The Weekly Advertiser – Wednesday, February 26, 2025 by The Weekly Advertiser

Political pressure

BY LAUREN HENRY

Dunmunkle Land Protection Group

will look to form a political party ahead of next year’s state election, in a bid to stand up for farmers’ opposition to mining projects on agricultural land.

DLPG has joined an alliance with MineFree Wimmera Farms and Wimmera Mallee Environmental and Agricultural Protection Association, aiming to better engage the wider region about issues relating to mineral sands and renewable projects.

The alliance, consisting mostly of Wimmera farmers, is concerned about the processes undertaken by Astron Limited and WIM Resources, particularly relating to land access and the regulation of mining practices – including monitoring radioactive dust and water use.

Astron Limited is responsible for the Donald Mineral Sands Project, near Minyip, while WIM Resources is planning Avonbank mineral sands mine at Dooen.

The State Government has approved each projects’ Environmental Effects Statement, but further regulatory approvals are required.

DLPG president Andrew Weidemann said the alliance would look at what support it could offer Nationals Member for Mallee Anne Webster, a strong supporter of the farmers’ opposition against mines, renewables projects and transmission lines, ahead of the upcoming federal election.

He said the lack of voice from the Victorian Nationals about mining on agricultural land was an issue raised at every farmers’ meetings he had attended in recent times.

“We will be supporting the parties that support us in the federal election, and that’ll be-

come quite prominent fairly soon,” he said.

“We’re also turning our heads towards the state election, and frankly the talent in the Coalition is pretty bare at the moment, and so they’ll be needing to find some key people to stand up in the Coalition to actually prosecute the case for legislation in Victoria.”

Mr Weidemann said the group last week met with State Government officials including heads of departments from the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action and Resources Victoria, and a representative from Premier Jacinta Allan’s office.

“I feel our meeting actually was quite fruitful in terms of having a dialogue that hasn’t been opened up with the landowners from the get-go,” he said.

“I think the department heads are all going to come up (to the region) and actually get their feet on the ground and talk to farmers, talk to families and understand what they’re doing, because they’re not totally convinced by the conversation we had that this is the right course for Victoria, particularly in highly productive areas.

“So there will be a lot of scrutiny on any mining that might take place in the near term.”

Mr Weidemann said there was also discussion at the meeting about the legislative framework in Victoria in terms of mining companies’ rights to use agricultural land.

“When you weigh all of this out, in the short term, yes there might be some gain, but in the long term, you lose, in terms of the money that comes into the economy,” he said.

Continued page 5

Wright was one of about 40 CFA competitors in Saturday’s fire brigades’ demonstration at Warracknabeal. A traditional event that tests modern firefighting skills, participants raced in three divisions of marshalling, hydrant, ladder, reel and disc events. Fire brigade members from Horsham, Hamilton and Warracknabeal competed in junior and senior events, in the lead-up to the state championships at Mooroopna. Horsham will host a demonstration on Saturday at Park Drive, where people are welcome to spectate. More pictures, page 38.

WATER ON: Warracknabeal’s Ben

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

FRIDAY FRIDAY FRENZY FRENZY STAWELL

Friday 28th of February

Clarks Furniture

Stawell Auto Pro

Grampians Outdoors

Waacks Bakery

Sneek A Peak

Bi Rite

Fosters Mensland

Stawell Craft Shop

Perry’s Footwear

Eleanor Clark Furniture

Gold Reef

Lyle Eales

Rayners fruit

Stawell Lotto

Chris N Di’s

TK Auto Electrex

Pyrenees Premium Cuts

Stawell Ag Horse & Pet

Mokepilly

Hewitt & Whitty

Mitre 10 Stawell

Councillors act on crossing feedback

BY LAUREN HENRY

Speed humps and pedestrian crossings along Firebrace Street have been removed following a Horsham Rural City Council decision at Monday night’s meeting.

Councillors moved a motion to remove the temporary speed humps and pedestrian crossings at the FirebraceMcLachlan streets’ roundabout immediately.

Council also voted to remove the speed humps but keep the pedestrian crossing mid-block between Roberts Avenue and McLachlan Street.

The councillors voted 5-2 in favour of the move, with Crs Brian Klowss and Angela Munn against the motion because they wanted the midblock crossing removed as well.

Cr Cameron McDonald moved the motion, which also requested a further report investigating and providing recommendations into the merit of well-designed raised pedestrian crossings compared with flat crossings only

FOOT TRAFFIC:

Promoting Stawell’s Friday Frenzy are, from left, ACE Radio and The Weekly Advertiser account manager

Danica Cutter, Janita Perry of Perry Footwear, Mandy Murphy of Stawell Craft Shop, Llewelyn Clark of Clarks Furniture and ACE Radio and The Weekly Advertiser account manager Heidi Higginson. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

at intersections, and compared to no formal pedestrian crossings at roundabouts; and the merit of a consistent approach to intersection treatments at all CBD roundabouts.

The report will also look at the pros and cons of mid-block pedestrian crossings at various locations within the CBD; options for a staged approach to the treatments; and funding opportunities for the works.

The installation of the crossings and temporary speed humps last year was met with significant opposition from the community.

An online survey in September attracted 120 responses, with results showing only 11.7 per cent of respondents believing the crossings had made the CBD safer and easier to move around.

A total of 67.5 per cent indicated the crossings had delayed their driving by more than a minute and 62.5 per cent said that none of the crossings had been successful – with the Firebrace-McLachlan streets’ roundabout crossings and speed humps the

most unsuccessful. The key issues raised included the speed humps were considered slippery or caused tripping, and were unsuitable for prams, wheelchairs and mobility vehicles; many cars did not stop to give way to pedestrians, creating uncertainty; caused a traffic bank-up; and loss of parking spaces.

Apologies

Cr McDonald said it had been an ‘absolute problem’ for a lot of residents and he apologised for council taking a long time to correct it.

“This is following a massive community consultation today back to the TalkFest at Town Hall, where council has actually received massive pushback on this,” he said.

“We’ve had fantastic feedback about the removal of the parking meters, and this goes in concert with that to make our CBD a far more liveable space – a fun place to do shopping.”

Cr Todd Wilson seconded the motion and said he believed the roundabout speed bumps had not worked, and there was no need to have them

at or near the intersection. “They were temporary for a trial, and all feedback has shown that they’re not working in any way. From feedback and the fact that I use it myself, I believe the midblock crossing has its merits,” he said.

“I think that if one in 10 people are using the crossings and find them any easier, then it is our responsibility to acknowledge the safety aspects of that portion of our community.”

Cr Rebecca Sluggett said the speed humps and pedestrian crossings were a contentious issue in the community.

“There are people in our community that feel safer with some sort of crossing in the main street, then we have an obligation and a duty to make sure those people are catered for as well,” she said.

Cr Klowss said he supported the original recommendation to remove the midblock pedestrian crossing as it was ‘the most dangerous of the lot’.

Cr Munn said there had been no traffic accidents involving pedestrians so the crossings were not needed.

The speed humps and pedestrian

Friday Frenzy supporting Stawell’s recovery

Stawell traders’ Friday Frenzy is an opportunity for shoppers to bag a bargain, and for traders to draw people into their stores following a drop in foot traffic forced by the Grampians fires.

Perry Footwear owner Janita Perry said the Friday Frenzy initiative began at trader level, when a previous shopping campaign fell by the way-

side. “We started this knowing that if we can do something as a township, it benefits everybody – the traders, and the people coming in to shop,” she said.

“It’s a good time of year to have it, with the change in seasonal stock –we have 20 per cent off storewide, and we’ll also have a trestle table out the front with $10 shoes and stuff

like that, but each trader is doing their own sale.”

Ms Perry said Friday Frenzy would be particularly important to the town this year.

“The sales generate good revenue for the town, and at a time when we’ve had no tourists after the fires, it’s really important,” she said.

“Visitors to the Grampians would

As Yvonne Derbyshire steps into a well-earned retirement, O’Brien & Smith Lawyers are excited to continue Derbyshire Legal’s tradition of exceptional legal service. O’Brien & Smith Lawyers extend their heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Yvonne on her retirement and thank her for her continued trust and support.

The team O’Brien & Smith Lawyers will be available to assist you with your legal needs from the same familiar location at 178 Main Street, Stawell from 1 March 2025.

Please note that consultations will be conducted by appointment only to ensure the highest level of service. To arrange your appointment, kindly contact O’Brien Smith Lawyers’ reception by calling 5381 2222 or visit www.obsl.com.au.

crossings were part of a raft of changes in the CBD, including a pedestrian crossing in Pynsent Street near Horsham Town Hall; a median island in Wilson Street near the town hall; a crossing in Darlot Street, near Gleed Street; and a crossing in Firebrace Street, near O’Callaghans Parade.

The projects came about after council was invited to participate in a Federal Government road safety funding round via contact from the regional office of Department of Transport and Planning, DTP, in early 2021.

Council was requested to identify priority road safety projects to the value of $1-million, without matching funding being required.

Projects were identified based on council’s Horsham Urban Transport Plan, and records of complaints and incidents received from the community over several years.

The DTP identified the upgrades in the CBD as the projects most aligned with the government’s funding criteria.

MP lobbies PM and Premier

Member for Mallee Anne Webster continues to lobby the federal and state governments to provide financial support to fire-affected communities across the Wimmera.

Dr Webster wrote to Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan this week, imploring them to announce funding to small businesses in the Grampians and Hindmarsh shires.

Her letter implores Ms Allan to immediately seek federal emergency management funding under categories C and D for communities and individuals affected by both the Grampians and Little Desert fires.

Dr Webster pointed out the Queensland Premier secured similar assistance after the Townsville floods, released within about 15 days of their natural disaster. She told Ms Allan it had been more than 30 days since the Little Desert fires started and more than 70 since the Grampians fires.

usually come into Stawell for a look around and potter around the shops.

“We didn’t get that this year, and it’s been very noticeable in our street.

“We have 20 businesses involved in the frenzy this year, so it’s definitely worth your while to come into town to have a look.”

Friday Frenzy is on this Friday.

“I believe your government has a duty of care to fire victims and affected businesses to act expeditiously,” Dr Webster wrote.

“I have seen estimates of upwards of $30 million in direct and indirect economic cost to the Halls Gap region alone, let alone the broader region. The very survival of the town is at stake with businesses closing.”

Lauren Emblem

LL.B., B.A., GDLP M.App Law (Family Law)

Patrick Smith

LL.B. (Hons), B. Int. St., B.Ec., GDLP

HRCC NEWS

Have your say: Help shape road and street projects

The Safer Local Roads and Streets Program is designed to assist councils in planning and investing in key infrastructure improvements.

O’Callaghans Parade, Urquhart Street and Bolton Street Roundabouts and shared user path.

Albert Street, Bowden Street and Railway Avenue, Horsham - Speed reduction.

Noradjuha-Tooan East Road - Culvert protection project Widening and resurfacing. Installation of guard rails.

Three Bridges Road

Speed reduction and improved road signage.

Elmes Street, Natimuk - Pedestrian bridge Pedestrian and cyclist crossing for Natimuk Creek.

Bennett Road, Horsham - Shared user path Improve connectivity from the western areas to the riverfront and city centre.

Wimmera Highway/Natimuk Road Bike Path Encourage safe pedestrian and cyclist use of Natimuk Road.

FEEDBACK CLOSES FRIDAY

Online

Complete a survey on Council's Engage Horsham page.

In writing

Post your submission to: Engineering and Capital Projects

Horsham Rural City Council PO Box 511, Horsham VIC 3402

Email Contact council@hrcc.vic. gov.au

Engage Horsham is Council's online community engagement site. This is where you can help inform Council’s decision-making by sharing your ideas or feedback on a variety of projects.

You can also get updates on projects and hear about how your input has contributed to Council’s decisions.

Why is HRCC using an online public engagement platform?

Public engagement has traditionally involved attending forums, public meetings, drop-in sessions or completing simple surveys. Using an online public engagement platform will help us to reach more residents and provide an opportunity to provide input on projects and to bring ideas forward.

• It is a great way to keep up-to-date and provide input

• View comments and input that other residents are providing and respond with your own views

• An opportunity to participate without having to attend a public engagement session.

Dudley W Cornell and Haven reserves

The Wimmera Multi-Sport Precinct Study is set to transform our region’s sporting facilities, creating a sustainable model that upgrades existing infrastructure and adds exciting new facilities to meet the growing demand.

As we enter the schematic planning phase for Dudley W Cornell and Haven Recreation Reserves, we invite the community to join us at upcoming Drop-In Sessions to explore the plans, share feedback, and be a part of shaping the future of local sports.

• Thursday 27 February - Haven Hall, 12pm and 6pm.

REMINDER

Plastic bags not allowed in FOGO bins

No plastic bags or caddy liners can be placed in FOGO (green) binseven if they are biodegradable. This is a direction from Council's processing contractor. Newspaper can be used to line the FOGO bin.

TENDERS AND RFQ

TIPPER TRAILER

Supply and delivery of one 3.5-tonne tandem box tipper trailer Closes Friday 14 March

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

Last call for Community Grants applications

Each year, Horsham Rural City Council allocates funding to support community and sporting groups through its Community Grants program.

This round of grants will close on Monday 3 March.

For information, and to submit an application, visit hrcc.vic.gov.au/communitygrants

Kidnapped author to share story

Author Robyn Howarth will visit Horsham Library next month to share her personal experience as one of the children involved in the infamous Faraday kidnapping.

The event is part of her promotional tour of her new book Faraday – A Community Rediscovered, which explores the impact of childhood trauma.

• Horsham Library: 20 March, 10.30am

• Goroke Library: 20 March, 3pm

• Harrow Library: 21 March, 10.30am

The tranquility of Faraday, a hamlet in central Victoria, was shattered in 1972, when two masked men kidnapped a young female teacher and six female students from its primary school.

The event, known as the Faraday kidnapping, left an indelible mark on the community and led to the school’s closure.

For more information or to book, scan the QR code or visit the Wimmera Libraries wesbsite.

and why should you sign up?

Why do I need to register to participate in certain engagement opportunities?

Registration is quick and easy and will make it easier for you to participate in projects that interest you.

We ask for your name and email address and a few other details such as gender, age and location so that we can better understand who we're hearing from and make sure we get a broad cross section of our community.

It also ensures discussions and results are not manipulated by someone leaving multiple comments to support their own position.

However, some engagement opportunities such as quick polls and surveys may not require registration.

For transparency, your feedback may be published as part of reporting, however, we respect your privacy and all identifying information will be removed and your feedback kept anonymous. Refer to "Is my privacy protected?"

Can I only have my say online?

The Engage Horsham website doesn't replace, but compliments traditional face-to-face engagement activities including workshops, forums, and drop-in sessions.

What happens to my input?

All comments, ideas and suggestions are collated into a report which is given to Council and shared with the community so that everyone can see all the feedback that was received.

Is my privacy protected?

Absolutely. Council will only use your email to contact you with updates and to invite you to participate in consultations. Your email address will not be distributed to any third party or used for any other purposes.

Next Council Meeting: Monday, March 24, 2025 - 5.30pm Horsham Rural City Council: 18 Roberts Avenue Horsham | Postal address: PO Box 511 Horsham VIC 3402 | Phone: (03) 5382 9777 | Email: council@hrcc.vic.gov.au | Web: www.hrcc.vic.gov.au

News February 26, 2025 edition

Cyclist safety key to upgrade

The Federal Government will contribute $900,000 for safety upgrades for pedestrians and cyclists along Urquhart Street in Horsham.

The Horsham Rural City Council project was among 19 across Victoria to share in $21-million to build new or upgrade existing bicycle and walking paths.

The funding, from the new Active Transport Program, supports the government’s commitment to invest in infrastructure planning, design and construction that improves safety outcomes for road users under the National Road and Safety Strategy 2021-2030.

Urquhart Street is the focus of the project, aiming to enhance road safety for cyclists and improve the form and amenity of the street, including the addition of more tree canopy.

Upgrades include providing a consistent median, retaining the existing trees and additional canopy trees and increased tree planting along the footpaths; and reducing the speed limit to

provide bicycle safety without compromising parking availability.

The upgrade is part of the council’s City to River project, which seeks to enhance the connections between the CBD and river frontage areas, thus stimulating activity and growth.

Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development and Local Government Minister Catherine King said the government was investing in active transport options across Victoria to shape the way people move.

“This is about so much more than bike lanes and footpaths, it’s about reshaping our cities and regional centres, connecting our everyday places, and making our towns better to live in and easier to visit,” she said.

Victorian Senator Jana Stewart said the funding would make two key entry roads to Horsham’s CBD more accessible and safer for cyclists and pedestrians.

“We’re getting Horsham residents moving,” she said.

Horsham man faces fraud charges

Horsham Crime Investigation Unit detectives are investigating a Horsham man, 54, for allegedly fraudulently preparing and submitting documents as part of a proposed mining project.

Visiting future leaders in schools

The Speaker of the House of Representatives Milton Dick visited Horsham on Monday, touring Wimmera Lutheran College as part of the Parliament in Schools program.

Mr Dick visited five schools in the Mallee electorate, accompanied by Member for Mallee Anne Webster.

He has been to 144 schools across regional and remote Australia in the past three years as part of the program.

time a Speaker of the House of Representatives had visited Horsham in their role since federation.

Mr Dick said he was honoured to be visiting with Dr Webster.

“I’m really looking forward to seeing what the kids have to ask us, to sharing a bit of information about what we do as members of Parliament, as the Speaker, and a little bit of history being made as well,” he said.

regional Australia has as well. It is a particularly important time for civics education and engagement.

“We need to ensure we improve democracy literacy across the nation, and support needs to be extended to students regardless of their location.

“These students are our future leaders, and it is important that we equip them with the information and tools they need, to go on to be active and engaged citizens.”

Police executed a search warrant at a residential home in Horsham on February 12 as part of an investigation. The man was arrested, interviewed and released pending further enquiries.

A Victoria Police spokesperson said as the investigation was ongoing it was not appropriate to comment further on the matter.

Students learnt about federation, democracy and the Federal Parliament, and heard first-hand from the MPs about what a typical day looked like in their electorate, and when they are in Parliament House for sitting weeks.

Dr Webster said it was the first

“I look forward to getting an understanding into what the kids see for the future of our country, but also spending time with members of parliament from across the political divide and seeing them in action and understanding some of the challenges and opportunities that

Wimmera Lutheran College principal Jason Przibilla said it was a privilege to host Mr Dick and Dr Webster.

“ I think the opportunity to learn a bit more about our Parliament and governance system, and to ask questions is a great opportunity for our students,” he said.

Farming groups’ mounting political pressure on mining

From page 1

“All these companies are all foreignowned, they can come and mine the country, take the money out, don’t pay tax, don’t pay rates, basically raid the country and leave nothing behind then walk away when the company goes broke and then there’s no legal standing to do the restoration work,”

Mr Weidemann said.

Astron Limited declined to answer questions from The Weekly Advertiser.

However WIM Resources director of projects Michael Winternitz said WIM had engaged with the community for more than a decade and would continue to do so.

“Our goal is to ensure the community feels heard and valued at every stage of the project, so we would welcome the opportunity for government officials to visit the Wimmera and

engage with landowners, industry, and the broader community about the opportunities for mining and how we can and address any concerns and work together to coexist for the betterment of the region,” he said.

“WIM welcomes an open dialogue with MFWM and DLPG and the opportunity to address questions that any stakeholder has, noting that issues related to dust, radiation, water usage and regulation of the mine were examined by an independent advisory committee who found that subject to its recommendations, the measures proposed in the EES were adequate to sufficiently avoid, mitigate and manage the potential project effects.

“The Planning Minister concurred with this assessment and found the environmental effects to be acceptable subject to her recommendations.”

Mr Winternitz said the co-existence of agriculture and mineral sand mining in the Wimmera offered a valuable opportunity for both the regional and state economies, as it allowed local businesses to grow and diversify while supporting the two industries.

He said mining projects would help attract and retain young people in the region, which was essential for the Wimmera’s future growth.

“We want the community to fully benefit from the Avonbank project, which is why we are dedicated to ensuring it is done responsibly and transparently, noting that Avonbank will deliver substantial economic benefits to the region and Victoria,” he said.

“It is expected to support nearly 1000 full-time equivalent jobs, generate $15-billion in gross revenue across various industries, and contribute

$3.5-billion to the gross state product within the region.

“We are also focused on developing local talent through training and employment programs, as part of our community support strategy.

“Additionally, the materials produced from the mine are critical for the manufacture of renewable energy technologies and are used every day.

“We understand that there remain concerns, and we are committed to addressing them openly and honestly so that the community can see the positive impact of the project.”

Member for Lowan Emma Kealy said despite persistent advocacy, Labor had ignored landholder concerns and questions regarding safeguarding mineral sands mining in the Wimmera.

“Frustrations around the lack of reli-

able information around mineral sands mining from the Allan Labor government is unfairly impacting locals at a deep emotional level,” she said.

“As I outlined in Parliament last week, the Wimmera Machinery Field Days presents a perfect opportunity for the Earth Resources Regulator and the Minister for Resources to get out of Melbourne and address the concerns of affected landholders in person.”

“As a proud Nationals MP I will always fight for the best outcomes for rural and regional Victorians.

“In Opposition, I don’t get to make decisions about mining licences, but have and always will ensure the views of local landholders are heard in the Victorian Parliament and will continue fighting for the best possible outcomes for our region.”

GUESTS: Member for Mallee Anne Webster and Speaker of the House Milton Dick with Wimmera Lutheran College student representatives Javier Baker and Emily Rudolph holding a ceremonial mace.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Wimmera farmers ready for fight

East

Wimmera farmers have vowed to block Transmission Company Victoria staff from accessing their land for the Victoria New South Wales Interconnector, VNI, West project.

TCV was granted an electricity transmission licence by the Essential Services Commission, ESC, on February 13, allowing them to operate transmission infrastructure and transmit electricity in Victoria.

The licence means TCV will develop and deliver the VNI West project, which has outlined a 70-metre preferred easement for a new transmission line from Bulgana, near Stawell, to Kerang, before crossing over the NSW border.

The licence also enables TCV workers to legally enter farms and carry out preparatory works for the project without the need to obtain landholder consent

But Gre Gre farmer Jason Barratt said a large number of landowners would refuse to give TCV staff access to their land.

The sixth-generation farmer’s land

will have between two and three kilometres of transmission lines across it if the VNI West project proceeds.

Mr Barratt said opposing landowners were not surprised that TCV was granted a licence, and it changed nothing in their stance on the project.

“We’ll just stand at the gate and fight,” he said.

“We’ve been dealing with these people for long enough now. We know their tactics. They’ve been driving around our back roads, illegally accessing our property, harassing people.

“We will literally lock them out. We’re a pretty strong community here in the Marnoo and St Arnard area.

“We’ll band together and we will stop this.”

Mr Barratt said the State Government was constantly changing the rules throughout the process, whether it be altering the right to appeal at the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, VCAT, or delegating more powers to ministers.

“I don’t see why we have to play by the rules if the government isn’t,” he said.

“We’ll do what we’ve got to do. We just, we can’t let the government just run over top of us all the time.

“We’re not going to just get pushed over by an ideological government that’s just hell-bent on pushing this through.

“Coming right out here, destroying farmland, I think it’s absolutely ridiculous.

“Australia has very minimal farming land and productive arable land. Why destroy it now? Why destroy the communities that live and work in it?

“Compensation means nothing to us. We love where we live and we want to leave it that way.”

Victorian Farmers Federation president Brett Hosking, whose Quambatook farm is also affected by the VNI West project, said landholders and farmers have reacted with trepidation to the announcement and TCV had a duty to act respectfully and in good faith with impacted landholders and communities.

“TCV’s newly minted electricity transmission licence doesn’t trump their social licence obligations,” he said.

UNDER THE STARS: A sold-out dinner attracting plenty of complimentary feedback and guests from across Victoria and beyond were highlights of Horsham’s 150km Feast at the weekend. The food and wine festival went ahead despite logistical challenges thrown the organisers’ way, including sharing Horsham Showground with a firefighter base camp up until three days before the event, and Saturday’s hot weather. Festival director Andrea Cross said people came from Geelong, Bendigo, Melbourne and as far away as Berlin for the dinner, which served more than 100 plates of food to 167 guests. A boutique market in the cattle shed on Sunday was well-attended, with site holders reporting a successful trade. Crowd numbers were down for the food truck festival on Sunday afternoon but the workshops were a success. Mrs Cross said she planned to feature wineries and producers on the 150km Feast website, directing people to buy online from the region’s businesses. Pictured is Emma Newton and Ruby Canning at 150km Feast’s Dinner Under the Stars on Saturday evening.

“There is a genuine sense of uneasiness around this decision and it boils down to a deplorable track record when it comes to these companies treating landholders and communities with respect.”

“We absolutely cannot lose focus that those impacted are generational farming families and not ‘soft targets’ for compulsory access. These people are the glue of our regional communities and they deserve to be treated with dignity.”

“I have conveyed the VFF’s views strongly to TCV and we will be keeping an eagle eye out for any conduct that oversteps the line.”

Mr Hosking said the VFF continued to call on the State Government to immediately pause the VNI West project until it achieved proper community and landholder engagement.

“We can’t stand idle and watch as prime agricultural land is irreversibly destroyed without consideration to the agriculture industry and the farming livelihoods at stake,” he said.

“Once destroyed, these landscapes can never be restored.”

The ESC placed several conditions

on the licence, including stronger visibility of the use of land access powers; advance notification for any future sale or change of ownership of TCV; and requirements for TCV to have its technical capacity assessed prior to transmitting electricity.

VNI West project executive Claire Cass said the licence was an important milestone in the development of the project.

“We will continue to work closely with landholders and the community to finalise the project design with the least impact to people, farming and the environment,” she said.

The project is progressing design, planning and approvals, with an impact assessment underway via a regulatory Environment Effects Statement.

TCV is currently presenting another round of weekly pop-up information sessions in Kerang, Charlton, Donald, Boort, and Stawell as part of ongoing consultation TCV’s landholder liaisons continue discussions with more than 50 landowners in the preferred easement regarding the placement of transmission towers on their properties.

Heat on crop research

An expansion to Horsham SmartFarm’s world-first Free Air Temperature Extreme, FATE, research facility is complete, doubling its size to 2.5 hectares.

The $1.8-million facility measures the impact of heat waves, drought and frost on cereal, pulse and oilseed crops, testing conditions at various stages to understand the impact on grain quality.

This year the facility researched eight different wheat and lentil varieties with various growth rates under heaters against a control group under normal weather conditions to test the resilience of crops.

The research will inform plant breeders which crop varieties can stay productive during extreme weather conditions, as the frequency and severity of the events increase in a changing climate.

Agriculture Minister Ros Spence announced SmartFarm’s completion last week.

“We’re fast-tracking the development of new crop varieties that are heatwave and drought resistant, to support the growth and sustainability of Victoria’s $4.1-billion grains industry,” she said.

Grains Research and Development Corporation, GRDC, investment towards the FATE facility was part of a $20-million infrastructure program to build Australia’s long-term grains research capacity and support the enduring profitability of the nation’s grain growers.

The upgraded facility is jointly funded with $386,000 from the State Government and $800,000 from GRDC.

‘Hoon’ vehicles impounded

Two P1 probationary licence holders had their vehicles impounded in Horsham on Saturday, after police observed them both losing traction while driving.

The vehicles have been impounded for 30 days, at a cost of $1580 each.

The drivers will both be summonsed to court at a later date and could face

up to $28,000 in fines and/or a period of imprisonment of up to two years under anti-hoon laws.

If a person is found guilty of three hoon-related offences within three years, their vehicle can be permanently forfeited by the court, and determined by the Chief Commissioner of Police, ultimately be sold or crushed.

Date: Friday 21 March 2025 Time: 10 am - 1 pm

Location: Horsham Town Hall (or option to join online) Register: gwmwater.org.au/stakeholderworkshop

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Shining a light on health equity

International Women’s Day will be celebrated at a lunchtime event in Horsham on Friday, March 7, exploring this year’s theme of ‘March Forward – It’s Time to Turn Promises into Progress’.

International Women’s Day is a time to come together to celebrate, connect, and focus on action to create a gender-equal society.

This year’s event will shine a spotlight on health equity and access to health services for Wimmera women at all stages of life, including sexual and reproductive health, antenatal and menopause care.

Attendees will hear from Carolyn Mogharbel from 1800 My Options at Women’s Health Victoria; Shannon Hill from Women’s Health Grampians; and Emily Smith from By Five.

Robyn Lardner, from Rotary Club of Horsham East and a member of the event organising committee, said the organising committee was excited to host a multi-layered approach looking at women’s choices during their different life stages.

She said the panel would also look at what barriers there were to achieving access and equity regardless of location, especially for women in the Wimmera.

“Research shows there are many barriers for women accessing health services ranging from gender bias, affordable care or cultural differences, which can lead to delays in diagnosis and treatment,” she said.

“When women’s interests are addressed as the speakers will discuss, then health agencies as a combined force can achieve

better solutions and bridge the gap in healthcare.

“The conversation featuring speakers from different perspectives will include state-wide experiences to what is happening in the Wimmera and how challenges best be addressed to improve outcomes for women of any age seeking health services for their reproductive and sexual health.

“The committee is very grateful to the many sponsors supporting this event who too believe in the importance of ‘March Forward’ demonstrating leadership to build on improved, integrated services for women.”

Mrs Lardner said thought-provoking speakers would examine the challenges and opportunities surrounding access to women’s healthcare and the power of collective action and advocacy in driving meaningful change.

“Attendees will gain insights into the current landscape of women’s health services and how we can all contribute to improving health outcomes,” she said.

Mrs Lardner thanked supporting organisation involved in the event – Uniting, Centre for Participation, Horsham Rural City Council, Grampians Community Health, Ballarat and Grampians Community Legal Service, Wimmera Southern Mallee Development, Rotary Club of Horsham East, Federation University, Women’s Health Grampians, and Wimmera Women Connect.

The event will be at Horsham Town Hall from noon to 1.30pm. Tickets cost $10 for adults and $8 concession, and can be purchased from Horsham Town Hall website or on the day.

EXHIBITION: Northern Grampians Shire Council will host an art exhibition to mark International Women’s Day. The exhibition, based on the United Nations Women Australia’s theme of ‘March Forward: For All Women and Girls’, will be at Stawell Library, which will also host a panel of guest speakers on March 12. St Arnaud Library will also host an IWD event on March 6. Pictured is council’s community connections officer Kim Birthsel, centre, at Stawell Library, with Ryatt Hunt, Annette Baulch, Bonnie Neild, Hannah Parker, Louise Walton and Atticus Cox. People can submit artworks to the exhibition before March 5.

Youth join Ararat celebration

In celebration of International Women’s Day 2025, Ararat Rural City Council leaders are inviting residents to join an annual community event at Ararat Secondary College.

International Women’s Day is on March 8 each year and recognises women’s achievements without regard to national, ethnic, linguistic, cultural, economic or political divisions.

The Ararat event will be on

Wednesday, March 5, at 10am, with a morning tea catered by students of Ararat Secondary College.

Ararat Mayor Jo Armstrong will serve as master of ceremonies for the event.

“I am absolutely delighted to be MCing this year’s International Women’s Day event at Ararat Secondary College,” Cr Armstrong said.

“It’s important to involve our

young people in celebrating the achievements of women throughout history, as well as the successes the women of our own community are accomplishing right now.

“The intrepid and inspiring speakers at our IWD event will undoubtedly activate the imaginations of the next generation of women leaders sitting amongst the audience.”

Iluka proposal

Forty years ago the CRA Mining Group brought out farming families in the Toolondo/Jallumba and Drung South areas, hoping to extract mineral sands by the open cut method. They had trouble processing the fine sand and after 15 years they sold up and quit in 1998.

Twenty years later Iluka Resources Group, which has operated the Douglas Mine at Kanagulk for 25 years and still going, has taken over a similar area that CRA vacated.

During 2020, a test pit was put down and Iluka sent 1500 tonnes of the raw sand to Western Australia.

This WIM 100 sand deposit must have passed the testing process.

Iluka call this mine ‘Wimmera Project’– it covers 3100 hectares situated eight kilometres north of Toolondo, 35 kilometres south-west of Horsham, adjacent to the Noradjuha-Balmoral Road.

Iluka’s projected starting date is 2030.

I will outline some information that Iluka is proposing if they get government approval.

• About 12 farming families will be directly affected, with many more in the dust and noise zone – my family included.

•The majority impacted are fourth and fifth generation farmers.

•The mine will be open plain heavy clay country, which can never be rehabilitated successfully with sinkage being a problem.

•Expected lifespan is 25 years-plus.

•Open cut to 18 metres deep, waste dumps 18 metres high stockpiled around the perimeter, draglines will be used to get the wet sand out at depth.

•Mine on a 24-hour, seven-day-a-

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

week roster, set up a working cottage nearby for employees.

•Rocklands water will be piped to the mine. Has GWMWater enough water for all these proposed mines?

•Rocklands big channel to be relocated and some roads closed.

•Iluka has reached the Environmental Effects Statement stage, which means the government will need to approve.

•After the recent bushfires where ash and dust descended over a large area of western Victoria, can the authorities give an iron-clad guarantee that contaminated dust from open cut sand mines will not cause buyers to put an export ban on farm commodities in the future?

•Uranium even at minimum levels is an issue that could affect the health of mine workers, farmers and nearby residents, including Horsham.

•Iluka told us to farm as normal five years ago. They are relying on close to $2-billion of Federal Government loans and tax concessions to build their big processing plant in Western Australia – with their cost blowouts and their falling share prices, more delays are expected.

With all the ifs, buts and when, I feel sorry for all the families involved.

I am not against mining, but why does Australia’s best agricultural cropping land and major rural town centres have to be impacted?

It is very hard to think about farming normal when big business and government are involved with your future plans.

It is galling to think that our taxes are used by the Federal Government to prop up mining companies, and the State Government has a law that gives mining companies the right to acquire

land. In Western Australia they have laws that give cropping farmers the right to say no to mining on their property.

Peter Scott, Horsham

Common ground

Farmers for Climate Action shares common ground with Farms for Food on key issues – protecting farmland, supporting farmers, ensuring fair neighbour payments for clean energy projects, and securing strong community benefits where these projects are built.

We value our respectful discussions with Farms for Food, though we differ on clean energy; while they oppose it on farmland, 97 per cent of our 8400 farmers support its responsible development in their communities.

Following a recent story in The Weekly Advertiser, it is necessary to point out the difference between polling of people living in Renewable Energy Zones, as done by well-known Australian polling firm 89 Degrees East and commissioned by Farmers for Climate Action, and a survey, as recently done by Farms for Food.

A pollster keeps making phone calls until they have reached 1000 people who are representative of the Australian population weighted by age, gender, occupation, socio-economic status, where they live and more.

In a survey, there is no such methodology because the people who respond select themselves – surveys can be shared among groups of people who think the same thing.

This is why well-executed polling is so accurate and costs tens of thousands of dollars. It’s not just the 89 Degrees East

polling which has found 17 per cent opposition and 71 per cent support among country people for local clean energy projects: CSIRO’s poll of more than 6000 people found the same thing, as did Porter Novelli’s recent poll.

The reason farmers sign up to host clean energy is that they get to keep farming whilst being paid about $40,000 per wind turbine per year and $1500 per hectare per year for solar.

Our member and champion wool grower Tony Inder has said he’s a convert to grazing under solar – he used to think land under solar panels was ‘wasted’ but says there are now more sheep grazing under solar panels next to his place than there were beforehand.

A key principle we can all agree on is that what a farmer does with their own land is their own choice.

Natalie Collard, Chief executive, Farmers for Climate Action

A reckless pursuit

The Allan Labor government sold Victorians a dream that the return of the SEC was the silver bullet to solve the energy crisis and provide Victorians with reliable and affordable energy.

Sadly, this has been revealed as another Labor lie.

Independent economic agency, Moody’s, has released a detailed report highlighting Victorian power bills are set to increase by 45 to 65 per cent over the next 10 years.

Currently the average Victorian household spends $1310 a year on electricity, so Victorian families will need to find an additional $851 a year to keep the lights on.

The reason for this is simply a result

Don’t drive further than Horsham this year for

fertiliser needs

of poor decision making from the Allan Labor government.

The Premier has put all her eggs in one basket by banning gas and pushing all Victorians onto electricity.

To make matters worse, Victoria’s energy grid is becoming less reliable as Labor turns off gas and coal power generation to rely solely on wind and solar.

While in theory this might be a good thing, Victoria simply does not have the infrastructure or the environment to support a 100 per cent weatherdependent energy grid.

The reckless pursuit of relying on renewables alone will not provide Victorians with reliable and affordable energy – in fact it will achieve the opposite.

The Nationals will take a wellthought out and commonsense energy policy to the next state election.

Our policy will utilise gas and renewables in a sensible way that is sustainable for the environment and your household budget.

Danny O’Brien, Leader of The Nationals

welcomes your letters and contributions.

Please limit them to 250 words and address them to the editor at:

LHenry@aceradio.com.au or mail to: The Weekly Advertiser, Letter to the editor, PO Box 606, Horsham 3402.

Baking memories

It’s that time of year again. Yes, it’s the Wimmera Machinery Field Days – a major event that is a primary focus for our agriculture-dominated region.

It will consume a large chunk of time for many people in our region, whether they are organisers, site holders, or visitors.

And rightly so, as it showcases the best and latest agricultural products, along with allowing access to experts in their field.

But it’s something different that is taking up a large chunk of time in my household this week –the annual birthday cake test.

It will be a showcase of different sorts at our place this weekend as Miss soon-to-be Eight celebrates her birthday over two days.

With party preparations beginning weeks ago, she finally settled on having a pool party, and the next step was to decide what sort of cake.

I have on various occasions over the years tackled baking and decorating our daughters’ birthday cakes.

The good old tried-and-tested Women’s Weekly Children’s Birthday Cake Book is our go-to.

I have fond memories of my mum making many of the cakes in it for me as a child so it can be a sentimental occasion to take the book off the shelf once or twice a year and flick through the pages to not only find something suitable, but to reminisce.

First published in 1980, most 80s babies would remember either having one of the cakes for their own birthdays or having attended a party where that cake featured.

The book, featuring the train cake running across the front and back covers, was a staple of many Australian kitchens for many years.

It has become such a national treasure that it was the sole focus of an art exhibition in Bendigo in 2023.

Whether it was me, my cousins or my friends –we all look back with beautiful memories of the home-made cakes.

The ladybird, the piano, various numerals, and the castle have all been ticked off my list of

EDITORIAL

By Lauren Henry

creations – most have been a success, although the castle did test me.

So with the pool party theme decided for this year, I naturally suggested the swimming pool cake.

The cake filled with jelly and little babies in floaties seemed simple enough.

But Miss soon-to-be Eight had other ideas.

With memories of the Bluey episode playing on her mind, she mischievously suggested the most feared cake of all. The duck cake.

“But mum, you know what goes with the water theme? Ducks,” she said with a grin.

Even before it featured in the Bluey episode, that duck cake gave me cake-baking nightmares.

I secretly enjoy making children’s birthday cakes, but there’s no chance I am up to the feat of assembling that three-dimensional masterpiece.

Luckily she can be easily persuaded and has been too preoccupied with organising lolly bags to put up too much resistance to the pool cake.

So pool cake it is. The cake baking looks pretty simple, but adding jelly into the mix is a task I have never tackled.

Let’s just hope it doesn’t take as long, or as many whiskeys, as when television star Hamish Blake tackles his children’s birthday cakes.

His regular all-nighters the night before his children’s birthdays are classic watching for any parent – whether you can relate or just admire his persistence to tackle some aspirational, highly creative cakes.

Wish me all the cake-baking, masterful decorating luck to create a showpiece for the pool party of the year.

QUIET REMEMBRANCE: Wimmera men who served as Darwin Defenders during its Second World War bombing were remembered with a wreath-laying at Sawyer Park, Horsham, on Wednesday, the 83rd anniversary of the first bombing. Darwin Defender committee member Sheryl Bartlett, pictured, said there were about 900 men from the Wimmera who served during the war, including her father Laurie Schmidt. “Many of them travelled by train to Alice Springs, and then by truck to Darwin, to make up the Darwin Defenders,” she said. “Today is just a small wreath-laying ceremony, but we couldn’t let the day pass without some recognition.” The Darwin bombing was the first attack on Australia by an enemy force; with about 680 bombs dropped across 60 raids on Australia during 18 months. Horsham Mayor Ian Ross, left, John Byrne and Sheryl Bartlett laid wreaths at the Darwin Defenders plaque, representing the 19th Machine Gun Battalion, 8th Battalion and 32nd Battalion. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Sensory store time extension

Woolworths stores in the Wimmera have expanded their low-sensory quiet hour to five days a week, designed to reduce anxiety and sensory stress for customers with specific needs.

During quiet hour, the Woolworths stores in Horsham, Stawell and Ararat lower

lights, turn down music or radio, turn off beeps at the register and turn off oven buzzers for an hour, every Monday to Friday between 10.30am and 11.30am.

Woolworths director of stores Jeanette Fenske said the expansion of quiet hour to five days a week had been trialled

over busy shopping periods such as Christmas. During the hour, temporary changes are made to the store, including reducing volume on store phones and registers on the trading floor; clearing store entry ways; and stopping all PA announcements.

Horsham Community Update

Interruption to trafficHorsham

Our contractors will be undertaking sewer repair works:

Our

Interruption to trafficHorsham

Our contractors will be undertaking sewer repair works: Hamilton & Firebrace streets intersection

Hamilton & Firebrace streets intersection

Our contractors will be undertaking sewer repair works: Hamilton & Firebrace streets intersection

Tuesday 25 to Friday 28 February 2025 between 7 am and 4 pm

The roundabout will be partially closed with traffic management in place during these works.

Tuesday 25 to Friday 28 February 2025 between 7 am and 4 pm

The roundabout will be partially closed with traffic management in place during these works.

We ask drivers to:

•

The roundabout will be partially closed with traffic management in place during these works.

> avoid the intersection whenever possible,

We ask drivers to:

> observe traffic management, and

• When and how can I access my super?

> avoid the intersection whenever possible,

•

> observe traffic management, and

> slow down when in the area.

> avoid the intersection whenever possible,

We ask drivers to:

We ask drivers to: > avoid the intersection whenever possible, > observe traffic management, and

> slow down when in the area.

> observe traffic management, and > slow down when in the area.

We thank businesses, pedestrians and road users for their patience as we complete these necessary works.

> avoid the intersection whenever possible, > observe traffic management, and > slow down when in the area.

We thank businesses, pedestrians and road users for their patience as we complete these necessary works.

• Will I qualify for any government assistance? We specialise in retirement advice, and can answer your questions, to help you

To keep up-to-date on these works, visit gwmwater.org.au/service-disruptions

We thank businesses, pedestrians and road users for their patience as we complete these necessary works.

To keep up-to-date on these works, visit gwmwater.org.au/service-disruptions

gwmwater.org.au

To keep up-to-date on these works, visit gwmwater.org.au/service-disruptions

1300 659 961 (general enquiries)

gwmwater.org.au

To keep up-to-date on these works, visit gwmwater.org.au/service-disruptions

1300 659 961 (general enquiries)

gwmwater.org.au

1300 659 961 (general enquiries)

Richard, Penelope and Dean

Police: Enough is enough

Ten drivers caught speeding through Great Western last week have left police dismayed.

Police intercepted the drivers – most not from the Wimmera – with the majority caught exceeding the speed limit along the Western Highway by more than 25 kilometres an hour.

Six drivers had their licences suspended on the spot, including a probationary driver who was allegedly clocked 49kmh over the speed limit – just 11 days after obtaining his licence.

It comes amid a rise in road fatalities across western Victoria, with 18 people dying through road crashes this year – double the number recorded at the same time last year.

The motorists caught in the 60-zone in Main Street, Great Western were:

• An Ararat man, 18, was detected allegedly travelling 109kmh. He had his licence suspended for 12 months after only obtaining his probationary licence 11 days prior. He received a $988 fine for speeding and $198 for failing to display p-plates.

• A Roxburgh Park man, 42, was allegedly speeding at 96kmh. He had his licence suspended for three months and received a $642 fine.

• A 29-year-old Acacia Ridge, Queensland, man allegedly travelling at 94kmh in a heavy vehicle. He received a $1383 fine.

• A Horsham man, 79, was allegedly travelling at 93kmh. He had his licence suspended for three months and received a $642 fine.

• A Hughesdale man, 41, was detected al-

legedly travelling 87kmh in a 60kmh zone. He had his licence suspended for three months and also received a $543 fine.

• A Windsor Gardens man, 33, was allegedly travelling at 87kmh in a 60kmh zone while unlicensed. He had his licence suspended for three months and received a $543 fine for speeding and $988 for unlicenced driving.

Three men – all from Melbourne – driving heavy vehicles were also fined after allegedly speeding at 83kmh, 86kmh and 87kmh in the 60-zone.

A Melton South woman, 60, was also caught on the Western Highway, Great Western, allegedly speeding at 127kmh in a 100-zone. She had her licence suspended for three months and received a $543 fine.

Western Region Division Four Superintendent Sharon McCrory said police continue to be highly visible and enforcing across the state, with a major focus on high-risk regional areas as well as motorcyclist safety.

A statewide road policing operation will be launched early in March to coincide with the Labour Day long weekend in Victoria.

“Enough is enough. The number of people caught driving at these extreme speeds is disgraceful, and we will not tolerate it,” she said.

“Too many people are dying needlessly on our roads. It’s that simple. And if you choose to break the law, expect to be caught, fined, and have your licence ripped away from you on the spot.

“Our members are dedicated to putting a stop to this kind of behaviour – we are everywhere, at all hours.”

Woman charged, illicit tobacco seized

Police from the VIPER Taskforce are continuing to investigate a Horsham store’s sale of illegal tobacco.

A woman was charged and illicit tobacco and cash seized after police executed a warrant at a store in Firebrace Street on February 17.

Police seized more than 12,000 illicit cigarette sticks, 2.5kg of illicit loose leaf tobacco, 135 ecigarettes and about $10,000 cash.

A Stawell woman, 23, working in the store at the time was arrested and charged with tobacco-related offences including possessing or conveying tobacco products knowingly with the intent to defraud the revenue; possessing or conveying tobacco products recklessly with the intent to defraud the revenue;

deal property believing it to be proceeds of crime; and supplying vaping goods. She was bailed to appear at Horsham Magistrate’s Court on March 17.

In August last year, detectives from VIPER Taskforce and Horsham Crime Investigation Unit executed a warrant at the same business and subsequently seized 42,000 illicit cigarette sticks, sandwich bags filled with one kilogram of loose leaf tobacco, more than 300 vapes and cash.

Detective Inspector Craig Darlow, of VIPER Taskforce, said police alleged the store was connected to an organised crime syndicate involved in the sale of illicit tobacco.

“These organised crime syndi-

cates survive through recruiting people at all levels to carry out their offending – this includes people staffing stores involved in the illicit tobacco trade,” he said.

“VIPER will continue to focus on these groups and ensure anyone involved at any level is held to account for their criminality.

“I’d like to remind people again that when they walk into these stores and buy products, they are also putting money directly into the hands of criminals who then use it to fund serious and violent offending.”

Anyone with information on illicit tobacco activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report at www.crimestoppers.com.au.

JOB VACANCY

Coexistence Officer – Local Business, Training, Employment & Land Use

♦ Based in Horsham

♦ Flexible part-time role

WIM Resource Pty Ltd (WIM) is an Australian resource company and an emerging major producer of zircon, titanium, and rare earth minerals. We are looking for a motivated individual to join our dynamic team in a new role.

Based in our Horsham office, this part-time role will focus on enabling and promoting coexistence with local and regional stakeholders.

The successful applicant should possess:

♦ exceptional communication skills and be well-presented

♦ a robust understanding of local and regional business dynamics for the Wimmera Southern Mallee and experience in encouraging business participation for new market entrants

♦ experience with or a strong understanding of early workforce planning and development, training programs, and engaging with local and regional education and training organisations

♦ a strong understanding of environmental principles, practices and sustainability.

A full position description can be downloaded from our website.

To apply, email your resume and covering letter no later than 11:59pm, Monday 17th March 2025 to admin@wimresource.com.au. The cover letter must clearly address the key role requirements outlined in the full position description.

83 Firebrace Street, Horsham VIC 3400 www.wimresource.com.au

ALL SMILES: Stawell Primary School hosted its annual swimming sports last week. From left, Keeya, Arya, Arli and Greta show off their ribbons. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Film screenings show of support

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

Warracknabeal and Stawell are set to host screenings of locally produced film Just a Farmer in the next two weeks, with organisers of both events encouraging as many people as possible to attend.

Just a Farmer was produced by Tatyoon farmers Leila and Sean McDougall and addresses themes of mental health and suicide in rural communities.

Since its release last year, Just a Farmer has won awards at international film festivals and raised money for mental health services at screenings across the country.

The film will be screened at Warracknabeal

Town Hall this Sunday from 4pm, with Ms McDougall to host a question-and-answer session for attendees at its conclusion. A light meal will be provided.

The screening is free to attend and is presented by the Fat Farmers Rural Health Initiative.

On Friday, March 7, Swifts Football Netball Club will host a screening of the film at its home at North Park, Stawell.

Swifts committee member Robert Carey said it would be the first outdoor movie screening on the ground’s new video scoreboard, installed last year.

Mr Carey said the choice of Just a Farmer as the club’s first movie screening was fitting, given club sponsor Thomas Foods was also a backer of the film.

“Thomas Foods contributed a reasonable amount of money towards our new video scoreboard, so when we found out they were a major sponsor of Just a Farmer we thought we would run this film,” he said.

“We also want to say thanks to the community, who also contributed to the scoreboard.

“Especially now with all these fires happening again, we thought it was a good time for a mental health message for places like Halls Gap, Willaura and Pomonal.”

Mr Carey said the screening, at 6.30pm, would

be free to attend, with organisers asking for a donation in support of Ararat-based mental health charity One Red Tree.

“We thought that was ideal. We were thinking about supporting Black Dog Institute and other mental health support services, but we wanted the money to stay in our area,” Mr Carey said.

“We desperately wanted the money to stay within our own area so we can help our own people, so that was what we decided.

“We’ve had a few kids over the years who have struggled with mental health or have not been in a good place, and we think if we can contribute in any way, it would be a good thing.”

Mr Carey said the club hoped about 300 people would attend the screening.

“It’s an outdoor thing and we’re encouraging people to bring their own chairs and beanbags and sit out and watch it,” he said.

“The screen is just like watching a television – it’s that good. And we’ve organised someone from Stawell to set up the sound.

“As long as the sprinklers don’t come on while we’re running it, it should be great.”

Mr Carey said the club would operate its canteen during the event, with all proceeds from food sales going towards One Red Tree.

Sean McDougall will also attend the screening and host a question-and-answer session.

Mr Carey said the event was the first of what the club hoped would be many outdoor movie screenings, with Swifts offering youth program FReeZA use of the screen.

“We’re going to send out invites to all the football clubs, golf clubs and tennis clubs in the area and post it on Facebook – we’re trying to involve every community person,” he said.

Information on both screenings is available at www.facebook.com/JustAFarmerMovie.

• If you or someone you know needs help, phone Lifeline on 13 11 14, Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800, 13YARN on 13 92 76 or Suicide Call Back Service on 1300 659 467. In an emergency, phone triple zero.

A new face for an old business

Taylor family-owned Stawell Toyota is renovating its site, five years after the family expanded its Hamilton business Taylor Toyota to take on the Stawell premises.

Third-generation owner Adam Taylor said they bought the Stawell site in the heart of the COVID-19 period.

“We saw it come up for sale and purchased it in June 2020,” he said.

“We thought it was a great opportunity to expand the family business and venture into new ground.”

Employing about 55 people across the two sites, Mr Taylor said the renovations gave them the potential to expand further.

“The building was pretty old, so we are updating to state-of-the-art facilities,” he said.

“The renovation gives us an area where customers can come in and have a look at new cars,

and the investment also confirms our commitment to the Stawell area.

“It’ll also give us the opportunity to employ more staff and hopefully grow the business.”

Across the past 60 years, the Taylor family has supplied new and used Toyotas, Mazdas and Hyundais, as well as servicing, finance, insurance products, and spare parts.

“It’s great that the Stawell community has really gotten behind us, and the greater region, and we want to thank people for that,” Mr Taylor said.

“We can’t wait to have a grand opening and invite people to have a look at the new building.”

Mr Taylor said the Western Highway business continued to operate during the renovations, due to be finished in June, with parking available off Longfield Street.

PLANS: Toyota Australia franchise manager Daniel Barr and Stawell Toyota owner Adam Taylor with plans for major renovations at the Stawell dealership. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Sunday March 3 2024, 10am-2pm

WILLAURA HEALTH CARE OUTDOOR MARKET

Grounds adjacent to Willaura Health Care, Delacombe Way

Sunday March 3 2024,

Sunday March 3 2024, 10am-2pm

Sunday March 3 2024, 10am-2pm Grounds

The Willaura Market is a charity event run by the

Health Care, East Grampians Health Service.

funds raised going towards improving the

Health Care, East Grampians Health Service.

market

Health Care, East Grampians Health Service.

and

This boutique country market offers goods from local and regional artisans and is set in Willaura, surrounded by fertile farmland, which lies 34 kilometres south of Ararat on the south-eastern edge

The Willaura Market is a charity event run by the Willaura

funds raised going towards improving the lives of

This boutique country market offers goods from local and regional artisans and is set in Willaura, surrounded by fertile farmland, which lies 34 kilometres south of Ararat on the south-eastern edge of the Grampians in Victoria’s Western District.

Health Care, East Grampians Health Service.

For more information: willauramarket.com Visit:

We thank the following sponsors of the market:

For more information: willauramarket.com

We thank the following sponsors of the market:

Engagement vital in plan

Northern Grampians Shire

Council leaders are calling on the community to make the most of opportunities to help shape the organisation’s priorities for the next four years.

The council is developing its 20252029 Council Plan and accompanying Municipal Public Health and Wellbeing Plan, which will both continue the overarching direction and objectives of the 2021-2025 versions.

Resident participation is already underway, with a community engagement survey running until February 28.

The survey aims to assess the importance and priority of the council’s key services and community responsibilities from a community perspective.

Mayor Karen Hyslop said the initial response to the survey, launched on February 3, was positive, and encouraged more people to provide their feedback and insights.

“The survey does take between 10 and 15 minutes to complete, which might be a bit off-putting at first, but is vital to understand your wants and needs for the future of our shire,” she said.

“I suggest setting aside some time at night or on the weekend, with a cuppa or after you’ve put the kids to bed.”

Cr Hyslop said council staff had also planned a series of listening posts, designed to offer opportunities for the community to ask questions of council staff and-or councillors.

The council has hosted listening posts at Concongella, Glenorchy and Halls Gap, with further events scheduled for Stuart Mill, Navarre, Stawell, St Arnaud, Great Western and Marnoo.

People can visit www.ngshire. vic.gov.au/Council/Vision-andGoals/2025-2029-CommunityEngagement for more details, including dates and locations.

People can access hard copies of the community engagement survey at listening posts, or complete the survey on the council’s website.

Hard copies of the survey are also available from council customer service offices and libraries in Stawell and St Arnaud, Stawell Neighbourhood House and St Arnaud Resource Centre.

The council will also host four discussion forums next month, at Stawell on March 11; Halls Gap, March 13; Great Western, March 18; and St Arnaud, March 20.

The forums will be from 5.30pm to 7.30pm and participants are required to register their interest via the council’s website.

“The forums will enable members of the community to come together to discuss key themes and insights presented through the survey,” Cr Hyslop said.

“These forums are a limited opportunity, therefore please do not hesitate to add your details if you are interested in participating.”

DAY OUT: From left, Markell Weetra, Drayton Weetra and Kayzell Weetra following Ararat’s first ever Skate Park Leagues competition. Twenty-one participants competed in BMX, skateboarding and scootering events.

Ararat skate event a success

Ararat’s Bill Waterston Skate Park last week played host to its first ever Skate Park Leagues, SPL, competition, staging a leg of the 2025 Western Regional Series.

The event saw 21 participants compete in skateboarding, BMX and scootering categories in front of a supportive crowd.

The under-16 age group was best represented with 13 competitors, while a further eight attendees entered the over-16s category.

Scooters were the ride of choice, with 15 entrants, while five BMXers and three skateboarders rounded out the field.

Flynn Latchman achieved the highest score of the day with an 88.80 in the over-16 male scooter category, with Murphy Cooper finishing just behind with a score of 88.00 in the under-10 male BMX category.

Launched in 2007 in partnership with the Victorian Skateboarding Association, the SPL competition aims to celebrate skate park culture and create a positive environment for young people of all ages and abilities, whether competing or cheering from the sidelines.

SPL now runs more than 100 events a year across Australia.

The league is open to young peo-

ple and is free of charge. Participants finishing in the top three places of each age division on the Skate Park Leagues state ladder qualify to take part in the Australian Skate Park and Skateboarding League National Championships.

The Bill Waterston Skate Park was upgraded in 2018, with its concrete skate bowl now siting 2.4 metres deep at its lowest point.

The bowl includes hips – bends in the curved surface, creating a middle ridge for skaters to jump or grind over – two quarter-pipes connected back-to-back and three sections with two oblong-shaped bowls.

MOTEL ACCOMMODATED COACH TOURS

NORFOLK ISLAND (NO PASSPORT REQUIRED)

10 days Thursday 27th March $6290

Highlights: Wonderland by Night, Norfolk Island tour, Fletchers Mutiny Cyclorama, Bounty Bar & Grill, Barney Duffy BBQ, Island Fish Fry, Over the Cattlestops, Green Fingers Tour, Convict Settlement Tour, South Pacific Resort Hotel, Progressive Dinner, Glass Bottom Boat Cruise, Christian’s 4WD Tour, Night as a Convict Dinner, Breakfast Bush Walk LIGHTNING RIDGE - WHITE CLIFFS – BROKEN HILL 11 days Thursday 24th April $5490

Highlights: Mildura, Murray & Darling Rivers Junction, Broken Hill Sculpture Park, Silver City Mint & The Big Picture, Silverton, Pro Hart Gallery, Wilcannia, White Cliffs Touring and Opal Mine, Bourke, Darling River Cruise, Lightning Ridge, Black Opal and Cactus Nursery, Amigo’s Castle, Chambers of the Black Hand, Dubbo, Western Plains Zoo. CAIRNS, THE GULF, BIRDSVILLE, MARREE FLINDERS RANGES

24 days Friday 30th May

$12,840

Highlights: Bourke, Darling River, Charleville, Cosmos Centre, Blackall Woolscour, Longreach, Stockman’s Hall of Fame, Thomson River Cruise, Charters Towers, Magnetic Island, Paronella Park, Australian Sugar Museum, Green Island, Cairns, Barrier Reef, Daintree River Cruise, Kuranda Train and Sky Rail, Breakfast with the Birds, Port Douglas, Undara Lava Tubes, Gulflander Train Ride, Gulf of Carpentaria Sunset Cruise, Mt Isa, Birdsville, Marree, Lake Eyre, Flinders Ranges, Burra, Renmark. CAIRNS, LONGREACH, MAGNETIC ISLAND BARRIER REEF

12 days Friday 30th May

$6940

16 days Saturday 7th June $8980

Highlights: Cairns, Green Island, Barrier Reef, Daintree River Cruise, Breakfast with the Birds, Port Douglas, Atherton Tableland, Georgetown, Undara Lava Tubes, Gulflander Train Ride, Normanton, Karumba, Gulf of Carpentaria Sunset Cruise, Mt Isa, Birdsville, Marree, Lake Eyre, Flinders Ranges, Burra, Renmark

SPLENDID SINGAPORE

10 days Tuesday 1st July

$7870

Highlights: Luxury Hotel Accommodation, Stunning Singapore, City Sights Tour, Botanic & Orchid Gardens, Singapore River Cruise, Raffles Hotel High Tea, The Singapore Zoo, Singapore Flyer, Marina Bay Sands Lookout, S.E.A Aquarium, Changi District, National Museum of Singapore, Gardens by the Bay, English Speaking Guides.

NORTHWESTER & SOUTH WEST COAST

47 days Monday 28th July

“See the itinerary for the many tour highlights”.

DARWIN VIA CENTRAL AUSTRALIA

15 days Monday 28th July

$23,970

$9460

Highlights: Central Australia, Coober Pedy, Ayers Rock, Kings Canyon, Alice Springs, West MacDonnell Ranges, Tennant Creek, Katherine Gorge Cruise, Kakadu, Yellow Waters Cruise, Darwin, Mindil Market, Litchfield National Park.

COOBER PEDY, AYERS ROCK, ALICE SPRINGS

9 days Monday 28th July

$6215

Highlights: Adelaide, Port Augusta, Central Australia, Coober Pedy, Umoona Opal Mine, Ayres Rock, Kings Canyon, Alice Springs, West MacDonnell Ranges, Standley Chasm, Alice Springs Reptile Centre, Alice Springs Desert Park, Royal Flying Doctor Service, Alice Springs School of the Air, Alice Springs Telegraph Station.

WEST COAST,

KIMBERLEY

& SOUTH WEST COAST

35 days Saturday 9th August

“See the itinerary for the many tour highlights”.

WEST COAST & THE KIMBERLEY

23 days Saturday 9th August

$17,820

$13,240

Highlights: Darwin, Mindil Beach Market, Katherine, Kununurra, Ord River Cruise, El Questro Station, Zebedee Springs, Chamberlain Gorge Cruise, Wyndham, Halls Creek, Fitzroy Crossing, Derby, Boab Prison Tree, Broome, Cable Beach Sunset, Port Hedland, Tom Price, Exmouth, Coral Bay, Monkey Mia, Kalbarri, Perth. DARWIN TO BROOME & THE KIMBERLEY

12 days Saturday 9th August $8420

BROOME TO PERTH INC TOM PRICE & NINGALOO REEF

14 days Monday 18th August $8670

Highlights: Broome 3 nights, Cable Beach, Eighty Mile Beach, Port Hedland, Mt Tom Price Mine tour, Karijini National Park, Exmouth, Ningaloo Reef, Coral Bay, Shark Bay, Carnarvon, Monkey Mia Dolphins, Kalbarri Wildflowers, Perth 3 nights. PERTH AND SOUTH WEST COAST

15 days Friday 29th August $7540

Highlights: Perth, Gloucester Tree, Margaret River Chocolate Factory, Cape Leeuwin & Lighthouse, Pemberton Timber Mill, Valley of the Giants, Albany, Whale Watching Cruise, Esperance, Kalgoorlie, Super Pit Tour, Great Australian Bight, Nullarbor, Port Augusta, Adelaide, Mannum. CANBERRA “FLORIADE”

6 days Sunday 14th September $3080

Highlights: Albury, Canberra City, Cockington Green, Australian War Memorial, Government House, Parliament House, Old

TCV is seeking input into the development of workforce accommodation for VNI West

We are undertaking a public Expression of Interest process to identify land available for lease, and we want to understand the interests, concerns and questions that communities have in relation to our workforce accommodation approach.

We want to hear from you!

The TCV workforce accommodation web portal will enable people to share feedback on our approach to developing accommodation, and how to reach our team for more information.

We understand that many areas in the VNI West project corridor face housing availability and affordability challenges. TCV is committed to delivering long term housing benefits for local communities impacted by VNI West.

The input we receive via the online portal will inform work underway with the VNI West Social Value Reference Group to understand how we can develop the project in a way that meets local needs and creates long term, permanent housing solutions.

Visit the workforce accommodation portal on the TCV website at: www.transmissionvictoria.com.au/about-vni-west/vni-west-workforceaccommodation

Expression of Interest

In parallel with determining permanent housing solutions, TCV is seeking sites suitable for:

• Temporary workforce accommodation – up to three sites of about 12 hectares each to accommodate between 200 and 300 people each at peak construction;

• Construction laydown areas – up to eight sites of about 5 hectares each; or

• Combined accommodation and laydown area sites.

We are committed to providing landholders with a fair and transparent leasing arrangement that reflects true value and opportunities for use.

Properties that express interest will be assessed as part of the VNI West EES and appropriate options for accommodation and laydowns identified by April 2025. This is an opportunity for landholders with properties they believe may be suitable to express their interest in their site being assessed, with a view to entering into a lease agreement for the site’s use.

Expression of Interest responses close 28 February.

Visit www.transmissionvictoria.com.au/aboutvni-west/vni-west-workforce-accommodation or scan the QR code to the right.

Slower speeds on Sloane Street

The final stage of upgrade works along Stawell’s Sloane Street began on Monday, with motorists required to adhere to a new 50kmh speed limit.

Northern Grampians Shire began the upgrade project in March last year after receiving more than $1.8-million from the Federal Government’s 2023-24 Black Spot Program, which targets upgrades to high-risk locations with a history of road fatalities or serious injuries.

The council submitted the Sloane Street project due to the road’s history of traffic incidents and evidence of speeding motorists.

The project was broken into eight stages, involving construction of new roundabouts, centre medians, kerb outstands, improved signs, and improved safety for pedestrians and cyclists.

The works have been carried out at multiple locations along Sloane Street, from Patrick Street through to the Western Highway.

Seven stages are nearing completion, with several awaiting installation of street lighting to improve visibility at night.

The eighth stage involves the reduction of the speed limit between Patrick and Cooper streets to 50kmh, from the previous 60kmh.

Mayor Karen Hyslop urged motorists to pay attention to the new speed limit and associated signs.

“With a hospital, childcare centre and primary school along this road, the council was concerned

about the rising risks posed by the high volume of traffic, as well as the potential for serious accidents involving cyclists and pedestrians,” she said.

“In order to reduce the likelihood of serious injury or fatality due to accidents, the council proactively sought black spot funding to implement several risk-mitigation measures.”

Cr Hyslop said the project aligned with the council’s Rural Road Safety Plan 2021-2025 and Victoria’s Road Safety Strategy 2013-2022.

“Together, all eight stages of the Sloane Street Road Safety Project will deliver considerable safety improvements for our local community,” she said.

“Road safety will remain a priority for the council in the coming years across all urban areas in our shire.

“We appreciate the community’s patience over the past 12 months as these critical road safety enhancements have been implemented.

“While there might have been some inconvenience, we believe our community understands the importance of vigilance and proactive measures when it comes to road safety – because even one life lost is too many.”

People can visit www.ngshire.vic.gov.au/ Projects-and-Consultation/Current-projects/ Sloane-Street-Road-Safety-Project for more information about the project, including a detailed explanation of the eight stages.

Web: transmissionvictoria.com.au

Free call: 1800 824 221

Email: enquiries@transmissionvictoria.com.au

Facebook: @TransmissionVictoria

Child’s voice working group gathers

Ararat Rural City Council’s newly formed Child Friendly Cities and Communities, CFCC, working group hosted its first meeting this month, as it prepares to create an action plan.

The group formed late last year as part of a commitment by the council and the Victorian Charter for CFCC to strengthen child participation in the community and ensure children’s voices, needs, priorities and rights are central to public policies, as well as child and youthfocused events and programs.

The six-person group comprises Monash University senior lecturer in early years education Linda Henderson; Ararat Rural City Council settlement and community support officer and CALD outreach officer Anita San Ba; council supported playgroup facilitator and pre-prep project co-ordinator Nerissa Gee; council early years co-ordinator Blake Cox-Davis; KMA Health and Physio principal physiotherapist Karen Armstrong; and Central Grampians Local Learning and Employment Network executive officer Jane Moriarty.

During its inaugural meeting, the group reexamined the charter’s purpose and terms of

reference, including the council’s impetus for adopting the charter and becoming a signatory.

Group members analysed the Victorian Local Governance Association’s CFCC resources and examples of other organisations’ CFCC action plans and projects.

Ararat Rural City Council Mayor Jo Armstrong said the group shared ideas about how best to advocate for children and amplify their voices within the community.

“Children are not just the future of our community, but an integral part of it today,” she said.

“The establishment of the CFCC Charter working group illustrates council’s commitment to this belief, and to making certain that the voices of our youngest residents are valued.

“I thank the group’s members, who bring together many areas of relevant expertise, for undertaking this important responsibility.”

The CFCC working group will advise council chief executive Tim Harrison on matters that ensure the Victorian CFCC Charter’s principles are upheld and advanced. The group’s meetings will form advice to the council on matters of the charter, and its statement of principles.

FIRST MEETING: Ararat Rural City Council’s Child Friendly Cities and Communities charter working group members, from left, Linda Henderson, Anita San Ba, Nerissa Gee, Blake CoxDavis and Karen Armstrong. Jane Moriarty joined the meeting online.

Masquerading for a cause

Rural Northwest Health Cancer Support Group raised hundreds of dollars at its Romeo and Juliet Masquerade Ball.

Group host RNH cancer resource nurse Karen Miller said the almost-$460 raised would go towards an experience that ‘lifts the members’ spirits and brings a smile to their faces’.

A crowd of more than 70 people dressed in masks, gowns, suits and costumes for the black-and-red themed event, and were entertained by Jeff Woodward’s music and guest speakers.

RNH project support officer Bernie O’Connor discussed the Grampians Integrated Cancer Service, whose grant funding made the event a possibility, and the work RNH had been doing to screen local communities.

Wimmera Prostate Cancer Support Group’s Brian Nagorcka and Jack Janetzki spoke about prostate cancer and their lived experiences in a candid, no holds barred manner, before Jack moved the crowd by performing a song that meant a lot to him throughout his cancer journey.

RNH sexual health nurse Lou Bellizzi spoke about cervical cancer and the importance of screening, with all four speakers echoing the sentiment that early screening is vital and that, if something feels like it isn’t quite right, don’t put it off – see a doctor. With awards given for those dressed in the theme, Jessica Nippers was announced the best dressed female, in an elegant red ensemble and donning a vibrant blue New Orleans-style mask.

Neill was

Angie Cox won the best costume award for her pilgrim-style costume, while Mark and Michelle Marshall won the cutest couple prize.

Rural Northwest Health Cancer Support Group meets monthly at its Warracknabeal campus, and pro-

vides a place for cancer clients and their spouses and carers to share their experiences in a confidential, supportive environment.

People who would like to know more about the cancer support group can call Karen Miller on 5396 1381.

Reunion in Hopetoun

Organisers of the Hopetoun-Beulah reunion on Sunday are encouraging former residents to prepare for the fast-approaching event.

The event presents an opportunity for former members of both communities to catch up, with organisers also encouraging current residents to attend.

Reunion committee chair Cath Taylor said people planning to arrive in Hopetoun and Beulah on Saturday could attend an informal gathering and meal at the Hopetoun Community Hotel Motel that evening.

Ms Taylor said organisers were unable to supply catering for the reunion, meaning individual attendees would be required to supply their own food.

She said Meals Box, at 74 Lascelles Street, Hopetoun; Country Lane Delights, 93A Lascelles Street, Hopetoun; and Hopetoun Community Hotel Motel, Austin Street were all eager to serve attendees.

Ms Taylor said some venues would be open for visitors on Sunday morning, but that with attendance numbers uncertain, organisers wanted to avoid putting pressure on locals.

She said the following would be open between 10am and noon on Sunday: Hopetoun P-12 College; St Joseph’s Primary School; the former Hopetoun power station, now used as an art workshop; and Corrong Homestead, Evelyn Street, maintained by the Hopetoun and District Historical Society.

The historical society is also planning work on former Karkarooc Shire records.

The formal reunion will be at the Hopetoun Recreation Reserve clubrooms on Sunday, from noon, with attendees required to bring their own lunch.

The reunion will be followed by the committee’s annual meeting, followed by more socialising.

For attendees remaining in Hopetoun on Sunday night, the Hopetoun Community Hotel Motel will offer takeaway pizza.

Ms Taylor said she hoped the event strengthened former residents’ desire to return to Hopetoun and Beulah, and encouraged attendees to stay for the annual meeting to decide on the location of future reunions.

People wanting more information on the event can contact the following committee members: chair Cath Taylor, 0407 854 125; secretary Steve Haynes, 0409 811 268; Phonse Liddle, 0457 268 775; Joy Weightman, 0419 529 822; and Lynne DiGiovanni, 0439 017 980.

Scott

named best dressed male.

GRATEFUL: Rural Northwest Health Cancer Support Group members, from left, Judy Drage, Mary Ginnane, Noel McDonald, Mary Massey, group host Karen Miller, Kate Fox and Dal Wilding received the donation on Monday, which they plan to use toward a fun group activity.

SPEAKER: Guest speaker, Rural Northwest Health sexual health nurse Lou Bellizzi, right, and partner Bec Sadler enjoyed the chance to dress up and dance. Greg McFarlane

Horsham

PATTIOS PATHS ROOFING SOLAR PANELS

iconic family run Wimmera Bakery

Nhill

Dingus reunion causes stir

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

Venerable Stawell band Dingus is out to prove that rock and roll will never die with a 50-year reunion concert at Stawell Harness Racing Club this Saturday.

Despite not having played regularly since the 1990s, news of the band’s concert was eagerly received by Stawell residents, with the show’s 450 tickets already snapped up.

Dingus frontman Greg Young said the show would relive the band’s heyday of the 1980s and ’90s, featuring classic covers from the era.

He admitted that while the band had been together for slightly longer than the 50 years the name of the concert implied, they used the milestone ‘just for the sake of something to call it’.

“We’ve been together over 50 years. There have been hiatuses at times with family and friends moving away and all sorts of stuff, but before that we were together for roughly 19 years as a unit,” he said.

“There was one lady where we played at her 18th birthday, then we played at her 21st, then we played at her wedding and then we played at her 70th in Melbourne.

“We used to play a lot of football and netball club cabarets back in the day, but we haven’t done anything like that in a long time.

“The idea came up through speaking to a few people and they said ‘wouldn’t it be great to do an old cabaret show again?’ A bit of a groundswell started up, so I thought, let’s have a crack at it while we’re all still alive.”

Young, whose bandmates include his brother Col Young and cousins Trevor

Bonney and Stewart Holt, said the group formed to play at a friend’s wedding and cut its teeth on pub rock classics at venues across the region.

The band forged its own rich history, including being named honourary Stawell Jaycees citizens of the month in March 1983 for organising and playing a bushfire relief concert at Central Park.

“There are lots of stories we can tell and a few we can’t,” Mr Young joked.

He said the band briefly experimented with writing its own material but that it was covers that resonated most deeply with its audience.

“At one stage we wrote a few originals and we recorded them at Armstrong Studios in South Melbourne

where Little River Band recorded,” he said.

“But those songs never went anywhere. None of us are trained at all, we’re all self-taught, and writing songs is a path to nowhere unless you’re really good at it.

“You can get away with playing originals if you’ve got a following in the cities, but in the country you play an original song and people start rolling their eyes.

“They’re there to have a few beers and have a good time.”

Young said he would not have it any other way.

“We’re the bands where there’s no fame or fortune, it’s just getting together with a bunch of mates and trying

Willaura upgrades

Eastern Grampians Health Service’s bid for State Government money to upgrade its Willaura Healthcare campus was a topic of discussion during a visit from Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora last week.

EGHS chief executive Nick Bush and manager Liz Atkinson gave Ms Ermacora a tour of the campus, outlining the work carried out at Willaura and the challenges of running a country hospital, as well as introducing her to staff.

The Willaura hospital was built in 1935 and houses eight acute patients and two nursing home patients. The adjacent Parkland House Hostel, built in 1995, houses 10 residents.

“This older building has not had a significant redevelopment since it was built nearly 100 years ago,” Mr Bush said.

to play the best you can and enjoying yourself,” he said.

“It’s just ordinary – there’s nothing special going on, except maybe the longevity.”

He said the band’s ethos of having fun and playing live was worth celebrating and preserving.

“There hasn’t been a local band doing this sort of stuff in Stawell, as far as I know, for about 30 years,” he said.

“Years ago you had to make your own fun, but it’s a different world now where there’s so many more things kids can do.

“Back then you had to entertain yourself really.

“It’s just a point in time I suppose, but it’s one that we want to celebrate.”

“EGHS wants to redevelop the facilities so that each of the 10 people in the hospital building have contemporary rooms with ensuites.”

Currently there are only two bathrooms shared by all patients.

The first stage of the proposed redevelopment is to build five new rooms using $2,892,000 from the State Government’s Regional Health Infrastructure Fund.

The health service is awaiting the outcome of its application.

“We look forward to the outcome of our application and seeing this much needed and long-awaited redevelopment begin,” Mr Bush said.

BACK ON STAGE: Stawell band Dingus will return to the stage for a 50-year reunion on Saturday.

Stunning Glenisla Farming & Lifestyle Property

135.82ha/ 335.6

acres – C/A 5 Red Rock Road

Water is a big feature of this trophy property with several winter creeks running through. Spectacular views set at the foot hills of the Grampians National Park &close proximity to Rockland Reservoir 16kms. Divided into 4 paddocks, gives you a good management tool to graze the mainly grass & clover pastures.

PRICE REDUCED @ $3500 per acre

Mark Clyne M 0417 568 200

Elliots Lane, Clear

Lake

127.6ha / 315.3 acres

– Cropping/Grazing

Currently divided in to two paddocks. Watered by 4 dams, access to the GWM pipeline water supply. Great opportunity to secure an aﬀordable block in a reliable higher Southern Wimmera rainfall zone.

PRICED @ $3850 per acre

Mark Clyne M 0417 568 200

Forthcoming Dimboola Land Auction Lot 2-368 Dimboola-Rainbow Road, Dimboola

Approx. 308.6ha / 762.56 acres

• Conveniently located approx. 3kms north of Dimboola

• Elevated gently undulating country with good heavy loam soil types.

• Suitable for Cropping & Grazing, watered by 5 catchment dams.

• Access to GWM pipeline water available - not connected.

• Road access from the main road and LIL LIL Dam Road.

Venue : RSL Dimboola – 113 Lloyd Street, Dimboola

Auction Date & Time: 1pm, Friday, March 21, 2025

Mark Clyne M 0417 568 200

February 26, 2025

1189 Brimpaen-Laharum Road, Brimpaen 952.05ha / 2352.56 acres

Southern Wimmera Cropping/Grazing – A great opportunity to secure reliable farming land all in the same location in 6 titles. Gently rolling land, well-drained with brown loam soil types with a good clover history. Exc. water assets & fencing along with good 3BR home, 3-stand shearing shed, sheep yards. 40kms (25 mins south of Horsham) with handy views of the Grampians.

PRICED @ $4800 per acre

Mark Clyne M 0417 568 200

Fischers Road, St Helens Plains

79.85ha / 197.31 acres – Prime Cropping Country

Located in the sought after St Helens Plains area near Taylors Lake. One paddock, Bitumen Road frontage. GWM Pipeline water connected. GWM Water marginal land licence on adjoining land (subject to transfer)

PRICE REDUCED: CONTACT AGENT FOR PRICE

Mark Clyne M 0417 568 200

7533 Western Highway, Drung 288ha / 712 acres

For Lease by Tender

With the option of leasing the modern 4 Bedroom home & substantial shedding. Located on the Western Highway in the Drung/Taylors Lake/ St Helens Plain area, consisting mainly of high yielding black cropping soil types. Previous crops grown have been, Lentils, Canola, Beans, Barley, Wheat, Oaten hay & Clover.

Improvements include an impressive 4 Bedroom modern brick home 16m x 8m garage, 30m x 21m Workshop & 42m x 18m - 5 bay Machinery/Hay shed.

For Lease by Tender closing 4pm, Thursday, March 13, 2025

Inspection Strictly by appointment only with the selling agents.

Mark Clyne M 0417 568 200

FOR LEASE BY TENDER

Increase in bin contamination

West Wimmera Shire Council leaders are calling for greater awareness about correct recycling practices after a recent audit of the shire’s recycling bins revealed increased contamination rates.

Wimmera Mallee Waste Management carried out the audit in November on behalf of the council, analysing the contents of glass recycling and general recycling bins collected from Apsley, Edenhope, Goroke, Harrow and Kaniva.

This audit compared results with a separate audit conducted in September 2023. The results showed an increase of nonrecyclable materials in general recycling bins in the past year, from 15.1 per cent in September 2023 to 26.2 per cent in November 2024.

Contaminants in glass recycling bins increased from 1.3 per cent to 1.7 per cent.

A positive finding was that residents were putting less glass in general recycling bins, with the percentage of glass found in the wrong bin decreasing from three per cent to 2.4 per cent.

Council chief executive David Bezuiden-

hout said the results demonstrated both progress and challenges in the community’s recycling habits. “It is encouraging to see a reduction in glass contamination in general recycling bins, but the overall increase in contamination across general recycling is concerning,” he said.

The audit found the main contaminants of glass bins were wine collars and loose jar and bottle lids.

It also found animal waste, which auditors believed to have come from a single source, rather than multiple residents.

Although there was an increase in general recycling contaminants compared with the previous year, Mr Bezuidenhout noted that many of the contaminants were recyclable – but not by Wimmera Mallee Waste.

People can find a full list of recyclable items accepted in West Wimmera Shire at www.westwimmera.vic.gov.au/ Residents/Rubbish-and-recycling/Landfilland-transfer-stations.

Mr Bezuidenhout said the council was committed to providing clear information and resources to help residents understand best recycling practices.

Tender out for Murtoa courts

EMERGING: Member of the Victorian Legislative Council for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermarcora, ready to cut the ribbon, visited Hindmarsh Shire to officially open the new Dimboola Primary School Kindergarten and Nhill College Kindergarten. Also pictured are, from left, Emerge Early Years Service’s Elicia Napoli, Hindmarsh Shire councillors Rosie Barker and James Barry, deputy mayor Chan Uoy and chief executive Monica Revell and students at Dimboola.

Kindergarten rollouts continue

Hindmarsh Shire Council deputy mayor Chan Uoy said it was a great start for children.

Highlighted as a high priority in the 2023 Minyip Recreation Reserve Master Plan, the club has contributed $100,000 towards the project, while Rupanyup Minyip Finance Group has committed $50,000.

Work is set to begin on Murtoa Recreation Reserve’s $2-million redevelopment project, with tenders now being sought for the construction of two netball courts. Minyip-Murtoa Football and Netball Club was successful in gaining the funding in the Play Our Way grant program for the project, which will include the construction of the two courts which will double as tennis courts, as well as new football and netball changerooms.

Kindergartens at Dimboola Primary School and Nhill College have been officially opened as part of Best Start, Best Life reform rollout state-wide. Funded by the State Government, the $14-million 10-year rollout will see three-year-old kindergarten sessions increasing to a total of 15 hours a week by 2029, and 30 hours of pre-prep for four-year-olds by 2036.

“It is a fantastic opportunity for the entire communities of Dimboola and Nhill as we open the doors to facilities where the future begins for our youngest residents,” he said.

“The new facilities will be places where young minds will be nurtured, curiosity will be en-

couraged, and lifelong learning will begin.”

In addition to State Government funding, Nhill Kindergarten received funding from Building Blocks Capacity Grant program, and Dimboola through Best Start, Best Life Kindergarten on a School Site program.

The kindergartens at Nhill and Dimboola will be operated by Emerge Early Years Services.

FRIDAY, MARCH 14

• Barkly Street Cruise 7pm-8pm. Prizes up for grabs.

• Slim & the Sparkplugs @ Ararat Town Hall 7:30pm-11:30pm Tickets available at www. ararattownhall.com.au

• Live music by Brendan Britt @ the RSL 7pm-late.

SATURDAY, MARCH, 15

• Show Us Your Wheels Car Display @ Ararat Town Hall 9am-1pm

• Range of cars on display

• Dance Floor

• Live music featuring Cobra 45s @ Ararat Town Hall 10am – 1:30pm

• Cruise to Great Western Hotel 1:30pm.

• Movie and hotdogs @3pm at Ararat Cinema

SATURDAY NIGHT, MARCH 15

• The Jailhouse Rock Ball @ Ararat Town Hall

Live band - Mark Nunis & the Tailﬁns 7:30pm-11:30pm. Tickets available @ www.ararattownhall.com.au

SUNDAY, MARCH 16

• Jailhouse Rock Festival Show @ Ararat Turf Club, Geelong Road Ararat at 10am-2pm

• Car, Truck & motorbike shows

• Live Music hosted by DJ Jeﬀ & Susanne – featuring Mark Nunis & The Tailﬁns, Double Agents & Cobra 45s

• Dance ﬂoor

• Food Vans

supported by:

SEA OF COLOUR: Wimmera Lutheran College Horsham Campus and St Brigid’s College Horsham students dressed to impress for their annual swimming sports. Wimmera house won the Lutheran college’s secondary school swimming carnival on Friday, while St Brigid’s students took to the pool yesterday. Pictured are, clockwise from above: Charlotte Watson, Charity McKinley, Becca Keel and Eden Labram, front, WLC; Ayva Robertson, Isabella Leonforte, Summer Campey, Maddie Carracher and Niamh McDonald, St Brigid’s; Lexi Heard, Tess Wilson, Jess Dufty, Mia Nuttall, Evie Simpson, Prue Heard and Oliver Martin, front, WLC; Max Both and Cooper Puls, WLC; Mia Rees, Maddi Bethune, Lily Jones, Chelsea Ellis and Milla Carter, St Brigid’s; Willow Martin, Ilze van Zyl and Harper BentonHuebner, WLC; and centre, Matilda Horvat and Vivienne Newton-Schwartz, St Brigid’s.

Rental

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.

Crossword

Fit the given numbers into the hexagons so that where the hexagons touch, the numbers will be the same No number is repeated in any hexagon

taKE a BrEaK

on thiS Day

From The Weekly Advertiser archives: February 24, 2005 –Exhibitor numbers for the Wimmera Machinery Field Days at Longerenong had smashed all previous records – more than 700 exhibitors had booked sites. Newly appointed field days event manager Sharolyn Taylor said she ‘couldn’t be happier’ with the response, and said there was plenty to see and do at the event. Wimmera Machinery Field Days committee members Simon Tickner, Peter Moore and Alister Cameron are pictured at a working bee prior to the event.

10 years ago: February 25, 2015 Prize money for women competing in the annual Stawell Gift 120-metre event was boosted to $60,000 from $6000. Attracting 1600 athletes each year, the event was expected to bring increased interest from athletes worldwide.

Five years ago: February 26, 2020

Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation Horsham Branch had all but reached its $100,000 money-raising target for Wimmera Cancer Centre. The branch’s three-year campaign was closed off when $20,000 was generated at a dinner and gala ball. The event attracted about 150 people, double the number of attendees of the previous year’s event.

One year ago: February 14, 2024

New changerooms and undercover, tiered spectator seating was to be built at Nhill’s Davis Park after receiving $250,000 from the State Government and AFL’s Country Football Netball Program. The changerooms were to be constructed where the former grandstand was located. The works were set to begin in April and take 12 to 18 months to complete. The works were part of a $1.5-million master plan for Davis Park.

FIVE-DAY

1. Born on this day in 1829 was which German-born American clothing designer, who founded the first company to manufacture blue jeans?

2. Which legendary performer gave his grand UK finale at the 2023 Glastonbury Festival?

3. What’s the gentle cooking process called when you heat a liquid just below its boiling point?

4. Notable Australian poet John Shaw Neilson was born in Penola, South Australia, and spent much of his childhood in Nhill district after his family moved from what other west Wimmera town?

5. Which item of clothing is associated with the term ‘denier’?

6. How many points does a birdie earn in golf’s Stableford scoring system?

7. What is the deepest ocean trench on Earth?

8. One of the biggest selling albums of all time is the soundtrack to which 1992 film?

9. What was the first mobile tornado tracking device called? 10. Which singer-songwriter is Australian, Eric Clapton or Richard Clapton?

Answers: 1. Levi Strauss. 2. Elton John. He has played more than 3000 concerts across 75 countries around the world since 1970. 3. Simmering. 4. Minimay. 5. Tights, pantyhose and stockings. It refers to the fabric’s weight. 6. Three. 7. Mariana Trench, in the Pacific Ocean. It has a maximum depth of about 11 kilometres. 8. The Bodyguard. 9. TOTO – researchers -cre ated the Totable Tornado Observatory, TOTO, in an effort to collect weather data from inside a tornado. It was named after Dorothy’s dog in the movie The Wizard of Oz. 10. Richard -Clap ton. Eric Clapton is British.

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

5382 1351: Mark Sulic: marks@team.aceradio.com.au; Lee Meadows: leem@team.aceradio.com.au; Kelly Schilling: kschilling@aceradio.com.au; Danica Cutter: dcutter@aceradio.com.au; Heidi Higginson: heidih@aceradio.com.au; Lily Olver: lolver@aceradio.com.au

Newsroom 5382 1351: Lauren Henry: lhenry@aceradio.com.au; Bronwyn Hastings: bhastings@aceradio.com.au; Georgia Bailey: georgiab@team.aceradio.com.au

The publisher and general manager is Brendan O’Loughlin, C/- 2 Stawell Road,

Brought to you by

yoUr

LUCKy StarS

with Sarah KULKEnS Australia’s Trusted

FOR THE WEEK MARCH 1 TO MARCH 8

ARIES (March 21 - April 20)

Lucky Colour: White Lucky Day: Saturday

Racing Numbers: 5, 6, 1, 4

Lotto Numbers: 2, 15, 45, 36, 3, 2

It’s a busy period where decisions involving others’ assets require careful thought. Be cautious and avoid mixing love and career dealings during this time.

TAURUS (April 21 - May 20)

Lucky Colour: Blue Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 6, 4, 2, 1

Lotto Numbers: 13, 15, 24, 25, 35, 33

Many will find themselves tying up loose ends and removing themselves from tricky situations. On the domestic front, changes like rearranging furniture or even changing addresses may be on the cards.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 21)

Lucky Colour: White

Lucky Day: Monday

Racing Numbers: 6, 4, 2, 5

Lotto Numbers: 1, 2, 12, 25, 32, 33

Think before you speak, as your words could lose you support where it matters most. Travel plans may shift, but people will be more inclined to listen to your ideas later in the period.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Friday

Racing Numbers: 2, 6, 3, 3

Lotto Numbers: 1, 5, 12, 21, 45, 44

A lot will depend on how you manage the family budget. Now’s the time to pay off bills and return favours. Be careful not to get caught in the middle of disputes between friends.

LEO (July 23 - August 22)

Lucky Colour: Lilac

Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 5, 6, 3, 2

Lotto Numbers: 32, 36, 25, 24, 42, 41

For the patient Leo, things are about to return to normal. If you’re planning major changes, think carefully about who benefits the most. Stick with those you trust most.

VIRGO (August 23 - September 23)

Lucky Colour: Orange

Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 5, 6, 3, 2

Lotto Numbers: 12, 15, 24, 25, 38, 39

Someone close may irritate you, but try not to take their remarks personally. For those ready for action, many changes are on the horizon, and success is likely. Trust your lucky hunches!

LIBRA (September 24 - October 23)

Lucky Colour: White

Lucky Day: Monday

Racing Numbers: 2, 5, 4, 1

Lotto Numbers: 2, 15, 14, 41, 44, 22

There may be travel delays, and romance might not turn out as expected – but it will still be enjoyable. Grab a Tatts ticket with a Virgo for some extra luck.

SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22)

Lucky Colour: Cream

Lucky Day: Friday

Racing Numbers: 5, 6, 2, 1

Lotto Numbers: 3, 20, 10, 14, 5, 19

Career and work matters should progress well, with chances for promotion or a raise. Avoid business deals with those who aren’t trustworthy – this is not the time to take risks.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 20)

Lucky Colour: Olive

Lucky Day: Monday

Racing Numbers: 5, 8, 6, 4

Lotto Numbers: 10, 15, 24, 26, 35, 33

A fast-moving period where anything can happen – so be prepared! Keep a tight rein on expenses, and avoid making promises that are difficult to fulfil.

CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19)

Lucky Colour: Fawn

Lucky Day: Friday

Racing Numbers: 4, 2, 6, 3

Lotto Numbers: 2, 5, 14, 18, 24, 45

You’ll find people are more responsive to you during this time, so take advantage of it. Promotions or a salary increase could be on the horizon if you present yourself well.

AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 19)

Lucky Colour: Red

Lucky Day: Friday

Racing Numbers: 8, 9, 4, 7

Lotto Numbers: 8, 9, 18, 24, 45, 22

Luck could come in various forms during this period, so make sure you’re in a position to benefit from it. Romance will be especially favourable, and someone special may reach out.

PISCES (February 20 - March 20)

Lucky Colour: White

Lucky Day: Tuesday

Racing Numbers: 8, 6, 4, 1

Lotto Numbers: 13, 15, 24, 26, 35, 36

^ _ ` a b c d e f g h i

Take extra care on the roads, and avoid tampering with machinery you’re unfamiliar with. This outgoing period could see new friendships forming, and a lucky encounter with a stranger may bring good fortune.

Batteryelectric vehicle, BEV, sales appear to be meeting growing resistance in Australia, mirroring larger global pushback of a technology many buyers perceive as not offering the range, convenience, value, or resale stability familiar to internal combustion engine, ICE, and hybrid alternatives.

Despite significant competition –and pricing parity with hybrid and ICE models particularly for buyers willing to consider Chinese brands –BEV sales growth slowed in Australia during 2024, with about 91,000 delivered, up 7.2 per cent on 2023, when BEV sales soared 161.1 per cent over 2022 – and an alarming 21.7 per cent drop in January 2025, to 3832 units for the month.

While advocates of the technology, including the Electric Vehicle Council are quick to include plug-in hybrids, PHEV, in sales totals, VFACTS data compiled by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries shows BEVs alone are doing less to change the hearts and minds of Australian buyers.

The fortunes of BEV-specific brands well-established in Australia – Polestar and Tesla – for which sales figures are exclusively collated by the EVC, suggest waning consumer sentiment for the technology, plus pressure from new BEV entrants and increased interest in PHEVs.

In January, 739 Tesla vehicles were sold, down 33.2 per cent year-on-year, and 82 Polestar vehicles, down 45.3 per cent.

Others, however, including BYD, are growing at pace albeit with PHEV models such as the Sealion 6 medium SUV and Shark 6 dual-cab ute looking increasingly like the Chinese brand’s main growth engines.

Australian BYD sales are up 530 units year-on-year to 1993, the ambitious brand climbing overall to 20,458 units, up 64.5 per cent over the past 12 months.

Similarly, luxury German importer BMW reported a growing BEV share in its Australian range, with last year’s combined BMW and Mini BEV sales of 8921 units outstripping those of Chinese-owned British brand MG Motor.

Yet, despite glimmers of optimism, it is apparent some BEV manufacturers have moved too fast, too soon.

In the past fortnight alone, GoAuto has reported on a change in tack from Ford, Alfa Romeo, and Smart – all of which have announced a retreat from the move to go fully electric in favour of hybridised drive.

Ultra-luxury brands Aston Martin and Bentley have also recently backtracked on their proposed switch to BEV-only line-ups.

GoAuto has also reported on the failure of BEV start-up Canoo – which now joins other short-lived manufacturers including Arrival, Faraday Fu-

ture, Fisker and Lordstown Motors in being consigned to the annals history.

Even former BEV golden child Tesla posted a shaky finish to 2024, with final quarter income down a whopping 71 per cent to $3.7-billion.

Further, industry-wide job losses are being observed across the automotive components sector as European heavyweights including Bosch front economic hardship from over-investment in a technology facing slowerthan-expected sales.

Without significant government incentivisation, the estimated 248,000 battery electric vehicles on Australian roads will face an even tougher road

“There’s still much more work to be done to drive wider EV adoption – but Australia is heading in the right direction,” she said.

“To boost momentum, we need to build on the current FBT policies, support more charging infrastructure and focus on light commercial vehicles to make it even easier for more Australians to transition to cleaner, cost-effective driving.”

ahead, as noted by Electric Vehicle Council chief executive Julie Delvecchio.

– Matt Brogan

ADVERTISEMENT Fighting for Mallee

It was my great pleasure to bring Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Hon. Milton Dick, to Wimmera Lutheran College Horsham campus on Monday morning. It is great to show the next generation the vital mportance of our world-leading, stable, healthy Australian democracy and the value of bipartisanship. The Speaker is, after all, a Labor MP.

As I told the Speaker in the House earlier in February, it may disappoint him that there is a little grumbling about Labor in the region.

At the time of writing on Monday morning, I could not believe my ears when I heard, yet again, that Labor Premier Jacinta Allan still had not moved to help fire-affected Halls Gap businesses by asking Prime Minister Albanese for support.

The Grampians fire started on 17 December and was contained by 8 January, yet here we are 71 days since the fire started, and 49 days after it was contained, without the Premier lifting a finger. It is a point I made in Canberra in a speech on 10 February.

When you consider that the Queensland Liberal-National Premier sought support for ﬂood-affected Townsville within 15 days … you can see why Labor are a bit on the nose in the Grampians.

A federal election will soon be upon us and Horsham, Wimmera and Grampians residents

will be asking themselves – am I better off under the Albanese Labor Government? Those I ask that question to give me a resounding no.

Tuesday week ago the Reserve Bank of Australia may well have granted interest rate relief at long last – 1,567 days since our last rate cut and after 12 interest rate hikes under Labor – but Australian families and businesses are far from out of the woods. The RBA indicated that living standards under Labor will not improve to the levels they were under the Coalition until 2030.

Families, pensioners, self-funded retirees and small businesses cannot hang in there for another 5 years. We’ve seen 27,000 small businesses across the nation go insolvent in the last 3 years.

A Dutton-Littleproud Coalition Government will get Australia back on track.

EMPOWERING WOMEN’S VOICES

JOIN US AS WE CELEBRATE THE

8PM

MANHARI METALS

Based on unprecedented reader and listener demand, we encourage regional trade-based businesses to become part of The Weekly Advertiserʼs Local Trade Directory.

The Local Trade Directory offers the only true multimedia platform combining print, radio and online services for businesses to ʻspread the wordʼ in across the Wimmera, Mallee and Grampians.

It’s aﬀordable and eﬀective!

For a small weekly investment you will receive an advertisement (as above) PLUS... Receive bonus radio credit mentions on MIXX FM and 3WM throughout your paper advertising period.

Classifieds

~ BLAKE ~ Kay and Fred 26-2-1965

Married at St Johns Anglican Church, Horsham

Congratulations on 60 years of marriage and love.

All our love Linda, Dianna, Anita, Lauren, Jessica & Tommy

JANETZKI, Peter

Fond and happy memories of our dear friend.

Rex (dec), Cheryl, Melissa, Sebby, Janelle, and Sin

JANETZKI, Peter

The Minyip Murtoa Football and Netball Club acknowledges the passing of Peter Janetzki and oﬀer our sympathies to Rosalie, Kerrie, Louise, Melinda, Tim and the extended Janetzki family.

MacINNES, Lois Patricia

Passed away on February 21, 2025 aged 95 years.

Dearly loved wife of Ian (dec).

Loving mother and mother in law of Graham & Sarah; Roger & Deb; Allan & Roslyn; Faye & John Muszkieta; Helen & Tim Riley.

Adored Grandma of 12 and Great Grandma of 14. Reunited with Dad In God’s Care

TRESTRAIL

HAMILTON, Kenneth John

The funeral of Kenneth John Hamilton will take place at the Ballarat Crematorium, Sovereign Chapel next Thursday, March 6, 2025 commencing at 1pm

The service may also be viewed online at ballaratcemeteries. com.au/live-streaming

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter

Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

MacINNES, Lois Patricia

The Funeral of Lois Patricia MacInnes will leave St Andrew’s Uniting Church, Horsham on Thursday, 6 March 2025 after a service commencing at 2pm for the Horsham Lawn Cemetery.

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

Married at Daylesford March 1, 1975

Congratulations Ian & Glenda ~ Moorhead ~ Love, Bronwyn & Simon; Erin & Ash; Daniel, Julia; Ryan & Claire

Golden Wedding Anniversary CLYNE, Mathew Nathan

5.5.2004 - 9.2.2025

Loved Grandson of Gordon and Maureen. Nephew and cousin of Glen and Susie, Michael and Andrea, Jason and Renae and their families.

So blessed to have had

HAMILTON, Kenneth John “Ken”

Passed away on January 30, 2025 aged 78 years.

Dearly loved father and father-in-law of Darren & Inga; Jackie & Leonard; Kenny; Troy & Sarah.

Adored Grandpa Ken to all of his grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Loving brother and brother-in-law to June & George, and Micky (dec). Gone Fishing

Peter was a former President, dedicated volunteer, passionate supporter and life member.

We remember with gratitude his sense of humour and long and loyal service to our club.

JANETZKI, Peter Wilfred

Passed away on February 17, 2025 aged 87 years.

Dearly loved husband of Rosalie.

Loving father and father in law of Kerrie & Shane; Louise & Craig; Melinda & Jason; and Tim.

Adored Poppy to Nadine and Sophie; Ruby and Amber; Riley and Darcy.

Special friend of Shenae.

Forever In Our Hearts

KNIGHT (nee Leith), Val

Passed away on February 20, 2025 aged 95 years.

Dearly loved wife of Alan (dec).

Loving mother and mother in law of Graham; Janet & Hoss.

Treasured Memories Forever In Our Hearts

KNIGHT (Leith), Valerie 1929 - 2025

Loved sister of Norma, sister-in-law of Angus, and Aunty of Campbell.

Rest peacefully my travel companion

(nee Shepherdson), Betty 1933 - 2025

Wife of George (dec).

Sister and sister-in-law of Marj and Kevin, and their families. Remembered always.

CLYNE, Mathew Nathan

05.05.2004 – 09.02.2025

The funeral service to farewell the life of Matt Clyne is to be held at Horsham Motocross Track, 630 Henty Highway, Dooen on Friday February 28th commencing at 10.30am.

An interment will follow at Horsham Lawn Cemetery.

There will be no livestream so please do not follow any links found on any social formats or websites.

Amity & Dylan Hartwich 5382 1149

DRUM, Angela ‘Ange’

A memorial service for the late Ange Drum will be held at Banyena Hall, 3568 Banyena Rd, Banyena on Friday the 4th of April commencing at 11:00am.

Following the service Ange’s family warmly invite everyone to stay for a light lunch and refreshments.

Ange’s ashes will be interred with Mum and Dad in a private family gathering. Details will be updated with www.davidbull.com.au

JANETZKI, Peter Wilfred

The Funeral of Peter Wilfred Janetzki will leave St John’s Lutheran Church, Murtoa on Wednesday, 26 February 2025 after a service commencing at 10.30am for the Murtoa Cemetery.

A recording of the service may be viewed after the funeral date by visiting vimeo.com/event/4937915

Murtoa Funerals

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5385 2833 AFDA Member

KNIGHT, Val

Val Knight will be farewelled at a private family gathering.

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

LASKEY, Norma Rae

The Funeral of Norma Rae Laskey will take place at the Murtoa Mechanics Hall on Friday, 28 February 2025 commencing at 1.30pm.

Please wear a splash of colour. Private cremation.

In lieu of flowers donations in memory of Norma may be made to the Cancer Council Victoria. Donation envelopes will be available at the service.

Murtoa Funerals

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5385 2833 AFDA Member

~ SMITH ~ Lance

14-9-52 to 3-3-21

We think about you always, We talk about you still; You have never been forgotten and never will.

We hold you close within our hearts and there you will remain,

To walk and guide us through our lives until we meet again.

Time slips by and life goes on,

But from our hearts you are never gone.

We think about you always, We talk about you too.

We have so many memories, But we wish we still had you.

Loving memories

Love Janice and Dwayne ❤ ~ THOMAS ~ Gerry 24-2-2017

Helen, Sharon, Michael, Emma and Thomas The

Goats for sale, 6mth old male goat, pregnant female goat Ph 0414851313

Goats for sale, mixed breeds, pic# 3YKHS059, from $60 each Ph 0427361940

Pembroke Corgi Pups, male & females, source# 262769, microchip 953010006873021, 953010006873006, 953010006857644 Ph 0400058264

Purebred black faced Dorper, rams and ewes, rams 2yrs old, ewes 9months old, pic# 3HSDC083 Ph Liz 0419664345

Purebred German Shepherd, 13 weeks old, black and tan, great temperament, toilet trained, straight, 2 boys source# MB115424, m/chip# 953010007067038/7069200 Ph 0421018631

Purebred German Shepherd 7 months, black and tan, great temperament, toilet trained, straight, one boy & one girl source# MB115424, m/chip# 956000016586733/6681104 Ph 0421018631

Roosters, ducks and guinea fowl wanted to buy Ph 0427361940

Very pretty & young budgies, assorted colours, ready to go $10 each Ph 0423182267

Restored Antique cast iron/ timber garden benches $250 each Ph 53522691

13’ 1992 Colt Caravan, tv, a/c, 2way fridge, awning, VGC, reg till May 25, as is $8500 Ph 0487750540

1998 Jayco Westport , full annexe, a/c, oven, microwave, always shedded, many extras $18,000ono Ph 0419514118

2013 Jayco Starcraft, 21’, one owner, very little use, as new, many added extras $40,000 Ph 0427909230

2013 Jurgens Lunagazer

J24, 6.3m/21’, J2403, 2 berth, shower/toilet, air con, diesel heater, always shedded, VGC $38,500 Ph 0418350445

2014 JB dirt roader

19’caravan, full ensuite queen bed, 3 way fridge washing machine, reverse cycle a/c diesel heater, Sirocco fans, 2 solar panels, 2 batteries, 280 litres water $44,000 Ph 0427902375 Beulah

2014 Lagoon Pasadena Caravan, 2 single beds, showr & toilet, diesel heater, air con, annex & rear camera, sat king TV, $38,000 Ph 0427861784

2017 Ezytrail Stirling, excellent condition, forward folding hard floor, full annex, 600w inverter, TV, 80lt WACO fridge, memory foam mattress topper, always stored undercover, $18,500 ono Ph 0439022870

2017 Jayco Starcraft caravan, 16’, queen size bed, full oven, ensuite, easy to tow, hardly used, as new van Ph 0429982394

Caravan 20’ full length, solid annex, ensuite shower, basin toilet, on permanent site in Portland Seaside Caravan Park, fully furnished, for holidays or permanent living $5800ono Ph 0432544164

CUB Escape camper, 2020, Australian made, off road camper that will go anywhere, queen size bed, all canvas awnings, very good condition

$24,800 Ph 0490532715

Jayco Finch Pop Top, double beds with fly mesh, electric brakes, boat rack, annex $12,000 Ph 53582560

MDC Highside Cruiser 2019, 3 ton McHitch, 110L fridge, EC $11,500 Ph 0407147996

REDUCED 2006 Concept

Ascot pop-top, immac cond, shedded, low kms, new full annexe, R33763 $18,500 Ph Ray 0413445347

REDUCED 2009 Jayco Stirling Expander, immaculate cond, front club lounge, slide out q/ bed, full ensuite, roll out awning and full annex $40,000ono Ph 0428913307

REDUCED 2014 Concept Innovation, 590R, 19ft 6in, full ensuite, WM, Q bed, full fridge/ freezer, TV, new microwave, 2 batteries, AC, 2 toolboxes, awning, annex, ex cond, $42,000 Ph 0437164589

REDUCED 2018 Dingo

Ultimate Camper , heavy duty top of the line off-road trailer including boat rack, fully enclosed annexe including ensuite, lots of storage, built-in instant gas hot water to sink and shower, dual AGM batteries and built-in inverter and charger, innerspring mattress and ability to make up second double bed, two new off-road tyres, VGC, Y76535 $16,500ono Ph 0407360212

REDUCED Isuzu Outback

Express Motorhome for sale, 2 seater, sleeps 3, 4ltr diesel engine, solar panels, auto, diesel, fridge, tv, shower, toilet, stove and lots more, have to see to believe, can drive on normal car licence, 3.1m long, RWC, $40,000 with 12mth rego and RWC Ph Phillip 0428173606 or Susan and ask for Phillip 0458727370 Horsham

REDUCED New Age 2013 , queen bed, TV, large fridge, microwave, gas/electric hot plates, toilet, shower, washing machine, full annex, sway bars, $44,000 Ph 0427778747

Toyota Coaster camper , 2 seater, diesel heater, 1hz motor, solar and 12v awning much more $40,000 Ph 0418325662

1997 Hercules Tipper $76,000 plus Gst Ph 0428386295

Clipex Sheep Handler, 2018

Portable Contractor Model, 3 way auto-draft, includes : foot pedal, remote control, cover, manuals, tool kit and spare parts, always shedded and covered, not done a lot of work, $16,500 PLUS gst, Located Balmoral Ph 0429 846 236 Cox ride on lawn mower $900 Ph 0407285097

Inter AB160 Tipper Grouper drives well, good brakes, $2500 inc Jeparit Ph 0419778181

New Holland T8 360, 2250 hrs, one owner, non- smoker, never pulled an air-seeder, add blue switched off, linkage, UHF radio, auto steer ready, 50km box, excellent condition, upgraded to articulated $249,000 plus Gst $273,900 inc Gst Ph 0418504408

REDUCED 2022 Mahindra 6110, 60 HP, front end loader, 4 in 1 bucket, FWA, a/c cab, balance of new warranty, 368 hrs on clock $43,900 Ph 0428349401

REDUCED Versatile 555 Tractor, good working order $12,000 ono Ph 0493394223

pipes, 6 1/4” diamiter x 39” long, ideal planters $150 or $50 each Ph 0428504301

30 ton silo $650 ono Ph 0427361940

5 step platform ladder , galvanised, on wheels with brakes $450 Ph 53522691

Archery equipment , 3 compound bows, 35 pound youth bow, 60 pound adult bow, 16 wheeler antique, 1 45 pound Samic longbow, arrows, tool boxes, apres and fletching jig

$500 Ph 0429164375

Camping equipment, 2 dome tents, 10 man and 4 man, sleeping chair tent, 3 roll up tables, shower tent, 2 gas stoves, 4 spare bottles, camp kitchen, blow up q/bed $450 Ph 0429164375

Craftsmen ZTS700 ride-on zero-turn mower, good condition, 21 hp engine, reconditioned spindle and deck, many hours left in this machine $2850 Ph Eddy 0428922335

Darche Panorama 2 with roof top tent $1000, Darche Eclipse 270 awning, drivers side, plus side walls $600 Ph 0428506423

Flip Billiard/ Air Hockey table, 110cm x 210cm, accessories included, trailer required $300 Ph 0409122968

Galvanised trailer, 5x5 $800 Ph 53522691

GrainRite 2018 50’ X 10.75” self propelled auger, 35hp e/s Vanguard motor, plastic grain hopper $25,000 inc Gst Ph 0428852409 Murtoa

Hay for Sale, Wheaten hay top quality in 5x4 round bales $290 + gst per ton can deliver 14 bale loads Ph 0429954795

Tradesman trailer, off road $4500 Ph 0407285097 Various Steel Trusses, approx 20ft long, $2 per foot ono, Jeparit Ph 0419778181

Camping Equipment, including as new Yamaha 2KVa inverter generator never used, aqua cube shower, porta potty, Komodo pantry, and clothesline $2500 Ph 0458683879

CCE cage on wheels 6x4 well made $400, 500 gallon ex fuel tank $100, Coolgardie safe

$100, Ute crate, 6x4 tub tight

Hot potato mobile van, bought new 2018, never used $980 ono Ph 0432544164

Invacare Pegasus mobility scooter, excellent condition, includes: shade canopy, front basket & rear carrier, $3500 Ph 0408 826 727

Ph 0419359501

$50, Bailey extension ladder 5.3 extends to 6.3 $500, leith grain measuring sheep feeder $1000, new Holland Mower GC with parts, best offer Ph 0429857207

K-Hobie Mirage Compass , 12’, 2 rod holders, paddles,

Freighter 40 ft trailer, full set containing pins, tri-axle, needs work, brakes, etc, $8000 inc Gst Ph 0419778181 Jeparit

Outdoor spa , sapphire, 5 person $4500 Ph 0407285097

Wall unit sliding door & shelves $30, coffee table with tiled top $25, timber corner unit $15, outdoor setting with 4 chairs & laminex oval table $80 Ph 0409967815 Horsham

BMW K1200 RS, 2010 model, comes with panniers, top box, reg til Aug, RW, BY136 $4800ono Ph 0419508310 Stawell area

1999 Toyota Dual Cab Ute, 4x4 diesel with fold out camper $12,500 Ph 0428822730

3.7 m boat and cover, QL624, an aussie made trailer P83061, Yamaha 15 HP motor, near new $4000 Ph 53582560

BoCam aluminium fold up boat trailer, EC, 50kg tare, GTM 250kg, $1650 Ph 0428990602

Pietscraft 3.5m Fishing Boat, 15hp, Johnson tilt trailer, boat cover, all accessories $5000 Ph 0428822730

The Weekly Advertiser welcomes your advertising. We are required strictly by law to include specific information on some items when publishing your advertisement.

A snapshot of your obligations are as follows: BOATSAll advertisements for boats must include:

• Hull number or registration number of the boat

If a trailer is included with the boat, the advertisement must also include:

• Registration number or chassis number of the trailer.

Aspire wheelchair, as new condition, barely used once a day for 3 months, extremely comfortable, cost $3500 from Action AIDS, reduced price $950 Ph 0427562913 Horsham Freedom forearm walker $250, wheelchair $150 Ph 0437600095 Shoprider Allrounder mobility scooter, 2yrs old, EC, hard canopy, weather proof fittings $4200 Ph 0419633821 Dimboola

2020 Harley Low Rider 107, FXLR 1745 cc, heaps of extras, EC, rego 3 monthly basis, 27,270 kms, 2K4ZJ $20,000 Ph 0409590596

BMW R1100 RT, EC, reg till 5/25, 123k kms, YD865 $4600 Ph 0409954491

REDUCED BMW R1200RT Solo, 2007, Ex SA Police, GO, HGR, EWS, CC, RW cond, unregistered, service manuals $3000 Ph 0428154961

1989 Toyota Camry Sedan 2 litre EFI, red, unregistered, vin# 6T153SV2109103569, 198,000 kms $500 Ph Peter 53525927 leave message

Ford XA 1972 era Panel Van with rust $1500 neg Ph 0428501109

1990 Nissan Patrol GQ 4.2petrol, 12months rego, 654000km, new tyres, JN1OWGY6OA0020221, 1YI5EW $10,000 neg Ph 0428501109

2001 Fairlane Ghia , AU11 series, meteorite colour, QFQ527 $3250 Ph53503220

2005 SP Mazda 3 Hatch, 5 speed manual, power steering & aircon, black in colour, 1YD6TE, 193000km, RWC, $4500, Ph 0423335246

2005 Toyota Corolla Ascent, auto, EC, second owner, RWC, 4 new tyres, 107,000kms, UGX252 $7000 ono Ph 0429963559

2006 Mitsubishi CH Lancer ES Wagon, 2nd owner well maintained and very reliable, 4 cylinder petrol, Automatic, Power Steering, ABS, Front Air Bags, Cruise, Window Tint, new tyres, 3 months rego, RWC, UEO093 $3900 Ph 0498981106

Honda Civic , 1994, great condition with RWC, automatic & aircon, colour black, Vtech motor, vin JHME6548005203141 $10,000 Ph 0428501109

2007 BMW 650i Coupe, 4.8 V8, auto,197,000 kms, reg Jan 2025 and RWC $10,500 Ph 0490364260

REDUCED 2013 Toyota ATARA, 2.5L sports sedan, auto, RWC, Toyota seat covers, only 2 owners, selling due to downsizing, 127,000kms, $12,000 Ph 0400728252

2003 Landcruiser, auto, factory turbo diesel, lots of accessories, HDJ100, 420,000km $29,500 Ph 0447159379

2010 3.0L Turbo Diesel Toyota Landcruiser Prado 150 series GXL, immaculate condition, never taken off road, car is in perfect condition, no dents or scratches, car comes with: 2 remote keys, fully serviced logbook, genuine ARB bullbar colour matched, dual battery set up, rear Anderson plug, trailer brakes, Apple Car Play/ DVD player upgrade, head unit upgraded with genuine Toyota Kakadu 18” gun metal wheels, roof racks, towbar, clear titlewith no accidents, no finance owed, genuine low kms at 143,000, would suit the fussiest buyer $39,000 Ph 0407046864

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2014 Nissan Navara D22 2.5 turbo diesel 4X4 ute, registered until December with service books, low 91,600kms $22,500ono Ph 0492496448

2016 Mitsubishi Triton Twin Cab, diesel, 5 speed auto, near new tyres, hard lid, H/D tow bar and plug, elect brakes, great tow vehicle, good condition, regularly serviced, 128,00km, Reg July,1EV1VA, $22,000 ONO, inspection invited Ph 0429491426

The Weekly Advertiser welcomes your advertising. We are required strictly by law to include specific information on some items when publishing your advertisement. A snapshot of your obligations are as follows:

ROAD VEHICLESAll advertisements for road vehicles must include a price, as well as:

• A registration number, if registered

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HSE TD4 Discovery Sport 7 seater, very economical, 7 seater 2 foldout seats in the rear, 1 owner since new, factory towbar, leather seats, great condition, diesel, auto start/S\stop, heated/cooled front seats, lane departure warning, keyless start, front rear sensors, rear camera, power tailgate, full service history, all the gadgets, USB ports, 171,579kms, CYU214 $21,000 Ph 0419597954

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Toyota Hilux 2022, 4 wheel drive, auto, diesel, new tyres, warranty, immaculate condition, 48,747kms, 1NV4FU $42,390 plus Gst Ph 0427858264

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Too busy?

How many times have you asked someone, “How are you?” and they have answered, “Busy”? Western life is built on ‘doing.’ For now, the holidays are well and truly over and routines are settling. There is so much going on. People go from one thing to the next; high demands on time, and people are left exhausted. Doing, not being.

We work to get things. We spend our lives accumulating, only to declutter as we age. We want to ‘get ahead’, but in what sense? At the end of our lives, what will matter? Can we take our riches to the grave? We want to leave assets or money to our children, but have no control over what will happen with all we worked so hard to achieve. So much in our society is about ‘doing’, and not much about ‘being.’

I wonder if we spent more time on our relationships and sharing together rather than working or getting things, what our lives, our world, would look like?

Jesus, Teacher, Healer, Provider, Miracle Worker, Son of God, is all about relationship; being, not doing. Everywhere he went, he made time for people. Rather than money, status, power or celebrity, this humble Son of God shows us how to live in a way that life is full and fulfilling. Always making time for people, he said, “For even the Son of Man did not come to be served, but to serve, and to give his life as a ransom for many.” Mark 10:45. And, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the

Join the Kaniva LINK Neighbourhood House team as a Community Support Ofﬁcer!

Are you passionate about making a difference in your community? LINK Neighbourhood House, Kaniva is looking for a dedicated, part-time (8 hours) Community Support Ofﬁcer to join our friendly team to support the NH Coordinator across all areas of ofﬁce co-ordination and program administration. For a copy of the position description please call Sharon Munn at LINK on 5392 2865 or email kanivalc@bigpond.net.au

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HR Licence required

Your success will be measured by your ability to be an effective team player who significantly contributes to maintaining high levels of safety, quality and efficient work practices whilst improving the appearance and structural integrity of Council’s streetscapes, assets and associated infrastructure.

For more information about these roles, please visit: www.ararat.vic.gov.au or contact Human Resources on (03) 5355 0200. Applications, including a cover letter and current resume, should be submitted via email to: hr@ararat.vic.gov.au

Applications close: Friday 7 March 2025 at 4:00pm.

Dr Tim Harrison Chief Executive Officer

Sport

Brought

Bittersweet Grampians awards night

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

It was a bittersweet affair at Ararat RSL on Saturday night as the Grampians Cricket Association hosted its final senior awards presentation evening for the foreseeable future.

With the association earlier this month announcing its senior division would go into recess – leaving only junior competitions – plenty of current and former players gathered to reminisce.

Association president Matt Dean said while the night was hosted in good spirits, it was tinged with nostalgia.

“It was a bit surreal to know it was the last one,” he said.

“I had a moment to reflect the day after being knocked out in the semi finals, where I went ‘wow, this is the

last time I’ll be unpacking my gear after playing in the Grampians Cricket Association’.”

“It’s sad to see, but as I’ve said before, let’s hope it’s only ‘see you later’ and not ‘goodbye forever’.”

The ceremony saw the induction of Gary Hannett into the association’s hall of fame, as well as Marc Brilliant and Andrew Wood as life members.

Mr Dean said each of the three deserved their accolades.

“We had Gary inducted into the hall of fame, and looking at his record I can’t believe it hasn’t happened sooner – not just playing, but the time he’s spent on the committee and everything he’s done for the association,” he said.

“He’s a very worthy inductee in my books and in everyone else’s books.

“Our two life members inducted, in Marc Brilliant and Andrew Wood,

were both long-time players and served on the committee, with Marc still playing and ‘Woody’ continuing on as an umpire.

“Marc has spent the last five or six years on the board and got the association into a really strong position with funds.”

Mr Dean said he still maintained hope the Grampians senior competition would one day return.

“There are some kids that were saying after the semi finals ‘don’t worry, we’ll do everything we can to make sure cricket stays and senior cricket comes back’. Mind you, these kids are only eight years old,” he said.

“But that filled me with joy to know there are still young kids with the passion for it.

“They want to see cricket keep going and they want to have somewhere local to play, and if we can have a few

COUNTRY CUP: Horsham hosted the annual Victorian Country Cup 8-Ball Tournament at the weekend, with Geelong Gold winning division one against Ballarat 7-5. An undefeated Gold’s Jack Green was player of the tournament, with eight wins and no losses. Geelong Blue defeated Bendigo Dragons 7-3 to win division two, with Ararat’s Chris Pascall the best player, winning seven of his eight games. Stawell came out on top of Surf Coast in division three, 7-6, Stawell’s undefeated Jake Brazendale was best player. Western Plains was too good for Geelong Wanderers in division four, winning 7-5. Whipstick Miners’ Ben Budd was the division’s best, winning seven of his games. Finals were played in a first-to-seven wins format. Pictured in action are, clockwise from above: Mitch Adams, Geelong, division one; Chris Jolly, Stawell, division two; Craig Barnett, Horsham, division two; Hannu Okfala, Horsham, division two; Gary Chester, Horsham, division two; Broe Shiells, Warrnambool, division one; and centre, Phil Barnard, Horsham, division two. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

more of these kids up and around, there is no reason the Grampians Cricket Association senior competition won’t reform.”

Award winners: Under-16 Terry Lannon Champion Player Award, Will Chamings, 322 points; batting aggregate, Max McMahon, 394 runs; batting average, Tom Mills, 246 runs at 49.2, runner-up Matt Heffer, 341 at 48.7; bowling aggregate, Matt Heffer, 16 wickets; bowling average, Matt Heffer 16 wickets at 13.4, runner-up James Hosking, 15 wickets at 8.8; fielding award, Craig Marrow, nine catches, two stumpings; champion player, Matt Heffer, 541 points; best under-21 player, Max McMahon, 514 points; Greg Goldsmith Award, Max McMahon.

Team of the year: Max McMahon, 394 runs at 39.4, high score 94, three 50s; Aiden Graveson, 286 runs at

28.6, high score 101, two 50s, one 100; Zac Marrow, 211 runs at 42.2, high score 53 not out, two 50s, 10 wickets at 10.2, best bowling 4-7; Tom Mills, 246 runs at 49.2; high score 62, two 50s; Matt Heffer, 341 runs at 48.7, high score 76, two 50s, 16 wickets at 13.4, best bowling 4-27; Charlie McIntosh, 315 runs at 28.6, high score 79, three 50s; Craig Marrow, keeper, 72 runs at 14.4, high score 29 not out, nine catches, two stumpings; Tyler Cronin, 11 wickets at 8.6, best bowling 4-15, 148 runs at 21.1, high score 36; Matthew Dean, 14 wickets at 14.9, best bowling 4-22; James Hosking, 15 wickets at 8.8, best bowling 4-7, 73 runs at 25.3, high score 27 not out; Caleb Bretherton, 14 wickets at 18.9, best bowling 3-18; 12th man Daniel Taylor, 207 runs at 20.7, high score 69, nine wickets at 21.3, best bowling 5-23.

Weekdays from 6am to 9am

Volleyball launch

BY DAVID BERRY

The pre-season is out of the way and the real thing starts tonight for Volleyball Horsham’s A Grade and women’s competitions.

The new-look Women’s A competition, with the promotion of the two WLC girls’ teams from Women’s B and the consolidation of talent across other teams, will see the strengthening of the competition.

The opening game will see the first test when the Thorns take on Lakers.

Lakers have been strengthened with the inclusion of Lydia Schneider, Kymberley Murray and Hannah Birch into a team that finished third last season.

Thorns will look to the big hitting Ilze van Zyl to win the bulk of their points, while Bonnie Grieger will step up into the second pass-hitting role.

The following game will see reigning premiers Phantoms do battle with the second WLC team, who has taken over the Heidelberg name.

Phantoms will be missing key setter Kara Johnson, but has strengthened the line-up

with the inclusion of Larree Smith. The Quick sisters Casey and Sophie will be called upon to step up in Johnson’s absence.

Heidelberg will look to Serena Johns and Amelia Van Buuren to work together as pass-hitter and setter to keep in touch with the experienced Phantoms team.

The Women’s B competition has come together nicely with six even teams.

The opening game sees the Magnificent Medicos and Von Steiger Sisters going head to head with Rej Smith and Shabnam Ariani as the Medicos prime movers, while the Von Steiger Sisters will look to Meg Armstrong and Lyn Aneban to score the bulk of their points.

The Bombers have Matilda Horvat and Chloe Mackley as their go-to players and they take on the Stars who have the improving Ray Barr and Emily Johns as their key players.

The third game sees the newly promoted Power Divas go head-to-head with the Von Steiger Shadows.

The A Grade competition will see the return of some of Volleyball Horsham’s best players.

Last season’s premiers, Phantoms, open the night when they take on the new-look Heidelberg team.

Key Phantom Tyler Puls will carry a massive load along with Noah Werry, while Heidelberg will welcome back Nathan Berry, Shaun Bray and Jake Myerscough.

This game will be decided by the two setters – Werry for Phantoms and Berry for Heidelberg. Whichever one can utilise their skills to their best will come out on top.

The final game sees Rangers take on Tsunami.

Rangers welcome back Jack Hannan and Tim Carter – both have recovered from injury that limited their appearances in the back half of last year.

Tsunami welcome into their team key middle Clay Heard to complement the work of Tyler Snowden.

Tsunami will look to youngsters Joel Brilliant, who will be making his A Grade debut, Kai Dodson and Jiedan Young to be consistent contributors.

The Divas have Eden Pumpa and Drew Armstrong as their key players, while the Shadows will look to Jean Yu and Josie Ponseca as their keys.

Sta well champions

Stawell Golf Club hosted its championships this month, with Tim Coffey winning A Grade with a scratch score of 221 – one stroke ahead of runner-up Rob Freeland. Freeland was crowned the club’s A Grade handicap champion with a score of 210, with runner-up Darryn Jenkinson eight shots behind.

B Grade scratch winner was Matt Monaghan with a score of 247, as runner-up Jakob Davis shot 255. Davis, like Freeland in the A Grade division, was winner of the B Grade handicap after finishing with the second-best scratch score, with his 210 enough to beat handicap runner-up Craigh Greenhalgh, 213.

Warren Cronin was the C Grade scratch winner with 275, beating Simon Edge, 282, while Daryl Gibson’s 215 after handicaps were applied saw him beat Edge, 216.

WINNERS: From left, C Grade winner Warren Cronin, A Grade winner Tim Coffey and B Grade winner Matt Monaghan with their awards.

The Laurie Evans Memorial Trophy for best senior handicap went to Daryl Gibson.

Devlin leads croquet competition

Horsham Golf Croquet’s Thursday and Saturday competitions featured Gary Devlin at his best – he won division one both days.

Ian Rees was his runner-up on Saturday, Brian Drendel on Thursday.

June Liddy won division two on Saturday, ahead of Greg Phillips.

Kerrie Brody came out in front in division three, with Rachel Cousins the runner-up. Thursday’s competition saw Greg Phillips win division two, with Rosemary Rees the runner-up.

Rachel Cousins won a close competition in division three, ultimately with three runnersup in Kerrie Brody, Joy Smith and Robin Devlin.

Sport

HEAT IS ON: About 40 CFA competitors travelled to Warracknabeal for Saturday’s fire brigades’ demonstration. Horsham and Hamilton will each host competition events, on March 2 and 18 respectively, in the lead-up to the annual championships at Mooroopna. The championships bring together brigade members from across the state for competition, as well as a traditional torchlight procession, contemporary equipment and trade displays, and merchandise. Brigade teams are represented by junior and senior competitors across two weekend events, as well as volunteers who marshal and time-keep. Pictured in action in Warracknabeal are, clockwise from above: Sophie and Jordan Uebergang of Hamilton; Horsham’s Riley James; Cody Polack, Rowan Richards, Isabella Orszulak and Clinton Jonasson competing with Warracknabeal; Mikayla Hornsby, Horsham; Amity Simmons, Horsham; and Ellie Williamson, Warracknabeal.

Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

Heat halts run to finals

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

Central Wimmera Tennis Association’s final round of senior games before finals was called off due to extreme heat on Saturday.

Horsham Lawn had the bye in pennant competition and it was Kalkee’s last opportunity to gain points, but would not have been able to make up enough ground to enter finals, whatever the outcome.

County Week success Sport

A team of Central Wimmera Tennis Association players had a successful outing at this month’s Tennis Victoria Country Week competition in Swan Hill, going undefeated to claim the women’s section nine championship.

Horsham Lawn players Cherie Wood and Chrissie Holmes, Homers players Belinda Jolley and Jacqui Hopper and Drung South’s Sandra Casey played at the tournament under the moniker My Favourite Team.

During the tournament from February 10 to 14, they competed against teams from across Victoria and interstate, including representatives from Mount Prospect, Buninyong, Macedon Ranges, Melbourne, Geelong and Brisbane tennis associations.

The team was given a tough test in its first match against a Macedon-based team, winning two sets and 25 games to two sets, 19 games.

The Wimmera side was far too powerful for the Brisbane outfit in round two, winning 4-32 to 0-6, and survived a tough 2-27 to 2-23 encounter with a team from the Buninyong and District Tennis Association in round three. My Favourite Team overcame the Highpoint Shoppers, a team of players from Geelong and Melbourne’s western suburbs, in round four, winning 3-26 to 1-17, but was played to a 2-25 to 2-25

Horsham Lawn and Central Park finished first and second on the ladder with 52 and 46 points respectively and will play in a semi-final on Saturday at Horsham Lawn’s courts.

Central Park was the only team to beat Horsham Lawn this season, winning by one set in round eight at home.

The winner from this match will proceed to the grand final on March 22.

St Michaels will host Drung South in their semi-final match on Saturday; six points also

separated ladder-third and fourth, with 36 and 30, respectively.

St Michaels’ performance this season has seen an equal amount of wins to losses, while Drung South’s four wins and seven losses puts them on the back foot going into finals.

The winner from this second semi-final will play the first semi-final’s loser in a preliminary final following a two-week break, on March 15.

draw by a Mount Prospect side in round five.

The team easily beat the Sunbury Ladybirds 4-25 to 0-13 in round six and the Double Shots 4-32 to 0-16 in round seven to finish atop their group.

The first semi-final saw the CWTA team triumph in a rematch against the Brisbane-based Sunny Side up, winning 3-30 to 1-17 to book its spot in the final against Mount Prospect.

My Favourite Team got off to an ideal start, with Wood and Jolley winning their opening rubber 8-3, while Casey and Holmes went down 7-8 in a nail-biting tie break. Wood and Jolley rebounded to

claim the third rubber 8-2, giving the team a 2-23 to 1-13 lead and rendering a fourth rubber unnecessary.

Men’s team

Several current and former CWTA men also competed at Country Week, with St Michaels pennant players Peter Hayes, Chris Ellis, Nick Robertson and Steve Schultz all taking part.

Hayes and Ellis were members of two teams, with Not Our Faultz 1 contesting section three and Not Our Faultz 2 competing in section four.

Schultz and Robertson joined Hayes and Ellis as members of

Final round results and ladders

Seniors

Pennant, ladder: Horsham Lawn, Central Park, St Michaels, Drung South, Kalkee.

A Special, ladder: Horsham Lawn Thompson, Central Park, Horsham Lawn Gillespie, Natimuk, Brimpaen, Haven, Homers.

A Grade, ladder: St Michaels, Haven, Central Park, Horsham Lawn McGennisken, Drung South, Horsham Lawn O’Connor.

B Special, ladder: Drung South, Horsham Lawn Tigers, Laharum, Central Park, Natimuk, Horsham Lawn Bardell, Haven.

Juniors

Open: Horsham Lawn Green 3-29 d Central Park Blue 3-26; Homers 5-33 d Quantong 1-16; Natimuk 5-32 d Horsham Lawn Gold 1-21.

Ladder: Central Park White, Natimuk, Central Park Blue, Quantong, Horsham Lawn Green, Horsham Lawn Gold, Homers.

Section 1 Boys: Horsham Lawn White 4-27 d Central Park White 2-25; Horsham Lawn Green 6-36 d Homers 0-10; Haven 3-28 d Central Park Blue 3-25.

Ladder: Central Park Blue, Horsham Lawn Green, Central Park White, Haven, Homers.

Section 1 Girls: Haven Red 6-36 d Haven Blue 0-11; Central Park White 6-36 d Horsham Lawn Gold 0-12; Horsham Lawn Green 6-36 d Horsham Lawn White 0-11; Central Park Blue 4-30 d Homers 2-21.

Ladder: Horsham Lawn Green, Central Park Blue, Haven Red, Central Park White, Homers, Horsham Lawn White, Horsham Lawn Gold, Haven Blue.

Section 2 Boys: Haven 6-36 d Central Park White 0-7; Horsham Lawn Red 6-36 d Horsham Lawn Green 0-12; Horsham Lawn White 3-26 d Natimuk 3-19; Horsham Lawn Gold 3-32 d Central Park Blue 3-26.

Ladder: Haven, Horsham Lawn Green, Horsham Lawn Red, Central Park White, Central Park Blue, Horsham Lawn White, Horsham Lawn Gold, Natimuk.

Section 2 Girls: Horsham Lawn Green 3-28 d Central Park 3-24; Homers White 4-29 d Homers Red 2-18; Horsham Lawn White 4-32 d Natimuk 2-20; Haven 6-36 d Horsham Lawn Gold 0-13.

Ladder: Haven, Horsham Lawn Gold, Horsham Lawn Yellow, Horsham Lawn Green, Central Park, Horsham Lawn White, Homers White, Natimuk, Homers Red.

the section four team, reaching a semi-final with four wins and three losses in group play.

The team was outclassed in its semi-final, going down 3-24 to 0-10 against the Merimbula Bunnies.

Hayes and Ellis teamed up with several other players – including former Wimmera player Kye Chapple, now a Queensland resident – in section three.

Not Our Faultz 1 recorded two wins in group play but finished seventh, failing to advance to the finals.

– Colin MacGillivray

Section 4 Boys: Horsham Lawn White 5-33 d Haven Brown 1-16; Haven Purple 4-32 d Horsham Lawn Gold 2-19; Central Park 5-35 d Haven Yellow 1-20. Ladder: Horsham Lawn White, Haven Yellow, Central Park, Haven Purple, Horsham Lawn Gold, Haven Brown.

Section 4 Girls: Horsham Lawn Green 5-32 d Haven Gold 1-17; Horsham Lawn White 3-28 d Horsham Lawn Gold 3-25.

Ladder: Horsham Lawn Green, Horsham Lawn Gold, Horsham Lawn White, Haven Gold. Match Play Section 5: Central Park 5-22 d Horsham Lawn Gold 1-13; Homers 4-20 d Horsham Lawn Green 2-11.

Ladder: Central Park, Haven, Homers, Horsham Lawn Gold, Horsham Lawn Green.

Match Play Section 6: Central Park Blue 4-19 d Haven Yellow 2-17; Natimuk 5-21 d Haven Green 1-13; Horsham Lawn Blue 5-22 d Horsham Lawn Red 1-10; Central Park White 5-23 d Horsham Lawn Orange 1-8.

Ladder: Natimuk, Central Park Blue, Central Park White, Haven Yellow, Haven Green, Horsham Lawn Orange, Horsham Lawn Blue, Horsham Lawn Red.

THAT WINNING FEELING: From left, Central Wimmera Tennis Association players Chrissie Holmes, Sandra Casey, Belinda Jolley, Jacqui Hopper and Cherie Wood celebrate their Tennis Victoria Country Week section nine win in Swan Hill this month.

Brought

Warriors remain on the hunt

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

TheWest Wimmera Warriors

are far from satisfied after claiming their second straight Horsham Cricket Association A Grade one-day premiership, with their sights now set on the twoday trophy.

In a repeat of last year’s oneday grand final result the Warriors proved too strong for Homers, winning by 48 runs at Horsham City Oval on Sunday.

Winning the toss and batting, the Warriors suffered an early wobble when the dangerous Gibson Perry struck twice to remove opener Liam Preston and number three Mitch Dahlenburg for ducks, leaving the team at 2-4.

But cool heads prevailed, with remaining opener Brad Alexander and Brodie Cramer digging in for a 78run third-wicket stand.

“In the end it turned out to be the match-winning partnership,” Nathan Alexander said.

“Those two played the conditions and batted really well, and in the end they set us up for the win.”

Brad Alexander eventually fell one run short of a half-century, while Cramer was dismissed for 31, but their partnership laid a foundation for a competitive total of 10-140.

Gibson Perry followed up his early good work to finish with sterling figures of 4-18 from nine overs, while his brother Baxter had 2-30 and Chaminda Gamage took 2-22.

While Nathan Alexander admitted West Wimmera would have liked another 20 runs on the board, he felt confident the team could defend its total.

“[The plan was] just to keep it tight and not give them anything for free – no half-volleys and keeping it back of a length,” he said.

“We knew after batting there was a bit of pop off the pitch, so it wasn’t easy to play horizontal bat shots.

“We were just trying to give them as little as possible, which seemed to work for us.”

The Warriors executed their plan to perfection, with Homers openers

Adam Atwood and Hugh Dougherty labouring as Nathan Alexander and Josh Lees tightened the screws at either end.

After six overs the Pigeons’ five

runs in the extras column outnumbered their two runs off the bat, and on the first ball of the seventh over Alexander struck to remove Atwood.

Lees had Dougherty soon after to put West Wimmera firmly in control of the match – a position it never relinquished.

Despite a 41-run stand between Luke Miller, 35, and Monty Wynne, 15, the required run rate continued to grow for Homers, and the Pigeons’ batsmen were unable to keep pace.

Homers was bowled out for 92 in the 40th over, with man of the match

Brad Alexander fittingly taking the final wicket to finish with bowling figures of 2-21.

Jobe Dickinson led the West Wimmera attack with figures of 3-18, while Lees and Nathan Alexander had two wickets apiece.

Nathan Alexander said the team had enjoyed its victory but already had its sights set on the two-day finals.

“It is pleasing. It’s back-to-back now, so everyone’s happy with that,” he said.

“But we’ve pretty much moved past it already and are looking towards the two-day competition, which we missed out on last year, so everyone’s keen to try and make amends for that.

“We’re determined to get the double this year.”

Final round underway

West Wimmera is well placed to follow through on Alexander’s goal of a premiership double after belting 10-280 on day one of its final-round match against Colts on Saturday.

Visiting the Colts’ Dudley Cornell Park home, the Warriors were boosted by a big innings from Liam Preston, 117, and Brodie Cramer, 75, with Colts bowler Liam James, 4-19, the only member of his team’s attack to make an impact.

The Colts were 1-14 in reply at stumps.

Brim-Kellalac-Sheep Hills’ hopes of a top-two finish are in the balance at Horsham City Oval after the Noradjuha-Toolondo Bullants made 10-137 before getting the visiting Eagles into trouble at 5-27.

HOT CONDITIONS: Above, Colts’ Jay Couch toils away against West Wimmera on Saturday, and, top, West Wimmera Warriors batter Liam Preston who went on to make 117. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

ship between Jordan McDonald, 16 not out, and Shane Oakley, 23, was invaluable.

Tight final anticipated

The top two teams in the Grampians Cricket Association will fight it out for the McDonald Shield after St Andrews and SwiftsGreat Western convincingly won their semifinal matches at the weekend.

The Saints, 6-167, defeated Halls Gap, 10-97, by 70 runs, while the Combine, 1-81, defeated Pomonal, 10-77, by nine wickets.

Batting first at Ararat’s Gordon Street Recreation Reserve, the Saints compiled 167 from their 40 overs, with Reece Kettle’s 114 being the outstanding feature of the innings.

Kettle’s innings came from only 125 balls, with 14 fours and four sixes. He played a lone hand for the Saints, with none of his team-mates contributing more than 17 runs.

The best of the Halls Gap bowlers was Riley Thomas with 3-14.

The Gappers’ innings lasted less than 34 overs, with no batter able to tackle the bowling of Sam Summers, 4-27.

Meanwhile at Stawell’s Central Park, the Swifts-Great Western Combine took just 16 overs to wrap up their match against the Tigers.

Earlier, the Combine, through Brad Carter, Stewie McPherson and Marc Brilliant – all of whom took three wickets – bundled out the Tigers for 77, in an innings that included five ducks.

Brilliant took a hat-trick to wreck the Tigers’ middle-order, with only Lynden Brewis, 25, able to reach the 20s.

Aiden Graverson, 31 not out, and Zac Marrow, 37 not out, cruised to the required score after Jack Cann was the only Combine batter to fall.

The grand final, a rematch of last year’s decider, should be a close affair, with the Saints earning slight favouritism with a 3-0 win-loss advantage for the season, including a victory in the final of the Henry Gunstone Cup.

If Kettle is able to repeat last week’s effort, St Andrews could be well on its way to reversing last season’s grand final result.

The Saints will include captain Tom Mills in the side this week, which can only enhance their chances.

The Eagles’ bowlers made life difficult for the Bullants, but brothers Matt Combe, 38, and Justtin Combe, 28, did enough to keep the scoreboard ticking, while a late partner-

The Eagles struggled through 14 overs before stumps, with Matt Combe and Austin Smith taking two wickets each and Tony Caccaviello bowling a wicket maiden in the final over of the day.

Homers are hot on the heels of Brim-Kellalac-Sheep Hills in the race for second place and appear well placed to secure first-innings points against Horsham Tigers.

The Pigeons bowled the Tigers out for 117 inside 38 overs, with Chaminda Gamage, 3-7, and Adam Atwood, 3-39, causing the visitors headaches.

Homers were 3-96 in reply at stumps, only 21 runs short of a first-innings win with Paddy Mills unbeaten on 61.

Meanwhile, Horsham Saints have a stranglehold on their match against Lubeck-Murtoa, with Dezi Carter’s masterful innings of 133 setting up a total of 9-277.

The Combine has a strong batting line-up that includes Zac Marrow, Jack Cann, Aiden Graverson, Matt Heffer, and Jacob Dunn. If Swifts-Great Western bat first, it will make the Saints work for their wickets, but Nic Pell, Ned Bohner and the Summers brothers are more than capable of applying pressure. It should be a tight final with a close result.

• For GCA awards, see page 36. – ‘One Short’

Sport

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Athletes punch state tickets

Young athletes from across the Wimmera punched tickets to the Little Athletics Victoria State Track and Field Championships in Cranbourne next month after excelling at regional finals in Warrnambool.

Five Stawell Little Athletics Centre juniors and 10 from Horsham Little Athletics Centre guaranteed themselves places at the state championships by winning events, while others could qualify depending on results from other regional finals.

Headlining the list of Horsham athletes to qualify was James Burton, who placed first in the boys under-17 100m, 110m hurdles and triple jump, and finished second in the 200m and long jump.

Chris Burton also recorded a trio of first-place finishes in the boys under-15 age group, winning the 800m, 100m hurdles and discus, while placing third in the 100m and fourth in the 200m.

Under-15 girls Georgia Foster and Asha Meek were both successful in their events, with Foster winning the 200m and Meek finishing second, while Meek placed third behind winner Foster in the 100m race.

Meek also took second in the 90m and 300m hurdles races and was fourth in long jump.

Luke White booked a ticket to the

state finals by winning the boys under-14 long jump.

Under-13 boys Jett Hill and Benjimen Jowett each had days to remember, with Hill winning the 100m, 200m, 400m and long jump, while finishing third in shot put.

Jowett was a close second behind Hill in the 100m and won the 200m hurdles, shot put and triple jump.

Jack Sawyer was another Horsham athlete to take home three gold medals, finishing first in the 100m, 200m and 400m under-12 races.

Tom Warner’s gold in the under-11 boys 80m hurdles earned him a state championships spot, as did Jack McEldrew’s win in the 70m boys under-nine race.

Jaxon Durack picked up four firsts in the boys under-10 division, winning the 60m hurdles, high jump, long jump and shot put.

Scarlette Williams was the final Horsham athlete to qualify outright, winning the girls under-10 800m race.

For Stawell, Darcy Venn and Aus-

tin Tyers were standouts. Venn won the under-15 girls 90m hurdles, javelin and shot put, while Tyers took out the boys under-17 discus, javelin and shot put.

Hazel Lee was a standout for Stawell in the girls under-nine division, winning the 70m, 100m, 200m and 60m hurdles.

Campbell and Tanner Stasinowsky qualified for state finals in the boys under-15 and under-12 age groups respectively, both winning gold medals in javelin.

Final meet before championships

Ararat played host to the Stingray Open Classic on Saturday – the final meet before this weekend’s Wimmera district 12 championships.

More than 80 swimmers contested the meet at Alexandra Gardens, with the bulk of race winners coming from the Horsham and Ararat swimming clubs, while Warracknabeal, St Arnaud and Kerang also saw success.

Organisers presented the Simpson Personnel and Robertson perpetual trophies for female and male swimmers respectively, aged between 16 and 29 with the best aggregate results in 50m events.

The female trophy ended in a tie, with Ararat Swimming Club pair Lucinda Grayling, 17, and Aleara Madex, 16, sharing the award, while the male trophy went to St Arnaud’s Jesse Amos, 19.

District co-ordinator Jenny Ough said favourable conditions at the meet led to several competitors recording personal-best times during the event.

This Saturday’s Wimmera District Swimming Championships will be at Warracknabeal Memorial Swimming Pool, with the seven fastest swimmers from the morning’s heats to qualify for finals in the afternoon.

Ms Ough said the meet would require entrants to demonstrate both fitness and sound technique, with district 12 champions crowned in each age group based on results at the event.

Entry to the Wimmera District Swimming Championships is free for all spectators, with organisers encouraging family and friends of participants, as well as those interested in swimming, to come and support the event.

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ON A ROLL: Horsham Little Athletics Club members have returned from regional titles with a swag of medals. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

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Edenhope Cup to bounce back

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

Edenhope Race Club’s committee has been working hard to put on a familyfriendly Edenhope Cup on March 8 following the disappointment of the cup’s lastminute abandonment in 2024.

Club president John Burchell said last year had been ‘disappointing for everyone’, but the club had been working to bring new attractions to this year’s event while retaining popular ones.

“As always we have free activities for the kids. We haven’t had a jumping castle for the past few years, so we thought this year was the perfect time to have one back on course again,” he said.

“Face painting has always proved popular and that will again be available for the kids, young and old, at Edenhope.”

Another initiative the club will trial this year is the addition of market stalls.

Mr Burchell said the club was always striving to bring new experiences to racegoers.

“We thought this may be a good year to trial a mini market day to coincide with the races,” he said.

“We still have plenty of spaces available, if anyone is interested in having a site, please contact our club manager by calling 0418 659 016 to book your place.”

Mr Burchell said there would be no cost for stallholders, and encouraged locals to consider booking a spot.

The cup will also feature live music, with cover band The McIntyre Brothers set to return after being well received at previous Edenhope events.

The annual fashions on the field competition will encourage racegoers to dress in their finest attire to compete for prizes, with registrations open to all attendees.

Junior fashions entrants will be judged after race two, with the open section entrants awarded following race four.

Mr Burchell said Edenhope Race Club had secured a dollar-for-dollar State Government grant to update its main building.

“Our dining room had seen better days and was old and outdated. Late last year we successfully secured a grant to improve our customer facilitiest,” he said.

“Gone is the old kitchen and bar, which has been replaced and new furniture and appliances.

“We must thank our local tradies Tanner Robertson, Jack Cranage, Troy Shrive and Matty Oliver for helping out with the transformation.

“We will officially open the new dining room on cup day. It is open to all the public to use – no reservations needed, just grab a table and enjoy the day.”

With acceptances for the races open until Thursday, March 6, Mr Burchell said he expected ‘a strong contingent of horses’.

“We can expect a hotly contested running,” he said.

“We have great vantage points at various parts of the course, so punters will be able to see all the racing locally as well as interstate racing on one of our many screens. As always we will have full betting facilities on course.”

People can still book umbrella packages for the day, with Country Racing Victoria lending support to keep prices low.

Mr Burchell said Country Racing Victoria would donate a $10 food voucher to the first 150 people who purchase general admission tickets online.

For more information and to purchase tickets, people can visit country.racing.com/ Edenhope or call club manager Tammy Pretlove on 0418 659 016.

ONE TO WATCH:

Teenage athlete

Gout Gout will contest this year’s Stawell Gift.

Rising star a Stawell starter

Rising athletics star Gout Gout is confirmed to make his debut at this year’s Stawell Gift.

The 17-year-old has agreed to run in the 143rd edition of the 120-metre handicap event this Easter long weekend in April.

Gout broke Peter Norman’s 56-year-old Australian 200-metre record and clocked a windassisted 10.04 seconds for the 100 metres at the Australian All-Schools Championships in Brisbane in December.

He also finished second in the 200 metres at last year’s world junior championships in Peru.

“I’m looking forward to running at the Stawell Gift in April. It’s going to be great to challenge myself on the grass for 120 metres,” Gout said.

“I know the history of the event and have been watching some of the past races. It’s a fantastic event and I know the crowd will be ecstatic”

Gout’s participation will be a boon for visitation to the Northern Grampians region.

The carnival not only attracts 700 athletes to Central Park, it also offers family-friendly activities such an Easter Egg Hunt on the Sunday. On the track, a stellar line up of sprint stars and middle-distance masters are again expected to vie for glory.

Last year’s winners Jack Lacey and Chloe Mannix-Power are planning to return to defend their titles in a race that offers one of Australia’s first-ever events to offer equal prize money for men and women.

Entrants in the Powercor Stawell Gift and Powercor Women’s Gift will again compete for Australia’s richest – and equal – prize pool, with the winners each walking away with $40,000 in prize money.

Think BIG

Brian Petrass, pictured with Turbo and Scoot, will show his 1985 225-horsepower Steiger Cougar at the Wimmera Machinery Field Days next week. The theme of this year’s field days is ‘big tractors’. Story, page 3.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Wimmera Machinery Field Days 2025

Multi-million-dollar showcase

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

Hundreds of millions of dollars in agricultural equipment and machinery, lifestyle and market goods will be on show at the 61st annual Wimmera Machinery Field Days.

The field days, at Longerenong from Tuesday to Thursday next week, is set to have a theme of ‘big tractors’.

Field days committee president Harry Young said while the event did not usually have a theme, last year’s anniversary featured 60-year-old machinery, prompting the idea of big tractors for this year.

“The idea evolved in discussions after last year when we showcased some old machinery. After some banter upstairs during a meeting, we decided we’d showcase some big tractors,” he said.

“We set out to find some big ones and some unusual ones.

“We’ve got American tractor Big Bud coming, which is pretty cool, as well as one of two remaining Waltannas, an Agco with triple wheels, a Ford County, and a couple of Steigers.

“I’m staggered by how many people are interested in the tractors – there’s a lot of people coming all the way from Mildura, not for the field days, but just to look at the tractors.”

More broadly, the field days brings traders, exhibitors, thousands of people and millions of dollars to the Wimmera, with 80 new exhibitors this year among the 365 sites booked.

Children’s entertainment featuring Paw Patrol characters Chase and Marshall, helicopter and mini train rides, fashion parades, demonstrations and a market on Wednesday add to the traditional agricultural features, making for a day out for the whole family.

Balancing vendors

Field days manager Vanessa Lenehan said there would be a variety of food trucks onsite.

“While it’s getting harder and harder for community groups to cater with the decline in volunteers, we have been able to fill the gaps with commercial food trucks,” she said.

“We aim to not have too many of the same thing – kebab food trucks are very popular at the minute – otherwise that little niche is flooded and they don’t get enough sales to make it worthwhile.”

Ms Lenehan said it was a challenge to place them all.

“We have to have a good mix and

strategic locations for fairness, but we also have to consider what kind of power they need – there’s a whole heap of stuff behind the scenes,” she said.

Economic benefits

With 10,000 people expected during the event’s three days, it is the biggest event in the Wimmera.

The region is set to gain about $2-million.

Ms Lenehan said a formula provided by Horsham Rural City Council showed who would benefit.

“It includes accommodation, cafes and restaurants being utilised every night, and people just travelling through,” she said.

“It also includes the community

groups that come in and get paid to contribute, from helping with car parking, to cleaning the site up afterwards.”

Participation

Some schools and community groups take advantage of complementary passes to the field days.

Ms Lenehan said students, and clients from groups such as aged care and disability support services, received passes.

“We offer tickets to a variety of places, with some just bringing a busload of their participants out and slowly driving around the site so they can have a look, when they’re unable to walk around – they absolutely love it,” she said.

Planning process

The hundreds of man-hours put into planning is apparent – the event runs as a well-oiled machine.

Ms Lenehan said the committee starts planning for next year’s event on the final day of the current year’s showcase.

“We’ll have a big debrief upstairs on the Thursday, then a couple of weeks after, the girls in the office and I sit down and we write a heap of notes about what we could do better, what worked, what didn’t work, and file that away,” she said.

“Then we pick it up again around July or August, before we have the annual general meeting in September,

FINAL TOUCHES:

Committee members Nick Zordan and Andrew Bell put the finishing touches on the Wimmera Machinery Field Days site ahead of next week’s three-day event. This year’s theme – the Year of the Big Tractors –was chosen after the popularity of last year’s milestone event theme of 60-yearold machinery.

Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

get the new committee, a new president, then we’re up and running again.

“It comes around too quick.”

On-site facilities

From food, to toilets, to being prepared for an emergency, the Wimmera Machinery Field Days is prepared to host the thousands of people who will visit each day.

“We have the Royal Flying Doctor Service doing first-aid this year, with Dooen’s fire truck on standby,” Ms Lenehan said.

“We’ve also got ambulance, VICSES, police and emergency management team here as exhibitors, but I’m sure they would help out if anything went majorly wrong.”

Ms Lenehan said cleaners were also onsite during the three days, maintaining the toilets and eating areas.

Slow burn

Mr Young said it was hard for exhibitors to quantify the success of the field days.

“Talking to some of the bigger exhibitors, they say it’s hard to know because they might have someone ring up or come and see them six months later,” he said.

“People do mention what they had seen at the field days, but they’ve had to go home and weigh it up, do some sums.”

Tickets can be purchased on the website, wimmerafielddays.com.au or at the gate.

STEP ONE: Andy Medlyn, of Harbergers of Donald, starts his set-up at the Wimmera Machinery Field Days site at Longerenong last week.

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H e a d i n s t o r e H e a d i n s t o r e

S L A S H E R S S L A S H E R S '' - $ 7 , 2 9 0 $ 7 , 2 9

d u r i n g t h e d u r i n g t h e

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t o t a k e t o t a k e a d v a n t a g e a d v a n t a g e

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Grateful for support

From the manager

Welcome to the 61st annual Wimmera Machinery Field Days – The Year of Big Tractors.

We hope you enjoy the display of some of the biggest and most unique tractors in Australia.

We thank all of the owners for their enthusiasm and effort in getting their tractors here. Please enjoy looking at them, but also respect that they are private property.

Once again a big thanks to all of our exhibitors, both returning and new. Without your support the field days would not go ahead. We are always interested in your feedback and strive to keep the field days exciting and relevant.

This year we have seen an increase in the number of corporate partners and sponsors.

A big welcome to all of our new sponsors and we greatly appreciate the loyalty and support of our returning sponsors. We value the relationships we build with you to help you promote your business at the field days.

The local market square is being hosted on Wednesday this year as the Local Market Day and is once again supported by 1089 3WM.

We are very glad we can offer these small businesses the opportunity to showcase their products to a wider audience.

There are many other local businesses in the

region that have had a very tough summer due to the bushfire activity in the area. Grampians Wimmera Mallee Tourism is on site to promote local business, so please drop in to see them in Moore Exhibition Centre and ask about the many ways we can help get them back on their feet.

Once again we have a wide range of attractions, including the Black Snake reptile and wildlife display, Rev It Up racing simulator, Laser Tag, Level Up Gaming, heritage tractors, helicopter rides, mini train rides, animal nursery, kids zone and brand new for 2025 – Marshall and Chase from Paw Patrol up on stage on Wednesday. There is also a meet-and-greet at 11.30am.

Partners in Ag is once again co-ordinating the Ag Ed Quest. It is important the field days showcases the many and varied careers the agricultural industry has to offer.

Thanks to the community groups that contribute to the successful running of the field days and the many volunteers that make it possible.

Running an organisation based on volunteer contribution is getting more difficult so we commend the individuals who keep these groups going.

Lastly a big thank to the volunteer WMFD committee for their work and support and to the team in the office for their dedication.

I hope you enjoy the 61st annual Wimmera Machinery Field Days.

Vanessa

Lenehan

Invaluable opportunity

From the mayor

March

in our region is renowned for the Wimmera Machinery Field Days, one of Australia’s premier agricultural and agribusiness shows.

The field days is a testament to the vision, dedication, and hard work of a small but passionate group of volunteers and staff who have made it all possible. Agriculture is the cornerstone of Western Victoria, and events like this offer a unique platform for farmers and industry professionals to come together.

It’s an opportunity to share insights, discuss common challenges, and explore the latest innovations and technological advancements.

We understand that farmers are always seeking ways to enhance productivity and efficiency in their operations, and I am confident that the diverse range of machinery, tools, and technologies on display will meet those needs.

Moreover, the Wimmera Machinery Field Days draw visitors from near and far, attracting people from across the region, the state, and beyond.

This influx of attendees provides a significant boost to our local communities and small businesses.

I am excited to see the area bustling with activity once again, with exhibitors and attendees participating in what has become a vital agricultural event for our region.

A special congratulations to president Harry Young, the volunteer committee, and all the staff for your exceptional efforts in delivering another outstanding event.

Your hard work and dedication have ensured its success.

Last cropping season was tough for our local farmers, but we look forward with a positive outlook for the year ahead.

Horsham Rural City Council is proud to support the Wimmera Machinery Field Days. If you have any questions or would like to chat, please visit us at our site in the Moore Pavilion. Cr Ian Ross Horsham Rural City Council

Warm welcome to 61st annual event

From the president

Onbehalf of the Wimmera Machinery Field Days committee and staff, I would like to extend a warm welcome to the 2025 Wimmera Machinery Field Days.

We are celebrating our 61st year of delivering the latest agriculture technology and innovations to farmers across western Victoria, while also hosting a major social event for networking and catching up with old friends.

After a more challenging season in western Victoria, the field days is a chance to celebrate and share successes from the past year, as well as improve on things that did not work as well.

We wish you all the best for a successful 2025.

The committee would like to thank all sponsors and exhibitors for their generosity in supporting this year’s event.

We are lucky enough to be able to showcase a wide range of exhibits including machinery, technology, finance, tools as well as home and lifestyle. The committee would also like to thank all the community groups for their time and effort, without your support we would not have such a successful event.

We also thank our staff for their professionalism and hard work in bringing the committee’s visions and ideas to life. I would like to thank all the committees and their families for the time, effort and dedication they put in throughout the year.

Harry Young

READY TO ROLL: Wimmera Machinery Field Days manager Vanessa Lenehan and president Harry Young at the Longerenong site. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Machinery Field Days special edition

Proud past driving event’s future

Over the Wimmera Machinery Field Days’ 61-year history, organisers have dealt with a variety of challenges and opportunities to showcase agriculture to the region and beyond.

The field days at Longerenong, near Horsham, is Victoria’s longest-running field days and Australia’s premier broad acre and machinery focused event.

It showcases the latest developments in farming practice, machinery, equipment, technology and services, with the committee maintaining a longterm charter to foster innovation and development in primary production and agribusiness.

The field days began in 1963 as a two-day event with about 80 exhibitors and 3000 attendees.

It has grown to have more than 400 exhibitors, and still attracts thousands of visitors across the now three-day event.

The Wimmera event first came about after a group of Wimmera farmers attended agricultural field days in Orange, New South Wales, in 1962.

The group of farmers returned from Orange and formed a committee to organise an event that would form a key part of Victoria’s agricultural landscape and become part of the Wimmera’s social fabric.

ment to showcasing the latest technology and innovation in agriculture has remained the same.

Over the years, it has welcomed various special guests, and introduced new initiatives including children’s activities and demonstrations by local producers.

cal economy. It continues to be run primarily by volunteers, with a small team employed to manage the event.

The field days is often referred to as a barometer for social, economic, agricultural prosperity and growth in the region.

scientific age, we have the machines and knowledge available to help us in this task. Let us therefore grasp this opportunity and use it to the utmost.”

later field days, boosting the amount of farm machinery on display.

The success of the field days continued in the 1980s, with record site bookings, but as drought hit in the early 1990s, attendances were affected.

But as always, the field days bounced back by the late 1990s, with organisers saying it was worth $15-million to the national economy.

The weather affected attendances in the early 2000s – from up to 30,000 people attending in 2002 to decreases as organisers dealt with a variety of conditions from hot and windy to flooding in 2011.

In 2003, 40 years after the first event, then-field days secretary Noel Curran said the event had a ‘Genetically Modified Crops Feature’, as it was the ‘hottest topic’ in farming that year.

At the 50th event, in 2012, technology was at the forefront, from machinery getting larger to cover more land more efficiently, to advancements in farm precision technology.

Highlights

here to help

The inaugural field days boasted £200,000 of farm machinery on show, with organisers opting for a full-day dress-rehearsal on the Monday before the official event started.

The 1971 field days was opened by the then federal Opposition leader Gough Whitlam – a year later he would become Australia’s 21st Prime Minister. By the mid-1970s, a boom in farming in the Wimmera was reflected in

The 50th event also paid tribute to tractors of past eras, featuring a tractorcade of vintage tractors from the 1960s, thanks to the Dunmunkle Sump Oilers, Wheatland Museum Warracknabeal, Nhill Vintage Club and Jeparit Pioneer Museum. At the 60th iteration last year, biosecurity was a key focus.

The field days has only been cancelled once, in 2022, and was hosted virtually in 2021 due to COVID-19 restrictions.

STEPPING BACK: Field days attendees watch a 1963 Horwood Bagshaw header in action during an early iteration of the event.

Wimmera Machinery Field Days special edition

Not to be missed

Member for Lowan

The Wimmera Machinery Field Days is an event like no other, and one I look forward to every year.

The field days is always an amazing showcase of the latest developments in primary production and agribusiness, and the 61st instalment of the event at Longerenong this year promises to be no different.

Through the incredible work of the volunteers on the Wimmera Machinery Field Days Committee, led by Harry Young, and the field days staff, this event – one of the country’s largest agricultural trade shows –continues to raise the bar and innovate.

This year has been billed as the year of the ‘big tractors’, and I have no doubt there will be people young and old lining up to get a look at some of the largest machines ever seen in our region, including the American powerhouse Big Bud.

The field days not only offers unique opportunities to see an amazing array of products and attractions, but also offers a chance for people to catch up with others, enhancing the social fabric of our region and building connections.

As one of the premier events for our region, the field days also plays a vital role in our economy, with significant flow-on effects for our accommodation and hospitality sectors among others.

Member for Mallee Epitome of Australian spirit

Ilookforward to seeing Wimmera community members at the upcoming Wimmera Machinery Field Days after a frenetic summer period.

I was about to say ‘holidays’ – but it wasn’t for some of us.

The bushfires in the Grampians and Little Desert have been highly stressful for Wimmera communities and for the farmers and volunteers who fought the fires, I can only say thank you. How can we ever thank you enough?

To put aside your family time and challenges on the farm to protect your community is perhaps the epitome of the Australian spirit.

I spent time following Christmas in Halls Gap visiting what was, at that usually bustling tourist time, a ghost town.

Sadly, Prime Minister Albanese and Premier Allan flew over Halls Gap and didn’t visit the struggling community on the ground.

The mood at recent field days has been soured by the looming threats to farming from industrial-scale energy projects and mining operations.

enticing largely foreign-owned mining and energy cowboys to stir bad blood in small farming communities to divide and conquer, trying to get their project over the line.

I encourage everyone to come along and see the incredible variety of things the field days has to offer as we celebrate our wonderful agricultural community.

I look forward to seeing you there.

As the Deputy Leader of the Victorian Nationals, Shadow Minister for Agriculture and Shadow Minister for Mental Health, events like the Wimmera Machinery Field Days provide me with a fantastic forum for ensuring that the issues that matter most to rural and regional Victoria are heard in Parliament.

Emma Kealy

Business owners are still on the financial brink and I moved a motion in Canberra on February 10 calling on state and federal governments to help.

Coalition MPs also joined Leader of the Opposition Peter Dutton’s call – from Halls Gap, which he visited in January at my invitation – urging Australians to book holidays in the Grampians.

I will emphasise every time that social licence is paramount – if a project proponent gets a community on board fair and square, go your hardest.

That is not what I am hearing across Mallee.

The Allan Victorian Labor government has marked Mallee as though it is a blank on the map with nobody living there,

The Allan Victorian Labor government’s railroading of farmers and communities with fast-tracked planning and ‘environmental’ approvals is reprehensible.

Feel free to say g’day at the field days, I hope to talk with many of you, and as always, you are welcome to email anne. webster.mp@aph.gov.au with more for me to consider during this huge 2025 election year.

Anne Webster

Friday 21st & Saturday 22nd March

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Wimmera Machinery Field Days special edition

Paw Patrol adventure

Paw

Patrol’s Chase and Marshall will head the children’s entertainment at the Wimmera Machinery Field Days next week, appearing in the Country Lifestyle pavilion during the event’s family day on Wednesday.

From the children’s television show that features six rescue dogs with unique talents akin to emergency services, police pup Chase and firedog Marshall will feature in a show at 10.30am before a meet-and-greet at 11.30am. A second show will stage at 12.30pm.

Field days manager Vanessa Lenehan said while Paw Patrol was the main drawcard in the children’s entertainment, there was plenty more activities planned across the three days.

“We will have miniature train rides, GWMWater’s Phil the Bucket, and all-day entertainment in Rev It Up Racing race car simulator, Level Up gaming, flying doctor simulator, and laser tag,” she said.

“Black Snake Productions will also feature in several sessions across the three days –they’re a wildlife education and conservation group.”

Schools have also integrated learning into their visits, with scavenger-type hunts for students of all ages to complete.

“We’ve got the Ag Ed Quest that our partners Ag Ed are co-ordinating for us,” Ms Lenehan said.

“They make contact with the schools and write a list of questions based on students’ ages and the courses that they are undertaking.”

The event will also feature an indoor area where parents can sit with their children and enjoy some quieter activities.

“Green Park Kindergarten is running a kids’ zone, which will have puzzles, playdough and pretend play items,” Ms Lenehan said.

“There will also be a feeding area and

changing facilities within that zone, so anyone with young kids or who needs a break to go and just chill, that’s somewhere parents and kids can go.”

New ideas blend with experience

Blackheath farmer Harry Young’s decade-long membership of the Wimmera Machinery Field Days committee has put him in good stead for his new role as president.

He said he saw the promotion as part of a slow progression up the ranks, and already had goals set for his term.

“I’d like to bring more people onto the committee, and I aim to just make it better, easier for the next person who comes into the role,” he said.

Mr Young was elected in September, along with new committee members Guillermo Sierra, Shane Colbert, Alex Cameron, Matt Waugh and Vince Carbone.

“At the moment we have about 35 or 36 people. I’m quite keen to bring that up to 40, but it’s quite hard to recruit people,” he said.

“There’s a lot of camaraderie among the committee, we really enjoy the working bees. It’s quite social and there’s a bit of banter.”

Mr Young said committee members brought a breadth of experience and knowledge.

“We’ve got people as young as 20, to people who have been on the committee for double that time, up to 45 years,” he said.

“It’s a good mix of experience and new ideas. We have members who live in a 100-kilometre radius of Longerenong, from farmers to business leaders from in town, who are an important voice too, considering it’s a business sector.

“Vince Carbone is our first representative for Traction Ag, and that’s pretty exciting from a committee point-of-view, just to get a different perspective that we haven’t had before.”

The committee maintains the site at Longerenong, which also hosts major events including debutante balls, the annual careers expo, seminars, and ag training days.

Although, Mr Young’s main task in his new role has been to continue planning for the approaching annual Wimmera Machinery Field Days.

“The good thing about the field days is the people you interact with, especially being part of the committee. That’s something I enjoy most about being on the committee, so I’m looking forward to that,” he said.

ON THE DOUBLE: Paw Patrol characters Chase and Marshall will feature on Wednesday in the Country Lifestyle pavilion, ready to take visitors on an adventure before a meet-and-greet session.

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Building blocks to live broadcast

The region’s premier agriculture event at Longerenong next week is an annual focus for ACE Radio’s Horsham team.

Much like the Wimmera Machinery Field Days committee and staff, work on the event begins a long way before the March event.

The Weekly Advertiser today publishes its largest-ever AgLife feature – 68 pages detailing field days information and agricultural news.

Radio stations 3WM and MIXX FM will broadcast lots of key information from the three-day event, with staff from both the radio stations and The Weekly Advertiser on site.

General manager Brendan O’Loughlin said supporting community events – such as the field days – from a marketing and promotion perspective as well as having an onsite presence was part of ACE Radio’s commitment to its communities.

“We live and work in our local community, and we want our local community to succeed, to be engaging and offer a variety of events for all people in the community,” he said.

“The field days just keeps getting better every year, and we’re thrilled to play a part in what is a fantastic social and business gathering.”

Radio stations 3WM and MIXX FM will offer listeners a range of field days-flavoured news and entertainment, leading into and throughout the field days event.

“It’s not just a privilege to be involved in the event again this year, but we take our role extremely seriously in ensuring our listeners not only get insights into what the event is all about, but making sure they don’t miss out on experiencing the many highlights of the field days for themselves ” – Anthony Thompson

strong readership. “The field days is such an important event on the Wimmera’s calendar – whether it’s for learning about innovation in agriculture, sampling products or from a social perspective,” she said.

“And it’s not just for farmers – there is plenty to keep the ‘town’ people occupied and enjoy a day out.

Visitors will also be able to meet the radio team at its site between the field days office and Local Market Square at the Wimmera Events Centre.

Content director Anthony Thompson said the field days were a major focus on-air in the lead-up to and during the event.

“As one of the biggest events in the

Horsham-based broadcast journalist and rural reporter Emma Clark will conduct on-site interviews with a range of exhibitors across the event and provide extensive coverage throughout 3WM’s Country Today and Afternoon programs, as well as both stations’ Local News services.

local annual calendar, our entire team really looks forward to being part of it and get caught up in the excitement of the three days as much as anyone,” he said.

The feature in today’s The Weekly

Advertiser recognises the power of the field days and what the event brings to the region – and the organisers, volunteers, exhibitors and sponsors that ensure its success.

The Weekly Advertiser reaches more than 20,000 homes and businesses across the region, and will also be available from ACE Radio’s site at the field days.

Editorial director Lauren Henry said The Weekly Advertiser continued to grow in pagination, thanks largely to the support from local businesses – many agricultural-related – and a

“We are proud to play our role in celebrating the field days – outlining all the key facts, as well highlighting the stories behind the event.

“We love meeting all the people it takes to produce such an event, and their stories help us record the history of the field days.

“The special feature we put together takes many weeks to compile – from the working with clients to produce their advertisements to gathering editorial and photographs, and then finally pulling it all together to produce an informative and entertaining read.”

INFORMATIVE: ACE Radio and The Weeky Advertiser staff will be onsite at next week’s Wimmera Machinery Fields Days, including, from left, Lee Meadows, Lily Olver, Issa Riches, Bronwyn Hastings, Heidi Higginson, Danica Cutter, Kelly Schilling, James Davidson, Emma Clark and Lauren Henry. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

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Wimmera Machinery Field Days special edition

Creating market appeal

The country lifestyle section at the Wimmera Machinery

Field Days is offering people a range of information, demonstration and degustation experiences across the event’s three days.

On Tuesday and Thursday, Casey Kosch will talk about first-aid in a variety of scenarios, and chef teacher Cat Clarke will showcase locally sourced bush foods, with tastings included.

On-site exhibitors will stage fashion parades on the two days also, while Horsham College textile students will model their creations across the three days.

Wednesday is expected to bring the largest crowds, with the family day set to feature Paw Patrol shows and a meet-and-greet with its characters Chase and Marshall.

GWMWater’s Phil the Bucket will also make an appearance.

Exhibitors across the three days in the country lifestyle section will have meats, skincare, clothing, books, coffee, tea, perfumes, and handbags for sale.

Field days manager Vanessa Lenehan said Wednesday would also feature the local market square.

“We have condensed the market to just one day this year – it was a big commitment for the smaller traders, but we do have 13 or 14 coming this year, which is really good,” she said.

“We have a lot of different traders

in both the market square and the country lifestyle sections, which brings fresh ideas and a variety of goods each year.”

Ms Lenehan said the field days offered a great opportunity for the smaller craft and hobby businesses to find a footing in the wider market.

“It’s a community event, so if we can get them up and running

by showcasing them to a wider audience than our area’s smaller monthly markets, then that’s great,” she said.

“From there, they can keep their customer base and grow.”

The market trading will bring a range of giftware, foods, crafts, and local produce.

Ms Lenehan said the Moore Exhibition Centre would showcase a

variety of services, from banking to educational, emergency and more.

“The Moore Exhibition Centre is certainly a really good place to be –there are a lot of different exhibitors in there, lots of different things on show,” she said.

“And if it’s warm outside, it will certainly be a good place to be.”

Bird’s-eye view awaits

People can again take in a bird’s-eye view of the Wimmera Machinery Field Days site, with helicopter joy flights taking off each day of the event.

Commercial helicopter operator Ultimate Helicopters has a 100 per cent safety record, but if being off the ground does not appeal, people can stay on the ground and take a seat in the cockpit of the Royal Flying Doctor Service’s flight simulator instead.

A life-sized replica of the fuselage of a flying doctor plane, the simulator shows users what it is like to be onboard the plane, from the interior equipment to the outside challenges, with localised information available.

It is fully equipped with stretchers, communications, oxygen, suction and other equipment used every day by the doctors, nurses and pilots of the service.

The helicopter rides leave from the east boundary of the site, with prices starting at $80 per person.

At a glance

The 2025 Wimmera Machinery Field Days will run on March 4, 5 and 6 at Wimmera Events Centre, Longerenong.

Gates open to the public at 8.30am and close at 5pm on Tuesday and Wednesday. On Thursday, gates open at 8.30am and close at 4pm.

One-day prepaid tickets are $22. Tickets at the gate are $25. Children 17 years and younger can enter free of charge. Cash and EFTPOS facilities are available at the gate. ATM facilities will be available and there is first aid on site.

Mobility scooters will be available to hire from gate two.

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HOW TO: Chef and teacher Cat Clarke will showcase locally sourced bush foods, with tastings included, on Tuesday and Thursday of the field days.

Scouts ready to lend hand

Volunteer profile

Horsham’s Scouts Victoria groups will again clean up af-

ter the Wimmera Machinery Field Days event, one of their more substantial fundraising activities of each year.

Leader David Timms said the money goes towards maintaining their Baillie Street hall, keeping the costs down for families of members.

“We fundraise to pay for our utility bills, insurances and hall maintenance, so this takes a bit of pressure off the support committee having to fundraise, and keeps our fees as low as possible,” he said.

“We have put in for grants over the years and have done well – last year we got a Horsham Sports and Community Club grant that we used to buy new tents, portable lights and batteries.

“Our biggest thing now will be the maintenance of the building – we need to upgrade the floors and the toilets.”

The 90-year-old building hosts about 60 people, there are four school-age Scout groups; Joeys, Cubs, Scouts, and Venturers; a young adult group, Rovers; and their leaders.

The younger four groups have fundraised with barbecues at events including Kannamaroo, as well as with their own market.

Site awards a feature of field days

Exhibitors at the Wimmera Machinery Field Days have the opportunity to be awarded for their presentation, professionalism and products at this year’s event.

Manager Vanessa Lenehan said there were seven categories in the awards, which include two major product awards and three site awards.

“A select group from the committee go around the site and judge the exhibits and exhibitors against specific criteria,” she said.

“They are based on presentation and effort, whether everyone is looking professional, whether they are happy and engaging with patrons, and the general overview of their site.”

Ms Lenehan said Wimmera Machinery Field Days prided itself on providing a showcase with a modern professional image and the latest in agriculture machinery and technology, with the aim of the awards to encourage exhibitors to do the same. The product awards are Machine of the Year, and Ag Business Innovation of the Year.

The Rovers are self-sufficient, raising money to fund their own activities, including racing their Subaru Impreza at Scout-run events across the state.

Mr Timms said the field days clean-up was probably one of the group’s easier fundraisers.

“We have been doing it for about 15 years, and we’ve got a set routine that allows us to pick up the rubbish, empty the bins and take it all to a collection point, and if we have enough people, we can do it all in a morning,” he said.

“The kids and helpers wear gloves, and we go around, just doing an emu bob.”

Boys and girls are welcome to try Scouts for three weeks without making a commitment; people can find more information on the Horsham group’s Facebook page www.face book.com/4thhorshamscoutgroup or by calling 1800 Scouts.

Site awards are the best in Ag Machinery Outdoor Site, General Outdoor Site, Alan Heard Pavilion Site, Moore Exhibition Centre Site, and Country Lifestyle Site.

The winners will be presented with their awards in the field days square at 2pm on Wednesday.

HELPERS: Horsham Scouts, from left, Imogen Cincotta, Lily Nitschke, Torey Holland, Aiden Henderson, Zane Munn, Angus Heard, Chris Okely, Oscar Eldridge and Henry Taylor-Carman will help clean up after the Wimmera Machinery Field Days. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Wimmera Machinery Field Days special edition

Extending a service

AXIS Worx’s orange bin program is extending to the Wimmera Machinery Field Days this year, with the disability support employer supplying 60 bins for the event.

Director of social enterprise Bill Schmidt said the eight-month-old program was being utilised by several community groups under the state-wide container deposit scheme.

“We’ve got more than 100 bins out with clubs, sporting and service groups, and schools at the moment, which they fill with recyclable con-

tainers and return to us,” he said.

Mr Schmidt said he wanted community groups and sporting clubs to maximise their benefits by using the program.

“One club that is very proactive in recycling used the bins last year and collected more than $3000 in revenue. It’s working really well for them,” he said.

“We also have children come in here, little entrepreneurs, who have agreements with their neighbours that they can cash in their containers; they get back $10 or $20 and think they’re millionaires.

“Soon we’ll extend further into more schools and groups.”

Mr Schmidt said AXIS Worx had been able to provide support and employment to more people with disabilities, with more opportunities created by the demand of almost 10million containers being recycled from its Horsham site.

“So at the field days, look for the big orange bins – they’ve got a hole in the top, and they’ve got stickers on them, they’re easily identifiable for people to put their 10-cent containers in,” he said.

Children, parent retreat

Park’s Casuarina and Acacia kindergartens rooms.

Horsham’s Green Park Kindergarten community will present a children’s activity and parents’ area at the Wimmera Machinery Field Days.

Kindergarten committee events organiser Brit Burns said the space provided a play area for children and a retreat for parents.

“We will have heaps of kids’ activities – pretend play, puzzles, playdough – as well as a changing and feeding facility, so it will be a little retreat for parents and kids to spend some time out together,” she said.

One of the kindergarten committee’s main fundraisers for the year, it will help supply valuable equipment for Green

“The money the committee raises goes towards new play equipment and resources for the kids, but we have also just put in some new washing equipment for staff so they don’t have to take socks and hats and things home to be washed,” Ms Burns said.

A whole-community approach, kindergarten staff will choose and pack the resources for the space, while parents, grandparents and other volunteers will man it during the three days.

“It’s great for us to be involved in a community event,” Ms Burns said.

“It’s not just about showcasing Green Park, but all the kindergarten facilities that we have across Horsham.”

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Volunteer profile

RECYCLING OPPORTUNITIES: AXIS Worx supported employees Blade Dickerson and Glenn Castleman with can and bottle recycling bins for clubs and community groups. Watch out for the bins at next week’s Wimmera Machinery Field Days.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

SHOWCASE: Green Park Kindergarten’s Ollie and Easton Burns are part of the Acacia room’s three-year-old cohort. Picture: BRONWYN HASTINGS

Wimmera Machinery Field Days special edition

While demonstrations of the latest farming techniques and technology have always formed the backbone of the Wimmera Machinery Field Days, photographer and author Tracey Kruger believes celebrating farming culture is just as important.

To that end Ms Kruger, who grew up in Warrnambool and now lives in Penshurst, will exhibit and sell a collection of her books at this year’s event.

She said her books – which include two volumes of woolshed photography as well as children’s books – were brought about by a perceived lack of books detailing Australian farming culture.

“I’m very passionate about wool. I grew up on a sheep farm as the daughter of a shearer, and I love everything about the wool industry,” she said.

“I thought shearing in our district really needed to be chronicled, which was the inspiration for the first book.

“I had been a primary school teacher and after the first woolshed book I went into children’s farm books, all with real photos of farm machines, farm animals and general farming.

“There was a big need for children’s junior farming novels, because no one had really done that in Australia for 100 years and farming kids needed some representation.”

Ms Kruger said her first book of woolshed photography covered about 160 working sheds across western Victoria, while her second, released in August last year, contained in-depth features of 28 historical woolsheds in Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales.

“I was concerned because I feel like a few of our historical Australian woolsheds are probably borderline in terms of whether they can keep being maintained,” she said.

“I think sharing their history is really important, so I brought out another woolshed book.”

Ms Kruger said she enjoyed meeting people and discussing her work face-to-face.

“I try to do field days because it’s nice to get out and actually meet people and for them to get a chance to look at the books,” she said.

“Everyone in society loves to get representation. People like to read about people similar to them, and I think getting a chance for farmers and farm children to read about kids with similar lives has got a lot of value.

“I know farmers also have the same reaction with the woolsheds. You like to see that someone really values what you have and that they’re prepared to make books about it.

“Then there is the other side, which is that it’s not just for farm kids to read. The children’s books are written in a way that hopefully non-farming kids can get some education about how Australian farming works.”

REPRESENTATION: Photographer and author Tracey Kruger will bring her books – which include two volumes of woolshed photography as well as children’s books, to next month’s Wimmera Machinery Field Days.

Ms Kruger will be at the Country Lifestyle Indoor space during this year’s Wimmera Machinery Field Days.

For more information on Ms Kruger or to view her books, people can visit www.shearinginvictorias westerndistrict.com.

Looking at water options

Agriculture Victoria will run a two-day water workshop for farmers next month.

The workshop, at Moyston, will cover a broad range of topics, from siting and construction of farm dams, planning and designing a water reticulation system, and preparing a water plan, as well as the more practical aspects of pipeline installation and construction.

Agriculture Victoria land management extension officer Clem Sturmfels said the workshop was suitable for people new to farming, as well as those with plenty of farming experience.

“Whether you are looking at your water options, planning to build a new dam or have signed up for the new East Grampians Rural pipeline, this workshop is for you,” he said.

“Each day will start with presentations and activities in the Moyston Recreation Reserve rooms followed by a farm visit after lunch.”

Mr Sturmfels said a highlight would be a presentation by local farmer Anthony Pola who, with his wife Jane and parents John and Karyn, run a mixed farming enterprise about 10 kilometres north of Moyston.

“Anthony will discuss their experiences in installing more than five kilometres of piping, tanks and troughs across their farm,” he said.

The workshops, on March 18 and 25, start at 10am. People can visit www.trybooking.com/events/landing/ 1344489 for more information or to book.

Tracey Kruger

Exhibitor profile

special edition

Energy Hub collaboration

Wade’s

Horsham is set to make a significant impact at the Wimmera Machinery Field Days, where it will introduce an innovative ‘Energy Hub’ in collaboration with leading suppliers.

The initiative is designed to showcase the latest advancements in renewable energy and energy-efficient solutions tailored to the agricultural, industrial, and residential sectors.

The Energy Hub is a new addition to the field days this year, and will be a feature in the Moore Exhibition Centre.

As a trusted provider of quality products and energy solutions, Wade’s Horsham recognises the growing demand for sustainable and efficient power alternatives.

Wade’s Horsham general manager Michelle Khan said the Energy Hub would serve as a focal point for businesses, property owners, and farmers interested in exploring cutting-edge renewable energy technologies, gaining valuable insights, and networking with industry experts.

“Several key suppliers will be joining us at the event to present their latest products and solutions,” she said.

“Reclaim Energy will be showcasing advanced heat pump technology designed for efficient and sustainable heating solutions.

“Daikin will be presenting high-per-

formance split systems for effective climate control in various environments.

“Visionline will feature fireplace systems, pellet fires, and flue systems for efficient and stylish heating solutions, while Sinergy has battery options, including EV chargers, for reliable and sustainable energy solutions.

“We will also have Goodwe presenting cutting-edge inverters for efficient and reliable solar energy conversion.”

Organics in spotlight

Nationals leader David Littleproud is calling for organic products to be organic, after a Senate committee handed down its report into the National Organic Standard Bill 2024. Mr Littleproud said industry was backing the Coalition’s legislation.

“There is a clear and unified recognition across the organics industry, that Australia’s regulatory framework is not fit for purpose,” he said.

“The industry does not need another review or inquiry.

“It defies logic that organic products currently are not required to be certified or comply with any particular organic standard, but can still call themselves organic.

“Products in Australia can currently claim to be organic with as little as two per cent of the ingredients being certified organic.

“People can engage directly with industry professionals for personalised guidance on energy efficiency,” she said.

“They can explore products that can enhance operational sustainability and cost-effectiveness, and learn about innovative solar, battery storage, and heat pump technologies that reduce reliance on fossil fuels and lower energy costs.

“We look forward to seeing you there.”

Mrs Khan said field days attendees would have the opportunity to discover the latest trends and advancements in renewable and alternative energy solutions.

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The Energy Hub is set to be an informative and valuable experience for anyone looking to stay ahead in the rapidly evolving energy landscape.

The initiative is supported by industry memberships through Green Energy Trading, the Clean Energy Council, and the Australian Home Heating Association.

People are encouraged to visit Wade’s Energy Hub at the field days to learn more about how renewable energy innovations can benefit their business.

“In comparison, organic products sold for export require 95 per cent organic ingredients.

“Australia is also the last nation in the Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development to not have a regulatory framework for the use of the word ‘organic’.”

Mr Littleproud said the former Coalition government had started a pathway to setting an Australian standard for the organics industry, worth more than $2-billion annually, by setting up an industry-led advisory group, which laid down the pathway to complete reforms in 2020.

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Wimmera Machinery Field Days special edition

From classrooms to catwalk

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

Starting as a small showcase of Horsham College textiles students’ talent, being part of Wimmera Machinery Field Days has evolved across more than a decade into a popular fashion show.

College textiles teacher Tina Fitzgerald’s collaboration with the field days committee has grown into a vibrant display of talent – which often incorporates musical performances and costumes from school productions, food tastings by VET hospitality students, and a display of debutante dresses.

Ms Fitzgerald said this year, students in years nine, 11 and 12 elective textiles would present their fashions at 2pm each day of the event.

“The students will model garments they have created within the first few weeks of school, with a highlight being the year-12 garments designed and made last year, including a standout evening gown made by 2024 student Jo-Mari Pretorius,” she said.

“The collection includes everything from pyjamas to dresses, which are made as part of the students’ curriculum.

“We do have a hard deadline for the event, but it motivates the students, and hopefully they can each make a second garment.”

Ms Fitzgerald said the year-nine students were introduced to overlockers this year.

“At base level, I just want to teach them to be able to make things that

they will be able to wear and will be a good life skill, so in the future they’ll be able to follow a simple pattern or mend their clothing,” she said.

Ms Fitzgerald said it was inspiring to see how textiles was thriving among young people, with the event giving younger students the chance to see the work of senior students.

“The parade also encourages students to step outside their comfort zones and perform in a public space,” she said.

“Hopefully it will inspire students

to consider the fashion industry as a career and build their confidence in their abilities.”

A musical performance by year-12 student Ella Lloyd will be part of the parade.

“It’s a wonderful opportunity for Horsham College to collaborate with the local community and work alongside Wendy Byrne and the field days committee to showcase the high-quality work our students are producing,” Ms Fitzgerald said.

OPEN 11AM 8

SATURDAY

PROGRESS: Horsham College students, from left, Latayah BrightPerry, Zahlee McLean and Ella Doti make garments to showcase at the Wimmera Machinery Field Days. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

READY: Horsham College’s Lily Wearn, Imogen Stockdale and Sienna Wood show off their pyjama pants ready to model at next week’s Wimmera Machinery Field Days.

Gifting a day out

Morethan 40 Pinnacle participants from across Ararat and Stawell are looking forward to their annual trip to the Wimmera Machinery Field Days, as part of their community access program.

One of several organisations and groups the field days committee gifts tickets to, Pinnacle offers people with a disability a range of personalised programs, activities, supported employment and respite options.

Ararat-based acting Viewpoint Street co-ordinator Ashtyn Hamilton said she would take a group from her campus.

“We’re going to take 12 people to the field days on the Tuesday,” she said.

“One of our participants, Tom Fleming, lives on a farm and is very hands-on, so he’s very excited to be able to go out and look at the tractors.”

Aged from about 21 to 80, Pinnacle has about 200 people in a variety of group and individual activities and support services, 48 people employed in their Australian Disability Enterprises employment business, and about 80 families using their respite services.

Participants enjoy a range of in-house activities

“We’re going to take 12 people to the field days on the Tuesday. One of our participants, Tom Fleming, lives on a farm and is very hands-on, so he’s very excited to be able to go out and look at the tractors”

– Ashtyn Hamilton

and experiences such as cooking, arts and crafts, sensory activities, and exercise programs, as well as regularly visiting community spaces as part of their individualised programs.

“We have swimming groups at the pool, and we use Neighbourhood House and the Powerhouse in Stawell,” Ms Hamilton said.

“We also have supported employment agencies like the laundromat in Ararat and Greenfingers nursery in Stawell.”

Ms Hamilton said free tickets to events such as the field days adds to Pinnacle’s quality programs.

“It’s a huge help to our participants – they do have funding for programs and activities, but having free tickets gives us opportunities to do extra things,” she said.

Young farmers having a ball

The Young Farmer Network ball will take place again this year, presented by Birchip Cropping Group and supported by the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal and the Australian government’s Future Drought Fund.

At Swan Hill, the second annual event gives people the opportunity to connect with others

and celebrate the dedication and leadership in the agriculture industry, while enjoying a meal and live music by That Guy.

From 6.30pm until 11pm on Friday, March 14, more information and tickets are available from www.bcg.org.au/event/young-farmer-networkball-2025.

EXCITED: Ararat Pinnacle participants, from front left, Tom Fleming, Jack O’Callahan and Jarrod Gibson; and back, Mathew Joy, Bernard Kennedy and Maree Shand, are ready to go to The Wimmera Machinery Field Days.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Wimmera Machinery Field Days special edition

Feature day for Emmetts

Emmetts will present demonstrations, talks and interactive activities among the features of its new ‘Customer Day’ on Wednesday at the Wimmera Machinery Field Days.

Exhibiting for the three days, the feature event on Wednesday offers an action-packed schedule including expert-led talks, hands-on demonstrations and plenty of prizes – set to offer something for everyone.

People can explore the latest precision ag technology, chat with industry experts, or encourage the kids to be involved in interactive activities.

One of the key demonstrations will be the See and Spray Challenge, running from 11.30am to 1.30pm.

The hands-on experience allows attendees to test John Deere’s revolutionary targeted spraying technology in a fun and interactive way.

Participants activate the system using a green soccer ball, demonstrating the precision of the See and Spray advanced weed detection.

Children can take on the challenge of activating half of the boom, while adults can put their skills to the test by aiming for full activation.

Those who successfully complete the challenge will receive a prize, making it a must-try activity for farmers and families alike.

Emmetts has also curated a line-up

DEMONSTRATION: See and Spray technology will be a feature at Emmetts’ site at next week’s Wimmera Machinery Field Days.

of John Deere expert-led talks covering the latest advancements in precision agriculture, seeding, spraying, and harvesting.

The sessions provide valuable insights into new technology and practical applications to help farmers improve efficiency and productivity.

At 9.30am, digital specialist Abby Turner will discuss how John Deere’s operations centre is transforming farm management through seamless connectivity and precision data insights.

At 10.30am, product system specialist Alex Conterno will explore recent advancements in air seeding technology, focusing on the C-Series Cart and its ability to enhance planting accuracy and efficiency.

At 11.30am, product system special-

ist Patrick McCarthy will provide an in-depth look at the John Deere 616R Sprayer and its See and Spray technology, a breakthrough in chemical application and weed control.

Later in the afternoon, at 3pm, Mr McCarthy will return to discuss the latest combine technology, highlighting how John Deere’s innovations are enhancing harvesting efficiency and profitability for farmers looking to stay ahead in an evolving industry. In addition to gaining valuable knowledge, customers will have the chance to win prizes simply by attending a talk; current Emmetts customers will be entered into a prize draw, with the top prize being a $1000 parts voucher for Emmetts Horsham.

A second prize of $500 in parts credit is also up for grabs, along with John Deere hoodies for select runners-up. The more sessions an attendee joins, the higher their chances of winning.

Beyond the scheduled sessions, Emmetts staff and John Deere specialists will be available throughout the day to answer questions, discuss new and used equipment, and demonstrate the latest in precision agriculture technology.

Whether people are looking to invest in cutting-edge machinery, improve farm productivity, or simply enjoy the field days, Emmetts’ Customer Day is a must-attend event. Emmetts will be at Site E1 for the three days of the Wimmera showcase.

Duck season declared

This year’s Victorian duck season will begin on March 19 and close on June 9.

The start time is 8am for the first five days of the season, after which hunting can start 30 minutes before sunrise.

The State Government is ensuring the duck hunting season is sustainable, safe and backed by science.

Outdoor Recreation Minister Steve Dimopoulos said the settings for the 2025 duck hunting season were determined by the science-based Adaptive Harvest Management, AHM, model and the Wounding Reduction Action Plan.

This year is the first season the AHM model will be used to guide the daily bag limit in Victoria – which is nine ducks, and seven duck game species.

The blue-winged shoveler cannot be hunted this season, and the use of lead shot is banned.

From this season, all new hunters seeking a license are required to do mandatory online knowledge training and testing – including Aboriginal cultural awareness training – as part of the Waterfowl Wounding Reduction Action Plan.

All hunters renewing their licence from 2026 will also be required to complete the training.

Further details about the 2025 season, including any wetland closures, will be regularly updated on the Game Management Authority website at gma.vic.gov.au.

Free test for oral cancer

WestWimmera Health Service, in collaboration with the University of Melbourne, will commence the first trial of its kind in Australia by offering free mouth skin cancer checks for adults at the upcoming Wimmera Machinery Field Days.

The trial, an oral cancer screening model, has been designed specifically for regional areas and communities with limited access to dental services.

The first stage of the trial will incorporate rural health workers taking a full set of standard photos of peoples’ mouths, which will then be reviewed remotely by oral medicine experts using special MouthMap software.

Hamid Ghaderi, who is leading the trial for West Wimmera Health Service, said the trial aims to improve access to oral cancer screening for people living outside of big cities, especially those in regional farming communities.

“Mouth skin cancers are not caused by sun exposure, can be difficult to see yourself and might

not be painful at all, so this trial has the potential to enable earlier diagnosis and better outcomes for our smaller rural communities,” Mr Ghaderi said.

“The trial aims are threefold: to help put evidence-based oral health programs into practice in Australia, reduce the health problems and inequities linked to oral health issues, and lower the burden on the healthcare system.

“This approach of using photographs and telehealth to connect with specialist expertise will enable researchers to determine the practicality of the service and the potential for it to be rolled out on a larger scale.”

It is recommended people book ahead to take part in the trial by having a complementary mouth skin cancer photography check at the field days.

People can call the West Wimmera Health Service Health Promotion team on 5391 4313 or email health. promotion@wwhs.net.au.

The second stage of the trial will see the creation of a regular local oral cancer screening service, including those from different cultural and language backgrounds across West Wimmera.

Max goes extra mile for Burras

Minyip-Murtoa

Football and Net-

ball Club’s Max Golder first offered to help out with the club’s annual Wimmera Machinery Field Days effort in 2009, and has been a repeat volunteer since.

Mr Golder’s son Jamie started playing with the club, but being a selfemployed plumber, found it difficult to take time away from work.

“They were looking for volunteers for the field days and I put my hand up in Jamie’s place,” he said.

Mr Golder’s son has since departed the club and the town, but the commitment has remained.

“Now they tell me I’m not allowed

to leave – that’s how it happens around here I think – but the club has made me feel very welcome. They’re a great bunch of people,” he said.

The club’s volunteers act as couriers at the field days.

“When people buy stuff, and they’re given a couple of tickets, we pick the tickets up from the secretary’s office, and we go and collect what they’ve bought and take it to the shed on the edge of the site, where people come and collect it,” Mr Golder said.

“It makes life a bit easier and safer

for everyone, not having to navigate through the site to pick up their purchases.”

Originally a Brim-based farmhand, Mr Golder now lives at Warracknabeal. He said he enjoys catching up with old connections he made during his career.

“I’ve been going to the field days for years, being a farmer in my own right in the past, I got to know a lot of businesses and people associated with the businesses, so it still keeps me in touch with them,” he said.

“I enjoy being a part of it – it’s a great club, a great community.”

West Wimmera Health Service

Exhibitor profile

Volunteer profile

HAPPY TO HELP: Max Golder has volunteered with Minyip-Murtoa Football and Netball Club at the Wimmera Machinery Field Days since 2009.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

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Wimmera Machinery Field Days special edition

Only the best get through

Increasingly prevalent artificial intelligence is now assisting farmers and grain handlers in ensuring premium quality, by utilising colour sorting machines.

Colour Sorters Australia’s Paul Pappas said farmers producing grains, pulses, or rice know that maintaining top-notch quality is essential, not only for meeting market standards, but also for maximising profits.

“One of the most effective ways to ensure premium quality is by utilising advanced technology such as colour sorting machines,” he said.

“Among the many options available, the AMD brand, known for its AI and deep learning software, stands out as an exceptional tool that offers farmers and traders an unparalleled advantage in the industry.”

Mr Pappas said Colour Sorters Australia was proud to be the sole Australian agent for AMD colour sorters.

“Based in Melbourne, we are committed to providing local service and maintenance for the Wimmera region and beyond, ensuring that our customers have reliable support when they need it most,” he said.

Mr Pappas said AMD colour sorters effectively remove unwanted seeds and contaminants such as vetch, frost-bitten lentils, and insect-damaged grains.

New era for conference

TheNational Farmers’ Federation’s annual conference AgXchange Australia is set to take place on the Gold Coast from September 23 to 25.

NFF president David Jochinke said it was the first time in many years the event would step beyond Canberra, instead at Gold Coast Convention and Exhibition Centre.

“AgXchange Australia is set to be the must-attend event for farmers, agribusiness professionals, policymakers, researchers, and industry leaders across the entire agricultural supply chain,” he said.

“We’ve designed AgXchange Australia to be the best national agricultural networking opportunity in the country. Whether you’re on the farm, in the boardroom, or driving policy, this is where our industry comes together to exchange ideas, build networks, and shape the future of Australian agriculture.”

The conference program is guided by the NFF’s 2030 Roadmap and will dive into key industry challenges and opportunities across the five pillars of innovation; sustainability; risk; farming communities; and supply chain.

“By improving the grade of your produce, you ensure you receive better prices, and at the same time, reduce the amount of product that needs to be discarded due to contamination, resulting in higher profits and less waste.”

“For farmers in the Wimmera and other regions, this means a greater return on investment,” he said.

Mr Pappas said AMD sorters had deep intelligence, allowing the flexibility to handle a variety of grains and pulses, as well as capacities ranging from one to 20 tons per hour.

“Investing in AMD colour sorters adds value to your operation,” he said.

“By ensuring that only the best grains reach the market, you gain ac-

cess to premium pricing and enhanced market opportunities.

“At Colour Sorters Australia, we are proud to offer these cutting-edge machines and exceptional local service to ensure that you achieve the best possible outcomes for your harvest.”

“I think sometimes as farmers we have our heads down in the business and don’t invest in ourselves. That’s exactly what we want AgXchange to be – an opportunity to learn some new things, make new connections and give you that break to think about the future of your business,” Mr Jochinke said.

Colour Sorters Australia

Exhibitor profile

SORTED: Colour Sorters Australia offers cutting-edge machines and service to ensure their clients achieve the best possible outcomes.

West Wimmera Health Service is collaborating with the University of Melbourne to deliver the ﬁrst trial of its kind in Australia by offering free mouth cancer checks for adults at the upcoming Wimmera Field Days.

How it works

Rural health workers will take a full set of standard photos of your mouth, which will then be reviewed remotely by oral medicine experts using special "MouthMap" software.

Pre-season catch-up

Taylors Lake Football Netball and Club volunteers will man the barbecue at this year’s Wimmera Machinery Field Days – and are looking forward to a pre-season social catch-up while doing so.

Club sponsorship co-ordinator Robyn Kelm said members were continuing their decade-long involvement in the event, this year

supplying an egg and bacon breakfast, with steak sandwiches and sausages for lunch.

“It’s a great event, and we have so many put up their hands and say they can help out – we have a great time, and don’t call it work,” she said.

“We get recognised as Taylors Lake members and have people come over and say hello and support us.”

Ms Kelm said the fundraiser eases the pressure on members having to generate an income to keep the club going.

“We have about 250 active members and about 150 non-active members who are still about, but not as involved as they once were,” she said.

Despite not being a big club, all football and netball teams have enough players to enter this season’s competition.

“We’ve got really good numbers this year,” Ms Kelm said.

“But we are looking forward to the field days and catching up with the people who we haven’t seen for a long time.”

A little bit of everything

“Depending on the item, they could have a dozen cards, or two or three artworks.”

Wimmera artists Megan Lonsdale, Ju-

The work of Makers’ Gallery and Studio members will be represented at the Wimmera Machinery Field Days, with a ‘little bit of everything’ at the site.

Co-ordinator Tricia Arber said visitors to the Horsham gallery were pleasantly surprised.

“People are quite stunned when they walk in the first time, it’s not what they expect,” she said.

“I think they expect a craft shop, but it’s more like a gallery come gift shop. Items are all handmade or enhanced by hand in some way, that’s the main stipulation.”

The gallery’s 80-plus members produce candles, jewellery, paintings, quilts, clothing and other unique pieces.

“This is the only place of this size that people can actually exhibit more than one piece,” Ms Arber said.

vena Miatke and Di Dales all feature at the gallery.

“Megan does prints of her original pieces, so you can buy one of her prints for $20. People mistake her work for photos. Juvena’s work is all her own designs too. She’s been a member for many years, but this is the first time she’s had a display,” Ms Arber said.

“I will have a hard time choosing pieces to take to the field days.

“The quality of work that we’ve gotten in here over the past few years is really, really amazing – and the variety, too. I’d like everyone to get a look in.”

The gallery will share a site with Wimmera Hospice Care Auxiliary, and will be part of the market on Wednesday.

“I’m really excited the gallery is a part of the field days this year,” Ms Arber said.

Volunteer profile

ALL SET: Taylors Lake Football and Netball Club treasurer Ella Hogan and sponsorship co-ordinator Robyn Kelm prepare for Wimmera Machinery Field Days.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

MAKING A MARK: Makers’ Gallery and Studio co-ordinator Tricia Arber is excited to attend the field days. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Makers’ Gallery and Studio

Exhibitor profile

Wimmera Machinery Field Days special edition

Colourful range for all ages, sizes

“We provide customers with the option to view hundreds of different rugby tops – the most difficult part will be choosing,” Ms Rosenzweig said.

Out and About Clothing is bringing its range of unique country clothing to the Wimmera Machinery Field Days this year, a decade-long tradition.

With more than 450 different designs, Out and About Clothing provides women of all shapes and sizes a colourful collection of rugby jumpers and polos with bright contrasting collars.

The rugby tops range in size from XS to 6XL and the company will tailor-make garments to fit people’s specific measurements.

Owner and designer Christine Rosenzweig has turned a love of sewing into a thriving clothing label.

She said she loves to attend the field days and other events around the country to give ladies the opportunity to view one of the largest colour ranges of women’s rugby tops.

Out and About Clothing offers women both relaxed fit and semi-fitted rugby tops in short and long sleeves, and offers a range of kids’ rugby jumpers as well.

A range of other products including Out and About rugby skirts and shorts, sock protectors, and a selection of farm-themed baby bibs will also be displayed at the field days.

Established in 2001, Out and About Clothing proudly manufactures its entire range of women’s and kids rugby tops in the South Australian town of Keith.

Ms Rosenzweig said Out and About Clothing looks forward to seeing people at the Wimmera Machinery Field Days’ Country Lifestyle Pavilion.

The full range of clothing is available to view online at www.outandaboutclothing.com.au.

Tools for monitoring water supply

Water is a precious commodity and with the current dry seasonal conditions it is a critical farm asset to manage and monitor.

Agriculture Victoria Livestock Industry development officer Christopher Blore said having the right quality of stock, domestic and commercial water, where you need it, when you need it and in the quantity you need, is critical for all farm businesses.

“There are some simple tools that you can use to monitor water supplies in dams and tanks across your farm,” he said.

“Tools can be as simple as a couple of floats and a bit of bar to give you an indication of the water left in your tank, or people can use a DAMDEEP tool.”

Mr Blore said a video of how to make a measuring tool could be found on Agriculture Victoria’s website.

“More advanced options such as ultrasonic or hydrostatic sensors to measure the depth of tanks or dams or flow meters to measure water flow rates from pumps and tanks, can be set up

to send automatic alerts like when a tank or dam is low,” he said.

“If you are looking to compare options, visit agtechfinder.com as the website has a large range of available AgTech solutions for water monitoring.

“People can also chat with their local rural store about options and the ongoing support available at a local level.”

For further information on calculating livestock water needs and how much water is on farm, people can refer to the stock water resources page on the Feeding Livestock website or contact Mr Blore at christopher.blore@agri culture.vic.gov.au

As part of the Victorian government’s $13.53million drought support package, eligible southwest farmers can apply for on-farm drought infrastructure grants of up to $5000. Further information, including how to apply can be found at ruralfinance.com.au.

For more information about drought and dry seasonal conditions support, people can visit agri culture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons or call 136 186.

Out and About Clothing

Exhibitor profile

ONE MACHINE...MULTIPLE BENEFITS

Crop yields have more than doubled Land values have trebled

Owners have sold machines higher than purchased

DEPTH MASTER

MAJOR MODERN AGRICULTURAL EQUIPMENT DISPERSAL

Tractors

• John Deere 8R 370 MY2023

• John Deere 7R 210 MY2020

• John Deere 6125M & 623R MY2022

• John Deere 6120R & 623R MY2017

Seeding & Spraying

• John Deere 1890 40ft 7.5in Disc Seeder

• John Deere 1910 430bu TBT Air Cart

• John Deere M962i 36M Trailing Sprayer

• Kuhn Axis 50.2 H-EMC-W 3PL Spreader

• Horsch Tiger 6MT Deep Tillage Ripper Harvesting Equipment

• John Deere S680 MY2016

• John Deere 640FD + Trailer

• John Deere BP15 + Trailer

• John Deere 615P + Trailer

Hay Equipment

• John Deere W235R & D630 + Trailer

• John Deere 946 MoCo Mower

• Krone BP1290 HDP2 8 String Baler

• Vicon RV4116 Round Baler

• Pottinger TOP 882 C 9M Rotary Rake

• Kuhn GA 8121 8M Rotary Rake

Other Equipment

• Maxitrans Hamelex R/Train Tipper

• Toyota Hilux 2.8D-4D Utility

• MARS 6M x 2.5M Flat Top Trailer

• John Deere 865E Diesel Gator

• Landquip Portayards Sheep Yards

• Grainline 50ft x 10in SP Auger

• Grainline 43ft x 10in SP Auger

• Custom Built Grain Cleaner

Contact: Patrick Fox M. 0439 964 613 E. Patrick.Fox@coxautoinc.com

Inspections: Mon 3, Tue 4 & Thu 6 Mar By Appointment Only

A LOOK BACK: The Weekly Advertiser dived into the archives to showcase Wimmera Machinery Field Days across the years. Pictured, clockwise from above: 2018: Horsham College students Soe San Di, Jacinta Oliver, Jessica Taylor, Hannah Murray, Georgia Perris, Tori Foster, Destany Dickerson-Cornell and Tara Emmerson prepare for a fashion parade at the field days; 2019: Matilda Zanker, Henry Zanker and Archie Zanker check out a header; 2018: Kynan Stasinowsky gets a high-five from stunt man Josh Burdon; 2023: Kay Eyles of Wimmera Harvest Fare, serves Emma Streeter, Jemma Hoffmann, Kaylene Streeter and Tayla Streeter; 2017: Wimmera Event Centre office manager Annie Mintern with tickets and parking passes for the event; and 2020: football legend Doug Hawkins at the Horsham Bearings stand.

Wimmera Machinery Field Days special edition

Meeting on-farm demand

Action Steel has developed a range of fertiliser sheds in practical designs and sizes to assist cropping enterprises with on-site storage solutions.

Sales manager Lennie Grace said the demand for on-farm storage had increased.

“This is as a result of cropping enterprises aiming to reduce the impact of volatile fertiliser prices and unreliable supply,” he said.

“In other words, storing fertiliser on-farm has become more than just a convenience – it is a smart investment.”

Mr Grace said there were several significant benefits of storing fertiliser on-farm, from decreasing external risk to future-proofing businesses.

“An Action fertiliser shed is the smart way to take full advantage of these benefits,” he said.

“Firstly, a fertiliser shed will save you money by allowing you to buy fertiliser in bulk when prices are lower.

“With fluctuating fertiliser prices, these savings can quickly add up.”

Mr Grace said as well as saving money, fertiliser sheds saved time and avoided delays in cropping programs by allowing the security of fertiliser supply ahead of time.

“Action fertiliser sheds are also

designed to save you time by making loading, unloading and handling fertiliser straightforward and efficient,” he said.

“Remember, the saying that ‘time is money’ is particularly true at important times of the year, such as cropping.

“Additionally, a fertiliser shed can help you maximise your profitability.

“For example, having fertiliser onhand allows you to take advantage of favourable growing conditions and apply the fertiliser at the right time for maximum results.”

Mr Grace said fertiliser sheds had

also become popular because they were the safest way to store granular fertiliser – fertilisers such as DAP and DAP blends should not be stored in silos due to the high risk.

“Action fertiliser sheds aren’t just a safe storage option, they are also very versatile,” he said.

“For example, your fertiliser shed could be repurposed for machinery storage or grain storage, providing good value for money.

“Ultimately, the shed design will influence the functionality of your fertiliser shed and your ability to capitalise on these benefits.

“This is why the team at Action

Biosecurity tax scrapped

Farmers are celebrating the Federal Parliament’s decision to discharge the Biosecurity Protection Levy, effectively binning the tax. The levy, first announced in the 2023-24 Federal Budget as part of a $1-billion package to keep biosecurity threats at bay, would have resulted in farmers paying about $500 each year. It was set to be introduced in July this year but there was no system set up to calculate or collect the funds.

National Farmers’ Federation president and Murra Warra farmer David Jochinke welcomed the decision and thanked Agriculture Minister Julie Collins for listening to farmers’ concerns.

“This is a huge win for farmers. The Minister and the Senate have listened – this tax was deeply flawed and unfair to farmers,” he said.

“The agricultural sector was united in its opposition to this tax and we are just as united in our commitment to protecting our country’s biosecurity.

Steel has developed a standard fertiliser shed range.

“The tried-and-tested range includes best-practice designs and practical sizes and is an excellent starting point for your project planning.”

People can visit actionsteel.com. au to learn more about Action fertiliser sheds and how they can be customised to suit each cropping operation.

Visitors to Wimmera Machinery Field Days who have a farm shed project on the cards can talk to the Action team at Site S1-3.

“Farmers already contribute significantly to the system, and we look forward to working with the government on policy that strengthens our defence against pests and diseases without adding extra costs on farmers.” Member for Mallee Anne Webster said farmers and farm managers represented almost 10 per cent of the Mallee electorate workforce, according to the ABS, meaning yet another farming tax would apply a significant handbrake on local productivity.

“Mallee producers already pay sector-specific levies on citrus, avocadoes, wine grapes, table grapes, grains and dozens more,” she said.

“Labor’s fresh food tax would have hurt families at the checkout, as well as 84 agricultural commodities that were facing $50-million in annual taxes under Labor to pay for the risks their competitors bring to our shores by importing.”

VERSATILE: The 6000 tonne Action Steel storage shed recently completed for Darcra Farming is a versatile and functional set-up that can be used for storing fertiliser, grain or machinery.

WE COME TO YOU!

Travelling hydraulic hose repair trailer, business to your door

A range of hose sizes and hose fittings to choose from

Parts ordering service with a good turn around time Fast reliable service

Wimmera Machinery Field Days special edition

At the touch of a button

Exhibitor profile

Time,

money and effort-saving kitchen appliance Thermomix TM6’s capabilities will be demonstrated at the Wimmera Machinery Field Days – it can chop, steam, blend, cook, stir, whisk, weigh, knead, ferment, grate and more, at just a touch of a button.

Consultant Carly Mitchell said she uses her Thermomix daily.

“I’m on the farm with a young family and I use it every day to create meals and snacks with ease,” she said.

“It is so handy being able to leave the Thermomix to cook safely whilst bathing children or feeding the animals.

“It speeds up the meal preparation process, and uses inexpensive pantry staples to create show-stopping meals.”

Ms Mitchell started as a consultant so she could upgrade her TM5 model to a TM6 for no cost, and planned to stop consulting then.

“But here I am, a team leader in the area, and loving helping people to save time, money and effort while eating well,” she said.

“People can also join the team – there’s generous commission, incentives and a supportive community.”

Thermomix’s exclusive recipe library Cookidoo gives people access to thousands of step-by-step recipes on-screen, menu planning and inspiration, as well as the freedom to cook family favourites.

“You can simply choose what you’re cooking for the week, add it to the shopping list and send it to your supermarket cart,” Ms Mitchell said.

Ms Mitchell will have a stand in the Country Lifestyle Pavillion, where she will host a 30-minute cooking class at 11am on Tuesday.

Focus turns to export demand

The latest Monthly Commodity Insights report from Bendigo Bank Agribusiness flags a strong start for Australian agricultural markets in 2025.

Winter crop harvest has exceeded expectations with the focus now shifting to demand dynamics.

Cattle markets are also expected to see some upside amid strong export demand, particularly from the United States.

Bendigo Bank agribusiness senior manager industry affairs Neil Burgess said winter crop harvest generally exceeded expectations.

“Western Australia and New South Wales delivered more than 70 per cent of total production, balancing big drops in South Australia and Victoria due to dry conditions,” Mr Burgess said.

“The domestic wheat market remains largely rangebound, so for now, the focus is on export demand.

“Tight ending stocks should support barley prices, however growing uncertainty in global grain markets is set to drive ongoing price volatility in the coming months.

“Cattle prices could see upside in February, with Australia recently overtaking Canada to become the largest supplier of imported beef to the US.

“Barring any further supply chain issues from wet weather in Queensland and further processing bottlenecks, exports are likely to rise due to strong ongoing demand from the US and rising availability of local supply.”

Mr Burgess said dairy also looked to be a bright spot with tightening global supply continuing to support global dairy prices in coming months, but there were concerns about local production putting pressure on processors to lift farmgate prices as dry conditions spread in southern dairy production regions.

“Lamb prices eased as we entered 2025, after peaking just prior to the Christmas break with the lamb market expected to be relatively steady this month, gaining support from continued high processing rates, although strong supply of lambs and dry conditions in key growing areas will limit upside,” he said.

The Heliodor is a true all-rounder: it is ideally suited not only for shallow stubble culti-vation of light and medium soils, but o ers outstanding performance even in seedbed preparation for mulch seeding and after ploughing!

Bene t from its numerous other advantages:

■ The optimum angle adjustment of the discs ensures good penetration and intensive mixing

■ Maximum clearance to prevent clogging

■ Low lifting power requirement due to low weight

■ Flexible uses for both soil cultivation and tillage

■ Hydraulically adjustable levelling tines for optimum levelling

Thermomix

READY TO DEMONSTRATE: Thermomix consultant Carly Mitchell will host demonstrations at next week’s Wimmera Machinery Field Days.

Medics pushing a message

Paramedics and Ambulance

Community Officers will promote CPR campaign ‘Call Push Shock’ at the Wimmera Machinery Field Days, while providing further information about health and careers with Ambulance Victoria.

Operational community engagement liaison co-ordinator for Grampians region Kristy McMahon said she was excited to attend the event.

“The Wimmera Field Days is a priority engagement for us, being able to reach thousands of people in the community is just gold for us, and we really value it,” she said.

“One of our big focuses will be ‘Call Push Shock’, which is the amazing program we offer where we teach community members how to do CPR, with really simplified messaging.

“People get the opportunity to practise pushing hard and fast, doing their CPR and using an automated external defibrillator, AED, as well, which will be good.”

Mrs McMahon said Ambulance Victoria representatives would have information about calling Triple Zero, and the Emergency Plus app.

“We will have simple messaging of how and when to call Triple Zero, which we presume the majority of the community knows, but it’s always nice to get that reminder,” she said.

“Using the Emergency Plus app is great because it shows you the address you’re at, and three words, which tell us where you are.

“Kids are great at reading those three words, but it is also handy for people on properties who know exactly where they are, but it’s hard to get an ambulance to them.

“I also recommend it for people who travel a lot, who don’t always know which towns they are between.”

Mrs McMahon said paramedics and community officers local to Horsham and the Wimmera would be at the site.

“It’s our local people, which is ter-

rific. They can speak to the local situation, things like our Victorian Virtual Emergency Department, they know that it’s difficult to get in to see a GP and therefore the virtual pathway is perfect for people who are in rural and remote communities, who can see an emergency doctor or nurse from home,” she said.

“We are also always keen for more community officers – the more remote you get, the more integral they are to our system – and more paramedics, so we will have a bit of career information, too.”

Mrs McMahon said being at the field

days was also a good opportunity to be seen by children.

“Just that exposure to our uniform and our equipment is always beneficial, interacting and taking away that fear and intimidation, which can come with our uniform or perhaps a previous experience,” she said.

“Sometimes it’s really good to talk it through with somebody who’s wearing blue, and in a relaxed, calm environment.”

Ambulance mascot Stretch the Bear will be at Ambulance Victoria’s site, and there will also be stickers for children.

More than firefighting

Exhibitor profile

Country Fire Authority, CFA, representatives will again partner with other emergency agencies at their field days site, this year with a focus on significant fires in the area.

CFA West Region community engagement co-ordinator Jenny McGennisken said people would be able to look at information about the fires.

“We will have maps and information on the fires at Kadnook, the Grampians and the Little Desert National Park,” she said.

“We also welcome people to come along and find out about the many volunteer roles in the CFA, we offer much more than fighting fires.”

Mrs McGennisken said it was a very exciting time to join the CFA.

“Our volunteers play a key role in helping CFA to achieve its mission of protecting Victorian lives and property,” she said.

“As one of the world’s largest volunteer-based emergency services organisations, CFA is committed to providing a modern and effective operation in which our volunteers are valued and respected.”

CFA representatives, with other agencies including Wimmera Emergency Management Team, will be in the Moore Pavilion.

Ambulance Victoria

Exhibitor profile

READY TO HELP: Paramedics, from left, Emma, Claire, Karen, Shane, Murdoch and Luke will promote the ‘Call Push Shock’ program at next week’s Wimmera Machinery Field Days.

Wimmera Machinery Field Days special

Open invitation to have a chat

The

men and women of Wimmera Prostate Cancer Support Group will be at the field days with information about the cancer and the service they offer to the community.

Group leader Brian Nagorcka, who was diagnosed with prostate cancer 10 years ago, said the group started about eight years ago.

“We have both men and women in the group, because it isn’t just men dealing with the disease on their own – it has a ripple effect,” he said.

“Not all support groups have women in them, but we believe in the importance of partners and wives in men’s cancer journeys, they’re a part of the story, too.”

Meeting at Horsham RSL on the fourth Wednesday of each month, members and visitors enjoy a meal and a guest speaker.

“People talk a lot more now than they ever did about these issues,” Mr Nagorcka said.

“While everyone is welcome to come to the meetings, they don’t have to – we are available to talk on the phone.”

The men’s age range of 60 to 91 is indicative of the disease and its testing – although group member Jack Janetzki said he had encouraged his three sons to start testing for the disease early.

“It’s just a blood test that people should get every two years once they reach the age of 50,” Mr Janetzki said.

“However, if you have family history, you should start testing earlier.

“My boys are 45, 42 and 36, they’ve all had their tests done, and I encourage them to go every two to three years.”

About 24,000 men are diagnosed

with prostate cancer each year in Australia, and about 3500 will die from it.

Men at average risk of prostate cancer who decide to undergo regular testing should be offered the test every two years from age 50 to 69.

Men with a family history should be offered the test every two years from age 40, depending on the strength of

their family history. Prostate cancer specialist nurse Mandy Johns continues to support men with prostate cancer at Horsham following the departure of urologist Richard McMullin from Grampians Health, while patients also receive care via appointments at Ballarat or via telehealth sessions.

Joan Nagorcka said the group com-

“A lot of our members get a lot more support from being in the group and hearing what the others have been through –men and women. Their stories are all unique, but none of them are on their own”

– Joan Nagorcka

plements the medical care the men receive.

“The group might start with prostate health support, but it becomes more about friendships and social outings,” she said.

“A lot of our members get a lot more support from being in the group and hearing what the others have been through – men and women. Their stories are all unique, but none of them are on their own.”

Mr Nagorcka said several group members will be at the field days.

“When we go out to the field days, we like to have a lady on our stand, because sometimes women might not want to talk to men about their experience, but they’ll talk to a woman and get advice.”

Wimmera Prostate Cancer Support Group members welcome patients and their families to meetings at noon for lunch and 1pm for the meeting.

People can call Mr Nagorcka on 0448 710 628 or Mr Janetzki on 0418 555 706 for more information.

We understand that downtime costs money. Be rest assured that we are committed to supporting our customers to obtain maximum uptime from our quality parts.

Prostate

SUPPORT: Wimmera Prostate Cancer Support Group members, from left, Brian Nagorcka, Jack Janetzki, Jan Janetzki and Joan Nargorcka will be at the Wimmera Machinery Field Days. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

3G plagues farmers

The shutdown of the mobile phone 3G network and the resultant varying drop in phone coverage have disconnected grain growers across regional Australia, according to GrainGrowers.

The national body representing grain growers says the 3G network shutdown was reducing the efficiency of farming activities, affecting access to health services and reducing overall farm safety.

Addressing the Senate Standing Committees on Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport hearing on the issue earlier this month, GrainGrowers advocacy and rural affairs manager Sean Cole said telecommunications was fundamental to the business of rural Australia.

Mr Cole said the impact of poor telecommunications could not be overstated.

“Telecommunications is fundamental to how people farm and how they do business, particularly in regard to health and safety issues,” he said.

“In interviews and discussions across Australia, the majority of growers have been adversely impacted by a lack of mobile phone coverage, resulting from the 3G shutdown.”

Mr Cole said the reduction in coverage was impacting worker and farm safety, with the recent fires in the Wimmera also highlighting the

serious effect on co-ordinating an effective response to natural disasters.

“This is not just about being disconnected from family and friends. It is about being able to run a business, co-ordinate farming activities and deal with issues that arise across regional Australia,” he said.

Mr Cole said GrainGrowers was concerned about the decreasing service coverage and would continue to work with the National Farmers Federation, NFF, to progress workable outcomes.

“In our grain-producing regions, we need increased connectivity to run the software in tractors, undertake grain market activities and business accounting and access the increasing number of mobile apps,” he said.

“The 3G shutdown has comparatively put us well behind urban areas, with growers frustrated they are paying for services they simply cannot access.

“It is not as though growers have not tried to rectify the situation.

“Many of our members have invested heavily in mobile boosters and other technology workarounds, but they are simply unable to address the overwhelming need for better technology.”

National Farmers’ Federation general manager of rural affairs Charlotte Wundersitz also spoke at the 3G Shutdown Senate Inquiry Public Hearing.

“The livelihoods of Australian

farming families are intrinsically tied to accessible, reliable, affordable, and high-quality connectivity,” she said.

“Telstra and Optus commenced the shutdown of their respective 3G mobile networks in October 2024, with a promise to consumers of equivalent or improved coverage.

“Three months later, Australian farmers are not convinced that the major providers have delivered on that promise.”

Ms Wundersitz said the NFF continued to hear widespread reports of reduced service availability and quality.

“Farmers are reporting that overall service quality has diminished postshutdown; that includes more calls dropping out, cutting in and out, slow download speeds or no ability to load internet at all,” she said.

“The loss of fortuitous coverage, that is ‘bonus coverage’ that was available with 3G turned on but not guaranteed after the shutdown, has been significant.

“Areas, and in some cases entire properties, which had mostly reliable coverage have now become blackspots.

“We have said repeatedly that the situation on the ground is a safety issue and a productivity issue.

“With the shutdown coinciding with both harvest and fire danger season, rural communities are bearing the full weight of this fact.”

Hydration station

Antwerp

Tennis Club is providing drinks at the Wimmera Machinery Field Days, in its major fundraiser for the year.

A continuing, decade-long effort, club president Chris Avery said the money would go towards club costs.

“This will go towards our membership fees, balls, and paying for use of court lights at our Dimboola home ground,” he said.

“We have about 14 or 15 members –six men and six women to play, with a few spares – so we rely on club volunteers and players’ families to help out at the field days.”

Mr Avery said he started as a junior with Gerang and moved to Antwerp’s club when Gerang folded more than 25 years ago.

“Antwerp is still a small club, we have a seniors’ team and a few junior players, and we always welcome more,” he said. Club volunteers will sell cold beverages such as soft drinks, water, energy drinks and iced coffee.

Volunteer profile

HELPERS: Antwerp Tennis Club juniors, back, from left, Alfie Greig, Temika Greig, Sienna Avery and Marni Toet, and front, Darcy Albrecht, Molly Avery, Hamish Greig and Daisy Avery.

Wimmera Machinery Field Days special edition

A proud regional focus

Regional Victoria’s largest law firm Harwood Andrews is returning to the Wimmera Machinery Field Days this year.

Established in 1840, the firm has a proud regional focus.

With strong client and business relationships in the Wimmera and Western District, the team at Harwood Andrews understands the needs of rural communities and provides expert legal advice when it counts.

Principal lawyer Amy Jenkinson said the firm was excited to again attend the Wimmera Machinery Field Days as a professional services exhibitor.

“Many of our lawyers and administrative staff have family, business and farming connections within the Wimmera and Western District,” she said.

“We are approachable and have a genuine interest in advising primary producers, agribusinesses and their rural communities.”

Based in Geelong, the firm supports and works alongside existing regional legal, accounting and other professional advisors when specialist legal knowledge is required.

The firm also acts for regional councils and other statutory authorities.

Red meat ambassadors

Meat and Livestock Australia, MLA, is launching a new social media academy to create the next batch of influential red meat ambassadors to connect everyday Australians with the work of our producers.

MLA is calling for producers to sign up to the academy, which can boost their profiles and benefit themselves, their community and broader industry.

MLA managing director Michael Crowley said the program would help metropolitan Australians see how red meat was produced on-farm.

“Australian livestock producers are highly trusted by the community to raise high quality, nutrient-dense food and it’s imperative that customers continue to have these high levels of trust,” he said.

Farmers and the agribusiness sector are subject to an increasingly complex regulatory and legal environment.

Mrs Jenkinson acknowledged the tough conditions primary producers continued to face and said it was understandable some farmers and agribusinesses did not prioritise legal affairs and planning when time poor and focused on their day-to-day operations.

Mrs Jenkinson said Harwood Andrews regularly assisted clients and their existing advisors to deal with legal issues which may be outside their local lawyers’ area of expertise or involving a sensitive matter where distance from immediate community was preferred.

However, she emphasised the right advice at the right time could reap significant benefits and avoid unnecessary exposure to liability and cost in the future.

“We are people-focused, and the field days is a great opportunity to catch up and discuss legal matters of concern to regional communities and the industry more broadly,” she said. Harwood Andrews provides advice in all areas of the law including structuring and asset protection, estate and succession planning including family farm and multi-generational business, property transactions including wind

farm leases, taxation, occupational health and safety and employment law, farming agreements, environment and planning issues, debt recovery, and family and other dispute resolution.

Mrs Jenkinson encouraged people to drop by and meet some of the Harwood Andrews team at the Wimmera Machinery Field Days.

“It promises to be a fantastic few days and we are looking forward to catching up with our current clients as well as forming new relationships,” she said.

“MLA’s social media academy will assist producers show best practice in caring for livestock and the environment so customers can continue to feel good about eating red meat. We’ll be doing this on social media where Australians are highly engaged in receiving and sharing information.”

The academy is an extension of

MLA’s Ambassadors for the Red Meat Industry as part of the Australian Good Meat project, which harnesses the power of producers to engage with the community and reveal the facts about best practice red meat production.

Academy participants will attend workshops at TikTok’s head office in Sydney for training – with the first session on April 23.

Applications close March 16. More information is available at www.mla.com. au/mla-social-media-academy.

Harwood Andrews

Exhibitor profile

COMMITTED: Harwood Andrews staff, from left, Jamie McCallum, Joseph Flanagan, Amy Jenkinson, Tayla Berger, Alasdair Woodford and Ali Erskine.

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Qualified, tailored advice

Horsham-based National Insurance Bro-

kers’ Abbie Wilson offers insurance to people with all kinds of assets under a variety of circumstances.

Specialising in everything rural, Ms Wilson said she was looking forward to catching up with her clients at the Wimmera Machinery Field Days.

“It’s always good to go out there, catch up with current clients and meet prospective clients,” she said.

“We invest a lot into the field days – it’s always a good event to go to, a good community event.”

Ms Wilson said the hot topic in insurance at the moment was affordability and availability, not just in the Wimmera and Grampians, but Australia-wide.

“It’s been a tough time, we had clients affected by the Pomonal fires, then the Grampians fires, and now the floods up north, and then throw a cyclone in the west, and insurance is a hot topic,” she said.

Ms Wilson said people could save thousands of dollars by using a broker, rather than trying to source their own insurance online.

“There’s a lot of variables and a lot of rating factors that go into the end price that we’re all charged,” she said.

“That’s where brokers are valuable because we’re qualified to give tailored advice.

“You go online, there’s no qualified advice there, you tick boxes and think that will do, but it might not do if you need to make a claim.

“I recently saved a farmer $16,000 on his annual insurance, just by sitting down with him, going out to the market, and working out what he needed.”

Ms Wilson said there was a misconception that brokers worked for insurance companies.

“We advocate for our clients, we do what is best for them,” she sad.

“A lot of what we do is pro bono – we don’t charge for quotes.

“It’s a lot of work, but if we can get people protected, we’ve done our job.”

Ms Wilson said she would again be in the

Moore Pavilion this year, and would have a giveaway for children.

“We always have a giveaway for the kids – they are the ones with the little legs walking around the field days site all day,” she said.

Ms Wilson said people just needed to enter their details at the National Insurance Brokers’ site to go into the draw.

Finalists announced

Ellerslie’s Sherri Symons is one of three finalists in the 2025 Victorian AgriFutures Rural Women’s Award.

The award celebrates women driving positive change in rural and regional Australia by empowering them with the skills, support, and leadership opportunities to shape their industries and communities.

Now in its 24th year, the award provides each state and territory winner with a $15,000 Westpac grant, and professional development opportunities.

Ms Symons is founder of WoolGrow Australia, creating sustainable gardening solutions using 100 per cent wool products to support the environment and the crossbred wool industry while promoting eco-friendly gardening.

The other two Victorian finalists are Den Lim, of Churchill, who founded Uplift Collective, a collaboration of more than 20 organisations providing free, engaging activities for young people to help them connect with local services through entertainment, cultural events, sports, and the arts; and Dr Mary Cole, of Garfield, a leading scientist, educator, and founder of Agpath, a biological farming research and education centre helping farmers reduce costs, improve soil health, and build more sustainable businesses.

Last year’s Victorian winner Grace Larson, co-founder of The Sisterhood Project, was named national runner-up for her work in improving healthcare education and empowering parents and caregivers with vital first aid skills.

This year’s Victorian winner will be announced in March and will then go on to the national award in September at Parliament House, where the national winner will receive $20,000.

ONSITE: National Insurance Brokers’ Abbie Wilson will be set up in the Moore Pavilion at next week’s Wimmera Machinery Field Days. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Tracey Kruger

Machinery Field Days special edition

Driven to improve practices

RYAN NT has been set many challenges in the almost-20 years the company has been retrofitting seeders and planters, but with no qualms about getting their hands dirty, they have had great success.

The drive to improve farming practices has brought into focus the conversion of tyne machines into disc systems, and then to revert when required.

Managing director Paul Ryan said the RYAN NT retrofit double disc system had been designed to suit most frames and tyne trips released in the past 40 years.

“There are many benefits to retrofitting, including in productivity and profits,” he said.

“The first being you won’t need to buy a whole new machine – our discs make light work of stubble and trash in all soil types, allow you to plant early in dry conditions, and use less fuel while planting up to 30 per cent faster.”

Mr Ryan said the disc system’s strong bearing and axle system had been designed for easy servicing and maintenance.

“It has one grease nipple per hub that only needs to be greased once a year, plus the discs have been designed for longevity, as they are four or six millimetres thick, with an 18-inch diameter,” he said.

“The disc legs are thick and made of hardened cast steel, which can handle the largest side force pressure.”

Mr Ryan said the RYAN NT Retrofit double discs for Flexicoil tyne assemblies were by far the most popular with farmers across Australia.

“The Ryan disc seeder system uses an adapter to fit the discs easily, and has no trouble fitting any of the wellknown Flexicoil tyne trips, such as the 350, 355, 550 and 650 tyne systems,” he said.

“In addition, the retrofit disc and Ryan tyne system can also be fitted to Flexicoil cultivators such as the ST820 and 800 series.”

Mr Ryan said farmers reported the

discs performed great in challenging soils and conditions, such as hard red clay soils and big stubbles.

Richard Kirkland, of Furner, South Australia, said he was now using just 60 to 70 per cent of his usual engine load after fitting 39 RYAN NT double discs to his Flexicoil ST820 tyne system.

Mr Kirkland said he sowed at 12 to 14-kilometres per hour, equating to two litres less per hectare.

“Pulling the bar has proved so easy that we have taken the duals off the Case,” he said.

“We also have issues with stones in our country, but the discs handle it well.

“In the stubble on stony ground, the tynes kept digging up the stones, plus sometimes stubble clearance can also be a problem.”

Notably, the Ryan discs can now double chute, with a rear seed boot adaption.

RYAN NT retrofit disc system will fit most brands and models, including RFM, AFM, Allan Johns, Agrowdrill, Ausplow DBS, Boss, Bourgault, Conservapac, Davimac, Duncan, Equalizer, Ezee On, Flexicoil, Horwood Bagshaw, Gason, Gyral, Janke, John Shearer, John Deere, Morris, Seed Hawk, Simplicity and Smale.

Egg supply in question

The Victorian Farmers Federation, VFF, is calling on the state and federal governments to pause the proposed national phaseout of conventional cages by 2036 until a reliable supply of eggs to the community and businesses can be guaranteed.

VFF Egg Group president Meg Parkinson said ongoing impacts of avian influenza was severely hampering the supply of eggs to consumers and all forms of egg production must be used to maintain future supply.

“We need a supply chain that is designed with consumers in mind and their needs. This includes eggs from all production systems such as barn laid, cage and free range and enables consumers to choose how their eggs are produced,” she said.

“The impending phaseout of conventional cages, coupled with a lack of clear transition planning from governments, has created uncertainty within the industry.”

Ms Parkinson said action was needed to ensure a steady and reliable future supply of eggs.

“We’re calling for the state and federal governments to pause the proposed national phaseout of conventional cages,” she said.

“If not, future shortages will also drive up egg prices, placing additional financial strain on Australian families.

“The VFF urges governments to work closely with industry to develop a practical transition plan that ensures egg supply remains stable and affordable for all Australians.”

RYAN NT

Exhibitor profile

PREPARED: RYAN NT managing director Paul Ryan will be onsite next week.

Fleming rising to challenge

Former Warracknabeal woman

Nikki Fleming will participate in a leading mentorship program designed to assist, guide and recognise future leaders in the grains industry.

Ms Fleming, a GrainCorp quality supervisor, was recently chosen to participate in Grain Trade Australia’s ‘Five under 30’ program.

She started her journey with GrainCorp aged 16, as a harvest worker –alongside her father who also worked at GrainCorp’s Warracknabeal site.

After secondary school, Ms Fleming moved to Geelong where she completed a Bachelor of Psychology at Deakin University – working at GrainCorp throughout university holidays.

Once she graduated, Ms Fleming began working at GrainCorp’s Geelong terminal as a bulk grain worker, before moving into a quality support officer role where she was supported to progress to her current role, leading the team as a quality supervisor.

She will be paired with Grain Trade Australia’s chief executive Pat O’Shannassy as her mentor.

“I was looking for a way to build my professional development, while also contributing to the future of the grains industry,” Ms Fleming said.

“This program gives me the unique opportunity to not only benefit from the experience of having Pat as my mentor, but the chance to collaborate and learn from the four other participants.”

Ms Fleming plans to focus on quality management and operational excellence in the years to come at GrainCorp, with the ultimate goal of landing a leadership position one day.

“Over the next five to 10 years, I envision myself in a leadership role at GrainCorp and within the grains industry generally,” she said.

“I’m very eager to explore sustainability and technology integration in grain trading, both of which are crucial for the future of the sector.

“Ultimately, I’d like to influence industry standards and practices, contributing to a resilient and environmentally responsible supply chain.

“The Australian grains industry is vast and multifaceted and navigating the different aspects can be difficult for people new to agriculture – I hope in the future to return the favour and become a mentor for emerging professionals.”

Ms Fleming said she was excited to grow her network across other agriculture businesses and foster professional relationships with the experienced mentors and young professionals.

“There are some parts to leadership that I think can only be learned by having conversations with people who’ve been in your shoes, so by

having dedicated time to connect with both emerging and experienced leaders, I hope to grow personally and professionally,” she said.

Ms O’Shannassy said GTA recognised the need to engage with the younger cohort in the industry.

“Nikki was selected from a very competitive field of candidates, which in itself is very exciting for the future of the grain industry,” he said.

“We saw Nikki’s progression at GrainCorp, and among other things, her willingness to take on higher responsibilities and engage with people as strong attributes.”

Horsham set to host

The Victorian Farmers Federation will host its 2025 Grains Conference at Horsham Golf Club on March 16 and 17.

Dubbed ‘the most impressive agricultural social events of 2025’, the grains conference will start with a cocktail party on the Sunday, followed by the conference and networking dinner on the Monday.

VFF president Brett Hosking said an impressive roster of speakers had been selected.

“They’ll cover highly relevant topics including transport, land use conflict, sustainability, market updates and farm safety, which will help deliver better outcomes for both growers and graziers while sharing insights that will improve how you operate and understand the new world we live in,” Mr Hosking said.

Conference organisers are also aiming for the networking dinner to be a highlight for all attendees.

“Bringing together a selection of ingredients grown in Victoria gives you a guarantee of quality,” Mr Hosking said.

“This year’s is shaping up to be one of the best events coming out of the grains sector.”

The event has a dress code of smart casual, with tickets required to be purchased before March 10.

To register, people can visit vicfarmers.zohobackstage.com/ TheVictorianFarmersFederation2025GrainsConference.

EXPERIENCE: Nikki Fleming, second from right, with GrainCorp colleagues at the Portland terminal.

Wimmera Machinery Field Days special edition

United to spread message

Two groups with concerns about mining in the Wimmera have aligned to get their message out to the public through hosting a site at the Wimmera Machinery Field Days.

Dunmunkle Land Protection Group, DLPG, and Mine Free Wimmera Farming, MFWF, will have a site in the Moore Exhibition Centre.

It is the first time the groups will have a presence at the field days.

DLPG president Andrew Weidemann said the group was first formed 34 years ago, but reformed last year due to the growing amount of mining exploration licences in the Wimmera.

Mr Weidemann said the group was originally formed due to potential mining projects in the area – particularly at Drung, south of Horsham.

“That never ever took flight because they found it was cost prohibitive to do it, et cetera,” he said.

“Whereas now, obviously with the expansion of the exploration licence area that Donald Mineral Sands applied for earlier in the year, it has highlighted to everyone that it was a potential of starting to happen.

“I’m obviously quite concerned about what is going to transpire in the Wimmera.”

Mr Weidemann said the proper checks and balances needed to be put

in place before mining projects were approved.

“We’ve already seen some train wrecks in terms of mining already in the Wimmera – in the south of Horsham and then in the southern Mallee region, where restoration hasn’t been done properly on the land, and so you lose the productive capacity of the land,” he said.

“We’ve actually had a look at some of these sites, and it’d be lucky if it was 10 percent of its productive value at the moment, if at all.”

Mr Weidemann said the productivity of agricultural land in the Wimmera needed to be more valued and protected.

“The soils here are self-mulching grey clays. They’re unique in Australia. There’s only two spots that I’m aware of – the Darling Downs and the Wimmera and southern Mallee areas –that actually have these self-mulching grey clays,” he said.

“When you look at it on balance, 1.6 percent of arable land area in Victoria is producing 25 percent of the GDP of agriculture in Australia and every ounce of land, people don’t realise how finite it is – the actual arable area that we’re farming for agriculture and what we’re trying to produce and continue to produce from.

“Any loss of land is an issue, but also I think the fabric of the society in

the area is also coming under scrutiny because we’ve seen where mining companies have set up in other areas and the whole demographics change, particularly in the town and so forth.

“Now some might say that’s for better, but from an agricultural perspective it’s probably for the worse.”

Mr Weidemann said the groups planned to give out information to the public.

“We’re looking to engage the community across all the areas that mining licences cover,” he said.

“I think we need to make sure that we get ourselves educated and make sure we can make good decisions.”

For the diary

Some dates for people to mark on their calendar for those interested in attending other agricultural events across Victoria and nearby states.

March

South East Field Days –

Dates: March 21-22, 2025

Location: Lucindale, South Australia Farm World –

Dates: March 27-29, 2025

Location: Lardner

Karoonda Farm Fair –

Dates: March 28-29 2025

Location: Karoonda, SA

April

Seymour Alternative Farming Expo –Dates: April 4-6, 2025

Location: Kings Park, Seymour East Gippsland Field Days –Dates: April 11-12, 2025

Location: Bairnsdale Aerodrome, Bairnsdale

May

Mildura Field Days –

Dates: May 16-17, 2025

Location: Mildura

July

Australian Sheep and Wool Show –Dates: July 18-20, 2025

Location: Prince of Wales Showground, Bendigo.

Tractor and Machinery Association of Australia conference –

Dates: July 24, 2025

Location: Hyatt Essendon Fields, Melbourne August Sheepvention –

Dates: August 3-4, 2025

Location: Hamilton Showgrounds

Mallee Machinery Field Days –

Dates: August 6-7, 2025

Location: Speed FutureAG Expo –Dates: August 6-8, 2025

Location: Melbourne Showgrounds

Insurance for Rural and Regional Australians

Regional Knowledge

Insurance needs in rural and regional Australia are vastly di erent from those in urban areas, and this is o en re ected in the coverage options available. From unpredictable weather events to the challenges of remote living, rural Australians face unique risks that require specialised insurance solutions.

For farmers, businesses, and homeowners in regional areas, insurance policies must account for a wide range of factors, including natural disasters such as oods, bush res, and droughts. e recent bush res in the Grampians have highlighted just how devastating these events can be, with many residents le facing signi cant property damage.

Insurance coverage for properties in re-prone areas or ood zones needs to be tailored to address these speci c risks.

But it’s not just the physical risks—rural and regional Australians also face challenges in terms of access to insurers and timely claims support. With distances o en making face-to-face meetings di cult, many residents rely on brokers to help navigate the complexities of insurance policies. A broker familiar with rural risks can ensure that the coverage aligns with the unique needs of the community, from farm machinery to livestock and even specialised business assets.

Having the right coverage is critical, but so is ensuring that premiums remain a ordable. Rural and regional areas can sometimes experience higher premiums due to increased risk exposure. at’s why working with an experienced broker can make all the di erence—they can help source policies from insurers who understand the speci c risks of rural living and ensure you’re not paying more than necessary.

“In rural and regional Australia, insurance isn’t just a financial safety net—it’s a lifeline that helps protect the livelihoods of individuals and communities.

Tailored coverage and expert support are essential to ensuring that these communities can recover and rebuild after unexpected events.”

French connections

Best’s Winery at Great Western is part of a group of Victorian wineries to be on show at the world’s largest wine museum in France.

Economic Growth and Jobs Minister Danny Pearson announced earlier this month that Victorian wineries would be featured at the iconic La Cité du Vin trade museum in Bordeaux, France.

La Cité du Vin is a major tourist attraction that welcomes more than 400,000 wine lovers every year.

The Victorian wineries on display are from the Grampians, Yarra Valley, Mornington Peninsula, Gippsland, and Hume regions – highlighting the diversity and vibrancy of the wines the state produces as part of a $9-billion wine industry.

As part of the two-year partnership, other Victorian wineries have the chance to be displayed in the future.

The partnership with La Cité Du Vin follows the Wine Paris Vinexpo 2025 held last week, where Victorian wines were also celebrated on a global stage.

Boasting more than 800 wineries and 21 wine regions, Victoria is home to more wineries than any other state in Australia – with the exports generating about $141-million a year.

powdery mildew, downy mildew, and other fungal diseases, aiming to eliminate the need for some sprays.

“We’re promoting Victorian wines at one of the most influential wine museums in the world, strengthening our reputation as a premium wine destination and attracting more people to Victoria,” he said.

“Victoria is home to many of our country’s most celebrated winemakers, and this partnership is sharing their talent with the rest of the world and boosting their export opportunities.”

Innovation

It’s no secret that Best’s managing director Ben Thomson loves to tinker in the vineyards.

When Wine Australia and Agri Automation approached him to test a fully autonomous vehicle using UVC light to control powdery mildew on the vines as an Australian-first, Mr Thomson could not resist.

The trial, at Best’s Great Western Sugarloaf Creek vineyard, may look like something out of an extraterrestrial movie, there are plenty of opportunities on the horizon.

The Vertex UV UVEX system harnesses the power of UVC light to combat plant pathogens such as

Mr Pearson said wine was one of Victoria’s key tourism drawcards and played an important role in regional economies – jobs at wineries, vineyards and cellar doors provided people with good jobs close to home, while serving as popular tourist attractions.

The technology has already produced great results for other agricultural products like strawberries, but the test is how it will work for grapes.

“We’re very excited about the potential benefits that this system could deliver,” Mr Thomson said.

“We’ve always tinkered with new processes in the vineyards, and the opportunity to help eliminate some of the disease pressure and potentially impact the quality of fruit has enormous upside.

“It requires a little perseverance to get the system running, but I look forward to sharing some of the learnings with others in the wine community in the future.”

The Vertex UV unit sits on the autonomous vehicle, Burro Grande, which will work at night between 9pm and 5am.

The Burro Grande has already been successfully tested in measurable trials in New Zealand and France.

“It’s incredible to think about the progress we’ve made with technology to drive efficiencies in viticulture,” Mr Thomson said.

“We are always keen to embrace new methodologies and innovations that improve practices and allow us to make better wine. We can’t wait to see how this new technology works.”

Manhari. Knows. Metal.

FINDING THEIR FEET: Longerenong College’s students are back on campus, with first year students participating in ‘O Week’ activities earlier this month. The students are undertaking a variety of agricultural courses, including Certificate IV of Agriculture, and wool classing and agronomy. Above, Bella Hardy, Trentham, Christine Oliver, Bacchus Marsh, Mason McEwan, Colac, and Alex Oxbrow, Rupanyup, find their stride, and below, Fletcher Bright, Casterton, Lexie Heinrich, Echuca, Katy Pollard, Bendigo and Ashby Rigers, Swan Hill, settle in.

With another harvest done and dusted and hopefully some time for grain growers to get a few field day fixes, it’s good to know that wheat prices are creeping back up.

The main gauge for pricing is the Chicago Board of Trade, and earlier this month the wheat price rose 0.4 per cent to 580 US cents a bushel.

Commonwealth Bank agricultural economist Dennis Voznesenski told Country Today it was largely due to a slowdown of wheat being exported from the Black Sea region, which could last until mid-year.

The reasons are twofold.

Firstly, both Russia and Ukraine sold high volumes of wheat last year to get more foreign currency to fund more arms purchases.

Secondly, it’s been a mild winter and crops are likely to be smaller.

“Above average temperatures have melted snow in Russia and Ukraine, leaving crops vulnerable to cold snaps,” Mr Voznesenski said.

The downside is China. Its economy continues to struggle.

“Imports of grain dropped considerably at the end of last year. If proposed US tariffs further stunt economic growth, low grain import levels could continue,” Mr Voznesenski said.

Reuters reported China has delayed or divert-

ed 600,000 tonnes of mostly Australian wheat and resold it to buyers in Southeast Asia.

The canola market is more unstable. If US President Donald Trump goes ahead with his 25 per cent tariffs on goods from Canada, it is likely to increase Canadian canola exports to Asia and Europe, traditionally Australia’s major canola markets.

Again, Australia’s canola fortunes depend on China.

“China’s anti-dumping investigation into Canadian canola could lead to less canola being planted, which could reduce global canola stocks in the second half of the year,” Mr Voznesenski said.

The likelihood of an escalation of the trade war being China and the US could work in Australia’s favour.

“Chinese retaliatory tariffs on US soybeans could lead to a rise in demand in canola from Australia,” Mr Voznesenski said.

with Libby Price

Growing jobs for women

The State Government is breaking down barriers to get more women involved and taking on leadership roles in Victoria’s $20billion agriculture sector.

Parliamentary Secretary for Regional Victoria Michaela Settle joined leaders from across the state for the 64th Annual Pioneer Women’s Ceremony earlier this month, celebrating Victorian women’s role in agriculture.

Member for Lowan and Opposition agricultural spokesperson Emma Kealy also attended the event with Member for South-West Coast Roma Britnell.

The event marks 30 years since the Australian Bureau of Statistics recognised that women could list their occupation as farmer in the Census.

Representatives from industry, peak agriculture bodies and gender equality organisations came together to celebrate the impact and influence Victorian women have on the agriculture sector and their communities.

Guests heard from Victorian Director of Australian Women in Agriculture Narelle Hanrahan, primary producer and Central Goldfields Shire councillor Liesbeth Long, and Aus-

tralian Women in Agriculture founding member Alana Johnson, who spoke about the Invisible Farmer Project – the largest ever study of women on the land.

The Victorian Rural Women’s Network aims to improve women’s workforce participation, grow job opportunities and support more women to secure leadership and decision-making roles in regional Victoria through initiatives such as its leadership and mentoring program.

This year’s program is being delivered by Leadership Victoria and managed by Agriculture Victoria.

For almost 40 years, the network has played an integral role in building the collective identity of Victoria’s women in agriculture, both among rural women and as an outward representation of their essential contributions to their industry and communities.

“Women in Victorian agriculture are making a real difference, leading the way to a future that’s more productive, profitable, and sustainable,” Ms Settle said.

To learn more about the Rural Women’s Network, visit agriculture.vic. gov.au.

MAKING A STATEMENT: Tatyoon’s Leila McDougall displays the words ‘No farmers no food’ on her dress at the Australian Academy Cinema Television Arts Awards.

Producer’s focus on bigger message

Tatyoon’s Leila McDougall made a statement at the Australian Academy Cinema Television Arts Awards.

McDougall – producer and lead character in her film Just a Farmer – wore a striking gold dress displaying the words ‘No farmers no food’ across the front.

The film-maker often wears a shade of yellow at big events – no doubt aligned with the event she cofounded ‘Mellow in the Yellow’, an annual event in Tatyoon which raises money for mental health support in farming communities.

She said appearing at the AACTA Awards was more than being just about the film.

“It’s about honouring the people who keep our tables full and our communities thriving,” she said.

Just a Farmer was a finalist in the

AACTA Award for Best Indie Film, won by Birdeater.

McDougall was also a guest speaker on a producer panel at the awards.

The AACTA Awards, formerly the AFI Awards, have honoured screen excellence in Australia since 1958.

The ceremony on the Gold Coast earlier this month recognised Australia’s highest achievements in feature film, documentary, short film, television, online, visual effects and animation, announcing more than 55 awards across two major ceremonies.

McDougall attended the awards with husband Sean, a farmer at Tatyoon, west of Ararat, and co-producer of the film.

“We might not have walked away with the win, but honestly, the biggest prize has been the messages

from people saying Just a Farmer has impacted them, changed their lives, or even saved them. That’s why we made this film, and that’s what makes it all worth it,” he said.

Just a Farmer has picked up a slew of accolades in the past six months. It won best narrative feature global at the Buffalo International Film Festival; audience-voted best feature film at the Rencontres International due Cinema des Antipodes; and best cinematography in a feature film and best international feature film at the International Film Festival of Australia.

McDougall won best Oceanian actress award at the Septimius Awards, while Susan Prior won best supporting actress in a feature film at the International Film Festival of Australia.

Seeding investment fits the bill

Machinery transport is naturally a big focus for contract seeders, and for a Beulah business switching to an alternate sowing rig, has so far ticked all the boxes.

Chivell Ag Contracting predominantly supports corporate farming enterprise Warakirri, who has a focus on productivity and efficiency, including reduced staff fatigue.

In operation since the late 1990s, Chivell Ag Contracting is now run by Zeb Chivell and his wife Amanda, who took over the reins from Zeb’s father Joe.

The family, including Zeb’s grandfather Allan, also runs a small 650-hectare property in the region.

In addition to contract seeding on Warakirri properties, Chivell Ag Contracting also offers contract spraying services.

Chivell Ag Contracting has maintained a long-term relationship with Warakirri and, with its support, Zeb upgraded from an 18-metre seeding bar to a 24-metre Morris Quantum air drill for his cropping program, which also follows a controlled traffic farming system.

It was the first 24m Morris Quantum to be sold in Victoria, but surprisingly, considering its size, it had a narrow transport width.

“The transport aspect was the best.

I got down a lot of roads that I hadn’t got the 60-foot bar down,” Zeb said.

The Chivell’s 24m Morris Quantum air drill folds to 7.6m wide and 5.9m high.

“It’s 80 kilometres between the farthest points where we are seeding on properties and the transport width of the Quantum was three times better than I thought it would be,” Zeb said.

Features

The family’s Quantum air drill is set on 30-centimetre tyne spacings, uses a primary sales in-line, dual chute seeding boot and features Morris’ Auto-Lift and Auto-Pack technologies, as well as a blockage monitoring system and automatic end-of-row turning.

The auto-lift allows for automatic lifting and lowering of tynes, making headland turns easy, while the auto-pack automatically adjusts the air drill’s packing pressure according to the soil conditions, providing for correctly closed and packed furrows to help achieve the most ideal seedbed for germinations.

“It’s a well-built bar and there are a lot of Morris bars around now,” Zeb said.

“The other benefit with that is there is a representative from Morris’ Australian distributor in the area and a dealer at Warracknabeal – Bellevue

Machinery – with parts sitting there, so there are seven to eight people I can call if I have any issues.”

The Warakirri cropping program is close to 10,000 hectares, traversing soils ranging from sands and loams to heavy clays, including seepy crabhole areas.

Pulled by a 590-horsepower John Deere tracked tractor, Zeb said the frame strength of the Morris Quantum air drill almost stalled the tractor last season and it had to work hard in heavy clay soils due to the dry start.

In addition to the transport benefits, there were strong gains in the targeted areas of seeding productivity and efficiency.

“We were doing 20 to 21ha per hour and averaging about 150ha per fill,” Zeb said.

“It was a big effort and a really solid five weeks, but the year before we were doing 15 to 16 hectares an hour and going 24-7 for six to seven weeks.

“Last year we had just two days that were around the clock, otherwise we were only doing 18 hours per day, six days a week and we had Sundays off.

“Our staff also took to the new system like a duck to water. It was all easy, so they could largely just sit there and monitor everything.”

Goodyear’s Spiraﬂex Air Seeder hose is designed for use in Air Seeding applications where there is a requirement to view the product being conveyed. This hose is specially formulated with a Clear Thermosplastic Urethane Liner offering superior wear resistance in not only seeding applications, but many other dry bulk material delivery applications.

ON SITE: Beulah-based seeding and spraying contractor Zeb Chivell, from Chivell Ag Contracting, with Tony Williams, McIntosh Distribution, and the family’s 24-metre Morris Quantum air drill.

Celebrating women in science

Agriculture Victoria profiled some of the women who they employ, in recognition of International Day of Women and Girls in Science. In 2015, United Nations General Assembly declared February 11 as the International Day of Women and Girls in Science, which aims to close the gender gap in science and promote role models to young girls. Christy Vander Jagt, Anna Weeks, Sukhjiwan Kaur and Audrey Delahunty each make an impact in their respective roles.

Vander Jagt

Dr Christy Vander Jagt is a senior researcher with the genomics and cell sciences team based at AgriBio Bundoora.

Ms Vander Jagt is leading a project for AgVic research that aims to reduce methane produced by cows by establishing a breeding value for methane efficiency for the Australian dairy industry. To develop the breeding value, her team is looking to measure methane in more than 10,000 dairy cows.

Developing the breeding value will help dairy farmers select cows with lower methane emissions as part of their breeding programs, improving feed efficiency and supporting a more sustainable agriculture industry.

Sukhjiwan Kaur

Dr Sukhjiwan Kaur heads up the Applied Genomics and Predictive Breeding team in Plant Sciences. She is passionate about driving real world impact and sees plenty of opportunity to innovate, collaborate globally, and contribute to food security and sustainability within her role. Her team focuses on developing cutting-edge genomic tools to speed up crop improvement and make plant breeding faster and more efficient. One of the biggest opportunities in her field lies in the rapid advancement in genomic and predictive breeding technologies, which will enable the development of crops that are better adapted to climate change, more resource efficient, and resistant to pests and diseases.

Dr Audrey Delahunty works at Horsham and Mildura SmartFarms as a researcher with the Crop Agronomy team. She is a familiar face to many due to her active involvement in field days and industry events. Her research focuses on improving pulse production by developing climate-resilient crops such as heat tolerant lentil and seeking new farming methods supported by agronomic best-practices on-farm as well as helping diversify and grow the pulse industry.

Ms Delahunty works in an agronomy network to help growers increase their resilience and profitability by delivering knowledge on crop optimisation and management in challenging environmental conditions.

Anna Weeks

Landscape and Water Science team systems modeller Anna Weeks is exploring key relationships between agricultural productivity and drivers such as climate, soil, topography and land use.

Ms Weeks is working on the Agriculture Climate Spatial tool, which provides farmers with on-farm insights to adapt to different climate change scenarios and PastureSmarts, a framework that aims to get the most out of land by improving pasture growth and grazing while helping farmers manage risk and daily decisions. People can learn more about the State Government action on climate change at go.vic.gov. au/3tkWm83

Christy

Audrey Delahunty

S1-3

G4-5

V2-3 Agridry B14-15

A12-19

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Endeavour Energy Fuels S4

ENLOQ Loaders G9-10

ES Tanks Australia C18-19

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Excel Agriculture U14-16

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