The Weekly Advertiser – Wednesday, June 28, 2023

Future of sport

BY JESSICA GRIMBLE

Agreen

light to progress plans for a multi-precinct sporting development in Horsham is a ‘redletter day’ for the region, Wimmera clubs say.

Horsham councillors endorsed a Wimmera Regional Multi-Sport Precinct Feasibility Study at a meeting on Monday night.

The plan includes prioritising a regional indoor sports stadium at Horsham Community Oval on Dimboola Road. Concept plans include outdoor netball courts and a municipal hockey pitch.

Dudley Cornell Park in Horsham North would include a municipal athletics facility and local cricket ovals with additional car parking; while additional tennis courts would create a regionally-significant facility at Haven. Municipal-level soccer pitches, a

local cricket oval, community hub and open space is also included in concept plans for Haven.

Detailed plans will now advance for the project, which could cost $56 million.

Volleyball Horsham’s David Berry said the plan was long-awaited.

“This is a red-letter day,” he said.

“It’s been 35 years in the making and full credit to the council for showing the guts to put this project in place.

“It will be absolutely magnificent for all indoor sports – not just volleyball –and sports that use the Dimboola Road precinct.”

Horsham Tigers Cricket Club, formerly known as Jung Tigers as a result of various amalgamations, would relocate to Haven from Dimboola Road under the plan.

President Conor Lawson said the club was undertaking a strategic planning process, which could consid-

er opportunities to work with other sports for mutual, long-term benefit and sustainability.

“We are happy to move to Haven –we’re just trying to make sure, in the interim period, we’re looked after so we don’t fall over with a lack of infrastructure,” he said.

Haven’s Sue Exell said Monday’s vote was ‘bittersweet’.

Mrs Exell said the Haven community was ‘grateful’ to be considered the ideal site for a regional tennis centre; but, as a former Horsham councillor, she hoped the council had thoroughly considered previous calls to develop a single precinct near Jenkinson Avenue and Remlaw Road. The site is currently private farming land.

“Haven Recreation Reserve is the perfect location for community sports and activities and we have been waiting 30 years for it to be developed into a sports hub,” she said.

“In reality, regional-standard facilities should all be in the one dedicated location – preferably on the Jenkinson land. What if it really was possible to go for the big regional sports vision?

“But, if it absolutely has to be the dispersed model, then bring it on – as soon as possible – so our clubs can finally have some decent facilities.”

Councillors decide

Councillors voted 4-3 to endorse the feasibility study.

Consultation with Wimmera clubs and user groups, and state sporting associations; and considering population and participation trends for the next 10 to 20 years deemed a single precinct was not financially viable, nor possible due to land availability.

Instead, the study identified that a mix of regional, municipal and local facilities would best cater for current and emerging needs – classified in ac-

cordance with participation numbers and population. A distributed model provided affordable upgrade options that could be implemented as funding became available.

Cr Penny Flynn said current facilities had not changed in decades – and many were not compliant with present-day standards.

“It must be really disheartening for people of my age to take their children to sporting events and to participate in local sport at facilities that were not fantastic when we were playing sport as children,” she said.

“There were people before us that had courage to create the town hall and a heated swimming pool that myself and lots of other people didn’t have for a very long time – and they are now some of the key things people look for when they choose to relocate to Horsham.”

Continued page 5

WIN: Volleyball Horsham president David Berry and Horsham Tigers Cricket Club president Conor Lawson at the site of a proposed Horsham sport facility on Dimboola Road. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Nature Play Park Come and Try Day!

Horsham Rural City Council invites you to come along to the launch of the new Nature Play Park on Friday, June 30th from 10am - 3pm!

Sausage sizzle, games for kids and giveaways, on the day!

Free and accessible for all ages, the park features a gently flowing water course with manual pumps.

But there’s no need to get wet as the park also includes small boulders for climbing, logs for balancing, stones for jumping and a sandpit.

The Nature Play Park is the perfect place for some holiday fun for kids of all ages. Designed to reflect the local communities’ love of the Wimmera River’s natural beauty, the Nature Play Park will be available to use all year round, at the end of Eastgate Drive near the Horsham City Rowing Club.

FREE SAUSAGE SIZZLE

Hosted by the Lions Club City of Horsham

Changing face of Horsham business

BY JESSICA GRIMBLE

There’sa changing face of business in Horsham.

The end of financial year can signal a time of change for businesses and people, each year.

But by weeks’ end in Horsham, a number of decades-long businesses will change hands or close their doors.

Among the changes, after more than 40 years in their own rights, Horsham Camera House, Barbeques Galore and Chisholm Hi-Fi and TV Centre will close, and Allan and Trev’s Workwear will change hands.

Kid’s Capers will close in a month’s time, after 10 years in business, if it cannot find a buyer.

Barbeques Galore

Kevin and Greer Dellar first opened Barbeques Galore by chance.

Mr Dellar said their journey began about 45 years ago with a trip to Melbourne to purchase a barbecue. He was running brickworks, Delblock Masonry, at the time.

“We finished up buying a cheap three-burner flat barbecue that we took home for ourselves. We were so rapt that we went and bought 10 more, then 10 more,” he said.

“Then we got a phone call to say, would we like to set-up a Galore licensee store – and we thought, where do we put a licensee store in a 14x20 shed?

“So, we built a big showroom for our bricks and the like on Golf Course Road in about 1980 – and we’ve since made friends all over the world and we’ve had wonderful times.”

The business later relocated to Wilson Street and, 16 years ago, relocated again to Darlot Street.

A property development, fronting

Wilson Street, will seek to re-utilise a ‘carriageway easement’, being a privately-owned driveway next to Barbeques Galore, which has been used for loading and unloading deliveries and stock, and includes capacity for up to 25 customer carparks.

It has led to a dispute between the developer and neighbouring businesses concerned about safety and access.

The Dellars, aged in their 80s, say losing the space, and a lack of appropriate commercial space in Horsham, means their business has become ‘inoperable’.

They do not have a final trading date, though rent is paid until early July.

“We were looking at a couple of sites, which we knew were going to be beyond our means in terms of making them useable,” Mrs Dellar said.

“We’ve gotten over some of the emotions and we’re moving forward.

“But it’s been 40-plus years. There have been so many laughs and so many wonderful people. These people have become our friends.”

Chisholm Hi-Fi

Jeff Allan began working for Geoff and Lynne Chisholm at Chisholm Hi-Fi and TV Centre in Firebrace Street, the former home to a Coles Variety store, in 1996.

He went on to take ownership of the store almost 16 years ago and had tried to sell the business before making a tough decision to close the doors.

“We tried to sell it, but there was no interest,” he said.

“It was not financially viable enough for most. It probably would’ve needed someone with another string to their bow who would do it, or someone who is semi-retired that did not need substantial income.”

Mr Allan says he ‘fell into’ working at the store after a career in public service.

Working with technology, Mr Allan has seen immense change during his long involvement with the store.

“Car audio went from high-end cassette players to CD players to no CDs anymore and now touchscreens. TVs used to have huge backs, heavy as lead things, to flat screens,” he said.

“There were laser discs, pre-DVDs. Then DVDs came in and everyone got excited with that.”

Mr Allan said it was common that people shared stories of purchasing items or equipment that had stood the test of time, pointing to the example of a customer who showed him a receipt of purchase from 1998: ‘It was going beautifully, and she was very pleased’.

“The only downside we’re having at the moment is people are going through their cupboards and bringing

out stuff that needs service. We’re having a rush on that,” he said.

“Friday the front door will close, and the servicing will continue only for a little while.”

Mr Allan said customers had become friends and it was rewarding to see them, or younger generations, continue to support the business.

“We’re going to miss them. Some of them have been very appreciative and lovely people. Some haven’t, but most have been great,” he said.

“I’ll miss the interaction, and the gratitude.

“It’s nice when you see someone who gets something and really appreciates it – particularly with music and the TVs, too. The higher-end TVs have brought a lot of pleasure to people.”

Gardening, golf, projects at home and possibly some long-awaited travel beckons.

FIGHT RODENTS WITH DATA INSTEAD

Allan and Trev’s

There’s a new mantel for ‘Horsham’s hardest worker’.

So goes the slogan for Allan and Trev’s Workwear in Horsham, Trev Dymke will hand the business to new owner TJ Hobbs on Friday.

Father and son, Allan and Trev, opened the business in ‘the little yellow shop’ in Wilson Street in 1986, later relocating next door– recognising an opportunity to specialise in the sales of workwear.

“Dad used to see the blokes and their kids come in, then you see their kids come into the shop. You’d have two to three generations come in,” Trev said.

“It’s been a good, fun business. We have good fun with all the customers and customer service is what it’s all about – if you can treat the people well and make sure they’re looked after, they’ll keep coming back.”

He is somewhat thankful the walls cannot talk.

“There’s probably a lot of stories you couldn’t talk about,” he said.

“It’s been good fun. Everyone comes in to have a chinwag or drop in for a coffee out of the blue. There are plenty of stories; way too many stories.”

He said the time was right to hand over the business to TJ, who is stepping away from his career as a tiler.

Two staff members will stay on and the business will continue to trade under the long-running brand.

“I’m going to relax and smell the roses, play a bit of golf, ride a few motorbikes and things like that,” Trev said.

“Our time was right. You struggle a little bit, but we’ve made the right decision and it’s going to good bloke.”

POISON

END OF AN ERA: Prue Beltz and her parents Kevin and Greer Dellar at Barbeques Galore in Horsham, which will close after more than 40 years in business.

CHANGING OF THE GUARD: TJ Hobbs will take over Allan and Trev’s Workwear in Horsham from namesake Trev Dymke, right.

Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

TIME TO UNPLUG: Jeff Allan is closing the doors of Chisholm Hi-Fi and TV Centre in Firebrace Street, Horsham.

Rates spark budget debate

BY JESSICA GRIMBLE

Property owners’ capacity to foot an annual municipal rates bill became the focal point of a Horsham Rural City Council budget debate.

Councillors approved a $62-million, 2023-24 budget at a meeting on Monday night.

They debated the ‘equality’ of a rates strategy that includes a 50 percent farm differential and must also adhere to State Government’s Fair Go Rates system rates cap of 3.5 percent.

Cr Les Power told the meeting he continued to be challenged by the farm differential.

“There is an issue that I bring up every year,” he said.

“Unfortunately I haven’t heard any noise so, as far as I’m concerned, it appears the community, as a whole, believe this budget is fair and equal between all parties – even though there is a difference in the rates between 50 and 100 percent.”

There are 9590 properties classified as residential, 2196 properties classified as farmland, 520 commercial, 447 industrial and 63 culture and recreation land across the municipality.

Residential rate charges could rise by 4.22 percent and amount in revenue worth $14.9 million, while farm rates could rise by 9.22 percent and generate $7.5 million and industrial rates could rise by 25.22

percent and generate more than $1 million in revenue.

The Valuer-General Victoria conducts annual property valuations, which will be ratified later in the year.

Cr Ian Ross, a rural resident, said he was concerned the differential was not flexible across the farming community, whose costs and outcomes were not consistent across location and commodity.

“This decision was made on the basis that farmers had a good year and to me that’s a position of ignorance,” he said.

He called for the council to review the condition of minor, gravel and dirt roads.

The council has a budget provision of $6.8 million for roads and related infrastructure, which includes $5.5 million to renew-

ing existing assets – $1.5 million of which is for resheeting gravel roads and patching on selected rural roads.

“Sooner or later, we will have blood on our hands for failing to maintain these minor, gravel and dirt roads. I think we’re in denial about the position we’re in,” Cr Ross said.

Cr Claudia Haenel questioned why the farm differential was not reduced.

She said the budget noted that the residential sector had reached its capacity to pay.

“There is no real measurement for individual circumstances across sectors. Some may do better than others, that is true, but not all,” she said.

Cr David Bowe said individuals, families and businesses were struggling to meet their financial obligations.

“An increase in rates would only elaborate this, as they grapple with the rising cost of living and the challenging times we all face. A rate rise would compel our community members to cut back on daily needs,” he said.

Mayor Robyn Gulline said rates were based on property values and the cent in the dollar had actually reduced compared to the previous year.

She said local government was at the mercy of State Government legislation and funding structures that meant the council would gen-

erate $32 million from rates revenue and seek state and federal grants to fund capital projects.

“We are here to make decisions for all members of our community – from our poorest people in our community to the most wealthy. It has absolutely nothing to do with your capacity to pay – that is something the Federal Government deals with through your income tax return,” she said.

“We do not know what individual people have in their bank account or anything else; all we are able to do is look at the value of the property you own – that is the only capacity we have.”

She said it was vital the council delivered facilities and services the community ‘deserve and need’.

The budget lists a capital works budget of $22.86 million, which comprises $6.9 million of new projects, $12 million in renewal and $3.9 million in upgrades. Highlights include progress on City to River works and a refurbishment of Wesley Performing Arts Centre.

The budget forecasts a surplus of $5.9 million and underlying operating deficit of $3.9 million.

A rebate to pensioners would increase from $30 to $50.

Crs Gulline, Power, Penny Flynn and Bob Redden voted in favour of the budget while Crs Bowe, Haenel and Ross voted against.

A draft budget, released for public comment at last month’s meeting, received two submissions.

Green light for multi-precinct sport development

From page 1

Cr David Bowe said the study was an opportunity to ‘embark on a transformative journey’ while Cr Bob Redden said development would build on strengths of the three existing precincts – which all had scope for expansion.

Mayor Robyn Gulline was also in favour.

Speaking against endorsing the study, Cr Ian Ross said the study was a ‘piecemeal and adhoc’ solution and a single precinct might attract funding more easily.

Cr Claudia Haenel said the concept plans took the plan from ‘hero to zero’.

“It feels like the community has lost, potentially, a once-in-a-threegeneration opportunity to build a hero for Horsham to last for the next 50 to 100 years; where the community can have their own independent complex – a premier,

Council seeks building fund

Horsham Rural City Council has detailed a strategy to fund development of a community facility at Horsham City Oval.

The council will seek $4.8 million of Federal Government funding to build the facility at an estimated cost of $9.6 million – including demolishing existing facilities, constructing two ticket boxes, a food kiosk and completion of landscaping at the north-west entry to city oval.

Mayor Robyn Gulline said the council would fund the remaining 50 percent of the bill – a requirement of the grant – through borrowings and including it in its budgets over the 202324 and 2024-25 financial years.

She said the grant was highly competitive and first required lodging an expression of interest.

She said the current facility required significant maintenance and was not accessible.

She had discussed the project with Infrastructure Minister Catherine King while at a local government conference in Canberra earlier this month.

“This redevelopment will help return city oval to the premier state it once held,” Cr Gulline said.

“Whether we are successful, or not, for the grant will determine our next steps.

“We need to be applying for every government grant that we have the capacity for.”

Cr Les Power said Horsham City Oval upgrades were desperately needed.

“We need to put our hands up and we need to chase where we can to get our projects up and running and finished and completed for the community – and this is one of those opportunities,” he said.

The project cost has increased from $6.8 million, estimated in February 2022, in line with increasing building industry costs –including an increase in pricing of structural steel.

purpose-built complex, rather than cobbling together a second-best option,” she said.

Cr Les Power spoke in support of the motion, but voted against it.

Cr Power said the region struggled to secure ‘significant’ government funding and attributed this to its safe National Party seats.

During his debate, he said a regional sports centre could ‘put Horsham on the map’.

“We are halfway between Melbourne and Adelaide and no one seems to get that point – that we should have a sports facility here that we can do basketball, netball, Australian rules football, cricket. We could go through volleyball, squash – the whole lot,” he said.

The study leveraged previous feasibility, design and-or strategic works regarding sports, infrastructure, economic development and open space.

Cr Ian Ross said co-funding the project was a good outcome but he was concerned, as the council faced a ‘tight budget’, whether modifications or extensions to the current facility were options.

Cr Claudia Haenel said the city oval grandstand would mark 100 years in 2024.

Stage one of the Horsham City Oval and Sawyer Park redevelopment contains three staged projects.

Grants from Sport and Recreation Victoria, along with the Federal Government’s Local Roads and Community Infrastructure, LCRI program, will fund the majority of project one, involving the redevelopment of netball facilities, which have progressed to a construction phase.

Regional Tourism Victoria and LCRI grants will fund project two – an event stage and supporting infrastructure.

The council is contributing 5.8 percent of the cost of projects one and two; and will fund about a third of the total stage one costs. Project three is the community facility.

– Jessica Grimble

Cr Ian Ross

“If it absolutely has to be the dispersed model, then bring it on – as soon as possible – so our clubs can finally have some decent facilities”

– Sue Exell, left

Horsham elects Youth Council

Seven young people under the age of 17 have been announced as the successful candidates of Horsham’s 2023 Youth Council elections.

The announcement is the culmination of an election campaign as part of Young Mayors, a program run by the Foundation for Young Australians (FYA) in partnership with councils to back young people to make change through active participation in local government.

A total of 616 votes were cast by young people under 17, for 10 candidates in polling stations in schools and community spaces over the past week.

This newly elected Youth Council will champion the needs and views of all young people in Horsham. They will ensure young people they serve have a voice in the community in improving services, and positively influencing key decisions on local issues.

2023 Horsham Youth Council: Logan Henskes, Liam Carracher, Charlie Murray, William Schache, Ryder Reid, Tom Luke, Shivanash Bhutani.

Rural Revegetation Program: Orders now open

Orders for HRCC’s Rural Revegetation program are now being taken.

People who live in the municipality with a property that is 0.4 hectares (one acre) or larger are eligible to order a selection of subsidised native plants.

The tube-sized trees are just 50c each and people can order up to 300 plants depending on the size of their property.

Mayor Robyn Gulline said there were 24 species available this year.

“The three categories are shrubs to 4m,

small trees to 10m and large trees,” she said

“The most popular large trees over the years have been the yellow box and bulokes while the golden wattles and callistemon have been sought after in the shrub varieties.”

Plants can be collected from the Selkirk Drive depot on Friday 28 July between 8am and 6pm and Saturday 29 July 2023 from 8am to 4pm.

Orders are open until 4pm Friday 7 July 2023 and can be placed online at hrcc. vic.gov.au/rural-revegetation or via paper forms available at the Civic Centre.

SCHOOL HOLIDAY FUN

Nature Play Park Come and Try Day this Friday

Horsham Rural City Council invites you to come along to try the new Nature Play Park this Friday from 10am to 3pm.

There’ll be a free sausage sizzle thanks to the Horsham Lions Club, games for kids and giveaways on the day.

Mixx FM will be there broadcasting live from the site.

Located on Eastgate Drive, the Nature Play Park is free and accessible for all ages.

It features a gently flowing water course with manual pumps.

But there’s no need to get wet as the park also includes small boulders for climbing, logs for balancing, stones for jumping and a sandpit.

The electoral structure of Horsham Rural City Council is being reviewed.

An electoral representation advisory panel, supported by the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) is considering:

• The appropriate number of councillors and wards for the council

• Ward boundary locations

• Ward names.

The panel will consider the requirements of the law to propose models for the Council’s structure in a preliminary report. The public will be able to share views on this report and which model would best serve the municipality. The preliminary report is released and response submissions for the HRCC review open on Wednesday 28 June and close at 5pm on Wednesday 19 July.

At the end of the review, the panel will make a final recommendation to the Minister for Local Government.

Any change to the electoral structure for HRCC following this review is expected to apply at the next local council elections.

Find out more via more visit vec.vic.gov.au or call 131 832.

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TENDERS AND RFQ

Q54/2023

QUANTONG OVAL DRAINAGE WORKS

Supply and installation of box culverts at Quantong Recreation Reserve.

Closes 12noon, Friday 30 June

23-041

PROVISION OF ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES, HORSHAM AQUATIC CENTRE HYDROTHERAPY FACILITIES

Construction-ready plans and documents suitable for tender.

Closes 12noon, Thursday 29 June

Q55/2023

LANDSCAPING - THE STATION YOUTH CENTRE

Landscaping at the front section of the Council facility at 14-16 Pynsent St Horsham.

Closes 12noon, Monday 3 July

All tender, EOI and RFQ details at hrcc.vic.gov.au

ELECTED: Foundation for Young Australians Young Mayors Director Tahlia Azaria (left) and Deputy Mayor Penny (right) joined the new Youth Council at last week’s election announcement at Horsham Angling Clubrooms.

Ready for next chapter

BY JESSICA GRIMBLE

Improving outcomes for the Wimmera’s young people has driven Tim Shaw’s work for almost 14 years.

Mr Shaw began a period of long-service leave this week before his official retirement from the Wimmera Southern Mallee LLENs executive officer role, later in the year.

He arrived at the LLEN after a 25-year career as a plumber, including running his own business, and tenure as workshop manager at The Wool Factory.

“I thought, at the time, in my opinion, it was one of the most important jobs in the region – because there are, unfortunately, a significant number of young people who have, for a variety of reasons, not been able to achieve and succeed in education,” he said.

“It was quite a career change but it has given me the opportunity to learn a lot of new things and get some new qualifications, do some study.

“I’ve really loved my role and have loved working with schools and young people through our programs. It opened up a whole new world to me.”

The Victorian Department of Education and Training funds LLENs, which were established to bring together the expertise and experience of education and training providers, business and industry, community organisations and individuals, parents and families and government agencies to support young people to complete year-12, or its equivalent – including apprenticeships, traineeships or vocational training.

There is a particular focus on young people at risk of disengaging, or who have already disengaged from education and training and are not in meaningful employment.

Mr Shaw said strong networks had enabled the LLEN to conduct its work, while it also supported organisations and initiatives across the region.

He said there was a world of opportunities available to young people – providing they gained the foundational skills required for the future success of their choosing.

“For most of the young people who start school behind, because they did not get the reading and support at home, the evidence shows that many of them never catch-up and they struggle through school and often disengage early,” he said.

“Nowadays, too, in a more IT-savvy world, nearly every job you can think of has to have good literacy.

“We need to be better in supporting kids and their families to make sure they have had every support possible to help them achieve in their education.”

Mr Shaw drew attention to the MATES Mentoring and Let’s Read programs as highlights of his, and the LLENs, work.

The MATES Mentoring program started

Clean-up concludes

Work to clean-up a nationally-significant illegal waste dump in west Wimmera is nearing completion after a years-long campaign.

Environmental Protection Authority, EPA, Victoria project manager Julian Bull said officials had safely excavated and removed all waste from 32 sites at Lemon Springs, near Kaniva, which were suspected to contain buried industrial waste. Twenty-five sites have been backfilled with clean soil.

Mr Bull said non-essential building and equipment was being dismantled and removed from the site; and auditing, monitoring and reporting requirements would continue until the end of the year.

EPA officials hosted a community meeting at Kaniva last week to update residents on the clean-up.

“The numbers show the breadth of work that has been done, with about 70 EPA and Enviropacific staff involved in removing more than 1650 tonnes of liquid waste and 13,500 tonnes of contaminated soil after more than 40,000 tonnes of contaminated soil was discovered,” Mr Bull said.

“Excavation of acetylene cylinders is complete with 51,500 cylinders discovered and more than 40,000 cylinders safely transported to the Stawell site so far.”

Officials have worked at the site since July 2018 after referral from Victoria Police. It is the largest project of its kind in Australia.

“Despite the complexities and logistical challenges, it has been conducted without incident. All risks were managed and safety maintained for the project staff and the community,” he said.

EPA announced in March it had charged the landowner Graham Leslie White with 118 offences under the Environment Protection Act 1970.

The charges allege that Mr White permitted the transport and burial of various types of industrial waste at the property; and further allege this unlawful dumping created an environmental hazard and polluted both land and water on the site.

The court process is ongoing.

as a pilot in 2010 at Dimboola Memorial Secondary College; it has since grown to support more than 600 young people, with mentoring from community volunteers.

“We’ve seen some amazing success stories where the young person has completed their education; one young lady went on to become school captain with the support of her mentor and compete year-12,” he said.

“It’s changed the life of the young person and also often changed the life of the mentor as well.”

Intergenerational impact

The Royal Children’s Hospital and Murdoch Children’s Research Institute developed the Let’s Read program – an early literacy initiative promoting reading with children from birth to five years – and the LLEN has supported its delivery in the Wimmera through a partnership with other organisations.

It has distributed more than 12,500 Let’s Read resource packages to families in four local government areas in the Wimmera since 2014 through maternal and child health nurses – with its results finding intergenerational impacts.

“We have had some feedback where the parents have said, it’s made us realise that

we need to try and improve our own literacy, our own reading abilities, so we can support our children,” he said.

He referred to 2011 Australian Bureau of Statistics data that showed 44 percent of Australians between 15 and 74 had literacy levels considered below-minimum standards.

“It just shows this is a long-standing problem and it’s bigger than most people realise,” he said.

“It’s a real opportunity for governments. They talk about wanting to increase productivity and the GDP, and a very significant step forward would be putting in place universal programs, certainly across the state and at a national level.

“I’m not saying it’s the silver bullet, but I think it’s an important step forward where a government could quite proudly say we’ve ensured there are books in every home across the nation – and we know that’s not the case at the moment.”

Vanessa O’Loughlin will return to the LLEN as executive officer next month. Previously a project officer at the LLEN, Mrs O’Loughlin has worked at Federation University TAFE Wimmera campus, managing implementation of a Victorian Skills Plan.

RETIRING: Tim Shaw will finish as executive officer of Wimmera Southern Mallee Local Learning and Employment Network. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Review of Dog Off Leash Areas and Cat Control

The council is seeking feedback from anyone in the community to understand if the current arrangements are suitable or if changes are needed. You do not need to own a dog or cat to have your say.

Whether or not you own a dog or cat, the orders set by the council will specify what dog and cat owners must do to control their animals in a public place. Everyone in the community could be affected in some way.

This short survey asks if the dog offleash areas that currently exist are appropriate: Additionally, given that in the General Local Law review undertaken in 2022 requests by the community were made for the council to consider broader cat control measures, the above survey also asks if the council should impose further cat controls within the shire.

FREE MASKS AND RAT TESTS

Don't forget that we have FREE masks and RAT tests available to collect at our Northern Grampians Shire Council offices in both St Arnaud and Stawell

Bulgana Wind Farm Grants

Grants open 19 June to 31 July

2023

Neoen Australia, owner of Bulgana Green Power Hub (BGPH), is committed to contributing to the Northern Grampians Shire community by providing financial support to community groups and organisations to build capacity and grow the region.

Each year, the BGPH Community Fund commits $120,000 through an open and competitive grant process administered by the Northern Grampians Shire Council.

Small grants up to $5,000 and large grants up to $20,000 are available each financial year. Grants over $5000 are required to match the funding amount dollar for dollar.

For more details and to apply, please visit:

www.ngshire.vic.gov.au/residents/ grants/other-grant-fundingopportunities/bulgana-greenpower-hub-community-fund

Bulgana Green Power Hub Grants Information Session

Wind Farm Project Updates and Q + A

The Bulgana Green Power Hub has allocated a total pool of $120,000 to the Northern Grampians Shire Community Fund and grant applications are now open from Monday 19 June to Friday 31 July 2023.

Stawell

4 July 2023

6pm to 8pm Foyer

Stawell Town Hall

The Stawell information session will cover:

Bulgana Wind Farm Grants

Information

Bulgana Wind Farm Project Update and Q + A Navarre Wind Farm Project Update and Q + A

St Arnaud

Community groups in St Arnaud are invited to arrange a time for our Grants Officer to visit with them in St Arnaud by contacting Tina Baker on 03 5358 8772 or community@ngshire.vic.gov.au

Tina will be able to provide you with grant information and assistance as required.

Community Care Review

We have an initiated an independent review into our community care services, with a view to explore how we can best support older residents throughout the Northern Grampians area to remain healthy and independent into the future. The review is expected to take approximately three months and we are keen to hear from community care service users, their families, carers and other interested parties.

The council has long-provided support services for older residents and other people who require support to live at home and remains committed to ensuring that quality support services are available to residents. The independent review is expected to provide crucial guidance on community needs and the information that is collected will be used to develop a strategic direction for the future role of the council.

Community Consultation Lunch

Stawell

12.30pm to 2pm

Tuesday 11 July

North Park Club Rooms

St Arnaud

12.30pm to 2pm

Thursday 13 July

Perry Room

A light lunch will be provided and interested community members are encouraged to attend. Please contact the council on 03 5358 8700 or by email at ngshire@ngshire.vic.gov.au for further information and to register your attendance for catering purposes.

Branch celebrates success

BY SEAN O’CONNELL

Australia’s first communityowned and operated bank was founded in the neighbouring towns of Rupanyup and Minyip 25 years ago.

Established in 1998 through a Bendigo Bank initiative, the bank has operated for a quarter of a century via a profit-with-purpose model that directs the majority of profits generated back into the local community.

Rupanyup and Minyip Finance Group board director Peter Niewand said when a major bank pulled out of the area 27 years ago, the community decided it wanted to maintain a banking service.

“Bendigo Bank came on board with a model where shareholders owned the bricks and mortar,” he said.

“We employ the people and we supply the service on the ground. Bendigo Bank supplies expertise to run the bank and the knowledge.”

Former Rupanyup and Minyip Finance Group chairman and director Lloyd Milgate said hard work had gone into the bank throughout the years.

“In the first five or seven years, we were just breaking even,” he said.

“We were probably employing five or six people at that stage, including part-time.

“We have had tough times when we weren’t making big incomes, just because the interest rates were low and due to expenses, but throughout the years we have

maintained a reasonable income and were able to contribute to the community.”

Mr Milgate said once the bank started making a profit, grants and sponsorships were able to be distributed to smaller community needs.

“It wasn’t until later when we got going that we contributed to bigger things,” he said.

Mr Milgate said the Rupanyup Community Centre, where 25year celebrations were hosted, was among the community bank’s greatest achievements.

Mr Milgate said the pioneering work of the bank, being the first of its kind in Australia, had inspired community banks in Dimboola, Edenhope and a branch of the Avoca Community Bank in St Arnaud.

“The idea had a lot of sceptics,” he said.

“Initially we had to go and get pledges to get the franchise.

“A lot of people would say ‘look I’ll give you some money, but I can’t see it lasting’. Twenty-five years later we are still going.”

Mr Milgate said the bank had worked as a ‘double-edged sword’ for the community, offering a banking service but also supplying funding in the area.

“The money that comes back is the big thing – it really has contributed to the town. It’s funding you wouldn’t get from anywhere else,” he said.

Rupanyup and Minyip Community Bank branch manager Jasmine Mueller said it was the model’s ability to ‘make a difference’ that

attracted her to work at the bank three months ago. “One thing I like about this model is that, for people banking with the community bank, 50 percent of profits go straight back into the community,” she said.

“In these regions, whether it’s the footy and netball clubs, the school, any community organisation, they have the opportunity for grants and sponsorships.

“Two-million dollars, since we’ve started, has gone back into the community and in the past five years – $1 million, so half of that has been in the past five years. To me, that shows there has been excellent growth within the business model.”

Mrs Mueller said while the way

Students safe

Horsham’s Holy Trinity Lutheran College community is rallying around a student group involved in a bus crash that occurred during a tour in central Australia.

A bus carrying five staff, two parent volunteers and 42 students was involved in a crash in South Australia on Friday morning.

The students, from years seven to nine, had embarked on a tour of central sites on June 14.

College principal James Phillips said no-one was injured in the crash and alternative transport was promptly arranged to ensure the group returned to Horsham on Friday evening.

“The care, safety and welfare of students are always the college’s and my personal priority. The events are distressing because all schools and communities are aware of the risks associated with road accidents,” he said in a statement.

“I have been informed that the bus driver has been charged in relation to the incident, so it would not be appropriate for the college to go into detail about what apparently happened.

“The college will assist the police with all inquiries, and continue to keep the school community informed about developments as events unfold.

people completed their banking was changing, with closures affecting rural and regional communities, the community bank remained busy with the different services it offered.

“Trends are changing and people are doing banking online,” she said.

“I think the other factor for some institutions is staffing can be an issue.

“We have a lot of people coming into Rupanyup and Minyip faceto-face to fulfil transactions.

“I think it’s a good thing that we’ve still have that ability – we still have cash, still have cheques.

“We also do insurance and superannuation, so it’s not just banking.”

“The college is reviewing its arrangements with the tour company which supplied the driver.”

A South Australian Police spokesperson confirmed the bus driver, a 53-year-old man from Victoria, was arrested and charged after the incident on the Augusta Highway.

The spokesperson said emergency services were called to the scene, about eight-kilometres north of Port Wakefield, about 6.40am on Friday after reports that a bus had run off the road and became bogged in a paddock.

Police charged the driver with driving without due care and driving a heavy vehicle while fatigued. He was bailed to appear in Kadina Magistrates’ Court on August 21.

Mr Phillips said the school had contacted families in relation to the crash and the broader school community, and was offering support.

He said the college’s wellbeing team was available to offer confidential wellbeing support services to all students.

MILESTONE: Rupanyup and Minyip Community Bank branch manager Jasmine Mueller speaks at the 25th anniversary of the bank.

Deep dive into crimes

Blue Ribbon Foundation Horsham branch is hosting its annual Inside Story fundraising event next month – offering an opportunity for behind-the-scenes insight into police investigations.

Branch secretary Kelly Schilling said the event would be at the Harvest Church in Horsham on July 13 from 6.45pm, with presentations to start at 7pm.

“Inside Story provides the audience with a rare deep dive into two police investigations undertaken to solve some of Victoria’s most notable crimes,” she said.

“Lead detectives explain and show the audience details not to be covered by the media.

“The audience could see crime scene photos, gain a look at evidence gathered and details of interviews conducted by police.”

Ms Schilling said the step-bystep presentations almost made the audience feel part of the investigating team when the final arrest was made.

“Attendees also have a chance to ask questions,” she said.

Ms Schilling said tickets cost $30 a person, including refreshments.

“All proceeds from the event will be allocated towards a new rapid infuser at Grampians Health emergency department at Wim-

mera Base Hospital,” she said. “Tickets can be purchased on the night, but due to limited tickets we recommend people pre-book, so they don’t miss out.”

Blue Ribbon Foundation supports community projects across the state to honour the memory of 175 Victoria Police members

Important voice

Theappointment of a democraticallyelected youth council for Horsham – the first of its kind in Victoria – is an incredible opportunity for our municipality’s young people.

They will represent a cohort of residents aged between 11 and 17 and offer a positive example and influence, while earning an all-important voice at the decision-making table.

It’s an incredible responsibility and privilege.

Already, it has taken courage to put themselves forward for consideration and scrutiny as their peers cast a vote.

The community is strongly behind the seven young men, aged 12 to 16, as they begin their year-long term in office.

Long have conversations discussed the importance of diverse representation in decisionmaking – whether at the various levels of government, boards or committees, or in the workplace.

To have a seat where the action happens. To shine a light and example for others to follow –to be what you can see. To engage, to listen and to act on behalf of others, with educated and informed deliberation.

The appointment of the Horsham Youth Council has ignited a reinvigorated, and productive, conversation about the importance of diversity – in relation to genders, cultures and life experiences.

There is little doubt the Youth Council will put

Councillor review

Horsham Rural City Council will move to a singlecouncillor wards electoral structure under a review of municipal boundaries.

The council is currently unsubdivided with seven elected councillors.

The review, required under the Local Government Act 2020, requires all regional city, interface and metropolitan councils to introduce several changes including the ward structure.

Local Government Minister Melissa Horne has appointed an Electoral Representation Advisory Panel to advise on the most suitable electoral structure for councils that need to be reviewed.

Horsham Rural City is among 16 councils in round two of the review.

Acting Electoral Commissioner Dana Fleming is a member of one of two advisory panels.

“The panels are considering the appropriate number of councillors and wards for each council, the location of ward boundaries and ward names,” she said.

The Victorian Electoral Commission will provide technical and administrative support to the panels.

EDITORIAL

By Jessica Grimble

their best foot forward and grasp this important opportunity with both hands.

They will learn valuable skills and become ambassadors for our municipality, and the broader region, no matter what their futures beyond secondary school education entail.

Participants of a pilot program, they will also shape the opportunity for years to come.

But the 10 candidates all shared a glaringly similar trait – they are young men.

Being a teenager is a time of immense change, and experiences and outlook can differ significantly among genders.

The Youth Council must work hard to engage young women and gender-diverse people, to learn and understand their views in order to represent all young people in their advocacy and projects throughout the year.

It must also work to inspire and empower candidates to put up their hand for an election in a years’ time, and continue to support new ideas and growth.

For the betterment of all.

who have died in the line of duty.

Bookings are available via try booking.com/CIMAN

Inside Story events are suitable for audiences 16 years and older, and any attendees aged 16 to 18 years-old must be accompanied by an adult.

It is an independent process to the operations of councils.

Public information sessions were hosted Monday and yesterday. A preliminary report will be published and a response submission period opens today.

People have until 5pm on Wednesday, July 19 to provide their feedback. People wanting more information can go to vec.vic.gov.au/horsham

Round one of the review process included Northern Grampians, Yarriambiack and Buloke shires.

FIVE-DAY forecast

Getting in touch with The Weekly AdverTiser

Getting in touch with The Weekly AdverTiser

Our office is at 2 Stawell Road, Horsham. Mail: PO Box 606, Horsham 3402. Telephone: 5382 1351.

Our office is at 2 Stawell Road, Horsham. Mail: PO Box 606, Horsham 3402. Telephone: 5382 1351. Fax: 5381 1147.

Website: www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au Email: weeklyadvertiser@team.aceradio.com.au

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The publisher and general manager is Brendan O’Loughlin, C/- 2 Stawell Road, Horsham, for Ace Radio Broadcasters Pty Ltd, ACN 064 882 042. The Weekly Advertiser is a free paper printed by Newsprinters Pty Ltd, 1 McKoy Street, West Wodonga, and distributed by regional distributors and Australia Post.

The publisher and general manager is Scott Grambau, C/- 2 Stawell Road, Horsham, for Ace Radio Broadcasters Pty Ltd, ACN 064 882 042. The Weekly Advertiser is a free paper printed by Newsprinters Pty Ltd, 7940 Melbourne Rd, Shepparton, and distributed by regional distributors and Australia Post.

UNDERCOVER: Blue Ribbon Foundation Horsham secretary Kelly Schilling and vice-president Paul Margetts try to uncover the inside story about who will be the guest speakers at the foundation’s annual Inside Story fundraising event in Horsham. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Healthy ageing key

An innovative new service will help Wimmera people maintain their health as they age.

Western Victoria Primary Health Network is partnering with West Wimmera Health Service and Northern Grampians Shire Council to create ‘healthy ageing hubs’ to connect people to programs, activities, services and information.

It is a first for western Victoria.

The health service will create a hub in Nhill with pop-up hubs in Kaniva, Goroke, Natimuk, Rainbow, Jeparit, Rupanyup, Minyip and Murtoa –aiming to reach more isolated farming communities.

The council will open hubs in Stawell and St Arnaud and offer popup hubs across the shire.

The Primary Health Network, PHN, has commissioned both organisations to run tailored, intergenerational programs that will connect young people with older people, aiming to reduce social isolation and loneliness and promote learning and friendships between generations.

PHN chief executive Rowena Clift said the initiative sought to help people to live longer at home, promote healthy ageing and better management of chronic disease – with a goal to improve people’s quality of life as they aged.

“West Wimmera Health Service and Northern Grampians Shire Council have each designed the healthy ageing hubs and intergenerational programs to suit their communities, so we’re really excited to see positive outcomes from this innovative approach, both for older people and school-aged kids,” she said.

Ms Clift said the PHN received funding worth $1.3 million, as part of the Federal Government’s response to the Royal Commission into Aged Care Quality and Safety, for the initiative, which is due to begin in July.

The health service’s chief executive Ritchie Dodds said communities would be able to access information in a relaxed environment.

“Many of the people living in the communities we serve are aged 50 years and older and these hubs are a new and exciting way we can support them to live independently, well – and for longer – in their homes and as contributing and valued members of our communities,” he said.

Mr Dodds said a series of intergenerational programs would become available.

“We will be providing a safe and fun environment for interaction between residents at our aged care facilities in Jeparit, Rainbow and Natimuk with local schools in their respective towns, including Jeparit Primary School, Rainbow P-12 Col-

Thank You Stawell

lege and Natimuk Primary School,” he said.

“Activities will foster positive and meaningful interaction between the groups and include things such as a visiting mobile zoo, art and mosaic projects, history and storytelling projects, cooking, community outings and games.

“The program benefits both parties by providing opportunities to build emotional connections, instil happiness and positivity, reduce isolation and ultimately improve overall health and wellbeing.”

Northern Grampians mayor Kevin Erwin said health and wellbeing of residents was ‘of key importance’.

“Our residents deserve the necessary services and facilities to help them establish and maintain an active, connected and healthy lifestyle for the long-term,” he said.

Cr Erwin said the council would engage older residents about their needs and expectations from the initiative. He said the council would work with partners including East Wimmera Health Services, Grampians Health and neighbourhood houses to ensure linkages, including within its own council-led services.

“We have a few ideas about what might work, such as linking people through technology, but we want to work with a broad range of people across our communities,” he said.

“We will be working with people who are now in their 50s as well as older people, to assist them to make strong connections while they are fit and active, so they do not get to a point where they are isolated and alone.”

ACTION: Edenhope F-12 College vice-principal Chad Frost, left, and principal Trevor McClure are excited to receive State Government support for infrastructure upgrades. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

College plans for future

Edenhope F-12 College is a recent recipient of ‘Future Funding’ from the State Government to plan for refurbishment and upgrades across the school.

The college was allocated a share of $24 million in the State Budget 202324, for schools across the state to plan infrastructure redevelopments.

Principal Trevor McClure said Education Minister Natalie Hutchins advised the school it would be granted the funding.

“The exciting part of this grant will be students, parents, staff and community members will get their vision included on what we see as important in the future of our learning environment,” he said.

“Future Funding grants are part of a 25-year rotation the Education De-

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partment bestows upon all government schools.

“It is deemed within the department that after an original build, 25 years previous, the school receives ‘future funding’ to help modernise the learning environment.”

Mr McClure said a survey of students, parents, staff and community members to collect their thoughts and visions for the school was completed in the final week of term two.

“The report will be tabled with the school council at its next meeting for endorsement,” he said.

“The report will then be presented to potential architects to begin planning of phase one, before building and refurbishments begin in the next couple of years.”

OTR

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“West Wimmera Health Service and Northern Grampians Shire Council have each designed the healthy ageing hubs and intergenerational programs to suit their communities, so we’re really excited to see positive outcomes from this innovative approach, both for older people and school-aged kids”

– Rowena Clift

Generating positive change

Honouring the influence of Indigenous Elders is the focus of an annual cultural celebration, starting next week.

NAIDOC Week runs from July 2 to 9 and, with the official theme of ‘For our Elders’, seeks to celebrate the contributions, love, and legacy of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders.

Activities in Horsham will include film screenings, an art exhibition, walk and run event, and community gatherings.

People will also note community portrait flags throughout Firebrace and Hamilton streets in Horsham, showcasing images of Elders through the lens of photographer Matt Dooling.

Goolum Goolum Aboriginal CoOperative chairman Jake Goodes said Goolum Goolum acknowledged the prominent role of Elders in the community.

“They are the cultural knowledge holders and teachers,” he said.

“They are the activists, survivors, leaders and hard-workers who have fought for a better future for our people.

“They are the foundation of our communities, and our loved ones who are there for us during the hard times and the good times.

“They are our role models. They know when to guide us to a better path and when to pull us into line.

“They can also be our quiet achievers within our families and communities.”

He acknowledged the contributions of Elders in generating posi-

tive change for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

“Our Elders have borne the burden of having to make change in the face of intergenerational inequality; equality they continue to fight for today,” he said.

“We must pay thanks, respect, and acknowledge our Elders.

“Take the time to sit down with your

Elders and listen to them. They are a critical link keeping our culture alive.

“Their strength carries on the survival of our people.”

This year marks the 48th annual NAIDOC Week – an annual occasion of remembrance and resistance that has evolved into a vibrant national celebration of communities, cultures and Country.

Elders Southern Wool Report

“This, all alongside our excellence and collective resilience and survival as custodians of the world’s oldest continuous living cultures,” Mr Goodes said.

People can view the official program online via issuu.com/ goolumgoolum/docs/naidoc_e-book

Indigenous celebration

In their only Wimmera appearance, The Merindas, with their infectious energy, soaring vocals and engaging personas, will perform at Murtoa Mechanics Hall to celebrate NAIDOC Week 2023.

Wimmera dance group the Wotjabaluk Dancers will support the musical duo for the July 7 event.

Organisers said the show, starting at 7.30pm, was not to be missed and open to all to enjoy, but with a little bit of ‘raunchy’ language.

The Merindas are the collective force of Ballardong Whadjuk and Nyoongar woman Kristel Kickett and Candice Lorrae of Jawoyn and Thursday Island heritage.

Now based in Melbourne, the performers are trail-blazing an innovative style of Indigenous music.

The Merindas formed in 2012, singing Motown hits for the premiere of The Sapphires movie.

What was supposed to be a one-off show became a full-time career. They have performed more than 400 shows in the past nine years.

The duo has since gone on to produce their own music and live show garnering rave reviews, playing festivals, live venues and featuring in event curations.

The have also supported international stars Brandy and Craig David and appeared at major corporate events across Australia.

Murtoa hall secretary Andrew Clark said the performance would be the final ‘Live Music Australia’ event at the venue.

“This is the last of the planned events, so I urge everyone to come along to this very appropriate finale,” he said.

CONNECTION: Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Co-Operative chairman Jake Goodes stands before community portrait flags throughout central Horsham ahead of NAIDOC Week.

Horsham Rural City’s youth have democratically elected their first seven-member Horsham Youth Council.

The Weekly Advertiser asked each of the successful candidates what had encouraged them to nominate for the youth council ...

Ryder Reid, 14 Horsham College, year-eight

One of my teachers said I should, and I took that into consideration; and I think I can make improvements to Horsham for me and my friends.

Shivansh Bhutani, 15

Holy Trinity Lutheran College, year-10

I have been on the youth council since 2019 and have really enjoyed it. I’d like to see more things for youth to do in Horsham, generally.

I feel I could better impact the community. I want to strengthen sporting clubs, because there’s not many numbers, and I would like to make a greater impact on sporting areas.

Charlie Murray, 12 Horsham College, year-seven

I want to help improve Horsham and the river. I will plant one tree for every vote I received.

Liam Carracher, 14 St Brigid’s College, year-eight I wanted to make a sense of community for everyone in the area, and help people feel connected.

There are always fights at the skate park – I want to fix that; tonnes of vaping and people destroying the

with graffiti.

I was on the past two councils and want to continue helping the youth. I’d like to see improved facilities for youth.

6.30pm

Logan Henskes, 12 Horsham College, year-seven

skate park

William Schache, 16 Horsham College, year-11

Tom Luke, 16 St Brigid’s College, year-11

Young leaders paving the way

BY JESSICA GRIMBLE

Young people living in the Horsham Rural City municipality have made history with the appointment of Victoria’s first democratically-elected youth council.

And now the work begins for the seven young men, aged between 12 and 16, to form the youth council –which has been set a task to ensure it champions the needs and views of all young people in Horsham, ensuring those it serves have a voice in improving services, and positively influences key decisions on local issues.

The successful candidates, in alphabetical order, are Shivansh Bhutani, Liam Carracher, Logan Henskes, Tom Luke, Charlie Murray, Ryder Reid and William Schache.

They are the first Victorian cohort as part of a Foundation for Young Australians-led Young Mayors program that backs young people to create change through active participation in local government.

Aiden Henderson, Alan Lulu Kuriakose and Ghost Sternberg also nominated for the youth council.

A celebration in Horsham on Thursday recognised the candidates.

Horsham Rural City Council deputy mayor Penny Flynn said the community would support the youth councillors to grow and develop their skills.

“We encourage you to be bold and brave in your thinking and your actions. Take the opportunity with both hands and make the most of everything that this experience has to offer,” she said.

“It does sadden me that there were no female candidates – so we all have some work to do to support and encourage a diverse range of candidates in the future.

“This also means that our youth council will need to think differently, ask questions and seek the views and opinions of those who are missing from this group.

“This will no doubt be a challenge for you, but we have the belief that you will rise to the task.”

FYAs Young Mayors program director Tahlia Azaria said the youth council was mandated to engage with young people beyond those in the room; and this was particularly important for the group, given its limited diversity.

“Issues of diversity are a national issue. A key goal of the pilot across the country will be to trial new approaches to strengthen gender inclusion over the next year and ensure that all young people feel empowered

to put their hand up, and make their voices heard,” she said.

A total of 616 votes were lodged in the election on Tuesday and Wednesday last week at polling stations including schools, community spaces and the Western Victorian Careers Expo at Longerenong.

Ms Azaria said Victorian Electoral Commission officials had supported the election, including providing ballot boxes for voting and conducting an official counting process.

“It was truly amazing to see how excited young people were about exercising their democratic right to vote for the very first time, ever, in Victoria,” she said.

Ms Azaria said the youth councillors would participate in a swearing-in ceremony and induction process ahead of their 12-month term.

A bursary of $10,000 and a designated FYA staffer will support their work across the year.

Queensland town Mackay was the first local government area to pilot the program and its youth council work began just weeks ago.

“This is a pilot. It has been created

so we can test, observe, reflect and adjust so that we are building a system to engage young people that works best for them to fully participate in the decisions that impact their lives, in their own backyards,” she said.

“It really just starts here – and we will see this youth council address the issues in the community and we’re looking forward to seeing the next youth council, and the youth council after that, so that young people can play a really active role in creating a better region for the community.”

Ms Azaria recognised the work of Horsham Rural City Council’s youth team and her FYA colleagues in their advocacy for young people and bringing the initiative to fruition.

Gunditjmara and Wotjobaluk woman Tanisha Lovett delivered a welcome to country and acknowledged importance of diverse voices in decision-making.

“I love self-determination and this idea is absolutely great,” Ms Lovett said.

The initiative builds on the foundations of the previous youth council.

PRESENTATION: Foundation for Young Australians Young Mayors program director Tahlia Azaria, left, and Horsham Rural City Council deputy mayor Penny Flynn, with newly-elected youth councillors, from left, Logan Henskes, Liam Carracher, Charlie Murray, William Schache, Ryder Reid, Tom Luke and Shivansh Bhutani. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

WELCOME: Gunditjmara and Wotjobaluk woman Tanisha Lovett delivered a welcome to country at a celebration in Horsham on Thursday, recognising the appointment of Victoria’s first democratically-elected youth council. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Piped water supply study

Afeasibility

study into a proposed extension of a major infrastructure project designed to consolidate water supply across almost 300,000 hectares is underway.

The Southern Wimmera Northeast Pyrenees Rural Water Supply business case, spanning parts of the Central Goldfields, Northern Grampians and Pyrenees shires, is due by the end of the year.

The project was initiated in 2019 by Natte Yallock Landcare Group in response to the challenges of prolonged dry seasons and the impact of climate change and prompted discussions for a highly efficient, fit-forpurpose water infrastructure system in the region.

GWMWater acting managing director Nalaka Vitharana said the Pyrenees Shire Council secured $300,000 from the State Government in 2022 for a feasibility study and business case.

“GWMWater, in partnership with Pyrenees Shire Council, was investigating the feasibility of extending the Wimmera-Mallee Pipeline to provide water to rural properties in parts of the Pyrenees, Northern Grampians and Central Goldfields shires,” he said.

“The feasibility study is underway, with a business case due by the end of 2023.”

Mr Vitharana said the study consid-

ered options to provide a reliable rural water supply, using existing water infrastructure where possible and an indication of the level of interest.

“A piped water supply could provide significant environmental, social and economic benefits to the region, improving access to water for drought-affected communities and expanding Victoria’s water grid.

“The focus is on supplying nonpotable water – non-drinking water – to increase the productivity of agricultural and viticultural sectors and for water to maintain urban green spaces.”

The study was launched in January and public information sessions followed in February.

Tourism operators, community groups and other stakeholders will be engaged throughout the year as part of the study.

Mr Vitharana said public information sessions with key stakeholders and community members showed strong support for the project.

“GWMWater is committed to the ongoing improvement of services and infrastructure in our region,” he said.

“Investment in rural pipelines provides opportunities for future generations.

“Landholders with an interest in water connections are encouraged to lodge expressions of interest.”

The project background is available via gwmwater.org.au/swnep-study

GET

Nursery supporting cancer council

A Stawell business is hosting a fundraiser for a cause dear to many people’s hearts this weekend.

Westway Nursery will be tackling cancer through gardening, with half of the profits from all sales on Saturday and Sunday going towards Cancer Council Victoria.

Manager Kylie Bretherton said the event was again registered with the cancer charity after raising $2800 across two days last year.

“Just about everybody has been touched by cancer in some way,” she said.

“Every significant person in my

life who has passed away, has passed away from cancer.”

Ms Bretherton said the weekend was designed with cost-of-living challenges in mind, with people who might not be in a position to donate, able to buy something they might need while contributing to a good cause.

“Rather than asking people to donate, 50 percent of our profits will go to Cancer Council Victoria,” she said.

“The more money we can raise, the better. It can help look for treatments and cures and support people affected by cancer.”

BARE ROOTED

Ms Bretherton said the weekend would include spot sales, with different items on sale every hour, giveaways and a prize draw on Sunday at 3pm.

She said all customers from the weekend would go into a draw to win donated pots, with four prizes in total. A sausage sizzle will also run on Sunday, with profits going to the cause. Ms Bretherton said people unable to visit the nursery at the weekend could still donate via Cancer Council Victoria’s website fundraising. cancervic.org.au/fundraisers and searching Kylie Bretherton.

Over 100 varieties of fruit and ornamental trees from $29.90

SUPPORT: Westway Nursery staff, from left, Kylie Bretherton, Andrew Davidson, Reanna Stewart and Babette Stewart are fundraising for the Victorian Cancer Council in Stawell this weekend.

Horsham | 20A Iris Street

• Light, bright 3 bedroom BV home

• 856m2 corner site

• Duel access main bathroom

• Open plan kitchen, dining & living area

$429,000 Haven| 41 Watson’s Lane

leading to pretty outdoor pergola

• Ducted gas heating and evap Air/con

• Dble lock-up brick garage. Additional double carport for caravan & boat

set on its own 307sq.m site - NO BODY CORPORATE

• Horsham West -river precinct - 10y.o modern BV in beautiful condition.

• 2 bedrooms, bathroom, open plan living area, gas cooking

• Large outdoor pergola area

• Lock -up garage, manageable garden

$895,0000Sq.m

$1,050,000

• City Gardens - TOP of the CLASS

• 4 bdrms + office, ground floor master.

• 3 bathrooms, security system

• Double garage, central vacuum

• Covered patio + 2 balconies

• Multi - generation household opportunity

• Inner city - water views & park views

$379,000

• COMMERCIAL FREEHOLD

• Major piece of commercial property in the township of Dimboola

• 3 Titles & 3 premises with possibility

for multiple uses

• All possibilities are available on this blue ribbon property

• Set on approx. 551m2 corner site

• Well maintained family home

• 3 bedrooms have robes

• Modernised bathroom &kitchen

Horsham| 92 Albert Street

• Quality floor coverings and window furnishings

• Large rear pergola, new fences, dble lock-up garage.

$215,000

Change Makers...meet the participants

BRANDON DISSON ACE Radio 3HA and MIXX FM Content director

Q: What led you to apply for the Change Makers program?

ACE Radio has constantly put its managers through this program and this year, selected myself to go through it.

Q: What has been the highlight of the Change Makers program so far?

Our monthly sessions as they constantly provide new ways to improve my management skills.

Q: What has been your most valuable or impactful learning so far? How have you utilised these learnings?

Most important has been the DiSC profiles to help understand how to work with different personalities in the workplace.

Q: What are your leadership aspirations within the community?

Continuing my involvement with local sporting clubs and who knows what that could lead to.

Q: What do you love about living in the Wimmera?

Although I live in the Southern Grampians, I

can tell that both regions are very similar in being community orientated and always wanting to see locals strive in their dreams.

The Weekly Advertiser continues a series profiling participants of the 2023 Leadership Wimmera program. The series seeks to provide insights into the annual program, and its participants, leadership opportunities and aspirations across the Wimmera and southern Mallee. Wimmera Southern Mallee Development delivers the program.

REBECCA BOTHERAS

Yarriambiack Shire Council Sport and recreation co-ordinator

Q: What led you to apply for the Change Makers program?

After having stepped into a leadership role within the Yarriambiack Shire Council, I was provided an opportunity by the management team to put my hand up and take part in the 2023 Change Makers program. I am forever grateful for the support shown by the management team and their investment into personal development opportunities.

Q: What has been the highlight of the Change Makers program so far?

Despite the unfavourable weather conditions, the retreat weekend has been my highlight to date. The retreat not only provided an opportunity for personal growth and reflection, but paved the way for 20 complete strangers to come together and build a supportive and respectful environment, while being able to have a great deal of fun and laughter – this is something I will cherish forever.

Q: What has been your most valuable or impactful learning so far? How have you utilised these learnings?

As a leader, it is okay to not know everything and put your hand up to ask for help. We all have many skilled and knowledgeable individuals around us, or within our teams, that we can bounce off or seek assistance and support. Essentially, despite having a leadership title, it is vitally important that we utilise the resources and wealth of knowledge and skill sets around us or among our teams.

Q: What are your leadership aspirations within the community?

To continue to put my hand up and actively take on leadership roles within my community and sporting clubs. My broader aspiration is

to give back to my community and sporting clubs by implementing the learnings and the personal growth experienced throughout this program, along with the enhanced skillsets and knowledge, to benefit my participation in my leadership roles.

Q: What do you love about living in the Wimmera?

Although I live slightly outside the boundaries of the Wimmera, what I love the most is the country lifestyle, the wide open spaces, the friendly people and witnessing the connectedness of the communities. After living in Melbourne for three years while at university, it was so refreshing to make the move back to the region and regain that sense of feeling at ease at being back at home.

Patient flow commitment

Anew initiative at Grampians Health aims to improve timely access to emergency care.

The health service was named one of 14 Victorian hospitals to participate in a Timely Emergency Care Collaborative, TECC, project.

The health service has commenced implementing strategies to assist in system-wide patient flow in the emergency departments and inpatient units at its hospitals in Horsham and Ballarat, while also working towards improving systems supporting patient flow across all five campuses.

Project co-ordinator Hannah Ryan-West said Grampians Health was committed to providing timely care and the TECC project would support this aspiration.

“Patient movement – also known as patient flow – within the health sector is a long-standing multifaceted problem and COVID has certainly highlighted this,” she said.

“For the Department of Health to acknowledge this and fund improvement work, it is a great opportunity for Grampians Health to look at more efficient ways of doing things to assist getting people to the right place at the right time for the care they require.

“In working to achieve this, our project team is working not only with the emergency departments and the inpatient ward staff at Horsham and Ballarat, but also with consumers and staff across all of our campuses to streamline organisational communications influencing patient flow.”

At a recent Grampians Health forum, TECC consumer representative, Lea Crammond of Horsham, provided insight into her many experiences in healthcare.

She discussed the importance of timely communication as well as consideration of patient concerns when planning care.

Ms Ryan-West said Mrs Crammond’s insights would be incorporated into Grampians Health’s organisation-wide patient flow principles.

“During the project duration, Grampians Health will continue to involve consumers to help create improvement strategies,” she said.

Thousands fail to vote

Thousands of voters across Victoria will receive infringement notices for failing to vote in the 2022 State Election.

The Victorian Electoral Commission sent almost 300,000 people an ‘Apparent failure to vote notice’ in April; almost 70,000 were later excused for valid reasons.

People who did not respond to the notice, or who did not provide a valid and sufficient excuse, will be issued an infringement of $92.

Almost 95 percent of people who received an infringement notice did not respond, which had given them a chance to explain why they appeared not to have voted.

People who receive an infringement notice must respond within 35 days – by either paying the fine, requesting an internal review, or electing to go to court.

Acting Electoral Commissioner Dana Fleming urged people who received an infringement notice to take it seriously.

“The most important thing is that you respond to the notice before the deadline – otherwise you could be issued a penalty reminder notice, which carries the original penalty plus an additional administration fee,” she said.

The VEC encourages non-voters who are unsure what to do, or require assistance throughout any stage of the infringements process, to phone 1300 551 575 or visit vec.vic.gov.au/voting/fines-and-reviews

Horsham 4 Eastgate Drive

You will be doing well to find a better location than this. Over the road from Horsham Botanic Gardens, a short stroll to the Wimmera River and only a couple of minutes walk to Horsham CBD. Everything you need is on the ground floor of this property, including large master bedroom with walk-in robe and ensuite, large living are overlooking the gardens, open-plan kitchen adjoining the second living space, powder room, office with direct access to the double garage and northfacing undercover entertaining area. Upstairs features include three very spacious bedrooms, 2 with walk-in robe, the 3rd with built-in robes, huge family bathroom and a balcony overlooking the gardens.

Price: $820,000

Jock Uebergang

M 0418 815 770

The TECC project runs until June 2024.

People wanting to be involved in the project cam email tecc@ gh.org.au

Grampians Health’s five campuses are Horsham, Ballarat, Stawell, Dimboola and Edenhope.

Voting in State Elections is compulsory in Victoria.

To ensure people do not miss a future election, the VEC encourages all enrolled voters to sign up for VoterAlert – which offers a free SMS and email reminder service; people can sign-up via vec.vic. gov.au/voteralert

UNITED: Grampians Health Horsham’s Emergency Department critical care nurse Jane Summer, emergency department associate nurse unit manager Delilah Brennan and Timely Emergency Care Collaborative project co-ordinator Hannah Ryan-West outside the Horsham hospital.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Refurbished asset ticks all the boxes

Aspoonful of accessibility and a dash of modernisation has served up a tantalising new kitchen at Ararat Senior Citizens Centre.

After serving thousands of meals since 1972, the centre’s kitchen facilities were tired and in need of repair.

A refurbishment features a modern, accessible layout that includes new equipment, custom steel benchtops and a two-door glass fridge.

The seamless flow of the kitchen ensures members can prepare meals, carry out service and clean up with ease.

A large purpose-built kitchen with full access to cooking areas including custom benchtops, a state-of-the-art hydro oven and a bench dishwasher are among new additions at the centre. It took more than two years to complete.

The kitchen is named in honour of late secretary, Jan Murphy, which Ararat Senior Citizens Club president John Woods said was a fitting tribute.

“Jan was the heart of our club – she was the main driver behind the renovation and truly lived for the seniors,” he said.

“More importantly, Jan would be so proud of the new kitchen – it’s just what she envisioned.”

Mr Woods said the refurbishment was longawaited and offered a more accessible space within an important community gathering point.

“The senior citizens centre provides a place where senior residents can socialise and stay connected with the community. For many, it’s the one chance they get to be out and about that week,” he said.

“Jan was the heart of our club – she was the main driver behind the renovation and truly lived for the seniors. More importantly, Jan would be so proud of the new kitchen – it’s just what she envisioned”

– John Woods

“People are welcome to join us every Thursday at 2pm — we put on a beautiful afternoon tea coupled with entertainment.”

Ararat Rural City Council contributed $75,000 towards the refurbishment in its 2022-23 Budget, as part of a ‘Enhancing Community Life’ initiative – ensuring facilities could meet the future needs of the club.

Member Bob Sanders, an Ararat Rural City councillor, said the project would positively impact health and wellbeing.

“The Ararat Senior Citizens Centre is an important asset for the Ararat community. We’re fortunate to have an active community group that provides opportunity for older residents to participate and connect socially,” he said.

“Our dedicated senior citizens centre hosts a range of social and recreational activities, including many organised meals – members now have a kitchen that they can navigate their way around safely.”

The club has about 60 members.

Mr Woods said residents 55 years and older who were interested in becoming a member of the club could phone him on 0427 523 175.

Serviceton Memorial Bowling Club

Local bowling clubs continue to be a major recreational and social hub for thousands of people in the Wimmera area. The Horsham Sports & Community Club recognises the important role these clubs play in their local communities having allocated another $11,200 from the current years sponsorships program. One of those clubs, Serviceton Memorial Bowling Club, recently received their fourth sponsorship. The $1,500 sponsorship was used to purchase special bowling green loam from Mt Compass which is used to level the moving surface. Over the years the HSCC has contributed $5,100 to the Serviceton Memorial Bowling Club to upgrade and improve facilities and equipment. Club President, Ian Tink “Our club is so appreciative of the support the HSCC has provided in sponsorships over a number of years and this year’s $1500 is a massive help in the viability for us to carry on being able to have a meeting place for the community and many others from further afield to enjoy the sport of bowls.” HSCC Club manager Glenn Carroll “Our bowling clubs provide fantastic recreational and

region,

HSCC – “Working for the community with pride”

UPDATE: Ararat Rural City councillor Bob Sanders with Lorna Davies, Val Wilson, Pauline Borrelli and Ararat Senior Citizens Club president John Woods in the centre’s new industrial kitchen.

Girls brunch wins support

BY ABBY WALTER

Wimmera Regional

Sports

Assembly’s Active Girls Brunch event has received $5000 from a State Government Investing in Women’s Grassroots Grant Program.

Wimmera Regional Sports Assembly access all abilities program manager Lydia Schneider said the Active Girls Brunch was an initiative the assembly had created to align with Vic Health’s This Girl Can program.

“The assembly invites year-eight students from across the region to attend the event,” she said.

“This Girl Can is designed to encourage women of all ages to stay or become involved in physical activity.

“The Active Girls Brunch is dedicated to teenage girls, working to showcase the opportunities in the area, along with encouraging the benefits of physical activity such as social, mental and physical improvements – not for weight loss benefits.”

Ms Schneider said the grant would be used to engage guest speakers to inspire participants.

“Last year we were very lucky to have Sarah Wall from NetFit Netball attend, she was very generous with her time,” she said.

“We hope to branch out into different sports, instead of the traditional netball, basketball, hockey and tennis.

“It’s amazing to have recognition that our program is worth the investment.

“We obviously think it’s great and everyone involved last year enjoyed themselves.”

Ms Schneider said the event was inspirational for young women.

“We engage with local providers who can showcase their passions,” she said.

“We had Horsham Brazilian Jiu Jitsu attend last year, along with local ‘Strong Woman’ Jen Simmons.

“The girls loved their stations. I think a lot had no idea they could partake in these kinds of sports in our area.

“While with Jen, the girls were able to have a go at lifting some of her weights used at competitions, it was an amazing environment to see all the girls cheering each other on and surprising themselves with their strength.”

Ms Schneider said last year was the first chance to run the event post-COVID restrictions.

“We originally invited year-seven and eight students from across the region to attend, but we had such an overwhelming response from the schools that we had to go with only the yeareight students,” she said.

“This year we will again invite the year-eight students – hopefully including those year-seven students from last year.”

Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora said she was pleased Wimmera Regional Sports Assembly received money for its Active Girls Brunch.

“This will help organisations such as Wimmera Regional Sports Assembly continue to grow and build their capacity to support gender equality and women from diverse backgrounds,” she said.

The State Government announced 44 community and women’s organisations received a share of grants worth $400,000 for activities that focus on advancing gender equality.

The grants support community engagement events, leadership and training programs, community projects and advocacy efforts.

REGISTRATION CALL: Horsham and District U3A members Helen Fleming, left, and Joyce Lane display a newly designed promotional poster as they call on community groups to register for the second annual Horsham and District Community Groups Expo. Groups can showcase their offerings and interests and meet with people when the expo returns to Horsham Town Hall on Wednesday, October 4 from 10am to 4pm – during Seniors Week. U3A will host an information session at the town hall on Friday, July 7 at 4pm for both participating groups, and not-for-profit groups that are yet to register. Almost 50 groups — including community, sport and special interest groups — have received notice of the event. People wanting more information can contact June Liddy on 0422 509 796 or via president@horshamu3a.org.au Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Horsham arts group secures new roof

A Horsham arts group has secured a roof over its heads after receiving a grant from a national foundation.

Horsham Arts Council was awarded $10,000 to replace the existing roof on its Old Hamilton Road headquarters through the Foundation for Rural Regional Renewal, FRRR.

The organisation was eligible to receive the money from the Federal Government through

FRRR’s Rebuilding Regional Communities funding stream.

FRRR place portfolio lead Jill Karena said the determination and resilience of community groups and local leaders in regional areas was inspiring and helped guarantee a stronger, sustainable rural Australia.

She said the grants program would help sustain the work of volunteers and enhance access to social and creative activities

at the community arts building. Ms Karena said grants for practical, infrastructure-related projects such as the arts council enabled groups to continue to provide vital services and ensure community spaces were safe, secure and welcoming.

“These grants may be relatively small, but they can make a mighty difference to a rural community,” she said.

SHOP AT THESE PARTICIPATING

Ararat Auto & Ag

Ararat Hotel Cafe Bistro

Ararat RSL

Ararat Tyrepower

Barbeques Galore Horsham

Bi Rite Stawell

BJ’s Furniture and Bedding

Capital Horsham

Casey Kosch First Aid Training

Cellarbrations Superstore

Chris N Di’s Bakery

Clarks Furniture

Conways

Cooks of Horsham

DMD Horsham

DMD Nhill

Dollar Curtains & Blinds Ararat

Exchange Hotel Horsham

Farrers Tyrepower

Goldstar Self Storage

Harvey Norman Ararat

Harvey Norman Horsham Superstore

Hermans of Horsham

Horsham Amcal Pharmacy

Horsham Aquatic Centre

Horsham Auto Glass

Horsham Betta Home Living

Horsham City Meats

Horsham Golf Club

Horsham Lanes and Games

Horsham Plaza

Horsham Sports & Community Club

Horsham Town Hall

House & Party Stawell

J & A Shooting

Lardner Bros

Maria Da Ros Fashions

Nhill Pharmacy

Oscar Care Horsham

Royal Hotel Horsham

Simply Skin Body

Smallaire

Snap Fitness Horsham

Spotlight Horsham

Stawell Lotto

Stawell Toyota

Wastebusters Wimmera Recycling

Horsham

Westonvic Waste

Westvic Spares

Westway Civil & Earthmoving

Westway Nursery & Garden Centre

Wimmera Aquatrail

Wimmera Bearings

Wimmera Mallee Ag

Wimmera Outdoors Group

Wimmera Trophies & Gifts

Every day, 2 lucky contestants will play ‘Pump It Up’ live on air, for a chance to win a share of $5000 in fuel.

Shared lunch a celebration

BY SEAN O’CONNELL

Aweek-longcelebration has showcased positive images of refugees, encouraged understanding between communities and worked towards integration.

Horsham Neighbourhood House hosted a lunch as part of Refugee Week, where people from different cultural backgrounds shared food, experiences and performance.

The event included a speech from Karen refugee Hser Wah Po Kyaut and a traditional dance performed by members of the Karen community in the Wimmera.

Neighbourhood house manager Charlie Helyar said Thursday’s lunch was the venue’s first involvement with Refugee Week, building on its Harmony Day activities during multicultural week in March each year.

“We thought we needed to highlight the importance of Refugee Week in the Wimmera,” he said.

“We organised the celebration to recognise the important impact refugees coming to Australia have on our community and provide a platform to encourage a positive culture and respect among all people.”

Hser Wah Po Kyaut spoke of her experience as a refugee, fleeing her village

in Myanmar before eventually settling in Australia.

She said it was hard to know what to expect in Australia, with differences in culture and language making the first few years ‘very tough’.

“I couldn’t speak English when I arrived. Even when I went to the shop, someone asked me ‘how are you?’ I wanted to answer, but I couldn’t and I wasn’t happy when I walked away,” she said.

Hser Wah lived in Werribee for four years before moving to Horsham, where she started to learn English at the Centre for Participation.

“We met with other people, not from refugee backgrounds, but migrants from other countries,” she said.

“Meeting other people, you feel lighter. Before when I lived in Werribee, when I first came, I wasn’t happy and cried every day nearly. Sometimes I talked to my friends, this made me feel a little bit better.

“When I moved here, when I got out, I saw so many people greeting me, saying hello – and you feel so happy. People talk to you, even if you can’t speak. You feel much, much better.”

Hser Wah works at Horsham West Primary School as a multicultural aid and is helping to begin a class at Centre for Participation.

POSITIVE: Above, from

Hser Wah Po Kyaut, Anne Matthews, Hannah Nguyen, Eh Ler Moom Mu Leh and Paw Say Paw, and

Sokan Sat and Sara Barron enjoy a cup of soup at a Refugee Week lunch at Horsham Neighbourhood House. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

SHARING: From left, Ruby Mackley, Klu Say Say and Kate Adams enjoy a meal during a Refugee Week lunch at Horsham Neighbourhood House.

TOGETHER: Let Let Thaw Paw, Aussie Paw Saw and K’Lu Say Say come together during Refugee Week.

left,

left,

31. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Shared knowledge brings reward

BY ABBY WALTER

Agriculture Victoria’s Horsham

SmartFarm is hosting three international researchers as part of a longrunning higher education agri-science exchange program.

Arun Kumar Attkan, Ganesh Upadhyay and Rajesh Kumar Arya of the Chaudhary Charan Singh Haryana Agricultural University in Hisar, north-western India, are collaborating on a range of projects at the SmartFarm.

Agriculture Victoria plant phenomics research leader Surya Kant is supervising the researchers, as they visit for three months, with stays varying between March and July.

Dr Kant said the researchers would learn new techniques, ways to conduct experiments and technologies during their time in Horsham.

“Our facility is complementary to their institute in India, Haryana University, and there is quite a similar environment, climate and crop production,” he said.

“One key difference here is farmers have big land holdings, whereas in India they have smaller farms.

“When they finish the exchange program, they can adopt some of the technology for precision agriculture as well as cropping research they learned here.”

Dr Attkan is an assistant professor for the Department of Renewable and BioEnergy Engineering and specialises in precision agriculture.

Dr Upadhyay is an assistant scientist for the Department of Farm Machinery and Power Engineering whose research focuses on dryland agriculture tillage efficiencies.

Dr Kumar Arya is an assistant scientist for the Department of Genetics and Plant Breeding and is an experienced wheat and faba bean breeder with a special interest in the medicinal herb Withania somnifera.

Dr Kant said researchers at Horsham also benefited from the program.

“They bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise from plant breeding to agriculture engineering backgrounds,” he said.

“Their knowledge and having new, fresh ideas provides a new way for us to look at our research.

“It is also a timely exchange to be strengthening ties and collaboration between Australia and India at government levels as well as grassroots levels.”

Dr Kant said it was a wonderful opportunity for Agriculture Victoria to collaborate with the largest agricultural university in India and foster ongoing research ties.

“Haryana has a similar climate to the Wimmera, so the knowledge that our organisations are sharing on crop research and development is completely transposable,” he said.

“It’s great to welcome three of their talented academic scientists to work with our research teams on exciting projects in speed breeding, digital phenotyping, image sensing and crop production automation.”

Dr Kant said the visiting scientists were delighted to experience a different work culture and new technologies at the Horsham SmartFarm, such as advanced high-throughput phenotyping facilities, automated glasshouses, the latest grain quality testing laboratories and the Australian Grains Genebank.

Multiple export prices dropping

Leading into the end of the financial year, export prices across multiple agriculture commodities are dropping.

Lamb numbers at Horsham Regional Livestock Exchange were down from 7300 yarded in the week prior, to 6000 last week.

Yarded numbers of sheep and lambs reached 10,000 on June 14 and dropped to a total of 6600 with 600 sheep.

Graham Pymer’s market report showed quality ranged from average to very good with an excellent selection of heavy-weight lambs.

The medium and heavy-trade-weight lambs sold from $126 to $158 a head and light-trade-weight lambs sold from $112 to $123 a head.

Lightweight lambs sold from $40 to $102 a head, while heavy lambs sold from $178 to $208 a head.

Export-weight lambs sold from $150 to $179 a head and extra heavy-weight lambs sold from $178 to $208 a head.

Restocking lambs sold from $41 to a top of $167 a head and merino lambs sold from $72 to $102 a head.

Merino ewes sold for up to $90 and crossbred ewes sold for up to $110 a head Hogetts sold for up to $75 a head.

Lightweight sheep sold for up to $50 a head and medium-weight sheep sold from $40 to $65 a head.

The Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry reported Australian ex-

port prices, as of Thursday last week, for mutton, lamb and live sheep were either the same or up to 18 percent lower than in June last year.

Mutton was exporting at 347 cents a kilogram; lamb was exporting at 574 cents a kilogram; and live sheep remained at $93 a head.

Beef export prices had risen by three percent on the year prior and are sitting at 571 cents a kilogram.

Grain prices were between 30 and 37 percent lower than in June last year.

Milling wheat exported at $430 a tonne, feed wheat sold for $401 a tonne and feed barley exported at $442 a tonne. Canola was exported at $814 a tonne.

VISIT: Exchange researchers, from left, Ganesh Upadhyay, Rajesh Arya and Arun Kumar Attkan join Agriculture Victoria plant phenomics research leader Dr Surya Kant at Horsham Smartfarm.

DEMONSTRATION:

Greg Carbis, Corrie Eisnor and Bhautaran Singh inspect a drone at a Trialsafe seminar in Horsham.

The seminar was arranged to expand agricultural researchers’ knowledge about how technology can influence safety practices in the industry.

Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

Safety front of mind

BY ABBY WALTER

Aseminarfor Wimmera agriculture researchers and industry representatives has outlined technology’s role in keeping a workplace safe.

Not-for-profit organisation Trialsafe hosted a session at Horsham Golf Club yesterday to further educate people about how precision ag, drones or advancements with systems and procedures could increase safety outcomes in the industry.

Emmetts precision ag manager Matthew Burns, Elders AgTech development officer Andrew Phelan and WSB Distributors precision ag and sales Corrie Eichner were guest speakers.

Trialsafe executive officer Paige Cross said the independent group was taking a guiding role for better safety outcomes in the industry.

“There’s well-documented evidence of safety incidents that happen within agriculture across Australia,” she said.

“The field research industry requires people in the field doing actual trials.

“The equipment and machinery they operate is quite niche, with minimal standardised safety regulations.

“Sometimes we take for granted when and how we learn things and then we have people coming out to use equipment and machinery they are not familiar with, in different weather conditions, dealing with fatigue and often working by themselves.

“These experiences and challenges are common throughout the industry, but it is often only through sharing of information

in forums such as our seminars that allows people to learn from others.

“Our mission at Trialsafe is to enable the sharing of information, build networks and collaboration so that irrespective of who you work for or what you do, you are safer at work.”

In 2021, there were 169 workplace fatalities across Australia, with 20 percent occurring in the agriculture, forestry and fishing industries.

In the same year, the agriculture, forestry and fishing industries recorded the highest fatality rate of any industry with 10.4 fatalities per 100,000 workers.

Chair Steph Lunn said Trialsafe’s long-

term focus was to collaborate and improve the industry as a whole.

“The field research sector is at the forefront of new products and technologies being trialled for the broader agricultural and horticultural industries,” she said.

“We want to lead by example by taking a lead role in building safety culture and promoting best practice across the field research industry.

“Long-term, we are looking at advocating for standardisation of training or induction, manual handling and plant and equipment operation so there is a level of consistency of safety throughout the sector.”

AWARDED: Victorian Agricultural Shows junior show ambassador runner-up Bart Turgoose and winner Annabelle Hudson.

State success

Bart Turgoose, of Horsham, is the Victorian Agricultural Shows junior show ambassador state final runner-up for 2023.

Mr Turgoose won the Wimmera Agricultural Societies Association group finals for the Junior Show Ambassador award in February, which placed him in contention for the state award.

Criteria for the state award included local show involvement; community involvement; general and rural knowledge of community issues and current affairs relating to rural life and industry; personality and confidence; ambitions and goals; written, oral and interpersonal communication skills; and presentation.

The runner-up prize money was $250. Annabelle Hudson, of Beaufort Agricultural Society and representing the Midlands group, won the state final, taking home $500.

Mr Turgoose was first involved with the Horsham Show in 2017 by volunteering in a Lego section as a steward.

Since then he has been involved in many projects including the virtual Horsham Show and 150km Feast. He undertook a school-based apprenticeship with the Horsham Agricultural Society while completing year-11.

Mr Turgoose has declared he will stand for the 2024 Local Government Elections as a candidate for Horsham Rural City Council.

Louise Hobbs, of Kaniva, won the Wimmera Agricultural Societies Association group finals for the Victorian Agricultural Society Rural Ambassador award. The state final winner will be announced at the Royal Melbourne Show in September.

LEARNING: Agriculture Victoria staff, from left, Kristina Ellis, Imogen Grayson, Lucy Brand and Tamika Mentha attend a Trialsafe seminar at Horsham Golf Club.

Studies assist energy plan

Case studies about energy-saving on farms are now available online to help guide more people in the agricultural industry to make sustainable changes.

Seven Victorian farmers have detailed on-farm energy decisions they made and the benefits they found by investing in new, efficient technology. Agriculture Victoria farm business economist Julie Harman said the case studies were now available online as part of the Agriculture Energy Investment Plan.

Farmers vow to push on

BY ABBY WALTER

Acontingentof Wimmerabased farmers have taken a plea for a senate inquiry into the Victoria to NSW Interconnector, VNI, West project to Federal Parliament in Canberra.

The preferred option for the new high-capacity transmission line charts a broad corridor that connects western Victoria’s renewable energy at a terminal station at Bulgana, near Stawell, and crosses the Murray River north of Kerang, which connects with EnergyConnect in New South Wales at Dinawan substation.

Marcia McIntyre, a crop and sheep farmer east of Marnoo, visited Canberra with her one-year-old twins, along with more than 60 farmers from the region to push for a senate inquiry into the VNI West transmission project.

“Our Federal Member for Mallee Anne Webster has been very supportive and assisted us once in Canberra to meet with senators and MPs,” she said.

“Much effort was made by all farmers to persuade the senators of the need for the inquiry.

“We were in the gallery when Dr Webster put questions to Climate Change and Energy Minister Chris Bowen. The response was disappointingly disrespectful and did not acknowledge the legitimate concerns that farmers travelled nine hours overnight to have answered.

“We spoke to crossbenchers and different senators and ministers. There

was also a press conference with Dr Webster, Nationals leader David Littleproud, other National MPs and senators and local farmers.

“The senate debated if it would go to an inquiry with some fiery speeches from the Coalition and crossbenchers. But it was later disappointingly voted down. Next time we will get it through, it was close.”

Concerns unanswered

Ms McIntyre said after poor consultation the vast majority of the 500 submissions were negative.

“We support renewable energy, but this project will hold up Victoria in reaching its renewable energy targets. It does not make sense” she said.

“These transmission projects are occurring across the country and we, and all Australians, deserve to have answers regarding their legitimate necessity considering the extremely high cost, both financially and to the sensitive ecosystems, forests and food-producing farmland in their path.

“When even the experts have so many concerns, I think Victorians deserve to be given the chance to explore the other options that provide quicker and cheaper ways forward for the renewable energy transition.”

Ms McIntyre said a lack of consultation and steamrolling of the project had caused concerns about the poor standard of planning and execution.

“We live in a beautiful area, beside State Forest, with prime agricultural land – and we care for our land,” she said.

“There will be economical, envi-

ronmental and emotional effects from this. There will be considerable disruption during construction, with new roads built, removal of topsoil, gravel pads for cranes, extensive excavation, tonnes of concrete and steel with its enormous carbon footprint, removal of trees and vegetation – permanently damaging the native and farming landscape forever.

“It will drastically impact how people farm during construction and then, once they finish, with effects on the use of drones and aerial applications.

“There will be long-term loss of productivity costing the economy and impacting food security.

“We won’t give up because it is so important that this is done right.”

Progress

Australian Energy Market Operator, AEMO, is planning the project under existing national framework and a Ministerial Order has been implemented to progress the preferred option.

Landholders will be entitled to payments of $8000 a year per kilometre of transmission hosted for 25 years. These payments are in addition to existing arrangements for compensation, which covers any loss of land value.

The Victorian Transmission Infrastructure Framework released earlier this month reports VicGrid would take over the planning and development of transmission going forward.

A Victorian government spokesperson said as ageing coal-fired generators retired, progressing critical transmission projects such as VNI West

was necessary to deliver cheaper, more reliable renewable energy to homes and businesses across the state.

“VNI West and WRL are in the early stages of development and still require relevant planning and environmental approvals, which will provide multiple opportunities for community members, stakeholders and Traditional Owners to share their views on the project,” the spokesperson said.

“Transmission is just one element in the transformation of Victoria’s electricity grid, which will see the state reach 95 percent renewables by 2035 and create 59,000 jobs.”

Glengower farmer Glenden Watts spoke in Canberra and said farmers like him in central Victoria were not opposed to renewables.

“Farmers are leading the uptake of new technologies to better protect the environment and improve the productivity of our farming land – the food bowl of our nation,” he said.

“It’s the deceit, lies and plain disregard of their concerns that has the locals outraged.”

Dr Webster said she was concerned the project would have an enormous cost blow-out and detrimental consequences for communities across thousands of kilometres of prime farmland and irrigation districts.

“That’s why I invited these farmers from my Mallee electorate to come to Canberra so they could be seen and heard,” she said.

“I urge Labor to reconsider. These transmission lines will be devastating for regional Victoria, farmers and their communities.”

“The economic case studies consider benefits such as energy savings and co-benefits such as labour productivity on farms across a range of agriculture industries,” she said.

The seven case studies explore solar panels and battery storage, improving greenhouse insulation, energy efficiency for croppers with chaser bins and belt shifter improvements, gains for grape growers to improve yield and quality, rapid chiller in a dairy farm lowering costs, and rooftop solar panels and solar water pumps.

Ms Harman said if people preferred to listen rather than read, they could tune into a podcast with Tony McCarthy, one of the farmers from the case studies.

“Tony arrived in Australia with just a backpack and has since been focusing on building up his business from scratch of which energy management has, and is, an important part,” she said.

“An energy audit undertaken through the Agriculture Energy Investment Plan was a big leg up for Tony in identifying energy savings.”

Ms Harman said the case studies, podcasts and other materials were part of the Energy Smart Farming community bringing together farm energy experts including farmers, service providers, advisors, researchers and community advocates to share energy knowledge, research and solutions to help make Australian farming more profitable.

The podcast is available via extensionaus.com.au/energy smartfarming/economics-ofimplementing-energy-tech

The case studies are available at extensionaus.com.au/energysmartfarming/on-farm-energy-efficiencyand-cost-savings

CONCERNS: More than 60 farmers from western Victoria, including Marnoo district farmer Marcia McIntyre, travelled to Canberra to push for a senate inquiry into the Victoria to NSW Interconnector West project.

Growing a wheat with benefits

From left field

with David Matthews

Iamwriting this month’s column from Tokyo.

The day prior to submitting the column, I had an interesting time visiting Japan’s largest flour milling company.

They buy more than two million tonnes of wheat annually, but most of it comes from Canada.

They were surprisingly candid about their dislike for the current wheat trading environment in Australia.

For them, the relationship was much stronger under the Australian Wheat Board structure. But that’s a conversation for another day.

This trip was not about commodity wheat; it was about High Amylose Wheat, or HAW.

The first commercial shipment was sent from the Wimmera to Japan in March – and during our trip we were able to see and taste consumer products made from this wheat.

The fundamental difference with HAW is its fibre content – about 10 times more fibre than normal wheat.

So everyday goods, such as bread, buns, croissants and noodles, made from this wheat can be promoted as good for gut health.

In the three months since product release, more than 40 food companies in Japan have already signed a supply agreement with the flour mill. It seems there’s a bit of interest.

The bigger story here is the increasing discussion about ‘food as medicine’.

NSW-based The George Institute For Global Health is one of a number of research organisations promoting the view a prescribed diet is often a better way of addressing many illnesses than prescribed medicine. It makes a lot of sense; try to prevent rather than try to cure.

Research published in the Lancet journal in 2017 showed one-in-five deaths globally were related to suboptimal diets. That is more than deaths attributed to tobacco.

Proponents of the ‘food as medicine’ approach believe incidence of many chronic diseases, such as type-two

diabetes and bowel cancer, can be reduced by tailored dietary advice.

They talk about targeted ‘nutrition managed care plans’.

Rather than issuing medical prescriptions, they see doctors issuing ‘produce prescriptions’ and patients going to ‘food pharmacies’ to fill these prescriptions.

From a farmers’ perspective, I think this is pretty exciting.

We have always understood our role in supporting basic human needs; the provision of food and fibre. But to participate in production of food that can drive significantly better health outcomes for consumers takes this to another level.

Apart from being a pretty cool thing to do, it moves our businesses up the value curve.

It takes us from the low-priced commodity end of the spectrum to the value end of the spectrum.

The HAW project is a great test case for the benefits of building effective farmer collaboration.

We can learn how to organise ourselves to not just be a passive participant in projects like this.

Well-organised farmer groups can play a key role as the ‘food as medicine’ philosophy gains momentum.

In the meantime, we’ll enjoy the fact we are growing a wheat with benefits.

TRIED AND TESTED: Dr Tristan Coram, director of science at Australian Grain Technologies, samples instant noodles made from Wimmera High Amylose Wheat, HAW.

National crime study

University of New England’s Centre for Rural Criminology launched a national study into farm crime this month, to understand rural crime at an Australian scale.

The 2023 Australian Farm Crime Survey, the first national study in 20 years, will ask landholders to detail experiences of rural crime and opinions about the effectiveness of crime prevention.

University of New England senior lecturer in criminology Alistair Harkness said there was an upward trend in reporting of farm crime, which was good to see, but a lot of crime went unreported.

He said the increase was occurring because police across the country, particularly in NSW, Victoria and Queensland, were making concerted efforts to engage with farmers.

“The trouble is there is a lot of farm crime that goes unreported, so the purpose of the survey is to get first-hand knowledge and information from farmers,” he said.

“The last survey undertaken nationally was 20 years ago. The survey will obtain information about the prevalence of farm crime, reasons for not reporting, the types of things that might be stolen and attitudes to crime prevention practises and policing and other law enforcement practises.”

Dr Harkness said anecdotally, from previous work with farmers, there were a range of reasons why theft and crime was not reported.

He said livestock theft was a prime example – if sheep are only mustered four or five times a year for drenching, shearing or counting and if a crime happens shortly after that, it could be several months before the loss of a certain number of sheep is detected.

“Farmers don’t always know if they have miscounted at the last count, or if the stock has died and not been discovered,” he said.

“Then there’s the, ‘I don’t want to waste the police’s time’ because what evidence can be garnered –there could have been lots of wind and rain and any chances of tyre tracks, footprints, evidence is well and truly gone, so a farmer asks what good it is reporting it.

“One of the reasons is neighbours and fear of reprise or revenge.

“A farmer might know who the offender was, but has to live next door to this person, so does not want to create waves in the local community.

“Sometimes it is a case of, ‘I didn’t lock up the stuff, so I guess I had it coming’ or, ‘you just have to roll with the punches’.”

Dr Harkness said an example in a time of drought was when a farmer saw they had water taken from their

dam and they attributed it to somebody ‘needing it more’ and did not report it.

“The last example is sometimes the legal process. They might not want police coming onto the property or might not want to waste a day in court,” he said.

Dr Harkness said farm costs were ever-increasing – products such as fertiliser and chemicals are expensive.

“Somebody might think they can save a few dollars, but it is going to be at the expense of the person who has had something stolen,” he said.

“To lose fertiliser or have a targeted gang of organised criminals steal a piece of equipment, even simple things such as a quad bike or chainsaw, will be disruptive to the operation of a farm.

“It can have an economic impact, social impacts, too, and in a worstcase scenario, be detrimental to someone’s mental health.”

Dr Harkness said that was why gathering as much data as possible was important.

“The data is going to help us inform decision-makers, whether they are parliamentarians or senior police based in rural areas,” he said.

“It informs them of the lay of the land, what the circumstances of farm crime are in 2023 and importantly what can we do about it.”

WINNERS: Goroke P-12 College’s Cows Create Careers program senior division team, ‘GoudaGang’, Maisy Batson, Lucinda Smith, Kye Sampson and Will Hausler celebrate their win for the southwest region.

Ag students win national entry

Students from Goroke P-12 College have taken home the top prize in both the junior and senior divisions of this year’s Cows Create Careers competition for the southwest region. The competition involves students caring for two calves for three weeks. The students learn general animal husbandry skills and best welfare practices.

They are required to submit a threeminute video about the dairy industry and a letter or scientific report to present their growth data and comment on the overall nutrition of the calves.

Students can select agricultural science as a subject from year-seven.

Teacher Louise Hobbs said since participating in the competition last year, selection rates had doubled.

She said when the calves arrived last

year, students from other classes started to take an interest in agriculture.

Goroke P-12 College entered a team last year and won a special award and entry into a national competition for their combined junior and senior team.

This year they entered two divisions and won outright in juniors and were joint winners with Loreto College, Ballarat, at senior level.

“It’s been fantastic to win both categories,” Miss Hobbs said.

“I think competitions like this show just how awesome our country schools are and how great ag is.”

The school won a combined $500 with this year’s win and has slated the money for upgrades to the school farm.

The two Goroke teams are now entered into a national competition.

Data protection key

BY ABBY WALTER

TheNational Farmers’ Federation has released a new certification scheme, aimed at helping farmers choose tools and services to protect their farm data.

The scheme will certify products marketed to farmers to ensure they comply with the Australian Farm Data Code.

NFF vice-president David Jochinke, chair of the new certification panel, said the scheme would inform farmers and lift industry standards.

“We’re in the digital farming era, and the volume and value of our data is growing every day,” he said.

“There’s a gold mine of industry data held with service providers. Everything about our production systems, our soils, our yields and our finances is in a cloud somewhere.”

Mr Jochinke said the scheme was about protecting data farmers generated – making sure it was used to benefit farmers, and ensuring farmers had control of the data.

He said control included where and how data would be stored and understanding what it could be used for.

“In modern agriculture, every time farmers do something in a paddock or stockyard, and machinery, they

generate data, which can be used to understand how to get more efficiency out of the machine, how products work and what products are used and when to then create trends for buying patterns,” he said.

“As farmers, we probably do not recognise the amount of data we generate passively through our machinery and actively through our record keeping.

“All this data is worth something and we want farmers to have the ability to understand where that data is used, making sure it is used by people who are signing up to a code.

“Farmers then know there are protocols for storage, the data is going to be used in a certain way, de-identified if it does get clustered and then also, they have the right to delete it if they want to.”

The certification was developed over 18 months with support from the Federal Government.

Mr Jochinke said farmers generally could not disagree with terms and conditions when signing up for software or hardware if they wanted to continue to use it.

“We want, when people click that ‘I agree’ button, for them to be clicking with an authorised organisation so they know that any of the data that comes out of that process will be treated with respect,” he said.

“A data code is not something

new – the US has one in place, New Zealand has one in place.

“We have engaged with multiple farmers and organisations to test the theory on how we ensure that we get the best outcome for agriculture.

“When somebody signs up, it is not an opt-in, opt-out code – you have to meet 100 percent of requirements to achieve certification.”

Mr Jochinke encouraged farmers to ask service providers if they were certified.

“We have gone through a couple of iterations to get it right, but as farmers we want people to say, you can have my data but understand it is valuable, it is worth something and organisations who are handling data, vast quantities of it, are doing it for the betterment of the farmers and industry and handling it with respect,” he said.

Certification was made available to providers last week.

“If you’re a business that holds farmers’ data, now is the time to get in touch. It is a straightforward, low-cost step to give your customers confidence in how you are handling their data,” Mr Jochinke said.

“Farmers should start looking for the certification tick and asking their providers whether they are certified against the code. As a voluntary scheme, it is that market pressure that will ultimately lift standards and keep everyone accountable.”

OPTIONS: St Brigid’s College

Horsham students

Reece Hammond and Kristina Schwarz investigate Forest Fire Management careers with officer Mollie Block, left.

Interest high for ag careers

A wide array of careers in agriculture were showcased at the Western Victorian Careers Expo.

Emmetts technical trainer Tony Welch said apprenticeships were the most popular topic of discussion, with diesel mechanic, service technician and parts technician roles on offer.

He said Emmetts was involved in a number of seminars, with adults making up almost half of the audience, demonstrating a change in the ages of people inquiring about job opportunities.

Mr Welch said people who had recently moved to the area were also interested in the evolving agriculture sector.

“We run 11 branches at the Emmetts group and opportunities range from service technicians to management. There are a multitude of roles which are expanding all the time,” he said.

“The move to new technologies is

huge, such as autonomous equipment and others guided by tablet or phone. That is a demand area in the future.”

O’Connors apprenticeship co-ordinator Tim Nagorcka said diesel mechanic roles and parts interpreter traineeships featured in many discussions with visitors to the expo, at Longerenong last week.

“We had a puzzle putting a gear-box back together at our booth. That was a really good chance to display what we do and give people an insight,” he said.

Mr Nagorcka said the interactive display sparked a lot of interest.

He said the agriculture jobs market was strong, with welding apprenticeships another field attracting interest.

“It is one of those trades that is a little bit harder to get people into. I did speak to a few people about, so there is interest at the moment,” he said.

Industry calls for awareness

Agriculture Victoria is appealing to travellers during the winter school holidays to help keep Victoria’s $17.5-billion agriculture industry safe from biosecurity threats including pests and diseases.

Biosecurity Victoria executive director Katherine Clift said there were many ways the community could be biosecurity aware, including complying with state regulations while travelling.

“Victorians travelling interstate should be aware of border quarantine restrictions around moving plants, fruit and vegetables or risk hefty fines,” she said.

“Biosecurity measures such as not bringing fruit and vegetables into the state will help protect Victoria’s valuable horticulture industry from exotic pests including Mediterranean fruit flies.

“If you are planning to visit our excellent wineries, do not wander into the vineyards in case you get phylloxera on your footwear and spread it elsewhere –this tiny insect can destroy grapevines and significantly impact our $170-million wine industry.”

Advice for beach-goers is to ‘Check, Clean and Dry’.

water, sand and seaweed,” Dr Clift said.

“Clean boats at home or a commercial carwash. Wash wetsuits, fishing and diving equipment with fresh, soapy water.

“Dry all boating, fishing and diving equipment completely before heading out into the water again.”

Dr Clift said compliance with biosecurity management plans and following biosecurity signage requirements was essential when visiting farms to help prevent spreading pests and disease.

“When you’re planning to visit a farming property, call ahead to see if there are any specific biosecurity requirements or potential issues,” she said.

“When you arrive, sign the visitor record book, wash and disinfect your footwear and arrange to meet your hosts at their house or on a sealed or gravel area away from livestock.

“If you are spending a lot of time on farms – or travelling to multiple properties – our ‘Come Clean, Stay Clean, Go Clean’ learning module has great tips to help build your biosecurity awareness.

“The short course will only take about 15 minutes of your time, but could save

QUESTIONS:

Tandarra farmer James Taylor is hoping to expand his business in the next five years. He is keen to hear from industry leaders at a Birchip Cropping Group workshop to learn more about the best way forward.

Farm expansion at centre of workshop

Birchip Cropping Group is responding to calls from farmers to provide information on farm expansion, with a workshop scheduled in July.

Event organiser Grace Hosking said rising interest rates, inflation, variation in seasonal outlooks, market volatility, family members returning to the farm and parents looking to retire were just some reasons why farmers looked to expand or increase profits.

A farm expansion day, at Birchip Leisure Centre on July 25, will discuss land investment principles – buy versus lease versus share

Other topics include farming beyond family – human resources and recruitment with Denise McLennan; machinery investment decisions and benchmarking with Kondinin Group’s Ben White; and managing growth within the business with Carmen Quade.

“The event will conclude with a panel of farmers and advisors sharing their farm expansion experiences including how advisory boards can aid such decisions,” Ms Hosking said.

“While there is no prescriptive approach to expansion, the work

Tandarra farmer James Taylor said farm expansion was on the cards for his business in the next five years.

“But we don’t know what that looks like yet,” he said.

“Do we buy, lease, share farm, become more intensive? What are the pros and cons of each?

“Which will be more profitable for our farm and how do we find the sweet spot between labour, machinery and expansion?”

The event will run from 9.30am to 3pm and registration is available at

Toban or not to ban, that is the live sheep export question.

I had a dentist who bought the hobby farm he had always dreamed of.

Chooks, a few sheep and cattle, a veggie patch. Sustainable living.

He was retiring and told me he was selling the farm.

“I didn’t realise there would be so much death,” he said.

He was an intelligent man but had not really thought through what it was like to raise animals. He found the inevitability of it too much to handle.

It is something most farmers have become used to. If you have livestock, a small percentage will die on-farm, and of course all will die ultimately, as indeed we all will.

But for most of the population, the reality of how animals die is difficult to comprehend.

The live sheep export trade is fighting for its life.

The Albanese government is following through on its commitment to ban the export trade.

But it won’t be sudden like it was for the temporary and catastrophic halt to the live cattle trade more than a decade ago. I’m sure you will remember it.

It is a very emotive issue that quickly divides opinion.

No one could argue that the footage of cattle being slaughtered in Indonesia was inhumane and shocking.

It was the abrupt halt to the trade

export live sheep. That is Western Australia.

Having lived there, I know how remote and ignored people in that state feel and how easy it is for ‘Canberra’ to ride rough shod over WA.

‘Fighting for its life’ Country Today

with Libby Price

ordered by then Agriculture Minister Joe Ludwig that was so destructive to the Northern Territory cattle industry, which was nearly totally reliant on the live trade to Indonesia.

It was estimated to have cost the industry more than $1 billion.

Fast-forward 12 years and the class action taken out by the cattle industry has only just been won and cattle producers are yet to see a cent.

They say the offer from the current government of just $215 million is ‘a joke’ — not to mention how much money has been spent on legal fees from all parties.

The current Labor government says its phasing out of live sheep does not mean that live cattle exports will be next.

The Australian Livestock Exporters Council has made a submission to the parliamentary inquiry on the issue and claims the Federal Government will be exposing itself to another class action claim and even a World Trade Organisation dispute.

So let’s think this through.

Firstly, only one state continues to

Secondly, unlike the live cattle ban, this is a proposal to phase out the trade throughout several years.

It was an election promise that the government would loathe to break.

The industry has had plenty of warning and cannot make the legal argument that it was done without notice.

As for a World Trade Organisation challenge, it would have to come from a WTO member country, so that would be from one of the Middle Eastern nations that buy the sheep.

I doubt any of those countries would to go to the WTO when they can buy sheep from other countries, and when any challenge would take years to resolve.

Also, it would be a mighty task to persuade other member nations to vote in the trade’s favour when animal welfare is such a high priority in European member states.

While the industry says its vast improvements to conditions and stocking rates on board have seen the death rate fall to below what it would be if the sheep were on-farm, just one more ‘incident’ of mass deaths on board would surely be the death knell of the industry.

SUCCESS: Wimmera Poultry Club’s June show attracted 398 birds, 29 exhibitors and more than 60 people to Horsham Showground. Trevor and Denise Demt of South Australia won champion bird with their black orpington pullet. Freya Kellas of Stawell won the tightly contested champion junior bird category, which saw 78 birds and 12 exhibitors enter, with her black pekin pullet. Above, Amber Randle shows off her winning Malay bantam, and below, judge Michael Paterson at work. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

JD946/956 MOCO, Wrecking for parts, good tri lobe roller etc.

Krone 320 Disc Mower, Wrecking for parts.

MF9152 Sickle MOCO, Wrecking for parts, good herringbone rollers, suit MF1375. Macdon D60, Various parts.

Manitou MLT735, Manitou MLT telehandler, varieous parts, boom transmission final drives

Gleaner N6, all parts new overhauled Alison engine, front.

Case 1640 Header, all parts including front.

AGCO 9250, flex front, most parts.

Manitou MLT745, 2015 model, booms, transmission, drives, various parts.

MF2190, Baler parts, complete pick up (suit 2170), various parts.

VFF leadership under spotlight

Agroup of Victorian Farmers Federation members has called for an extraordinary general meeting to dissolve the board and spill all elected positions.

Two past grain group presidents, Brett Hosking and Andrew Weidemann, moved the motion, which was lodged on Monday.

Mr Hosking said there was a meeting in St Arnaud of members who were feeling disengaged and could not interact with VFF leadership.

“We have seen VFF leaders move away from supporting peak body representation,” he said.

“With dairy farmers, we have seen them effectively create a real fracture into organisations that work collaboratively together.

“Members invite leadership to meetings, they don’t attend and are left to fight those battles on their own.”

VFF liquidated its grains group’s $9-million deed poll share portfolio to pay debts in May.

Mr Hosking said selling the grains group’s accumulated investments was another consideration in the decision for the resolution.

He said members felt the only option was to pass a resolution to try to call an extraordinary general meeting to dissolve the board and spill all elected positions.

“VFF is there for the good of the

growers and they want to make sure that they spend every cent they earn in fighting for grower’s rights and making sure farmers are looked after,” he said.

“What we have seen during the past four years is an increase in costs that do not necessarily aid farmers – we have seen an increase in legal and consultancy fees charged to the organisation and we have seen less of that grower-led recovery.”

VFF president Emma Germano said she knew some grains group members were disappointed with some decisions the VFF had made.

“I certainly was not invited to the meetings they were hosting, which is disappointing because they are talking about transparency and wanting answers,” she said.

“I could have presented to the meeting at the very least and answered some of their questions.”

Ms Germano said she contacted Mr Hosking last week to ask what the group wanted to see and if it wanted to meet.

“I didn’t realise immediately the negotiating party was to be negotiating with our board. He put it to me that it was our prerogative as a board to invite those people to come and have a conversation,” she said.

“Irrespective of who it is, if people want to have an audience with the VFF and want transparency we, of

“Once the resolution is lodged with the VFF they have 61 days for the meeting to be held, and within that period they have 21 days in which to call the meeting”

– Brett Hosking, left

when I inherited the organisation, and the board has done the very financially responsible thing to do – to pay down some of that debt in an environment of interest rates escalating and volatility in the share market.

“We shouldn’t be hedging and betting farmers’ money and we shouldn’t be spending farmers’ membership money on paying high-interest bills.”

significant debt and something happened that ASIC – Australian Securities and Investments Commission – would go after the directors’ assets before they would go after the assets of the organisation.”

Mr Hosking said 100 signatures were needed to pass the resolution and the signatories gave VFF leadership a ‘grace period’ to engage with them before the resolution was lodged.

“Once the resolution is lodged with the VFF they have 61 days for the meeting to be held, and within that period they have 21 days in which to call the meeting,” he said.

“I’d like to see it happen quickly, within 30 days if we could, but I also understand that’s just my opinion.”

course, would provide that to anyone.”

Ms Germano said the board of directors made decisions in the best interests of the organisation and its members.

“The board cannot, as a group, act on behalf of a small group of people or a faction or a commodity – we exist for every member of the VFF,” she said. She said she suspected the resolution was appearing on the back of the decision to sell the share portfolio.

“We cannot have an organisation that operates out of debt. It is irresponsible,” she said.

“Those debt levels were in place

Ms Germano said the board discussed the decision with the grains group.

“We did go to the grains group and say; ‘what do you think about this? We were asking for a recommendation, but it was not a power of veto,” she said.

“I make decisions that I make as a director, as I know other directors on the board do, in the best interests of the organisation.

“My farm is on the line so I’m not about to go and make some terrible decisions.

“It is possible under the law that if the organisation was to be carrying

Mr Hosking said if the resolution was successful, an interim management board would be implemented.

“They would be professional directors, experienced directors who would stabilise the organisation and run the day-to-day operations.

“Their job is, effectively, to take it as quickly as possible to a full election so the members have their voice around who represents.

“The same people could reapply for positions and that’s okay. It will be up to the members to decide.”

Ms Germano said all members had access to her contact details and she believed she had never given the impression she could not be contacted.

Monitor legacy spans 28 years

Whentwo retired farmers founded the Jeparit Waterwatch Group in 1995 they wanted to track the Wimmera River’s water quality and health for the benefit of the whole community.

The impact of the Millennium Drought, 2010 floods, water for the environment releases and everything in between is part of a 28-year data set which builds a fascinating picture of Victoria’s only inland waterway that does not flow into the sea.

The monthly monitoring of up to 12 sites from Antwerp to Lake Hindmarsh, is now a unique teaching resource for the schools-based Wimmera River Detectives program. It is also on open access on Waterwatch Victoria’s website.

Wimmera CMA’s Joel Boyd presented an award to group members and supporters aged from 12 to 96 years at a special ceremony at West Wimmera Health Service’s Jeparit campus.

Mr Boyd, when presenting the Waterwatch Victoria ‘outstanding service’ award, said it was an honour to help recognise the group’s longterm commitment to the community and the local natural environment.

“Retired farmers Alan McKenzie and David Livingston enlisted the support of Jeparit Primary School and co-ordinator Jeanie Clark to help track salinity levels in the Wimmera River in 1995,” he said.

“These inspiring volunteers have raised awareness of the importance and value of the lower reaches of the river, while creating a picture of how various climatic events have impacted on river health”

– Joel Boyd

“What started as their interest in what was happening to the quality of their river water, has developed into an incredible legacy of over 28 years of monitoring and counting.”

In the volunteer group’s history, they have not missed a month of monitoring.

During COVID, group member Martin Stone navigated restrictions and performed solo tasks to continue their continuous monitoring record.

“These inspiring volunteers have raised awareness of the importance and value of the lower reaches of the river, while creating a picture of how various climatic events have impacted on river health,” Mr Boyd said.

For example, at the peak of the Millenium Drought in June 2016, the small amount of remaining water in the river peaked at salinity levels of above 200,000 EC. Sea water is around 50,000 EC.

The group has also recorded riparian and ecological changes, such as increasing phragmites and mistletoe.

Call out for biosecurity support

Nominations are open for a new state-wide advisory board assigned to protect Victoria’s $17.5-billion agriculture industry from invasive pests and weeds.

Biosecurity Victoria executive director Katherine Clift said the Victorian Invasive Pests Advisory Board would help shape the state’s strategic direction on invasive pest management activities.

“Community voices are vital to ensure we hear first-hand perspectives about invasive pests and weeds that are considered of greatest community concern,” she said.

“We’re looking for strategic thinkers at the heart of invasive pest and weed management – whether you are on-farm, in natural resource management, community engagement or have a background in agricultural policy.”

Invasive pests and weeds degrade the environ-

ment, damage agricultural land and livestock, and impact significant First Nations cultural sites.

Dr Clift said management of invasive pests and weeds was most successful when the community, industry and government worked together.

“The advisory board will be key to this collaboration,” she said.

The board will provide strategic advice on community grant programs and initiatives under the State Government’s $5-million commitment to support the expansion of community-led action to manage pests and weeds of greatest concern to rural landowners.

Nominations for the Victorian Invasive Pests Advisory Board are available via boards.vic. gov.au/search-board-vacancies/victorianinvasive-pests-advisory-board-communityboard-member-vgb/vipa2023 and close on Sunday.

HONOUR: Marie Livingston and Col Clee, aged 96, enjoy a Waterwatch Victoria outstanding service award presentation at Jeparit Waterwatch’s 28th birthday celebration. Also accepting the award are, back from left, Martin Stone, Sue Atford, Joel Boyd, Jeanie Clark, Jeparit Primary School teacher Heidi Lees and students Cianna and Bella.

First look

Next-gen Triton teased ahead of global launch

Mitsubishi

Motors Corporation has announced fresh details and teaser images of its forthcoming next generation Triton ahead of the utility model’s global debut next month.

The fully redesigned one-tonne light commercial model is of strategic importance to Mitsubishi’s success, not only in Australia – which the manufacturer describes as a key stakeholder in the next-generation Triton’s development process – but in markets including the ASEAN and Oceania regions, as well as Africa, Latin America and the Middle East, where it has earned a reputation as a durable and robust vehicle.

Entering its sixth generation, Mitsubishi’s new mid-sized ute features a ‘beefed-up’ body with powerful, horizontal-themed styling.

Mitsubishi Motors general manager of design Seiji Watanabe said the allnew Triton had been reimagined under the design concept ‘Beast Mode’ – audacious and daring.

“While expressing the toughness and powerfulness expected of a pick-up truck, the all-new Triton combines agility with the brand’s robust design to create an imposing look,” he said.

“Tough and reliable, the all-new Triton will make customers want to go on any adventure.”

Mr Watanabe said the frontal treatment of the Triton resembled the

‘sharp gaze of a hawk’ with combination daytime running lights and threedimensional headlights ‘emphasising the impressive presence and robustness of the new model’.

At this point, Mitsubishi has not provided specifications or equipment details relating to its new-generation Triton, with information expected to be drip-fed in the lead up to the international debut.

A Mitsubishi Motors spokesperson said Australia was a key market for the Triton and further model details would be announced in due course.

“Australia is a core market globally for Mitsubishi Motors, and we have been a key stakeholder in the next-generation Triton’s develop-

ment process,” the spokesperson said.

“The light commercial utility segment is more competitive than ever, and we are confident the next-generation Triton will take Mitsubishi’s enduring presence in this market to the next level.

“We look forward to sharing more details of the development process, and of the new Triton’s Australian range, specification, timings and pricing as we move towards delivering this next-generation utility vehicle to Australian customers.”

The Japanese manufacturer indicated previously a plug-in hybrid driveline might be offered in its Ford Ranger and Toyota HiLux competitor, joining an all-new turbo-diesel powerplant

with Super Select II all-wheel drive. Speaking to GoAuto late last year, Mitsubishi’s general manager of EV powertrain development, Takashi Shirakawa, said an electrified powertrain was in ‘advanced engineering’ for Triton and Pajero Sport products, but from a CO2 reduction viewpoint a battery-electric was ‘not a good answer’. “We are thinking about whether hybrid is better, plug-in hybrid is better or pure electric is better, and we have those products in prototypes and we are comparing them, but our headache is always, always cost,” he said. The global debut of the sixth-generation Triton will take place in Bangkok on July 26.

– Matt Brogan

• Hyundai to launch 13 electric vehicles between 2025 and 2030 — Page 47

Hyundai documents electric ute

Hyundai has all but declared its intention to build a rival to the Ford F-150 Lightning and Rivian R1T.

The group’s mid-to-long-term business strategies and financial plans, under the banner of Hyundai Motor Way, were unviled at last week’s CEO Investor Day in Seoul.

The plans included details of future autonomous driving, robotics and advance air mobility projects, as well as a ute-ready second-generation electric vehicle platform.

Alongside sister company Kia, Hyundai said its Integrated Modular Architecture, IMA, would form the basis of 13 electric vehicles in its future portfolio, from small to extralarge, including a ‘pick-up truck and Genesis models’.

The vehicles will launch between 2025 and 2030, meaning a dual-cab electric ute could be as close as two years away.

Hyundai has not said if it will follow Kia in offering a diesel-powered dualcab utility in Australia.

The IMA platform will also offer a diversified range of battery offerings, including lithium iron phosphate, nickel cobalt magnesium and solid state batteries, AI battery diagnosis for ‘real-time safety’, high-efficiency

power systems and motors, the highest collision safety performance yet, advanced autonomous driving and parking systems, and interior space with a flat floor, a ‘pop-up’ screen and swivelling seats.

Hyundai chief executive and president Jaehoon Chang said the company aimed to ‘leverage its heritage of innovation and knowledge in a bid for

leadership in the electric vehicle market’ and would invest $125.1-billion in research and development during the next decade.

Mr Chang said Hyundai aimed to sell two million EVs annually by the end of the decade, up from the 1.87 million announced previously, and 400,000 more than sister company Kia.

“The value of cultivating humancentred innovation by further developing technology inherited from the past is the distinct heritage that a company with a rich legacy can provide,” he said.

“As it originated from Pony, the Ioniq 5 N – a high-performance EV scheduled for unveiling next month –it will embrace and carry forward the

enduring heritage of Hyundai Motor Company.”

Mr Chang said the development system implemented by the IMA platform represented a ‘significant advancement’ when compared with the current SUV-oriented Electric-Global Modular Platform.

With 80 common modules that may be utilised across various segments, IMA offers distinct economies of scale benefits over ‘nearly all vehicle classes, ranging from small and large SUVs to pick-up trucks, along with the flagship models of the Genesis brand’.

Hyundai will not only focus on its EV plans, but focus on the infrastructure required to produce so many new electric vehicles. It will build new, dedicated EV facilities, but also work to ensure such models can be built at existing ICE plants, which it says is ‘more cost efficient than building more EV-dedicated factories’.

So called ‘Smart Factory’ technology will see the combination of significantly improved logistics and assembly automation rates accelerate the number of vehicles that can be produced and allow Hyundai to target ‘more than 10 percent profitability for EVs’ by 2030.

– Matt Brogan

MG5 fastback enters small car segment

MG Australia has priced its latest entrant to the small car segment, the Honda Civic-sized MG5 fastback, available from $24,990 drive-away.

Backed by a seven-year warranty – and sporting a roomy 401-litre boot – the five-seat model measures 4675mm in length, 1842mm in width, and 1480mm in height, all set upon a 2680mm wheelbase.

Those measurements place the MG5 at just slightly larger than the similarly-styled Honda Civic, which measures 4560mm long by 1802mm wide and 1407mm tall with a 2733mm wheelbase.

MG said the ‘5’ arrives with fastback styling and a shark-styled nose that blends with flowing lines.

The company says the MG5 ‘presents a symphony of striking design language that blends elegance with

sporty flair’. MG Australia says the ‘5’ would offer ‘the sharp handling of an entry-level sports sedan’– a bold claim considering the entry model Vibe’s 1.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine makes just 85kW at 6000rpm and 150Nm from 4500rpm.

Fortunately, the flagship Essence, priced from $28,990 drive-away, adds a turbocharger to the combination to provide 119kW at 5600rpm and 250Nm from 3000-4000rpm.

Both variants drive the front wheels only, with the Vibe using a continuously variable transmission, CVT, and the Essence a seven-speed dual-clutch unit. Fuel economy for the duo is listed at 5.7 litres per 100 kilometres and 5.9 litres per 100 kilometres, respectively.

Seventeen-inch ‘Tomahawk inspired’ alloy wheels feature on both MG5 grades.

While MG Australia has yet to provide comprehensive specifications or equipment details for its small sedan duo, it says the cabin will make passengers feel like they have ‘instantly stepped into sports luxury’ with an ‘immersive atmosphere’ boasting technologies such as Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a 360-degree camera system, and foldback sunroof on the Essence variant.

The ‘futuristic cockpit’ of the MG5 is upholstered in synthetic leather – with matching steering wheel trim – while the ergonomically designed dashboard offers a 10-inch multifunction colour touchscreen, and four-speaker sound, six-speaker on Essence models, for ‘an immersive audio-visual music experience’.

MG Australia did not advise an onsale date for the ‘5’.

– Matt Brogan

STYLISH: The MG5 fastback will be offered in six paint colours – Dover white, royal yellow, diamond red, misty grey, black pearl and Brixton blue.

DIVERSE: Hyundai’s Integrated Modular Architecture, IMA, will form the basis of 13 electric vehicles in its future portfolio.

1. True or false? Unlike other big cats, cheetahs cannot roar.

2. What is the heaviest bone in the human body?

3. What is the collective name of the four Japanese breeds of beef cattle, which have flesh genetically predisposed to intense marbling with a high percentage of oleaginous unsaturated fat?

4. What famous German composer is responsible for the musical scores for movies such as Academy Award-winning The Lion King, Pirates of the Caribbean, Gladiator, The Last Samurai and The Dark Night trilogy?

5.

8. American pilot Lieutenant Robert Oestreicher is renowned in Australia for doing what?

Aries:

March 21-April 20

Lucky Colour: Red

Lucky day: Friday

Racing numbers: 3.5.6.2.

Lotto numbers: 1.2.16.25.45.33. Not a very good period for taking chances, leave speculations until a later date. You might not have the right answers now, so do not advise others in important matters.

Taurus:

April 21-May 20

6. What north-west Victorian regional city, originally called ‘Matakupaat’ or ‘place of the platypus’ by Indigenous Wemba Wemba people, received its current name from European explorer Thomas Mitchell based on his experiences involving wildlife on June 21, 1836?

7. Birds of prey are also known as what, based on a Latin word meaning to seize or take by force?

9. What global American chewing gum company formed on April 1, 1891, has its home at the Global Innovation Centre in Goose Island, Chicago, Illinois and what was the name of its founder?

10. What is the name of a magnetised rotating neutron star that emits beams of electromagnetic radiation from its magnetic poles, creating an intermittent light to observers, similar to a lighthouse?

Answers: 1. True. The only cat genus that can roar is the feline Panther genus. 2. The femur or thigh bone. 3. Wagyu. 4. Hans Zimmer. 5. Heatherlie Quarry at Ledcourt on the eastern side of the Mt Difficult Range in the Grampians. 6. Swan Hill. The noise of the abundance of birdlife in a nearby lagoon disturbed Mitchell’s night camp. 7. Raptors. 8. Being the only fighter pilot with an opportunity to take on Japanese bombers attacking Darwin during the Second World War. He was flying the only Kittyhawk fighter plane not destroyed on the ground during the first Japanese attack on Darwin. 9. Wrigley, or more accurately, Wm. Wrigley Jr Company. It was founded by William Wrigley Jr. 10. Pulsar. The light emissions appear ‘pulsed’. -Astrono mers first identified pulsars in 1967. The radio-like-message emissions suggested to some that it might be a message from extra-terrestrial life and the signal was playfully nicknamed LGM-1 for ‘little green men’.

Lucky Colour: Green Lucky day: Friday Racing numbers:: 3.6.5.2.

Lotto numbers: 13.16.25.24.40.33. A very good period in your career matters and progress in business can be expected. You will have plenty of energy and interest in new ideas and a more harmonious relationship with loved ones.

Gemini:

May 21-June 21

Lucky Colour: Fawn

Lucky day: Monday Racing numbers: 5.4.8.7.

Lotto numbers: 2.5.16.24.45.40. You could be ready for some changes in your relationships. Not the right time to push your favourite issues – gentle persuasion will work out a lot better and will leave you a chance to negotiate.

Cancer:

June 22-July 22

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky day: Wednesday Racing numbers: 1.3.6.5.

Lotto numbers: 1.12.15.25.24.42. You could be guessing very right during this period and time to reap what you have sown earlier on. Try to keep away from quarrelling people and compromise will be better than defeat.

Leo: July 23-August 22

Lucky Colour: Lemon

Lucky day: Sunday Racing numbers: 5.4.6.8.

Lotto numbers: 13.19.24.28.35.36

Lots of social contacts and a busy period for entertaining is indicated. Good news from a distance and financial benefits coming your way. Keep your head clear for some interesting new ideas.

Virgo:

August 23-September 23

Lucky Colour: Pink

Lucky day: Friday Racing numbers: 3.5.6.3.

Lotto numbers: 3.5.23.32.10.11. There are some important decisions to be made concerning your future security, including your career prospects. There is also some very good opportunities coming your way very soon.

Libra:

September 24-October 23

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky day: Friday Racing numbers: 2.5.3.6.

Lotto numbers: 13.16.25.24.40.44.

A much better mood is prevailing and friends could surprise you in a happy way. Now is the time in which you should be able to gain most of the things that have been on your mind.

Scorpio:

October 24-November 22

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky day: Tuesday Racing numbers: 3.5.6.2.

Lotto numbers: 13.19.25.24.40.22.

   

Very irritating aspects operating and your patience is put to the test. Try to take it all in good humour and it will become less frustrating. Some good luck through a partner.

Sagittarius:

  a For the week July 1 - July 7November 23-December 20

Lucky colour: Sand

Lucky day: Wednesday Racing numbers: 2.3.5.6.

Lotto numbers: 2.3.23.24.12.10.

Not the time to trust anyone with your secrets, they could use them against you at a later date. Business will not mix with pleasure or family matters even during this period, keep them separate.

Capricorn:

December 21-January 19

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky day: Thursday Racing numbers: 5.4.2.1.

Lotto numbers: 13.19.25.24.40.11. People seem to be expecting more from you and your time will be very much taken by the demands of others. If planning to travel, you must be rather ruthless in your demands to get what you want.

Aquarius:

January 20-February 19

Lucky colour: Orange Lucky day: Saturday Racing numbers: 5.6.4.2.

Lotto numbers: 1.2.16.24.25.28. You might not be in agreement with loved ones about an important issue. Do not let it get too big to handle. There are more demands on your time and your ability.

Pisces:

February 20-March 20

Your LuckY StarS with kerrY kuLkenS Visit KERRY KULKENS MAGIC SHOP at 1693 Burwood Hwy, Belgrave Ph/Fax 9754 4587 WWW.KERRYKULKENS.COM.AU Like us on Facebook (03) 5382 1351 horsham@aceradio.com.au www.weeklyadvertiser.com.au/classifieds CLASSIFIEDS Let our classified team make your notice special... We can help you with all personal notices from birthdays, to engagements & weddings, death & memoriam notices!

   

Lucky Colour: Black Lucky day: Friday Racing numbers: 5.4.2.1.

Parliament House, Melbourne Town Hall and the State Library in Melbourne were built with stone from where?

Gardening Australia 4:00 Antiques Roadshow 5:00 Back Roads (PG) 5:30 Hard

Quiz (PG) 6:00 The Drum 7:00 ABC News

7:30 Gardening Australia 8:30 Utopia

(MA15+) 9:00 Smother (M l,v) 10:25 The Australian Dream (MA15+) 10:55 ABC Late News 11:10 The Split (PG) 12:10 Harrow (M v) 1:05 rage (MA15+)

6:00

tV GuiDe

10 Years 5:30 The Black Hand (MA15+) 6:30 The ABC Of

Germaine Greer (PG) 7:00 ABC News 7:30

National NAIDOC Awards *Live* From Meanjin Brisbane 9:00 Vera (M v) 10:35 The Messenger (M l,v) 11:25 rage (MA15+)

Go! 2:30 Daniel Tiger’s Neighbourhood 2:55 Circle Square 3:30 Play School 4:00 Andy’s Aquatic Adventures 4:25 Happy The Hoglet 5:00 Peppa Pig 5:35

Fireman Sam 6:05 Octonauts 6:30 Peter Rabbit 7:05 Andy’s Wild Adventures 7:30

Spicks And Specks (PG) 8:00 Hard Quiz (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Bram Stoker’s Dracula” (MA15+) (’92) Stars: Gary Oldman

6:00 Sunrise 7:00 Weekend Sunrise 10:00

The Morning Show (PG) 12:00 Jabba’s School Holiday Movie

2:00 Repco Supercars Support Highlights 3:00 Rides Down Under (PG) 4:00 Last Stop Garage (PG) 4:30

Leepu And Pitbull (PG) 5:30 Storage Wars (PG) 6:00 Pawn Stars (PG) 6:30 AFL: Pre Game 7:00 Border Security - Australia’s Front Line (PG) 7:30 Movie: “Fantastic Beasts: Crimes Of Grindelwald” (PG) (’18)

Stars: Johnny Depp 10:15 Movie: “Monster Hunter” (M v) (’20) Stars: Milla Jovovich 2:05 Ready, Jet, Go! 2:30 Daniel Tiger’s Neighbourhood 2:55 Wolf Joe 3:30 Play School 4:00 Andy’s Wild Workouts 4:25 Happy The Hoglet 5:00 Peppa Pig 5:30 Kiri And Lou 6:05 Octonauts

6:30 Peter Rabbit 7:05 Andy’s Wild Adventures 7:30 Spicks And Specks (PG) 8:00 Whose Line Is It Anyway? (PG) 8:25 Live At The Apollo (M l,s) 9:10 The Stand Up Sketch Show (M l,s) 9:35 Robot Wars (PG)

(PG) 9:10 Gold Diggers (M l,s)

Queen Of Oz (M)

Sunrise 9:00 The Morning Show 11:30 Seven Morning News 12:00 Hailey Dean Mysteries (PG) 2:00 Border Security International (PG) 2:30 Dog Patrol (PG) 3:00

Billy The Exterminator (PG)

Down East Dickering (PG)

American Pickers (PG)

Pawn Stars (PG) 7:30 Highway Patrol

8:30 The Force - Behind The Line (PG)

Brave Bunnies

Sudoku

Fill in the blank cells using numbers from 1 to 9. Each number can only appear once in each row, column and 3x3 block.

DAILY CONVENTIONAL CROSSWORD 15 X 15 GRID Y

Quick Workout

Fit the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 into the hexagons so that where the hexagons touch, the numbers will be the same. No number is repeated in any hexagon.

Quick Crossword

Crossword

Fit the given numbers into the hexagons so that where the hexagons touch, the numbers will be the same No number is repeated in any hexagon

Focus

YESTERDAY’S SOLUTION

FOCUS

An All Australian Word Game

* Each word must contain the centre ‘Focus’ letter and each letter may be used only once

* Each word must be four letters or more

* Find at least one nine letter word

* No swear words

* No verb forms or plurals ending in ‘s’

* No proper nouns and no hyphenated words

TODAY’S Good: 12 words

FOCUS Very good: 19 words

Excellent: 26 words

anti apron inapt into intro introit iron nipa nitro noir pain paint

pant PARTITION patron piano pint pinto piton point porn print prion rain rant ration roan taint

tarn tint titan titian torn train triton

Reference: Macquarie Concise Dictionary

Created: Ted Whillier Creator Number: Matt Trickey Qxpress: 8484 Checked: Rosemary

Focus No. 3880

Join the Dots Spot the 5 Differences

What is this? Find out by joining the dots.

bmpuzzles Distributed by Knight Features

Laser Plumbing Horsham have all your plumbing needs covered.

Laser Plumbing Horsham is well known throughout the Wimmera Mallee and can complete any type of Plumbing work including roofing, sewer, drain cleaning, new homes, commercial, shop fitouts and all types of maintenance.

When hiring the drain cleaner a percentage of profits will go towards Rachel’s Wish –Wimmera Cancer Centre.

Together with the Electrical side they are your one-stop shop, offering all types of plumbing, electrical, solar, data, heating, cooling and refrigeration.

For more information, call the team at Laser Plumbing and Electrical 5381 1772, email horsham@laserplumbing.com.au, horsham@ laserelectrical.com.au. We are located at 89 Plumpton Road, Horsham.

24 hr/ 7 days week after hours service.

Classifieds

Engagements

Congratulations Christopher Schilling on your engagement to Nevada Muller 24-6-2023

death notices

GRAYLING, Laurie

Passed away June 17

Dearly loved and loving brother of Frank and Marjo.

Loved uncle of Michelle & Asher; John & Brianne and loved great uncle of Alexander, Monique & Henry; Jacqueline, Lucinda & William.

Loved and respected friend of George & Lesa.

GRAYLING, Lawrence Michael (Laurie)

It is with much sadness that the Board of Directors and Staff of West Wimmera Health Service acknowledge the passing of Laurie on 17 June 2023.

Laurie was a physio assistant within our Community Health program for 45 years.

He was a friendly, dedicated and devoted employee who was enthusiastic about making a positive difference to the lives of others.

He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.

Our deepest sympathy to Norma and family.

HUTCHINSON, June

5-7-1928 to 19-6-2023

Wife of Maurice (Morrie).

Mother of Gary, Debra, Peter and Kerry (all dec) .

Mother-in-law of Elaine.

Grandmother to Nicole, Angela (dec), Samantha, Christy and Belinda.

Great Grandmother of 8.

3 weeks off her 95th birthday.

Loved & Remembered By All, Home With Her Lord.

Horsham & District Funerals

Amity Perovic & Dylan Hartwich 5382 1149

death notices

ILSLEY, Gregory Colin

“Greg”

Passed away on June 15, 2023 aged 68 years.

Dearly loved husband of Denise.

Loving father and father in law of Damien; Rob & Mon; and Sheree.

Adored Poppa to all of his grandchildren.

Now at peace

Forever in our hearts

KORBELL, Rita Edith

14-12-1927 to 23-6-2023

Loved wife of Konrad (dec).

Loving mother of Birgit and Margot and mother-in-law of John.

Loved grandma of Melissa and Michael, Damien and Liz, Matthew and Christina.

Great Grandma to Joshua, Ashley, Dylan, Felix and Lucy.

Privately Cremated

Horsham & District Funerals

Amity Perovic & Dylan Hartwich 5382 1149

MARTIN

Justin Dennis

Passed away at home surrounded by family on June 24, 2023 aged 42 years.

Dearly loved son of Dennis & Patricia.

Loved brother of Sandi & Mark; Sam & Reggie; Toni & Colin.

Adored by all his nephews and niece.

Enjoying the drive

DEATH NOTICES

POLACK, Donna Lee

Passed away suddenly at home, Antwerp on June 19, 2023. Aged 44 years.

Dearly loved daughter of Ivan & Sue Polack.

Will be sadly missed.

Rest In Peace Darling, your worries are over.

Love Mum & Dad.

POLACK, Donna Lee

The Candle has blown out, but the light has not moved on.

Your journey as a twinkle star has just began to watch over us from above

Now may peace rest with thee.

Neil & Julie Polack

POLACK, Donna Lee

29-12-1978 to 19-6-2023

Side by side or miles apart sisters will always be connected by heart.

Love you always “Donz”. Trina, Jamie, Corey, Simon, Brodie & Taneisha.

ROOKE, Stanley

Late of Coleraine

31-10-29 to 18-6-23

Devoted husband of Jean (dec).

Loving father of Graeme Rooke, Lyn Sudholz and Jenni Sherry and their families.

Thanks for Dad’s life and to all who nourished it.

Interred Coleraine Cemetery

Vale Stanley ROOKE

Gentleman, naturalist, historian, poet.

Love knows no bounds.

Lyn and Peter

Funeral Notices

ILSLEY, Gregory Colin “Greg”

The Funeral of Greg Ilsley will take place at The Graveside, Horsham Lawn Cemetery on Thursday, 29 June 2023 commencing at 2pm.

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter

Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

MARTIN, Justin Dennis

The Funeral of Justin Dennis Martin will take place at The Graveside, Horsham Lawn Cemetery on Thursday, 29 June 2023 commencing at 10am

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

MASON, Dawn Anne

The funeral service to farewell the late Mrs Dawn Anne Mason will be held at St Mary’s Catholic Church, Murtoa, Thursday, June 29th commencing at 1pm, Interment to be held at a later date.

Amity Perovic & Dylan Hartwich 5382 1149

Funeral Notices

POLACK, Donna Lee

The Funeral of Miss Donna Lee Polack will leave the Lutheran Church Warracknabeal on Friday June 30, 2023 after a service commencing at 2pm for the Warracknabeal Lawn Cemetery.

W.B. Gardiner & Son Funeral Directors Warracknabeal 0407 340 064

Animals & Accessories

1 Chocolate mini Dachshund, female, vacc, vet checked, m/ chip# 953010006162922 $2500 each, located in Nhill Ph 0431725487

1 male mastiff x bull mastiff puppy, vacc, vet checked and wormed, born 22/11/2022, m/ chip# 953010006382898, Source# EE185505, he is ready for his forever home please $500 Ph 0481756063

4 10 week old purebred Heelers pups for sale, 2 blue males, 1 red stumpy tailed female, 1 red boy, all vet checked, wormed vaxxed and microchipped 18/5/23, mchip# 953010006172145/95301000617 2140/953010006171652/9530100 06172141, source# MB146514 Ph 0407363983

Memorial Notices

ABBOTT, Ronald Maxwell

10-9-1936 to 1-7-2022

I treasure the love we shared together all those wonderful years.

Shirley

Your legacy lives on through all of us.

Kerri, Janine & Russell, Lorelle & Jason, Louis, Millicent, Hugo, Mackenzie & Eliza.

Birds for sale, opaline turks, Bourkes all colours inc rubino, pied, cream, pink and rosa, all young birds, ring for prices Ph 0408535515

Black faced Dorpers joined $140 each Ph 0429912620

Event Services

Creative & Traditional Designs

Horsham

51

5382

Funeral Directors

Black head dorper ewe lambs, born June 2022, pic# 3NGLM058 $250ea Ph 53585079

Budgerigars, show birds at pet prices Ph 0447080439 Budgies, babies available $10ea Ph 0423976711

Budgies, just out of nest, pastel colours and lace wings $10ea Ph 0419505737

Budgies, young, asstd colours $10ea Ph 0423182267 Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, 2 malepups , purebred (no papers) black and Tan , ready to go , microchipped,vac, wormed, flea ‘d, collect from Horsham, 985141003955788, 956 source# MB113692 $2000 Ph 0409498729 Ferrets, 8wks to 18mths $30ea Ph 0418843180 Nhill

Mini Foxie puppies, tricolour, 4 females and 1 male, born 12/06/2023, wormed, vet checked, vaccinated, m/chip# 953010006610420,10290,10398, 10399,10493, source# NB224537 Ph 0428594140

Muscovy ducks $10, drakes $20 Ph 0429842236

Pigeons fantails, lots of colours, $5 each, plus other breeds, no texts Ph 0408846796

Pups Col/Kelp X StPoodle 3 gold fem, 1 gold, 2 black males, born 12/4/23, mchip, vet checked, source# MB223023, mchip# 985141003955533 985141003956376/402/6234855/ 6234856/6234857, visit welcome Ph 0458169182 Pure breed black faced Dorper ewe lambs, pic# 3HSDC083 Ph Liz 0419664345 Roosters, ducks and guinea foul wanted Ph 0469740723

The Weekly Advertiser welcomes your advertising. We are required strictly by law to include specific information on some items when publishing your adv your obligations are as follows:

ANIMALS -

*All “for sale” or “to give away” advertisements, for either cats or dogs must include one of the following:

• Individual microchip numbers

loved wife of Phillip.

Loving mother of Murray, Susan & Elizabeth. Loved grandmother and great grandmother.

A life cherished, Rest in Peace

Horsham & District Funerals

Amity Perovic & Dylan Hartwich 5382 1149

Alistair, Breanna and Walt Thomas and Inge Cameron, Jessica and Leo Sudholz

RUSSELL, Shirley

Our dearly loved Nan now resting in peace, passed away at Geelong on 17-6-23. Mother of Dale and motherin-law of Linda.

Nan of Laura, Matthew, Claire, Sally and Glen, Michelle, Josh and Chris.

Great Nan of Mason, Harvey, Oliver and Angus. Funeral took place in Geelong on 22-6-23.

O’DWYER, Patricia Mary

The funeral service for Patricia will be held at the Dimboola St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Friday, June 30 at 1pm Interment to follow at Dimboola Lawn Cemetery.

Emiley & Mathew Bone Nhill, Dimboola & Kaniva District Funerals 0419 008 464

• Vet certificate to exclude individual animals from needing microchips

• Domestic animal-business number

PLUS a source number from the

Pet Exchange Register

LIVESTOCK -

*Selling, giving away or bartering of all livestock must include a Property Identification Code (PIC number) in the advertisement.

Animals & Accessories

Ford Ranger 2015 PX MkII XLT Hi-Rider Utility super cab 4dr, spts auto 6sp, 4x2 1100kg, 3.2DT, 125,000km, white interior colour, charcoal, 6spd sports automatic, 4drs, 4 seat Ute, 5-cylinder Diesel Turbo Intercooled 3.2L, Reg July 23 TWK2HZ $29,900 Ph 53826103 in business hours

Mitsubishi Triton 2020 GLS Premium, auto, White Diamond, Electric Brakes, UHF, 30,000 kms, BID997 $46,000 0458991202

Airia, Fstyle, Mandolin with hard case, EC $300 Ph 0413207022

REDUCED 2017 Honda Civic VTI-L Hatch, CVT auto, pristine condition, black sports pack, apple carplay, 1.5L turbo,

Original metres kilocycles megacycle short wave, 5 valve console radio, serial# 2114, EC, working order Ph 53824316

Holden WB Panel Van 1983, 6 cylinder petrol/gas, 3 speed manual, VGC, extra parts included, FSE369 $35,000ono Ph 0407614706

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REDUCED Yamaha CLP330 Clavinova Digital Piano, EC, great sound and feel, includes stool $2000 Ph0428894232

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Dimbool NAIDOC Art Exhibition

O cial unveiling of permanent art display of Gail Harradine’s award winning ‘Blanche’ and Pelham Cameron Bark Canoe works and opening of exhibition featuring art by local Indigenous arts practitioners,

Dimboola Natimuk

Lutheran Parish

Sunday, July 2

Edenhope 9am HC

Goroke 11am HC

Natimuk 10am LR

Vectis 10am LR

Dimboola 9am LR

PUBLIC MEETING

To establish “Museum”

HORSHAM HOME OF HISTORY

First Nations and all people with input welcome

Thursday, June 29 @ 4pm HRCC Room

LAKE MARMA RESERVE

COMMITTEE OF MANAGEMENT INCORPORATED

Notice is given of a PUBLIC MEETING

to be held at Murtoa Angling Club Clubrooms on Wednesday July 5, 2023 commencing at 7:30 p.m.

The purpose of the meeting is to nominate no less than three (3) or more than nine (9) persons as the Committee of Management for the Lake Marma Reserve for a term of three years. The current committee’s term will expire on August 18, 2023 All positions will be declared open and nominations will be accepted prior to or on the night.

horsham@ontgroup.com.au

Nominations from women, Aboriginal people, people with disabilities, young people and people from culturally diverse backgrounds are encouraged. Further information, nomination forms and nominee declaration forms may be obtained by contacting your local Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action office or at the meeting.

For further enquiries please contact the Secretary, Graeme Adams on 0477 489 734.

Gods Masterpiece

When you think of a masterpiece what comes to mind? A painting, a sculpture, a work of art? When I think of a masterpiece I think of a famous painting like the Mona Lisa or Irises. Both done by famous artists. A masterpiece is just that a piece of work done by a master.

And guess what? That’s what you are and it’s what I am. We were created by a Master. We were created by Almighty God and we are good. We are his good work. According to Ephesians 2:10, “We are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.”

How fantastic it is that you are a masterpiece and I am masterpiece and we are original, we are unique, a one of a kind and we are valuable.

We are so valuable that God sent his son Jesus to live on earth and to die for us, so we could be put right with him. What a high price. He did this so that anything we’ve ever done wrong could be forgiven and so nothing could separate us from him as he is perfect. And it didn’t stop there. Jesus also rose again from the dead, death couldn’t hold him and because of this we can have eternal life. What a gift! This is one awesome love story and it’s for everyone of us. No exceptions. We are God’s masterpiece, no one is like us and we are loved unconditionally.

Take time to come to God today and thank him for this.

Jenni Gibson, City Heart Church of Christ, Stawell

TEACHERS WANTED

Horsham West and Haven Primary School’s vision is to empower all students to achieve their personal best.

Our mission is to maintain a community of learners who are happy and confident in their ability to learn, grow and succeed.

GRADUATE, EXPERIENCED AND CASUAL TEACHERS

REQUIRED FOR THE 2024 SCHOOL YEAR

ONGOING POSITIONS AVAILABLE

Subject to suitable applicant Come and join our dedicated team. Please email your resume to lee.mckenzie@education.vic.gov.au

If you have any questions, contact Lee McKenzie 0438 824 580 for further information

We

Facilities to join our team. The Team Leader Facilities assists with the management of Council’s caravan parks, public spaces, and building maintenance program. We offer excellent work/life balance with a monthly RDO, annual leave, long service leave and above-award pay rates, as well as training opportunities to continue to enhance your career!

Details of how to apply can be found on our website at www.hindmarsh.vic.gov.au/work-in-council.

SPort

Branch strengthening communities

Willaura and Lake Bolac Community Bank branch awarded nine community groups and organisations a share in more than $28,000 in grants designed to support and enhance living in the region.

Successful applications this year included funds for improvements to facilities, upgrades to equipment, and events to celebrate history, address climate change and strengthen community ties.

Willaura and Lake Bolac Community Bank chairperson Rowly Paterson said volunteers who contributed time and skills to groups were essential in ensuring the success and vibrancy of rural communities.

“Strong local communities play a vital role in developing sustainable solutions to local issues,” he said.

“Community Bank Willaura and Lake Bolac is delighted to assist in ensuring our local groups and organisations continue to grow and thrive.

“By focusing on organisations that bring people together, we can create a positive atmosphere that promotes growth, improves mental health and contributes to the wellbeing of all involved.”

Tatyoon Football and Netball Club received a grant to replace goal posts,

Wickliffe-Lake Bolac Football and Netball Club will install two lights at the netball courts and WoorndooMortlake Football and Netball Club will purchase a large two-door glass fridge.

Willaura Memorial Hall received a

grant to purchase a new pie warmer, Lake Bolac Cemetery Trust will install a new entrance sign and Willaura and District Kindergarten will replace shade sails.

Willaura and District Community Development Group received a grant

the March 2024 Eel Festival. Upper Hopkins Land Management Group secretary Celia Tucker said the group was thrilled to receive a grant.

“We place a strong focus on delivering initiatives that support our members and the broader community to improve and protect soil health across farms in this region,” she said.

“This grant will support the group to offer an exciting event at Chatsworth House in early October that focuses on bringing together farm business and natural capital.

“Our group is extremely grateful for the financial support being offered by the Bendigo Bank to help make this event possible.”

Eel Festival committee member Una Allender said the group was pleased to receive a significant grant from the Bendigo Bank branch for the 2024 festival.

“Bendigo Bank has been a generous supporter of our unique Festival of Place and we really value our ongoing partnership,” she said.

OUT AND ABOUT: Players took to the greens at Horsham Golf Club yesterday for a stroke event.

Pictured in action, clockwise from above: Sharon Howden; Jackie Fechner; and Peggy Muszkieta.

Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

to support Willaura’s Big Night Out 2024 event, Upper Hopkins Land Management Group will host a Bringing Together Farm Business and Natural Capital Field Day event with support from a grant and Lake Bolac Eel Festival will hire marquees for

“We look forward to welcoming the local community as well as many visitors from across Victoria and interstate on the weekend of March 22 and 23 to enjoy a weekend by the lake with the theme – Song, Story, Dance: Ceremony and Celebration.”

Mixed results for Rebels

Greater Western Victoria Rebels had mixed results in round 11 of the Coates Talent League in the Federation Cup at Mars Stadium, Ballarat on Saturday.

The Rebels boys’ team won by 33 points against the Dandenong Stingrays after keeping them goalless in the final quarter.

The Rebels started strong and were able to secure an early lead. Although they were not consistently accurate in front of goal and had 16 behinds by the final siren, they were able to constantly build on the margin.

Horsham Saints export Joel Freijah kicked two goals and had 21 disposals. Rupanyup export Connor Weidemann had seven disposals, while Minyip-Murtoa’s Oscar Gawith had 13 disposals.

Freijah and Gawith were named in the best players.

The Rebels are sitting seventh on the ladder, with only two games between them and ladder leaders, Tassie Devils.

The Rebels girls’ team were not as successful against the Stingrays, losing by 48 points.

The Stingrays kept the Rebels scoreless in the first quarter and secured four goals.

The Rebels kicked three behinds in the second quarter and kept the Stingrays scoreless to keep the margin at 21 points at the main break.

A third-quarter charge left the Rebels behind and despite a competitive final term, the Stingrays were too strong.

Horsham Demons export Olivia Brilliant had six disposals.

Both Rebels teams have a bye in round 12 and will return in round 13 to face the Murray Bushrangers at Highgate Recreation Reserve, Craigieburn.

SUPPORT: Nine community organisations in the Willaura and Lake Bolac districts received Bendigo Bank grants to support equipment, event and facility upgrades, and accepted their grants at a morning tea with members of the Willaura and Lake Bolac Community Bank branch board.

Weekdays from noon on

Rangers celebrate long-awaited win

BY SIMON KING

Wimmera Hockey Association has a full-competition bye this weekend while several players take part in junior state championships in Melbourne.

The break is the last before a run of seven rounds leading into finals in late August.

Representing North West Lightning, Horsham players Hannah Mackereth and Annabell Heal will play in under-16 girls, James Mackereth in under-12 boys, and Paul Mackereth is part of the coaching team for the under-16 girls.

Warracknabeal’s Ellie Williamson will participate in the under-14 girls.

Horsham players Riley and Hunter Knoop will play in South West Eagles under-12 and under-14 boys’ teams, respectively.

Open

Nhill Rangers defied their recent form and lowly ladder position to remind Wimmera Hockey Association they will play their part in shaping the competition by recording their first win in two seasons on Saturday.

Significant rain late in the week leading up to the first round of hockey at Yanac this season made the grounds slower than expected, playing havoc with some teams’ game plans and adding some unpredictability to matches.

In open competition, the Rangers enjoyed victory for the first time in

34 games, defeating Kaniva Cobras by three goals and highlighting that behind the dominant Yanac Tigers, the remaining teams are relatively even.

Adapting to the conditions quicker than the Cobras, the Rangers’ forwards controlled more of the play early, but it did take them until the shadows of halftime to score only their second goal for the season to go into the long break with a lead.

The Cobras did not yield and kept up the pressure, although the Rangers scored twice more to finish the game with three goals and their first win since round three of 2021.

Currently two wins and a significant

goal difference outside the top four, the Rangers face a considerable challenge if they are to climb the ladder in time for finals, but this result shows they can influence the positions of those above them.

In the clash of the top two teams, Yanac Tigers flexed their muscles by defeating a short-handed Horsham Hurricanes by eight goals.

Women

Kaniva is yet to concede a goal this season and remains undefeated on top of the women’s ladder after it overcame Nhill Thunderbirds by two goals.

Yanac Women celebrated their first

IN CONTROL: Yanac Tigers’ Simon Farmers gets a pass away during his team’s convincing win against Horsham Hurricanes on Saturday.

Picture: SIMON KING

run at home this year by comfortably defeating Horsham Jets.

One win separates the top two teams, Kaniva and Yanac, who might have already done enough to earn a place in the finals as they are 14 points ahead of the Jets and Thunderbirds, who currently make up the top four.

Warracknabeal is snapping at their heels just half a win further back in fifth place.

Under-16

In the under-16 competition, thirdplaced Yanac Warriors defeated competition-leading Horsham Bombers by two goals, and Kaniva Raiders extended their winning sequence

to five matches with a win against Nhill Leopards and are challenging the Bombers for the top spot on the ladder.

Results –

Open: Yanac Tigers 8 (goals, J. Cramer 3, L. Reichenbach, B. Alexander, T. Alexander, S. Alexander, N. Colbert; best, B. Alexander, J. Cramer, J. Honeyman) d Horsham Hurricanes 0 (T. Werner, P. Mackereth, D. Jochinke, J. Horsfall). Nhill Rangers 3 (I. Deckert 2, R. Reichelt; S. Bone, J. Reichelt, J. Knoll) d Kaniva Cobras 0 (C. Beattie, B. Lovett, K. Glasgow).

Women: Yanac 6 (E. Alexander 2, N. Harding, H. Cramer, E. Wheaton, L. Cramer; E. Alexander, M. Mackley, N. Harding) d Horsham Jets 1 (A. Heal; L. Schilling, R. Horsfall, S. O’Connor). Kaniva 2 (S. Williams, L. Stimson; L. Stimson, Q. Pearse, I. Williams) d Nhill Thunderbirds 0 (K. Clark, N. Kuhnell, H. Cannell).

Under-16: Yanac Warriors 2 (Asher Zanker, I. Hedt; Asher Zanker, Archie Zanker, S. Pedie) d Horsham Bombers 0 (H. Knoop, T. Batchelor, C. Blake). Kaniva Raiders 4 (C. White 2, L. Krelle, F. Dodson; C. White, L. Krelle, J. Beattie) d Nhill Leopards 1 (T. Shu Bee; J. Rowe, J. Shu Bee, D. Clark, A. Albrecht).

Under-12 development program: Warracknabeal Avengers 1 (S. Williamson; encouragement award, B. Johnstone) v Kaniva Rampagers 2 (R. Williams, J. White). Nhill Bandits 0 v Yanac Lowan Stars 0. Dimboola Kookaburras (J. Ward 2, R. Hadzig; encouragement award, J. Ward, R. Hadzig) v Horsham Black Hawks 1 (R. Knoop).

HARD FOUGHT: There was action aplenty in Wimmera and Horsham District league netball and football matches across the region on Saturday. Pictured, clockwise from above: Damian Cameron, NoradjuhaQuantong, marks infront of his Taylors Lake opponent; Dimboola’s Patrick Lindsey tackles Fraser Driscoll, Nhill; Tess McQueen, Nhill, looks to pass; Nhill’s Drew Schneider on the run; Dimboola’s Lachlan Mackley tries to breakaway from Nhill opponents; and centre,Taylors Lake’s Ella Hogan looks for opportunities.

Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

TEAM SPIRIT: Wimmera and Horsham District football and netball players gave their all at the weekend.Pictured in action are, clockwise from left: Dimboola’s Holly Ross and Ruby James, Nhill; Matthew White, Taylors Lake, tackles Brayden Cullhane, NoradjuhaQuantong; Nhill’s Mitch Dahlenburg kicks away; Dimboola’s Jackson O’Neill takes possesion of the ball; Brook Pay, NoradjuhaQuantong, looks to pass; and Georgia Muegel celebrates her 200th senior game and 300th club game for NoradjuhaQuantong. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

Surprises in Mininera

BY SEAN O’CONNELL

Atwo-game

stretch from the King’s Birthday bye round into the school holiday break this weekend has seen some interesting results in Mininera and District league senior football.

Woorndoo-Mortlake has come off the bye to secure two necessary wins in its finals pursuit.

A 40-point defeat of a high-performing Penshurst team was followed up last week with an inaccurate display – four goals and 14 points – but it proved to be enough to beat Lismore-Derrinallum.

An even middle of the ladder has Glenthompson-Dunkeld in fifth on percentage after mixed results, including an 196-point thumping of Moyston-Willaura.

The Rams’ 36-point loss at the hands of Wickliffe-Lake Bolac added to the uncertainty of the finals picture with six rounds left to play.

Wickliffe-Lake Bolac’s win last week at Lake Bolac Recreation Reserve has the second-placed team on an impressive record of nine wins from 10 games, keeping the pressure on leaders, Tatyoon.

The surprise of last week’s results was Penshurst’s win against Tatyoon.

The Bombers used their homeground advantage to run away 29-point victors and break the Hawks’ undefeated record, making it so that every senior football team has lost in 2023.

Ararat Eagles round out the top four, a single win above many other finals hopefuls, after a solid 26-point win against Hawkesdale-Macarthur last round.

Last year’s premiers have a couple of tough games ahead, taking on Woorndoo-Mortlake and Tatyoon after the bye.

Lower down the ladder, Great Western and Hawkesdale-Macarthur are each a win behind the finals hunt.

Great Western fell to Tatyoon in round nine before comfortably beating Moyston-Willaura last week.

Lismore-Derrinallum, SMW Rovers and Moyston-Willaura are all some way off the finals pace despite recording wins in the competition.

Caramut, who was unable to challenge SMW Rovers for four quarters last week, is the only team yet to chalk up a win in 2023.

FOCUSED: Maddy Huggins keeps her eye on the ball as she gets a kick away during the Horsham Demons clash against the undefeated South Warrnambool in the senior women’s game.

Demons remain in contention

Horsham Demons women’s and youth girls’ teams could not hold down South Warrnambool at the weekend during a double-header at Horsham City Oval.

The Western Victoria Female Football League is nearing finals with three rounds before the end of the homeand-away season.

The youth team started slow against the ladder leaders and was kept to seven points at the main break, trailing by 25 points.

A competitive third quarter saw the Demons keep South Warrnambool scoreless and were three goals down going into the final term.

Lilly Weir and Amy Milbourne played well across the ground, but it was not enough to take the win and the Demons lost 8.4 (52) to 3.3 (21).

Scarlott Abbott kicked Horsham’s three goals.

With a league bye before round 12, the team will have a break and return against Cavendish at Cavendish Recreation Reserve.

Despite the loss, the Demons will retain their second ladder position for another round.

In the senior match, the undefeated South Warrnambool started strong and kept the Demons goalless until halftime.

The Demons were not going to go down without a fight, but some quick goals by South Warrnambool blew the score out in the final moments of the game.

Continuing consistent performances from previous rounds, Holly Nuske and Jedah Huf played standout games last week.

Horsham sits fourth on the ladder, on even points with Tyrendarra and Hamilton, separated by percentage going into a league bye.

Round 12 will see the team head to Hamilton for another competitive game against the Kangaroos.

Picture: ELIZA McANULTY

arounD the LeaGueS

AROUND THE LEAGUES

Wimmera

This week: Round 11, Ararat v Nhill, Dimboola v Warrack Eagles, Minyip-Murtoa v Stawell, Horsham Saints v Horsham. Southern Mallee Giants, bye.

Senior football

Last week: Dimboola 13.12 (90) d Nhill 5.17 (47), Horsham Saints 16.8 (104) d Warrack Eagles 4.5 (29), Minyip-Murtoa 7.5 (47) d Horsham 4.11 (35), Southern Mallee Giants 11.14 (80) d Stawell 8.5 (53).

Ladder: Ararat 32 points, 245.45 percent; Southern Mallee Giants 28, 170.62; Horsham Saints 28, 114.24; Dimboola 24, 119.47; Minyip-Murtoa 20, 101.2; Stawell 16, 78.79; Horsham 6, 66.97; Nhill 6, 62.46; Warrack Eagles 0, 53.75.

A Grade netball

Last week: Nhill 46 d Dimboola 42, Horsham Saints 77 d Warrack Eagles 38, Horsham 74 d Minyip-Murtoa 32, Stawell 40 d Southern Mallee Giants 32.

Ladder: Horsham Saints 36 points, 167.92 percent; Horsham 32, 184.19; Stawell 24, 113.66; Nhill 20, 108.75; Dimboola 20, 95.19; Ararat 12, 89.35; Southern Mallee Giants 8, 78.35; Minyip-Murtoa 8, 61.66; Warrack Eagles 0, 58.97.

Major milestones for Laharum pair

BY SEAN O’CONNELL

As the club celebrated 100 years, two Laharum mainstays marked their 400th and 350th games as Demons netballers.

Shannon Arnott and Hayley Crute made their own history during Laharum’s centenary weekend, sharing milestone games against Natimuk United in the C Grade competition.

Arnott, nee Winfield, said Saturday’s team had played a combined total of about 1700 games, which was a fitting line-up to commemorate the longevity of the club.

“It was really nice to have so many people there and to play with Hayley made it that bit more special,” she said.

“Up until last week, I hadn’t given much thought to being a club record holder. It was nice to learn that it was special to other people and not just me.”

Arnott, who has longstanding family ties to the club, said the team presented her with a signed match ball after the game.

“I have only ever played at Laharum,” she said.

“Dad played after coming from Wonwondah and held the goal-kicking record for a long time. My sister and I played and mum drove

us around. We lived in the area and footy and netball were the common sports.”

Arnott said she received Laharum’s Michele Mibus award in 2019 as an ‘unsung hero’ of the club and was made a life member in 2021.

In round nine at Kaniva, Arnott played a match with her daughter Charlie and niece Imogen Dunn, and said she hopes to play with them again this season.

Crute said it was fitting to play her milestone 350th game with Arnott, who coached her to a 15-and-under premiership in 1997, as well as a B Grade grand final appearance in 2002 alongside Rebecca Steadman, who also played C Grade on Saturday.

Crute said the two played a previous milestone game together and, after sitting out a few years with injury, she was planning to continue chasing Arnott’s games record.

“Shannon and I played our 300th together,” Crute said.

“The fact that I could play it on the same day as her was really special.”

Crute, nee Roberts, and her family also have a long-standing connection to the club.

Her brother Hamish Roberts played his 300th game earlier in the season.

Horsham District

This week: Round 11, Natimuk United v Kalkee, Harrow-Balmoral v Edenhope-Apsley, Jeparit-Rainbow v Pimpinio, Taylors Lake v Swifts, Kaniva-Leeor United v Noradjuha-Quantong, Laharum v Rupanyup.

Senior football

Last week: Kaniva-Leeor United 7.9 (51) d Rupanyup 7.4 (46), Natimuk United 13.11 (89) d Laharum 5.7 (37), Noradjuha-Quantong 25.12 (162) d Taylors Lake 2.6 (18), Jeparit-Rainbow 18.5 (113) d Swifts 12.12 (84), Harrow-Balmoral 30.12 (192) d Pimpinio 5.3 (33), Edenhope-Apsley 14.6 (90) d Kalkee 10.10 (70).

Ladder: Harrow-Balmoral 40 points, 512.66 percent; Jeparit-Rainbow 32, 182.22; Noradjuha-Quantong 28, 136.79; Edenhope-Apsley 28, 100.54; Rupanyup 22, 133.69; Swifts 20, 101.66; Kaniva-Leeor United 20, 64.34; Pimpinio 16, 75.83; Natimuk United 14, 85.18; Kalkee 12, 80.51; Taylors Lake 8, 40.66; Laharum 0, 29.5.

A Grade netball

Last week: Laharum 54 d Natimuk United 33, Noradjuha-Quantong 59 d Taylors Lake 30, Jeparit-Rainbow 56 d Swifts 21, Edenhope-Apsley 45 d Kalkee 25, Pimpinio 55 d Harrow-Balmoral 43.

Ladder: Edenhope-Apsley 40 points, 235.85 percent; Laharum 36, 161.05; Noradjuha-Quantong 28, 131.63; Kalkee 28, 121.9; Rupanyup 26, 122.68; Pimpinio 24, 107.31; Jeparit-Rainbow 22, 113.61; Natimuk United 12, 74.72; Taylors Lake 12, 67.92; Swifts 8, 57.44; Harrow-Balmoral 4, 52.

Mininera and District

This week: Round 11, Caramut v Wick-

liffe-Lake Bolac, Hawkesdale-Macarthur v SMW Rovers, Ararat Eagles v Woorndoo-Mortlake, Tatyoon v Lismore-Derrinallum, Moyston-Willaura v Penshurst, Glenthompson-Dunkeld v Great Western. Senior football

Last week: SMW Rovers 17.15 (117) d Caramut 6.6 (42), Wickliffe-Lake Bolac 10.11 (71) d Glenthompson-Dunkeld 4.11 (35), Ararat Eagles 12.9 (81) d Hawkesdale-Macarthur 8.7 (55), Woorndoo-Mortlake 4.14 (38) d Lismore-Derrinallum 4.5 (29), Penshurst 12.10 (82) d Tatyoon 8.5 (53), Great Western 27.30 (192) d Moyston-Willaura 6.10 (46).

Ladder: Tatyoon 36 points, 305.6 percent; Wickliffe-Lake Bolac 36, 272.09; Woorndoo-Mortlake 32, 256.12; Ararat Eagles 28, 181.61; Glenthompson-Dunkeld 24, 146.01; Penshurst 24, 114.01; Great Western 20, 118.86; Hawkesdale-Macarthur 16, 118.49; Lismore-Derrinallum 10, 73.24; SMW Rovers 8, 82.24; Moyston-Willaura 4, 16.84; Caramut 2, 13.26.

A Grade netball

Last week: SMW Rovers 36 d Caramut 31, Ararat Eagles 49 d Hawkesdale-Macarthur 38, Woorndoo-Mortlake 56 d Lismore-Derrinallum 28, Tatyoon 39 d Penshurst 26, Great Western 37 d Moyston-Willaura 35.

Ladder: Tatyoon 40 points, 209.84 percent; Ararat Eagles 36, 229.76; Woorndoo-Mortlake 32, 192.77; Lismore-Derrinallum 28, 179.05; Hawkesdale-Macarthur 28, 123.18; Penshurst 24, 127.33; SMW Rovers 16, 107.5; Glenthompson-Dunkeld 12, 80.63; Caramut 12, 71.16; Great Western 8, 71.2; Moyston-Willaura 4, 35.18.

North Central

This week: Round 11, St Arnaud v Nullawil, Birchip-Watchem v Sea Lake-Nandaly Tigers, Boort v Charlton, Wedderburn v Wycheproof-Narraport. Donald, bye.

Senior football

Last week: Birchip-Watchem 11.5 (71) d Nullawil 9.11 (65), Sea Lake-Nandaly Tigers 11.16 (82) d Boort 3.8 (26), Wedderburn 9.15 (69) d Charlton 6.7 (43), Donald 10.5 (65) d Wycheproof-Narraport 5.3 (33).

Ladder: Sea Lake-Nandaly Tigers 36 points, 271.68 percent; Birchip-Watchem 24, 184.47; Nullawil 24, 158.03; Donald 24, 111; Wycheproof-Narraport 18, 89.74; Wedderburn 16, 96.31; Boort 14, 95.95; Charlton 4, 41.15; St Arnaud 0, 29.98.

A Grade netball

Last week: Birchip-Watchem 37 d Nullawil 36, Wycheproof-Narraport 46 d Donald 41, Boort 89 d Sea Lake-Nandaly Tigers 19, Wedderburn 63 d Charlton 53.

Ladder: Boort 36 points, 177.66; Wedderburn 28, 136.19; Birchip-Watchem 24, 112.64; Nullawil 24, 111.63; Wycheproof-Narraport 20, 105.88; Charlton 12, 101.41; Donald 12, 97.92; Sea Lake-Nandaly Tigers 4, 51.05; St Arnaud 0, 49.07. • Full scoreboards and ladders for all grades are available via the league pages at playhq.com

CELEBRATION: Laharum netballers Shannon Arnott, left, and Hayley Crute celebrated personal milestones on Saturday, as the club marked its centenary year, playing their 400th and 350th game, respectively.

horShaM DiStrict LeaGue

AFTER THE SIREN

shirtfront the

Senior football

The match of the round: Kaniva-Leeor United defeating Rupanyup was a big upset at this point in the season. The two looked to be at opposite ends of the table – Rupanyup fighting for a finals place and Kaniva-Leeor United looking for respect in the competition. The Cougars’ five-point win is the latest instalment in a topsy-turvy season for the team, which beat up-andcoming Pimpinio but lost to a battling Taylors Lake.

The standout player: Simon Close of Harrow-Balmoral kicked 10 goals from full-forward in a dominant display against Pimpinio. He used his height well and rarely dropped a mark in the 159-point victory.

The rising star: Austin Giusa kicked two goals in his debut game with the Swifts’ senior squad, in a 29-point loss to Jeparit-Rainbow. The mid-sized forward showcased his natural goal sense, which saw him kick 73 goals in 10 games inunder-17s this season.

A Grade netball

The match of the round: A young Pimpinio squad has shown how it keeps moving forward with a 12-goal win against Harrow-Balmoral. The Tigers continue to pick up handy wins as they move closer to a finals berth. The round-10 triumph against last-placed Harrow-Balmoral was a reminder that every win counts come the end of the year.

The standout player: Shannon Couch shot 47 of Noradjuha-Quantong’s 59 goals in its win against Taylors Lake. She did the heavy lifting, with her shooting partner Georgia Lowe scoring 12 goals to round out the win.

The rising star: Edenhope-Apsley kept its undefeated streak going with a 20-goal defeat of fourth-placed Kalkee. The Saints put in a strong performance each week and show experience when it is required. Last year’s premiers can start to really build towards a title defence in the later stages of the season.

Panthers to host Demons

Ateammaking its way up the ladder during the 2023 season will take on an established finals contender in round 11 of Horsham District league A Grade netball.

Laharum will visit Rupanyup Recreation Reserve this weekend, following a venue swap that will see the two meet again in round 14 at Cameron Oval Reserve.

Demons co-coach Olivia Jones said her team found itself in a similar position to last year, looking to secure second spot on the ladder and a clear pathway through early finals matches.

She said the club’s centenary celebrations, which surrounded Saturday’s 19-goal win against Natimuk United, added to her team’s performance.

“It was a fantastic week in the lead-up with all the players involved, the board and a lot of familiar faces,” she said.

“The round itself was massive.”

Jones said her team was humbled to wear 100-year celebration dresses, which included 500 names of past and present players, before they were auctioned off later that night.

She said her squad was wary of the challenge the Rams might have posed with possible distractions leading up to the game.

“Natimuk United is a new team

this year with new faces. We know you can never go into a game underestimating anybody,” she said.

Jones said the away team had a ‘quick start’ before the Demons attackers managed to turn the game in their favour.

She credited Rupanyup, who is coming off a bye week to sit sixth on the ladder, ahead of the round 11 clash.

“They are an extremely new side but they are not unknown,” she said.

Jones said the Panthers were positioned in a ‘log jam’ on the ladder and faced a difficult run into finals to secure a top-six place.

“They need the win to make finals,” she said.

She said consistency would be her team’s main focus in the back end of the season.

“You do want to be playing your best netball going into finals,” she said.

With another match-up against Rupanyup just around the corner, Jones said she would be keeping some cards close to her chest and field a changed line-up this week.

She said while her team would like to secure both wins against the Panthers, the round 11 game would allow the second-placed team to see what works and what does not.

Southern Roos bounding ahead of pack

Two sides expected to make deep finals runs are playing off at Harrow Recreation Reserve during round 11 of Horsham District league senior football.

Premiership favourites HarrowBalmoral, who remain undefeated after 10 games, will go up against Edenhope-Apsley, sitting in fourth position and a single win behind second-placed Jeparit-Rainbow.

Southern Roos coach Jai Thompson said the Saints were the only team in the competition his side was yet to play.

“It’s going to be a big midfield battle,” he said.

“A couple of games they haven’t played well in, but they have been missing a few players for those.

“Hopefully they have everyone available this week and it will be a good game.”

Thompson said it was a credit to his squad that it continued to blow away teams, despite sitting comfortably at the top of the ladder.

“We are very happy with the position we have found ourselves in. It is great to see we are still playing the footy we want to play,” he said.

He said it would be easy for his team to ‘tone it down’ late in some games and finish 60 points ahead, but his players continued to ‘put the foot down’, leading to good, four-quarter performances.

Thompson said last week’s 159-point win against Pimpinio was an opportunity to see two

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teams at different stages of development.

He said key outs, including in the ruck, made the game harder for the Tigers, but a good midfield and impressive under-17s, who won the earlier game, would hold the losing team in good stead.

“They will continue to improve year on year,” he said.

Thompson said the experience of his team allowed players to react to different situations and wrestle back momentum when needed.

He said two best-on-ground performances in a row for Nick Pekin was a sign of the form he has been in since spending more time forward.

He said Will Burbury’s ability to

‘set the tone’ and burst out of the midfield would be needed against Edenhope-Apsley.

Thompson said Mitch Grant starred last week to finish with six goals and his forward pressure helped Harrow-Balmoral to record only 10 inside-50s that did not result in a score.

Ahead of Saturday’s game, Thompson said the rivalry between the two clubs was in the back of players’ minds and he looked forward to the challenge of facing the Saints twice in four weeks, with the two teams playing again in round 14.

with Kuges, Cobba, Easty & Hugh

with Sean O’Connell

EYES ON THE BALL: Noradjuha-Quantong goal shooter Shannon Couch is closely guarded by Taylors Lake’s Chloe Kelm.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

wiMMera LeaGue

Top-of-the-table showdown on Sunday

Sunday brings a top-of-the-table clash in Wimmera league A Grade netball as Horsham Saints host Horsham.

The Saints are undefeated and Horsham has only lost one game – a four-goal loss to the Saints in round two during the clubs’ marquee game to acknowledge Anzac Day.

Both teams enter round 11 with convincing wins under their belts and will play a high-speed, highly contested game against each other.

Demons coach Tiffany Heir said it was exciting to be facing the Saints again.

“I’m looking forward to the intensity of the game – being indoors

it will be high speed and of a high ability level,” she said.

“I think both teams match up quite well – we both have tall goal shooters; we both have a solid defence, so it’s going to be a good game.

“I don’t think they had their full team last time we played them, and we didn’t have our full side, so with eight weeks between our last game and the way both sides have progressed, it’s going to be exciting.”

Heir said the team was achieving great results as a relatively new line-up in comparison to 2022.

“We lost five players from last year, so it’s taken time to settle,

develop and for the new players to get used to my coaching style,” she said.

“But I am really happy to see the progress this team has made.

“Our defence is very strong and it’s good to have Ebonie Salter and Marnie Lehmann back.

“Their experience is so beneficial – Demons are traditionally a young side, so to have some older heads is great.

“To see how far Romi Miller has come playing alongside them – she is playing phenomenal – and for Imogen Worthy to be playing a senior role in the goal ring is so nice to see.”

Rory Doran and Erin Mellington

AFTER THE SIREN

combine well in defence for the Saints and will pose a challenge for the Demons’ attackers.

Nhill will look to continue its winning form when it lines up against Ararat, which will have to perform well to reposition itself as a chance at the top five.

Dimboola will hope to redeem itself this weekend and takes on Warrack Eagles at its first home game since round seven.

Stawell looks too strong for Minyip-Murtoa as it comes off an eight-goal win against Southern Mallee Giants.

Pelican Cup up for grabs

Horsham and Horsham

Saints senior footballers will compete on Sunday for the Pelican Cup – an annual accolade for the winners of a cross-town rivalry contest.

The Pelican Cup is presented in memory of a stalwart of both Wimmera league clubs, John ‘Pelican’ O’Callaghan.

Horsham coach Tyler Blake said the Demons and Saints’ match-up was always a tight battle, no matter where the teams were positioned on the ladder.

“It will be a challenge as the Saints have been in good form this season, so I am looking forward to seeing where we are against them,” he said.

“We will just have to play our brand of football.

“Two 19 year-olds, Ben Janetzki and Brody Pope, have been doing good work in the midfield.”

Blake said he was pleased to see everyone played well against Minyip-Murtoa last week.

“It was the first time we’ve probably played the football we have been trying to play this season,” he said.

“We played three-and-a-half quarters of consistent football. The last 10 minutes of the game was an arm wrestle and they kicked two goals.

“We couldn’t score after that to

get back at them, but there were positive signs to take away from the game.”

Horsham Saints coach Ben Knott said the team always looked forward to playing against the Demons.

“The Pelican Cup, and playing on a Sunday, means there’s extra incentive to win,” he said.

“It’s going to be a cracking contest – they are a young and quick side, so we will be working hard to keep up with them.”

Knott said he was happy with a team performance from the Saints against Warrack Eagles in round 10.

“It’s the first time in a long time we have kicked more than 100 points,” he said.

“Our leaders led from the front and our young ones rose to the occasion.

“Our backline was strong and rebounded well – while Jarrod Garth kicked 10 goals, which was a solid effort.”

Ararat will return from a bye to face Nhill, which suffered an eightgoal loss to Dimboola last week.

Jarryd Dahlenburg is hitting his stride and playing well for the Tigers, while Cody Lindsay is in good form and is one to watch for the Rats.

The Roos will look for a comfortable win against the Eagles.

Aisea Raikiwasa is performing well for the green-and-gold and Eagles Matthew Johns will aim for another standout game.

Stawell is bound to push MinyipMurtoa, which scraped over the line against Horsham and will look to remedy its low-scoring start with a strong performance this week.

The Warriors trailed Southern Mallee Giants all match and will also aim for a redeeming game.

Jarrod Stafford will be one to watch for an impressive repeat game this week for Stawell, while the Burras’ Tanner Smith continues a consistent season.

shirtfront the

with Kuges, Cobba, Easty & Hugh

Senior football

The match of the round: Horsham v Minyip-Murtoa. The Demons really pushed Minyip-Murtoa last week – it wasn’t a very high-scoring game and it wasn’t great weather. Horsham is a young side – this year they are playing about where I’d expect them to be – but give them three or four years and it will be a pretty handy team. The Burras have been disappointing for me as I thought they would be top-two but with a few injuries they haven’t had their full team.

The standout player: Horsham Saints’ Jarrod Garth has to be the standout this week. You don’t see many players kick 10 goals anymore, especially out of a team’s total of 16 for the game. He had a few weeks off for a hamstring injury and I don’t think it’s done him any harm – he had big raps coming from the Geelong Football League, so his performance doesn’t surprise me.

The rising star: Horsham Demons’ Benjamin Janetzki is a good little player. It is only his second year in the seniors, and he is consistently in the top two or three best players. He has lots of potential as a good midfielder.

A Grade netball

The match of the round: Nhill v Dimboola. The traditional rivalry continues out west and the Tigers beat the Roos in the smallest margin of the round for the netball. It was a great win to come from seven goals down and defeat Dimboola. It has swapped the teams’ positions on the ladder and as both teams will aim to remain in the top five and maybe even squeeze into third position for a second chance at finals, it was an important win.

The standout player: After returning from a couple of weeks off for an injury, Nhill’s Jenna Schneider was a standout last week. She’s a ripper across the court and playing in the goal ring has been crucial for the team. At only 18 years-old she takes her netball seriously and is very talented.

The rising star: Nhill, as a team, is a rising star. They have done well to have an A Grade team this year and are exceeding expectations. It’s not easy to go from a B Grade team and no A Grade to a successful A Grade team, but coaches Tracey Bell and Emma Hawker are moulding their squad well.

CAUGHT: Dimboola’s Will Griffiths tackles Glen Saniong, Nhill, during Saturday’s round-10 clash. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

SPort Volleyballers crowned

BY DAVID BERRY

Hellenic Nuggets has made it back-to-back Volleyball Horsham A Grade titles with a solid four-set victory against Phantoms in the grand final.

Hellenic Nuggets went into the final as warm favorites, but Phantoms struck early when they took the first set 25-23 on the back of some power hitting from Jack Exell and Will Saligari.

Nuggets were quick to settle in the second set with a change in their defensive structure, which quietened the big-hitting Exell, enabling Nuggets to win 25-16.

The third set went point-for-point until 23-23, when Tom Roberts with his middle attacks became too much for the Phantoms defence, giving Nuggets the two points to win the set and momentum going into the last.

This is where Roberts and Tamikah Dockrill took charge, with Dockrill strong on serve and Roberts unstoppable through the middle and before long the score had raced to 13-4 and then it was a matter of how far Nuggets, who went on to win the fourth set 25-17, could go.

In A Reserve, the younger Hurricanes were too good when it counted, beating Waterhammers in straight sets 26-24, 25-20, 27-25.

In the women’s grand final, Bingo Biddies, who went through the season undefeated, claimed their first title with

a straight-sets win against Heidelberg. Heidelberg had no answer to the powerful serve of Kymberley Murray, who was on song from the start, enabling her team to win 26-24, 25-12, 25-18.

In a highly entertaining B Grade grand final, Dommi Nators looked in trouble early when Scemps took the first set 27-25, but the minor premiers hit back hard to take the second 25-11.

Both teams went point for point in the third with Dommi Nators eventually prevailing 25-23. They then powered away to win the fourth set 25-16 to claim their first title.

The match of the night was undoubtedly the C Grade grand final between Spike It Up and Stars, which went the distance, with the young boys from Horsham College coming from two sets to one down and 0-6 in the final set to win an epic final 15-13 in the decider.

The young Stars showed the benefit of a solid month of playing and training, refusing to yield to their older opponents to score a memorable win.

The junior grand final was earlier this month with Novas scoring a straight sets win against minor premiers HTLC Cubs.

Presentation night

At the association’s presentation night the season’s best players were acknowledged in each grade.

A Grade: Robinson Medalist MVP –Tyler Puls, Hellenic Nuggets; runner-up

– Jack Exell, Phantoms. Abud Medal

Air-Con & Refrigeration Mechanic Apprenticeship & Apprentice Plumber

Horsham

Closing date: ASAP

Requirements:

• Physically fit & good mobillity

• Current driver’s licence and reliable transport (desirable)

• Willing to obtain a Police Check and/or Medical

• Working At Heights Competency

• White Card

• This role requires staff to be fully vaccinated for COVID-19

For more information contact Chris Barber on 0427 346 655.

Apprentice Chef

Horsham

Closing date: July 4, 2023

Requirements:

• Passion for cooking and culinary arts

• Ability to work well in a team environment

• Strong attention to detail and ability to multitask

• Ability to work a flexible schedule, including evenings, weekends, and holidays

For more information contact Paul Barnett on 0458 706 272.

– Nathan Berry, Heidleberg. McIntyre Medal – Molly Carter, Heidleberg.

A Reserve: Alexander Medalist MVP –Adam Harrison, Von Steiger Shadows; runner-up – Tim O’Donnell, Von Steiger Shadows. Abud Medal – Alex Baker, Hurricanes. McIntyre Medal – Sophie Quick, Kiss My Ace.

Women: MVP – Molly Carter, Heidelberg; runner- up – Kymberley Murray, Bingo Biddies. McIntyre Medal – Maddison Watts, Rangers.

B Grade: Radford Medal MVP – Sebastian Maggs, Scemps; runner-up – Noah Werry, Dommi Nators. Abud Medal – Pat Pignataro, Team USA. McIntyre Medal – Lily Adams, Dommi Nators.

C Grade: O’Connor Medal MVP –Sebastian Le Roux, HTLC Tigers; runner-up – Alex Bebero, Breakers. Abud Medal – Isaac McPherson, KFC. McIntyre Medal – Breanna Russell, KFC. Juniors: Ladlow Medal MVP – Jared Ferguson, Novas; runner-up – Sam Chaplin, Vipers. Abud Medal – Oscar Patten, Phantoms. McIntyre Medal –Ava Jackson, HTLC Tigers.

Entries open

Team and individual entries are now being taken for the winter season, which starts on Monday, July 24 for B, C and junior grades and Wednesday, July 26 for A, A Reserve and women’s competitions. Visit the association’s website www. volleyballhorsham.com.au to enter. Entries close on July 19.

Water Operations Traineeship

Edenhope

Closing date: ASAP

Requirements:

• Competent computer skills

• Sound verbal and written communication and able to work in a team

• Ability to follow operational policies

• Willingness to commit to work and study

• Evidence of COVID 19 vaccination required

• Police check required

For more information contact Shane Cross on 0418 564 890.

Parts Interpreter Apprenticeship

Donald

Closing date: ASAP

Requirements:

• Aptitude for mechanics and electronics

• Willingness to commit to work and study

• Basic Automotive knowledge (highly regarded)

• Current driver’s licence and reliable transport (desirable)

For more information contact Kate Clark on 0428 971 821.

WINNING DOUBLE: While most on the track at Horsham Racing Centre on Monday were cursing the weather, Stawell trainer Chris Blake, Charlton driver Ryan Sanderson and owners, the McLean Bennett and Blake families, were ‘Singin’ in the Rain’ after notching up a winning double with eight-year-old gelding Straight Up in the Magnum Equine Pace and six-year-old mare Tic Tact in the Zilco International Pace. Straight Up, above, is pictured with, from left, Sanderson, Chris Blake, his daughter Melissa and Neil McLean. A nine-event card of harness racing action featured throughout the day.

Aussie Rollers finish seventh

Horsham wheelchair basketballer

Jannik Blair and the Aussie Rollers finished outside of a medal-finish at the 2022 International Wheelchair Basketball Federation world championships in Dubai.

The Australian team defeated Germany 59-57 to finish the tournament in seventh place.

The Rollers went through its group stage undefeated but lost to Canada and eventual champions USA.

The USA defeated Great Britain 67-66 in the final.

Blair averaged 24 minutes and three points a game for the tournament.

Aged Care Support Traineeship

Stawell

Closing date: ASAP

Requirements:

• Caring & patient individual with passion for industry

• Positive attitude and able to adapt to varying situations

• Physically fit and enjoy being active

• Current National Police Check Clearance

• This role requirements staff to be fully vaccinated against Influenza & Covid-19

For a confidential discussion, please contact Daryl Eastwell on 0407 364 654.

Panel Beater & Assembler

Horsham

Closing date: ASAP

Requirements

• Attention to detail & good time management skills

• Mechanical aptitude

• Must have a team first attitude

• Willingness to learn

• Trade specific qualification desirable

To discuss this role further, contact Paul Barnett on 0458 706 272.

Nhill thrill

boosted their ladder standing after a thrilling home-court win against Dimboola in round 10 of Wimmera league on Saturday. Nhill’s

looks to shoot a goal as Dimboola’s Indy Ward and Holly Ross defend in the Tigers’ 46-42 win. Nhill trailed by seven goals at quarter time before working their way back to tie the scores at the final break. The two teams have swapped ladder positions and are separated by percentage in fourth and fifth.

Nhill A Grade netballers have

Jenna Schneider

Story, page 69

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER