term.
Boort added six goals to one in the final quarter - and five behinds - to run out victors by 91 points.
The Saints travel to Wedderburn’s Donaldson Park on Saturday for the final match of the home and away.
The Redbacks has mathematically still been in the hunt for a finals before until last Saturday’s loss to reigning premiers Sea Lake Nandaly.
Wedderburn has had the upper hand n the two earlier meetings this season, winning by 72 and 111 points.
St Arnaud has only last opportunity in 2025 to extend the exciting glimpses of what is ahead and push higher teams on the ladder for longer periods
Luke Jackson sends the Saints into attack at Lord Nelson Park. NCN PHOTOS Jay KIrkwood clears Boort’s James Wilson.