WEDNESDAY JULY 30, 2025
MORNING SHOTS
By SUE HYNES
A ST ARNAUD man was to face court yesterday after an alleged shooting that saw another man taken by air ambulance to Melbourne.
Part of Kings Avenue was closed to traffic after police were called to an incident about 7.20am Monday and reports of shots being fired.
He was expected to appear in Stawell Magistrates Court yesterday.
The man has been 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.
“This is alleged to be a targeted incident, and the parties are known to each other,” police said.
St Arnaud woke to reports of a shooting on Monday morning. Residents around Kings Avenue
reported shouting and altercations from the house before daybreak.
Neighbours said that there had been many reports of disturbances at the premises.
Police confirmed that there was an altercation between two men and one of those men, aged 40, was shot and airlifted to ther
Alfred Hospital with a non-life threatening injury to his upper body.
Police said that the men were known to each other but declined to comment on whether either of the men were known to police.
Later Monday morning, police issued a statement to reassure the community of St. Arnaud
that they were no longer looking within the St Arnaud area for the second man, but that they were still searching.
St Arnaud and Yarriambiack police cluster manager Senior Sergeant Tim Thomson said: “Police are aware that an incident of this nature creates uncertainty and concern for our community.
“Please rest-assured there is no ongoing risk to community following this incident. You may see an increase in police presence over the coming week, feel free to stop and have a chat.
“The safety of our community will always remain our top priority,” Senior Sergeant Thomson said.
Police at the scene of Monday morning’s incident in Kings Avenue. NCN PHOTO
NCN HERALD
Toe-tapping
JAZZ enthusiasts had a toe-tapping Sunday afternoon at the Rex Theatre for Charlton Arts’ annual Jazz in July featuring the everpopular Hot B’Hines.
True to form, the band delivered an energetic and polished performance that had the audience smiling from start to finish.
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With three decades of playing together, their chemistry and extensive repertoire shone through in two lively sets.
The crowd was delighted with a mix of traditional jazz classics like Smile, Minnie the Moocher, It Don’t Mean a Thing, and Tiger Rag.
Band members Wally Joosen (drums), Ken Collins (trumpet), Barry Currie (saxophone, flute, clarinet), John Huf (sousaphone & upright bass), David Hines (banjo), and Paul Ingle (trombone)—stepping in for Bill Beasley—were clearly enjoying themselves, with their signature friendly banter adding to the relaxed, feel-good
vibe of the afternoon at the Rex. During the interval, guests were treated to a generous afternoon tea served at the Charlton Club—an ideal interlude to recharge before the second half of the show. Next up for Charlton Arts is the Annual Art and Photography Exhibition in October.
IN BRIEF
Basin disappointment
VICTORIAN Farmers Federation says the recently released 2025 Basin Plan Evaluation portrays a deliberately deceiving snapshot of the Murray-Darling Basin and ignores the real-world reality facing farmers and communities in the region. Water Council Chair and Murrabit dairy farmer Andrew Leahy said the Murray–Darling Basin Authority appears more focused on defending its own Plan than objectively evaluating the impacts. It’s incredibly disappointing that the MDBA seems to have written this report to justify the Plan, rather than assess whether it’s actually working for regional communities.”
Tongan visit to museum
THE Bible Museum had a visit by a delegation from a Tongan University earlier this month. They came all the way from Tonga to visit the Bible Museum, as they are setting up their own Bible Museum in Tonga next year, and were looking for some inspiration. There are currently only two Bible Museums in the Southern Hemisphere, one in Brazil and the other in St Arnaud. There are around 30 Bible Museums in the Northern Hemisphere. They were the Vice Chanellor of Christ’s University in the Pacific and included a Nuclear Physicist from Melbourne
Miner’s gold stock claim
FIRST results from the diamond drilling program at the Aureka’s St Arnaud Comstock project has identified down-dip mineralisation continuity with multiple gold intercepts.
Managing director James Gurry last week said: “It’s extremely positive to see mineralisation continuity down dip along the main Comstock shear at St Arnaud. “The elevated grade inter-
Annie’s appeal fits the case
ANNIE Olive has been inundated with old suitcases as she prepares her final art portfolio as a Year 12 student at Charlton College.
The supportive response from the community now sees Annie with all the suitcases she needs to present her ‘dolls’ for the folio’s completion.
Annie’s inspiration was drawn from artist Mirka Mora who grew up in Germany during the Holocaust and who came to Melbourne and worked during World War Two.
Annie has created two practice dolls that represent her journey from girlhood to womanhood and the cases will be the setting for the dolls.
“The response has been fabulous and I am looking forward to completing my work for assessment,” Annie said, thanking those who answered her call.
cepts have potential to rapidly add to our already substantial global resource inventory, including at St Arnaud.
“We look forward to seeing the results from the ongoing program” said Mr Gurry.
Aureka believes there is potential for further growth in Aureka’s global resource inventory and the St Arnaud Gold Project and the Comstock pit lies within
trucking distance to a number of gold processing plants in Victoria.
The Comstock project is located within the historic St Arnaud Goldfields along the Nelson line of reef and is situated approximately 2km north of the township of St Arnaud.
With the current strong gold price environment Aureka intends to begin community, scop-
ing and regulatory approval work to plan for a productive future at Comstock and the St Arnaud gold field
“The multiple gold intercepts highlight the down dip Au fertility of the Comstock shear and demonstrates ongoing mineral continuity and with further drilling has high potential to expand the maiden resource at St Arnaud,” Aureka said.
Fishing forums back for fifth year
VICTORIAN Fisheries Authority will host 11 free fishing forums at angling clubs across the state, connecting recreational fishers with the latest on topics tailored to their patch.
VFA CEO Travis Dowling said the popular annual forums provide a great chance for fishers and their families to pick up new information, while building relationships with a local club and sharing ideas to make fishing even better.
Each forum will highlight how the VFA is reinvesting recreational fishing licence fees locally, and details on the Victorian Government’s $96 million Go Fishing and Boating plan to improve fishing, boating, piers and aquaculture.
“We always look forward to catching up with locals, who know their waterways best, and hearing what matters most to them,” Mr Dowling said.
“We’ve just stocked 10 million fish again, more than all other states and ter-
ritories combined, we’ve removed commercial nets from Port Phillip and the Gippsland Lakes and we’ve made it free to launch and park at all of Victoria’s public boat ramps.
“On top of that we’re tripling the size of our Arcadia hatchery and undertaking fascinating monitoring of much-loved recreational species like black bream, snapper, King George whiting and Murray cod – so there’s plenty to discuss.
“The forums are also a great chance to ask our experts those burning questions and settle any longstanding debates with mates.”
Held on weeknights in August and September, the forums will open with expert presentations from VFA staff, followed by audience questions and discussion. ach forum will also include information about how the VFA’s Better Boating division is progressing the state’s biggest ever boat ramp construction program.
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Farming experts sought for drought services
AGRICULTURE Victoria is continuing to back farmers and regional communities through the drought, with more one-on-one support services and practical workshops. Agriculture Victoria is seeking quotes from service providers with specialist farm management technical expertise to work with us in delivering one-on-one consultations and group-based events. ATO app puts protection in your pocket
SCAMMERS are actively seeking new ways to exploit personal information and if successful they can use stolen details not only to commit fraud against the ATObut also carry out broader identity theft and financial crimes across the community. With a sharp rise in impersonation scams, mainly in email.
Transition must not trample farmers’ rights
VICTORIAN Farmers Federation is concerned following recent comments from Victorian Energy Minister Lily D’Ambrosio, warning that the State Government’s energy transition risks alienating the very communities it needs most. While the VFF supports the shift to renewable energy, VFF President Brett Hosking said the transition is being derailed by poor planning.
Annie Olive shows off her ‘dolls’ with her suitcases that she will use to display them.
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New show an insight to wit and colour
THE Charlton Courthouse Gallery will come alive with colour, wit and creativity this August as it hosts a major retrospective of the work of local artist and storyteller, Jenny Pollard.
The exhibition opens officially on Sunday at 2pm, with all art lovers, family and friends invited to attend.
While many know Jenny for her iconic mural in the Charlton Shire Hall, this exhibition offers a much broader glimpse into her remarkable creative journey.
Spanning decades and a multitude of mediums, Jenny’s work ranges from expressive life drawings and whimsical cartoons to abstract collages, textile pieces and large-scale murals. Her distinctive style is playful, thoughtful and deeply personal, often blending technical skill with a strong sense of narrative and humour.
“We are really looking forward to showcasing Jenny’s vast array of work,” says Courthouse Gallery secretary Carolyn Olive.
“Her creativity has touched so many areas of our community – this is a wonderful chance to see it all in one place.”
Jenny’s formal training in art and design, combined with her wide-ranging interests – from photography and silversmithing to cake decorating and digital design – has resulted in a body of work that is both diverse and deeply engaging.
Whether through a finely inked cartoon or a bold brushstroke mural, her ability to capture the quirks and character of life shines through.
Don’t miss this opportunity to see this celebration of work from one of Charlton’s most prolific creatives.
Town gets tourism silver gong
HALLS Gap has won recognition as an outstanding tourist destination, taking out silver at the Top Tourism Town Awards in Shepparton.
The awards, presented by the Victorian Tourism Industry Council, VTIC, recognise excellence in tourism across the state, highlighting the vibrant and diverse destinations that make regional Victoria shine.
Northern Grampians Shire mayor Karen Hyslop said it was exciting to see the small-but-mighty town collect the silver accolade, which reflected the community’s passion and the unique natural beauty of the Grampians region.
“The award is particularly uplifting following the summer’s devastating bushfire season, which threatened Halls Gap, burnt a significant amount of Grampians National Park and devastated tourism operators,” she said.
“The award is more than recognition, it is a moment of healing, pride and hope. This achievement shines as a powerful reminder that resilience, beauty and renewal can flourish in even the hardest of times.
“We are beyond proud of our town and our people.”
Trentham took out the Top Tiny Tourism Town for towns under 5000 people.
New Superman smash hit flying to the Rex’s screen
FLYING across the big screen at The Rex this weekend will be the new super-hero movie about the “man-of- steel”, Superman!
Currently smashing the box office with world-wide takings reaching almost $400 million, the 2025 version of the DC Universe character has become the highest earning super-hero hit of the year.
As one reviewer put it: “The Man of Steel isn’t just faster than a flying bullet — he’s beating the box office competition, too.”
Approaching the story from a different angle, writer/director James Gunn said that Superman is viewed as an immigrant and that the film tells that story. While the movie has been called “woke” by some, audiences have obviously not been deterred as the film’s attendances continue to soar.
The movie sees Superman (David Corenswet) being drawn into conflicts at
home and abroad with his actions being questioned, thus giving tech billionaire Lex Luthor the opportunity to get the Man of Steel out of the way for good.
As Superman embarks on a journey to reconcile his Kryptonian heritage with his human upbringing as Clark Kent, the big question is will intrepid reporter Lois Lane and Superman’s four-legged companion, Krypto, be able to help him before it’s too late?
One audience reviewer said the movie “strikes a remarkable balance between the vibrant, colorful essence of its comic book roots and a grounded, relatable seriousness. This fresh take on the iconic hero may just be the most compelling yet”. So, why not head along to The Rex and be swept up in the action so you can make up your own mind about this new interpretation!
Northern Grampians Shire tourism and marketing lead Anna Gellert, Cr Justine Hide, team leader visitor services Julie Gibson and events officer Jana Turkalj celebrate Halls Gap’s silver accolade
Last two say they’ll stay Your comments on decision to shut agency
ST ARNAUD’S two remaining banks have committed to staying open.
Confirmation from NAB and Commonwealth came after Bendigo Bank head office last week said the axe would fall on its remaining agencies.
St Arnaud, an agency of the Avoca, Maryborough, St Arnaud Community Bank is one of 28 agencies that will shut their doors in October.
NAB executive retail banking Paul Carter said: “We’re here to stay in St Arnaud and we’re proud to keep serving the local community.
We’re even investing more into St Arnaud - the NAB branch is getting a refresh next month.
“Our branch manager Lorrae Curry and her team are looking forward to welcoming customers to their new look branch soon.”
NAB St Arnaud will be closed for three days in mid-August for upgrade works including repainting, reflooring, a teller cash recycling unit installation, new desks and furniture.
A Commonwealth Bank spokesperson said: “Our branch and ATM network is here to stay - we proudly maintain Australia’s largest branch network and bank-owned ATM network.
“We’re committed to regional Australia in line with our regional branch moratorium, which has been in place since July 2023.
“While we don’t have specifics to share on local investment at this stage, we’re actively upgrading our branches and ATMs across the country, with over $100 mil-
lion planned to be invested over the coming financial year.”
Bendigo Bank says its agency model, which has been in existence for 30 years, is no longer viable with decreasing customer use playing a role.
Chief customer officer consumer Taso Corolis said: “The difficult decision to retire the agency model has been informed by evolving customer preferences leading to reductions in business activity, limited use of these services, and an increase in costs and compliance obligations.
“Bendigo Bank operates more branches per customer than any other Australian bank and Aus-
tralia’s second largest regional branch network,” he said.
“We are proud of our regional heritage and are committed to providing face-to-face banking services for our customers.”
“To preserve what makes our bank unique, we must prioritise our investments across both physical and digital channels to continue meeting the changing needs and growing expectations of our 2.7 million customers.
“We understand it may take time for some customers to adjust to these changes and we will support them through this.
“We are proactively supporting customers affected by the
Cemetery history gets update
IT HAS been five years since the St Arnaud Cemetery listing was updated.
Last week Rotarians, Peter Marland and Russell Steel were on hand to assist Jenny Bibby with the new listing being put up in the St Arnaud Cemetery.
When Jenny first worked at Kells Funerals in 1997, she was hounded by people wanting to know this and that about relatives whose graves they were searching for.
So much so that Jenny decided to develop a listing of all graves, marked and unmarked in the cemetery.
In her spare time she walked around the cemetery, and came back to her PC and updating her spreadsheet until where she is today.
Her listing now includes whether the grave is marked, whether it contains a headstone or any other details that Jenny
thinks is relevant. With around 120 to 150 names entered each five years, and the listing goes back to 1860 Jenny has taken on a big commitment.
“It has reduced my load about the cemetery by 50 per cent” Jenny says.
“I am now cross referencing all entries and I have just finished the new update and now we have a history of all deaths.”
The board was put up about 20 years ago and Jenny thinks that Kevin Cadzow was the builder of the listing.
Jenny has taken on the job of updating and what a job she has done.
In a whisker Jenny had bought up the details of the NCN Herald reporter’s greatgreat-grandmother, all her children, husband, address and her maiden name.
Quite the historian is our Jenny.
- SUE HYNES
closures and will offer them assistance. This may be in the form of connecting them with their closest alternate service, including nearest branch or Bank@ Post locations, and walking them through e-banking services available, when required,” he said.
Bank employees and community bank directors have declined to speak to NCN.
However, customers and community organisations in St Arnaud have been critical of the decision.
Many said they had moved accounts to the Bendigo Bank because other banks had either closed or cut their hours.
Ralph Wacker says: “It’s a long drive to make a payment. What are we going to do with our cash?
Cindy Butell says: “It is terrible. They have closed the one in Stawell and so we have to come across here and now they have closed this one down. It is not good for rural communities.
Tracy Dunstan writes: “Oh my that’s just so sad.”
Bacca Boort writes: “They have turned into just another big bank.”
Heather Fenwick writes: “Shame on you the Bendigo Bank country people have stood by you and what do they get. Closure. No respect from me.”
Other comments in an NCN Vox Pop included:
I think about the elderly. The convenience factor is gone. We will have to go to Avoca”.
Also to be chopped
BENDIGO Bank agencies in Wycheproof, Wedderburn and Boort will also shut under the bank’s decision that came after a round of full branch closures. Bendigo said compliance costs had also been a factor in the closures.
Jenny Bibby and Russel Steel update the cemetery listing board. NCN PHOTO
Surveys show contrasts in perceptions
BULOKE Shire Council has recorded a decline across seven key service areas whilst Northern Grampians is on par with last year.
These are the results of the local government community satisfaction surveys.
Feedback is gathered from a representative sample of residents to identify service trends with Buloke saying that it provides valuable insight and highlights specific areas for improvement.
The result for Northern Grampians is a positive as the only area that has changed significantly is the measure of ‘value for money’ where council’s score is lower compared to 2024.
Northern Grampians rates significantly higher than both the Small Rural group and State-wide averages on its performance on the condition of sealed local roads, but significantly lower than the group and state-wide averages in waste management.
However, Northern Grampians council rates in line with group and state-wide averages on all other areas evaluated.
For Buloke Shire the only area of improvement was unsealed road maintenance, which had been historically the shire’s lowest-performing area.
The areas of decline for Buloke are community decisions, local law enforcement, planning and building permits, lobbying, consultation and engagement, tourism and business and community development.
Northern Grampians residents aged 35 to 64 years rated council lowest on overall performance, council direction, value for money and almost all individual service areas (sealed local roads being the exception).
Residents aged 50 to 64 years have the highest rate of contact with Northern Grampians As with Buloke, Northern Grampians’ sealed local roads remains their lowest rated service area.
Residents in surrounding areas rate Northern Grampians performance lower than those in St Arnaud and Stawell. The report states that this geographic area should be the first priority for any improvement.
Buloke Shire, according to the survey, has performed 12 and 13 points below the State and Small Rural areas for overall performance.
“These results don’t reflect the standard we want to meet”, said Mayor Cr Alan Getley, “And we are committed to doing better. “
SPENDING time immersing themselves in nature, the Bush Kinder is giving St Arnaud children the chance to step outside the classroom. Over 20 weeks each week they visit a local property for a full day of outdoor learning and discovery, enjoying activities like campfire cooking, fort building, bug hunting and exploring indigenous culture.
A grant from Community Bank Avoca, Maryborough and St Arnaud for $3000 and another next year will cover the cost of transport for the program. St Arnaud Kindergarten committeee treasurer Diana Wiseman said funding ensured the program would continue without interruption and allowed children to keep experiencing these unique and enriching outdoor adventures and foster a lifelong love of learning in nature.
AUCTION
113 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
MALLEE HOLDINGS 8208 ACRES * WALPEUP EXPRESSION OF
INTEREST
Lot 1 as a whole known as 'Stones'/'Corbetts' Mallee Aggregation of 8208 acres*
Lot 2 known as 'Corbetts' 1 & 2 Parallel Road - 2602 acres*
Wheat, barley and lupin rotation. Grazing opportunity for prime Mallee lambs.
Lot 3 known as 'Corbetts' 3 Joyce Road - 872 acres*
Lot 4 known as 'Stone's' Parallel Road - 4734 acres*
Divided into 12 paddocks - GWM Water connected - 4 stand shearing shed and yards - access tracks - shelter belts - 2 outer sheep yards - typical 'Walpeup' ridge soil type.
For sale as a whole or as 3 separate allotments
Contact the selling agent for further information and to arrange an inspection.
Brett Douglas: 0447 162 455 / brett@driscollag.com.au
Stay away 5km away: turbine call
DISTRICT farmers will push have wind farm rules tightened and turbines kept 5klm away from non-consenting neighbours.
St Arnaud branch of the Victorian Farmers’ Federation last Thursday carried a motion that would increase the buffer between turbines and owners of land adjoining wind farms.
The motion was backed by all but a handful of farmers from across the Wimmera and Loddon regions at the meeting.
Tyler Nelson, a farmer near Boort, said there needed to be better protection for landowners.
He said project neighbours were given no choice if a wind farm was to be built “and we are told nothing (of plans) until after the event”.
Mr Nelson said wind farm developers needed to be put on notice as they were currently operating without any real frameworks.
VFF branch secretary Barry Batters said the Government currently did not “have a clue about
buffer zones” and non-consenting neighbours.
The meeting also backed Mr Nelson on calling for a 10km setback of wind farms from wetlands and property of environmental value and for the definition to also disallow development within 1km of a title boundary.
Last week’s VFF debate came as district farmers continue their protests against the Federal and State Government’s renewable energy policies and the impact on farmers and agricultural land outside a conference in Bendigo.
Further protests against proposed new State Government legislation on land access for renewable energy projects are scheduled for Melbourne this week.
The branch meeting was attended by state president Brett Hosking and new chief executive office Charlie Thomas.
Mr Thomas said the future of the VFF would rely on greater engagement with younger people.
“Food and fibre production is worth protecting and fighting for,” Mr Thomas said.
Both Mr Thomas and Mr Hosking said the next state election in November 2026 would see the VFF put forward strong cases on a range of issues.
“Forty per cent of food manufacturing jobs are in Victoria and we need to sell that,” Mr Thomas said.
Mr Hosking said the VFF had a
REPRESENTATIVES from Agriculture Victoria along with Rural Assistance Commissioner,
local farms last week with the
WOOL MARKET
THE Australian wool market held the final sale before the annual three-week midyear recess this week.
This sale has the potential to behave in one of two ways. Buyers needing to fill orders, have this final auction buying opportunity in which to do so. This can result in pressure on specfic pockets of the market, as buyers compete over similar lots needed to complete their export orders. This in turn can lead to an upward turn in the market. The potential downside of the break, is that some buyers are reluctant to start new orders, knowing that filling the order before the break could be problematic.
In welcome news to woolgrowers, it was the first scenario that transpired this week. With 37,946 bales available to the trade, competition was often fierce across specific wool types, as buyers fought to complete orders needed for immediate shipment. Fremantle selling only on the first day, was yet to enjoy the rises on offer in the previous series.
The Western region heads into the recess on a buoyant note after a strong finish.
The Western Micron Price Guides (MPGs) closed between 19 and 31 cents higher. In the East the market pushed further into positive territory, adding further gains to those experienced over the previous few weeks.
The Eastern MPGs increased by between 5 and 38 cents. The benchmark Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) added 18 cents for the week, closing at 1,239 cents. The market continues to enjoy a strong start to the 2025/26 wool selling season.
The EMI has risen across all four-selling series of the new season. In further positive news, although playing its part, currency was not the driving influence on the market. The EMI rose by a similar amount in USD terms.
The market is now in recess. Sales will resume week beginning August 18.
CEO in Mr Thomas “who wants to be among us and understanding the members”.
He said the VFF continued to push for axing the controversial emergency services tax.
And he said there had been talks with the Greens about the renewable energy land access proposals.
“Even the Greens are concerns about the Government’s plans,” Mr Hosking said.
Branch president Colin Coates said: “My grandfather if he was still alive would be feeling betrayed by these plans and that an act of terrorism had been committed.”
He urged members to continue their push to protect land for primary production.
“If ever there is a time to be standing up, it’s right now,” Mr Coates told more than 80 members at the meeting.
Peter Tuohey toured
Northern Grampians Shire councillors and the CEO meeting with farmers to hear about their operational challenges as a result of current drought conditions.
Joe Medlyn, VFF branch secretary Barry Batters, guest speaker Jane Foster, branch president Colin Coates and new VFF chief executive officer CharlieThomas at last Thursday’s meeting. NCN PHOTO
NCN CROSSWORD No 8568
ACROSS
2Make off secretly
8In excited eagerness
9Repeat from memory
12Treacherous person
13Container 14Trick
15Extreme food shortage
17Conjectured
19Reliable 21Guardians
23Gaps
27Responds
30Without heed
31Extremely cold
33Tree
35Regret
36Observed
37Flag
38Aid to detection
39Give to charity
1Talking bird 2Morse elements 3Departure 4Birds enclosure 5Gain 6Vital impulse 7Held principles 10Obliterations 11Metal 16Encountered 18Speaking 20Sharp blow 22Decay 23Flew aloft 24Way of approach 25Feline 26Period of time 27District 28Way of viewing 29Oozed 32Cricket score 34Not working
SUDOKU
100 years ago
July has been an extremely cold month with 163 points rain making 12 inches 12 points so far this year.
The Bowling Club has decided to install 12 electric lights of 1,000 cp each and to take out the hedge on the west side of the green, have the green levelled and top dressed at a cost of £100. They also intend putting down another rink and in the not too distant future building a pavilion costing at least £300.
The Council has granted a permit to remove two large trees from the Borough gardens, near the northern end of the bowling green as they are damaging the green.
Deaths- Mrs Maude Taylor, wife of painter Frederick Taylor of Alma St, died age 47 years leaving four children. Maude was born in Ballarat, married in W A 27 years ago and moved to St Arnaud 2½ years ago
A widow Mrs Clara Longbottom died in W A age 38 years leaving six children she was a daughter of Mrs &
100 Years Ago - July 25 - 28
the late Leonard Rigoll, former well known St Arnaud butcher.
Mrs Eliza McCourt relict of the late John McCourt and mother of seven children died age 84 years at her daughter Mrs E Jerkin’s home in Victoria st.
Football – Cope Cope 11-10 defeated Litchfield 4-9 in a replay of a disputed match at Donald. Cope Cope is now in the final games against Birchip, Donald and Litchfield.
In the Kara Kara Junior Assoc, St Arnaud Rovers 13-13 defeated Coonooer Bridge 6-5, with the best players for St Arnaud W Rowe & H Hedger, and for Coonooer Bridge D Hamilton & W Allen.
Hare Drive held at Swanwater West in aid of the St Arnaud Rifle Club got 200 hares which they sold at 1/6 pair.
Private Sales – Samuel McKay has sold his 298-acre farm to Alfred Hosken and M H Evans has sold his farm and orchard of 40 acres at Carapooee to James Stewart.
Staff Changes at Banks- Mr G Green teller at the Bank of Victoria has been transferred to the Mildura branch after five years is and replaced by Alan Miles former St Arnaud ledger keeper and Mr R P Bond of Melbourne replaces him. Mr Len Evans of the E S & A Bank, who entered the bank as a junior clerk 3½ years ago, then became a ledger keeper has been promoted to teller and transferred to Dunolly to replace Mr H R Straton.
St Arnaud Fire Brigade presented a framed certificate to Fireman R Wescott for five years service. The fire engine is to be overhauled and several new fittings adjusted prior to the Fire Brigade Demo to be held in St Arnaud in November.
Carapooee West – Mr & Mrs W McDonald have taken up residence in the old Edelsten homestead.
Enterprising Business ManWe had the pleasure of a visit to the new Billiard parlour (conducted by Mr Williams, in High Street) and were agreeably surprised. Contained within a fibro cement building, lined and panelled most pleasingly, are four Alcock’s best full size tables. Oil paintings and aspidastras decorate the walls. The proprietor makes it his practice to attend to his tables thoroughly, brushing, velveting and ironing daily. Lighting has been attended to. Although Mr Williams had full warning of its non-success, the patrons have been so consistent in their visits that his path has been a rosy one indeed. It is his intention to run tournaments every 6 weeks.
ACROSS 2Decamp 8Agog 9Recite 12Traitor 13Bin 14Ruse 15Famine 17Surmised 19Trusty 21Tutors 23Spaces 27Reacts 30Careless 31Arctic 33Pine 35Rue 36Noticed 37Ensign 38Clue 39Donate
Today’s Big Match - The President of the Football Club (Mr W. Halligan), and the Secretary (Mr L. J. Bowe) made a round of the various firms of the town on Thursday, concerning the proposal put forward that business premises should be closed for the eagerly-anticipated match with Narraport at Charlton today (Saturday). It is the Blue and Whites last home game of the season. The deputation met with a most favorable reception. The shops will close from 3.30pm un-
DOWN 1Parrot 2Dots 3Egress 4Aviary 5Profit 6Libido 7Tenets 10Erasures 11Tin 16Met 18Uttering 20Rap 22Rot 23Soared 24Access 25Cat 26Second 27Region 28Aspect 29Seeped 32Run 34Idle
til the end of the senior encounter.
Deaths: - Nolan – Julia, aged 57 years (suddenly). 4th daughter late James and Annie Nolan.
Smale – at Barrakee, Walter Frederick, aged 13 years, dearly loved son of George and Mary Smale. The funeral left his parents’ residence for the Terrappee Cemetery.
Appreciation - The East Charlton Hotel was the scene of a pleasing ceremony – and a surprise it was to the host and hostess of that establishment. Prior to Narraport going to the football ground, Mr and Mrs McAuliffe were called to meet the players in the dining room, where the Narraport President asked them to accept a handsome oak silvermounted spirit stand, with cut glass decanters. The gift was a token of the Narraport players’ appreciation of the splendid banquet tendered them at the end of last season. Responding on behalf of Mrs McAuliffe and himself Mr McAuliffe expressed their warm appreciation of the entirely unexpected gift.
Vigorous Cubs - The 1st Charlton Wolf Cubs Pack is pursuing a vigor-
ous existence. Assistant-Scoutmaster Gordon Kirk invested the Cubs. Pack Leader Arthur Bertoli presented Sixers Ron Smith, Les Harris and Allan Hinkins. Sixer Allan Hinkins presented the Red Wolves’ Seconds, Brian McEniry and Joe Hayes. Sixer Les Harris presented the Grey Wolves’ Seconds, Jim Flockhart, Joe Grady, Harold Richards and Walter Arundell. Sixer Ron Smith presented the Brown Wolves’ Seconds Charlie Raynor, Ken Clark and Bob Arundell. This was followed by the Investiture of four new scouts – Jack Smith, Stuart Thompson, J. Shannon and Malcolm Hudgson. Splendid - A financial record for the season was created by the fortnightly euchre party and dance in St Joseph’s Hall, under the management of Mrs Paton and Miss O’Callaghan. For the euchre 31 tables were occupied. The prize winners were: Ladies’s first Miss Maher; secret, Mrs A. Young; gentlemen’s first, Mr A. Thompson; secret, Mr J. Monaghan. The entrance prize was secured by Mr J. Wright, and the drop out waltz by Mr E. Retallick and Miss M. Fanning. For the dance there were 76 couples. Excellent music was played by Miss M. Spain (piano) and Mr A. C. Dabron (trombone).
Exploring life of an icon
WILLIAM Neville Lane was an aviation industry icon who as a youngster had enjoyed tinkering with engines and building machines,
Anything that would move fast. When he was around 12 or 13, he fitted a Villiers motor to a pushbike to create more speed. He had to modify it soon after because he discovered when the motor stopped so did the bike. He liked to ride it around the district, He even rode it to town once or twice and the police didn’t know what to do with him.
Born on August 2, 1947, in Ararat to Bernice and Charlie Lane. Bill grew up in Pomonal beneath Redman’s Bluff in the Grampians with his older siblings Ted and Bev.
They lived on a settlement block on Waterhole Road surrounded by bush in Pomonal. As a youngster Bill enjoyed exploring, he was adventurous and was always the most daring of the three children. The family then moved to Traynor’s Lagoon where Charlie and Bernice took on the role of Postmaster and Post Mistress of the Traynor’s Lagoon Post Office and Telephone Exchange.
Twelve months after the Lane family arrived in Traynor’s Lagoon they welcomed a new baby girl Jenny to the family.
Bill used to read a lot. The books were usually Biggles books written by a former World War One pilot. It was probably around this time in his life where he developed this deep love of aeroplanes and the dream of one day learning to fly himself.
Bill worked for different farmers to earn enough money to do his flying training including the Hines’, Jesses, Sandersons and Cousins families.
When he completed Form 5, he headed off to the Ballarat Aero Club where he learnt to fly in 28 days. He was successful in achieving that at the age of 17. He then applied for a scholarship which would help subsidise his commercial flying training and sat for his Unrestricted Pilot’s Licence which he did at Whittlesea.
In 1967, aged 20 years, Bill went on to get his commercial pilot’s licence at the Schutt Flying Academy and then his instructor’s rating. He sat for it on a Friday afternoon, then on the following morning he started fulltime employment in Bairnsdale as an Instructor.
Bill started work with Schutt Aircraft in Moorabbin. It was his role to train aircraft owners to fly their new planes. This took him to places like Whyalla, Echuca, Bombala and Eildon.
Bill decided to branch out in the aviation industry. He was interviewed by Ansett in the anticipation of sitting for an airline transport licence. About the same time, an engineer friend, who had built-up a floatplane, asked Bill would he fly it for him at weekends which he did. He flew at Lake
Eildon, Western Port Bay and Warneet. It was at this point in Bill’s life he became hooked on floatplanes, and the Ansett option was no longer.
In 1972, soon after marrying Teresa Scollon and both aged 24, Bill and Tess made the big move from Victoria to the Gold Coast. They helped set up the very first floatplane business called Southport Floatplane Services in Runaway Bay. They flew regularly to South Stradbroke Island where they took tourists for joy flights.
They started a flying school and did charter flights. Bill endorsed pilots to fly on floats and became involved in several ocean rescues.
As the business grew, Bill started importing aircraft from the US and fitted them with floats for potential buyers. In 1974, their business featured in the Australian Flying Magazine and made the front cover.
Life soon became very busy on the Gold Coast and Bill soon earned himself the title “The Barefoot Pilot”. July 1974 was also a significant time as Bill and Tess welcomed their first daughter Eliza.
At age 26, Bill competed in the Hinkler 1000 air race. He made history by piloting the first floatplane ever to enter the race. Here, he earned the nickname “Puss in Boots”. He came eighth and won a prize for the best Cessna performance. He also entered the Tom McDonald 10,000 Centenary Air Race.
Bill continued to involve himself in the seaplane industry in many ways. He helped organise the National Convention “Splash
In” for the Australian Seaplane Pilots Association. He was the Queensland representative of the Association and operated Australia’s first full-time commercial floatplane charter operation. At the time of the Splash In, 18 floatplanes were on the Australian register, 16 aircraft turned up.
In August 1977 baby Desiree arrived, completing their family. Bill provided his aircraft for a documentary and piloted the plane for part of the journey that navigated around the Australian coastline. All the photos were compiled and a book was published called Australia: the Greatest Island.
Feeling challenged once again, Bill decided to put his engineering skills to the test and designed and built along with an engineering mate, two Jillaroo ultralight aircraft. They fitted one of these with floats.
In 1985, after 13 years on the Gold Coast they sold their home and business and the family made the big move south to St Arnaud in Victoria. The family bought a block of land on the outskirts of town and Bill transformed it into an airstrip and aircraft hangar where he did aircraft maintenance and he also operated a discount fuel business. He continued to offer flying training and endorsements.
Bill was a true ideas man and he was also into photography. Bill moved his focus towards an invention that he felt could be an asset to outback and rural aviation. He and his brother Ted, who had the electrical expertise designed, patented and manufactured a solar airstrip lighting system. Later
they had them manufactured in Bendigo and they were sold throughout Australia and used extensively by the RFDS for a period of time.
The pull to return to flying seaplanes was too great and Bill moved to Port Macquarie where he setup a floatplane business and flying school.
Bill built the business up and when he was satisfied with the operation, he sold it to another operator but retained the flying school and kept that going.
Once again, Bill was challenged and couldn’t resist the urge to setup another seaplane operation. This time looking further south to Port Stephens. He settled into the community and started operating a similar service from there.
In 2003, always keen for a challenge, he then had to plan how he was going to fly a Cessna 172 on floats from the West Coast to the East Coast across the dry continent. From Bill’s knowledge, nobody had completed such a trip in a seaplane since the air force in World War. His flight was incident free, covering 2250 nautical miles in almost 23 flying hours.
After selling the business in Port Stevens, he continued to train young pilots in Port Macquarie until his retirement but not before meeting a very good friend and business partner, Judy Hodge. This bond between Bill and Judy would reward him with another invaluable friendship who was Stephen, Judy’s son.
Relocating back to St Arnaud in 2015 Bill was a strong believer in the magical properties of manuka honey. He did a lot of research and went all out to prepare for and plant the trees. He bought bee boxes and accumulated hives then learnt how to harvest the honey.
This also allowed Bill more time to see more of his girls and his grandchildren Jacob, Meg and Isabella.
Bill regularly worked and helped out on the Batters Family Farm (his sister) during sowing time, hay and harvest seasons. He was always happy to help, even build a shed, a fence or a house decking. He also helped out Os Sanderson’s grandsons, Aaron and Paul on their properties when they needed an extra pair of hands.
He was one of Australia’s finest aviators and top instructors. One such quote online states: “The most experienced float pilot in Aus is Bill Lane, he is in Port Macquarie and does an excellent rating in his immaculate 182. It is by far the cheaper option than the beaver and he has in the region of 22,000 hrs on floats and over 33,000 Total time hrs.”
This is a condensed version of Bill’s life and events supplied by his family. There were other words of reflections and stories also told at his funeral earlier this month
Investments helping farmers through drought
By MARTHA HAYLETT
DIFFICULT conditions are continuing to impact farmers across our region.
That’s why the Victorian Government has invested an additional $75 million recently to help farmers through the drought, bringing the total support package to $144 million.
This includes $15 million towards extending the East Grampians Rural Pipeline.
The pipeline expansion will increase access to a reliable and high-quality water supply from Lake Fyans to around 750 ad-
ditional rural properties, 10 local towns, 34 fire hydrants, and 66 tanks for firefighting in the Northern Grampians, Ararat
Rural City and Pyrenees shires. Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water will also invest $15.6 million towards the project, and the Victorian Government will continue to work with the Albanese Labor Government to seek a federal funding contribution to deliver the project in full.
More support announced also includes a 40 per cent reduction on property rates for 12 local government areas in south-west Victoria, including Ararat, Pyrenees and Southern Grampians shires.
A $2 million package will also support the Country Woman’s Association to deliver household
payments of up to $1000 to eligible struggling farming families.
And a further $5.9 million will be delivered to continue critical technical decision-making support, mental health services, timely farm debt mediation and engagement activities for another 12 months.
The Government is also reducing the costs of doing businesses for primary producers with a $6.3 million fee and duty relief package.
This will free up cash for farmers in need to spend on other parts of their business or put into the household budget.
On top of this, Agriculture Victoria will waive indexation on its 2025-26 biosecurity fees and charges and provide targeted fee relief to assist farmers experiencing cashflow challenges. I will keep raising the needs of farmers across our region with the agriculture minister and others, including advocating for farmers in the Northern Grampians Shire, Loddon Shire, and others in Ripon to receive 40 per cent property rate reductions and other practical supports.
Martha Haylett is the member for Ripon
Bill Lane ... the pilot
MEETINGS
JOB VACANCIES
Campus Negotiable
Enrolled Nurse Trainee
Birchip
Endorsed Enrolled Nurse
Registered Nurse
Charlton
Resident Lifestyle Coordinator
St Arnaud
Resident Lifestyle Coordinator
Acting Campus Manager
Endorsed Enrolled Nurse
Registered Nurse
Further information available at: https://ewhs.org.au/careers
EWHS is an Equal Opportunity Employer, we welcome applications to all positions from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander People, LGBTQI+ People, and People of All Abilities.
Expression of Interest -Toyota Hiace Bus
Council is seeking expressions of interest for the purchase of a Toyota Hiace bus, which has reached its end-of-life as a council asset. This 11-seater bus was purchased in March 2000. The current odometer is 252,015 kms and it is in fair condition.
For further details and photos please follow the link below: http://www.vendorpanel.com.au/tenders
Search for Loddon Shire Council open Tenders and Expressions of Interest Expressions of interest close 5:00pm Thursday 7 August 2025.
LANDCARE FACILITATOR WANTED
Make an impact on our local environment!
The Buloke Northern Grampians Landcare Network is seeking a passionate Landcare Facilitator to support local Landcare groups, run workshops, and drive environmental projects across our region.
Why you'll love this role:
✓ $50-60/hr contractor rate
✓ $1000 professional development budget
✓ 19-22 hrs/week, work from home
What we're looking for: Experience in community development, natural resource management, or related field. Strong communication and project management skills essential.
6-month contract starting October 2025 (likely extension to 2028)
Questions? Apply now!
We’re happy to chat via phone or email.
Maddie Grant President BNGLN madeleine.a.grant@gmail.com / 0479 035 646
AGM
St. Arnaud Senior Citizens
Will be holding their AGM meeting at the Club Rooms on Wednesday 6th August at 1.30pm. All Positions Vacant.
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
Callum Gleeson
St. Arnaud Senior Citizens Hall. Monday 4th August at 1.15pm.
Cost: $10 includes Afternoon Tea and a free ticket in Jag the Joker Jackpot $35. Many raffles $1 a ticket. Hope to see you there.
WHAT’S ON
SHOW ROOM CLOSURE
Hyline Browns
Delivery date: Tuesday, 5th August. Stopping at Avoca, St. Arnaud, Donald, Wycheproof
Sexed and Vaccinated
Contact Kelvin to pre-order Ring Or message on 0400 559 559
BIRTHDAYS
We love you so much and are so excited for all the adventures that await you! All our love Dad, Mum and Lucy
THANK YOU
THANK YOU
Thank you to the many people who offered condolences on the passing of Anne Maree Barby.
A beautiful soul and loving and caring partner of Peter Lehmann. Forever In Our Hearts.
Nicola Kirk
Physiotherapist
Over 17 years experience Open Mon to Fri
63 Napier Street, St. Arnaud 0400 451 432 or 5495 1108
SELF STORAGE
Solicitor
116 Napier St., St. Arnaud
Practical, experienced advice in plain English
Appointments also available in Charlton, Donald & Wycheproof Ph: 5495 2595
Karen@klp.net.au
Top of the Town Beauty Salon
~ 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
- Maryborough - runs south. Phone: 0412 726 432.
DEATH NOTICES
SEEARY (McDonald)
- Elaine Mavis
Passed way peacefully on the 24th July in Stawell aged 88 years. Much Loved sister of Diane and sister in law of Stan. Aunty of Narelle and Dale, Shelley and Craig, Kerrie and Sheldon, Dale and Stacey. Great Aunty of Holly, Toby, Kayla, Casey, Jayden, Leah and Evan and partners and great great Aunty of Ryder.
Cherished memories of a wonderful lady Rest in peace
IN MEMORIAM
DRISCOLL - Tony
13/3/1956 - 31/7/2022
Three years ago you left us. Your legacy lives on in everything we do.
Loved and remembered everyday. Annette, Charles, Emmanuel, Eliza, Brad, Corey, William, James, Jay, Archie, Isla and Josephine.
Farmers plow their big break
IT WAS to be Noel en Juillet in the Parisian le quartier of town when the Farmers’ Arms Two team broke through against the visiting Sporting Club side for their first triumph of the season in last Wednesday’s inter-hotel pool competition..
It was on this day 80 years’ ago that the trial of French Marshall Philippe Petain, the head of the Vichy regime began, having been charged with collaborating with the Nazis during World War Two.
But the prosecution of the Clubbers was to commence from the opening frame of the first round as amazing Alayne’s Amazons’ Bianca Cannon and Ruby Smith scythed through Cheyenne Vogler and Jesse Cook then Jack Hodges provided the masculine muscle to overpower Joel Nevill.
It was left to the Club’s doyen, Dayle Pitt, to bring about a temporary cessation of the slaughter in his encounter with Luke Pole.
But when Bianca retired Cheyenne at the top of the second
By BOB WOOLEY
round the home side were on the cusp of previously unexplored territory, now leading by four games to one. Jesse was to stall the advance when he squared his match with Ruby then went on to retire her in the third round.
However Dayle had cashed in all of his petrol coupons in the first round and was dismissed by Luke to advance the Amazons to an unassailable seven games to three lead at the conclusion of the singles contests.
With the jukebox blaring forcibly with joyous melodies and the exhilarating elixirs flowing freely the doubles matches were to be of little consequence.
The shattered Sporting Club were to win both of these but the Fab Five of the Farmers’ Arms Two had at last broken their duck with a seven games to five victory.
When they eventually recuperate they will have to face the fact that they are still the cellardwellers.
With the Mean Machine having the bye they observed with interest the interaction between the other top sides, in particular the battle in the wilds of the Avoca Forest where the Logan team hosted the Farmers’ Arms One side.
When Leigh Watkins won his opening frame against Jacob Vanrenen at the bottom of the first round they had broken away to a three games to one lead but the tide was to turn in the second round as the boys from the Pub in the Scrub fought back when Keith Turner and Shaun McNaulty squared their matches with Hayden Perry and Ned Gorrie respectively.
Stephen Roger had retired the Batlow battler Geoff Watts to the bar, thereby inserting the Logan proboscises in to the lead.
This was to be short-lived as
the Welsh wizard performed his magic, thereby enticing Jacob to accompany Geoff at the bar.
When Keith and Ned eliminated their protagonists Hayden and Shaun the sides could not be separated but the Loganites had exhausted all of their pool prowess as the flying Farmers went on to win both doubles encounters and re-cross the Avoca river with the points by seven games to five.
This leaves the Logan with a mathematical possibility of usurping a place in the four but the remaining draw for the home-and-away season does not augur in their favour.
The other defining match of the round took place at the Country Club where their number Two side hosted the indefatigable combatants of the RSL team.
It was to be a relatively short, sharp encounter with the honours shared equally in the singles engagements.
The only match to require three rounds was to be the clash
of the captains where the Rollers and Floggers’ Harley Durward took the honours over the Diggers’ Mitch Phillips.
His teammate Jake Male was also to taste success against Kyle Postlethwaite while for the Diggers Dave Russ and Sam Postlethwaite had retaliated against Will Jackson and Grant Doyle.
Leading by just one game at the completion of the singles contests they then went on to win both doubles to maintain their undefeated status with a seven games to four triumph.
ST. ARNAUD / STUART MILL Sunday 3rd
St. Arnaud 9.30am
5495 6223
July 30th
Sue Martin
Angela McClelland
Kynan Torney
July 31st
Shane Ciurleo
Eden Hines
Zayah Ward
Elana Tillig
Tony Wall
August 1st
Eliza Tillig
Jacob Tillig
Pat Hamilton
Jessica Watts
Joel Sandy
August 5th
Clinton McIntyre
Natasha Ezard
Phillip Swanton
Brothers share week’s training honours
THE McNaulty brothers, Tori Hutchins and John Tormey shared the training honours last week with two winners each last week with wins also to Mark Boyle and Leon Fanning.
On Monday they raced around the tent at Stawell with Charlton trainer Tori Hutchins and reinsman Jordan Leedham winning the first race with the ultra consistent pacer Jilliby Tidalwave who from its last five starts has accumulated 3 wins, 1 second and 1 third.
The winning mile rate of 2.00.0 was quite creditable on a track that was described as being a bit off.
Shaun and Jason McNaulty’s free legged pacing mare Into The Harkness was successful in race 7 when driven by Australia’s leading driver James Herbertson.
The 4yo daughter of Restrepo has now won four of its last five starts for owners the McNaulty Family Racing Group, S Martin, E Swanton, J Grant, C Grant, D Carroll, T O’Connor, L Mitchell, S Curtain, D Stephenson, H Stephenson and the Boos Boyz Group. It was 12 months between wins for Mark
By INSIDE RUNNING
and Janice Boyle’s Yapper but the 7yo gelding by the US sire Tell All lived up to its strong third at Charlton a fortnight earlier with another tough run to win by a half neck in 1.57.9, the fastest time of the day.
The winning driver was Luke Dunne.
At Shepparton on Tuesday the maiden trot was taken out by Hurricane Katie for John and Ellen Tormey and owner/ breeder David Scott a prominent breeder of square trotters and President of the Cranbourne Harness Racing Club.
The filly made amends for making a mistake at her first start for the stable by trotting faultlessly throughout to win by a half neck and defeating the $1.40 favourite.
Kooreh trainers Shaun and Jason McNaulty produced their second winner in two days when Zenario won the 3yo pace of 2190m at its second race start since winning the 2yo Southern Cross final at Globe Derby Park, SA in late November.
The gelding by Sportswriter is raced
by his breeders D Helbers and P Arnup and has won three of its six career starts.
Mildura on Friday was called off because of inclement weather so harness racing in Victoria turned its attention to Melton where the Leon Fanning trained Fair Chance, driven by Ryan Sanderson won race 4 on the programme for her owner/breeder Andrea O’Gorman.
The 5yo mare by Always B Miki had been placed second at her previous two starts at Charlton and Melton and on Friday night won by 1.5m with a lifetime best time of 1.58.
The win by All Da Rage at Melton on Saturday night ticked a box for its driver Luke Dunne who bought up his first metropolitan front success. Only in his fifth season of driving, the 19-year-old shared the success with his partner Tori Hutchins who trains the 6yo for Red Cliffs owner Andrew German.
The Tormey stable, John and Ellen, rounded up the week with a win at Cranbourne on Sunday night by Sheza Mod, a 3yo filly by Major In Art who was having just its second career start.
Charlton HRC President Andrea O’Gorman, who is the owner/breeder of Friday night’s Melton winner Fair Chance, with winning trainer Leon Fanning and driver Ryan Sanderson.
Calder 2.7 4.11 9.21 13.25 (103) St Arnaud 1.1 1.1 1.1 1.1 (7)
GOALS - Calder United: G. Turner, D. Munro, T. Vearing 2, M. Farmer, S. Kennedy, D. Pearce, J. Marlais, R. Smith, H. Connolly, M. Trzeciak. St Arnaud: J. Hicks.
BEST - Calder United: G. Turner, J. Marlais, M. Trzeciak, K. Hommelhoff, S. Kennedy, M. Farmer. St Arnaud: B. Durward, D. Schilder, H. Durward, O. Lowe, T. Bertalli, J. Needs.
Sea Lake Nandaly
6.3 10.10 15.13 21.16 (142) Charlton 0.0 0.0 1.0 1.1 (7)
GOALS - Sea Lake Nandaly: M. Cahoon, J. Keogh, J. Summerhayes 4, A. Pattison 3, A. Collins 2, W. Donnan, C. Allan, R. O’Sullivan, C. Michael. Charlton: D. Whykes.
BEST - Sea Lake Nandaly: W. Donnan, T. Donnan, J. Keogh, M. Cahoon, J. Poulton, C. Michael. Charlton: M. Collins, J. Thompson, R. Thompson, B. Hooper-Dixon, J. Harris, B. Kemp.
Birchip Watchem
4.3 8.9 10.13 14.17 (101)
Boort 1.1 1.1 3.3 4.6 (30)
GOALS - Birchip Watchem: B. Edwards 7, T. Gibson, N. Rippon 2, R. Hogan Jr, B. Lakin, C. Frank. Boort: L. Hall, E. Coleman, J. Dick, N. Whyte.
BEST - Birchip Watchem: B. Lakin, B. Edwards, D. Hinkley, C. Frank, N. Rippon, A. Dean. Boort: J. Lanyon, C. Egan, T. Potter, M. Austin, J. Keeble, J. Dick.
Wedderburn 4.8 10.11 13.13 17.19 (121)
Donald 0.0 0.0 0.0 0.0 (0)
GOALS - Wedderburn: M. Jensen 7, Z. Pallpratt 3, B. Bacon, N. Furlong 2, M. McEwen, J. Mortlock, H. Lockhart. BEST - Wedderburn: Z. Pallpratt, M. Jensen, J. Mortlock, N. Furlong, M. Robinson, M. McEwen. Donald Seniors: D. Pearce, J. Smulders, K. Green, H. Forrest, D. Bell-Warren, R. Bath.
Birchip Watchem 13
BEST - Calder United: A. Cowell, T. Perry, T. Vearing, . , B. Chapman, R. Hogan. St Arnaud: J. Batters, F. Donald, B. Donald, S. Bridgeman, C. Hendy, F. Wilson. Wedderburn
Donald
(78)
(7)
BEST - Wedderburn: A. Ward, R. Amor, A. Smith, B. Cunningham, J. Penrose. Donald: H. Funcke, O. Brennan, J. Lydom, J. Nuske. Sea Lake Nandaly
11.19 (85). Newstead 7.3 (45) lost to Carisbrook 9.9 (63), Avoca 1.2 (8) lost to Talbot 22.19 (151).
UNDER 17.5
Dunolly 3.2 (20) lost to Trentham 6.9 (45), Maldon 0.0 (0) lost to Lexton 20.21 (141), Avoca 4.4 (44 d Talbot 3.5 (23), Harcourt 2.0 (12) lost to Carisbrook 3.3 (21).
RESERVES
Birchip Watchem 1.1 3.2 4.4 5.4 (34)
Boort 2.2 4.3 5.3
(46)
GOALS - Birchip Watchem: M. Berry 2, S. Pye, J. O’Donnell, A. Lewis. Boort: J. Dowling 2, A. Cockerell, B. Hewlett, P. O’Rourke, C. Hatcher, J. Hird.
BEST - Birchip Watchem: M. Rickard, S. Pye, J. Lindeback, T. Colbert, M. Berry, C. Boyle. Boort: F. Millar, J. Baker, C. Ross, B. Herrington, J. Sheahan, J. Hird.
Wedderburn 2.2 2.2 4.3 4.4 (28)
Donald 2.1 3.2 4.3 5.3 (33)
GOALS - Wedderburn: A. Smith, L. Maher, J. Hubbard, A. Roberts. Donald: G. Pearse 3, G. Morgan 2. BEST - Wedderburn: L. Sims, J. Hall, R. Tonkin, A. Younghusband, M. Lockhart, C. Hargreaves. Donald: G. Morgan, J. Sheridan, J. Lopes, D. Tatarskyj, G. Pearse, B. Harrison. Sea Lake Nandaly 5.6 9.6 13.9 18.11 (119) Charlton 0.0 1.1 2.1 3.1 (19)
GOALS - Sea Lake Nandaly: J. Clohesy 9, L. McClelland 3, M. Elliott 2, T. Griffiths, B. Allan, I. Durie, C. Elliott. Charlton: C. Boyle 2, I. Bourke.
BEST - Sea Lake Nandaly: L. Martin, J. Clohesy, B. Weir, L. McClelland, C. Elliott, I. Durie. Charlton: J. Boyles, F. Bourke, M. Thompson, E. Needs, A. Johnstone, I. Bourke. Calder United 3.6 4.7 6.9 8.10 (58)
St Arnaud 0.1 2.1 2.1 6.1 (37)
GOALS - Calder United: C. Green, R. Allan, H. Senior, C. Fawcett 2. St Arnaud: T. Ward 2, G. Gorrie, B. Greenaway, O. Lowe, J. Hicks.
BEST - Calder United: B. Forrester, C. Fawcett, R. Botheras, J. Ison, L. Cooper, K. Kennedy. St Arnaud: J. Kell, S. Elliott, O. Lowe, B. Greenaway, Z. Notting, B. Williams.
Calder United 13 12 1 0 0 414.24 48
Boort 13 11 2 0 0 349.70 44
Birchip Watchem 13 10 3 0 0 266.59 40
Sea Lake Nandaly 13 7 6 0 0 150.91 28 St Arnaud 13 5 8 0 0 120.51 20 Charlton 13 3 10 0 0 41.71 12 Wedderburn 13 3 10 0 0 30.86
(36) Charlton
UNDER 14.5
(19)
BEST - Sea Lake Nandaly: C. Wight, C. Mott, J. Durie, C. Symes, Z. Wight, B. Allan. Charlton: I. Bourke, M. Fitzpatrick, J. Monaghan, M. Olive, M. Boyle, J. Chamberlain.
Birchip Watchem
(2)
(118)
BEST - Birchip Watchem: O. Cook, K. Hamilton, B. Perry, T. Atkinson. Boort: O. Byrne, C. Gould, J. O’Flaherty, B. McPherson, C. Gooding, D. Perryman.
Arnaud
Nandaly
UNDER 14
Birchip Watchem
BEST - Birchip Watchem: M. Greenaway, W. Ryan, J. Coffey, G. Greenaway. Boort Under: S. Muller, N. Howe, A. Lee, M. Soumelidis, T. Stringer.
Sea Lake Nandaly
Charlton
(73)
(0)
BEST - Sea Lake Nandaly: H. Cox, A. Smith, S. Pearce, K. Wight, R. Allan, H. Wight. Charlton: I. Roberts, L. Monaghan, C. Mcgrath, T. McGurk, C. Riley.
Calder United
St Arnaud
(1)
(107)
Harcourt 33.17 (215) d Campbells Creek 0.0 (0). Dunolly 0.0 (0) lost to Trentham 22.10 (142), Newstead 1.2 (8) lost to Carisbrook 17.8 (110), Avoca 18.12 (120) d Talbot 3.4 (22).
UNDER 11.5
Harcourt 10.2 (62) d Campbells Creek 0.0 (0), Dunolly 3.3 (21) d Trentham 1.5 (11), Newstead 1.1 (7) lost to Carisbrook 2.6 (18), Avoca 2.3 (15) lost to Talbot 6.6 (42), Maldon 11.10 (76) d Lexton 1.0 (6).
NORTH CENTRAL NETBALL
A Grade
Sea Lake Nandaly 6, 17, 28, 35, (35) d Charlton 5, 10, 18, 21, (21). Wedderburn 18, 34, 51, 68, (68) d Donald 5, 12, 15, 18, (18). Calder United 15, 34, 51, 67, (67) d St Arnaud 5, 12, 20, 23, (23). Birchip Watchem 8, 18, 28, 38, (38) lost to Boort 19, 30, 46, 62, (62). Ladder: Wedderburn 52, Sea Lake Nandaly 40, Boort 40, Calder United 28, Birchip Watchem 24, Donald 16, Charlton 6, St Arnaud 2.
B Grade
Sea Lake Nandaly 15, 30, 42, 52, (52) d Charlton 3, 7, 15, 23, (23). Wedderburn 21, 42, 59, 77, (77) d Donald 8, 15, 22, 32, (32). Calder United 7, 20, 31, 43, (43) d St Arnaud 9, 13, 23, 33, (33). Birchip Watchem 55 d Boort 32.
Ladder: Wedderburn 52, Calder United 40, Boort 40, Birchip Watchem 32, St Arnaud 20, Sea Lake Nandaly 14, Donald 10, Charlton 0 . C Grade
Sea Lake Nandaly 20, 32, 45, 63, (63) d Charlton 6, 9, 16, 18, (18). Wedderburn 15, 28, 38, 50, (50) d Donald 5, 9, 15, 19, (19). Calder United 10, 20, 31, 38, (38) d St Arnaud 5, 11, 20, 24, (24). Birchip Watchem 33 lost to Boort 35.
Ladder: Calder United 48, Wedderburn 40, Sea Lake Nandaly 36, Boort 32, Birchip Watchem 28, St Arnaud 16, Charlton 4. Donald 0. C Reserve
Calder United 14, 23, 31, 41, (41) d St Arnaud 4, 6, 8, 8, (8). Birchip Watchem 7 lost to Boort 50.
Ladder: Sea Lake Nandaly 36, Boort 32, Calder United 24, Birchip Watchem 12, Wedderburn 8, St Arnaud 0. 17 & Under
Wedderburn 8, 21, 30, 42, (42) d Donald 2, 4, 12, 16, (16). Calder United 14, 28, 35, 49, (49) d St Arnaud 6, 13, 18, 26, (26). Birchip Watchem 40 d Boort 30. Sea Lake Nandaly 2, 11, 17, 24, (24) lost to Charlton 6, 17, 26, 39, (39). .
Ladder: Calder United 48, Birchip Watchem 44, St Arnaud 34, Boort 34, Sea Lake Nandaly 20, Charlton 16, Wedderburn 8, Donald 0. 14 & Under A
Birchip Watchem 10 lost to Boort 14. Calder United 4, 5, 13, 22, (22) d St Arnaud 3, 8, 12, 16, (16). Sea Lake Nandaly 6, 16, 17, 23, (23) d Charlton 4, 8, 11, 20, (20 Wedderburn (3) lost to Donald (33).
(0)
BEST - Calder United: D. Polzin, H. Humphreys, M. Beattie, J. Harrison, R. Harrison, N. Harrison. St Arnaud: C. Hendy, C. Kirk, L. Lowe, D. Kirk, F. Wilson, P. Zsigmond. Wedderburn
(67)
BEST - Wedderburn: C. Gault, T. Pearce, a. clarke, J. Dierickx, J. Laverty-Smith. Donald: E. Geddes, N. Michael, N. Clapham, R. Jones, S. Mortlock, J. Italia.
Ladder: Boort 52, Birchip Watchem 44, Donald 36, Calder United 28, St Arnaud 24, Charlton 8, Sea Lake Nandaly 8, Wedderburn 8 . 14 & Under B
Calder United 1, 1, 1, 2, (2) lost to St Arnaud 2, 8, 12, 17, (17). Birchip Watchem 2, -, -, 13, (13) lost to Boort 2, -, -, 15, (15). Wedderburn Redbacks 19 d Donald 3.
Ladder: St Arnaud 40, Boort 40, Birchip Watchem 32, Wedderburn 18, Calder United 16, Donald 6, Sea Lake Nandaly 4.
NORTH CENTRAL HOCKEY
MEN
Sea Lake Nandaly d Charlton 3-1. Wedderburn lost to Donald 1-2. Calder United d St Arnaud 2-0. Ladder: Calder United 28, Donald 25, St Arnaud 26, Calder United 22, Boort 17, Wedderburn 14, Sea Lake Nandaly 6, Charlton 0.
WOMEN
SENIORS
Harcourt 9.11(5) d Campbells Creek
(11). Dunolly 5.5 (35) lost to RTrentham 11.6 (72). Maldon 7.11 (53) d Lexton 4.9 (39). Newstead 1.3 (9) lost to Carisbrook 122.18 (90). Avoca 4.8 (32) lost to Talbot 14.13 (97). Bye: Navarre, Natte Bealiba, Maryborough Giants.
RESERVES
Harcourt
Sea Lake Nandaly lost to Charlton 1-8, Wedderburn d Donald 6-2, Calder United d St Arnaud 2-0. Ladder: St Arnaud 30, Charlton 27, Calder United 27, Boort 15, Wedderburn 13, Donald 4, Sea Lake Nandaly 0.
UNDERAGE
Sea Lake Nandaly lost to Charlton 0-13, Calder United lost to St Arnaud 2-6, Birchip Watchem lost to Boort 1-6. Ladder: Charlton 33, St Arnaud 25, Donald 15, Boort 16, Calder United 11, Sea Lake Nandaly 7, Birchip Watchem 7. UNDER 12
Sea Lake Nandaly lost to Charlton 0-7, Wedderburn d Donald 9-0, Calder United d St Arnaud 3-1, Birchip Watchem d Boort 2-0.
Ladder: Calder United 34, Charlton 34, Birchip Watchem 33, St Arnaud 22, Wedderburn 13, Boort 7, Donald 6. Sea Lake Nandaly 4.
19.17 (131)
Campbells Creek 0.1 (1). Dunolly 3.10 (28) drew with Trentham 4.4 (28), Maldon 1.4 (10) lost to Lexton
Lee steps back into groove
THE weather certainly gave it everything during the North Central A grade game between Charlton and Sea Lake Nandaly on Saturday,
The Charlton girls faced this along with plenty of positional changes and handled themselves great.
Claudia Lee was back in the side on Saturday, stepping right into her groove working well with Maggie Riley in the ring with Remi Jeffery and Lacey Smith giving great feeds in.
Defenders once again working well with Megan Bruns also back into the side getting some great intercepts providing opportunities for our attackers.
The third quarter saw some changes with Claire Smith moving from GK to GS and Anika Holmes-Brown coming into GK.
Claire provided great strength in our attacking ring with Anika working into the game nicely.
A tough game with tough weather conditions but Charlton held strong to the final whistle.
Charlton 21 def by Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers 35. Walsh Motors Best: Megan Bruns, Walsh Motors Coaches: Claire Smith. Caffeinated Chaos Captains Coffee: Remi Jeffery.
In the 14 and Under A, Charlton narrowly went down to Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers.
TeeJet Best: Lila Schofield, Ladies Auxiliary Coaches: Marlly Morkos, Nutrien Ag & Charlton Caravan Park “Have a Crack”: Maddie Lanyon.
The under 17’s saw Charlton finish 15 goals up on the visiting Tigers.
The Navies’ attackers were strong, moved the ball well and had great positioning.
There was lots of great talk and
direction for each other. And the defenders applied lots of pressure creating many turnovers for Charlton. Overall the girls had an awesome game both individually and as a team.
The transition across the whole court was strong and they’re making great improvements!
IGA Charlton Best: Taylah Giles, Ladies Auxiliary Coaches: Sarah Blair. Caffeinated Chaos Captains Coffee: Erin Blair
In C Grade, the rain held off for the match where the Navies defenders showed exactly what they’ve got!
Plenty of ball being picked up by our defenders providing many opportunities for our attackers.
Unfortunately Sea Lake’s defenders were just as strong.
Despite the score line Charlton worked hard all game - well done girls.
Charlton 18 def by Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers 63
Jack Thompson Construction Best: Mia Ayars, S&D Consulting Coaches: Brooke Prior, Caffeinated Chaos Captains Coffee: Brooke Prior.
It was a slow start from Charlton in B Grade that meant Sea Lake hit their straps early.
Charlton had a number of positional changes to try generate some opportunities. Loretta Thompson back at GS provided some great direction to the team.
Charlton did not stop trying with everyone coming out firing in the last quarter seeing some great plays and intercepts.
Charlton 23 def by Sea Lake Nandaly Tigers 52
Teys Charlton Feedlot Best: Sarah Blair, Teys Charlton Feedlot Coaches: Rebecca Sexton, Caffeinated Chaos Captains Coffee: Tahli Roberts.
ST ARNAUD ladies again faced cold conditions for their golf last Wednesday.
Two ladies posted splendid scores for the stableford round – Jenny Lanyon (winner on a countback) and Alison Fahey.
Nearest the pins winners were 6th Alison Fahey, 8th and 18th Marilyn Knights.
Back from bye
NAVARRE travels to Talbot for Saturday’s Maryborough Castlemaine Distrrict Foot-
ball League clash after a week off for the bye. Talbot is sitting second on the ladder and Navarre sixth.
Championship day
KARA KARA Golf Association’s men’s shield day and champion of champions event will be contested on Sunday at the St Arnaud course.
NORTH CENTRAL FOOTBALL GOALKICKING
North Central netball action on Saturday Issy Soulsby takes the court for Charlton (left) while
Collins leads battle in muddy midfield
IT WAS cold and wet as St Arnaud Charlton faced tough assignments in Saturday’s North Central football.
Sea Lake Nandaly’s return to form saw Charlton put to the sword with a 135-point defeat.
The Navy Blues could manage only one goal at Sea Lake Oval against the rampaging Tigers, who scored 21.16 to 1.1.
Charlton was scoreless at halftime, managed a goal in the third term through Dan Whykes and added a behind in the last quarter – the last score of the game.
Coach Mitch Collins was again the Navies’ best player, battling hard through the midfield mud all day.
Jed Thompson, Rhys Thompson, Bailey Hoper-Dixon, Josh Harris and Bailey Kemp were also named among the best.
Reigning Feeny medallist Wade Donnan was outstanding for the winners as he puts together another impressive season.
The Tigers shared around the goals, with three players kicking four each.
Charlton is at home to secondplaced Calder United this Saturday as it celebrates its past player reunion.
St Arnaud matched Charlton’s score of 1.1 against Calder
and dusted at quarter-time, with the Saints managing the match’s first score – a behind to Luke Jackson in the opening minute – and its first goal, to Josh Hicks eight minutes in.
At that early stage St Arnaud led by five points, but soon the tide turned.
Inaccuracy in the first quarter saw Calder lead by just 12 points at quarter time, and at the main break the Lions (4.11) had a 28-point margin.
The third term saw Calder add 5.10 to go to three-quarter time with a lopsided 9.21 score, before the Lions added 4.4 in the last stanza.
Bailey Durward (35 disposals), Darby Schilder, Harley Durward, Owen Lowe, Thomas Bertalli and Jackson Needs were named best for the Saints.
Sam Male, Owen Lowe and Jarryd Kell showed massive commitment in playing in both the reserves and senior matches.
Relentless pressure in emphatic win
IN WILD wintery conditions at Wycheproof, the under 14 ladderleading Saints braved the wind and rain to deliver a crushing 106-point win over the newly merged Calder United.
The young Saints asserted their premiership credentials in emphatic fashion.
From the opening bounce, the Saints showed they meant business.
Captain Chase Hendy set the tone early with a strong tackle, earning a free kick before unselfishly passing to Duncan Kirk, who slotted the opening goal.
Moments later, Hendy found himself on the end of a forward push and snapped truly for his first.
The Saints’ pressure was relentless. Isaac Johns laid a fierce tackle inside the forward 50, narrowly missing a goal, while the defensive unit held firm to keep Calder goalless.
A wayward kick from Calder’s backline found Charlie Kirk, who made no mistake with a clean conversion.
reward for strong team pressure. Hendy continued to lead from the front, kicking his third, and the Saints piled on another before the siren to stretch their lead to 60 points at the half.
Saints 9.6 (60) to Calder 0.0 (0).
The third quarter saw Finn Wilson open with a crafty goal, and Charlie Kirk delivered a precise pass to Ned Ezard, who made no mistake. Jesse James dominated in the ruck, feeding Hendy, who passed to Spencer Kay for a goal. Ezard struck again before Wilson added another, further strengthening the Saints’ grip on the match. Saints 13.11 (89) to Calder 0.0 (0).
The Saints charged into the final term with two quick goals.
Arley Reyne added his name to the list of goalkickers, while the defensive pressure remained unrelenting, holding Calder to just a solitary behind for the match. The final siren sealed a thumping 106-point win. Saints 16.13 (109) to Calder 0.1 (1).
United but gave up 103 points in the other direction.
It could have been much worse, with the Lions kicking a wayward 13.25 in the slippery conditions at Wycheproof.
St Arnaud’s scoring was done
Calder’s Dale Pearce injured his hamstring and is unlikely to be seen until the finals, while towering ruckman Dean Putt reinjured his ribs.
It doesn’t get any easier for St Arnaud, which is at home to unbeaten Birchip Watchem on Saturday.
Hundreds returning for big weekend of ‘fives’ reunions
MORE than 350 people are expected at Charlton’s ‘Fives” premiership reunion and past players day on Saturday that will also see the launch of a history of the netball club.
The centrepiece is the celebration of eight netball premierships from 1975, 1985 and 2005 but there is also a chance for former netball, football and hockey players to catch up.
The Navy Blues will also see a reunion of the 2005 football premiership side.
More than 100 netballers have registered to attend, with ex-players coming from as far afield as New Zealand.
And the netballers have much to celebrate. In 1975, the club won A Grade, B Grade, under-16 and under-14 titles.
Ten years later, A Grade saluted again, along with D Grade and the under-16B side. B Grade won the netball premiership in 2005.
The book on the history of the netball club from 1953 to today will be launched by Betty Coles, the only living member of the 1953 team that played in the North Central league for the first time.
Charlton has a player reunion every year, but this one is expected to be a bumper get-together with so many netball cups to celebrate.
The netballers will have a marquee for their festivities, but they will also gather with the footballers and hockey players for a grand event in the clubrooms.
Charlton is at home to Calder United.
Hendy added his second, and the Saints took a commanding 28-point lead into the first break.
Saints 4.4 (28) to Calder 0.0 (0).
The second quarter was more of the same. The Saints struck early, with a quick goal followed by another soon after.
Lewis Lowe joined the scoreboard with a clever finish, the
Muddy, soaked, but undeterred, the Saints showed they are primed for a serious tilt come September.
With their sights now set on this week’s clash at home against the Birchip Bulls, the Saints will look to continue their red-hot form and send another clear message to the competition.
Jarryd Kell ... one of the Saints’ trio who lined up for the seniors and reserves last Saturday’s torrid day for football
Wednesday JULY 30, 2025
CHAMPION’S GRIT
Playing on crutches, Flo wins her fourth title
By SUE HYNES
term commitments to both sports and employment.
She has been a JP since 2007, worked at the police station in St Arnaud as the administration officer for 40 years until 2015, organises the Saints and Sinners ride which this year will be to Wedderburn, and her main sport until COVID hit was squash and she was the St Arnaud champion 28 or 29 times (she can’t quite re-
Just to mention that before her accident she had just ridden 145 km in the Ot-
So there is much to Flo Andison that does not appear on the surface.
Just her bowling history is enough to most people.
With 15 members in the St Arnaud Indoor Bowls club and each week they don’t always bowl and as Flo says “if you don’t want to play you don’t and as they play on a Tuesday afternoon.
“It only appeals to those
All the members are elderly but Flo is the second youngest at 66. All the teams are picked out of a hat and everyone gets a go. If you don’t want to play you
This year Flo is vice president, secretary, and head of the match committee and it
takes up her time. Wayne, Flo’s husband helps out doing many things that the members are uncapable of.
Last week was the association pairs championship, North Central, does not take up any time as they only have a one day of a year.
There are four towns Wedderburn Charlton Boort and St Arnaud and the play off is the pairs,
Last Sunday she played off in the pairs - Boort plays St Arnaud, Charlton plays Wedderburn and the winner of each plays in the Grand Final. The winner gets their name on the association perpetual trophy and this goes back to the club
In 2023 Flo won the singles. Last year Boort won the singles, pairs and triples, “So we have to get over Boort this year”.
However, Flo thinks St Arnaud is more important for her successes because it is the local town.
There is only one trophy, the Malcolm Baldwin Perpetual trophy, for the social aggregate and it has Flo’s name on it in its first year.
This year was an unexpected win for Flo as due to an accident, now only 12 weeks on, and after two weeks before the club championships.
After not having played for six weeks, and on one crutch she won.
