The Weekly Advertiser – Wednesday, December 10, 2025

Christmas Catalogue

Tourism boost plea

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

Atourism chief is urging people to put an ‘SOS’ out to friends and family to visit the Grampians, Wimmera and Mallee regions, in what is predicted to be one of the lowest years of tourist spending in six years.

Grampians Wimmera Mallee Tourism chief executive Marc Sleeman’s call comes as many tourism operators report significantly lower booking numbers for the summer, a year after bushfires severely hit the region.

“The data shows us it is about $661-million worth of visitor spend every year across our region, and we need that support from the local community more than ever now,” he said.

“The numbers are soft right across the region for what is considered the busiest time, and I think that’s just a reflection of the bushfires last year and the challenging time we’ve had getting visitors back to the region.

“What we’re seeing is visitors who come and have a great time at sum-

Mr Sleeman said the spending by family and friends of the region’s residents was worth millions of dollars to the local tourism industry.

mer, generally look to book for the following year at the same location, and that didn’t happen last year, so we’ve missed out on some of those numbers.”

Mr Sleeman said most regional locations were expecting lower than usual tourist numbers for summer, and he was campaigning in capital cities to draw people to the Grampians, Wimmera and Mallee.

“There’s been a cost-of-living issue for most of the country and that’s impacting on visitation at the busy times, then we add the challenges of the bushfires last year,” he said.

“I’m working on a campaign right now in Adelaide and Melbourne to try to stimulate some sort of lastminute consideration for travel, so we’re working on plans to attract visitors during this time.

“Normally we don’t need to invest in driving consideration for travel at this time of the year. It’s normally the busy time – we can sit back and enjoy a break, but right now everything’s changing.

“The whole marketplace is changing and we’re finding ourselves needing to adjust to the ever-changing consumer demand.”

Mr Sleeman said following the ‘YOU’ campaign launched in July, there were about 60,000 visits to the website visitgrampians.com.au by people local to the area.

“When you consider the population of the Wimmera-Mallee and the Grampians is about 62,000, I think there’s an opportunity for locals to play a really important part in helping small businesses right across the region,” he said.

“That’s what the website was all about for us – a reminder of what we’ve got in our backyard.”

Continued page 3

FESTIVE FUN: Chris Versteegen and Santa entertain at Horsham Carols by Candlelight on Sunday. More, page 19. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

HRCC NEWS

Not long to wait until the Freestyle

Kings hit Horsham

Freestyle Kings Live, the ultimate action-sports theatrical spectacular, is set to ignite Horsham’s City Oval on Saturday, 14 February 2026, as part of its explosive 6-country, 50-show World Tour. This family-friendly event brings together the world’s elite riders in Freestyle Motocross (FMX) and BMX.

Headlining the tour is the modern-day Evel Knievel himself, Robbie Maddison, alongside his two sons — 14-year-old Kruz and 11-year-old Jagger — proving that while Robbie is the face of Freestyle Kings, his sons represent its exciting future.

“At 43 years old, it is no secret that I am closer to the end of my freestyle motocross career than I am to the start. My accomplishments on a dirt bike have been beyond my wildest dreams, but by far my greatest achievement is watching my three boys share the same passion I have for this sport… They are little showmen at heart, and whilst I might be a bit biased, I think it’s the favourite part of the show for the crowd,” Robbie Maddison said.

Family bonds take centre stage when the boys join the stage, “For us he is just Dad. We weren’t alive for his first big jumps, but he always shows us on YouTube and tells us how cool he used to be,” quipped Kruz.

“Mum comes to all our shows; she is our biggest cheerleader although she is probably more nervous than us when it comes to our turn to jump in the show,” added Jagger.

The excitement doesn’t stop there: 20-time X Games Gold medallist and reigning FMX World Champion Rob Adelberg will lead a star-studded international FMX and BMX crew. Adelberg, renowned for his dominance at the X Games, including nine gold medals in 2025 alone, said: “I’m from Regional Victoria and my bike has taken me all over the world for the last 20 years, and I can tell you, there is no better crowd to ride in front of than in places like Horsham… this is the best riders on the planet, who will be throwing down tricks that need to be seen to be believed.”

Tickets are on sale now, and make a fantastic Christmas gift idea for the whole family.

Scan the QR code to book now.

SPARK flies as arts program secures funding for two more years

Horsham’s groundbreaking SPARK Arts Education Program has succeeded in securing funding to deliver another two years of exciting opportunities for thousands of students across the region to participate in workshops, performance and exhibitions.

Operated through Horsham Town Hall, the program is led by SPARK Education Officers who create an annual program for schools in nine LGAs across western Victoria.

The program has received Department of Education funding since 2022, and has now secured $174,727 through the Department of Education’s Strategic Partnerships Program.

Since 2022, SPARK has:

• Delivered 79 workshops, 16 performances, and resources for 14 exhibitions

• Engaged 5,300 students across Horsham, Hindmarsh, Yarriambiack, West Wimmera, Southern Grampians, Northern Grampians, Ararat, Buloke, and Swan Hill

• Achieved 87% participation from government schools

• Led activities including live theatre, artist-led workshops, gallery tours, and the flagship SPARK VCE Arts Day exploring creative career pathways

• Been recognised by the Minister for Education as vital for curriculum enrichment and student wellbeing.

Horsham ag centre leads the field

Horsham’s agriculture research centre has once again been recognised as a leader in its field.

Agriculture Victoria’s Horsham SmartFarm is celebrating a multi-million-dollar investment to fast-track its groundbreaking research and development work.

Horsham Rural City Council CEO Gail Gatt was among dignitaries attending the cutting-edge facility on Monday when Michaela Settle, Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Victoria paid a special visit.

The Parliamentary Secretary was in town to formally announce that the new Plant Protein Hub and glasshouse are now fully operational, thanks to $12 million in Government support.

The hub is already a centre for innovation, with PhD students working alongside industry and researchers to develop high-protein crop varieties tailored to meet growing global demand for foods such as lentils, chickpeas and field peas.

The new glasshouse will accelerate crop research, improve pest and disease management and boost climate resilience –helping our farmers adapt to changing conditions.

HAVE YOUR SAY

C85hors - HERITAGE AMENDMENT

Planning Scheme Amendment C85hors (Heritage Amendment) proposes to apply the Heritage Overlay to:

• 31 individual properties,

• 10 precincts

• 1 serial listing containing 6 silos

This is in response to the findings and recommendations within the Horsham Heritage Study (2014) and Review of the Horsham Heritage Study 2025.

These properties have been identified to be included in the Heritage Overlay as either an individually significant place, a contributory or non-contributory place as part of a heritage precinct.

For more information and to make a submission, please visit Engage Horsham with the QR code.

Engagement closes Monday 22 December.

For details visit the Engage Horsham section of HRCC's website

Q09/2026

THREE LAKES PRECINCT FEASIBILITY STUDY AND MASTER PLAN

Closes Friday 16 January

STAY UP TO DATE

Know what's happening at HRCC. Subscribe to our weekly email newsletter.

Council’s Roaming Advent Calendar is back in 2025 with customers rewarded daily for shopping local this Christmas.

The Advent Calendar will stop at the following businesses in the coming week:

• Wednesday 10 December: Mackay's Family Jewellers

• Thursday 11 December: Feel Good Look Younger

• Friday 12 December: George The Salon

• Saturday 13 December: Bonnie & Clyde's Pizzeria

• Sunday 14 December: Norton Estate Winery

• Monday 15 December: Network Mobility

• Tuesday 16 December: Snap Fitness

Shoppers go into a daily draw to win a $200 voucher.

Tax freeze ‘not end of conversation’

BY LAUREN HENRY

While many have welcomed the State Government’s decision to freeze the Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund for two years, many are saying it does not go far enough.

As part of Labor’s Budget update on Friday, the Labor government announced changes to the ESVF – including no increase to the variable rate for primary production land, an increase to the volunteer rebate cap for farmland from $5-million to $10-million, and a delay to the change for investment properties by 12 months.

The pause comes after significant backlash – particularly among regional councils and communities – with protests across the state, including a major rally on the steps of Parliament House in May.

Opposition to the ESVF was led by farmers, who face large increases on the property tax, and Country Fire

Celebrating inclusion and access

Communities have celebrated International Day of People with a Disability with a range of events, recognising the inclusion and access available to all people.

Disability advocate Alma McKenzie, whose son Garth contracted a brain condition as an infant, said she was proud to be involved with the all-abilities.

“Their abilities are greater than disabilities, it’s great to see the access and inclusion that a lot of community offers them,” she said.

“I have been a disability advocate since about 1987, and that was when my son had been diagnosed with a rare brain condition.

“He was born, if we can say, normal, and at the age of five-and-a-half months of life, he contracted a rare brain condition called hypsarrhythmia, which slowed down all his milestones, with some of the professionals saying he wouldn’t crawl, roll over, walk, eat, drink or talk.

“And as you know now, he doesn’t stop talking.”

Ms McKenzie said the family had worked hard for her son to grow and develop, but were also readily ac-

Authority volunteers, who felt the new tax was an unfair imposition, given the volunteer hours they contributed to the emergency services.

Victorian Farmers Federation president Brett Hosking said the move was a huge relief for farmers and comes after a huge backlash against the fundamentally wrong cash-grab.

“Farmers will be breathing a huge sigh of relief,” he said.

“This tax was set to rip hundreds of millions out of the pockets of cashstrapped farmers in the middle of a record-breaking drought.

“Freezing the levy and increasing the exemption threshold acknowledges the massive pressure farmers have been under, particularly following years of drought and escalating operating costs.”

Mr Hosking thanked Premier Jacinta Allan, Treasurer Jacyln Symes and Agriculture Minister Ros Spence for listening to farmers and said the VFF had been ‘moving heaven and earth’

to convince the government to change their planned tax.

“It’s a step in the right direction, now we need real reform so we aren’t staring down the barrel of the same tax in two years’ time,” he said.

The VFF will now turn its attention to engaging with the Victorian government over the next two years to engage in a serious and transparent discussion about how emergency services are funded in the long term.

“This cannot be the end of the conversation,” Mr Hosking said.

“A pause is great, but we need a permanent and fair and equitable funding model that reflects modern realities and doesn’t continue to load disproportionate costs onto property owners.

“It must be a sustainable system that moves emergency services funding back into consolidated revenue and doesn’t push that burden onto farmers and landholders.”

Mr Hosking said before next year’s election, there needed to be a firm

commitment on a long-term funding solution for the emergency services, in consultation with farmers and volunteers.

RCV chair and Shepparton Mayor Shane Sali said member councils, which includes Horsham Rural City Council, welcomed the decision.

“Farmers across regional Victoria are the backbone of our state. This freeze offers much-needed relief at a time when many are doing it tough,” he said.

“RCV’s advocacy has been integral to achieving this outcome.

“We have consistently advocated against a significantly higher emergency services levy, which is unrealistic and unfair.

“This announcement shows the government has heard those calls – it’s a win for farmers, families and regional towns doing it tough.”

The Victorian Opposition slammed the pause, with Nationals leader Danny O’Brien saying it was a ploy to

cepted into their Beulah community.

“It was a very close community, and having an older brother, a younger brother, and an older sister, Garth was just accepted by everybody and involved in everything,” she said.

“So I’ve advocated from there, and I’ve never stopped advocating. It was with aged care. It was with the community. It was with mental health. It was with everything.”

Moving to Horsham in 2000, Mr McKenzie entered employment and grew ‘from strength to strength’.

Ms McKenzie retired as a registered nurse in 2016 to become a voluntary advocate for people with disabilities.

“Knowing that the NDIS was coming in, and how difficult it would be for the community, parents, and participants in particular, to work

through that maze, is why I became a volunteer,” she said.

Ms McKenzie opened Beyond Community Inclusion, a not-forprofit organisation for people with disabilities, where she continues her advocacy work.

“And that is going strong with the support of the participants, and the community,” she said.

defer the tax until after next year’s election.

The Opposition has already committed to scrapping the tax if elected next year.

“Victorians shouldn’t be fooled. This is a $3-billion hit on Victorians over the next couple of years, and Labor is simply trying to put off the pain for one year to put it beyond the election,” he said.

“The government brought in the emergency services tax with six months’ notice, and expected councils to be able to manage this.

“And now for the government to say, oh, we’ve got to put it off another 18 months, simply an increase in the fixed rate – a doubling of the fixed rate – putting it off for 12 months is a very lame excuse.

“I have no doubt this is about politics and the recognition by the government that people are hurting.”

Call out for ambassadors

From page 1

“Now is a great time to put a call out for locals to jump up and play a part in inviting their friends to the Grampians and Wimmera-Mallee for a holiday,” Mr Sleeman said.

“We’ve spoken to 25 major accommodation providers across the region, and they’ve all got lots of availability for January, which is a great time to visit our lakes and waterways and come and spend some money in the Grampians.

“For the people who haven’t made their holiday decisions yet – put the call out now to your friends to come up for Christmas.”

Mr Sleeman said the region was unique as most of the businesses were small and family-operated.

“We know that any money spent locally is going to help, and all that money goes back into the community,” he said.

“It supports the petrol stations, it supports the cleaners, it supports the builders.

“The trickle-down effect of the visitor spend across our region is significant.

“Every dollar spent on holidays in our region helps the local community.”

People can find information on the region’s highlights at www.visit grampians.com.au.

COMMUNITY: Garth McKenzie was among people to enjoy Horsham Rural City Council’s International Day of People with Disability event.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

give where you live

The Great Wimmera River

UCK RACE

The Foundation sincerely thanks the businesses listed below for supporting the Great Wimmera River Duck Race in 2025.

Special thanks to our major sponsor ACE Radio for hosting the auction and donating the major prize!

Total amount raised for 2025: $32,150

Emma Kealy

Mark Williams (GWM Water)

Robertsons

Axis Employment

Harcourts Horsham

Western Vic Wholesalers

Morrow Motor Group

Norton Motor Group

Traction Ag

Johnson’s Asahi

CHS Group

Consortium Private Wealth

Crop Opti

Absolute Curtain Co.

DMD Livestock & Property Agents Pty Ltd

Promotional Products & Uniforms

Planrite Advice Group Horsham

Horsham Wool

Horsham RSL

Horsham Doors and Glass

Wade’s

Wastebusters

Wimmera Bearings

Carr McCrae Insruance

Horsham Amcal

Wim Resource

Wes Davidson Real Estate

Ploughmans Motor Inn

Conways

David McMaster Builders

Exell Plumbing

White Hart Hotel

Locks Construction

Horsham Mitre 10 Cabinets & Stone

Intersport Horsham

Miller Civil Contractors

Ferguson Perry

Astron Limited

Manhari Metals

Total Tools Horsham

Horsham Motor Company

RA Plazzer Builders

Lawrence & Hanson Electrical Horsham

Mackays Jewellers

Bakers Delight Horsham

Cheeky Fox Café

Swift Car Wash

Victoria on the Park Hotel - Horsham

AWN (Australian Wool Network)

2025 Winner = Emma Kealy, MP

2nd place = Wim Resource

3rd place = RA PLazzer Builders

This support is a great example of “Give Where You Live”. It assists the Foundation to fund special projects for Grampians Health’s Horsham and Dimboola campuses.

The Foundation has recently purchased the following items:

Fracture extension table for the Horsham, dynamic hip screw instrument set and cordless wire driver for the Horsham operating theatre; and a CTG monitor for the Maternity Outpatients Clinic.

Trial closing remarks begin

The jury of a Supreme Court murder trial is today hearing closing remarks from prosecution and defence lawyers, following the death of a Dimboola man at his Victoria Street home in 2023.

While defendant Jodie Hill, now 45, has admitted to being at John Hunter’s home during the alleged attack that resulted in his death on January 20, 2023, she has denied taking part in it, and has pleaded not guilty.

Ms Hill, who took the stand this week, told the court she had accompanied a co-accused to Mr Hunter’s home to collect $50 that was allegedly owed to him.

She said the co-accused’s demeanour ‘changed all of a sudden’.

“I honestly thought he was a top bloke when I first met him. I’ve never seen anyone ever change so much like that,” she said.

“That’s when I just sort of said [to Mr Hunter], ‘please, please, just give him the money, whatever you owe him, just so we can get out of here’, ’cause that’s when I realised something wasn’t quite right.”

Ms Hill said she thought Mr Hunter was a friend of the co-accused’s and the alleged debt collection would be friendly, a ‘conversation or a cup of coffee’.

She said she had been the victim of family violence – the most recent inci-

Crews battle house fire

A Horsham home was destroyed by fire on Thursday, but its residents escaped without injury.

Firefighters from Horsham, Dimboola and Murtoa spent several hours at the Cecil Street scene, on what was a day of Total Fire Ban of high temperatures and strong winds.

Assistant chief fire officer Terry Fradd said the structure was ‘fully involved’ when the first crews arrived at the scene.

“The wind and the temperature caused the fire to spread to a second structure at the rear of the house, with five people selfevacuating,” he said.

The fire was brought under control about two hours after the 11.30am alarm, with crews remaining on scene to black out hot spots.

A smoke warning was issued for residents in the area.

dent resulted in her being hospitalised for a leg wound after allegedly being dragged on bitumen by a romantic partner.

Defence lawyer Timothy Marsh asked Ms Hill why she did not tell ambulance officers or hospital staff about the alleged murder.

“I didn’t want to ever tell anyone what I’d witnessed, ever,” she said.

“I just can picture [the co-accused] threatening me not to dare tell anyone a word, anything about what had happened.”

Ms Hill said she was scared for herself and her children.

Mr Marsh went on to ask Ms Hill about Mr Hunter’s injuries before she left his house on January 20.

“He had blood on his face and head, not like in the photos I was shown,” she said.

Ms Hill was arrested on February 15, 2023, two days after being released from hospital.

She was interviewed that same day at Horsham Police Station, where she was shown crime scene photos of Mr Hunter and his injuries, and was put into a holding cell with another woman – an undercover police officer.

Mr Marsh asked Ms Hill about what she and the police officer had talked about in the cell, including if she had used secateurs to harm Mr Hunter.

“I did tell her that, but that was a lie just to shut her up, to intimidate

her, ’cause she kept questioning me constantly,” she said.

“I didn’t mind telling her to start with about my basic sort of life and children, and farm and work and that sort of stuff. But then, I was just a bit sus, a complete stranger that was trying to follow me around in the cell and trying to get closer.

“Even with her hoodie, I had to take my hoodie off, because no hoodies are allowed in the cell and then she come and put the hoodie on over me to try to get closer, and arm around me.

“It was too much for me. It was all such a shock to me what had happened that morning as well, being arrested for suspected murder. Just such a shock. I just wanted her to shut up.”

Mr Marsh asked Ms Hill if she told the police officer that she was ‘sick’ and ‘getting off on it’.

“I think I may have said that, it’s embarrassing what I said, but I was sick of her,” Ms Hill said.

“Just to shut her up, I was just trying to tell her a fib just to shut her up.”

Ms Hill also admitted to lying to the police officer about being tested as a hitman for the bikies and having a fetish for television show Dexter.

In her closing comments to the jury, prosecuting lawyer Nadia Kaddeche said Ms Hill’s account of what happened on January 20, 2023 was ‘not only untruthful, but also a very convenient version, fitting in with the

evidence that has been presented in this trial’.

“You may also notice the clear changes in her story since her arrest and recorded interview,” she said.

“We ask you to focus on her explanations. Explanations as to why she got the dates wrong, why she didn’t speak with police, why she made admissions to the covert operative and most importantly, why she did not tell the whole truth if she was telling the truth, not part of the truth.”

Ms Kaddeche said there were three alternative ways the accused could be found guilty of murder: she performed the act or acts that caused the death of Mr Hunter; she assisted or encouraged the co-accused to commit murder; or she entered into an agreement, arrangement or understanding with the co-accused to commit the murder.

“The law is that if a person is complicit or involved in the commission of an offence, then they are taken to have committed the offence,” she said.

“Put very simply, the Crown says that Ms Hill committed the offence of murder with [the co-accused].

“Presence at the time of the assault and involvement in the assault is what this case is all about.”

Ms Kaddeche will continue her closing remarks today, before Mr Marsh presents his to the court.

Food relief assistance

Food relief programs delivered by not-for-profit groups at Warracknabeal, Horsham and Ararat, and East Wimmera Health Service have received funding in the Community Food Relief Program.

The $9-million program supports food relief and food security activities, with grants of between $15,000 and $100,000 available.

In the local grants stream, Ararat Neighbourhood House received $86,500; Horsham’s Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Co-operative $75,000; East Wimmera Health Service $25,000 and Warracknabeal Neighbourhood House and Learning Centre $16,000. Ararat Neighbourhood House will purchase a refrigerated delivery van to assist in the collection of fresh produce from Ballarat Food Bank and supermarkets, before the delivery of groceries and meals to vulnerable residents in the Ararat region.

The grant will also help reimburse volunteers for fuel costs, and will enable volunteers to assist more people who cannot travel due to distance, cost, or illness.

Carers and Volunteers Minister Ros Spence announced 133 organisations would share in the $9-million – 126 locals grants for grassroots support and seven co-ordination grants to help major providers expand services.

Bike thefts

E-scooters and bicycles are among the thefts reported to Horsham Police in the past week.

While police are investigating the matters, they offer crime prevention tips to owners, including securing bicycles with a good-quality lock, considering the installation of a GPS tracker, marking property in a unique way, and keeping a record of serial and model numbers.

People can report stolen goods to the Police Assistance Line by calling 13 14 44. People with information on stolen items can call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Natimuk music

A combined Natimuk and Nhill-Dimboola municipal band will play Christmas music at the Natimuk Nursing Home on Sunday, December 21. Heather McPhee, of Dimboola, will conduct the band and Pastor Susan Hobbs will deliver the Christmas message.

Robert White, president of the Natimuk band, also reminded people to bring an outdoor chair to the at 6pm event.

TAKING CHARGE: Horsham Fire Brigade’s incident controller Matt Webb, left, and firefighter Simon Foster at a Cecil Street house fire last week.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Local Learning and Employment Networks across Victoria could be just one State Government program facing funding cutbacks following recommendations in an Independent Review of the Victorian Public Service.

Helen Silver’s final report was made public on Thursday, with the government indicating it would implement a vast majority of the review’s recommendations, set to deliver more than $4-billion in savings.

The government commissioned an independent review to focus on waste and inefficiency, with thousands of public service jobs touted to be cut as part of the government’s response to the review.

The report states that historical funding was not achieving outcomes: “LLENs were established in around 2001 and act as an intermediary between schools and industry to connect students with work-based learning opportunities. The current model appears to be inefficient and ineffective, with only a small proportion of all placements in work-based learning opportunities being the result of LLENs’ work. A new, cost-effective model should be considered to improve school-industry connections.”

But Wimmera Southern Mallee Local Learning and Employment Network, WSMLLEN, executive officer

Vanessa O’Loughlin said it was not the end of the program, with a recent signing of a new 12-month Victorian

One of Ms Silver’s recommendations was to cease the current funding model for the School to Work program – a portfolio of Victoria’s 31 Local Learning and Employment Networks, LLENs, which would save $44.5-million over three years, from 2026-27, and $15-million per year ongoing.

Common Funding Agreement for the program for 2026.

Mrs O’Loughlin said WSMLLEN had been working with the Department of Education to review the service model to support work-based learning, VET pathways, and employer engagement across the region.

She said the review referred to inefficiencies within the current LLEN funding model, but it related to system-level design rather than delivery performance.

“LLENs, particularly in our context, have consistently and historically demonstrated strong outcomes,” she said.

“We acknowledge the review’s assessment of the need to modernise the funding approach and improve reach and scope. We also recognise that LLENs have continually delivered strong results within longstanding parameters.

“Our focus is, and always has been, to ensure young people in rural and regional Victoria have access to quality, equitable and meaningful work-based learning.”

Mrs O’Loughlin said WSMLLEN had a longstanding and positive relationship with the Department of Education and remained committed to collaborative design processes.

“The School to Work program in our region continues to surpass engagement expectations, and employer participation remains exceptionally strong due to sustained, place-based relationships,” she said.

“We welcome the opportunity to contribute constructively to the next phase of design. We know what works locally, and we value the department’s willingness to listen to regional delivery insights as part of this process.”

Mrs O’Loughlin referenced one part of the School to Work program that

showed why the program was important to the region – and how it could be applied to other industries that had skill shortages in the Wimmera and southern Mallee.

“We helped support all of the young people doing Early Childhood Education and Care VET program with a compulsory work component – 40 per cent of those young people have now gone into either a school-based apprenticeship or a full apprenticeship,” she said.

“Leading into that VET program, we’ve done a lot of exploration and aspiration activities, so we’ve grown the interest in ECEC, and now we’re actually seeing that outcome of young people going into those careers.”

WSMLLEN will continue to deliver its contracted work as planned in 2026, while LLENs across Victoria await direction on funding for future years.

Carey Covers closes Networks facing funding cutbacks

Stawell-based Carey Covers will cease its operations at the end of next week, after two veins of business, two shopfronts and four decades of trading.

Brothers Peter and Robert Carey, both upholsterers, started the business in 1985 in Seaby Street.

Two years later, the pair bought an abandoned half-built motel complex, and turned it into Stawell Upholstery and Antiques before outgrowing the premises in 2008.

Peter’s wife Geraldine joined the team, as did Robert’s wife Debra.

Geraldine Carey said on advice from a consultant, the brothers changed the business name to Carey Covers and sold all the antiques to finance the build of a new factory.

“In January 2009, we opened a purpose-built factory to house B-double trucks for fitting tarps, and the staff went from eight to 14 that year,” she said.

“We’ve continued to grow every year since. Robert obtained his builder’s licence, specialising in shade

sales, and went on to develop this new area of the market of shade sales for the region.”

Mrs Carey said she, daughter Monique, Robert and Peter specialised in separate areas of the business.

“Robert oversees all shade sales, and along with Monique, obtain the engineering drawings, council permits, and compliance certificates,” she said.

“Then Peter is predominantly in charge of the trucking tarps, while I am pretty well in charge of all accounts and all sales of everything blinds.”

Mrs Carey said the business had employed some wonderful staff across the years.

“Sadly, we’ve lost a couple – Cheryl Templar and Geoff Jolley, who were invaluable staff members, and deeply missed by Carey Covers every day,” she said.

“Cheryl’s craftsmanship was out of this world, as was Geoff’s – he made saddles for the Olympics, and he used to make all our dog leads for the prison.”

Carey Covers employed five apprentices in its 40 years, with three winning awards – Victorian Apprentice Upholsterer of the Year, Victorian French Polisher of the Year, and Apprentice of the Year.

“We always prided ourselves in having extremely high standards and attention to detail,” Mrs Carey said.

“But, even though we all still love

our work, it is time to move on and have some time to ourselves.

“We put it on the market, but nobody was interested in purchasing it because they felt the store was too remote. It will be a huge loss in the region.”

Mrs Carey said during the 18-month process of trying to sell, the family was transparent with its staff.

FOND

FAREWELL: The team at Stawellbased Carey Covers came together before the business ceases trading at the end of next week.

“Most of our staff were happy to stay right to the end, which is very admirable, and some chose earlier to get jobs – we had one go to the police force, one retire, and one become a tattooist,” she said.

“But we are looking forward to having more family time with a relaxed pace and a bit more travel.”

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

McCrory passing the baton

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

Wimmera-based Superintendent Sharon McCrory has retired from Victoria Police, after four eventful and decorated decades of service.

Entering the force as a teenager, Superintendent McCrory worked several positions across many divisions, and was awarded the Australian Police Medal in this year’s King’s Birthday honours list.

Ending her career with a threeyear stint at Horsham, Superintendent McCrory said she felt blessed to have ended her career here.

“I couldn’t have wished for a better ending, it’s been absolutely amazing,” she said.

“The people who I’ve met, the people I’ve worked with, everyone’s a champion for these communities.

“The messages I’m getting are absolutely amazing. It’s kind of tearing at the heartstrings a little bit.

“It’s hard to go – it’s hard to leave the people who I work with.

“It’s hard to not be here to work in the community anymore.”

Western Region Assistant Commissioner Michael Grainger congratulated Superintendent McCrory on a ‘terrific’ period of duty in Horsham, and beyond in Division 4.

“Sharon’s been a delight to work with, so caring, so focused on road safety and building those strong relationships with the community, which I feel are incredibly important,” he said.

“She’s going to be a tough act to follow, but the new person will be excellent, and she’s set a very, very high standard.

“Forty years of community service is nothing to be sneezed at, it’s an incredible effort.

“And the truth is, Sharon has delighted in the work.

“I’ve seen her really blossom in her role as a superintendent, and she’ll be a huge loss, but she’s handing over to a team that’s had the benefit of her leadership.”

Superintendent McCrory said she

planned to stay in the area for another couple of years.

“When we first moved, my partner found out there was about 90 documented walks in the Grampians –I’ve managed to achieve about three of those,” she said.

“I mean, it’s in our backyard and we just don’t get there. So, that’s on the list.

“And just getting back into fitness

and general health and wellbeing. I’m going to enjoy living life and life after Victoria Police.

“I look forward to doing a bit of volunteering in the community, just giving back to those who have given so much.

“I feel so blessed to have finished my career here, and it’s been absolutely delightful.”

Council steps up protection

Horsham Rural City Council is taking proactive steps to protect the community following the detection of Japanese encephalitis virus, JEV, in mosquitoes in the municipality.

The Department of Health last week announced its first detection of JEV in mosquitoes for the 2025-26 season.

The virus was found in a mosquito trap in the Horsham municipality, as part of Victoria’s Arbovirus Disease Control Program.

Mayor Brian Klowss said the detection of JEV in the region highlighted the ongoing need for vigilance and prevention strategies when spending time outdoors, especially near areas where mosquitoes were present.

“Council staff are actively treating stagnant waterways to reduce mosquito breeding sites and limit the spread of disease,” he said.

Council treats the areas using an approved product – safe to the environment and other marine and native animals – that prevents mosquito larvae from maturing into adults.

“Council will continue its mosquito surveillance throughout the summer months, monitoring key areas to identify risks to the community,” Cr Klowss said.

Council is encouraging the community to always avoid being bitten by mosquitoes by using mosquito repellent, using knockdown spray on adult mosquitoes and eliminating places where mosquitos can breed in and around the home.

Vaccinations are available to all residents over the age of two months if they are spending time in the outdoors or live in an unscreened house.

Vaccinations are now available from Lister House, Priceline pharmacy and Amcal pharmacy.

For more information, people can visit www.health.vic.gov.au/infectious-diseases/ japanese-encephalitis#vaccination.

A

Key

Tenancies: Eight total tenancies

Includes long-term, established businesses: Wimmera Outdoors, Sportspower, Surf One, and Red Cross. Floor plans of the building are available

Two current vacancies offering future upside, negotiations on one underway

Income: Proven history of strong, consistent rental returns

Sale Process:

Expressions of Interest close on January 30th, 2026 (Unless sold prior)

Property ID: 8553475

FAREWELL: Superintendent Sharon McCrory retired on Friday after four decades of dedicated police work across Victoria.

Picture: BRONWYN HASTINGS

Victoria is taking the next step on renewable energy zones

Renewable energy zones are areas identified as the best places to host wind and solar projects. These zones will help to deliver reliable and affordable power for Victorians as coal closes down. A zone has been proposed in your area. Extensive consultation with communities, landholders, Traditional Owners and industry, together with technical work has gone into developing the zones

You’re invited to make a submission on the draft renewable energy zones. We’re seeking any significant new information to help inform decision-making before the zones are declared in 2026.

Submissions close 22 February 2026.

View a map of the zones and make a submission: engage.vic.gov.au/vicgrid

Call 1800 418 341

(Mon to Fri: 9 am – 5 pm)

Show of support

Horsham Special School’s community was joined by representatives of its support services for an after-school event celebrating its Mental Health in Primary Schools program.

Families and students could learn more about Axis Employment, Orange Door, Grampians Community Health, Mind Australia, Uniting, Beyond Community Inclusion, LaTrobe Community Health, and Headspace. The event, which included a free barbecue, drinks and icypoles, was also an opportunity for the school’s community to come together in a social setting.

Hats off to police

In a surreal moment, I found myself having morning tea with the Victoria Police Chief Commissioner in his office last week.

It was nothing at all work-related, and definitely not crime related, but it was part of an amazing experience for my daughter to be a ‘junior police officer for a day’.

Purchased as an auction item at Horsham’s Blue Ribbon Ball earlier this year, the experience included visits to Victoria Police’s dog squad, the mountain squad, the museum, and then being special guests at a police academy graduation ceremony.

While the highlights for my daughter were the visits to the dog squad and mounted branch, the learnings along the way made for an educational experience – for both her and me.

Police officers went out of their way to make us feel welcome in their workplaces, and we both came away with an even greater appreciation for what Victoria Police does.

There is no doubt it has been a tough year for the police force – the murder of two of their own was a dark day for all of Victoria, the disappointing lack of respect shown for officers at what seems like weekly protests, and tackling the everyday rising crime rate in Melbourne are just some of the lowlights of 2025.

An off-the-cuff comment by an experienced officer about how police were treated differently by the public when she started was no doubt how most long-serving police officers now feel.

The work that police officers do each day is admirable, and helps society in so many ways.

It’s not just about catching criminals – there are so many facets to Victoria Police, and to be given a first-hand look at various departments is an experience we will never forget.

Police officers going above and beyond on a regular basis – and it’s often not widely recognised – was highlighted at the graduation ceremony where two police officers were awarded for their bravery.

The two awards were just a small example of

EDITORIAL

By Lauren Henry

the acts of bravery shown each day. Another standout at the graduation ceremony was the number of graduates who were presented with their badges by a family member – their willingness to uphold the law and protect our communities is a trait that runs strong in many families.

Fathers, brothers and sisters welcoming their family members into the force was quite an emotional moment, and an example of how important the families of police officers are to Victoria Police.

While the officers go about their jobs, any time of the day or night, it’s their families who are left with the extra load to carry, both on the homefront and mentally.

With the Chief Commissioner putting in an early recruiting call to my eight-year-old daughter at morning tea, it is lucky for me that I have quite a few years before needing to reconcile the possibility of my child serving in the force.

Another topic of discussion at the morning tea was the work of the Blue Ribbon Foundation, with one of the commanders making special mention of the Horsham and Ararat branches for great work that both branches do.

The money raised by the Horsham and Ararat branches and the importance of their donations to local hospitals was noted and welcomed.

So hats off to not only the local Blue Ribbon Foundation branches for the work they do – and allowing us to buy such an experience – but to our nearly 16,000 police officers for caring for and protecting our communities on so many levels.

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Renewables are best option

Landowners protesting about the proposed route of the VNI West high voltage power lines connecting Victoria and NSW, The Weekly Advertiser, December 3, say it is too costly.

Unfortunately, they don’t come up with a solution except to delay this much-needed project.

Hanging on to old coal-fired power stations is much more costly than renewables.

Nuclear by the 2040s, which will provide only a small fraction of our electricity needs, is much more costly than renewables.

According to the International Energy Agency, around the world a lot more money is pouring into clean energy than fossil fuels. Roof top solar already gives us more than 10 per cent of our electricity supply. Take up of the Federal Government’s home battery subsidy is increasing capacity – 100,000 units and 2000 megawatt-hours in less than four months – and is helping to push down power bills.

Even if electricity prices rise in the future as they probably will, renewables with batteries and gas is still the lowest cost option.

Robert Blakeley Horsham

You have a choice

Labor says it is ‘proud’ of its road performance, but every regional Victorian can see straight through it.

Whether you’re driving kids to school, heading to work, or simply trying to get into town – you’re forced to dodge potholes and crumbling shoulders.

Even worse, we learnt that out of 196 road-damage claims by motorists last year, Labor approved just one.

Road maintenance targets were missed by half, then quietly cut again while Labor patches 200,000 potholes.

But remember, come November 2026, it doesn’t have to be this way. You have a choice – keep dodging potholes or elect a government that will take road maintenance seriously and build roads that last.

The Nationals in government will fight for regional Victorians and ensure they get their fair share of investment, services and infrastructure.

Danny O’Brien MP

Leader of The Nationals

Shadow Minister for Roads and Road Safety

Progressive financial planning

Are you a hardworking individual who has dedicated your life to raising and supporting your children?

As they grow into successful adults, have you ever wondered about your own financial situation?

Are you on track for a comfortable retirement? Don’t worry, we are here to help!

FUN: Maxine Newth, Harrison Gray and Mick Ellis at Horsham Special School’s family barbecue.

GAME TIME: Horsham Special School teacher Ella Taylor and student Liam King.

BUILDING: Uniting’s Laura Bailey with Jade King enjoying time together.

Jo Nursing

Police investigate rail copper thefts

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

The theft of copper signal wire from alongside Australian Rail Track Corporation’s interstate railway line in the past three months has amounted to hundreds of thousands of dollars.

Detective Leading Senior Constable Caroline Blackley, of Horsham Crime Investigation Unit, said the wire was vital for trains using the Adelaide-Melbourne line.

“We have had an increase in the theft of copper from the train lines in our area,” she said.

“The copper that is being stolen is commonly known as ‘signal wire’ and is a critical part of Australian Rail Track Corporation’s signalling system, which carries information to keep the trains moving safely and efficiently throughout the network.

“When signal wire is cut, the trains can’t receive the correct safety information, which can lead to delays and an increased risk to the safety of Australian Rail Track Corporation’s workers and the public.”

On September 1, about 600 metres of copper wire was stolen from Miram; on September 26, about 250 metres was taken from Kaniva-

“The copper that is being stolen is commonly known as ‘signal wire’ and is a critical part of Australian Rail Track Corporation’s signalling system, which carries information to keep the trains moving safely and efficiently throughout the network”

– Detective Caroline Blackley

Miram; on October 3, 1.05 kilometres was taken from Diapur-Nhill; on October 13 or 14, about eight kilometres was stolen from near Nhill; on October 19, lengths of 1.2 kilometres, 100 metres and 50 metres were taken near Nhill, and 500 metres from near Gerang Gerung; on October 20, about five kilometres was stolen near Dimboola; on October 19 or 20, about three or four sections of wire was stolen from near Wail, and on November 25, about 400 metres taken from Dimboola.

“If anyone has information on who is involved, or if they see any vehicles or people acting suspiciously near the train lines, please notify police or crime stoppers,” Det Leading Sen Const Blackley said.

Horsham pool a place of refuge

Horsham YMCA is continuing its awardwinning community work with reduced-price summer entry at Horsham Aquatic Centre, offering everyone a place of refuge during hot days and times of hardship.

Horsham centre manager Mark Meyer said his goal was for as many people as possible to use the centre during summer, so with Horsham Rural City Council, has again implemented $2 entry on days forecast to be 35 degrees or over.

“The main focus we had was barriers for people accessing the pool, and obviously financial is one of the biggest ones with the cost-of-living crisis people are going through at the moment, so that was something we thought we could do to help,” he said.

“Horsham also has a high incidence of family violence, so we’re trying to create somewhere

cheap, affordable and safe for anyone to come at any time.”

Mr Meyer said as well as cheaper entry, the centre offered free showers during limited times, and free period products.

“Initiatives like these earnt us an Aquatics Recreation Victoria award last year, and a YMCA Australia award for our community work, which has been fantastic,” he said.

“We’re really trying to be communityfocused, and we’re expanding on that as we go.

“We’re hoping to become a community hub – I think we’re really well positioned both within the town itself and as an organisation to help out wherever we can.”

For opening hours and heat day updates, people can follow Horsham Aquatic Centre online at www.facebook.com/horshamaquaticcentre.

MAKING A SPLASH: Beau Midgley enjoys the obstacles at Horsham’s pool party on Sunday. Picture: PAUL CARRACER

Willaura Health Care nurse

Jill Broderick has retired after 70 years of nursing.

In all probability, Mrs Broderick’s distinguished career is the longest nursing career in Australia, with the final 30 years spent at Willaura Health Care, a campus of East Grampians Health Service.

With a twin brother, Mrs Broderick was born in Corowa, New South Wales, with nursing in her blood, as her mother was also a nurse, and her father a wood-cutter and railway man.

The family later moved into dairy farming and eventually relocated to Chiltern near Beechworth.

Mrs Broderick left the family farm and lied about her age so she could begin work at Wodonga Hospital where she worked in the kitchen, waitressed and worked one day a week in x-ray, which was a catalyst for her future nursing career.

Commencing her career at the Austin Hospital in 1956, Mrs Broderick began her nursing training and graduated in 1957 with a Certificate of Nursing Aid from Toorak Nursing Aid School-Austin Hospital.

As was tradition, Mrs Broderick spent three months in each ward when working at the Austin Hospital.

Mrs Broderick married young shearer Brian Broderick in 1959, with her husband supportive of her nursing career. The couple went to have two children, Paul and Lucinda.

Mrs Broderick loved her time at the Austin Hospital and spent nine years in the spinal unit, where at times she was second-in-charge, specialising in dressings on the head tractions.

She worked closely with a top Brit-

after a 70-year nursing career

ish spinal specialist and neurologist, Dr Ludwig Guttman, who specialised in the treatment and rehabilitation of paraplegia and other spinal disabilities and injuries.

Due to the specialised training, Mrs Broderick oversaw the ‘turning team’ consisting of nurses and orderlies who required careful and precise techniques to prevent further injuries, maintaining spinal alignment and complications related to pressure injuries.

Also during her time at the Austin Hospital, Mrs Broderick underwent

training with esteemed English doctor, Dr Cheshire, who specialised in bowel and bladder disorders, leading to her becoming adept at identifying and managing a variety of bladder and urinary disorders.

Mrs Broderick also had the opportunity to work closely with Dr Geoffrey Edelsten for three months at his super clinic in Kingsbury, and she described him as a highly intelligent man.

After nine years, due to family reasons, Mrs Broderick resigned from the spinal unit and supported the family income with her sewing, but still

provided nursing services around the Reservoir area.

In 1974, she started working at Reservoir Private Hospital, and over the next 16 years worked in a variety of wards including medical, surgical and midwifery, as well as the central sterilising department.

The family fell in love with the Lake Bolac area when they visited while driving through the area when their children were competing in sport, and after Mr Broderick was made redundant, the family moved to Lake Bolac in 1995.

“She once said when she retires and walks out the door she will be forgotten – this could not be further from the truth. Jill will never be forgotten and has left a long and lasting legacy at Willaura Health Care”

– Liz Atkinson

Friend Mary Ann Otto mentioned there was a nursing position at Willaura Hospital, so Mrs Broderick contacted the hospital and was offered a position in the hostel, and continued her nursing career in Willaura for 30 years.

Mrs Broderick is also a hardworking member of the Lake Bolac community, having long-term involvement in many clubs and organisations there.

Willaura Health Care manager Liz Atkinson said Mrs Broderick was a valued employee at Willaura, who loved her job and was much respected.

“She provided outstanding patient care, monitored vital signs, assisted with personal care and performed basic wound care. More importantly, Jill promoted and encouraged patientresident independence,” she said.

“Jill has been the heart and soul of Willaura Health Care – always willing to make herself available for shifts often at short notice.

“She once said when she retires and walks out the door she will be forgotten – this could not be further from the truth. Jill will never be forgotten and has left a long and lasting legacy at Willaura Health Care.”

FOND MEMORIES: East Grampians Health Service clinical services director Bec Peters and chief executive Nick Bush present Jill Broderick with a farewell gift on her retirement, as staff joined together at a special afternoon tea to farewell the long-serving nurse at Willaura Health Care.

Daikin: A world leader in solutions

Traditionally, the Wimmera is a part of Australia that experiences extreme temperatures.

Historically our summers were usually long and dry, but in recent times they are also becoming more humid every year making refrigerated systems such as split systems more effective.

On the other side of the scale, winters can be bleak, damp and extremely cold, making the added advantage of the heating cycle of these units very convenient.

While the warmer weather this year has been somewhat limited, so far, it’s critical to have the right technology and systems in place to ensure homes and businesses are a cool and are a comfortable place to be.

Daikin, the world leader and trusted name in heating and cooling solutions sets the benchmark in quality, reliability and product efficiency.

They offer a range of products for your comfort — including the highwall air-conditioning system, also known as a split system.

A split system is an air-conditioning system with two units — one located inside a home or building, and the other unit outside.

These systems cool and heat a space by expelling hot or cold air using the outside unit, and replacing it with circulated cool or hot air using the inside unit.

are the only split systems that carry the blue butterfly symbol — recognising the outstanding effort the units undertake in purifying the air.

After years of the COVID-19 pandemic, air purity has been a much-discussed topic, with people having gained a greater appreciation of the importance and benefits of clean air in a home or business space.

Cleaning the Daikin split system is also a simple process.

To clean a Daikin air filter, people can simply vacuum away any dust on the filter or wash the air filter with natural detergent thinned with lukewarm water.

Then, allow the filter to dry outside in a shaded area.

Wade’s are a certified Daikin ‘super dealer’. As such, they offer full professional installation, after-sales support and general know-how for new and existing units.

SURROUND YOURSELF WITH CLEANER AIR: Come in and see Craig Irvin at Wade’s to start your transformation to the Daikin range!

Inverter split systems increase air circulation to a space, as well as allowing people to control temperature and humidity. This makes the space healthier and more comfortable year-round.

Daikin split systems are ideal for air-conditioning one room, or a specific area of a home or business.

They are particularly useful for

rooms that are semi-detached or have a limited ceiling space. Every space is different, and the right air-conditioner location and size will depend on a range of factors — including room orientation, window size and ceiling insulation. These are important factors to consider — because an air-conditioner that’s too small won’t adequately heat or cool a home or

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

business space; and an air-conditioner that’s too large will be inefficient and expensive to run.

Daikin is not only a world leader in solutions; it’s a company thinking about the health and wellbeing of those using its systems.

Daikin’s split system air conditioners are approved by the National Asthma Council Australia Sensitive Choice® program, and

As an added bonus, the Daikin five-year parts and labour warranty applies to all Daikin products.

Daikin is a smart choice for anyone seeking a reliable and robust heating and cooling solution for their home or business.

It’s no wonder when you consider that Daikin Industries are nearly a 100-year-old Japanese manufacturer, with their first overseas operations established more than 50 years ago in Singapore and Australia.

Delays expected at roundabout works

Work has begun on a roundabout in Horsham’s south, and is expected to take up to 12 months to complete.

The roundabout at the intersection of the Western and Henty highways, as well as Golf Course Road and Plumpton Road, is being funded by state and federal government funding.

The works aim to improve traffic flow at what is a key access point to Horsham, serving as a critical junction for industries, freight and nearby residential areas.

Federal Minister for Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Catherine King said the section of the highways was a key link for western Victoria.

“By upgrading the Western and Henty highway intersection to a roundabout with extra safety features, we’re supporting local jobs, improving travelling times and ensuring Horsham has the infrastructure it needs,” she said.

As well as the construction of a new roundabout, there will be a shared path to provide safe crossing opportunities for pedestrians and cyclists.

A new dedicated slip-lane for east-bound traffic on the Western Highway will also be installed, as well as public lighting at the intersection.

Major works have been planned to minimise disruptions as much as possible during the harvest season.

But during the busiest times of road works, there will be lane closures and a reduced speed limit of 40 kilometres an hour, with traffic controllers on site to direct drivers.

The Western and Henty highways will remain open throughout the project.

Victorian Minister Ports and Freight, Roads and Road Safety Melissa Horne said the intersection catered for 18,000 vehicles each day – 18 per cent of which were heavy vehicles.

“With traffic flow anticipated to increase due to

population growth in the region, we’re constructing a new roundabout to simplify the intersection for drivers and make the journey smoother,” she said.

Senator for Victoria Jana Stewart said the project would provide a safe and secure road connection along the Henty and Western highways for all users.

“Drivers in the Wimmera deserve roads that are safe, reliable and built for the future, which is why this new roundabout is an investment in community safety and will help prevent serious crashes at one of the region’s busiest junctions,” she said.

The Federal Government has committed $12.31-million towards the project, with the State Government’s contribution $2.07-million.

After completing service relocation and removal of lighting, contractors started major works on December 1.

Motorists are advised there will be significant disruptions at the intersection and surrounding roads, and to look out for signs, follow the direction of traffic controllers and allow for extra time when travelling through the area.

Crews will be on site Monday to Saturday between 7am and 6pm, with nightworks required at times.

Closures and changed traffic conditions are already in place on Henty Highway and Plumpton Road to facilitate the construction of a new section of road. The closures are expected to be in place until early 2026.

Plumpton Road will close at the intersection, where it connects with Golf Course Road, with a detour in place via King Drive.

The Henty Highway-Golf Course Road northbound slip-lane is closed. Henty Highway traffic can access the Western Highway as normal but access to Golf Course Road is available via the Western Highway intersection.

Details of closures and detours will be published at transport.vic.gov.au/news-and-resources/projects/ horsham-junction-upgrade.

GEARING UP: Ararat

and

with his grandchildren,

were thrilled to see the community Christmas tree put up last week at the intersection of Barkly and High streets. Ararat is gearing up for an action-packed program of summer and Christmas festivities on Friday, with large crowds expected at the Ararat Town Hall for the first day of skate into summer; Ararat CBD for late-night trading from businesses; and Carols by Candlelight at Alexandra Gardens from 6pm, highlighted by fireworks at about 11pm.

Mayor Bob Sanders

from left, Jimmy, Harry

Pippa,

Nixons Rd, Wonwondah

POISE: Chloe Findlay performs Silent Night with the carols choir.

Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

DANCE: Ryleigh Freeman and Jaxon Clugston enjoy the carols.

VIEW: Brodie Howie gives his daughter Isla a bird’s-eye view.

RETURN: Sienna Walsgott returned to Horsham to set the night alight.

VOICE: Zara Nichols performing a rendition of Noel.

HOST: Yolande Grosser and Lisa Thomas compare outfits.

FUN: Horsham Arts Council members in full voice.

CROWD: Lisa Thomas and the carols choir sing a classic carol at Sunday’s Horsham event.

Absolute Curtain Co.

Acacia Caravan Park

Agrimac Horsham

Ararat North Store

Bi Rite Stawell

BJ’s Furniture & Bedding

Cellarbrations Superstore Horsham

Centre for Participation

Clarks Furniture

Cooks Of Horsham

DCIRS Community Care, Warracknabeal & Donald

Decor Room Ararat

DMD Horsham

DMD Nhill

Dollar Curtains & Blinds Ararat

Fresca

GoldStar Self Storage

Harvey Norman Horsham & Ararat

Hermans of Horsham

Horsham Doors and Glass

Horsham Golf Club

Horsham Lanes and Games

Horsham Motor Co

Horsham RSL

Horsham Sports & Community Club

Intersport Horsham

Just Better Care Horsham & Ararat

Lardner Bros

Latitude Recruitment

McPhersons of Brim

Mountains of Chocolate

National Insurance Brokers

Nhill IGA Plus Liquor

Priceline Pharmacy Ararat

Sportspower Horsham

Spotlight Horsham

Spuddy Good

Stawell Lotto

Studio Sukha

Surf One

Telstra Ararat

Telstra Horsham

The Exchange Hotel Horsham

The Victoria Hotel Horsham

Thrive Health Clinic

Toyworld Horsham

Tyrepower Ararat

Tyrepower Horsham

Una Sosta

Wade’s

West Side Horsham

Wimmera Aquatrail

Wimmera Bearings

Wimmera Mallee Ag

Wimmera Outdoors

Cupper planning final tour

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

Atour of Gallipoli and the Western Front in Belgium and France for people who are researching for interest, family or societies is scheduled for next year.

Dimboola-based historian Pam Cupper led a tour in 2017 to Belgium and northern France, attending the centenary of the battle at Polygon Wood in Belgium, and in 2019, extended the tour to include Gallipoli.

She intended to tour a group in 2021, until COVID-19 restrictions forced its cancellation, her tours complementing Horsham Historical Society’s research.

“The historical society produced compilations for the centenary of the First World War, which have every person associated with Horsham –it’s a great resource,” she said.

“They thought it would be great to see the places they’d been writing about, and they invited me in because I’ve been to Gallipoli and the Western Front on numerous occasions.

“Most of the people on the tour were from western Victoria, so we really concentrated on visiting the sites that were associated with those communities.

“Most people have a relative that they’d like to check out.”

Ms Cupper and historian husband Phil Taylor research for each tour, and together wrote the book Gallipoli: A Battlefield Guide.

“We produce a little booklet for every member of the group, which has each day where we’ll be, a brief history and then information on

graves or a name on a memorial that we’re going to see,” she said.

“On the first tour in 2017 there were four men who had fathers who had served in the First World War.

“We’re moving further away from that now, we’re more into the grandchildren and great-grandchildren generations who are researching their families.”

The September 2026 tour will include four days on the Gallipoli Peninsula, visiting sites including Anzac Cove, Lone Pine and The Nek. Flying from Istanbul to Brussels, Belgium, the group will be based for

four days in Ieper attending the Last Post ceremony at the Menin Gate and exploring battlefields where men from the Wimmera fought in the Third Battle of Ypres at Passchendaele and Messines.

The tour group will then travel south along the former Western Front, visiting Bullecourt on the way to Amiens, where they will be based for four days.

From Amiens, they will explore the 1916 Somme battlefields and the sites of battles that led to victory in November 1918; visits include Pozieres, the Victoria School, the Australian

Memorial at Villers Bretonneux and the Sir John Monash Centre.

A feature of the 2026 tour is the inclusion of non war-related sites such as the town of Brugge in Belgium and tours in Istanbul, Brussels and Paris.

The tour is 21 days, flying from Tullamarine on August 31 and returning on September 20.

To register interest, people can contact Ms Cupper, for what is anticipated to be her final battlefields tour, by calling 0429 260 466 or emailing pamcupper@gmail.com.

Survey open for residents

Member for Lowan Emma Kealy is inviting residents across western Victoria to share their thoughts on some of the key issues facing rural and regional communities.

Ms Kealy has launched a survey as part of The Nationals’ ongoing efforts to champion local communities and better understand the things that matter to them.

She said with cost-of-living at an alltime high, many families were struggling.

“This is one of the key themes of the survey, along with crime and the broader issue of Labor’s shocking financial mismanagement of our state,” she said.

Ms Kealy has represented the Lowan electorate for more than 10 years, and has worked alongside community groups, schools, health services, sporting clubs, councils, emergency service organisations and many other local champions to help deliver hundreds-of-millions-of-dollars in funding and much-needed upgrades.

“It is a privilege to be able to advocate on behalf of the wonderful people of our region, ensuring their voices are heard in Parliament and working with them to improve our great part of the state,” she said.

“Whether it be out on the road during mobile offices across the electorate, at community events, or during meetings with residents and organisations, I will always listen to the community and respect their views.

“I am deeply passionate about continuing to make our region an ever better place to live, work and do business, and I look forward to hearing more of our residents’ feedback about some of the key issues our region is facing.”

Ms Kealy said people could visit localsvoices.com.au/westernvic to complete the survey.

CONNECTIONS: Dimboola-based historian Pam Cupper with a photo of Wimmera Diggers, from back, Private Ted Freeman of Dooen, Private George Clements, Dimboola, Corporal James Bryant, Glenorchy, Private Sam Wilson, Dimboola, and Private Robert Hutchinson, Wail. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Wednesday 10-Dec 9am to 5.30pm 8am to 10pm 9am to 5.30pm 9am to 9pm 8.30am to 8pm 3pm to 5pm

Thursday 11-Dec 9am to 5.30pm 8am to 10pm 9am to 5.30pm 8am to 9pm 8.30am to 8pm 3pm to 5pm

Friday 12-Dec 9am to 7pm 8am to 10pm 9am to 6pm 8am to 9pm 8.30am to 8pm 3pm to 5pm

Saturday 13-Dec 9am to 3pm 8am to 8pm 9am to 5pm 8am to 8pm 8.30am to 5pm 11am to 1pm

Sunday 14-Dec 10am to 3pm 9am to 8pm 10am to 4pm 8am to 8pm 10am to 5pm 11am to 1pm

Monday 15-Dec 9am to 5.30pm 8am to midnight 9am to 5.30pm 8am to 9pm 8.30am to 9pm 2pm to 5pm

Tuesday 16-Dec 9am to 5.30pm 8am to midnight 9am to 5.30pm 8am to 9pm 8.30am to 9pm 2pm to 5pm

Wednesday 17-Dec 9am to 5.30pm 8am to midnight 9am to 5.30pm 8am to 9pm 8.30am to 9pm 2pm to 5pm

Thursday 18-Dec 9am to 5.30pm 8am to midnight 9am to 6pm 8am to 9pm 8.30am to 9pm 2pm to 5pm

Friday 19-Dec 9am to 5.30pm 8am to midnight 9am to 7pm 8am to 9pm 8.30am to 9pm 2pm to 5pm

Saturday 20-Dec 9am to 3pm 8am to midnight 9am to 6pm 8am to 9pm 8am to 6pm 10am to 1pm

Sunday 21-Dec 10am to 3pm 9am to midnight 10am to 5pm 8am to 9pm 10am to 5pm 10am to 1pm

Monday 22-Dec 9am to 5.30pm 8am to midnight 8.30am to 7pm 8am to 9pm 8.30am to 9pm 10am to 1pm

Tuesday 23-Dec 9am to 5.30pm 8am to midnight 8.30am to 7pm 8am to 9pm 8.30am to 9pm 10am to 1pm LAST DAY

Wednesday 24-Dec 9am to 5pm 8am to 10pm 8.30am to 5pm 8am to 6pm 8.30am to 6pm No Santa Photos today

Specialty Stores

TRADING HOURS Kmart Best and Less Spotlight Reject Shop Santa Hours

Soil scholarships

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

Soil Week and a $50,000 scholarship are drivers for better practice, management and science to build healthy soils, healthy plants and healthy people, aimed at school students and people studying in the field.

Retired Warracknabeal farmer Calvin Muller, the supporter for whom the Regenerative Agriculture Scholarship is named, said anybody between the ages of 18 and 40 could apply.

“It all goes back to the soil that we’ve wrecked with chemicals in the area, and it’s just not producing the nutrients in the food anymore,” he said.

“There’s a smart phone app that tests any food you buy with the barcode on it. Of near 100 types of food I’ve tested now, they’re mostly very poor.

“In fact, you get down to zero on some of them. You’re paying for food with no nutrients in it. So we’ve got to go back and get our soil right – it’s what it’s all about.”

The scholarship is custom-designed and tailored to the individual applicant’s learning styles, needs and aspirations, supporting the scholar with the cost of their chosen education pathway.

It may include but is not limited to: short industry-based course enrolment fees, university course ‘top ups’, and conference and forum attendance fees.

The scholar is also mentored over the course of their education by an Institute of Ecological Agriculture board education committee member and provided with on-the-ground paid work experience with regenerative farmers and IEA members across Australia.

More information can be found at www.ecoag. org.au/calvin-muller-scholarship. Applications close on December 15.

Mr Muller’s passion began when he purchased a farm with poor soil and low yields in 1953 and began a 25-year project to improve the soil structure and fertility of the land.

He started using no-till techniques in the 1970s, with stubble retention and experimenting with multi-species cover crops and limiting chemical applications.

Mr Muller said his work had improved yields and grain quality, and rejuvenated the soil and reduced salinity problems.

Soil Week Australia is another project Mr Muller is invested in; a not-for-profit founded by Beverley Middleton.

This year from December 5 to 12, Soil Week highlights the importance and benefits of healthy soil, and its annual competition – which is closed for this year – gives primary, secondary and homeschooled students the opportunity to win prizes.

People can find more information on Soil Week at soilweek.org.au.

A PLACE TO LAND: Dimboola resident and fire brigade member Melinda Heatley has recorded her memories of the Little Desert National Park bushfire in January on canvas. The painting won first prize at the town’s annual show.

Capturing the Little Desert fire

Life-long Dimboola resident and fire brigade member Melinda Heatley has depicted scenes of January’s Little Desert National Park bushfire in an artwork.

Growing up, she had heard of the impactful 1981 bushfires, but said she had not witnessed anything like it herself.

“It was very surreal. It was the first time I’d truly felt we weren’t a match for Mother Nature,” she said.

“Other callouts have been urgent, but they still felt controllable.

“This one had its own agenda. All we could do was asset protect and hold our ground.”

The fire reached its zenith on the evening of January 27 – a scene that was hard to put into words eventually found its way onto a canvas.

Ms Heatley described the painting – which earnt her first prize at Dimboola’s annual Agricultural and Pastoral Society show – as her way of giving those feelings a place to land.

“I’m a big believer that it’s better on a canvas than in your head,” she said.

“There’s only so much talking you can do before you need to put that visual memory somewhere to record it.”

Rather than depict a single moment, she built a composite of scenes from the fireground.

“I wanted to acknowledge the wildlife we live alongside, because when it all went bad, everything was running,” she said.

“The kangaroos, the birds, everyone was trying to escape the same thing. It affected all of us, just in different ways.”

One detail carries particular meaning, the golden shimmer through the wheat crops, symbolising the prosperity of the Wimmera and how quickly it can be threatened.

“That’s our gold and it means everything out here,” she said.

“It’s our farms, our livelihoods. But it can be taken away in an instant.”

Threads of the community’s shared experience also run through the work – the long days, the uncertainty, and the collective effort that carried everyone through.

“It wasn’t about making a statement,” she said.

“It was about capturing what it felt like to be there, all of us trying to manage something that was bigger than any one person.”

“I wasn’t really expecting to win, there are a lot of good painters around here, but I’m glad I entered.

“The award is secondary. What matters most is the story has been recorded.”

– Bronwyn Hastings

Long-service recognition

East

Grampians Health Service

visiting medical officer Dr Pieter Pretorius was among many recognised for long service at the EGHS annual general meeting.

Dr Pretorius has been a cornerstone of rural healthcare in Ararat since his arrival from South Africa in 2004, and was recognised with a 20-year service award.

Moving with his wife Ane and their three young daughters, Dr Pretorius quickly became an integral part of the medical and wider community.

In 2005, he became a partner of the Ararat Medical Centre, where he has built a long-standing practice providing comprehensive care to the community.

As part of his GP work, he provided obstetric care at EGHS, including caesarean sections, until 2023, supporting many families through some of the most important moments of their lives.

He has also served as a visiting medical officer at EGHS since 2004, contributing his skills and commitment to hospital-based care.

Dr Pretorius’ dedication to teaching has been equally profound – from the earliest days of Deakin University’s Rural Clinical School 15 years ago, he has played a pivotal role in the education and training of future doctors.

He continues to guide the next generation of rural practitioners as the regional supervisor for Deakin University, while also mentoring GP registrars in their clinical training.

Chief executive Nick Bush thanked all visiting medical officers for their contribution to EGHS.

“Our visiting medical staff continue

to play a vital role in providing the services we deliver to our community, and once again, thank you for your contribution,” he said.

“We also thank their partners and families, as I am sure when the phone rings in the middle of the night they know they are supporting EGHS as well.

“Thank you Pieter, for your great support to East Grampians Health Service and the community for 20 years.”

Other awardees

Former support services director

Stuart Kerr, who retired this year, was recognised for his 50 years’ service after beginning his career as a cleaner, then as an apprenticeship chef, before going on to become the manager of catering.

He took over environmental services and maintenance and became manager of support services before obtaining a Diploma of Business in 2004 and filling the director role in 2007.

“It has been a tremendous journey working at East Grampians Health Service seeing many changes and

challenges during this time,” Mr Kerr said.

Also receiving awards for impressive terms of service included Megan Taylor for 40 years’ service and Julie Frawley, Yvonne Grigg and Blair Kilpatrick for 35 years of service.

Ms Taylor commenced her training at what was the Ararat and District Hospital, in 1985.

She has since upskilled her registration to include the medication and intravenous components as well as completing training in dialysis, and now works in both the perioperative and dialysis unit.

Long-service recipients include:

10 years – Elizabeth Atkinson, Yvette Brady, Amanda Cranstoun, Cassie Cunard, Andrew Dean, SallyAnn Dunn, Carolyn Frankum, Camilla Govan, Ricki Gray, Paul Hewitt, Ash-

FEE

Webb; 15 Years – Suzanna Christie, Judi Debney, Kim Hartwich, Beth Hutchison, Tricia Madex, Sarah Power, JanMaree Ruddle, Claire Sladdin, Peter Thompson; 20 Years – Gillian Couwenberg, Leanne Culph, Maree Fraser, Olga Purdie; 25 years – Christine Briody, Caroline Hamilton, Fiona Miller, Danielle Wheeler; 30 years – Ann Grierson, Janine McElroy; 35 years – Julie Frawley, Yvonne Grigg, Blair Kilpatrick; 40 years – Megan Taylor; 50 years – Stuart Kerr.

lee Kilpatrick-Blight, Jordyn Leggett, Christina Lloyd, Rommy Nicht, Tony Roberts, Lisa Shill, Kylie Simmonds, Clare Stacpoole, Emma Varley, Simone

40 YEARS: East Grampians Health Service clinical services director Bec Peters, left, with 40-year service award recipient Megan Taylor.

20 YEARS: EGHS chief executive Nick Bush presents Dr Pieter Pretorius with his 20-year service award.

Life Governor honour

Former long-serving East Grampians Health Service board director and chair Nancy Panter was named a life governor at the health service’s 30th annual general meeting.

A life governor is the most prestigious recognition of commitment and dedication to the health service and is the highest honour bestowed by EGHS.

Ms Panter was appointed to the board in 2014 and became chair in 2018, until stepping down in 2022.

She completed her term on the board in June, 2023 in accordance with Department of Health rules that board directors can only serve for nine years.

Ms Panter led the board with passion and was focused on improving the career opportunities the service could offer community members, particularly women.

She also had a keen focus on board continuous improvement and the governance committee was established during her first two years as chair.

The community health centre was funded and completed in Ms Panter’s term as well as the second theatre, and the solar undercover carpark.

On receiving her award, Ms Panter thanked the health service and board for the honour.

In 2014 Ms Panter left a corporate career in San Francisco to start a family at Eversley.

Her mother-in-law suggested she apply for the board director position advertised in a local paper.

“At that time Louise Staley was president, she met me for coffee and talked to me about how wonderful an opportunity it was to serve the community and to use the knowledge and expertise you

have over your career to give back to the community in which you live,” Ms Panter said.

“So, within six months of moving here I was serving on the board of EGHS.

“I learnt so much, I knew it was an opportunity to use my skillset to help the board and help EGHS, but I also knew it was an opportunity to learn, and like so many others here tonight receiving scholarships and undertaking learning and then giving back to the hospital and to our community, that is what I did.”

Ms Panter said her time on the board was wonderful but at times challenging.

“We certainly were able to do many amazing things, including the undercover carpark which came about after

EAST GRAMPIANS HEALTH SERVICE RESIDENTIAL AGED CARE

East Grampians Health Service

we had our first child at EGHS and we wondered why there was nowhere for us to park when we had our infant,” she said.

“It was wonderful we were able to find an opportunity and get that sponsored for us to have solar power. From little ideas big things can certainly grow.”

Ms Panter said she was proud of the Ararat and district community.

“It’s a community and everybody works together in this organisation and it’s important to continue that and challenge ideas,” she said.

“There is a fabulous culture in this organisation to listen and be listened to and I think that is something to be really proud of.”

Celebrating success

East Grampians Health Service board reported another successful year, presenting many organisational highlights and significant events at its annual general meeting.

Guest speaker at the AGM was co-host of the ABC’s News Breakfast, Bridget Brennan, who grew up in Buangor and went to school at Marian College, Ararat.

Board chair Cameron Evans said over the past year, EGHS welcomed Premier Jacinta Allan and Member for Ripon Martha Haylett for the official opening of the Ararat Women’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Hub, and Minister for Health Mary-Anne Thomas, who met with the community services team and visited the new short-notice family daycare facility, as well as discussing the board’s vision to redevelop Willaura Health Care.

“In late 2024, we marked an impressive milestone, employing more than 600 staff, the highest number in the history of our health service,” he said.

“EGHS continues to offer diverse employment and professional development opportunities, especially for Deakin University, medical and nursing students. We remain committed to fostering a workforce that reflects our community’s diversity, and to providing meaningful career pathways for all.”

Looking ahead, Mr Evans said the health service was energised by the exciting redevelopment plans at Willaura.

“Our sights are set on securing Regional Health Infrastructure funding to bring this transformative vision to life, then get support from the Federal Government for

the next stage,” he said. Thanks to the support from the Department of Health, EGHS launched its electronic cancer medicine management system, enhancing both safety and efficiency in oncology care, and built a state-of-the-art practical laboratory to provide invaluable hands-on training for Deakin University medical students, Federation TAFE Diploma of Nursing students, and EGHS staff.

“During the Yarram Gap fire, EGHS demonstrated exceptional emergency preparedness, safely evacuating 12 residents and patients from Willaura to Ararat,” Mr Evans said.

EGHS’s in-home care programs continue to grow, through Home Support, Healthy@Home, Carer Support, and more, ensuring clients of all ages receive the assistance they needed.

EGHS is proud to lead the Grampians Rural Generalist Intern Training Program, welcoming nine junior doctors for enriching rural practice rotations. In partnership with Deakin University, the Doctor of Medicine program is entering its second year, training the next generation of local healthcare professionals in this region.

“Our ‘grow your own’ initiative enables local students to pursue medical, nursing – and soon allied health – careers close to home,” Mr Evans said.

“In 2025, we welcomed eight registered nurses and seven enrolled nurses into our graduate nurse program. The previous cohort’s success, with all graduates choosing to remain with EGHS, is a testament to our supportive environment.”

We focus on the individual, their family, friends and community. Individualised care is assured by identifying the residents’ personal preferences and interests in all areas across the social and clinical spectrum.

EGHS ensures we provide care to people that is:

• Safe and high quality

• Meets their needs and preferences

• Upholds their rights

For further information please contact Aged Care Information Officer Fiona Miller on 03 5352 9316

PROUD: East Grampians Health Service board director Kym Peter presents the Life Governor’s award to Nancy Panter.

aCe Client night

CATWALK: Mark Fitterer, Johnna Sanio, Schenley Jubilo and John Jubilo.

Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

RELAX: Lynette Morrow, Jodie Morrow, Wes Davidson, Gavin Morrow and Wade Morrow.

BUSINESS: Ray Hermans, Tracey Thomson, Lisa Hermans and Jack Rabah enjoy the ACE Radio Client Night at Maydale Pavilion in Horsham. Clients from across the Wimmera mingled with ACE Radio and The WeeklyAdvertiser staff and management to celebrate the year.

REGION: Marc Sleeman, Matt and Kaylene Linsley and Ian Gumela.

SOCIAL: Rob and Kristyn Dolan with ACE Radio chairman Rowly Paterson.

ChristmasCatalogue

The Weekly Advertiser staff encourages people of the Wimmera, Grampians and Mallee to shop locally this Christmas

Christmas Catalogue

Natimuk Farmers Market Plus

Sunday, December 14, 2025 10am to 1.30pm

around 11am

Plants, Honey, Fruit & veg, Goat’s Meat, Berries, Baked goods, Jams, Fresh pasta, Bath products, Rawleigh’s products, Candles, Hair accessories, Earrings, Flowers, Baby and children’s items, Chooks, Laser engraved wooden boards, Coffee van, Food vans

Enquiries: 0429 812 324 Email: natifarmersmarketplus@outlook.com Sunday Markets 2026

DATES: ★ Easter Sunday Sunday, April 5 ★ King’s Birthday Sunday, June 7 ★ Sunday, November 1 Christmas ★ Sunday, December 13

NEW MENU *

BREAKFAST

From 6am – 11:30am

EGGS BENEDICT | 19

Poached eggs on sourdough with hollandaise & your choice of bacon, salmon or spinach

POTATO ROSTI | 26

House made potato rosti, smashed avocado, grilled halloumi, poached eggs, rocket & beetroot hommus

EGGS YOUR WAY | 14

Poached, Fried or Scrambled Eggs on Sourdough Toast

CHILLI SCRAMBLED EGGS | 17

With Grampians Olives Estate Chilli Infused Oil

BACON & EGG ROLL | 16

Your choice of a roll, wrap or sandwich

Tomato sauce, BBQ sauce or relish

VANILLA PANCAKES | 24

Served with ˜esh berries, pistachios, maple syrup & ice-cream + EXTRAS

Bacon, Salmon, Mushroom, Avocado or Grilled Halloumi | 5

Spi nach, Tomato | 3

Eg g (1), Hash Brown (1), Hollandaise | 2.50 Tomato Relish | 1.50

KIDS

PANCAKE | 14 Maple syrup, ice-cream & your choice of banana or strawberries

CHOCOLATE PANCAKES | 24

Served with mixed berry coulis, chocolate ganache & ice-cream

LEMON MERINGUE WAFFLES | 24

Served with lemon curd, crunchy meringue, poached rhubarb relish & icecream

QUINOA BOWL | 24

Gluten Free Friendly - Vegan Served with coconut yoghurt, coconut cream, mixed berry coulis, walnuts, maple syrup, shaved coconut & topped with ˜esh berries

BANANA BREAD | 14

Gluten Free Friendly

Served with butter

TOAST | 9

Sourdough / White / Wholemeal / Multigrain / Gluten Free Vegemite / Strawberry Jam / Peanut Butter / Honey

TOASTED MUESLI | 17

Served with mixed berry coulis, vanilla yoghurt & milk

LUNCH

From 11:30am – 2:30pm (1pm weekends)

CHICKEN BURGER | 22

Southern Fried chicken with coleslaw, aioli & cheese

Served with chips

BEEF BURGER | 24

Beef patty, bacon, egg, caramelized onion, lettuce, tomato, cheese & relish Served with chips

THAI BEEF SALAD | 26

Gluten Free Friendly

Topside beef, capsicum, lettuce, tomato, onion, cucumber, carrot, chilli, peanuts, bean shoots, mint & coriander

JAS SALAD | 26

Gluten Free Friendly

Grilled chicken, baby spinach, red onion, roast pumpkin, goats cheese, toasted pepitas & house made honey mustard dressing

ROTI of the Day – See Display Fridge

QUINOA SALAD | 24

Vegan Served with chickpeas, roast pumpkin, cucumber, tomato, corn, beetroot, mixed leaves & almonds

Add Chicken + 5

FISH of the Day - See Special Board

CAJUN CALAMARI | 24

Gluten Free Friendly

Cajun flavoured calamari with ˜esh Greek salad & chips served with lemon & aioli

EGGS BENEDICT | 19

Poached eggs on sourdough with hollandaise & your choice of bacon, salmon or spinach

BOWL OF CHIPS | 12

Gluten Free Friendly

FOCACCIA of the Day – See Display Fridge

Horsham

Big boys Chrissy gifts Big boys Chrissy gifts

FESTIVE SEASON PORK

• Roasting pork legs, bone in or out

• Rolled pork shoulder (plain or seasoned)

• Roasting pork loin (rolled, plain, seasoned or with our own blended porchetta herb & spice blend)

• Roasting pork racks

Rememb : Ord e ly to av d disapp ntment

Make Christmas Crackle with

Meat Market Hams – all cured, smoked and cooked in our smokehouse.

• Ham on Bone – whole leg or cut to size.

•Whole Leg – Boneless – cut to size.

• Ham Nuggets

Smoked Seafood • Salmon fillets, whole rainbow trout, barramundi fillets.

Try our Smoked Seafood & Avocado Dip for snacks

Smoked Chicken Fillets

• Roasted Pork and Porchetta

• Oven-roasted Turkey Breast Roll (plain or seasoned)

• Oven-roasted Chicken Breast Roll • Beef FRESH SEAFOOD

Available – Order to avoid disappointment

• What about chicken pastrami for a change?

Cabana

Roasted Garlic Cabana

Pepperoni

Potted

• Smoked Hock Terrine

Kassler

TRADING HOURS: Monday to Thursday, 8am to 5.45pm • Friday, 8am to 6pm • Saturday, 8.30am to 12.45pm

Moses’ Christmas Gift Guide

Discover the Purrfect Picks in Warracknabeal

Warracknabeal Racing Club

Function Hire

Birthdays, celebrations, community days are all part of what we offer at the race course for functions. 10-300 people under cover. Contact warracknabeal@countryracing.com.au

Twilight Sips December

Friday, December 19 @ Warracknabeal Racing Club ★ Full Bar ★ BYO Nibbles

Closing from December 23 and returning on January 7.

Looking for that unique gift this Christmas? Why not gift a YarriYak Cafe coffee voucher? Pop in and speak with our friendly team at 18 Dimboola Rd. Our Cafe will be closed from December 22, reopening January 5

ARARAT

would like to thank our customers for their support throughout the year and wish you all a Merry Christmas & a Happy Safe New Year.

Repco Ararat look forward to assisting you with all your automotive

Brigades benefit from extra funds

Country Fire Authority brigades from across the region were among 168 projects in Victoria to share in more than $22.6-million in grants to purchase new equipment to protect their communities.

The State Government’s 2025-26 Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program, VESEP, funding was announced last week.

Wonwondah Fire Brigade captain Jason Pymer said the $310,000 granted to the brigade would help fund a small, dual-cab tanker, replacing the brigade’s single-cab tanker.

“The smaller tankers work really well in our area, particularly around Haven, in areas the bigger tankers can battle to get into,” he said.

“Having the dual-cab is terrific, we can put extra crew members on it, and it will be great having a more modern tanker with extra features on it.”

Mr Pymer said Wonwondah’s trucks, housed about 10 kilometres apart at a station and a satellite station, were used to fight the Grampians fires for about three weeks last summer.

“That’s the main reason we have the two tankers, and we like having them spread out, one can stay home, and one can go to those bigger fires,” he said.

Mr Pymer said the brigade, which has about 30 active members, would fundraise in coming months to help purchase the truck.

Grants allocated to other brigades, for vehicles and appliances, included: Amphitheatre, $150,833; Grampians, $71,000; Great Western, $310,000; Stawell $71,000; and Wonwondah, $310,000.

For minor facilities’ improvements: Balmoral, $100,000; Halls Gap, $93,334; Rainbow, $30,000; and Winiam and District $10,000.

For operational equipment: Benayeo, $1067; Dadswells Bridge, $2340; Dinyarrak, $790; Kadnook, $1500; Kaniva, $5800; Natimuk, $3334; and South Lillimur $790.

For volunteer amenities: Hopetoun West, $760; and Landsborough, $2800.

The VESEP funding has been spread across 168 projects including a range of facility upgrades and replacement vehicles for brigades including 14 medium tankers, 12 ultralight tankers and 31 field command vehicles.

Member for Lowan Emma Kealy congratulated the successful brigades on their strong advocacy for the funding, but was critical that Pomonal Fire Brigade missed out.

Ms Kealy said it beggared belief the Pomonal brigade’s second consecutive application for a new ultra-light tanker was denied.

“Pomonal has faced repeated and significant bushfire threats, including the devastating February 2024 fire, yet Labor still continues to ignore their needs. It’s an absolute disgrace,” she said.

“Pomonal’s ongoing risk profile makes a new tanker an absolute necessity. Supporting our emergency volunteers should be a priority every year, not something communities have to fight for.

“I’ll continue pushing for our hard-working Pomonal brigade to receive the equipment they need and deserve.”

CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said VESEP grants help provide brigades with significant funding for vital equipment and facility improvements.

“This program provides $2 for every $1 of funding from the brigade thanks to the brigades’ incredible fundraising efforts and generosity of their local communities,” Jason said.

“The contribution from the government towards equipment means brigades have a great incentive to fundraise in their communities and apply for a VESEP grant.

Termite Solver

“There are also special access grants available to provide a further financial boost for brigades that face challenges with fundraising.”

New look for disability service

Hauser Disability Support Services’ premises at 216 Barkly Street, Ararat has a fresh look after receiving money through Ararat Rural City Council’s Façade Grant Scheme. The grant enabled Hauser Disability Support Services to repaint its shopfront and install new signage and window decals, creating a more polished, welcoming and accessible presence for clients and the community.

Through the façade grant scheme, the council contributes two dollars for every dollar invested by a business, with businesses across the municipality eligible to apply for grants of up to $10,000.

“Being a small business, it has been very helpful receiving the façade grant, as we would not have been able to afford to have

the façade repainted as well as the sign work if it was not available,” Hauser Disability Support Services chief executive Leone Hause said.

Mayor Bob Sanders said the grant funding played a key role in ensuring the organisation could present its best face to the community from day one at its relocated premises.

“Well done to Hauser Disability Support Services for taking up this council initiative,” he said.

“This is another great example of the business community and council working together to ensure our shopfronts reflect the quality of service found behind the front doors.”

POSITIVE OUTCOME: Hauser Disability Support Services chief executive Leone Hauser, left, with Tom Hauser, Sam Benn and Nick Hauser showcase the new-look business to Ararat councillor Bob Sanders.

Lifting community with music

Musical shows are bringing benefits to communities, from fundraising and increased local trade, to enjoyable trips down memory lane.

Alana M Music Promotions and Management’s Alana Morrow, who was born and bred in Warracknabeal, said taking the benefits of music to her hometown meant a lot to her.

“It’s a place that’s close to my heart, it’s where I grew up, so it means a lot to be able to take the benefits of music back to my hometown for the community to enjoy,” she said.

“I also wanted to create an opportunity to bring other people to town, which would

hopefully also benefit the local eateries and shops and to really get the town buzzing on the days of these events.

“Local community groups are also involved with these events, giving them an opportunity to fundraise for their projects within the town.

“It’s great these shows can give back to the town in many different ways.”

Ms Morrow said the Warracknabeal events mainly featured music from the 1950s to the 1970s.

“The events attract people who grew up listening to music from that era – it gives them the opportunity to go back down memory lane,” she said.

“Music is so powerful – it can take you back to a time, a place or even a person.”

Ms Morrow said she was grateful the Warracknabeal shows had been well-supported.

“The feedback from everyone enjoying them is incredible,” she said.

“But if I can look into the crowd and see people smiling, laughing, singing, tapping those toes, and sometimes even having a little dance, that’s what I call a success and I know my job is done.”

Tickets for the next show, featuring Lance Birrell and Connie Kis Andersen on February 26, are on sale now.

Plush Bath Towels

BeachTowels

Summer Cotton Sheet Sets

Pillows

Bags

Picnic Range & Beach Bags

GOOD VIBES: Alana Morrow soaks up the show atmosphere at Warracknabeal.

ENTERTAINERS: Country music artists, far left, Danny Stain and Helen Stewart, and left, Anthony Stewart entertain a large crowd at Warracknabeal Town Hall last week. Music promoter Alana Morrow is grateful for the ongoing support in her home town.

Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

INTO

12TH - 14TH DECEMBER

THE COOLEST WAY TO BEAT THE HEAT!

ICE SKATING • FOOD TRUCKS • GIVEAWAYS

Laughter, singing, joy in pantomime

Members of Edenhope’s Lakeside Living aged-care facility were in tears of laughter as they took part in a recent production written, directed and produced by a fellow resident.

Kath Atwell, at the age of 92, decided to take on the challenge of staging her first ever production, writing a play featuring humorous references to Edenhope residents and locations, along with Christmas carols.

Mrs Atwell said audience members were encouraged to interact with the cast during the staging of the show.

“My Granny used to take us to the pantomime every year,” she said.

“The audience would yell out and join in; it was a lot of fun.”

Mrs Atwell said she was inspired to write the show after the facility’s dementia support group determined residents needed more events to be involved in.

“I couldn’t sleep that night and that’s when my mind starts working,” she said.

“The idea of a pantomime came to me, so I got up at about 6am to hastily write it.”

Mrs Atwell’s late husband lived with dementia and she said she leaned on her life experience to support other carers through the dementia support group.

“People who are supporting their loved ones need something to look forward to as well – it can be very hard,” she said.

Support group members formed the cast for

the show, with guidance from Grampians Health Edenhope social worker June Spencer, musicians Rob Tuncks and Ricardo Flores, and Sing Australia choir members.

Mrs Atwell spent many late nights sewing costumes and creating backdrops.

“I did a millinery apprenticeship when I was 14 years old – in 1947,” she said.

“I bought all the old sheets in the op shop, it’s been a good project for me.”

The result of Mrs Atwell’s efforts was a chaotic and noisy mess of laughter, singing and joy, with one of the cast members reporting that her mother, who lives with dementia, was crying with laughter.

Grampians Health chief people officer Claire Woods praised staff and community members behind the production.

“There is nothing more powerful than a community coming together for the benefit of others,” she said.

“Our organisation will always embrace localised initiatives and this event was a wonderful example of health professionals working alongside loved ones, to best care for our residents in their home.

“What a magical way to start the Christmas season.”

Edenhope’s dementia support group is open to all carers and loved ones of people living with dementia. For more information, people can contact Grampians Health Edenhope social worker June Spencer on 5585 9830.

Open 7 Days for Lunch

The Warracknabeal Cemetery trust has used a Horsham Sports and Community Club $1500 grant for a website so people can look up cemetery details from anywhere in the world.

Judi Armstrong said the website helps people locate the plots and headstones in the cemetery.

“Even if you’re not in Warracknabeal you can find out the history online,” she said.

“I love the history and the people involved in the trust, It’s a great group.” “Applying for the grant was very easy and we will be applying again.”

MAGICAL START TO FESTIVE SEASON: Edenhope’s Lakeside Living’s Kath Atwell, 92, wrote, directed and produced a play with the help of the facility’s dementia support group members and residents.

NEW BRAND: Priceline in Madden Street, Horsham, is now InstantScripts Pharmacy Health Hub. Pictured are Julie Rees, Lucy Thomas, Jack Vague, Cobie McQueen, Lauren Wood and Stuart Hall celebrating their new store branding.

taKe a breaK

on this day

From The Weekly Advertiser archives: December 8, 2005 –Wimmera Health Care Group was awarded Australian Council on Health Care Standards accreditation for the following four years, making it one of only nine hospitals in Australia that could claim continual accreditation since 1975. Board of Management president Pawel Wajszel and chief executive Chris Scott presented the award to WHCG staff at a function to celebrate. Employees Carmen Bott, Kathy Aitken and Kathy Newton are pictured with the award, which Mr Scott said could not have been achieved without the great team effort of the hospital’s staff.

10 years ago: December 9, 2015

Ararat Arts Precinct redevelopment project was granted $945,000 from the Federal Government, boosting the budget to about $6-million. The project involved the redevelopment of Ararat Performing Arts Centre and Ararat Regional Art Gallery into new performance and exhibition spaces. It would mark the first significant overhaul of the precinct since the 1970s.

Five years ago: December 9, 2020

Australian actor Eric Bana, after spending time at Warracknabeal when filming ‘The Dry’, said people needed to spend time in the Wimmera-southern Mallee to fully appreciate the beauty of its landscape and people. Bana and director Robert Connolly were due back to the region for special screenings of the film before it opened to the public the following month.

One year ago: December 11, 2024

Warrnambool angler Luke Smith won the Victorian Fisheries Authority’s ‘Rocklands Metery’ competition when he caught a 101.5-centimetre cod at the reservoir. Catching the fish a year after the competition began, Mr Smith said he had been fishing at Rocklands Reservoir for about 18 months, with good results. There were still prizes on offer in the competition, with three tagged Murray cod worth $2000, a golden perch worth $2000 and one cod worth $10,000.

1. Born on this day in 1973 was which Yugoslavian-American tennis player, a nine-time Grand Slam title champion?

2. Until 1923, what was the Turkish city of Istanbul called?

3. Which language has the most words, according to dictionary entries?

4. When was the London underground opened, 1863, 1893 or 1903?

5. First published on this day in 1884, was which Mark Twain novel, the sequel to ‘The Adventures of Tom Sawyer’?

6. What is the name of the three-headed dog in Harry Potter?

7. What is Barbie’s little sister’s name?

8. The iconic Hollywood sign originally spelt out which word?

9. What is the only mammal capable of true flight?

10. Which 1980s supermodel was Rod Stewart once married to?

11. Dying on this day in 1986 at the age of 69, was which Cuban-American singer, bandleader and actor, best known for his character of Ricky Riccardo on sitcom I Love Lucy?

12. Number one in Australia on this day in 1995, Coolio’s ‘Gangsta’s Paradise’ featured on which movie, which starred Michelle Pfeiffer?

13. Humans breathe in oxygen and exhale what?

14. Who headed the first expedition to reach the South Pole in 1911?

15. Dying on this day in 1967 at the age of 26 in a plane crash, was which American soul singer-songwriter, famous for songs ‘Sittin’ on the Dock of the Bay’ and ‘Respect’?

200,000 words. 4. 1863. 5. ‘Adventures of Huckleberry Finn’. 6. Fluffy. 7. Skipper. 8. Hollywoodland. 9. The bat. 10. Rachel Hunter. 11. Desi Arnaz. 12. Dangerous Minds. 13. Carbon -diox ide. 14. Roald Amundsen. 15. Otis Redding.

Answers: 1. Monica Seles. 2. Constantinople. 3. English, with

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: Mark Sulic: 0407 313 456, marks@team.aceradio.com.au; Lee Meadows: 0407 046 864, leem@team.aceradio.com.au; Kelly Schilling: 0437 894 257, kschilling@aceradio.com.au; Danica Cutter: 0488 473 562, dcutter@aceradio.com.au; Heidi Higginson: 0438 759 220, heidih@aceradio.com.au; Lily Olver: 0411 784 001, lolver@aceradio.com.au Newsroom 5382 1351: Lauren Henry: lhenry@aceradio.com.au; Bronwyn Hastings: bhastings@aceradio.com.au; Colin MacGillivray: cmacgillivray@aceradio.com.au; Georgia Bailey: georgiab@team.aceradio.com.au

Brought to you by AFTERNOONS WITH HUGHIE Weekdays, noon until 3pm on

yoUr lUCKy stars With sarah KUlKens Australia’s Trusted Psychic Family

FOR THE WEEK DECEMBER 14 TO DECEMBER 20

ARIES (March 21 - April 20)

Lucky Colour: Silver

Lucky Day: Tuesday

Racing Numbers: 8, 9, 4, 5

Lotto Numbers: 8, 2, 4, 16, 28, 33

Keep your cool, and your plans will progress smoothly with visible benefits. However, things may not be as straightforward as they appear—double-check all details, particularly the fine print, before signing any agreements.

TAURUS (April 21 - May 20)

Lucky Colour: Lemon

Lucky Day: Sunday

Racing Numbers: 6, 9, 1, 2

Lotto Numbers: 1, 17, 23, 34, 44, 45

You may find yourself longing for the past, but remember it wasn’t always sunshine and rainbows. Focus on improving your current situation with a blend of common sense and effort.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 21)

Lucky Colour: White

Lucky Day:Monday

Racing Numbers: 7, 9, 1, 4

Lotto Numbers: 1, 16, 23, 34, 36, 22

This is an excellent time for leisure and enjoyment. However, trusting the wrong people could lead to complications. Be cautious with financial dealings and verify everything before proceeding.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Friday

Racing Numbers: 7, 8, 9, 3

Lotto Numbers: 1, 16, 23, 34, 41, 22

It’s important to acknowledge that, like everyone else, you can sometimes be wrong. Adopting a more humble approach will strengthen relationships and improve your current situation.

LEO (July 23 - August 22)

Lucky Colour: Cream

Lucky Day: Sunday Racing Numbers: 6, 8, 4, 5

Lotto Numbers: 1, 17, 23, 36, 42, 11

Avoid other people’s problems to avoid unnecessary stress. Loved ones will show more affection, leading to happy moments and exciting plans for the future.

VIRGO (August 23 - September 23)

Lucky Colour: Mauve

Lucky Day: Tuesday

Racing Numbers: 7, 9, 3, 4

Lotto Numbers: 1, 16, 23, 34, 41, 22

A busy social period is in store, with surprising invitations that could dazzle you. Discussions about travel to distant places might arise, but flexible plans should be made to accommodate changes.

LIBRA (September 24 - October 23)

Lucky Colour: Yellow

Lucky Day: Sunday Racing Numbers: 7, 9, 3, 5

Lotto Numbers: 3, 6, 23, 31, 22, 28

This is a time for expansion, so be mindful of overindulging in food or drink. Business prospects look favourable, and some Librans may find their instincts spot-on during this period.

SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22)

Lucky Colour: Red

Lucky Day: Saturday Racing Numbers: 6, 8, 3, 4

Lotto Numbers: 1, 15, 23, 35, 41, 22

Relationship adjustments may impact your career. Prepare for increased activity at home, with visitors and new dynamics keeping you on your toes.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 20)

Lucky Colour: Turquoise

Lucky Day: Sunday Racing Numbers: 8, 6, 4, 9

Lotto Numbers: 8, 16, 40, 14, 19, 18

Embrace life’s surprises and enjoy the ride. Financially, funds may flow in faster than they’re spent. Romantically, a new spark might replace an old flame.

CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19)

Lucky Colour: Silver

Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 4, 6, 2, 3

Lotto Numbers: 1, 14, 23, 27, 34, 38

What begins on a sour note could surprise you by turning out exceptionally well. Trust your instincts when dealing with close friends or those who have supported you.

AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 19)

Lucky Colour: Violet

Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 5, 7, 3, 4

Lotto Numbers: 1, 16, 23, 26, 34, 39

Make time for loved ones to keep harmony at home. Career matters are flexible now, and you may have the chance to explore diverse opportunities.

PISCES (February 20 - March 20)

Lucky Colour: Red

Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 7, 8, 9, 3

Lotto Numbers: 1, 14, 23, 34, 45, 22

Heed advice from trusted sources, but don’t rush into changes. While transformation is on the horizon, it may take time before the benefits become apparent.

Closing the gap

Ford could lose its second-place sales standing to Mazda by the end of this calendar year as the gap between the duo closed to just 1069 units as of October 31.

To the end of October, Mazda had sold 77,382 new vehicles against Ford’s 78,451, giving the duo a market share of 7.6 and 7.9 per cent respectively.

Historically, Mazda has outsold Ford by a significant proportion, only losing to the Blue Oval in 2024 as the American brand rode high on Ranger and Everest sales.

In 2024, Ford beat Mazda by 4183 units at the end of the calendar year, while in 2023 it was Mazda that pipped Ford – by an impressive 12,208 units.

Far more impressive was Mazda’s

lead over Ford in the earlier part of the decade.

In 2020 it gapped Ford by 26,039 units, achieving a 29,739-unit gap in 2021, and a 29,090-unit gap in 2022.

Back in the present and it is intriguing to note that sales of both Ford and Mazda are down considerably on the same time last year, with neither likely to crack the 100,000 sales mark by the end of 2025.

Seemingly, the pair are struggling to stay ahead of myriad newcomers, with Ford down 4694 units to the end of October 2024, a decrease of 5.6 per cent, and Mazda down 3761 units, or 4.6 per cent.

Speaking with GoAuto at the recent Mazda 6e electric sedan preview drive event in Melbourne, Mazda Australia managing director Vinesh Bhindi said while he was not focussed on a sales

SALES BATTLE: Mazda is closing the gap on Ford with just 1069 sales year-to-date between it and second place.

race with Ford, he was appreciative of the efforts made by the brand’s dealer network in 2025.

“It, the battle against Ford, is not really the game that keeps us awake at night,” he said.

“Ford has put in a solid effort, but we are playing our game, and they are playing theirs.

“We appeal to anywhere between 90,000 and 100,000 customers each year. That’s where we are, and that is

what our dealers have been able to do.

“Our dealers remain committed to offering good customer service and we are happy with our part.

“It works for us, it works for our customers, and it works for our dealers.”

At the end of October, both Ford and Mazda remained well ahead of thirdand fourth-placed Kia with 69,494 deliveries, and Hyundai, 64,861, with the remainder of the top-10 chart seeing Mitsubishi in fifth place with

52,364 deliveries, GWM in sixth with 43,774, BYD seventh with 41,882, MG eighth with 36,176, Isuzu Ute ninth with 35,114, and Subaru in 10th position with 32,787 deliveries.

Toyota continues to hold its place on top of the podium with year-to-date sales of 201,535 units, down 0.3 per cent, and 19.9 per cent market share. – Matt Brogan

Xpeng reveals 2026 new model plan

Aspredicted in many quarters, carving out a slice of the Aussie new car pie is proving a challenge, particularly for some of the new Chinese brands seemingly arriving on a weekly basis.

Xpeng lobbed in Australia last year with its fully electric, small-medium G6 SUV in standard range, priced from $54,800 plus on-road costs, and long range from $59,800 plus on-road.

It has achieved reasonable sales of about 2000 units using various incentives such as 2.88 per cent finance, $3000 cashback, and five years free servicing.

Imported by TrueEV, the brand has released its 2026 model rollout plan, kicking off with an ADR-approved upgraded G6 reputedly with a highercapacity standard-range battery, revised front-end design, larger infotainment touchscreen, new cabin materials and reshaped front seats.

TrueEV says it is expected to be followed by the full-size X9 people mover in mid-2026 and the flagship G9L large SUV in late 2026, adding ‘two to three additional Xpeng models are in development as part of the brand’s ongoing local investment and alignment with global product cycles’.

Specific launch dates for the new models have not been issued and details of the trio have not been outed in Xpeng’s 2026 plan that ‘follows

a record year of customer growth, national expansion, and product investment’.

The upgraded G6, which recently received full Australian Design Rule compliance, is on track for a late quarter-one 2026 launch.

The refreshed rear-wheel drive G6 will feature key upgrades to design, range and in-car tech.

The highly anticipated Xpeng X9, a full-size electric people mover, will

now arrive in mid-2026.

The two variant, seven-seat X9 lineup has a claimed range of up to 740km, zero to 100kmh acceleration of 5.7 seconds for the 370kW/640Nm dual-motor all-wheel drive, and 7.7 seconds for the 235kW/450Nm single-motor front-wheel-drive.

Key specifications include a large battery capacity of 105kWh or 94.8kWh, with the model built on a SEPA 2.0 platform with 800V archi-

tecture enabling 10 to 80 per cent DC fast charging in 20 minutes.

Creature comforts might include a 2180-watt audio system with surround sound, five-zone climate control, acoustic glass, and one-touch convenient entry exit from the third row.

The X9 will likely be equipped with a full suite of ADAS and feature active rear steering.

“Early interest in the X9 has been strong across families, fleet operators,

chauffeur companies and mobility providers seeking an intelligent, longrange people mover with cutting-edge features,” Xpeng said in a statement.

The next-generation G9L SUV is expected to be announced in quarter three with deliveries to follow later in 2026.

Designed as Xpeng’s new flagship model, the G9L ‘will bring elevated luxury, performance and intelligence to the premium SUV segment’.

The five-seat SUV is roughly the size of a Hyundai Santa Fe.

The Chinese domestic market version runs either a 258kW/465Nm single-motor rear-wheel drive or 423kW/695Nm dual-motor all-wheel drive, while claimed maximum charging power is 530kW, with range of up to 725km on the lenient Chinese CLTC cycle.

TrueEV has sprouted 18 Xpeng retail locations nationally across 2025 with reasonable sales ‘firmly positioning the brand as one of the most exciting new entrants in the electric vehicle space’.

“While Xpeng ramps up global launch activity, its local strategy remains laser-focused on aligning Australia with international product cycles, reducing lag and ensuring Australian customers access the latest innovation faster,” the importer said.

– Peter Barnwell

GROWING PORTFOLIO: Chinese brand Xpeng is expected to launch the G9, G9L and X9, pictured, in Australia next year.

If

Azz.

With over 18 years of experience, he and his full-time employee, Heath Kinnersly, are committed to keeping your spaces immaculate.

Klean Azz is the professional choice for carpet cleaning, leaving your carpets feeling and smelling revitalised.

The best part? You can walk on them dry within just one hour!

Aaron’s team also offers upholstery cleaning, window cleaning, and lounge suite cleaning.

Wondering how to make your home shine just in time for Christmas?

Book your cleaning today to get your carpets and fabric upholstery ready for the festive season!

With Aaron’s hands-on approach and strong work ethic, you can trust that your home is in great hands.

When he’s not busy making your home sparkle, you might find Aaron enjoying the great outdoors with his two whippets, Selsy and Scarlo, watching his favourite AFL Team; Geelong, or teeing up a hit on the golf course.

Book in with the professionals – just don’t hold his AFL team against him!

Sudoku

Fill in the blank cells using numbers from 1 to 9. Each number can only appear once in each row, column and 3x3 block.

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.

Fit the numbers 1-6 once into every hexagon so that where the hexagons touch, the numbers are the same. No number is repeated in any single hexagon.

Classifieds

BRAIN (nee Crowhurst), Ayles June

Passed away on December 6, 2025 aged 96 years.

Dearly loved wife of Keith (dec).

Loving mother and motherin-law of Keith & Jo; Jenny (dec); Deb & Shane; Stephen & Jenny.

Adored Nan to all of her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Forever In Our Hearts

HYSLOP

(nee Richards)

Christobel May

‘Chris’

Passed away at Stawell on Dec 2nd 2025, Aged 93, Late of Campbell’s Bridge

Dearly loved wife of Ken (Dec).

Loved mother and motherin-law of Margaret (Oates), Anne & John (Monagle), Ian & Diane, Colin & Karen.

Loving Nan to Emma, Kimberley, Liam, Brianna, Erin, Kayla-Mae, Laura & Blake.

In accordance with Chris’s wishes a Private Family Funeral will be held on Friday Dec 12th. Relatives and Friends are invited to join the family at Trackside Function Centre (78 Patrick St Stawell) from 3.00pm –5.00pm Friday Dec 12th.

In the care of Fred Crouch & Son STAWELL 5358 1043

JOHNSTON (nee Brunsdon), Joan

6-5-1939 to 29-11-2025

Passed away peacefully surrounded by family.

Mother and mother-in-law to Leonie & Gary Hausler; Brett & Leonie Johnston; Darren & Renee Johnston and families.

Rest in peace Reunited with family

LACEY (nee Barber), Flora Bronwen ‘Topsy’ 17th April 1928 –25th November 2025

Wife of Frederick James Lacey (died 26 August 2006)

Mother of Margaret, Brian, John and Helen Grandmother of Emily, Owen, Jessica, Scott, Tim

Great Grandmother of Charlotte, Addison, Ethan, Leith, Zali, Zoe, Toby, Ted, Hamish

SANDERSON (nee Evans), Karen Joyce

Passed away suddenly on December 1, 2025 aged 68 years.

Dearly loved childhood sweetheart and wife of Stuart.

Cherished daughter of Perc (dec) & Shirley.

Loving mother and motherin-law of Zita & Luke; Zane & Lucinda.

Adored Grandma to Jacob, Ethan, Zavier and Ziva. “Love forever and always”

SIMPSON, Frederick James ‘Fred’ Passed away peacefully at home on December 1, 2025 aged 73 years.

Dearly loved husband of Robyn.

Loving father and father in law of Katrina & Joe; Steven & Bow; Stacey & Wayne.

Adored Pa to all of his grandchildren and great grandchildren In Trucking Heaven

WINFIELD, Heather 29-11-2025

Much loved big sister to Ros, sister-in-law to Stu, auntie to Jason and Daniel.

Will miss our chats and your sense of humour.

God made us sisters, our hearts made us friends. Rest in peace

BRAIN, Ayles June

The Funeral of Ayles June

Brain will leave St John’s Anglican Church, Horsham on Wednesday, 17 December 2025 after a service commencing at 1pm for the Horsham Lawn Cemetery.

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

KEAM, Barry Alfred ‘Baz’

27/11/1954 – 29/11/2025

A graveside service will be held at the Woorak Cemetery Friday 12th December at 11 am.

Emiley & Mathew Bone Nhill, Dimboola & Kaniva District Funerals 0419 008 464

SANDERSON, Karen Joyce

The Funeral of Karen Joyce Sanderson will take place at the Horsham Church of Christ on Tuesday, 16 December 2025 commencing at 2pm.

Private cremation.

The service may also be viewed online at youtube. com/live/53OeRvQMdkw

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

SIMPSON, Frederick James ‘Fred’

The Funeral of Fred Simpson will take place at the Horsham Church of Christ on Friday, 12 December 2025 commencing at 1.30pm and will be followed by burial at the Horsham Lawn Cemetery.

The service may also be viewed online at youtube. com/live/qUpZiSFf-Ho

To honour Fred, please wear smart casual and a touch of the colour maroon.

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

Thank you

~ McCUISH ~ Angus

Norma and Campbell McCuish wish to sincerely thank all who attended Angus’ funeral, sent cards, flowers, visits, food and phone calls and all church assistants along with Pastor Hans Peethala. Special thanks to management and staff and Dr Dekker at Natimuk Nursing Home for their loving care given to Angus over the past four months. Many thanks also to those who brightened his days with visits. We take comfort in your kindness.

Many thanks.

Port Fairy 4-bedroom getaway with pool table –just $1500! Call Langley’s now 03 5568 2899 to book

Bristlenose catfish, great tank cleaners $5ea until sold out Ph 0474159010 after 6.30pm

Budgies, including white to yellow, assorted colours $10 each Ph 0428010996

Roosters, ducks and guinea fowl wanted to buy Ph 0480137184

Available now 3 Spoodle boys & 2 Spoodle girls are looking for their Furever Families, born on the 16th of October, raised in a loving Family home with children and other dogs, cats and farm animals have had their 6 week vet check with first vaccination, microchip and have been wormed regularly, microchip# 95600019516180, 956000019521435, 956000019515465, 956000019523017, 956000019519593, source# RB265884 located just out of Stawell, $3000 please call Simone on 0400035456 for more information

Funeral Directors

Cocker Spaniel pups for sale, purebred pups black, female available from September, microchip# 978142000982266, Source# R185238 Ph 0429912620

Kelpie x Staghound male pup, 6.5 months old, sandy colour, microchip # 953010007025025280, vac x 3, basic handling, is affectionate, big, and boisterous, POA Ph 0428994210

Purebred Golden Retriever pups for sale, 2 gold males left, they have been vet checked, vaccinated and microchipped, ready for their new homes, microchip # 953010007911207/ 953010007911199, source# MB103066 Ph 0438923210

Purebreed Dalmation Puppies , 12 weeks old, 3 males, 3 females, all vaccinated and microchipped, source# MB29299295301000 microchip# B2929927970309, MB2929927970314, MB2929927732796, MB2929927970322, MB2929927970310, MB2929927970330, MB2929927970359 $1800each Ph Rob 0439878845

SquareMeater x Murray Gray, 4 yr old gray bull, 3yr old brown bull, a few cows, proven breeders, compact and muscly, commercial herd, NLIS, vaccinated, PIC# 3YKM L014 Ph 0428994210 Warracknabeal

2006 Concept Ascot 18', low kms, EC, stored under cover, lots of extras $17,000 Ph 0413445347

2007 Billabong pop-top caravan , EC, double bed, air con, 3way fridge, elec brakes, gas and elec cooking, new awning $19,500 Ph 0409182376

Avan

, annex, roof

reg 4/26, many extras $13,000 Ph 0408159993

2011

Cruiseliner

lifter,

caravans

Animals & Accessories

2012 Regent Cruiser, 18', Tare 1800kg, shower & toilet, single beds, all modern comforts, as new tyres & battery, semi-offroad, only travelled a few thousand km's, priced to sell $31,000 ono Ph 03 53870522

2014 Billabong Grove 17'6 twin beds, toilet & shower, large fridge, lots of storage, stored undercover when not traveling, more extras $30,000 Ph 0419434790

2014 Coronet prince FS2-6150, Queen bed, ensuite, full oven, microwave, HWS, washing machine, 3 way fridge, air conditioner, solar panel, has gas, 12 volt, 240 volt and awning $38,000 Ph 0481481902

2017 Franklin Core 22', one owner, excellent condition, gas heater, twin bunks, washing machine, $1000+ extras, $59,900 Ph 0401986201

Annexe 3 sides and poles, and pole container, suits 13' awning, GC $250 Ph 5387 0522

Black series total off road, all extras

$50,000 Ph 0428788212

Colorado Summit 210E

21' Queen bed, large ensuite, full oven, 3way fridge, washing machine, A/C, diesel heater, sirocco fan, solar panels., lithium battery, AC-DC charger, rollout awning

Great condition many extras $48000 ONO Ph 0400189163

Jayco Journey Outback, independant suspension, single beds, all Jayco features plus diesel heater, shedded &spotless

$46,500 Ph 0429842224

Kimberley Off Road

Kamper , genuine all Australian made in Ballina NSW $8000 Ph 0427535212

Motorhome Jayco Fiat

Conquest, model FA 25.3, 4yrs old, $13,000 of extras, EC, 10,000kms $148,000 Ph 0428340802

Queen bed camper trailer, make an offer Ph 0407179433

REDUCED 1998 Cameron Canvas Camper , fully enclosed annexe, off road tires, double innerspring mattress, always stored undercover $4000ono Ph 0439553575

REDUCED Jayco Optimum 2013 motor home 28.5', 2 slides, extras inc, 400 watt solar, diesel heater, bulbar, security system, 92,000kms, $150,000 Ph 0438951101

REDUCED New Age 2013, queen bed, TV, large fridge, microwave, gas/electric hot plates, toilet, shower, washing machine, full annex, sway bars, $39,000 Ph 0427778747

REDUCED Toyota

Coaster camper, 2 seater, diesel heater, 1hz motor, solar and 12v awning much more $30,000 Ph 0418325662

Roadstar semi off road 20', 2000 model, registered, photos available $14,000 Ph 0428847475

Deb Dress For Sale, Size: 10-12, worn once, excellent condition, dry cleaned, $400 Ph: 0429802767

4080B with forks and bucket, GC $15,000 Ph 0419389693

Inter Truck C1600 , 72 Butter Box model, Jonker hoist, 14', new head and radiator, front new tyres

$5000 Ph 0429857207

Silyan Boom Spray, 80ft

Superior Boom 3,000 + 1,000 litre tanks custom, made to suit J, C, B, Tractor

$20,000, Chamberlain

30 disc plough oversize

26 inch heavy duty discs

$3000 Ph 0427824233

Slasher 3PL J.Berands

EP135, 4'6'' cut wheel kit as new $2300, Small Bale Pickup loader Irish $120, Hay Stack Elevator $120, PH 0427 871 404

Small square bale hay stack elevator $120 Ph 0494034244

2 swags $300 total, health sauna $4000, electric boat motor $200, taking best offers on: igloo tent, train set and antique wooden table Ph 0429948774

20ft shipping container, $3500 ono Ph 0407285097

6x4 trailer with cage , $900 ono Ph 0407285097

7x4 tool trailer, $3500 ono Ph 0407285097

Bath Cast Iron, EC Pale Pink $200 Ph 53826461 or 0429 309 491

Bikes one ladys one mans, good order, $170 each ono Ph 0429820692 Brick pavers, H shaped, beige colour, 1600 $800 Ph 0459027575 Stawell

Camper Trailer , all excellent condition $1500 Ph 0478254195

CCE cage on wheels 6x4 well made $400 ono, 500 gallon ex fuel tank $100 ono, Coolgardie safe $100 ono, Ute crate, 6x4 tub tight

$50 ono, Bailey extension ladder 5.3 extends to 6.3

$500 ono, new Holland Mower GC with parts, 44g drums ideal for grain feeding cattle, best offer Ph 0429857207

Flat deck tandem trailer, 4.2m x 2.3m, $4500 onoPh 0407285097

Folding bike with training stand $350, Snow sled 1050x500 $45 Ph 0418992631

FOR SALE Teak TV Cabinet

2 shelves 2 glass doors at bottom, 151H x 104W x 700 as new $60. Outdoor setting laminex oval table 4 chairs washable cushions

$90, Bird bath large $60, large towing mirrors $40. Ph 0409967815, Pick Up Horsham.

Fresh Farm eggs! $5 a dozen Ph 0423182267

Industrial Extensions Ladder (Gorilla), closed 3.7 EXT 8.5 $475, Ph 53826461 or 0429 309 491

L shaped lockable 5 glass shelf display case, with 5 downlights, 500mm lockable storage at bottom, 2.125 mm x 3.180mm x 400mm wide x 2.14mm high, $6200 ono, or lay by, can be dismantled to a flatpack, MINERALS

NOT INCLUDED Ph 0428564422

Pea straw small square bales $8 per bale, great garden mulch, pickup or delivery to Ph 0488303725

Radial arm saw bench OMGA 240v, tungsten blade, $460 Ph 0428535646

Stereo $200, Outdoor setting $150, a round table and chairs REDUCED

$290, a beautiful organ paid $8000 selling for $3500, Chiffonier paid $950 selling for $350, ironing board $60, green leather couches,1 x 2 seater and 1 x 3 seater, pristine condition, paid $6500 sell for $4000, all needs to go by 27th October Ph 53824788

Toro zero turn 42 inch deck, 2 years old, just had full service with new blades, great condition, less than 15hrs use, $6000ono Ph Tim 0418258787

15' fibreglass clinker inboard boat , no motor, make an offer Ph 0407179433

16' Yacht TS16

446, 2 & 6 HP Suzuki OB`s, 2 sets of sails, Dunbier tilt trailer U58751, reg # TS446 $4000 Ph 53542787

Immaculate family ski boat, 1993 Ski craft 5.6 meters, 350 Chev, regularly serviced, new gel coat, new bimini, refurbished rolco easy tow trailer, stereo system, and high pole included, boat rego CV679, trailer rego D81783 $15,900 Ph 0409180016

Stacer Aluminium boat, 3.6m boat with trailer and 9.9hp Evinrude motor, comes with 3 adult life jackets, 2 child life jackets and fish finder $1800 Ph 0417105439

Stacer Aluminium fishing boat , 25 horsepower Yamaha outboard motor, trailer & boat registered, VGC $6000 Ph 0498549832

Wednesday, December 10, 2025

2018 KTM 65, 2nd owner, powerful little motorbike, ready to go! $3200 ono Ph 0447316525

Holden Trax 2016 auto, excellent condition, RWC, 1GY7EC, 70,720kms

49 year old separated/ single true gentleman bloke from Horsham who likes reading, music, occasionally going out for dinner then next the movies or watching movies at home, fishing and camping, walking and swimming, looking for 48+ old lady for serious relationship Ph 0491230835

Hilux Toyota tray , excellent condition with push on tarp $1200 Ph 0484355030

$11,000 + Gst Ph 0439975206

Reduced alloy nudge bar, will suit Land Cruiser Prado 150 Series, $125 Ph 53569340 or 0412482521 Landsborough

2004 Mitsubishi Magna, all wheel drive, not going, vin# 6MMTL9F424T024238, 320,000km $800 Ph 0419303839

1994 Ford ED Futura Auto 4.0i, drives strong, great duco, no RWC or rego $5500 Ph 0409423541

2007 Ford Mondeo hatchback , diesel, very good condition, 150110 kms, UPS985 $7000 Ph 0487313892

Ford BF Sedan 2005, dual fuel, ex cond, 280,000kms, WIY315 $4500 Ph 0468 559 166

Peugeot 407 HDI , beautifully cared for car, $8000 Ph 0484355030

Commodore VS Series 2

Ute, auto, very good order, 139,000kms, OFF349 $10,500 Ph 0427894200

2014 Isuzu D-Max , 5 speed, auto, 3.0lt turbo diesel, 4x2, Tommy Gate loader 460kgs, RWC, reg til 19/1/26, 285,658kms, 1DQ6HB $23,990 Ph 0466375088

2018 Toyota Landcruiser

Prado GXL , auto, 4x4, EC, 1LZ3FW, 190,000kms

$39,500 Ph 0431603221

REDUCED 1988 BMW

320i convertible , 6cyl.5sp manual, recently unregistered, always serviced and undercover, original paint, drives beautifully, extras, engine# 206KA25194243, 240,000kms $18,000 non-negotiable Ph 0438297899

REDUCED Nissan Navara

ST 4x2 2018, automatic diesel, white color, very good condition, engine 2.3L 4Cyl, service car at 121,654km, canopy , front bar sport, one new tyre, towbar, one owner, registered till 28 June 2026 in Vic, 1PR4MJ, 150,500km

$21,500 Ph 0434282826

3 bedroom house to share, near Horsham cbd, own walk in robe and ensuite, semi-furnished Ph 0427963906

Looking to Buy a Home in Horsham I'm a genuine buyer seeking a house in Horsham. If you're considering selling-now or in the near future-please get in touch. No agents, just a straightforward sale, any condition considered, call or text Ara on 0425906535

Keyte's mowing service, lawn mowing, lawn aeration (coring), block slashing, general pruning Ph 53826461 or 0429309491

Care for 12 year old female greyhound , odd times, some overnight Ph 0427864628

Wanted Land to share-farm or lease anywhere south of Horsham and accross to the Grampians, from 50 to 600 acres, cropping country preferred Ph Roger Hallam at Mockinya 0418822700

Toyota Ute, no Ev tax on this one, dual cab SR5 auto transmission, 3 litre motor, diesel, 2011 model, RWC supplied, high rise canopy, tub liner, trailer pull, electric brakes, as new inside, 106,500 kms, YFK992

$32,500 Ph 0428 832 227

Wanted, Billy Goat service for 2 milking goats Ph 53840253

Help Wanted, Spring/ House cleaning, located in Warracknabeal, price and time negotiable Ph 0435592080

There can be little doubt that Mary goes down in history as arguably the most famous woman in the history of the world. Revered by hundreds of millions, and whose story is known by billions, who would have thought that a peasant girl from the most no-where of places, Nazareth, could become so famous.

There are many people in our world who achieve fame for the most atrocious behaviours. History is littered with the mess they create. But Mary is known for her goodness and her humility. She was engaged to be married, but found to be with child before marriage. In that part of the world and at that time in history, such a situation was a sure death sentence. Mary had not been unfaithful to Joseph, but God had chosen her to be the one to bring Jesus the Messiah into the world. Mary trusted the Angel who promised her that God knew what he was doing in choosing her for this amazing moment.

I wonder whether you might sometimes wonder whether God knows what he is doing when things look a bit pear shaped for you. Let Mary lead you. As the Angel said to her… “Nothing is impossible for God!”

Dave Tolputt - Ararat Life Links Church of Christ

Contact our friendly reception staff today on 5382 1351 or call into 2 Stawell Road, Horsham Email: horsham@aceradio.com.au

•

•

working independently and providing high-quality customer service, this is a great opportunity to build a long-term career.

Key Responsibilities

• Service, maintain and repair water treatment systems

• Carry out routine inspections, testing and water quality monitoring

• Diagnose faults and perform corrective maintenance

Concrete Agitator Operator

We are seeking applications for a concrete agitator operator to join our team in a role that will see the successful applicant being trained in and undertaking duties that include concrete slumping / deliveries, occasional truck and trailer deliveries and assisting others in the production team as required. The positon will offer a variety of vibrant and satisfying work with relevant training provided and create an opportunity to develop skills in a team environment.

All applicants should possess the following attributes:

• Possess a current Victorian Heavy Combination Drivers Licence and proven driving record.

• Possess and demonstrate a general understanding of heavy vehicle operation (incl. truck and trailer) with some knowledge of concrete an advantage (but not essential)

• Be willing to undertake any internal & external training for tasks in-line with company policies and as directed by the site manager.

Basic duties include:

• Follow a prescribed schedule for deliveries in a safe, punctual and efficient manner.

• Follow the site manager’s requirements for specific tasks, offering initiative and input when completing them.

• Follow company policies and procedures including any required training and submission of documents.

• Follow company housekeeping standards at all times for both personal and vehicle presentation.

The application process:

• Resume’s can be submitted in person (Selkirk Drive Horsham), by email to james.langlands@conholdings.com. au, or posted to P.O Box 641 Horsham Vic. 3402.

Successful applicants will be asked to :

• Demonstrate literacy / numeracy skills and copy of licence will be requested at interview

• Communicate professionally with clients and provide technical support

What We’re Looking For

• Strong problem solving and a degree of mechanical aptitude

• A can-do attitude and willingness to learn

• Current driver’s licence

• Truck licence (preferred but not essential)

• Trustworthiness and the ability to work autonomously

Why Join WWT?

• Full on the job training provided

• Work vehicle provided

• Competitive salary, with incentives

• Supportive and friendly team culture that values accuracy, growth and reliability

• Continuous opportunities for personal and professional development

For the full job description or more information please call Harry on 0458 613 151

Or if you’re ready to apply

Email your resume to: info@wimmerawastewater.com.au

Situations Vacant

Christian Devotion

Mary

JOB VACANCY

Ta�p Manufactu��� and Fitt��

RC & SM Bailey Pty Ltd is a family owned and operated business located in Warracknabeal, who are looking for a reliable, motivated and enthusiastic employee to learn all aspects of tarp manufacturing and tarp fitting.

A fantastic opportunity to join a team of friendly staff with a great working atmosphere.

Leisure and Lifestyle Assistant (Full Time/Part TimeOpportunties in Nhill, Kaniva and Rupanyup)

Applications close 12 December 2025

Allied Health Assistant (Gap Year Program) (Full Time, Fixed Term [12 months] - Nhill)

Applications close 12 December 2025

People and Culture Officer (Full Time - Nhill)

Pharmacist in Charge (Full Time - Nhill)

Exercise Physiologist and Physiotherapist (Grade 1 or Grade 2) (Full Time - Nhill) Applications close 27 December 2025

Nurse Unit Manager (Full Time

JOB VACANCY

Experience in this field would be preferred but is not essential.

If you would like to be part of the Bailey team, please contact 03 5398 2096, email resume to sales@baileymade.com.au or call in with your resume to see Beetle and Matt, to discuss the job in more detail at 234 Henty Hwy, Warracknabeal VIC

Tarp manufacturer and fitter

SM Bailey Pty Ltd is a family

and

manufacturring and tarp fitting.

A fantastic opportunity to join a team of

working atmosphere

Experience in this field would be preferred but is not

If you would like to o be part of the Bailey team, please contact 0353982096, email resume to sales@baileymade com au or call in etle and Matt, to discuss the job in

Do you have what it takes?

We are looking for educators to join our amazing team at Rupanyup OSHC. Work hours that give you time to work, study or have free time during the day. Th� Rol�

You will be supervising the children, educating, and guiding the children whilst providing a safe and hygenic environment. You will be asked to o er exciting and creative experiences for the children to engage in.

We are looking for an educator with a Diploma in Early Childhood education and Care (or working towards), highly driven, and hard-working team player to join our team. We would love to hear from you if you have:

• A Diploma in Early Childhood Education and Care (or working towards)

• Asthma, Anaphylaxis and First Aid Training

• Current Police Check and Working with Children’s Card (WWCC)

• Understanding of the NQF ELYF

Fo� fu�th�� info�mation pl�as� contact ou� Busin�ss Manag�� - Hop� Duffus 04 0037 9920 rupanyup.ps@education.vic.gov.au

Rupanyup OSHC rupps.vic.edu.au/oshc

Brought to you by The Morning Crew

Weekdays from 6am to 9am

McPherson’s century a highlight

BY LAUREN HENRY

A10-wicket haul, a century and the ladder leader’s first loss of season 2025-26 were highlights of Horsham Cricket Association A Grade action on Saturday.

Poor weather held off at the weekend to allow play to proceed for day two of round seven.

After day one was called off due to inclement weather, Swifts-Great Western handed West Wimmera its first loss of the season in a reduced overs match.

Playing at Central Park, Stawell, SGW was sent in and bowled out for 146, with the runs evenly spread as five batsmen made double figures.

Max McMahon’s 36 was a highlight as the best of the bowlers for West Wimmera was Xavier Bone with 3-33.

In reply, West Wimmera finished 9-83 as its top-order batsmen strug-

gled to make an impact. Jeremy Weeks’ 27 showed some fight as seven West Wimmera batsmen made single figures.

SGW bowlers Matt Heffer, 3-20, and Jayden McCartney, 3-22, stood out, as the new southern side to the competition showed it could make an impact among the top teams this season.

SGW sits fifth on the ladder – on equal points with the Bullants and Donald-Jeffcott, behind Laharum in second, and just behind West Wimmera, which retains its spot as ladderleaders.

Donald-Jeffcott was on fire with an outright win against St Mary’s. After being bowled out for 113 in its first innings, St Mary’s struggled to contain Donald-Jeffcott as it went on to make 9-248 declared on day two of play.

Opening batsman Cooper Anderson top-scored with 73, and was well

supported by Koby Westerland, 34, Sam Postlethwaite, 42, and Eddie Landwehr with 33 not out.

St Mary’s second innings was worse than its first, compiling just 52 runs as the host bowlers had a day out. Wickets were shared with Landwehr taking 3-4 and Nicholas Atkins 3-17. At Brim Recreation Reserve, play resumed on day two with the Bullants 5-28, chasing Brim-Kellalac-Sheep Hills’ 105.

Chasing a very gettable total, the Bullants fell short to be all out for 64, with the pick of the bowlers Jeremy Preston with 3-11.

BKSH redeemed itself in the second innings, finishing 3-182 as Isaac McPherson scored an unbeaten century.

McPherson hit 104 runs, including 16 fours and two sixes, to be the player of the match.

BKSH’s victory keeps it in touch

with the top teams, scoring its fourth win of the season and in sixth place –well ahead of the bottom four sides.

A 10-wicket haul by Laharum’s Chaminda Gamage was the highlight of his side’s outright win over LubeckMurtoa at Sunnyside Oval.

Laharum took first-innings points with a one-run victory, and play continued with the game in the balance.

Gamage continued his good form with the ball – after taking 4-16 in the first innings, he claimed 6-36 in the Mudlarks’ second innings.

Lubeck-Murtoa was bowled out for 101 as six players made ducks – the only shining light was skipper Cameron Newell who led the way with an unbeaten 75.

Laharum was able to successfully chase down the total, losing only four wickets as Monty Wynne top-scored with 33 not out.

At Horsham City Oval, Colts re-

sumed at 4-25 to chase down Horsham Tigers’ 162.

Led by two outstanding innings –73 by Kane Tutchell and 72 by Josh Colbert, the Colts were all out for 182. The Tigers made 3-71 in their second innings but with a result not likely, the match was awarded to the Colts on first innings points.

Another two-day round kicks off on Saturday, with round eight to feature Swifts-Great Western hosting St Mary’s at Central Park, Stawell; the Bullants take on Lubeck-Murtoa at Horsham City Oval; Colts will play

BKSH at Dudley Cornell Park, Horsham; Laharum versus Tigers at Sunnyside oval, while the match of the round is expected to take place at Davis Park, Nhill with West Wimmera and Donald-Jeffcott to battle it out.

Start wins seven at Horsham meet

St Arnaud’s Heidi Start enjoyed a successful district 12 swim meet at Horsham on Saturday, taking home the Jenkins Perpetual Trophy for the individual swimmer with highest aggregate points. Start, 16, won seven races, including 50-metre and 100-metre backstroke, 50-metre and 100-metre butterfly, 50-metre breaststroke, and 50-metre and 100-metre freestyle, and placed in three others events. She also won two other perpetual trophies – the Owen Williams Open Women’s 100-metre backstroke and the WH Shipham Open Women’s 100-metre butterfly.

Fellow St Arnaud swimmer Jesse Amos also won

two perpetual trophies –the McRae Perpetual Open Men’s for the 100-metre backstroke and the Dickson Perpetual Open Men’s 100-metre butterfly. There were 103 swimmers racing at the meet, from 13 clubs including Geelong, Mt Gambier, Kerang, Bendigo and Ballarat as well as swimmers from four district 12 clubs.

All events at the swim meet managed to proceed despite poor weather on Saturday. The next meet will be at Warracknabeal on Saturday, with racing to commence at noon.

It will be the last meet before the Christmas break, with meets to resume at St Arnaud on January 31.

STRONG START: Ararat competitor Ivana Donnan dives in. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

POWER: Horsham’s Eleanor Bouma powers down the lane during her freestyle event.

FOCUS: Horsham swimmer Edward Jones competing in backstroke.

Allan wins junior tournament

BY LAUREN HENRY

The Wimmera Regional Junior Points Tournament at Haven on Sunday attracted 98 players across 14 sections.

Harry Allan took out the under-18 boys and girls singles’ section, while other singles’ winners were: Boys, under14: Archer Reading; under-12: Davey Toet; under-10: Dustin Smith; Girls, under-14: Daniella Gillespie; under-12: Olivia Robertson; under-10: Maya Smith. In mixed doubles, Allan and Adele Joseph won the under-18 section, while Zac Liston and Rafferty Shurdington won the under-10 competition.

The boys’ doubles winners were: under-14: Nixon Beattie and Nicholas Gillespie; under12: Todd Clark and Davey Toet.

In the girls’ doubles, the under-14 winners were Daniella Gillespie and Charli Pietsch, and the under-12 winners were Ava Ladlow and Emily Liston.

Pennant

Central Park continued its unbeaten run in Central Wimmera Tennis Association’s Pennant competition, defeating St Michaels 13-1 sets, 111-47 games.

Central Park players totally dominated the match, with

Archer Reading and Chris Ellis the only St Michaels winners for the day, taking out a men’s doubles set 8-7.

Adele Joseph and Tara McIntyre took out an 8-0 win in the women’s doubles, with Joseph also on fire in her singles’ set, defeating Violet McGennisken 8-1.

Willow Sainsbury also scored a strong win her singles’ match against Mia Rees, winning 8-2. In the other Pennant match, Kalkee defeated Horsham Lawn on forfeit.

Central Park’s victory takes it to 10 wins this season, easily sitting atop of the Pennant ladder, ahead of Horsham Lawn, six wins, St Michaels in third and Kalkee in fourth.

Round 11 action this Saturday will see St Michaels host Horsham Lawn, while Kalkee will play Central Park.

It is the final Pennant round before the Christmas break, with play to resume on January 31.

One-point slam

Haven Tennis Club will host a round of the Australian Open’s One-Point Slam, where players from across the region will have an opportunity to win various prizes.

The winner of the Haven tour-

nament will take home two Australian Open tickets and progress through to the next state round.

From there 24 players are selected to play a tournament against Australian Open stars, and an opportunity to take home a $5000 grant for their tennis club.

The last player standing has an opportunity to win prizemoney of $1-million, a new Kia EV3, and a $50,000 tennis grant.

People interested in playing at Haven on Sunday must register before 11.59pm on Thursday.

EYES ON THE BALL:

Left, Harry Allan, of Beulah, and below, Max Russell, of Dunkeld, compete in the Wimmera Regional Junior Points Tournament at Haven Tennis Club on Sunday. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

Growing foundation for juniors

BY DAVID BERRY

Agenerous donation from the Volleyball Victoria Development Foundation will benefit Volleyball Horsham juniors in the future.

Foundation director Howard Williams said the foundation had periodically supported junior volleyball programs in Victoria.

“Since 1991 the foundation has dispersed grants and loans to the value of $96,840,” he said.

“The foundation has also provided grants of $80,250 to Volleyball Victoria endorsed junior development programs in metropolitan and regional

WINNERS:

Wayne McDonald, from Toolondo, Val Scott, Horsham, Liz Kealy, Edenhope, and John Goode, St Arnaud, were some of the winners at the Wimmera Veterans Golf tournament at Horsham on Monday.

Victoria and $6355 to individual volleyball players in necessitous circumstances.”

Mr Williams said directors realised that changes in recent years to the Australian Sports Foundation allowing sports clubs and academies to fundraise tax-free directly, made the foundation relatively redundant.

“So, directors liaised with Volleyball Victoria seeking suitable projects to expend some of the remaining funds,” he said.

“One project recently agreed upon sees funding made available to a project preserving the history of the sport in Victoria.

“The remaining funds are now being disbursed to four community based, not-for-profit, regional junior volleyball academy programs with proven performance in Bendigo, Gippsland, Horsham and Sunraysia.”

Volleyball Horsham vice-president Matt McLoughlin thanked the directors and said the donation would be added to the existing Volleyball Horsham Foundation in a secure term deposit.

“The Volleyball Horsham Foundation has been going now for three years and has supported 10 different junior members in that time,” he said.

“With this donation and support

from our major sponsors Coolibah Custom Built Transportables and Breuer’s Hire Horsham over the past two years, the foundation has continued to grow.

“The interest earnt from the investment will enable more grants to be distributed more widely.

“It doesn’t matter where our juniors are on their development pathway, anyone can apply to the foundation for support to help them with the costs of participating with Volleyball Horsham.”

Mr McLoughlin said it was an exciting time to be associated with Volleyball Horsham and the dona-

Life membership highlight

A highlight of the final Wimmera Veterans Golfers Association event for 2025 was the presentation of a life membership to Max Rogers.

Mr Rogers, of Natimuk, has been an integral part of the association for many years, filling various committee roles including captain.

Hosted by Horsham Golf Club, the tournament on Monday attracted its best attendance of 2025 with 106 players, including 18 women, in attendance.

Results were: A Grade – winner, Wayne McDonald, Toolondo, 39 points; runner-up Anthony Henry, Horsham, 36 points; 3rd Les Errington, Horsham, 35 points.

B Grade – winner, John Goode, St Arnaud, 42 points; runner-up Wayne Whelan, Horsham, 35 points; 3rd Ian Jordan, Horsham, 33 points on a countback.

C Grade – winner, Val Scott, Horsham, 38 points; runner-up Chris Whelan, Horsham, 37 points; 3rd Liz Kealy, Edenhope, 35 points.

Nearest-the-pins – 2nd: Ross Warwick, Horsham, Helene Turvey, Horsham; 8th: Dick Gallagher, Donald, Val Scott, Horsham; 11th and 13th: Jon Chandler, Horsham, Janice Midgley, Minyip.

The first Wimmera Veterans event for 2026 will be at Nhill on February 9.

tion only added to the excitement.

“More than half our membership is made up of players under 18 years and with our first try at a development camp next month coinciding with the 50-year anniversary celebrations, it is hoped those members will continue with their development and feel part of an association that is progressing in a positive way,” he said.

“We will also have other initiatives throughout 2026 that will be targeted at juniors, so it is a good time to be part of Volleyball Horsham.” Junior members are encouraged to apply to the foundation via the association’s website.

Inclusive sport

A new initiative supporting young adults with low mobility is gaining momentum in the Wimmera, following a successful launch late this year. Movement Mavericks was created after a Horsham physiotherapist identified a gap in sporting opportunities for young adults who face mobility challenges and reached out to the Wimmera Regional Sports Assembly, WRSA, for support.

Working closely with health professionals and young adults with lived experience, WRSA designed a free, adaptable program that makes sport fun, social and accessible for everyone.

Two come-and-try sessions in November and December introduced participants to activities including cricket, soccer, volleyball and Kubb. Each activity was tailored to individual abilities, ensuring the right level of challenge and plenty of opportunities for success.

The response was overwhelmingly positive, with participants excited to continue exploring new sports and building confidence.

The group has already begun developing a list of activities to try in 2026. Movement Mavericks will resume in early 2026, running weekly on Wednesday afternoons and continuing to showcase a range of adapted sports. Young adults with limited mobility, or those who find traditional sport challenging, are encouraged to join. For updates, people can follow the Wimmera Regional Sports Assembly on social media or contact WRSA on 5382 4599.

PRESENTATION: Wimmera Veterans Golfers Association captain David Baker, with Max Rogers receiving his life membership, and president Ian Hair.

Caris steps up for Vixens

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

Wimmera netballer Maggie Caris is primed for a big year in 2026 after signing a contract as the 11th player for Super Netball reigning premier Melbourne Vixens.

Caris, who turns 23 this month, made her Super Netball debut this year after being elevated to the Vixens’ main squad as a replacement for Emily Mannix, who was out on parental leave.

After starting each of the past four seasons as a training partner, Vixens chose to promote Caris to the 11th player position – a role introduced by Super Netball in 2024 allowing clubs to sign an additional player to the 10-person roster who can be substituted into the squad for tactical reasons, not only in the case of injury or illness to a contracted athlete. Caris, who returned from a training camp with the Vixens last week, said she was excited at ‘a great opportunity’.

“I think there were a lot of positives to take away from the year on a personal level,” she said.

“Debuting was obviously one of the highlights – to step on the court for the first time did feel like some reward for years of hard work. The whole season was full of massive takeaways to understand the level that you need to be at to be playing Super Netball, and where the next steps are for me and what areas I need to improve on.”

Caris, a 190cm defender, said playing on even taller goalies in her Super Netball matches this year had provided a steep learning curve.

Maggie Caris

“I was fortunate enough to be able to play on some of the best shooters in the world, which allowed me to develop my game and figure out what areas I need to go away and train and improve on to see if I can take my game to the next level,” she said.

“I think it’s just about having different styles ready to play against some of those tall shooters.

“I am quite tall myself, but I was playing on people even taller than me – the likes of Jhaniele Fowler-Nembhard – so it’s about making sure I have a few different tools for

when I come up against those players and things aren’t working.

“I just want to keep developing my skills and making sure I get the basics right. That’s a massive thing we focus on at the Vixens –ensuring we can nail the basics and get them right.”

Caris said she had no specific individual goals for the upcoming season other than helping the Vixens defend their 2025 premiership.

“It’s just about getting an understanding of what my role will look like this year,” she said.

“As the 11th player it is a little bit different to what I was this year, so I think it’ll just be about getting some more game time in the Vixens’ reserves, developing my skills and then going from there.”

With former Vixens head coach Simone McKinnis stepping down after 13 years at the helm, Caris said new coach Di Honey and assistant Kate Upton were making an impact at training.

“While we do have a lot of the same personnel, I think it will be exciting to refresh and see what additional things we can add to what is already a pretty good game plan,” she said.

“There’s always room for improvement in how we can take our game to the next level, so hopefully we’ll just add a few more tools to our tool kit.

“In 2026 we are the team that people will be chasing given that we are the premiers, so we want to make sure we have a few options and different styles of play up our sleeves to combat what’s to come.”

Netball talent

Four Wimmera netballers were among 194 athletes to be selected in Netball Victoria’s 2026 Talent Academy program – a development opportunity in the high performance pathway for emerging athletes, aged 14 to 16 years old.

Wimmera Football Netball League players Malaya Willmore, Horsham Demons; Stella Fratin, Ararat; and Giselle Clugston, Dimboola; as well as North Central Netball Association netballer Milla Adams, Donald, were selected.

With six academies across the state, the program ensures regional and metro athletes have access to coaching and resources that can assist in their progression towards state and national representation.

Athletes are talent identified at Netball Victoria’s major competitions, the Association Championships and State Titles, and invited to trial for their region’s academy. From there, they train together as a region, preparing for the inter-academy tournament in August, where they can be selected into the top 50 for the Victorian state team trials.

State title teams

The Wimmera Mallee Netball Region has selected its under-17 and under-15 teams to play in the state titles.

The under-17 team is: Milla Adams, Lana Angel, Phoebe Downer, Ruby Gordon, Luca Landrigan, Kate McDonnell, Jasmine McIntyre, Bridie Price, Maya Przibilla, Olivia Taylor, Holly Whitehead, Ilze Van Zyl, with training partners Marli Arnold, Lana Fawcett and Chloe Hateley. The team will be coached by Sonia Webb, with Sara Adams the team manager and Tammy Taylor primary carer.

The under-15 team is: Luella Burke, Giselle Clugston, Matilda Egan, Sienna Finnigan, Stella Fratin, Temika Greig, Jemma Hoffman, Piper Knorpp, Jenna Lockhart, Makaylah Rabone, Greta Smith, Adele Tucker and Malaya Willmore, with training partners Maddie Hicks, Ava Smith and Alyssa Stewart. The coach is Claire Drum, with assistant coach Chris Amos.

Golf club rises in national ranking

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

Horsham Golf Club’s stature in the Australian golf community continues to rise, with the club ranked 56th nationwide in the 2026 edition of The Golf Course Guide.

The guide is an annual publication listing the top 100 public-access courses in Australia, with Horsham improving its standing from 65th a year ago.

The club was also ranked 75th nationwide in a Golf Australia ranking published in January.

Horsham Golf Club project manager Cullen Williams said the course’s jump up the rankings was a continuation of the club’s recovery from the 2009 Black Saturday bushfires.

“It’s obviously a great achievement with the history of the club and the fires in 2009 wiping out a lot of the course,” he said.

“Then after getting into financial troubles nearly 10 years ago, to come back and have a course that is slowly coming back from outside the top 100 to being back in again is clearly a great achievement from everyone involved.”

Mr Williams said the club’s decision to make changes to its course under the guidance of course architects Mike Clayton and Mike DeVries in recent years had paid dividends.

“The course has improved in terms of playing condition in the last few years – the greens are a lot better and we’ve made some slight changes to a few holes in our course plan,” Mr Williams said.

Mr Williams said Mr Clayton had branded Horsham one of Australia’s best inland golf courses.

“Obviously down in Melbourne and along the peninsula there are a lot of

really good, top-tier courses, but in terms of regional Victoria we would be up there,” he said.

“Mike Clayton was saying it was one of the better inland courses in Australia – so one that’s not along the coast or along the Murray or anything like that.

“Outside of Royal Canberra and Cathedral I think he said ours is one of the best inland courses in Australia.

“We’re really blessed to have this as our course.”

Mr Williams credited the ranking to the dedication of the club’s staff and volunteers.

Apprentice

Chef

Horsham – Applications close: ASAP

• 5-day work week with rotating roster including approx.. every 3rd weekend off

• No split shifts or late-night work

• Career Pathway toward secure employment within a high-demand industry

Join a busy kitchen to grow your skills with expert chefs. Gain experience & work toward a qualification in a team that values passion for great food. Is this you?

• Good communication skills

• Be able to work in a busy environment

• Have a passion for the hospitality field of work

For more information, please contact Brendan Schier on 0427 346 655

Road Workers

Donald – Applications close: ASAP

• Casual (regular 38 hours/week)

• Base $37.26 per hour + overtime available

• PPE supplied & maintained annually Join our crew! Seeking roadworkers in Donald. Maintain & service roads, earn a competitive rate and enjoy a variety of work. Apply today! Requirements:

• Construction Induction White Card

• Medium Rigid (MR) Truck Licence

• Traffic Management Certificates (TC1/2& TMI1/2 at minimum)

For more information, please contact Tamira Cullinan on 0408 109 324

Heavy Diesel Mechanic Apprenticeship

•

Requirements:

• Genuine interest in Heavy Vehicles and Mechanics

• Current driver’s licence and reliable transport (desirable)

• Willing to obtain a Police Check and/or Medical

For more information,

Delivery Driver / Coolroom Assistant

Horsham – Applications close: ASAP

• Permanent part-time role, 25-30 hours per week

• Overtime available

• Supportive workplace and great work life balance Deliver dairy across Wimmera, ensure safe loading and provide top-notch service. MR licence, reliability and physical fitness essential. Requirements:

• Physically fit and equipped to undertake manual tasks

• Excellent customer service skills and ability to work independently

• Enjoy early starts from 2:30AM with weekend work available

For more information, please contact Tamira Cullinan on 0408 109 324

“It’s a great achievement from the whole club, from the board of management through to the staff and volunteers,” he said.

“We’ve got some really good volunteers who give their time to help make the course what it is, and without them we’d struggle.

“It’s really good that we’ve got a strong community base out here who love the club and support it. We’re really appreciative of that.”

People can buy the 2026 edition of The Golf Course Guide online at www.ausgolf.com.au/products/40.

•

•

•

• Strong communication skills

• Patient and compassionate

• Willing to obtain a Police Check and/or Working with Children’s Check prior to commencement

For more information, please contact Brendan Schier on 0427 346 655 Stawell – Applications close:

JOLLY TIME: Horsham Golf Club hosted its Christmas Cha Cha Cha event on Thursday. Players dressed in the spirit of Christmas and enjoyed a festive luncheon afterwards.

Pictured, left, are golfers

Marge Rich, Jill Gawith, June Cross and Peg Muszkieta, while, right, is Wendy Rule. Players enjoyed a social day of golf in warm weather.

Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

Operative Line wins

BY TONY LOGAN and LEN BAKER

Heywood

trainer Rebecca East and Lexton-based driver

James Herbertson combined to take out the 2025 edition of The Weekly Advertiser Horsham Pacing Cup on Sunday afternoon with six-year-old gelding Operative Line.

Operative Line settled three back in the running line after starting from the second row and raced kindly as the field dawdled through the middle half in 60.4 seconds – a tempo unexpected in country cups.

It wasn’t until the 600-metre mark when Lochie Cook gave second favourite Dhaulagiri full throttle and made a forward move that the race changed.

Herbertson followed Cook into the action and a wall of horses charged into the home turn.

Dhaulagiri hit the lead at the top of the straight, but Operative Line quickly had its measure and finished off strongly to take the Cup by two metres from Sweetpassion, Amy Day, which flashed home late in-between runners.

Horsham pacer Little Louie came from last with 400 metres to go and finished a brave third after racing five wide round the final bend for ownertrainer-driver Aaron Dunn.

Operative Line is raced by his breeders, Anthony and Jacqueline Bagnall of Hamilton and Sunday’s victory took its record to 15 wins, 16 placings and $151,948 from 71 starts.

Great timing

The Speeding Spur @ Woodlands Stud Horsham Trotters Cup over 2700m was taken out by smart sixyear-old mare Faith Full, for Goulburn Valley owner-trainer Jamie Egan and part-owner Bek Dudley.

Faith Full, with driver James Herbertson in control, stepped away cleanly from the front line when the tapes were released and settled oneone in a strung out field as Maestro, Oliver Kite, went to the lead.

The daughter of Majestic Son CA travelled beautifully through the middle stages and approaching the bell ‘Herbie’ elected to take the spot outside the leader for the final circuit.

Striding clear on the final bend, Faith Full cruised to the line three metres in advance of the brave El Conqueror, Tristan Larsen, with Jakarta, Kerryn Manning, coming in third.

It was a great training effort by Egan to produce Faith Full for the first time in a standing start contest and over the staying journey of 2700m with her previous 49 appearances all behind the mobile and over shorter trips.

Lewis family celebrates

The Horsham-Hamilton Lewis family celebrated after its four-year-old

stallion Browniesatmidnight took out the Traction Ag Owner For A Day Pace, with concession driver Luke Dunn taking the reins for the Marg and Paddy Lee training partnership.

The lightly raced son of American Ideal USA and Mistressofillusion has a handy record of seven wins from 27 starts and should go on to win at metro level in the near future.

Just as happy as the winning owners was Wedderburn’s Paul Stephenson, who collected $1000 cash after drawing the horse in the Traction Ag Owner For A Day Competition.

Castles In The Sky

Biggest surprise on Cup day was the victory of five-year-old mare Castles In The Sky, which led throughout in the Horsham Doors and Glass Trotters Mobile for Concongella ownertrainer-driver Paul Rousch.

Castles In The Sky was able to bowl along at her leisure over the shorter 1700m journey and never looked like stopping, scoring by 17m from Magic Law, Michael Bellman, and Snickers Express, Kerryn Manning, in a rate of 2:00.3.

Purchased mid-year by Rousch and

Raylene Dunn with a record of one win from 15 starts, the mare was having her 10th outing for the stable and now looks to have found her sweetspot in sprint races.

Zanda Man impresses

The Wimmera Aquatrail Pace was taken out in very impressive style by two-year-old colt Zanda Man for the Hamilton team of Jim, Rod and Jackie Barker.

The son of Art Major USA lived up to his looks, with a seven metre victory over Torque Power, Kerryn Manning, in a rate of 1:57.8 over the 2200m journey, despite racing greenly.

Racecaller Dan Miekei summed up best as Zanda Man crossed the line: “By golly, this horse has got a future... when it learns to race properly...” Zanda Man is raced by his breeders, the Glyn family of Mount Gambier. Swiss Lightning Deep Lead owner-trainer Marnie Bibby’s consistent seven-year-old gelding Swiss Lightning led from goto-whoa in the Samios Plumbing Supplies Pace Final.

Driver Luke Dunne elected to push forward from the start, racing wide through the first 600m then crossing to the pegs as they approached the bell. Swiss Lightning never missed a beat and went on to a soft 14m victory in a rate of 1:55.5 for the 1700m dash and the 17th of his career.

CONGRATULATIONS: Terry Lewis, Bec East, Cup winning driver James Herbertson and HRV board member Judy Rothacker.

FINISH LINE: Operative Line, driven by James Herbertson, left, wins the 2025 Horsham Pacing Cup.

ALL SMILES: Archie Dunn and Oscar March pat Grinning Beach Boy after the West Side Horsham Pace Final. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

Vol. 28 No. 24

December 10, 2025

Horsham swimmer Vincent Brennan cuts through the water at a District 12 Wimmera swim meet at Horsham on Saturday. St Arnaud’s Heidi Start took top honours at the meet, winning the Jenkins Perpetual Trophy for the best individual aggregate points for the day. The next event will be at Warracknabeal this Saturday with racing to commence at noon. Story, page 62.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER