Stawell left smiling
BY BRONWYN HASTINGS
Australia’s oldest and most prestigious footrace, the Stawell Gift, brought thousands of people to the region across the Easter weekend, giving the community more traction in its bushfire recovery.
Grampians Tourism chief executive Marc Sleeman said the town’s biggest event again captured the imagination of the country and attracted international attention, leaving the region ‘buzzing’.
“The Gift brings people from all over the state and country, and international competitors, which brings a really important economic boost,
particularly after the challenges of the start of the year,” he said.
“To see the town full instils a real sense of pride in the community. They can push out their chests as they walk around the streets, which is really important because we’ve been so significantly impacted by the loss of income during the January fires.”
Mr Sleeman said accommodation was widely booked – the nearest available for Melbourne visitors was Ballarat.
“Easter is very much a familyfocused weekend, and this year we’re seeing a lot of people staying on during the week between the two long weekends,” he said.
“We’ll hopefully have an increased
injection of spending across not just the Grampians, but the Wimmera and Mallee too.”
Mr Sleeman said events such as the Stawell Gift could bring people to the region for the first time.
“They are almost like an appetizer, they come back again,” he said.
“The Gift secures national coverage for our region – there’s drone footage with Grampians National Park in the background, and the commentary talked to all parts of the region, such as the silo art trail and weekends at Dunkeld.
“It puts a spotlight on Stawell, but it also amplifies the whole region.”
Tourism, Sport and Major Events Minister Steve Dimopoulos attended
the Gift on Monday, and said the event was a boost to the community.
“The Grampians region is an iconic part of regional Victoria,” he said.
“Events like the Stawell Gift support Grampians small businesses, fill accommodation and provide a boost to the entire Stawell community.”
Mr Sleeman said the Gift also inspired young athletes.
“I don’t think you can underestimate the power that this has for young kids in our region – they go to the event, they see these amazing athletes and it gives them something to aspire to,” he said.
“My 10-year-old daughter is talking about running in the event now, she’s been training with the Swifts – it in-
spires a generation to go on to bigger and better things.”
Reflecting on the Gift’s outcome, Mr Sleeman said high-profile runner Gout Gout brought extra interest to the race.
“To have a runner like Gout Gout involved put a little bit extra shine on the event, but, win, lose or draw, the winner is the Grampians region,” he said.
The region’s food and wine will be showcased at the Grampians Grape Escape on May 2, 3 and 4, again boosting tourism to the area in an otherwise quiet period.
“With these events, people are staying in all corners of the region, it fills up the whole destination,” Mr Sleeman said.
ON A HIGH: Rain did not dampen the spirits of the 9000-strong crowd at the 143rd annual Stawell Gift on Monday; the biggest crowd in about 40 years gathering to watch favourite Gout Gout compete in Australia’s oldest footrace. Gout, pictured with fans, said he loved his debut Stawell Gift experience, despite failing to qualify for the final against eventual winner John Evans. For more on the Gift, see pages 18, 42 and 43.
Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
HRCC NEWS
We sat down with our newly elected Councillors to get to know them a little better.
After having a chat with Cr Rebecca Sluggett earlier this year, next up is Cr Dean O'Loughlin from the Green Park Ward.
What do you enjoy about living in our municipality?
Get to know your Councillors: Cr Dean O'Loughlin Meeting gathers mine concerns ahead of HRCC submission
My favourite part of living in Horsham is our Wimmera River. We are so lucky to have such a beautiful stretch of water running through town. I never miss an opportunity to spend time along the Wimmera River banks, walking the dog or just enjoying the natural landscape and wildlife.
Our people are also a major asset of our municipality. I have lifelong friends here that I don’t take for granted. I know my fair share of people, as I grew up here, but I have been loving meeting more good people through this new role as a Councillor. I love socialising, so I find that there is plenty of opportunities to do that, in and around town too.
What inspired you to become a councillor?
I am not one to sit back and not have a go. This is something that I have been interested in for a long time.
Right now, it was just right for me to have the time and energy to dedicate to the Council role. I think that I have something to offer Council and moving the municipality forward in a positive way. I love working within and for the Community. I am glad that I took the leap and privileged to be granted the opportunity by voters.
How have you found the first three months?
I would be lying if I said that it hasn’t been mega-hectic and maybe I am crazy, but I have loved every minute of the journey so far. Yes, it’s been a steep learning curve and there have been challenges but this group of councillors is really tight-knit, supportive and dedicated to working towards better outcomes. I am really enjoying adding any knowledge I have to that dynamic.
What are your main goals for our community during your term?
I would really like to be an active part of creating opportunities for our community and municipality to grow in a vibrant but sustainable way.
I will continue to work with my fellow councillors and operational staff to source and utilise a diversity of funding options to create enhanced liveability for the whole community. Recently, we have been thrust into a new world of enhanced industrial and economic growth. Our part of the world has become very attractive to industries like mining, energy, manufacturing and processing. With that, will also come great opportunities for our community, along with challenges such as, the need for enhanced housing and services.
My goal is to keep the lines of communication open with all stakeholders and local community members, supporting individuals, families, groups and businesses through stages of change and potential municipal growth.
I am also a stanch advocate for multiculturalism and celebrating diversity in our community. I want to support opportunities for everyone in our community to enjoy all that we have to offer, within inclusive and accepting environments. I will continue to explore mechanisms for this to happen for our local Indigenous community and peoples from all nationalities that visit and call Horsham Rural City home.
What are some of your hobbies or interests outside of your work as a councillor?
I don’t get as many opportunities as I used to, but I love caravanning (not camping) with my fiancé and friends. Hopefully I will get the caravan out one more time, before the Winter months close in.
Feedback gathered at a Dooen community meeting will form part of Horsham Rural City Council’s latest submission to the Victorian Government on the proposed Avonbank mineral sands mine.
About 100 residents gathered last Tuesday night in what was HRCC’s first public forum on the project and comes as WIM Resource prepares its application for a mining licence — the next stage in the state government’s approvals process.
The mine has already cleared the critical hurdle of environmental effects statement (EES) approval, granted by the Victorian Government last year.
Council will now compile the feedback into a formal submission to the state government as part of the mining licence application process.
The generation of dust from tailings stockpiles, water usage during drought conditions, and whether the land could be returned to productive farmland once mining is complete were among the concerns voiced.
Questions were also raised about social matters, with locals worried that an influx of mine workers could strain the already tight rental market and childcare availability.
Several attendees expressed frustration that this was the first mining-focused community meeting held by Council, saying it should have occurred earlier in the planning process.
Dust and radiation exposure were key topics, with HRCC noting in its 2023 ESS submission that while the radiation assessment appears thorough and within accepted dose limits, uncertainties remain — particularly around the drying process of tailings prior to being buried.
As the material dries, it can produce dust, which may not have been fully considered in previous risk assessments.
Council will ask that the stockpiles are enclosed in sheds to prevent dust from becoming airborne, stating that sprinkler systems alone are insufficient.
HRCC is also calling for long-term environmental monitoring at the site, not just during early operations, and has reiterated concerns about potential damage to local roads caused by mining traffic. It has recommended that the company use rail to transport heavy mineral concentrate (HMC) to the Port of Portland to mitigate this impact.
WIM Resource estimates the Avonbank project will indirectly support 967 full-time equivalent jobs over the life of the mine.
The proposed mine is part of a broader push by the Victorian Government to capitalise on the state’s critical mineral reserves.
Last November, the government released a Critical Minerals Roadmap, highlighting the Wimmera and southern Mallee as key mineral-rich regions. Victoria is estimated to hold 33 million tonnes of zircon — about 27 per cent of the world’s known reserves.
Council is expected to submit its formal feedback to the state government in the coming weeks. It will be made public.
Next Council Meeting: Monday, April 28, 2025 - 5.30pm Horsham Rural City Council: 18 Roberts Avenue Horsham | Postal
HORSHAM RURAL CITY TALKS
Council is developing its Council Plan and reviewing the Community Vision to ensure it is in line with the communities hopes, aspirations and priorities and want your input into that process.
We encourage all members of our community to participate in our survey and/or register to attend in person workshops which will inform the renewal of these key documents.
Survey closes Friday 2 May.
For details visit the Engage Horsham section of HRCC's website
TENDERS AND RFQ
Q22/2025 RELEVELLING OF HAMILTON HALL Closes Friday 9 May
All tender, EOI and RFQ details at hrcc.vic.gov.au
Council's Event Grants Program helps not-for-profit groups in the municipality deliver inclusive community events for our Horsham Municipality.
During the last round of funding, 25 events received a total of $69,960 in assistance from the program.
Start planning for applications to open on 1 May.
Pet registrations were due on 10 April and are now overdue.
While it is a legal requirement to have your pet registered and wearing a Council-issued tag, it is also important so we can return your animal to you quickly if it is lost.
Animal registration fees directly fund a wide range of Council services, such as animal management, responding to roaming animals, the care of impounded animals and after-hours ranger services.
You can pay your pet registration at the Civic Centre or on the HRCC website.
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| Email: council@hrcc.vic.gov.au | Web: www.hrcc.vic.gov.au
Community helps shape submission
BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY
About 100 community members gathered at Dooen Hall on Tuesday last week as Horsham Rural City Council hosted its first public forum on a proposed openpit mine in the region.
The planned Avonbank Mineral Sands Project, which would cover more than 3000 hectares in the Dooen region, recently received Federal Government approval under the Environment Protection and Biodiversity Conservation Act 1999, as well as a State Government environmental effects statement, EES, although an application for a mining licence is still pending.
Some community members have opposed the planned mine, citing concerns ranging from compulsory land acquisition to the threat of dust and a permanent loss of agricultural land.
In March, the Horsham council scrapped a memorandum of understanding with mine operator WIM Resource pending a review.
Horsham Mayor Ian Ross chaired the public meeting last week and said it had been a good opportunity for councillors and council officials to
Ready to launch
Hynes Reserve’s concrete ramp will be completed in coming weeks, giving boaters better access to Rocklands Reservoir and its stocked Murray cod and golden perch populations.
Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water received funding in 2022 from the Better Boating Fund to build the ramp, but work ceased when water levels became too high.
Victorian Fisheries Authority chief executive Travis Dowling and Outdoor Recreation Minister Steve Dimopoulos were among those who met at the ramp yesterday to announce its completion.
Mr Dowling said Rocklands had been stocked with more than fivemillion fish since 2016.
“Murray cod and golden perch are bringing people from all over the state. And now we’re about to extend the boat ramp another 15 metres to make it a 365-day-a-year launching ramp,” he said.
Rocklands Reservoir is also home to redfin and trout, making it a yearround fishery.
hear the community’s thoughts on the mine firsthand.
“It went well. There was a lot of good discussion and good points made,” Cr Ross said.
“It was an opportunity for the community to help inform our briefing in relation to our mining licence submission.”
Cr Ross said the public shared several concerns about the proposed mine at the meeting.
“People are concerned about potential risk from dust – the risk of pollution in their rainwater tanks,” he said.
“If dust does blow off the site … they are concerned about silicosis or heavy-metal and other contamination in dust loads.
“We know from the Kanagulk mine where they said they would water the site down to stop dust, it didn’t stop the dust. When there’s a big wind event on, we know you can’t get enough water on the site to stop the dust.
“We’re told they’ll water it down, but it’s been a failed methodology at other mines and we’re really concerned.”
Cr Ross said land rehabilitation after mining operations concluded was also
a topic of discussion. “We have never seen any scientific data to prove that you can restore the land – it’s all been verbal,” he said.
“They’ve said ‘we can restore it’ but to date from any of the mining companies we’ve never seen data on a properly constructed agricultural trial with controls and proper scientific rigour. ‘We feel we can’ is just not good enough.”
Cr Ross said the mine could see farming families that had occupied their land for generations displaced.
“We have a family, who have the ashes of their father … spread on one of their paddocks,” he said.
“That’s a real concern emotionally and socially. We hope that issue can be addressed – as in that area is left alone.”
Company confident
WIM Resource director of projects Michael Winternitz said the company was confident its dust-suppression methods would be effective.
“WIM will use a range of leadingpractice dust suppression techniques, including water sprays, polymer stabilisers, and progressively rehabilitating disturbed areas with cover crops,” he said.
“Such methods are used effectively at numerous operating mineral sands sites across Australia.”
Mr Winternitz said other issues raised at the Dooen Hall meeting, including the use of water by the mine, were accounted for.
“On average, WIM will require approximately five megalitres per day of growth water, made available for mineral sand mining and other sectors, following a surplus of water generated by the installation of the WimmeraMallee Pipeline,” he said.
“GWMWater has conducted an assessment of regional water availability and infrastructure capacity to ensure that the volume allocated can be sustainably supplied without adversely affecting other users or environmental flows.
“As per its Urban and Rural Water Strategy, GWMWater has modelled future scenarios over a 50-year planning horizon to assess the medium to long-term water security for urban and rural users under a range of water demand and climate scenarios that will influence water resources.”
Mr Winternitz also disputed Cr Ross’s claim that there was no evidence to support WIM Resource’s
INVESTMENT: Outdoor Recreation Minister Steve Dimopoulos and Victorian Fisheries officer Imogen Paine near Hynes Reserve boat ramp to stock Murray cod in Rocklands. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
The reservoir has seen a major boost in outdoor recreation, with its annual economic contribution growing by 164 per cent in the past five years to $5.5-million, and visitation up 50 per cent to more than 25,000 people.
Mr Dimopoulos said Rocklands was among Australia’s most heavily stocked lakes.
“It is rapidly gaining a reputation for fantastic freshwater fishing for iconic native species,” he said.
“We know Victorians cherish time spent on the water with loved ones, which is why we continue to invest in better boating facilities including ramps.”
The Better Boating Fund invests all revenue from recreational boating licences and registration fees into upgrades and programs that benefit boaters.
Since 2021, more than $100-million has been invested into more than 50 ramp upgrades across Victoria,
including at Rocklands, Toolondo Reservoir, Lake Lonsdale and Taylors Lake.
Mr Dowling said there was free camping around most of the lake.
“You can come, you can bring your dog to a lot of the places, and you can have a campfire,” he said.
“You can disconnect and leave your worries behind, it’s a beautiful place.
“Rocklands Reservoir is now the jewel in the crown of native fishing in Victoria.”
claim that it could rehabilitate land used for mining. “WIM established a rehabilitation trial at the Avonbank mine site, which has resulted in the successful establishment of crops on mined land,” he said.
“The monitoring results from this trial were presented with the EES and were examined by a range of experts and the EES inquiry and advisory committee.”
But Cr Ross questioned whether the EES obtained by WIM Resource should remain valid, amid an ongoing investigation into whether the mine operator misled the public during its engagement campaign in 2023.
“There were concerns raised by the community about the ongoing police investigation in relation to the submissions to the EES by WIM Resource,” Cr Ross said.
“There was a strong feeling there that it’s not appropriate to give approval to a mining licence until that investigation is completed.
“If the allegations are proven, then there is an issue in relation to the approval of an EES on data that doesn’t have the rigour it should.”
On-site food services safe
Grampians Health staff have moved to quash speculation about further job losses at the Horsham campus following news earlier this year that the site would relocate the majority of its laundry operations to Ballarat.
Some community members with ties to Grampians Health expressed concerns to The Weekly Advertiser that a closure of boilers associated with the laundry could compromise the hospital’s capacity to deliver its current on-site food services.
But a Grampians Health spokesperson was emphatic that kitchen services would remain unaltered, with no job losses.
“Kitchen facilities are not being downgraded at our Horsham campus,” they said.
“Our dietitians are currently reviewing the menu to align with newly released food standards.
“This review also aims to ensure consistency in recipes across all campuses while continuing to provide nutritious and high-quality meals to our patients.
“No jobs at our Horsham kitchen are being impacted.”
Fire services levy ‘misleading’
BY BRONWYN HASTINGS
The Emergency Services Volunteer Fund, proposed to replace the Fire Services Property Levy, has been met with resistance across several Victorian organisations and labelled ‘misleading’.
District 17 Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria, VFBV, state councillor Matt Webb – along with Member for Lowan Emma Kealy, United Firefighters Union branch secretary Peter Marshall and councillors across several municipalities – has publicly objected to the implementation of the new fund.
“The new fund not only places a considerable financial burden on landholders, it is still insufficient to service the CFA appropriately,” he said.
“We are only funding new fire trucks at half the level required to address the ageing fleet problem.
“We are in one of the most fire-prone areas in the world – this funding needs to be made a priority.”
Mr Webb said the use of the word ‘volunteer’ in the name of the fund was completely inappropriate.
“Only a small percentage of the fund would go to volunteer agencies,” he said.
“The current levy only funds Fire Rescue Victoria and CFA – treasury’s own figures have detailed that 25 per cent of all funds collected have gone to CFA in the past two years, the remaining 75 per cent goes to FRV.
“That’s 25 cents out of every dollar going to CFA.”
The new fund would finance: Triple Zero Victoria; Emergency Management Victoria, EMV; EMV-run State Control Centre; EMV’s Emergency Recovery Victoria; EMV-run Emergency Alert Program; EMV-run Emergency Management Operational Communication Program; Forrest Fire Management Victoria and its support functions within Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action; VICSES; and CFA.
“Of these agencies, only VICSES and CFA have volunteers. Ninety-five per cent of their budgets will now be financed by the new fund – $320-million for CFA and $71-million for VICSES,” Mr Webb said.
“But the proposed additional $10-million in CFA fleet funding is still not nearly enough. The CFA requires at least $55-million each year, approximately 100 trucks, to replace the ageing fleet.
“Of the additional $610-million raised in the first year and $765-million in the second year, eight per cent of that is set to be allocated to the CFA and SES collectively in year one, and 6.5 per cent in year two.”
Mr Marshall said meetings were taking place in urban areas, and may continue into regional areas.
“People can meet their firefighters and learn about the challenges they face; 42 per cent of fire trucks are out of date, and a lot of equipment needs to be replaced,” he said.
“The current fire levy system came out of the Bushfire Rural Commission after extensive evidence and forensic analysis, and funds CFA and FRV. There’s no reason to change it.”
Mr Marshall said the extra agencies listed in the fund were already funded by consolidated revenue.
“The taxes people already pay fund
those services, so there’s no reduction in the funding that’s currently in place,” he said.
“We’d like to see a parliamentary inquiry where these matters can be agitated and they can be ventilated in a proper forum.”
Ms Kealy said farmers would be hit the hardest by the new fund.
“Farmers’ contribution will increase from $76-million a year to about $204-million a year,” she said.
“That is money out of country Victoria that is going to be funnelled into major core government services, which are predominantly to service people who live in Melbourne.
“It is not coming back to our region to help fund CFA volunteers to make sure they have up-to-date appliances.
“We need to stand up for CFA volunteers and vote down this tax.”
Yarriambiack Mayor Kylie Zanker said the fund would place further financial strain on residential rate payers, and see councils face criticism.
Mr Webb said he and the VFBV supported fair, sustainable funding arrangements.
“We certainly do not support regional and rural communities being asked to absorb an unfair proportion of the pain,” he said.
“And we do not support the government trying to add seven government bodies to the levy, and abdicating its responsibilities and pretending it is doing this all for volunteers.
“We support fair funding arrangements that would provide CFA and VicSES with equitable and sustainable means to ensure that every community in Victoria has a strong, fit-forpurpose volunteer emergency service.
“It is envisaged we will see our rates arrears increase in the coming years, due to this fund being applied,” she said. “If the community is not informed about how this fund is being administered and the reasons for its introduction, it is likely council may face criticism and reputational damage, as it will be deemed a councilimposed levy.”
“But this bill isn’t it.”
Easter police blitz
Victoria Police has launched 10-day statewide blitz Operation Compass across the consecutive Easter and Anzac Day long weekends, targeting speeding, impaired and unauthorised drivers.
Horsham-based Acting Inspector Eddie Malpas said motorists can expect to be intercepted and tested while out on the roads.
“The operation involves every available police unit right across the state, so there will be a major police presence on our roads,” he said.
“Easter is a high-risk period for us, we do see an increase of poor driving behaviours, and there will be zero tolerance.”
Police are also targeting fatigue, distraction and seatbelt compliance during the operation.
Analysis of two years of collision data has shown a trend of impaired drivers carrying passengers – there were 385 collisions causing injury and a further 18 causing death.
A total of 989 people were impacted by collisions in 2023-24, of these 32 per cent were aged 18 to 24 years, and 20 per cent were aged 30 to 39 years. Males made up 73 per cent of impaired drivers.
Acting Inspector Malpas said everyone was responsible for road safety.
“Passengers should never get in the car with a driver who has been drinking alcohol or taking drugs,” he said.
“Speak up – if you have a gut feeling that something isn’t right, say so. You might save your or their lives.
“At the end of the day, we just want everyone to make it home safely to their families and we’ll be doing everything we can to ensure that happens.”
During last year’s Easter and Anzac Day holiday period, police conducted more than 246,000 preliminary breath tests and more than 5000 roadside drug tests, with 399 drink drivers and 280 drug drivers caught.
Operation Compass concludes on Sunday.
High angle rescue at Arapiles
A climber was airlifted to The Alfred hospital in a stable condition on Thursday after falling at Mount Arapiles.
PAUL CARRACHER
SHOWCASE: Wheatlands Agricultural Machinery Museum welcomed visitors throughout the Easter long weekend. The venue hosted a vintage machinery rally, demonstrations, stalls, children’s activities, food and live entertainment on Sunday, in collaboration with Warracknabeal Easter Festival. Grampian Model Railroaders president Andrew Gray is pictured with the club’s miniature railway exhibit at the museum. For more pictures of Warracknabeal Easter Festival, see page 19. For more on the vintage machinery, see next week’s AgLife edition.
Ambulance Victoria, VICSES, CFA and Fire Rescue Victoria crews per-
formed a high angle rescue and carried out the man, aged in his 20s.
Paramedics treated the man for upper body injuries at the scene before he was flown to Melbourne.
Picture:
Day Run & Walk
Record-breaking Good Friday
BY BRONWYN HASTINGS
Victorian communities raised a record-breaking $23,822,792 for the Royal Children’s Hospital’s annual Good Friday Appeal, $3-million of which will benefit regional health services.
Building on the $2.5-million provided regionally last year, the funding will benefit 41 health services across five regional areas in Barwon South West, Gippsland, Hume, Grampians, and Loddon Mallee, 35 more services than last year.
Good Friday Appeal executive director Rebecca Cowan said the investment would deliver paediatric-specific equipment and advanced training programs.
“Every child, no matter where they live, deserves access to the best healthcare available,” she said.
“This $3-million investment ensures regional health services can provide exceptional care closer to home, making a real difference in the lives of families across Victoria.”
A new play facility will be established to enhance family accommodation and provide comfort to young patients and their families in the Grampians, while in Loddon Mallee, a virtual triaging and intake project will improve access to allied health services.
“This is the second year the Good Friday Appeal is giving funding to regional health services,” Ms Cowan said.
“The health services worked together to identify where the greatest need was and then together with the Royal Children’s Hospital, we’re now able to get $3-million out to regional health services.”
Ms Cowan said the generosity and dedication of communities across Victoria had been instrumental in making this funding possible.
“Victoria’s regional communities are the
OUT AND ABOUT: Horsham Fire Brigade captain Marc Ampt, junior member James Letts, firefighters Rob Letts and Simon Foster collect a donation from Annabelle Walker for the Good Friday Appeal. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
heart of the Good Friday Appeal,” she said.
“This incredible contribution is a testament to the strength and generosity of people who continue to support our mission year after year.”
Regional and rural Victoria raised $5,428,009, with many volunteers collecting including about 200 CFA brigades – a 74-year tradition for the 80-year-old authority, which has raised more than $41-million in that time.
“Regional supporters every year get behind the Good Friday Appeal and this year across the state and southern New South Wales, $5.4-million was raised through the regions, which is just a staggering and outstanding amount,” Ms Cowan said.
“The connection, the care, every year they get behind the Good Friday Appeal.
“Some towns, really small towns to the larger towns, whether they’re volunteering
or whether it’s $2, $5, it all adds up and it makes a huge difference.
“A very big thank you to everyone who got involved, whether you were shaking a tin, volunteering, or donating, you are making such big changes in the lives of sick kids and their families, not just at the Royal Children’s Hospital, but across the state as well at regional health services.”
Final totals included: Ararat $44,466; Dimboola $16,620; Edenhope $684; Glenorchy $659; Goroke $8341; Harrow $881; Hopetoun $4338; Horsham $69,040; Jeparit $1063; Kaniva $3031; Marnoo $1473; Murtoa $5093; Natimuk $7502; Nhill $16,466; Pomonal $61,018; Rainbow $5736; Rupanyup $4698; St Arnaud $26,543; Stawell $53,181; Warracknabeal $34,029; Willaura $16,078; and Telangatuk East, $26,458.
VOLUNTEERS: From left, Courtney Trembearth, Georgia Walsh, Nikita Claassen and Julia Hastings collecting in Horsham. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
Australian Greens: Nicole Rowan; Australian Citizens Party: Chris Lahy; Pauline Hanson’s One Nation: Vaughan Williams; Family First: Ashleigh Gray; The Nationals: Dr Anne Webster; Australian Labor Party: Greg Olson; Libertarian Party: Jeff Barry; Trumpet Of Patriots: Adam Veitch.
Chaired by The Weekly Advertiser Editorial Director Lauren Henry
United in sharing connections
BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY
More than 300 people braved wet and windy conditions at Mt Arapiles-Dyurrite on Sunday to take part in a Shared not Shut vigil calling for continued access to the mountain.
Organisers convened the vigil in response to Parks Victoria plans, announced in November last year, to close several rock-climbing routes and trails at the mountain to the public in an effort to protect Aboriginal cultural heritage sites. Vigil organiser Ashlee Hendy said the community overwhelmingly believed Aboriginal cultural heritage should be protected, but that outdoor recreation activities could co-exist alongside heritage sites.
She said the strong attendance at the vigil despite inclement weather showed how important the issue was to the region’s people.
“The community strength in supporting the cause in such terrible conditions I think really says a lot about the level of importance this issue has for the people who came,” she said.
“It’s not something just to turn up to for fun, it really means something to people if they’re going to show up on Easter Sunday in the middle of a windy rain storm.
“We had more than 300 people … and it was a really good mix of local community members from Natimuk, Horsham and surrounds, as well as climbers who were staying at the Pines campground and some who had travelled from further afield.”
Speakers at the vigil were local rock climbers Louise Shepherd and Simon Mentz, with attendees including 97-year-
SHARED NOT SHUT: Above, people brave the elements during a vigil calling for continued access to Mt Arapiles, and below right, Natimuk’s Jess Hopf, with Keith Lockwood, welcomes people to the event.
old Natimuk resident Valda Hateley and Natimuk CFA members.
Natimuk’s Jess Hopf welcomed attendees to the vigil, emphasising the importance of connection – both interpersonal and to place.
“This vigil is an opportunity to recognise and celebrate the diverse, interweaving connections that exist today, without placing one over another,” she said.
“Places like Dyurrite don’t just hold memories or personal meaning; they bring people together.
“They become common ground. They spark conversations, shared experiences, and lifelong friendships.
“It’s around places like this that communities form. And I am so honored to
be part of this community.” Ms Hendy said the sentiment at the vigil was upbeat.
“The team went into detail about acknowledging and respecting everyone’s connections to place, including traditional owners as well as climbers. It was about making room and not letting anyone’s feelings diminish those of others,” she said.
“It was a feeling of positivity from everyone. It was about taking a moment to acknowledge the importance of the place and sharing your stories with others.
“People were encouraged to talk to others that were attending and ask them about their experience and their stories.
“We wanted people to come together with sharing and with listening.”
Students delve into underground physics lab
A livestreamed look at the inner workings of the Stawell Underground Physics Lab, SUPL, doubled as an educational opportunity for students at Stawell Secondary College earlier this month.
Broadcast live as part of a webinar titled ‘Beyond the Stars – Astronomy Across the Globe’, the tour saw two of the school’s teachers join SUPL facility manager Kim Mintern-Lane, California Institute of Technology researcher Brandon Rodriguez, Caribbean Institute of Astronomy’s Isa Mohammed and ARC Centre of Excellence for Dark Matter Particle Physics education outreach manager Jackie Bondell.
Ms Bondell said the event represented a chance for researchers to share more information about the facility with a curious public.
“The public has been very interested in learning about SUPL,” she said.
“It has a growing profile, especially in the Stawell region, and people are very aware of it, but it’s obviously a place that’s very hard to access for the general public.
“I thought it would be worth doing a livestream event from there. Other labs that have restricted access, such as some of the underground caverns at CERN, in Switzerland, do the same thing.”
SUPL is located one kilometre underground in a former part of Stawell Gold Mine, and is one of two underground particle physics laboratories in the southern hemisphere.
It was established to help researchers study dark matter – a theoretical form of matter that does not interact with light or electromagnetic radiation.
SUPL was built deep underground in order to shield it from cosmic radiation
that could affect experimental results.
Ms Bondell said the livestream was designed to engage students.
“We wanted to create an educational event to tie in astronomy themes from around the world, bringing unique perspectives and addressing things like why we have a lab a kilometre underground when we’re trying to learn about space,” she said.
“We planned the livestream at a time when it would be available to US teachers and students as well as Australian teachers and students.
“The livestream included a presentation about the various types of telescopes we use to learn about the universe … a bit of a background on what dark matter is and some of the science behind the detector that’s going into SUPL and … a tour that included both
the outside of the lab in the mining tunnels and the inside of SUPL.
“Isa gave a talk about cultural astronomy because we felt it was often a piece that is not discussed when you’re talking about the science of astronomy.
“Cultures all over the world have been using the sky for their own timekeeping, harvesting, storytelling and more for thousands of years.”
Ms Bondell said more than 260 people from eight countries tuned in to the livestream, the majority of them students.
She said later this year she would travel to the US to work further with Mr Rodriguez on developing educational opportunities through the lab.
“We’ll be taking some of these activities that we’ve developed in order to work with regional schools in Australia
Rallying for By Five
BY BRONWYN HASTINGS
The future of early years service By Five hinges on the next State Budget; the Wimmera Southern Mallee Regional Partnership is seeking phase two State Government investment to continue its work with regional families.
By Five, working by bridging gaps and shortening waiting times across paediatric, antenatal, and allied health services, has been funded until June 30 this year.
An online event last week attracted about 500 registrations and 250 attendees, with information from stakeholders including Federation University Future Regions Research Centre team lead Dr Cathy Tischler, Grampians Health speech pathologist Louise Mason, Rainbow P-12 College principal Colleen Petschel, Lister House Clinic GP registrar Dr Felix Ritson, Harrow parent Jessie Ferguson, and Member for Lowan Emma Kealy.
By Five executive officer Jo Martin said the event’s strong community support demonstrated to the State Government the importance of improving outcomes for children across the Wimmera southern-Mallee.
“We’ll be watching the May 20 Budget with anticipation because there’s not much more we can do now,” she said.
“We’ve requested meetings with a number of ministers, but we haven’t had any luck to date, so we’re just hoping they can hear it through community voices, media and all of our partners that this is an important issue for us.”
By Five chair and event host Ash Brooks said the initiative was born out of foresight of regional leaders after they were presented with data showing the divide between Wimmera southernMallee children and those in urban areas.
“The divide was incredibly stark – it was clear our children were being left behind,” she said.
“In fact, if you compared all of the states across Australia, from the worst to the best performing, the Wimmera-southern Mallee children came
Fatal collision in Little Desert
A motorist died after a collision on Nhill-Harrow Road in Little Desert yesterday.
Emergency services were called with reports a car had collided with a truck just after 2pm.
The driver and sole occupant of the car, who is yet to be formally identified, died at the scene.
The driver of the truck, a 49-yearold Nhill man, was uninjured and stopped at the scene.
Anyone who witnessed the incident, with CCTV or dashcam footage, or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online at www.crime stoppersvic.com.au.
Brilliant Brass to entertain
and look at how we can work on scaling those to a broader US audience and how we can assess the impact of them,” she said.
“It’s part of a bigger project to pull together what’s happening in various areas of physics and astronomy research around the world to find common themes and look at how we use our connections to broaden its impact.”
A recording of the livestream will be made available on the ARC Centre of Excellence for Dark Matter Particle Physics’ YouTube channel in the coming weeks.
People can visit www.youtube. com/@arccentreofexcellence forda8154 to view the recording and other videos from the centre.
More information is available at www.centredarkmatter.org.
Melbourne Symphony Orchestra’s brass section will stage shows at Horsham Town Hall next week.
MSO principal tuba Timothy Buzbee has curated a program for show MSO: Brilliant Brass, featuring John Williams’ Star Wars and Jurassic Park, Klaus Badelt’s Pirates of the Caribbean, and Prokofiev’s Romeo and Juliet: Suite.
The two-hour show, conducted by Ingrid Martin, is on Wednesday.
A 50-minute schools-only show will be staged at Horsham on Thursday, May 1.
Tickets are available at the Horsham Town Hall box office or website.
in second after the Northern Territory.” Initial efforts commenced in 2017, with the support of several hundred community members, service providers and leaders from across the region.
In 2021, a four-year funding commitment from the Victorian Department of Education was made.
Former Regional Partnerships chair David Jochinke was instrumental in the establishment of By Five; he was among those who originally met with then-premier Daniel Andrews to bring health and education together.
“Mr Andrews simply said, ‘well, if you’ve got some guts, get on with it’,” Mr Jochinke said.
“It wasn’t what we were expecting – we sent a press release out the next day to lock it in so he couldn’t turn back on it.
“We then went on the merry journey of going to everybody in both the Department of Health and Department of Education to say you’ve got to put your heads together and find some funding to make it work.
“This program doesn’t actually fit in either of those spheres, but it’s mutually beneficial to both, and that’s the real point here.”
Mr Jochinke said the five-location pilot program became five clusters before becoming a network of co-designed and alternative service access models.
“If we can’t see a pathway to continue this program it would be absolutely devastating, not just for the people involved, but for the people who need it the most, and they’re the ones who haven’t got a voice yet,” he said.
“They’re the ones who need it the most.”
The event is available to watch at youtube.com/ watch?v=WAjkE4ARrlw&t=10s.
Ms Brooks said she hoped By Five’s journey continues.
“By Five’s important work is making a difference for our children who are our most precious asset and the future of our region,” she said.
“Let’s keep going, and finish what we started.”
• For more on By Five, see next week’s The Weekly Advertiser.
Your local retirement specialists
Approaching
Richard, Penelope and Dean
Richard Goudie (ASIC
INSIGHT: Elisabetta Barberio and Madeleine Zurowski enter Stawell Underground Physics Lab.
Headspace for Ararat pledge
BY BRONWYN HASTINGS
Ararat will see youth mental health service Headspace established in the rural city, pledged by Member for Wannon Dan Tehan if a coalition government is elected.
Mr Tehan was last week joined by Indigenous Health Services shadow minister and Child Protection and Prevention of Family Violence shadow minister, senator Kerrynne Liddle, to announce an investment of $3.1-million to deliver the service.
Mr Tehan visited Ararat in recent weeks with Opposition Leader Peter Dutton, Deputy Leader of the Opposition Sussan Ley, and Senator Anne Ruston.
“This is something I’ve been pushing for with the Ararat community,” he said.
“The community has been very strong in asking for improved youth mental health services, so it’s wonderful to be able to announce the coalition government, if elected, will provide $3.1-million to establish Headspace in Ararat.
“I pay tribute to One Red Tree, because their advocacy for this and their determination to see improved mental-health services in Ararat is what’s behind this push.
“I’ve loved working with them to be able to achieve this, and I’m looking forward to delivering that if the coalition government is formed after the election.”
Mr Tehan said he had heard from many families and young people about the urgent need for better mental health support in the region.
“It’s something that’s been a real passion of mine, and working with the community to be able to deliver these improved mental health ser-
vices for young people has just been something that I’ve really focused on over the past few years,” he said.
The Coalition has funded, and secured ongoing funding, for Headspace centres in Warrnambool, Portland, Colac and Hamilton.
A future Headspace in Ararat would ensure all major towns in Wannon are equipped to provide the support, stability and nurturing that young people who are not flourishing need at this crucial moment in their lives.
“The consequences of failing to address and treat adolescent mental-health conditions can have long-term repercussions,” Mr Tehan said.
“Physical and mental health can be impaired; education, employment and overall well-being can be impacted, and opportunities for young people to lead fulfilling adult lives can be limited.
“It is crucial that this level of investment in youth mental health continues into the future, including supporting new services.”
Mr Tehan has also pledged $36-million to fund road and infrastructure projects delivered by Wannon councils, in re-introducing the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure Program.
“An elected coalition government will reintroduce this funding program and work with local councils to identify, fund and deliver these locally important projects,” he said.
“The responsibility to fix potholes and improve our roads or build important community infrastructure, like change sheds and public toilets, falls mostly on our local councils and that’s why the coalition will support them to meet the community’s needs.”
or ask about what it is like to be a police officer, all over a free drink. Crimestoppers’
acting
and
Renewed wind farm grants program
Murra Warra Wind Farm has re-opened its community grants program to local not-for-profit groups across the Horsham, Hindmarsh and Yarriambiack municipalities.
The program provides small grants of up to $5000 and large grants of up to $20,000 to community-driven projects and initiatives.
Squadron Energy executive general manager of operations Stuart Davis said categories for this year’s grants included sustainable environmental, education and training, social health and wellbeing, sport and recreational, and cultural diversity and arts.
“The Murra Warra Wind Farm is a key renewable energy asset in the region,” he said.
“We’re proud to support the passionate individuals and groups who are working hard to strengthen their local communities. This funding is about empowering local ideas and creating lasting benefits.”
Wimmera Southern Mallee Development,
WSMD, chief executive Chris Sounness said the group had administered the Murra Warra Wind Farm grants program on behalf of Squadron Energy for the past four years.
“Since its launch in 2021, the program has provided more than $300,000 to support local initiatives that make a real difference to community life,” he said.
“Our role ensures all corners of the community are aware of the program and have the opportunity to benefit.
“With our deep local knowledge, we help facilitate a fair and transparent selection process through a committee that includes representatives from councils and the community. This approach ensures the grants are distributed in a way that best supports local needs.”
Groups can only submit one application in each category. For more details, including updated grants selection criteria and information on how to apply, people can visit www.wsm.org.au.
CHAT: Coffee with a Cop, along with child-aimed Cordial with a Cop, gives people the opportunity to speak with police officers in an informal setting about community concerns,
Aiden Bloomfield, left, and
sergeant Marc Davey, right, chat with Nate
Daniel Bieze at Coffee with a Cop at Horsham Plaza last week. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
ANZAC DAY – FRIDAY, APRIL 25
0615h: Assembly at Horsham War Memorial
0630h: Dawn Service begins
0945h: Band and Marchers form-up at Horsham RSL
1010h: step off/ March to Memorial Drive
1100h: Commemorative Service begins at War Memorial
After Commemorative Service head to RSL for lunch – bookings essential
1130h: 2-Up introduction / Crown & Anchor introduction / start
1200h: First Meat Tray Draw
1205h: Lea Briggs Music begins
1310h: Second Meat Tray Draw
1530h: Major Raffle Draw & Auction / Football begins 1700-1900h: Joker Poker
ALL MONEY RAISED GOING TO
Auxiliary boosts maternity unit
Grampians
Health Horsham’s Yandilla ward has received a latest-design neonatal transfer cot, one of the first maternity units in Australia to have one.
Wimmera Base Hospital Ladies’ Auxiliary, whose members are celebrating the auxiliary’s 100 Years: A Centenary of Support this year, was instrumental in the purchase of the cot.
Yandilla nurse unit manager Michelle Coutts said the new transfer cot was a great advancement on the previous one.
utilised occasionally by our emergency department,” Ms Coutts said.
She said she was extremely grateful to the ladies’ auxiliary for their generosity and congratulated them on 100 years of support to the hospital.
“That’s an incredible achievement and we are very lucky to have their continued support,” she said.
“I know they have supplied this department with a great deal of vital equipment over that time.”
“The new one is much more compact and has a really good display with digital controls, making it much easier to use,” she said.
“We would use a transfer cot on average about 10 times a year.
“That might not sound like much, but it’s extremely important when it is needed.”
A neonatal transfer cot is a specialised cot used for transporting critically ill or premature infants between hospitals or within a hospital.
The cots ensure safe and comfortable transport while maintaining the infant’s temperature and vital signs.
“It is mainly used for non-urgent transfers from Yandilla to Ballarat or Melbourne, but it is also
Additional fire
Grampians Health chief people officer Claire Woods backed Ms Coutts’ comments, commending auxiliary members for their incredible fundraising work.
“Grampians Health made a commitment that donations raised in a particular community would be spent on improving healthcare at the corresponding campus,” Ms Woods said.
“This has been the case from day one and will continue that way. The way healthcare is being delivered is changing with new technologies and approaches to care in place.
“The work of our region’s various fundraising partners is vitally important to improve access to more services closer to home.”
restrictions to end
The Fire Danger Period officially ended yesterday in West Wimmera and Horsham Rural City municipalities.
notify neighbours and those nearby who may be sensitive to smoke.
Burn-offs need to be registered online at Fire Permits Victoria at www.firepermits.vic.gov.au, and where possible, landowners should also
Residents travelling to other parts of Victoria are reminded to remain vigilant, as fire danger periods in other regions may still be active.
UPDATE: Yandilla nurse unit manager Michelle Coutts and Horsham maternity clinic manager Jane Rentsch with the new transfer cot.
Call for Stawell dog attack witnesses
Northern Grampians Shire
Council is investigating an incident that occurred in Doyle Street, Stawell, in which three dogs allegedly attacked a family cat.
The incident occurred during the afternoon of Sunday, April 13, while the family was at home.
The dogs involved are two rottweilers and one German shepherd.
Council leaders are urging anyone who witnessed the incident, or who
Springfield in the spotlight
A new stage show chronicling the life of Australian musician Rick Springfield will visit Ararat on Sunday.
Written by award-winning Australian playwright Kieran Carroll and starring Sydney performer Jackson Carroll, no relation, ‘Late, Late at Night’ is a musical stage adaptation of Springfield’s autobiography.
Directed by Robert Johnson, the show features more than 20 of Springfield’s songs, many of his 17 top-40 American hits in the 1980s, including the number-one hit Jessie’s Girl, released in 1981.
Late, Late at Night has received critical acclaim since its debut in Melbourne in 2022, with the show set to commence an extensive American tour in October.
Mr Carroll said the two-hour show went beyond Springfield’s popular image, capturing the essence of his major concerns and musings.
The play adaptation is written as a two-act, one-man work.
Late, Late at Night will be performed at Ararat Town Hall from 2-4pm.
Tickets are $30 for adults, $25 for concession holders and $5 for children under 18.
People can visit ararattownhall.com. au/event/late-late-at-night for more information and to buy tickets.
may have seen the dogs acting aggressively that date, to make a formal statement.
People can call 5358 8700 or email ngshire@ngshire.vic.gov.au and a member of the council’s community safety team will be in contact to schedule an in-person interview.
Council chief executive Brent McAlister said the organisation would conduct a formal investigation, which could take months.
The dogs allegedly involved in the attack were seized and taken to
Stawell pound, where they will be managed in accordance with the Domestic Animals Act 1994.
“We encourage anyone with information to get in contact with us, regardless of how much information they may have,” Mr McAlister said.
“It’s often the number of reports and not necessarily the amount of information that makes the difference in potentially prosecuting the parties involved.”
Mr McAlister said the incident was extremely upsetting for the family
involved and highlighted the importance of registering animals with the council.
“Registering your domestic animals with council ensures we are aware of the locations of animals within our townships, so our team can appropriately manage incidents if they occur and safeguard the community from potential harm where possible,” he said.
“Only one of these dogs was registered, which makes it more challenging for our team to do its job.
“We strongly urge the community to call or email council should they experience instances of ‘rushing’ or aggressive behaviour from any animal in a public place.
“This could be walking your dog down a street or through a public park – we need to know as soon as it happens to protect the broader community.”
• Horsham Rural City Council has received reports of an alleged dog attack in the town’s west on April 9, the matter is being investigated.
EXCITED:
Musical duo Sam and Sam will play their first show in Horsham on Sunday. They are pictured performing at last year’s Brownlow Medal vote count in Melbourne.
Performers spreading their wings in regions
A pair of performances in the coming days are set to offer Wimmera residents a chance to celebrate live music.
Country music singer Don Costa will play a two-hour show at Warracknabeal Town Hall tomorrow from 10am, while eclectic duo Sam and Sam will appear at Horsham’s Maydale on Sunday, playing a fourhour show from 2pm to 6pm.
Sam and Sam, a duo consisting of singer-songwriters Sam Ludeman and Sam Russell, will make their first appearance in Horsham during a career that includes a performance of the Australian national anthem in front of more than 90,000 MCG patrons at an AFL final.
Mr Ludeman said the pair was excited to visit Horsham for the first time ahead of the launch of their new single, One More Song.
“We do a bit of a mix of original music, which I’d consider in the
country and pop-rock realm, and then we do a lot of covers as well,” he said.
“A lot of the covers are fan favourites from the livestreams we did during lockdown that a lot of people know us for.
“We’ve got quite an eclectic setlist, so we play a lot of music, young and old.
“We always want to get people singing along and dancing, so that’s the vibe we go for.”
Mr Ludeman said anticipation for the show had been growing.
“We’ve been trying to get around to a lot of country towns where we know we’ve got a following, but not a lot of musos tend to go,” he said.
“We find that sometimes the smaller towns are the ones that really turn up for us.
“We’ll sell out shows more easily in a place like Horsham than we will in Melbourne, which is sometimes
mindboggling considering the populations of each of them.
“When there’s live music on like this, it often seems a lot of the country towns come out and support original Australian music.”
Tickets for Sam and Sam’s Horsham show are $34.95 for adults and $21.95 for children, and are available at rocktix.com.au/shows/19120.
People can visit their website at www.samsam.live for more information.
Mr Costa’s show in Warracknabeal tomorrow is the brainchild of Horsham-based Alana M Music Promotions and Management owner Alana Morrow.
Ms Morrow said she organised regular live-music performances in Horsham and was hoping to establish something similar in Warracknabeal.
“Warracknabeal was my home town, so it made sense to go back home and support the community
Pick up an extra ‘passenger’ out the road?
Contact Horsham Autoglass today to organise prompt repair or replacement.
where I grew up,” she said. “Seeing the joy and happiness music brings to people’s lives is just the best reward, one of the main reasons I do what I do.
“If it takes off and Warracknabeal and surrounding towns support it, then I’d like to do it on an ongoing basis, if that’s what people want.
“I would also love to see all the local businesses benefit from this by bringing people to town.
“So far ticket sales are going really well and the support has been overwhelming, so I’m really appreciative of that – we only have limited tickets left.”
Tickets for Mr Costa’s show are $25 and are available online at www. trybooking.com/CZQKC or in store at Feet First Footwear Warracknabeal.
– Colin MacGillivray
Performer Jackson Carroll
Put your foot down for Breast & Ovarian Cancer Research
Join us on Sunday, May 11 at the Horsham Soundshell for a 2km walk or 5km walk or run to support those diagnosed with breast and ovarian cancer.
Schedule:
On the day registrations - 8am
Formalities commence - 8:45 am Walk / run begins - 9am Event concludes - 10:30 am
Also on the day: BBQ Breakfast Facepainting
Van Raffles & Spot Prizes
*Please bring cash as EFTPOS may not be available at all stalls/services
We will also be announcing the Winner of the Workplace Warriors Shield
Online registrations until Friday, May 9
All online registrations go in the draw to win a prize thanks to Mackays Family Jewellers!
Dogs are allowed at this event, must be kept on lead. Parking available along Hocking Street and Firebrace Street.
Proud major sponsors:
www.mothersdayclassic.com.au/event/ mothers-day-classic-horsham
Bredal’s reputation is built on unmatched accuracy and spread pattern consistency.
But what’s accuracy without width?
Bredal’s XE range has spinners positioned six metres apart, giving you an impressive width of 50 metres for fertilisers and 30 metres for lime and gypsum.
Mallee voters turned out in force for early voting on Tuesday at Horsham, Stawell, Maryborough, Mildura and Swan Hill wondering how they can secure some cost-of-living relief.
After all, under Albanese mortgage repayments are up 41 per cent, gas 34 per cent, insurance 33 per cent, income tax 25 per cent and rents 15 per cent.
Not only has Labor failed to deliver the $275 energy bill relief they promised 97 times before the last election – bills have gone up by over $1,000 – Labor’s only ‘relief’ is 13 months away, tinkering with a 70-cent-a-day tax cut.
The Coalition is offering immediate cost-of-living relief at the bowser, halving fuel excise to deliver 25 cents a litre offor about $14 saved – every time you fill up the family car. Then from July 2026 if you lodge your tax return, 10 million taxpayers will get up to $1,200 in immediate cash back.
The Coalition’s plans to reserve Australian gas for Australians will, once implemented, also reduce gas bills by 7 per cent and energy bills by 3 per cent.
The Nationals uphold farming as Mallee’s primary industry and are invest-
ing in our future, rewarding the regional Australian economic powerhouse with permanent funding through a $20 billion Regional Australia Future Fund.
Once it is legislated by a Dutton-Littleproud government, the ‘RAFF’ will provide $1 billion in funding every year to fix roads, repair mobile black spots and deliver the infrastructure regional Australia deserves.
We’ll also boost the Local Roads and Community Infrastructure ‘LRCI’ program by $500 million for roads and $500 million for infrastructure.
Councils love LRCI because it gives them guaranteed income every year for projects, taking Horsham as an example, Council have been able to use a currently smaller-scale LRCI for reconstruction works on Acacia and Hamilton Streets, Alexander Avenue and new netball facilities at Sawyer Park / City Oval.
The PM’s odd choice of election timing sees us begin voting between Easter and Anzac Day, when we ought to pause and reflect on those who have made the greatest sacrifice for our freedoms. Lest We Forget.
Backed by your Emmetts team with knowledgeable sales, experienced service, and high-stocking parts.
Authorised by A. Webster,
anzac day services
Communities
across the country will observe Anzac Day events on Friday, marking the 1915 Gallipoli landings and commemorating all Australian and New Zealand servicemen and women who served and died in military operations.
Ararat Rural City
Ararat: 5.45am, audio visual display at the war memorial. 6am, dawn service followed by a gunfire breakfast at the RSL. 9.45am, assemble at Edith Cavell Reserve to march. 10am, service at war memorial, followed by morning tea and two-up at the RSL. Elmhurst: 10.30am, service at Elmhurst Hall, guest speaker Legatee Steve Shannon. Bring a contribution to the morning tea.
Willaura: 9am, stand to and wreathlaying at the cenotaph, followed by a march to Memorial Hall for a commemorative service, and then a short ceremony at the Plantation Memorial. Guest speaker Lieutenant Brendan Hogan. Morning tea will conclude the event, bring a plate to share.
Hindmarsh Shire
Dimboola: 6.15am, dawn service at Dimboola Memorial Secondary College followed by a free gunfire breakfast. 8.30am, wreath-laying ceremony. 9am, commemoration service at DMSC Hall followed by morning tea at the RSL Hall.
Jeparit: 6am, dawn service at Broadway Memorials. 11am, service at Jeparit Memorial Hall. Craige Proctor guest speaker, followed by march
to Broadway Memorials for wreathlaying. Barbecue at RSL.
Nhill: 6.15am, meet at Tribute to the Fallen, Victoria Street. Barbecue breakfast. Gold coin donation. 10.15am, march from information centre to Tribute to the Fallen for a wreath-laying ceremony. 11am, service in Nhill Memorial Centre, guest speaker Jim Richardson.
Rainbow: Dawn service, featuring culmination of joint school, archive and RSL project, commemorating the 19 fallen soldiers, 80 years after WWII’s end. Refreshments at Mecca Supper Room to follow. 9.45am, service at the cenotaph. 10am, guest speaker former SAS officer Ryan Leffler at Mecca Hall, followed by refreshments at RSL Hall.
Horsham Rural City Horsham: 6.15am, dawn service at
Sawyer Park war memorial, light refreshments to follow, and breakfast available at RSL. 10am, march from RSL to war memorial. 11am, service, light refreshments to follow. 11.30am, two-up and other events at RSL.
Natimuk: 11am, service and wreathlaying at Natimuk band rotunda.
Northern Grampians
Great Western: 9am, service and wreath-laying at Memorial Park followed by refreshments.
Halls Gap: 5.45am, dawn service at memorial gates where Shrine of Remembrance service will be broadcast. Stawell: 6am, service followed by a gunfire breakfast at the town hall. 11am, service with refreshments at the RSL afterwards.
Stuart Mill: 11am, service and wreath-laying at town’s war memorial. St Arnaud: 6am, dawn service at
town hall. 10.30am, wreath-laying service at the war memorial on the corner of Napier and Market streets, followed by a march to Liberty Hall for the main service about 11am.
Yarriambiack
Beulah: 11am, ceremony at Beulah Recreation Reserve memorial gates. Free barbecue at the creek will follow.
Brim: 8.45am, assembly, 9am service at Brim Memorial Hall, morning tea.
Hopetoun: 6am, dawn service at RSL Hopetoun clubrooms, 10am, service at Memorial Hall.
Minyip: 9.30am, assembly at Minyip Memorial Gates for wreath laying followed by march to the town square for a short service.
Murtoa: 7am, dawn service at Murtoa Memorial Arch.
Patchewollock: 10.45am, assemble at Patchewollock Hotel for a march to Patchewollock Hall for a ceremony.
Rupanyup: 9.50am, Horsham Pipe Band will lead a march from Woods’ Museum to the billabong for a service. Guest speaker is Kevin Carmody.
Sheep Hills: 7am, assembly at corner of Sheep Hills-Minyip Road and Boolite-Sheep Hills Road. March to cenotaph for wreath-laying. Service at hall, guest speaker and breakfast.
Warracknabeal: 10.30am, assemble corner of Scott and Milbourne streets, 10.45am march. 11am, wreath-laying, service to follow at Anzac Park.
Woomelang: 9am, service at Woomelang Memorial Hall, light refreshments to follow at the historical society.
West Wimmera Kaniva: 10.30am, assemble at Band
Park, RSL Cenotaph. 11am, Anzac Day service.
Harrow: 10.30am, Ecumenical service at Harrow RSL Hall. 11am, march-past of veterans and members, followed by guest speaker David Hobbs. Wreath laying ceremony followed by the Last Post, Reveille, National Anthem. Morning tea and refreshments will be available afterwards at the RSL Hall, $10 per person or a donation greatly appreciated. Edenhope: 8am, Moose’s annual breakfast at Edenhope RSL, $10 per person. Memberships can be renewed at the door, new members welcome. Remembering the sacrifices of past and present ADF members. 10.30am, service at cenotaph
Goroke: 9.45am, assemble for 10am march from police station to war memorial for a ceremony. Wreath and cross laying at Goroke Memorial Square. Guest speaker, former Royal Australian Engineers captain Joseph Colley. Display of memorabilia in the Goroke Memorial Hall. Morning tea after service, bring a plate to share.
Langkoop/Apsley: 10.45am, assemble at War Memorial at Apsley post office, 11am march from the War Memorial to Apsley Town Hall. 11.15am, Anzac Day service, guest speaker Julie Bruce. March from Apsley Town Hall to War Memorial for laying of wreaths. Light lunch provided at RSL Hall.
Dergholm: 6am dawn service at Dergholm and District Soldiers Memorial Hall, followed by a gunfire breakfast by gold coin donation.
SHOW SUPPORT: Horsham RSL’s Alexis Richards with commemorative items available in the lead-up to Anzac Day. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
Stawell gift
CELEBRATIONS: Thousands of people turned out to see the action on the track and soak up the atmosphere off the track at the 143rd running of the Stawell Gift. Organisers were thrilled with the turn-out across the four days of the showcase, with sprint sensations Gout Gout and Lachie Kennedy attracting crowds of people to what organisers believe was the largest Gift on record. Pictured are, clockwise from above: Bree Rizzo with fans after winning her heat; Jack Hale captures the moment with fans after winning his heat; Dadswell’s Bridge resident and Horsham College student Isabella Iuele sang the National anthem; Gout Gout with Sarah Blizzard; Gout Gout and Lachie Kennedy run out of room; Lachie Kennedy records his win after his first heat; Peter Bol captures a memory with fans; and centre, Horsham’s Hannah Plazzer after finishing third in the Little Athletics 100m semi.
One
Luke
FUN: A street parade, market, live entertainment and a vintage rally were among highlights of Warracknabeal Easter Festival, which started on Good Friday and finished on Monday. Saturday’s grand parade along the main street included a variety of entries from the town’s community groups, who were greeted by hundreds of spectators cheering them along. Pictured are, clockwise from left: Robert Garth and Milly Jonasson; Ava Koschitzke and the Easter Bunny; Chris Milbourne and Hollie Milbourne; Neville and Lynne Eltze; Milton Saunders; Jim Ridler at Wheatlands Agricultural Machinery Museum; and centre, Rebecca Murphy, Ryder Cawley, Arlo van der Horst and Nikita Tumeth at the parade.
The most reliable path to freedom
Everyone wants to become wealthy. There’s no shortage of information on how to achieve it, but much of that information is filled with noise, distractions, and, more often than not, conflicts of interest.
From crypto trading to foreign exchange schemes, negative gearing to margin lending, or software promising you will ‘trade your way to wealth’ –it is overwhelming.
In reality, becoming wealthy does not need to be complicated or flashy.
Most people I’ve worked with as a financial adviser have achieved financial independence in the same way: slowly, steadily, and consistently.
The get-rich-quick trap
The world today is filled with ‘getrich-quick’ schemes.
Whether it is betting on cryptocurrencies, banking on a TattsLotto win, or waiting for an inheritance that might not arrive until you are well into your 60s, these approaches come with
EASTER FUN:
The Ladies’ Probus Club of Horsham East hosted an Easter theme for its most recent meeting. Members celebrated with a meal at Up Tempo Cafe in Horsham. Easter-themed costumes were in abundance.
From left, Bev Reynolds, Dawn Hutchinson and Carolyn Sonego get into the spirit.
high risks and zero guarantees. It is easy to get distracted by the mosh pit of financial noise.
The truth is this there is no magic bullet to wealth. If you want flexibility, financial freedom, and security for your retirement and the years leading up to it, you need a strategy that works – and that strategy is slow and steady wealth-building.
Consistency, simplicity
Building wealth over time is simple, but it is not always easy.
It is about making smart decisions with your money on a weekly, monthly, and yearly basis. These are the cornerstones of getting wealthy slowly.
• Spend less than you earn. Regardless of your income, everyone has the ability to live within their means. It might mean cutting unnecessary expenses, budgeting, or finding small ways to save, but this rule is nonnegotiable.
• Save and invest regularly. No matter how small you start, consistently setting aside money for long-term
FINANCE focus
with Robert Goudie CFP
investments makes all the difference. Over time, this habit grows your wealth through the power of compounding. Remember, everyone starts at zero, the key is to keep going.
• Be smart about tax. Tax savings are a certainty. Unlike investments, where returns can vary, using smart strategies like salary sacrificing into superannuation allows you to save tax and build wealth at the same time. It is a simple yet powerful way to secure your future.
• Manage debt carefully. Taking on too much debt is one of the biggest risks to financial success. When I talk about risk, I don’t mean the ups and downs of the share market, I mean the decisions we make about things like the size of the house we buy, the debt
we take on to purchase that house, the cash flow needed to maintain it.
A home is important, but too much debt can rob you of the ability to save regularly, invest, and build other sources of wealth. The decisions you make about debt and capital allocation today will have a significant impact on your future.
• Balance today with tomorrow. There’s no point saving every dollar if it comes at the expense of your present life. The goal is to get the balance right, enjoy today while still looking after your future self.
Saving consistently does not mean sacrificing everything you love, it means being intentional about where your money goes.
Avoid conflicts of interest
One of the biggest challenges when building wealth is knowing where to turn for advice.
Conflicts of interest are everywhere – people who benefit financially from selling you something often won’t give you the whole picture.
So, how do you avoid this?
• Talk to professionals who do not have a vested interest in pushing a particular product or strategy.
• Make sure all options are considered, whether it’s superannuation, shares, or property.
• Be wary of anyone promising ‘getrich-quick’ schemes. These almost always come with elevated risks and, more often than not, fail to deliver.
The way to wealth
Becoming wealthy does not require complicated strategies, massive risks, or the latest financial fad. It is about doing the simple things well.
If you stick to these principles throughout your working life, you will create financial security, freedom, and flexibility – slowly, but surely.
There’s no shortcut to success, but there is a guaranteed path if you’re willing to stay the course.
• The information provided in this article is general in nature only and does not constitute personal financial advice.
Nominations open
Nominations for Regional Development Australia’s Grampians Growers and Producers People’s Choice Award are now open.
The award, presented as part of Federation University Australia’s Commerce Ballarat Business Excellence Awards, recognises outstanding growers and producers in the RDA Grampians region.
People can use the online nomination form via form.jotform. com/250957320115855 to nominate their favourite local producer.
The winner of last year’s award was Rightbank Brewing Society.
Founded by Danny and Samantha Whiteman, Rightbank is a smallscale brewery in Horsham, producing small-batch, hand-crafted beer, with each variety including Victorian barley.
All eligible nominated businesses will be given an opportunity to participate in the voting process.
Nominations close on July 5.
Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
298 Campus
38 Baillie St
Horsham 3400
Ph (03) 5382 1534
Rasmussen Campus 2B Rasmussen Rd
Horsham 3400
Ph (03) 5382 3200
horsham.ps@education.vic.gov.au
STEP INTO PREP!
Horsham Primary School
Wednesday, May 14
298 Campus at 9.30am
Rasmussen Campus 12.30pm
Friday, May 16
Rasmussen Campus at 9:30am
298 Campus 12.30pm
Horsham West 24 Hillary St
Horsham 3400
Ph (03) 5382 1285
Haven Campus 4362 Henty Hwy
Haven 3401
Ph (03) 5382 3204
horsham.west.ps@education.vic.gov.au
Prep information sessions
Do you need information about 2025 Prep enrolments or are you thinking about your 3-year-old for the 2026 school year?
Horsham Primary School
At Horsham Primary School, we feel that we have the balance just right. Our teaching and learning programs focus on achieving academic excellence, are flexible to meet the needs of all students, and intensive to ensure high level results are achieved.
Our student support programs develop the skills and abilities of each child whilst catering for their needs beyond the classroom.
Our staff are passionate, hard-working and committed to making a difference in the lives of our students.
We know that each of our students have different abilities and experiences that they bring with them, as well as varying levels of readiness to learn. Something that our school is proud of is the level of support that we provide for all students.
Learning and Student Support Approaches
Teaching and Learning
• Structured Literacy Approach
• Systematic Synthetic Phonics
• Investigations – learning through exploration and play (Prep)
• Balanced approach to teaching mathematics
- Explicit instruction
- Real life problem solving tasks
• Maths Intervention Program
• Literacy Intervention
• Speech Therapy Assistant Program
• Specialist Programs
- Art
- Science and Technology
- PE
- Music
- Auslan
• Yr. 4-6 iPad Program
Student Leadership opportunities
• School Captains
• House Captains
• Junior School Council
• Student Leadership Program
Student Support
• Student Mentoring
• Breakfast Program
• Buddy Program
• Cultural Experiences Program
• Engagement & Wellbeing Team
• Disability Inclusion Team
Extracurricular
• Halls Gap Zoo Excursion
• Roses Gap Camp
• Sovereign Hill Excursion
• Warrnambool Camp
• Melbourne Urban Camp
• Regional and State sporting events
• School Production
Junior Concert
• Swimming Program
Community Involvement
• Parent Classroom Helpers
• Parents Club
• School Council
Horsham West and Haven Primary School
Tuesday, May 13
Horsham West Campus at 9.30am Haven Campus at 12.30pm
Thursday, May 15
Haven Campus at 9.30am
Horsham West Campus at 12.30pm
Horsham West and Haven Primary School
Horsham West and Haven Primary School is renowned for its commitment to evidence-based teaching practices that foster academic excellence and holistic development. At the heart of its pedagogical approach is Structured Literacy and Direct Instruction, ensuring that students receive systematic and explicit instruction in reading, writing, numeracy and language skills.
The school prides itself on its knowledge-based curriculum, designed to instil a deep understanding of foundational concepts across various subject areas. With a passionate and dedicated staff, Horsham West and Haven Primary School excel in challenging and engaging learners through meticulously planned lessons. Teachers inspire students to reach their full potential through unwavering dedication, nurturing a love for learning that extends beyond the classroom.
Learning and Student Support Approaches
Teaching and Learning
• Systematic Synthetic Phonics
• Explicit Direct Instruction
• Structured Literacy
• Spelling Mastery
• Writing Revolution
• Hands-on Practical Numeracy Lessons
• Knowledge-Based Concept Curriculum
• Literacy & Numeracy Specialists
• Assistant Principal - Teaching and Learning
• Multi Lit Intervention Program
Specialist Programs
• Visual Arts
• Health
• Physical Education
• German
• STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art, Mathematics)
• ICT (Information, Communication, Technology)
• Year 3-6 Sporting Program
Student Support
• Wellbeing Officers x 2
• Buddy Program
• Breakfast Club
• Nurture Space
• Disability Inclusion
• Grampians Clinical & Child Psychology Partnership
• Real Schools Partnership – Restorative Practices
• Student Mentoring
Student Leadership Opportunities
• School Captains
• House Captains
• Junior School Council Captains
• Education Captains
• Student Leadership Program
Extra-Curricular Activities
• Adventure Camp Experiences
• School Production
• Cultural Activities
• Swimming Program
• Local, Regional & State Sporting Events
• Excursions & Incursions
Community Involvement
• Open Days
• Parent Classroom Helpers
• School Council
• Parents’ Club
Palisade debut
Hyundai has pulled the covers off its MY26 Palisade in New York, the three-row SUV introducing a new turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol-electric hybrid powertrain and rugged XRT PRO variant alongside added amenity and safety technologies.
A heavily revised exterior sees the Palisade offer distinctive vertical LED daytime running lights and a horizontal centre positioning light signature, bold new-look grille with active aero shutters, a shorter front overhang, and lengthened wheelbase aimed at delivering a ‘substantial, premium silhouette’.
The updated Palisade rides on large diameter alloy wheels, up to 21 inches, while the D-pillar and larger side glass are altered to provide a more spacious third row and improved outward visibility.
From the rear, a prominent highmount brake light is ‘visually balanced with a lower fascia element for ideal design harmony’, the higher shoulder line further contributing to ‘a stronger road presence’.
Now 63mm longer than before, and with a 68mm extension in wheelbase,
the Palisade is said to offer easier entry and exit for passengers.
The redesigned cabin boasts a horizontally themed dashboard layout, additional soft-touch materials, a reshaped centre console with wireless device charging pad, wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto integration, and available 14-speaker Bose audio.
Dual 12.3-inch displays for infotainment and instrumentation dominate the dashboard and are enjoyed from ‘relaxation seats’ that aim to reduce fatigue during longer drives.
Eight-passenger seating is standard, with captain’s chairs available optionally. The third row of seats is offered with power-folding, sliding, and reclining mechanisms, along with heating, while second row seats add ventilation to the deal.
Cup holders and 100-watt-capable USB-C ports are available to every occupant.
Importantly, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade offers an expanded suite of Hyundai SmartSense active and passive safety technologies including a built-in dash cam, available digital rear-view mirror, advanced rear occupant alert, digital key access, and
updated adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, blindspot warning, driver attention alert, high beam assist, lane keeping, rear cross-traffic avoidance, and remote smart parking technologies.
The Palisade will be offered with the choice of petrol or petrol-electric hybrid drivelines.
The former is a 3.5-litre V6 petrol engine developing an anticipated 214kW/353Nm paired with an eight-speed automatic transmission, the choice of two or all-wheel drive configurations, and a braked towing capacity of 2250kg. The latter is a turbocharged 2.5-litre four-cylinder
petrol with dual electric motors offering 245kW/450Nm and up to 996km of driving range. Braked towing for the HEV option is listed at 1800kg.
Finally, the 2026 Hyundai Palisade will be available as a rugged XRT PRO variant for the first time.
With more muscular styling and more off-road-capable hardware, the Palisade XRT PRO incorporates a bold lower grille design bookended by prominent canyon red recovery hooks and a beefier lower fascia, 214mm of ground clearance, improved approach, departure and break-over geometry, all-terrain tyres on 18-inch alloys, 360-degree camera technology,
downhill brake control, rear recovery hooks, and HTRAC all-wheel drive. The variant is further characterised by dark-finished alloy wheels, bespoke badging, darkened exterior accents, leatherette upholstery with front seat heating and ventilation, a heated steering wheel, 14-speaker Bose audio, LED ambient cabin lighting, 115volt power outlet, and a powered moonroof.
The 2026 Hyundai Palisade will launch in Australia in the fourth quarter of 2025, exclusively with the 2.5-litre hybridised powertrain. – Matt Brogan
GWM expands Cannon utility range
GWM has expanded its Cannon light commercial utility range with additional body styles, powertrain alternatives, and the introduction of a Premium grade, the latter of which will be positioned as the entry-grade specification and available with a 2.0litre turbo-diesel engine in either single-cab-chassis 4x2 or dual-cab pick-up 4x4 formats.
A dual-cab-chassis 4x4 will also be offered in Lux grade with the larger 2.4-litre engine offering.
Available from this month, GWM Australia says these additions not only place Cannon more competitively in the segment but provide increased versatility and robust design tailored for both work and lifestyle purposes.
The turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder diesel engine marks its return to the Cannon range and is paired exclusively with an eight-speed automatic transmission. It continues to offer 120kW of power and 400Nm of torque while offering up to 3200kg of braked towing capacity.
GWM says the engine aims to improve fuel efficiency for Cannon buyers, quoting a 7.6 litre per 100km combined cycle usage figure for the single-cab-chassis and 8.1L/100km figure for the dual-cab.
The newly introduced single-cabchassis variant features a 240mm ex-
OPTIONS: More body styles, powertrain alternatives and Premium grade added to GWM’s Cannon range.
tension in wheelbase for improved load distribution characteristics and driving dynamics. Additionally, a higher payload of 1150kg ensures ‘suitability for both commercial and fleet operators needing a customisable and capable utility vehicle’.
For the Premium grade, equipment highlights include four-wheel disc brakes, electric power steering, 18inch alloy wheels, a steel tray, LED lighting, side steps, keyless entry and ignition, faux leather upholstery, single-zone climate control, a 12.3-inch infotainment array with wireless Apple CarPlay connectivity and Android
Auto, four-speaker sound, a 7.0-inch digital instrument cluster and rainsensing wipers.
Four-wheel drive versions add a rear differential lock and torque-on-demand 4x4 system, roof rails, spray-in bed liner, chrome sports bar, tailgate damper, LED rear fog light, 60:40 split folding rear seats, rear ventilation outlets, a faux leather steering wheel, wireless phone charging pad, six-speaker sound, DAB+ digital radio reception, remote start, ISOFIX child seat anchorages, rear collision warning, rear parking sensors, and rear cross-traffic alert with brake.
Safety equipment includes seven airbags, a reversing camera, tyre pressure monitoring, trailer sway mitigation, hill ascent-descent control, adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking, lane keep assistance, traffic sign recognition and driver fatigue monitoring.
Lux variants up the ante with a rear differential lock, torque-on-demand 4x4 system, 3500kg braked towing capacity, roof rails, power folding wing mirrors, 60:40 split folding rear seats, rear ventilation outlets, a faux leather steering wheel, wireless phone charging pad, six-speaker sound, DAB+
digital radio reception, remote start, ISOFIX child seat anchorages, rear collision warning, and rear cross-traffic alert with brake.
The mid-tier Ultra boasts additional features including an electric sunroof, tailgate step, rear privacy glass, leather accented upholstery, front heated and ventilated seats, a heated steering wheel, auto power windows, six-way powered driver seat adjustment, dash cam USB port, LED ambient cabin lighting, auto-dimming rear-view mirror, 360-degree camera system, and front parking sensors.
The penultimate Vanta variant adds blackened 18-inch alloy wheels, a sports bar and side steps in black, front grille in black, mirror caps in black, and wheel arches and door handles in black.
Finally, the Cannon XSR presents with a front differential lock, part-time four-wheel drive, XSR grille, snorkel, metal side steps, body-coloured mirrors and door handles, emergency lane keep assist, rear collision warning, blind spot detection, lane change assist, and rear cross-traffic alert with brake.
As is the case with all GWM vehicles sold in Australia, the Cannon utility is backed by a seven-year/ unlimited-kilometre warranty including five years of roadside assistance and capped price servicing.
– Matt Brogan
pUZZleS
Fill in the blank cells using numbers from 1 to 9. Each number can only appear
in each row,
and 3x3
QUICK WORKOUT
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.
Note
Crossword
Find the following words in the grid. They may read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than
On
From The Weekly Advertiser archives: April 21, 2005 –Wimmera Health Care Group was investigating a new identifying system to help create an awareness of patients with cognitive impairment, as hospitals did not yet have protocols around it. Dr Mark Yates said the identifier alerted staff to change the way they cared for the patient. Pictured are, from left, Wimmera Health Care Group cardiologist Dr Edward Janus, with Ballarat Health Services clinical director of sub-acute medicine Dr Mark Yates and Ian McIntyre from Alzheimer’s Australia.
10 years ago: April 22, 2015
Navarre Minerals was likely to know within a couple of months how much potential a Grange deposit in a ‘Stawell Corridor’ near Tatyoon had in producing the region’s next major gold boom. The Stawell exploration company had started drilling for gold in the area and planned to complete the $450,000 exploration project within six weeks.
Five years ago: April 22, 2020
People were preparing to ‘light up the dawn’ at their homes to pay their respects to the region’s fallen on Anzac Day; COVID-19 restrictions prevented gatherings of any kind. Horsham RSL senior vice-president Don Pirouet said up to 1500 people attended the town’s dawn service each year, but instead could stand in their yards to observe a minute’s silence at 6am.
One year ago: April 10, 2024
The resumption of upgrades on the Western Highway between Buangor and Ararat were ‘imminent’; State Government officials were waiting for the completion of a cultural heritage study. Duplication of the highway started in 2013 and was expected to be finished in 2016, but only 55 kilometres of the 103-kilometre section had been duplicated.
take a break
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lUcky StarS with Sarah kUlkenS
Australia’s
FOR THE WEEK APRIL 27 TO MAY 3
ARIES (March 21 - April 20)
Lucky Colour: Blue
Lucky Day: Friday
Racing Numbers: 1, 3, 2, 5
Lotto Numbers: 1, 12, 26, 36, 30, 33
1. Born on this day in 1966 in Ireland, was which Hall of Fame AFL footballer, the only foreigner to win a Brownlow Medal?
2. The word ‘Easter’ is thought to come from where?
3. Found on the human body, especially the face, what is another name for lentigines?
4. Which Greek philosopher suggested in 387BC that the brain is where mental processes take place?
5. What is the longest word in the English language?
6. On this day in 2001, Fatboy Slim released which single, its music video directed by Spike Jonze and starring Christopher Walken dancing?
7. After just one season with the honour, Hawthorn’s Nick Watson was undertaken as the AFL’s shortest player by whom?
8. Victoria’s capital city, for two years before being named Melbourne, was known as what?
9. What award-winning American cartoonist, now retired, is responsible for The Far Side, a surreal cartoon series syndicated to more than 1900 newspapers for 15 years?
10. Who said, ‘Live as if you were to die tomorrow. Learn as if you were to live forever’?
Travel complications could arise, so it’s best to double-check all arrangements. A new love may enter your life, or you may find a new direction in an ongoing relationship. Keep your entertainment expenses in check.
TAURUS (April 21 - May 20)
Lucky Colour: White
Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 3, 2, 6, 5
Lotto Numbers: 2, 13, 25, 45, 40, 9
Avoid quarrels with your partner and don’t overindulge in any way. Health matters may take centre stage, and you could see improvements. A romantic trip may be on the horizon, so avoid domestic arguments for now.
GEMINI (May 21 - June 21)
Lucky Colour: Green
Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 4, 5, 2, 1
Lotto Numbers: 4, 12, 26, 9, 22, 1
Unexpected changes could cause delays in financial matters, but don’t worry – this is only temporary. Good times are ahead. Be cautious when driving and avoid impulsive decisions.
CANCER (June 22 - July 22)
Lucky Colour: Fawn
Lucky Day: Tuesday
Racing Numbers: 2, 3, 2, 1
Lotto Numbers: 2, 13, 26, 36, 39, 5
Romance could be in the air, and it may be the start of a strong attraction. Avoid provoking verbal arguments, and be careful not to overindulge in life’s pleasures.
LEO (July 23 - August 22)
Lucky Colour: Orange
Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 4, 6, 2, 1
Lotto Numbers: 1, 12, 15, 26, 30, 33
Answers: 1. Jim Stynes. 2. The Anglo-Saxon goddess of fertility.
Eighth century English monk and historian Bede the Venerable gives an explanation in his work The Reckoning of Time; he notes that ‘Easter’ is named after the goddess Eostre: a fertility -god dess whose festival is celebrated in the spring, in the northern hemisphere, and whose symbol is the hare, the origin of the Easter bunny. 3. Freckles. 4. Plato. 5. -Pneumonoultramicroscopicsilicovol canoconiosis. 6. Weapon of Choice. 7. Isaiah Dudley of Fremantle. Watson is 170cm tall, Dudley 167cm. 8. Batmania. John Batman sailed to what is now Victoria to explore the Port Phillip Bay area in 1835 and drew up a deed with district Wurundjeri people which he claimed gave him the rights to land in the area. 9. Gary Larson. He became a cartoonist in response to the realisation that he hated his job working in a music store. 10. Mahatma Gandhi. Getting in touch
Our office is at 2 Stawell Road, Horsham. Mail: PO Box 606, Horsham 3402. Telephone: 5382 1351
Website: www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au Email: weeklyadvertiser@team.aceradio.com.au For classified advertisements: 5382 1351 – email: horsham@aceradio.com.au
Advertising 5382 1351: Mark Sulic: marks@team.aceradio.com.au;
Georgia
georgiab@team.aceradio.com.au The
Love and marriage are favoured during this period, and a financial opportunity you’ve been waiting for may now come to fruition. Many Leos may be considering significant moves, possibly interstate or even overseas.
VIRGO (August 23 - September 23)
Lucky Colour: Blue
Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 2, 3, 2, 1
Lotto Numbers: 2, 13, 26, 25, 40, 44
Career matters are likely to dominate your time, and while some stress may arise, taking things as they come will help. You may also find yourself more interested in adopting a healthier lifestyle.
LIBRA (September 24 - October 23)
Lucky Colour: Cream
Lucky Day: Thursday
Racing Numbers: 2, 3, 1, 5
Lotto Numbers: 2, 13, 26, 25, 28, 7
If you’ve been feeling off, it’s likely due to worrying too much. Make time for enjoyment, music, and entertainment. A chance for romance may also appear on the social scene.
SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22)
Lucky Colour: Peach
Lucky Day: Tuesday
Racing Numbers: 2, 3, 9, 5
Lotto Numbers: 5, 6, 12, 23, 36, 39
Romance could come from a distance, and it’s important not to push too hard for your own ideas. Caution and patience will yield better results. Avoid overindulging in both work and play.
SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 20)
Lucky Colour: Cream
Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 2, 3, 5, 6
Lotto Numbers: 2, 13, 26, 36, 30, 45
You’re in a prime position to achieve your goals, and people are more likely to agree with your way of thinking. This is the time to go after what you want, and you’ll be surprised at how easily things fall into place.
CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19)
Lucky Colour: Pink
Lucky Day: Sunday Racing Numbers: 2, 3, 2, 1
Lotto Numbers: 2, 13, 20, 30, 11, 15
This is a lucky period for love, but take care when handling joint finances. Now is an excellent time to give up bad health habits and focus on improving your stamina and wellbeing.
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 19)
Lucky Colour: Purple
Lucky Day: Sunday
Racing Numbers: 6, 2, 3, 1
Lotto Numbers: 6, 12, 23, 30, 22, 29
Your dreams of love may come true during this period, but you’ll need to guard against any threats to your home or possessions. Financial improvement is also on the horizon.
PISCES (February 20 - March 20)
Lucky Colour: White
Lucky Day: Wednesday
Racing Numbers: 1, 3, 2, 1
Lotto Numbers: 1, 12, 26, 36, 30, 44
b c d e f g h i
This could be one of your most romantic periods, with little to complain about. However, take care of your health and safety to avoid unnecessary problems.
Horsham Autotech, Autoair and Exhaust Centre are your trusted locally owned company situated at 45-47 Dimboola Road, Horsham.
Owners Gary Smith and Michael Smith and their professional team offer every mechanical solution for your vehicle.
From servicing and parts, specialist brake repairs, exhaust systems, roadworthy certificates, air-conditioning systems and boat maintenance Horsham Autotech has you covered.
The trained staff use the latest specialised computer diagnostic tools leading to effective repairs on all modern vehicles. They are one of the largest stockists of batteries in the region. Their range caters to all types of small vehicles to large machinery.
A mobile air-conditioning servicing and repairs unit comes to your plant or equipment on-site to service and repair airconditioners in any vehicle including farming, agricultural or industrial machinery. Horsham Autotech, Autoair and Exhaust Centre are ready to service your vehicle and are open Monday to Friday. Call us on 5382 2622 today.
Based on unprecedented reader and listener demand, we encourage regional trade-based businesses to become part of The Weekly Advertiserʼs Local Trade Directory.
The Local Trade Directory offers the only true multimedia platform combining print, radio and online services for businesses to ʻspread the wordʼ in across the Wimmera, Mallee and Grampians.
It’s affordable and effective!
For a small weekly investment you will receive an advertisement (as above) PLUS... Receive bonus radio credit mentions on MIXX FM and 3WM throughout your paper advertising period.
Classifieds
60th Wedding Anniversary
~ WHITE (Mullins) ~ Kevin & Claire
April 24, 1965
Congratulations on your special milestone. Your strength, love and support has touched the lives of so many & something to be enormously proud of.
Tom, Maree, Caroline, Peter, Jo, Chris and families.
McGLYNN, (nee Marshall)
Nellie ‘Melba’
Passed away peacefully on April 15, 2025
Aged 92 years 10 months
Loved wife of Harold (dec).
Sister of Les and sister-inlaw of Beverley.
Aunt of Libby, Peter, Andrew and families.
NIKKELSON, Gwenda Pearl at Edenhope, formerly Warracknabeal on April 10, 2025
Loved daughter of Ernie & Nellie (both dec).
Loved sister & sister-in-law of Von & Ted Lehmann and their families.
OLSON, Laurence (Laurie)
Vivian
Late of Dimboola
It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Laurie on April 11, 2025, aged 75 years.
He will be deeply missed by his beloved son Brett and daughter Leah and his grandchildren Sam, Ashley & Brooke.
In accordance with the Laurie’s wishes, there will be a private cremation, with a celebration of life gathering to be determined at a future date.
Horsham & District Funerals
Dylan & Amity Hartwich 5382 1149
DECKERT, Ian Maxwell
23/06/1942 – 11/04/2025
A Memorial service for Ian will be held at the Horsham Church of Christ 91 River Rd Horsham Wednesday, 23rd of April at 2pm.
Ian’s service will be livestreamed.
The link will be available on our Facebook page
Emiley & Mathew Bone Nhill, Dimboola & Kaniva District Funerals 0419 008 464
NIKKELSON
A graveside service for Ms Gwenda Pearl Nikkelson will be held at the Warracknabeal Lawn Cemetery on Monday April 28, 2025 commencing at 11am
W.B. Gardiner & Son
Funeral Directors Warracknabeal 0407 340 064
OSBORNE
The funeral for Mr Graham
B. Osborne will leave the Uniting Church, Warracknabeal on Tuesday, April 29, 2025 after a service commencing at 2pm for the Warracknabeal Lawn Cemetery.
This service will be live streamed via the link: https:// livingitlive.com.au/grahamosborne
W.B. Gardiner & Son
Funeral Directors Warracknabeal 0407 340 064
MERRETT, Colin
6-9-34 to 27-4-2014
Our minds still talk to you, Our hearts still look for you, But our souls know that you are at peace. We miss you every single day.
Loving memories from all of your family
2 beautiful sweet 20 yr old mares, need a perfect forever home, unfortunately I can't afford all that I have anymore, both $500 ono, to good homes ONLY Ph 0423182267
3 year old black and tan bitch working kelpie, great yard dog, Ph or PM for details to Harry 0458318200
Aged pensioner looking to buy a male chihuahua, 1 1/2 - 2 years old Ph 0421237043
Aust White/Dorper Ewes pic# 3WWWJH126 Ph 0447275737
Beeamma White, Australian White Stud purebred rams , private sale on farm, BRUC, ACC, OJD, VAC, ewes available, Elders Alan Thompson 0427849779, Rod Donnell (08) 87582095
Birds for sale , princess parrots, cockatiels and bourkes, all colours Ph 0408535515 Stawell
Bristlenose catfish, great tank cleaners $5ea until sold out Ph 0474159010 after 6.30pm
Budgies, assorted colours $10 each Ph 0417533579
Budgies , pastel and standards $10 each Ph 0428010996 Horsham
Chihuahua puppies , last litter, one girl and two boys available, born on 20/01/25, grey/white male microchip# 953010006886663
Grey male microchip# 953010006886703
Black female microchip# 953010006886699, source MB168010, microchipped and first vaccination, ready to go Ph 0406048840
Cocker Spaniels, purebred for adoption, two females, mother and daughter pair, aged 9 and 7, vaccinated, groomed, wormed, desexed and microchipped, adoption at the discretion of owner based on assessment of compatibility, apply to 0475834545
Goats for sale, 6mth old male goat, pregnant female goat Ph 0414851313
Goats for sale , mixed breeds, pic# 3YKHS059, from $60 each Ph 0427361940
Love birds assorted colours $20 each pick up only Warracknabeal Ph 0447776408
Princess Parrots for sale, breeding pairs, various colours Ph 0439655239
Stawell area
Purebred black faced Dorper, rams and ewes, rams 2yrs old, ewes 9months old, pic# 3HSDC083 Ph Liz 0419664345
Purebred German Shepherd , 13 weeks old, black and tan, great temperament, toilet trained, straight, 2 boys source# MB115424, m/ chip# 953010007067038/ 7069200 Ph 0421018631
Purebred German Shepherd, 7 months, black and tan, great temperament, toilet trained, straight, one boy & one girl source# MB115424, m/chip# 956000016586733/668 1104 Ph 0421018631
Roosters, ducks and guinea fowl wanted to buy Ph 0427361940
Very pretty & young budgies, assorted colours, ready to go $10 each Ph 0423182267
Restored Antique cast iron/timber garden benches
$250 each Ph 53522691
13' 1992 Colt Caravan, tv, a/c, 2way fridge, awning, VGC, reg till May 25, as is $8500 Ph 0487750540
1998 Jayco Westport , full annexe, a/c, oven, microwave, always shedded, many extras $18,000ono Ph 0419514118
2000 Jayco starcraft, full annex, TV lots of extras, very good condition, one owner, very little use $20,000 or nearest offer Ph 0456601681
2013 Jayco Starcraft, 21', one owner, very little use, as new, many added extras
$40,000 Ph 0427909230
2014 JB dirt roader 19’caravan , full ensuite queen bed, 3 way fridge washing machine, reverse cycle a/c diesel heater, Sirocco fans, 2 solar panels, 2 batteries, 280 litres water
$44,000 Ph 0427902375
Beulah
2017 Ezytrail Stirling, excellent condition, forward folding hard floor, full annex, 600w inverter, TV, 80lt
WACO fridge, memory foam mattress topper, always stored undercover, $18,500 ono Ph 0439022870
2017
Jayco Starcraft caravan , 16', queen size bed, full oven, ensuite, easy to tow, hardly used, as new van Ph 0429982394
2019 Ezy Trail Stirling GT Mark 2 camper, EC, full annex, used 4 times, full rego $14,999 ono Ph 0428820446
Caravan 20' full length, solid annex, ensuite shower, basin toilet, on permanent site in Portland Seaside Caravan Park, fully furnished, for holidays or permanent living $5800ono Ph 0432544164
CUB Escape camper, 2020, Australian made, off road camper that will go anywhere, queen size bed, all canvas awnings, very good condition $24,800 Ph 0490532715
Jayco Finch Pop Top , double beds with fly mesh, electric brakes, boat rack, annex $12,000 Ph 53582560
Jayco Starcraft pop-top, 18', 4 birth, disel heater, porta potty, outdoor shower, hot water, full annex and awning, tv, GC $12,900 Ph 0419560817
MDC Highside Cruiser
2019, 3 ton McHitch, fridge, redarc dc to dc charger, EC $14,500 Ph 0407147996
Antiques
Animals & Accessories
Funeral Notices
Memorial Notices
caravans
Animals & Accessories
REDUCED 2006 Concept
Ascot pop-top, immac cond, shedded, low kms, new full annexe, R33763 $18,500 Ph Ray 0413445347
REDUCED 2009 Jayco
Stirling Expander , immaculate cond, front club lounge, slide out q/bed, full ensuite, roll out awning and full annex $40,000ono Ph 0428913307
REDUCED 2014 Concept
Innovation, 590R, 19ft 6in, full ensuite, WM, Q bed, full fridge/freezer, TV, new microwave, 2 batteries, AC, 2 toolboxes, awning, annex, ex cond, $42,000 Ph 0437164589
REDUCED 2018 Dingo
Ultimate Camper, heavy duty top of the line off-road trailer including boat rack, fully enclosed annexe including ensuite, lots of storage, built-in instant gas hot water to sink and shower, dual AGM batteries and built-in inverter and charger, innerspring mattress and ability to make up second double bed, two new off-road tyres, VGC, Y76535 $16,500ono Ph 0407360212
REDUCED Isuzu Outback
Express Motorhome
for sale, 2 seater, sleeps 3, 4ltr diesel engine, solar panels, auto, diesel, fridge, tv, shower, toilet, stove and lots more, have to see to believe, can drive on normal car licence, 3.1m long, RWC, $38,000 with 6mth rego and RWC Ph Phillip 0428173606 or Susan and ask for Phillip 0458727370 Horsham
REDUCED New Age 2013, queen bed, TV, large fridge, microwave, gas/electric hot plates, toilet, shower, washing machine, full annex, sway bars, $44,000 Ph 0427778747
Toyota Coaster camper , 2 seater, diesel heater, 1hz motor, solar and 12v awning much more $40,000 Ph 0418325662
1997
Hercules Tipper
$76,000 plus Gst Ph 0428386295
Air Seeder RFM 30' $20,000 Ph 0427031310
Cox ride on lawn mower
$900 Ph 0407285097
Expression of interest, for sale, international 511 28 row trash floats combine, 211 33 tyne scarifier, 18 disc Connor-Shea hyd lift 4 fold, B45 baler working order, Lowan round bale carrier Ph 0407911884 evenings
Ferguson Tea20, good tyres, new clutch, resealed final drives, new dash gauges, rewired, good battery, complete re-spray, new seat, new steering wheel, fitted with 3 PL carry all $4200 ono Ph 0429491426
International A414 tractor, recent engine overhaul, good tires, paint is weathered
$3000 Ph 0428190549
Murtoa
REDUCED 2022 Mahindra
6110 , 60 HP, front end loader, 4 in 1 bucket, FWA, a/c cab, balance of new warranty, 368 hrs on clock
$43,900 Ph 0428349401
REDUCED Versatile 555
Tractor, good working order
$12,000 ono Ph 0493394223
Tradesman trailer, off road
$4500 Ph 0407285097
2 saddles, 2 bridles, 2 horse bits, 1 drench bit, 1 riding cap Ph 0447590865
23
30 ton silo $650 ono Ph 0427361940
5 step platform ladder , galvanised, on wheels with brakes $450 Ph 53522691
ABLE Inverter Generator, rated 5.5kw, as new condition, only operated for 10hrs, $850.00 Ph 0408442497
Archery equipment , 3 compound bows, 35 pound youth bow, 60 pound adult bow, 16 wheeler antique, 1 45 pound Samic longbow, arrows, tool boxes, apres and fletching jig $500 Ph 0429164375
Camping equipment , 2
dome tents, 10 man and 4 man, sleeping chair tent, 3 roll up tables, shower tent, 2 gas stoves, 4 spare bottles, camp kitchen, blow up q/bed $450 Ph 0429164375
Camping Equipment, including as new Yamaha
2KVa inverter generator never used, aqua cube shower, porta potty, Komodo pantry, and clothesline $2500 Ph 0458683879
CCE cage on wheels
6x4 well made $400, 500 gallon ex fuel tank $100, Coolgardie safe $100, Ute crate, 6x4 tub tight $50, Bailey extension ladder 5.3 extends to 6.3 $500, leith grain measuring sheep feeder $1000, new Holland
Mower GC with parts, best offer Ph 0429857207
Configura twin motor tilt recliner lift chair, beige vinyl, model S15444, $2500ono, Royale Medical over bed tilting split table $200ono Ph 0428810806 Horsham
Craftsmen ZTS700 ride-on zero-turn mower, good condition, 21 hp engine, reconditioned spindle and deck, many hours left in this machine $2850 Ph Eddy 0428922335
Galvanised trailer , 5x5
$800 Ph 53522691
Gold and opal ring, approx 80yrs old, current valuation
$4500 would like $2500 Ph 0458014560
Good Clean Faber
Beans, 10 tonne ready to sow, graded and treated with cruiser insecticide
$650 a tonne plus Gst Ph 0429836055
Hot potato mobile van , bought new 2018, never used $980 ono Ph 0432544164
Kirby Avalir 100th
Anniversary, EC, clean and functions perfectly, includes filter bags, brand new home care system, all attachments some brand new $750 Ph 0429679481
Metres Console Radio, ex condition Ph 53824316
Omega gold watch , approx 65yrs old, still keeps perfect time $1500ono Ph 0458014560
Pea straw small square bales, $7 per bale, great garden mulch, pickup or delivery to Horsham Ph 0488303725
Rare 1895 Furphy tank, both casts are in good condition $6000 Ph 0428519879
REDUCED 1 Bridgestone
Turanza Tyre , R35 55 R17, done 10,000kms $30 Ph0428504558
REDUCED 4KW 240V Generator , gauges and trolley $550 Ph 0428504558
Round bale hay ring $350 Ph 0429200566
Round dining table with
Ph 53824788
Sherwell PTO bin $1200 Ph 0428857312
Slow juicer, Kuvings, very good condition, no further use $295 Ph 0408823136
Strongberg Carlson Console Radio, ex condition Ph 53824316
Tent Dune Eyre , 10x10, near new, easy set up for Easter Ph 0491644368
Horsham
Tradies Trailer enclosed, containing shelving storage, power points $680 ono Ph 0432544164
Turkey Bones for soup or dog food, $3 per kg, Deutscher's Turkey Farm Dadswells Bridge Ph 53595220
Outdoor spa , sapphire, 5 person $4500 Ph 0407285097
Wall unit sliding door & shelves $30, coffee table with tiled top $25, timber corner unit $15, outdoor setting with 4 chairs & laminex oval table $80 Ph 0409967815 Horsham
LOST necklace in white
Prouds The Jewellers bag, dropped in the main street of Horsham, reward offered Ph Leon 0402363355
3.7 m boat and cover , QL624, an aussie made trailer P83061, Yamaha 15 HP motor, near new $4000 Ph 53582560
3.7 savage aluminium boat , UM198, 25 HP Mercury forward steer reyco trailer, b15834 electric motor and lawrence fish finder $2600 Ph 0428523919
BoCam aluminium fold up boat trailer, EC, 50kg tare, GTM 250kg, $1650 Ph 0428990602
Pietscraft 3.5m Fishing
Boat , 15hp, Johnson tilt trailer, boat cover, all accessories $5000 Ph 0428822730
Quintrex FishAbout MKII Repowered 40HP Yamaha, low hours, new Oceanic Trailer Bimini Hummingbird
Finder 40Ib Elec Motor Dec Estate Ph 0491644368
Horsham
Aspire wheelchair, as new condition, barely used once a day for 3 months, extremely comfortable, cost $3500 from Action AIDS, reduced price $950 Ph 0427562913
Horsham
Freedom forearm walker
$250, wheelchair $150 Ph 0437600095
Invacare Pegasus mobility scooter, excellent condition, includes, shade canopy, front basket & rear carrier
$3500 Ph 0408826727
Shoprider Allrounder mobility scooter, 2yrs old, EC, hard canopy, weather proof fittings $4200 Ph 0419633821 Dimboola
mobility
, EC, shade canopy, front basket, rear carrier, inspections welcome $4000 Ph 0438354414
2020 Harley Low Rider 107, FXLR 1745 cc, heaps of extras, EC, rego 3 monthly basis, 27,270 kms, 2K4ZJ $20,000 Ph 0409590596
of PVC pipes, 39" long x 6 1/4" diameter, ideal planters $150 for the lot or $5 each Ph 0428504301
Top Gun
scooter
BMW K1200 RS , 2010 model, comes with panniers, top box, reg til Aug, RW, BY136 $4800ono Ph 0419508310 Stawell area
BMW R1100 RT, EC, reg till 5/25, 123k kms, YD865 $4600 Ph 0409954491
REDUCED BMW R1200RT
Solo, 2007, Ex SA Police, GO, HGR, EWS, CC, RW cond, unregistered, service manuals $3000 Ph 0428154961
1946 Anglia Ford Ute , engine fully rebuilt $700 Ph 0429975751
1989 Toyota Camry Sedan
2 litre EFI, red, unregistered, vin# 6T153SV2109103569, 198,000 kms $500 Ph Peter 53525927 leave message
Ford XA 1972 era Panel
Van with rust $1500 neg Ph 0428501109
1990 Nissan Patrol GQ 4.2petrol, 12months rego, 654000km, new tyres, JN1OWGY6OA0020221, 1YI5EW $10,000 neg Ph 0428501109
2001 Fairlane Ghia, AU11 series, meteorite colour, QFQ527 $3250 Ph53503220
2001 Nissan Pulsar, 2 keys, as new tyres, auto, just serviced, reg to April 30, RWC, 1WD5ZZ, 143,000km, $5000 Ph 0413960612
2005 SP Mazda 3 Hatch, 5 speed manual, power steering & aircon, black in colour, 1YD6TE, 193000km, RWC, $4500, Ph 0423335246
2012 Ford Territory , 173,000kms 1GK5W1
$8000 inc roadworthy Ph 0429975751
2013 Ford Mondeo Zetec hatch , auto, economical turbo diesel, silver colour, full service history, registered June 25, RWC, 317,000km, 1AG2PW $5500ono Ph 0428928248
Honda Civic, 1994, great condition with RWC, automatic & aircon, colour black, Vtech motor, vin JHME6548005203141
$10,000 Ph 0428501109
Proton Jumbuck Utility 2010 , black, 1.5L petrol, 5spd man, excellent mech condition, drives very well, air conditioned, decent time and money spent to prepare for registration, good straight body no dents, no rust, good paint, new tyres front and 60% rear, great little ute will be sorry to see it sold, inspection invited and will not disappoint, always serviced has original books, further information on request, vin# PL1097PNRAB015607
$3600 Ph 0402756744
1999 Toyota Dual Cab Ute, 4x4 diesel with fold out camper $12,500 Ph 0428822730
MGB GT Sports car, 1974 model, burgundy colour, 4spd manual in perfect cond, built for the American market, all leather interior with original Smiths instrumentation, original 1.8 motor with twin SU carbies with only 29,000 miles, comes with many club awards and trophies, manuals etc, valued by Shannons at $31,000, selling $15,000 or nearest offer Ph David 0402 318 447
REDUCED 2013 Toyota ATARA, 2.5L sports sedan, auto, RWC, Toyota seat covers, only 2 owners, selling due to downsizing, 127,000kms, $12,000 Ph 0400728252
REDUCED 2014 Mitsubishi Challenger, silver, 4X4, 2.4 diesel, auto, 1 owner, full service history, elec brakes, good cond, dual batteries, reg till Aug, 220,000km, 1EB5FL $12,000 ono Ph 0408576391
REDUCED 75 series
2003 Landcruiser , auto, factory turbo diesel, lots of accessories, HDJ100, 420,000km $29,500 Ph 0447159379
2014 Nissan Navara D22 2.5 turbo diesel 4X4 ute, registered until December with service books, low 91,600kms $22,500ono Ph 0492496448
2014 Toyota Hilux, 3 litre diesel, new shockers and springs and injectors, oil filter and oil every 600km, great for towing vans, 290,000kms
$25,500 Ph 0417109816
2019 Ford Ranger XLS grey double cab with full screen, very good condition 125,000km, 8 mths rego, new tyres, snorkel, arb bull bar, air bags, side steps, black duck seat covers, under tray tool boxes, many extras always shedded, minimal towing $45,000 inc Gst Ph Andrew 0427923236
HSE TD4 Discovery Sport
7 seater, very economical, 7 seater 2 foldout seats in the rear, 1 owner since new, factory towbar, leather seats, great condition, diesel, auto start/S\stop, heated/cooled front seats, lane departure warning, keyless start, front rear sensors, rear camera, power tailgate, full service history, all the gadgets, USB ports, 171,579kms, CYU214
$19,990 Ph 0419597954
Landcruiser ute with slide on camper, 2002, 4.2 litre diesel, 4x4, Millhaven tray towbar, bullbar, Superwinch, tool lockers, Polyair bellows, Davsher hitchhiker camper, new 90L, 3-way dometic fridge/freezer, fiamma awning, 2 burner gas cooktop/griller, sink,120kW fold up solar panels, 200W inverter, 200AH AGM house batteries, queen bed, robe, spacious storage, midge-mesh screening, Highjacker hydraulic legs, 2nd spare wheel, plus extras, excellent condition, 228,961km, HZJ79R Ph 0427482976
PERSONALS
Ararat man, 67 years old , interests include gym, fishing, camping, singing, acting, Lions Club, bushwalking, ballroom dancing, looking for a lady aged between 40-70 years old, Ph 0467791009 Ararat Jill Nicholson went to Dover girls tech in the 60s Adelaide, lived 5 Broadway South Brighton left Adelaide to live in rural Victoria early 70s Ph John 0423315174
Private Sale Executive, 4 bed, 2 bath, large, spacious home, in popular Horsham West, a short stroll to river, fully renovated to a quality, not a budget, contact owner Lisa 0422506969 to view
Aged pensioner looking to buy a male chihuahua, 1 1/2 - 2 years old Ph 0421237043
Wanted, Land to "Share-Farm" or "Lease", anywhere south of Horsham and across to the Grampians, from 50 to 700 acres, cropping country preferred, Ph Roger Hallam at Mockinya 0418822700
2 tanker loads of water as running low nhill area cash paid ph 53928295 and leave message
Wanted Mackenzie punch and shear, have you got one in the shed not being used? Ph 0499911102
Palm tree for removal, free, located Goroke Ph Mick 0400005266
•
Toyota Landcruiser ute, 4.2l diesel, dual tanks, dual batteries, comes with quality rooftop camper, TJM pro diff lockers front/ back, airbagman suspension fitted, 5 new tyres, winch, Engel fridge and slide, lots of accessories, very well looked after, RWF984 $19,990 ono Ph 0487700251
Mini Cooper S, 2016, 5 door hatch, 2.0L, 6speed auto, near new condition, 51,900kms AHB987 $29,900 Ph 0428320108 Horsham
Toyota Hilux 2022, 4 wheel drive, auto, diesel, new tyres, warranty, immaculate condition, 48,747kms, 1NV4FU $42,390 plus Gst Ph 0427858264
Funeral remembrance videos edited with cherished media by professional, each project individual, AI photo restoration available Ph 0478609837
Massage service , very clean, full body massages available for both men and women, very discreet, you come to us or we can come to you, call for quote and booking, in the Wimmera area and beyond Ph 0473311660
Sheep slaughtered at $15 per head Ph Andy 53838240
real estate
CASH 4 GOLD JEWELLERY
Free appraisals, no obligation
HIGH EST PRICES PAID ANY CONDITION Rings, Necklaces, Bracelets, Earrings Coins, Sovereigns Call Chris: 0467 777 379
Wimmera Mallee Environmental and Agricultural Protection Association Inc.
Wind Turbines – Health Impacts
Expert legal advice to support residents to protect their health.
A very important session for anyone who lives and works in proximity to wind turbines.
Monday, April 28, 6.40pm for 7pm start
At the Warracknabeal Community Centre, Anzac Park, Warracknabeal
See us on Facebook - All Welcome
The Weekly Advertiser, 3WM and MIXX FM office will be closed Friday, April 25 for the ANZAC Day Public Holiday.
Revised radio and newspapers deadlines are in place. Please contact your advertising consultant for more details. Alternatively, phone the station on 5382 1351.
Please note: classified deadlines remain the same.
As
BIRD CLUB INC BIRD EXPO
Saturday 3rd of May 2025
Trade Expo: 10.00am to 1.00pm
Bird Expo: 11.00am to 1.00pm
Aviary birds, Accessories and Canteen Entry : $5.00. Children under 16 free. SES Hall 33 Sloane Street STAWELL For bookings and inquiries phone Karen 0448
Hobbs (Ps) - Horsham & District Uniting Church
WIMMERA
Join a locally owned and operated family business!
Toyworld Horsham & Just Juniors are HIRING
Do you have skills that include: Strong customer service, effective communication, Problem-solving, Time-management, Teamwork?
If you’re ready to be part of a great team, apply today!
Send your resume or any questions to Rachel at justjuniorsretail@gmail.com
Contact:
JOIN OUR TEAM
Join the Hindmarsh team and contribute to our beautiful Shire. We are currently accepting applications for the following position: Administration Officer Planning and Environment Permanent Part Time Commencing at $34.61 per hour Applications close 12noon on Wednesday 30 April 2025
Scan the QR code for details about this role and how to apply, or for more information, visit: www.hindmarsh.vic.gov.au/ work-in-council
You can also contact our Customer Service Centre on (03) 5391 4444. You must have the right to live and work in Australia to apply for this job.
The Weekly Advertiser @theweeklyaddy
Family Preservation & Reunification - Intensive Family Supports Practitioner
management and case planning. A strong team ethic.
WE OFFER Attractive Remuneration Salary Packaging Flexible Hours Additional Paid Leave Supportive Work Environment
Get in touch for more details: ceo@goolumgoolum.org.au Closing Date: 5pm 25 April 2025
Hockey to hit off
BY SIMON KING
The Wimmera hockey season hits off this weekend with two matches under lights at Dimboola on Friday, and the remainder of the round on Saturday.
Very little news has leaked concerning any major pre-season recruiting moves, so mystery still surrounds many first-round match-ups.
With no recent form line, all eyes will be on the reigning premiers, particularly in the senior competitions, to set the pace.
The unavoidable loss of top-age players from the under-16 competition, as they graduate to the senior ranks, can lead to significant shifts in teams’ fortunes from one season to the next, so it could be several rounds before the pecking order in the under-16 competition becomes clear.
Although there are no grand final rematches this weekend, the first of these will be in round two, there are still some intriguing games to start the season.
On Friday, Dimboola plays Kaniva in both the under-16 and women’s divisions, and based on last year’s form, the Kaniva Raiders should be too strong for the Roos in the opening under-16 game.
The clash between Kaniva, the reigning premiers in the women’s division, and the Dimboola could prove to be the match of the round. If some rumoured off-season recruiting proves to be correct, the Roos have the potential to seriously challenge the dominant two teams from last season and have a real chance to put the first dent in Kaniva’s title defence.
The afternoon matches might not be a good indication of the strengths of the combatants, with both Warracknabeal senior teams depleted due to another function on that day. This allows them to test the depth of their squads, and for their Nhill opponents to make a strong start.
Nhill Rangers have not enjoyed much success over recent seasons, but their improvement has been significant, and they will fancy their chances against the Warrack Hoops, last year’s grand finalists, who may only have half of the players who took on the Yanac Tigers in the season decider last year.
The Tigers will be looking to extend their phenomenal record, having not lost a match since the 2019 semi-finals, when they start their 2025 season against the Horsham Hurricanes.
The Horsham team held the reigning premiers to a draw early last season, one of only two teams to get that close in the last five years, but will have to play at their best if they are to match or improve on that result.
The Horsham Jets narrowly missed qualifying for the women’s grand final last year, and should give Yanac, last year’s runner-up, a good run in a match that could go either way, and while Warrack Women and Nhill Thunderbirds both missed the finals action last year, their match on Saturday will be an excellent chance for both to start their 2025 campaigns on the right foot.
The next generation of hockey players will also enjoy time on the pitch, with the development program in its usual time slot of 12.30 pm.
In the matches on Saturday morning, the two under-16 grand finalists from last season, Yanac Warriors and Nhill Leopards, should open their seasons positively when they take on the Horsham Bombers and Warrack Revengers, respectively.
and
Easter fishing at Jeparit
Horsham’s Brent Walker and Sebastopol’s Cheryanne Brabender won Jeparit’s annual Easter fishing competition, both with yellowbelly, on Saturday.
Walker’s 3866-gram fish won the senior section, while Brabender’s 2638-gram catch won the junior section.
A total of 416 anglers entered, with 135 eligible fish caught.
All fish in the seniors’ non-carp top five were yellowbelly. Second place went to Nhill’s Tyler Newcombe with a 3762-gram catch, followed by Nhill’s Jye Wilson, 3750 grams; Nhill’s Jamar Zanker, 3648 grams; and Mt Egerton’s Jason Hatcher, 3234 grams.
Second place in the junior section was Penshurst’s Micah Walkenhorst with a 2058-gram catch; Sebastopol’s Cianna Beer, 1616 grams; Penshurst’s Hannah Walkenhorst, 1516 grams; and Murtoa’s Braxton Maher, 1428 grams, all with yellowbelly.
Horsham’s Jordy Parfett Oliver caught the heaviest carp in the senior competition, weighing in at 5326 grams, while Jeparit’s Lydia Paech landed the junior heaviest carp at 2448 grams.
A raffle on the day raised more than $3000 for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.
WINNERS: Jeparit Easter Fishing Competition senior winner Brent Walker with a 3866gram yellowbelly
junior winner Cheryanne Brabender with a 2638-gram yellowbelly.
Teams set for battle of top two
BY DAVID BERRY
Second placed Hellenic Nuggets will be out to bridge the gap on top-of-the-table Phantoms when Volleyball Horsham’s A Grade competition resumes tonight after the school holiday break.
Tyler Puls has his team humming along nicely, sitting pretty on top undefeated, while Dimitrios Vettos’ Nuggets are keen to keep in touch with the double chance, knowing full well that if they falter, Heidelberg, Rangers and Tsunami are ready to pounce.
Puls said he was pleased with how his new-look team had quickly gelled together.
“Noah Werry is doing a great job setting, and he is making good choices with his set distribution, which makes it easier for our hitters to successfully attack,” he said.
“Our middles in James Davidson and Tristan Rayes are also doing a great job both in attack and defensively, getting good touches and being smart with their attacks.”
Vettos knows the task ahead will not be an easy one.
“We have struggled to get a consistent seven on the court so far this season, with key players unavailable,” he said.
“Kara Johnson is carrying an injury while Loucas Vettos has been on holi-
days, so getting some form of cohesion in our game has been a battle.
“We know the task ahead of us won’t be easy, but if we can limit Tyler Puls, especially his famous jump serves, we will be in with a chance.”
Preceding the battle of the top two will be Nathan Berry’s Heidelberg up against Tyler Snowden’s Tsunami.
Heidelberg captain Nathan Berry said he hoped Tory Chapple would be available after working away, while
Snowden would welcome back setter Joel Brilliant and libero Tamikah Dockrill.
“We pushed Nuggets all the way last game, and if we have ‘Tchapp’ available, he will give us the finisher we badly need,” Berry said.
Snowden said he believed his team would be strengthened by the two inclusions.
“Joel gives us some much needed blocking strength on the right side,
while Tamikah plays her libero role to perfection, passing consistently and defending five really well.”
Good Friday success
The first running of the Good Friday Lightning Spike raised more than $2000 for the Royal Children’s Hospital Appeal, with great support from Volleyball Horsham membership and the community.
Event organiser Kara Johnson said
“Over $420 was raised through the tin rattle, a market stall raised more than $350, the canteen was kept busy raising over $500, entry fees raised more than $300 and the auction of iconic tops raised just on $600”
– Kara Johnson
various activities throughout the day added to the total raised.
“Over $420 was raised through the tin rattle, a market stall raised more than $350, the canteen was kept busy raising over $500, entry fees raised more than $300 and the auction of iconic tops raised just on $600,” she said.
“Volleyball Horsham would like to thank everyone who gave up their time to play on the day, especially the junior girls from Warrnambool.
“The support of the community was great.
“We look forward to running the event again next year and continuing to support a great cause.”
The Greek Hellenic Easter Nuggets were victorious in division one, while the Kittens were successful in division two.
IN GOOD SPIRIT: Kittens were successful in Volleyball Horsham’s Good Friday Lightning Spike, taking out division two. Pictured are team members, from left, Kyren Parish, Malachy O’Brien, Clare Whyte, Mikaela Wright, Ilze Van Zyl, Rhianna Williams and Jimmy Finnigan.
AFL LIVE ON
Ayden in hot seat
BY BRONWYN HASTINGS
Ararat
go-karter Ayden
Linsley won the Karting Madness Individual Enduro during the school holidays, a career-first title.
One of the youngest of 18 entrants, Linsley, 17, said he qualified to start fourth.
“We started the race and I got past third and I just took off –I caught up really quickly to the people in second and first positions, they were putting in about the same lap times as me,” he said.
“It was a challenge facing up against these two people who are regarded as the best drivers there.
“It was really, really tough –but I found a way to overtake them.
“I got off the go-kart and I could barely walk.”
Linsley’s fastest lap was completed in 34.625 seconds.
“It wasn’t my personal best time, but it was definitely one of the fastest times,” he said.
“It was an unexpected win. I have done the endurance races a couple of times before, but I’ve never made it onto the podium.”
Who’s Leading VNI West? Understanding Project Partners SpOrt
At our Regional Pop-Ups, one of the most common questions we’re asked is: “Who is actually leading the VNI West project?”
It’s a great question – and one that reflects how invested local communities are in understanding the bigger picture. While Transmission Company Victoria (TCV) is leading the development phase, a number of key organisations are playing an important role in progressing VNI West. Here’s a quick guide to who’s involved and what they’re responsible for.
Australian Energy Market Operator (AEMO)
AEMO is Australia’s independent energy system and market operator, and system planner. AEMO’s purpose is to ensure safe, reliable and affordable energy and to enable the energy transition for the benefit of all Australians. AEMO was involved in the early planning stages of VNI West and created Transmission Company Victoria to progress this project.
Transmission Company Victoria (TCV)
TCV’s mission is to progress VNI West, leading the development phase, ensuring the project is well planned, informed by community consultation and meets regulatory requirements. The Essential Services Commission (ESC) recently granted TCV a transmission license, confirming that TCV has the expertise to guide this phase of the project.
The Development Partner
“There has to be a minimum
The endurance race’s 75 laps were more than double the weekly league race’s 30 laps that Linsley is accustomed to. He is preparing for a team endurance race, which is 150 laps, with fellow Karting Madness racer Willow Dunlop.
of three driver swaps, you do roughly 30 to 35 laps each spin,” he said.
“I’m looking forward to that, and hoping we can do well there.”
READY, SET, GO: Horsham’s Aaron Dunn was a late inclusion in the Drivers’ Invitation Stawell Gift at Laidlaw Park on Good Friday. Starting off the front mark of 18m alongside Easter Bunny and Kerryn Manning, Dunn shot out of the blocks but shortly after felt both hammies go. Dunn gingerly made his way up the track to the finish to be greeted by the winner, Charlton driver Luke Dunne and the other runners. Picture: TONY LOGAN
Opportunity to try badminton
Horsham Badminton Association will host a free come-and-try night on Monday next week, with officials encouraging people to give the sport a go.
The event will be at the Horsham College gymnasium on Baillie Street, beginning at 7pm on April 28.
No experience with the sport is necessary, and racquets will be available for participants to use. Following the event the association will commence its season, running from April to midSeptember.
For people unable to commit to weekly play,
the association will also host a casual round robin competition run separately each Monday night.
Association president Luke Dunn described it as a ‘fantastic competition’ that catered for all abilities.
“The teams competition is our most popular fixture, which makes for a very social and enjoyable weekly evening,” he said.
Mr Dunn encouraged anyone unable to attend on Monday to enter their names by messaging Horsham Badminton Association on Facebook.
In the coming months, AEMO will announce the appointment of a Development Partner – a licenced Transmission Network Service Provider (TNSP) – who will support the finalisation of early works and take on construction and operation of the project. TCV will continue to lead the project through development, working closely with the new partner to ensure commitments, community concerns and insights gathered over the past three years remain central to the project. Before VNI West moves into construction, the intention is that TCV will be acquired by the selected partner. Opportunities to engage with the development partner will be shared once appointed.
VicGrid
VicGrid is part of the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Change (DEECA) and is responsible for coordinating transmission planning and development of Victorian renewable energy zones. The Victorian Government is introducing reforms under the Victorian Transmission Investment Framework (VTIF) to change how transmission projects are planned and delivered. As part of these changes, responsibility for planning Victoria’s transmission infrastructure will shift from AEMO to VicGrid. These reforms will not impact TCV’s role in engaging with the community and delivering the current phase of VNI West. We will keep landholders and communities informed as these changes take shape.
Transgrid
Transgrid is a TNSP, responsible for developing the New South Wales section of the VNI West project. TCV and Transgrid are working closely to ensure project alignment.
Understanding the Transmission Licence
In February, TCV was granted a transmission licence by the Essential Services Commission. This is a standard part of delivering a major transmission project and allows us to continue progressing environmental and planning approvals.
The licence does not change how we work with landholders and communities. TCV remains committed to designing the project with the least impact on people, farming operations and the environment. We will continue working with landholders to finalise voluntary Land Access Agreements, and in the coming months, we will begin discussions around Option for Easement agreements and compensation.
Staying Connected
We want to keep you up-to-date with VNI West through regular updates, covering key topics such as the Environment Effects Statement (EES) and the selection of a new development partner. You can register for project updates, receive the latest news and get information on upcoming events by visiting transmissionvictoria.com.au
ON THE PODIUM: Ayden Linsley after winning a go-karting endurance race.
CLEAR COUNT
ON TARGET: Ararat’s Faith Biddle shot with confidence on Friday, helping her team to a 59-39 win over the Warriors, the Rats’ first win since round 16 of 2023.
Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
Ararat celebrates long-awaited win
BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY
GoodFriday lived up to its name for Ararat’s A Grade netballers, with the team posting its first win in more than 600 days in front of an enthusiastic band of home supporters.
The Rats went winless on their way to last season’s wooden spoon, and had not tasted victory since round 16 of 2023, but were undaunted against the visiting Stawell – a finals side last season.
From the opening centre pass Ararat moved the ball confidently, working it to goal shooter Faith Biddle for the first score of the game.
Goal attack Maggie Astbury showed off her offensive rebounding prowess on the next possession, tracking down her own miss to give Biddle her second goal.
At the other end of the court, Paige Biddle, playing at goal defence, worked hard to deny Stawell opportunities, forcing deflections and grabbing misses.
The Rats’ defensive efforts proved stifling in the first quarter, with the Warriors only able to score five goals for the term as they trailed by 13 goals at the first break.
In the second quarter Stawell was able to get
itself on track, with goal shooter Ayva Mitchell netting 13 of her team’s 15 goals for the term.
But the Warriors were able to make only modest inroads on the scoreboard, with the Rats converting 11 shots of their own to maintain a nine-goal lead at half time.
A 17-goals-to-nine third term by Ararat killed off any hope of a Stawell comeback, allowing the home crowd to bask in the glow of the team’s long-awaited victory in the last quarter.
The final score saw the Rats defeat the Warriors 59-39, with Laney McLoughlan earning beston-court honours for her efforts alongside Paige Biddle in Ararat’s defensive circle.
While the win was a shot in the arm for Ararat’s netball program, the team will face a challenge this weekend with a meeting against Dimboola on Saturday, with the Roos in hot form after a 31-goal win in round one.
The Horsham Demons and Horsham Saints will meet in an Anzac Day blockbuster at Horsham City Oval, with the game serving as a rematch of the past two grand finals.
Warrack Eagles and Southern Mallee Thunder will square off at Anzac Park on Saturday and Stawell will attempt to bounce back against Minyip-Murtoa at Central Park.
Female football fixtures released
The Wimmera Football Netball League has released fixtures for its inaugural female football competitions.
The open-age senior and under-14.5 junior competitions will each kick off on May 18 with games at Murtoa Recreation Reserve.
Both competitions comprise three teams, with the senior league featuring Laharum, MinyipMurtoa and the Horsham Demons, while the junior competition will see Laharum and Horsham play alongside a combined team of MinyipMurtoa and Warrack Eagles players.
The junior competition will begin at 11.30am with a game between the combined Warrack Burras side and Laharum, while the senior game, starting at 1.15pm, will see Minyip-Murtoa host Laharum.
From round two onwards junior games will be at 10am, with seniors starting at noon.
A grand final on August 3 will see the top two sides from the junior and senior competitions facing off for the premiership. The draw is:
Round one: Minyip-Murtoa v Laharum seniors, Warrack Burras v Laharum juniors, May 18 at Murtoa Recreation Reserve.
Round two: Laharum v Horsham seniors, Laharum v Horsham juniors, May 25 at Cameron Oval, Laharum.
Round three: Horsham v Minyip-Murtoa seniors, Horsham v Warrack Burras juniors, June 1 at Horsham City Oval.
Round four: Laharum v Minyip-Murtoa seniors, Laharum v Warrack Burras juniors, June 15 at Cameron Oval, Laharum.
Round five: Horsham v Laharum seniors, Horsham v Laharum juniors, June 22 at Horsham City Oval.
Round six: Horsham v Minyip-Murtoa seniors, Horsham v Warrack Burras juniors, June 29 at Horsham City Oval.
Round seven: Laharum v Horsham seniors, Laharum v Horsham juniors, July 20 at Cameron Oval, Laharum.
Round eight: Minyip-Murtoa v Laharum seniors, Warrack Burras v Horsham juniors, July 27 at Anzac Park, Warracknabeal.
Grand final: Top two teams in each competition, August 3, venue TBC.
from 6am
Ararat’s Matt Spalding
Jarrod Illig, Stawell, and Naish McRoberts, Ararat
Rats run all over Warriors
BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY
Ararat’s senior footballers made a statement in a special Wimmera Football Netball League Good Friday fixture, defeating Stawell by 96 points in front of a large home crowd at Alexandra Oval.
The two-time reigning premier Rats lost to the Warriors in their first meeting last season, and while early indications of another upset were apparent on Friday, Ararat quickly righted the ship.
The home side trailed by 17 points at quarter time, with Warrior Paul Summers getting on the end of a pinpoint pass from Cody Driscoll to open the scoring and following up with a long-range bomb from outside 50 metres only minutes later.
With Michael Selsby and Koby Stewart prominent in the midfield and the Warriors’ backline competing hard to nullify Ararat’s forward entries, the home crowd was kept quiet early.
But the match flipped on its head in the second term, with Ararat’s classy midfield, led by the likes of Sonny Kettle, Ben Taylor and ruckman Cody Lindsay, began to assert itself.
After being on the wrong end of a fourgoals-to-one opening term, the Rats restricted Stawell to one goal in the second while booting six of their own, with key forward Tom Williamson kicking four in the quarter.
It was the start of a big day out for Williamson, who finished with 10 majors and gave opponent Josh Fowkes fits with a series of contested marks, marks on the lead and goals from general play.
CAUGHT: Stawell’s Jakob Salmi tackles Sonny Kettle, Ararat.
When Stawell did work the ball forward the team struggled to find Summers as it had earlier, with Ararat defenders Baydn Cosgriff, James Jennings and Brayden Draffin containing the Warriors’ forward forays.
The match continued to turn in Ararat’s favour in the second half, with the home side kicking 16 majors after the long break, with other forwards including Naish McRoberts and Jack Ganley getting in on the act.
The Rats, with the 23.16 (154) to 9.4 (58) win, have opened their account for
SATURDAY
SATURDAY, APRIL 26
ANZAC LONG WEEKEND
2025 with two straight triple-digit victories – nearly matching their total number of such victories from all of last season.
The reigning premiers will travel to play Dimboola this weekend, while Stawell will go back to the drawing board for a home showdown against Minyip-Murtoa.
The feature match of the round will be the Horsham Demons’ Anzac Day clash with Horsham Saints at Horsham City Oval on Friday, while the Warrack Eagles will take on the Southern Mallee Thunder at Anzac Park on Saturday.
Nhill has a bye.
Come to the races this Saturday and unwind; a place where your only job is to relax.
Gates and bars open at 12 noon. Admission is free.
LAUNCH: Stawell’s Akol Deng and Cody Lindsay, Ararat, fly high on Good Friday. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER
‘Phenomenal’ meet
BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY
There was drama aplenty at Stawell’s Central Park during the Easter weekend as one of the largest crowds in recent history turned out to watch the Stawell Gift.
While teenage sprinting wunderkind Gout Gout and his 21-year-old rival Lachie Kennedy – two of the event’s biggest drawcards – were bundled out of the men’s gift in the semi finals, Olympian Bree Rizzo became only the second competitor in the history of the women’s gift to win from scratch.
Rizzo defied the odds to win after sporadic rain made for a heavy track, blitzing home to win in 13.52 seconds – the second-fastest winning time in women’s gift history since the event was changed from 100 to 120 metres in 2006.
In the men’s final it was South Australian school teacher John Evans who made the most of his frontmarker status, racing off a handicap of 9.75 metres to win in 11.94 seconds after pipping Gout at the line in their semi final earlier in the day.
Organisers reported the biggest crowd figures since the 1980s during the meet, with more than 6000 spectators on Saturday and estimates of nearly 9000 in attendance to watch Monday’s finals despite the damp weather.
Tipped as an international sprinting star of the future and drawing comparisons to a young Usain Bolt, Gout was a crowd favourite, engaging with fans after his heat
and semi final. Despite failing to qualify for the final after attempting to make up 8.75 metres on Evans in his semi final, Gout said he loved his debut Stawell Gift
experience. “Obviously running in the rain is a bit harder than usual, but you can’t control the weather so you just keep running,” he said.
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Winner Peyton Craig and Peter Bol after the 1000m invitational.
Bree Rizzo, with 2017 Stawell Gift winner and husband Matt Rizzo, after winning the women’s 2025 Stawell Gift.
2025 Stawell Gift winner John Evans.
raises the bar
“I thought I was coming pretty hard. With 20 metres left Evans was pretty far ahead of me, so I tried my hardest and he got me at the end. It is what it is – good run. This meet is incredible and the crowd is incredible.”
The winners
Evans said he was determined to make the most of a favourable handicap but admitted he was nervous as Gout chased him in the semi final.
“At the finish I looked across and saw him next to me, and I thought one or two more steps and he would’ve had me,” he said.
“It’s pretty exciting. I just run pros, and I’m not going to be running alongside the likes of Gout Gout and Lachie Kennedy again. It’s a fantastic opportunity. I get to tell two of my kids I did that now.
“This is my sixth time here. I knew it was a good handicap. I knew I could work something off of that, and I just had to train hard, push hard and see what I could do from it.”
Rizzo, the wife of 2017 men’s gift winner Matt Rizzo, said she was still coming to grips with her victory.
“I knew that I had to bring my best, and that I did to run a 13.5 … is massive for me,” she said.
“I’m so proud I could bring it in that moment, because that was the best feeling ever. It’s such an historic, prestigious win.”
Rizzo said winning the Stawell Gift was on an equal footing with racing at the Olympics as a career achievement.
“It’s a little bit more rewarding off scratch, but wherever you win from is absolutely incredible at the Stawell Gift,” she said.
“This is a whole different ballgame to the Olympics. They’re so different and they’re both so special in their own unique ways, so to be at both of them is crazy.”
Other results
Another big name at the meet was Olympic
Lachie Kennedy powers through the rain in his semi final on Monday.
Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER
middle-distance runner Peter Bol, who returned to Central Park after a thrilling second-place finish in the invitational 1000-metre race in 2024.
Running off scratch again, Bol was unable to improve on last year’s result, finishing third in a time of 2:23.58, more than four seconds behind the winner Peyton Craig.
Several youngsters from the Wimmera region also ran at the gift in Little Athletics Victoria events.
Horsham’s Mitchell Sawyer reached the final of the boys 100m event, finishing seventh in a close race, while Jett Hill was ninth in the mixed 800m final.
Another Horsham Little Athlete, James Burton, missed the boys 100m final after finishing eighth in his semi final, while Horsham’s Hannah Plazzer and Stawell’s Willow McDougall both reached the semi finals of the girls 100m event, finishing seventh and eighth respectively.
Organisers thrilled
Stawell Athletic Club president Shevahn Healy said the atmosphere had been ‘absolutely electric’ during her first year at the helm.
“Coming into this as my first year has been awesome. How can you top it?” she said.
“It has set the bar absolutely high. The amount of special runners that we’ve had has been amazing, and the crowd is electric. It’s been phenomenal. I’d guess we had a crowd of about 8000 or 9000 on Monday and about 6000 on Saturday.
“It’s huge. This is what it was like back in the ’80s.”
Northern Grampians Shire Council Mayor Karen Hyslop was equally impressed with the event.
“It’s been an amazing year. The crowd has just been overwhelming,” she said.
“They’re really interactive. There’s a lot of positive energy here, which is great. People are really getting behind the runners and supporting them.”
