The Weekly Advertiser – Wednesday, February 28, 2018
ambition
BY SARAH SCULLY
As a young farmer who has been through his share of tough times, Ben Brooksby knows first-hand that rural communities band together in times of need.
When his family’s St Helens Plains’ home was destroyed by fire in 2015, they were overwhelmed by support from neighbours.
But while Mr Brooksby is grateful and proud to be part of a community that responds to a call to action, or a tragic event, he also recognises the importance of coming together when times are good.
“Last week I went a whole day without seeing another person,” he said.
“I started talking to the dog just to have someone to talk to.
“That’s just the way it goes though. We love our jobs – and it’s more than a job, it’s our life.”
Social isolation and a lack of community connection are key factors contributing to mental health issues in rural and remote areas.
Mr Brooksby, who experienced anxiety as a teenager while living through 10 years of drought on the farm, has become a mental health advocate – although quite by accident.
In May last year, Mr Brooksby, 24, shared a photo of himself near-naked in the back of a truck filled with lentils to social media.
His new Instagram account The Naked Farmer was an instant hit, garnering more than 1000 followers in a week.
“I knew I’d struck a chord with the wider community,” Mr Brooksby said.
“This idea quickly became the framework for a social media-based business, highlighting agriculture through photos of ‘naked farmers’ with props strategically placed.”
What started as a way to educate people further afield about where food and fibre comes from has evolved into a serious, yet cheeky, mental health advocacy campaign.
“I still can’t believe how quickly it took off. It’s been absolutely hectic,” Mr Brooksby said.
“It’s amazing so many people want to raise awareness of mental health. My mission is to raise money and awareness around mental health in the agriculture industry. One of my aims is to gather a collection of photos from game farmers who have the guts to get their kit off. After all, it takes just as much guts to talk about mental health issues as it does to get your gear off.”
Willing subjects
Mr Brooksby has been inundated with photos and willing subjects keen to participate in the project.
His 2018 The Naked Farmer calendar sold out and he is planning to release both male and female versions next year.
An underwear line is due to launch next month and Mr Brooksby and friend Emma Cross – who took the photo that started it all, along with many others – will embark on an Australia-wide tour in June.
Mr Brooksby has donated money raised from The Naked Farmer merchandise to the Royal Flying Doctors Service mental health unit.
“I chose them because their dedicated mental health professionals visit remote towns and properties to provide treatment and support, as well as mental health education for rural and remote communities,” he said.
Mr Brooksby said he was excited about his upcoming The Naked Farmer tour.
Continued page 5
Ben Brooksby and his dog Sasha
Picture: Paul Carracher
Australian solar first at Natimuk
BY DEAN LAWSON
Agroup working on plans to establish Natimuk as the home of Australia’s first communitydriven and developed solar farm will outline project details at a meeting on March 8.
Natimuk Community Energy, NCE, members, awaiting consultant reports on completed final feasibility and business cases for a $2.5-million solar farm in or near Natimuk, will provide a project update at their annual meeting.
The meeting will be in Country Fire Authority Natimuk branch meeting room from 6pm.
The project is based on plans to have renewable energy providing 100 percent of Natimuk’s electricity needs by 2030, and might provide an energy-capture blueprint for other regional centres across Australia.
The concept has been gradually gaining momentum and generated discussion at state and local government levels and in the state’s sustainable-power and regional development fraternity.
A 2011 Census showed Natimuk having a population of about 659 and 168 families with an average of 2.4 people in every house.
NCE president Peter Slarke said the job of establishing the solar farm, with a potential to generate 1.6 megawatts of power, was set to start.
“A really important aspect of our plans to finance this project is to reserve at least 51 percent of project ownership to community investors,” he ssaid.
“This means community will maintain majority control of the facility and profits and jobs created by the solar farm stay in the local area.
“In the next year NCE will issue a
business prospectus and people will have the opportunity to invest in Australia’s first community-owned solar farm.”
Mr Slarke said NCE was simply a group of ‘motivated locals’ keen to bring more renewable energy to Natimuk.
“The idea to look at how electricity is used in town and to identify ways to save or generate it more sustainably came about in 2007,” he said.
“Auditing community buildings and two bulk-buying rounds of solar panels has led to 30 percent of Natimuk homes generating solar power and 15 percent using solar energy to heat water.
“Fast forward to 2018 and Natimuk Community Energy has set its sights a lot higher.
“Not only are we trying to help Natimuk become 100 percent renewable by 2030, we are also trying to
become the first Australian community energy group to research, design and build its own community-owned solar farm.”
Government support
Mr Slarke said an allocation of government grant money in July, 2016 enabled NCE to work with sustainable-power-industry experts to consider what renewable-energy projects would work best in Natimuk.
“In conjunction with these consultants and engaging with local people in community forums, it was decided the best option would be to build a solar farm in or near town that would generate enough power each year to cover what the town uses,” he said.
“Last year we also worked with Powershop to put a $10,000 10-kilowatt solar system at Natimuk Showground to help the footy and netball clubs and other groups use more
sustainable energy and reduce their power bills.
“When the showground bill for the system is paid, the $10,000 will be used again on the next community building. It’s a gift that will keep giving.”
Mr Slarke said the Thursday meeting was an opportunity for people to hear more about what NCE had and its plans for the future.
“Everybody is welcome, whether you just want to listen or want to get involved in this exciting change,” he said.
Mr Slarke said anyone keen to find out more could call him on 0459 793 034.
Former Australian of the Year and renewable-energy advocate Tim Flannery will visit Natimuk on March 30 to speak on ‘Rising to the climate challenge through empowering communities’.
A record edition
The Weekly Advertiser sets a new record today as it continues to forge ahead as a publication of choice across the Wimmera, Mallee and Grampians.
Today’s bumper edition, which includes an AgLife Wimmera Machinery Field Days feature and popular football and netball countdown columns, has peaked at 96 pages, eight pages more than the previous high of 88.
The figure reflects consistent growth for the newspaper, which on average is almost twice as large as it was 10 years ago.
Managing editor Dean Lawson said the publication’s growth showed little sign of slowing, as the Victorian regional free weekly newspaper industry continued to gain traction in a changing media landscape.
“We’ve never been busier, and in obvious partnership with radio stations 3WM and MIXX FM have developed, and are continuing to develop, winning cross-media products for our advertisers and readers,” he said.
“This flies in the face of constant warnings about the impending death of the newsprint industry. We’ve remained skeptical about the naysayers, made considered decisions on which direction to take and stuck to our guns.
“Importantly, we’ve never lost sight of the intrinsic relationship between community news, our regional communities, and as our name suggests, a quality advertising medium.”
‘THESE DAYS ARE OURS!’ Ruby Risson, ‘Pinky’ and Oscar O’Brien, ‘the Fonz’ join other cast members to launch Horsham College’s musical production of Happy Days in Horsham’s appropriately themed Café Red Cherry in Firebrace Street. The production, based on the hit 1970s-80s American television show and featuring other characters such as ‘Ritchie’, played by Liam Robertson, and the quintessential 1950s mother figure ‘Marion’, played by Lily Risson, will include performances on August 16, 17 and 18. The production includes a cast of 39 students and more than 10 working back stage. Students playing lead and support roles all said they were excited to be involved in the show.Café Red Cherry and Harley Davidson Horsham have swung their support behind the production.
Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
Farmer Ben on a mission
From page 1
“I’m going to be travelling around Australia catching up with anyone who puts their hand up for a chat – and that’s anyone in the agricultural industry from a stock agent to a chemical wholesaler, not just farmers,” Mr Brooksby said.
“I’ll be visiting anyone who has the guts to get their gear off. People can stay anonymous – there’s strategic ways we can shoot photos.
“I want people of all sizes and ages involved – anyone who has the guts to do it.
“I’ll travel wherever anyone wants me.”
Stories of the land
Mr Brooksby plans to use his tour to gather material for a book featuring photos and stories of people’s lives on the land.
“There will be stories people can relate to and connect with, because there will be others in the same boat,” he said.
He said he was well aware people had difficulty talking about their feelings, or asking for help, because he was one of them.
“I still don’t like to talk about my experience, but I know it’s important to,” he said.
“The fact is, mental health issues can affect anyone.
“Statistics prove that the suicide rate among farmers is almost double than any other industry and I’m passionate about changing these stats.
“I also know from personal experience that your state of mental health can be turned around through positive change even when the worst happens.”
Mr Brooksby said when his family’s house burnt down, he was pushed out of his comfort zone.
“Out of the ashes, my father handed me the job of managing the construction of a new home, at the age of 22,” he said.
“I had a lot of anxiety when I was younger.
“I was extremely shy, but suddenly I had to deal with people, draw up plans, come out of my shell.
“The fact is, bad things happen, but good things can happen from the bad and this is a perfect example of that.”
BACK TO WHERE IT ALL STARTED: Ben Brooksby attracted more than 1000 followers in a week after sharing this
INDUSTRY
Engineer critical of stadium site
BY DEAN LAWSON
Long-time Horsham civil engineer
Leigh Davies has weighed into debate over a multi-purpose sports stadium in Horsham with ‘serious’ concerns about a proposed site of the project.
Mr Davies said in a letter to The Weekly Advertiser that the site was not suitable for some of the important uses being proposed based on ‘a variety of factors’.
Mr Davies’ stance comes as the proposed site of the multi-million-dollar centre, to straddle McBryde Street and include Horsham Basketball Stadium and a northern section of Horsham Showground, polarises public opinion.
Mr Davies said a major concern, based on his previous investigations of the site, was that it was home to significant soil-moisture variations that would be extremely difficult to overcome as well as deep-filled soils.
His letter arrived at the same time Horsham Amateur Basketball Association officials adopted a ‘wait and see approach’ after discussing concerns with Horsham councillors at a consultation meeting on Monday night.
The association has threatened to take legal action ‘as a last resort’ if forced into accepting the project proposal.
Association spokesman Gareth Hiscock said his group appreciated the opportunity to stress its point of view and there was a clear understanding that opinions were ‘miles apart’.
“I am not associated with any group. I also have no wish to upset or offend, although I understand there will be those with different views”
– Leigh Davies
Horsham North children’s hub. For the first two, my documented warnings of impending problems were not addressed, resulting in serious additional costs. For the third, my concerns were addressed resulting in a re-design of footings for the hub building.
I understand the Horsham council is about to make a decision on using the basketball stadium site for the proposed multi-use stadium without knowing what is below the ground, which will literally support the project.
It seems incomprehensible to me to find that no deep-site investigation work had been carried out until recently on this site and results have only just become available.
My company carried out investigations on this site as one of the options proposed for Horsham Aquatic Centre, and we also carried out more recent investigations for extension works to the basketball stadium, so I am very familiar with the problems associated with the use of this site and can advise that it is not suitable for some of the important uses being proposed.
Mr Brooksby said creating The Naked Farmer had further helped his confidence.
“It’s a good conversation starter,” he said.
“I’ve met some great people and I look forward to meeting even more people and hearing their stories on the tour.”
Field days
He said he looked forward to talking about The Naked Farmer with people at next week’s Wimmera Machinery Field Days at Longerenong, an annual highlight on his work calendar.
“I go every year, with my dad and my grandpa,” he said.
“We always go for a look around and see what’s new and what deals we can get.
“I won’t be doing anything specific for The Naked Farmer, but I’ll be there to have a chat with anyone who wants one.”
Mr Brooksby said he also looked forward to catching up with friends and neighbours.
“It’s a good opportunity to chat to your neighbours properly,” he said.
“You give each other a wave when you see each other and then keep moving. But events like the field days give you an opportunity to actually have a good chat with them and see how they are.
“If something ever goes wrong, they would be there in a heartbeat. Your community will pull together to help you out – when our house burnt down, the support from St Helens Plains community was amazing.
“But it’s nice to have an opportunity to come together for a chat when things are just ticking along.”
• AgLife Wimmera Machinery Field Days edition, inside.
“We’ll wait and see what they come up with, but we reinforced our main issues with the proposal, which surround pricing, autonomy and governance,” he said.
“Taking legal action is the last course of action, something no one wants, but it might be unavoidable.”
Technical services director John Martin said there was a need for considerably more ‘background planning’ work and he welcomed both the basketball association in expressing its position and Mr Davies’ expertise.
“It would be premature to be making any recommendation at this stage. Further work needs to be done,” he said.
Mr Davies, meanwhile, said he remained concerned about deep-soil conditions at the site and felt compelled to make his thoughts public.
Here is a condensed version of Mr Davies’ letter.
SIR, – I have had over 50 years’ experience in civil engineering including major projects in Australia and overseas.
I returned to Horsham over 30 years ago and have had partial involvement with many major projects.
Some of those projects include Horsham Aquatic Centre, Anzac Centenary Bridge and
Some of the problems are that the site has significant deep soil-moisture variations and deep-filled soils. This will mean all buildings will need to be constructed on piers and outdoor courts and car parks will experience serious movement variations in the future, which will be difficult if not impossible to overcome.
I am also not aware that any contamination studies have been carried out, which is normal practice for such a project.
There is no question this facility would be good for Horsham and everything about this project seems to have been really well researched – apart from this one most important exception.
I have prepared feasibility reports for some of the large projects previously mentioned and it is normal practice to include site investigation as a part of this early work.
This is because proper cost estimates and feasibility cannot be prepared without knowing deep-soil conditions.
I am not associated with any group. I also have no wish to upset or offend, although I understand there will be those with different views.
I am presenting this statement out of genuine concern for the direction that this project is heading.
Leigh Davies Horsham
photo of himself in the back of a truck filled with lentils on social media. Picture: EMMA JANE
Recycling – everyone’s problem
It is an understatement to suggest it is time to bring the international, let alone national recycling saga to a head.
If we can’t come up with a solution in dealing with recyclable materials, it is time for Australia and worldwide community, let alone Victoria, to apply a big stick to the source of this waste.
Asking the consuming public to create demand for products made from recycled products, to work hard in separating garbage and to have faith that ‘something will happen’ is all well and good.
But it is a soft plea in response to a hard problem.
All clean raw products, including recyclable waste, always have value, albeit at various levels.
But make no mistake; if we can’t soon find markets or
HPV event
Hindmarsh Shire Council will look to attract hundreds of people to Dimboola when it hosts a second Human Powered Vehicle event in mid-2018.
Member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford has announced a boost for the HPV expo through the State Government’s Regional Events Fund.
She said major events meant big business for Victoria’s regions, with the HPV event expected to attract up to 400 people and generate valuable income for Dimboola and district.
Following a successful trial of the event last year, attracting 150 participants, riders and support teams, the Hindmarsh council will host a similar event in mid-2018.
“We’re proud to help bring the Human Powered Vehicle event to Dimboola. It’s events like these that keep our pubs, cafes, motels and caravan parks busy, and puts Dimboola on the map for tourists,” Ms Pulford said.
“Our Regional Events Fund is helping to grow our enviable calendar of events and that means more jobs and stronger economies across our regions.”
EDITORIAL
By Dean Lawson, editor
come up with answers for recyclable material, the product will go into the landfill as rubbish.
We will then be confronted with the almost idiotic scenario of spending a lot more money to dig and manage a lot more large holes to hide waste, some of it with little chance of breaking down into a natural state for thousands of years.
It is about time we had another serious look at the products and processes we allow companies to use in producing and packaging their goods and how much secondary waste each product creates.
The process might involve identifying and targeting ma-
terial and products that are to recycle and have once-only consumer use but long-term environmental or landfill impact.
We could then work to gradually phase out some products through direct bans or incentive or disincentive schemes, perhaps based on the end cost to society in processing waste material.
It would force producers to take on higher levels of responsibility for what they create and find alternative ways of creating or packaging their products.
It might sound tough and it would be hard to get the equation right without causing serious financial and economic harm, especially when considering how open the floodgates are at the moment.
But we’re talking about a long, drawn-out process that might span decades.
The problem didn’t happen overnight and finding a fix is the same.
We’ve successfully responded to problem products in the past, phasing out everything from asbestos to chlorofluorocarbons, after understanding the threats.
Making a move is simply based on how important we consider a need for drastic action.
The money to establish giant landfills to cope with the amount of waste we are creating might be better spent providing support and guidance for companies encouraged or forced into making drastic changes to their operations.
It seems ironic, that in our quest to passionately pursue the concept of recycling, which still makes a lot of sense and has a huge role to play moving forward, we have been blind to its ultimate fragility.
STUDENT LEADERS: Horsham’s Ss Michael and John’s Primary School has elected its student leaders for 2018. School captains Ella Officer and Isaac Arnold, centre, will be supported by vice-captain Jasper James.
Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
Our Story
Ernest Bulte and August Bulte built the business in 1912 in Queen Street South and Tatyoon Road upon moving the business to where it is now Queen Street Ararat. Ernest married Georgina who took over the business for a period of 3 years after Ernest’s death. Mark Bulte bought the business from his mother Georgina in 1949. He was a builder in Ararat. The building and carpentry ceased in 1964 and kept the timber merchant side. Mark ran the timber yard until his retirement in 1973, when he handed over the business to his daughter Beverley and her husband Kingsley Walker.
Beverley and Kingsley were partners in the business until Kingsley’s retirement in 2000. Their son Peter, who is the fourth generation and his wife, Karen took over the business in 2000 and are still current owners.
Haymes Paint Centre
Local News
• Naming rights sponsor of Ararat Redbacks female basketball team
• Supported EGHS with a special V.I.P. Shopping Night
Acacia Caravan Park offers shady sites in a
We
Facilities
and
on a
AWAY WE GO: Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt digs the first sod to ceremoniously start work on a new Wimmera Cancer Centre in Horsham. Wimmera Health Care Group chairman Marie Aitken and Member for Mallee Andrew Broad lend a hand.
Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
Minister assesses doctor shortage
BY DEAN LAWSON
Federal Member for Mallee Andrew Broad has welcomed a visit by Health Minister Greg Hunt to assess first-hand a shortage of health professionals in the region.
Mr Broad said Mr Hunt’s visit was necessary with a large percentage of the Wimmera-Mallee without adequate allied health professionals to look after and provide services for the community.
“It’s been fantastic to see the minister here in our patch to assess and discuss the problems we’re facing and figure out where we can go from here to see the best outcomes for our communities’ health,” he said.
“The minister and I have had the chance to catch up with some of our local workforce including doctors and practice managers to really discuss how we can use our capacity to help.”
A shortage of medical specialists in the Wimmera, general practitioners in particular, has generated considerable debate in the region during the past 12 months.
Clinics are having varied success in filling some of the shortages, with Wimmera Health Care Group announcing in January that two new doctors would be available for 12 months at Horsham’s Read Street Medical Clinic.
Lister House Medical Clinic in Horsham has
also secured three new doctors for the next 12 months.
But Mr Broad said there needed to be a comprehensive examination into finding long-term solutions to the doctor shortage.
“What we know is what has worked in the past does not work now, and we need ideas,” he said.
Mr Broad and Mr Hunt visited regional hospitals and hosted a health forum in Horsham to ‘maximise discussion with key stakeholders’ throughout the Wimmera and Mallee.
“Having the minister see and experience firsthand the issues our regional communities are facing is exactly what we need to shape the policy required for change,” Mr Broad said.
“I am looking forward to the outcome of the visit and discussions of pathways we can take from here.”
Mr Broad and Mr Hunt also joined forces to ceremonially turn the first sod for a multi-million-dollar Wimmera Cancer Centre project in Horsham.
Mr Broad was a key lobbyist in convincing former Prime Minister Tony Abbott to commit $1-million in Federal Government funding for the project, a move that generated further support.
The Weekly Advertiser will provide regular updates on the building progress of the cancer centre throughout the year.
Security upgrade at Willaura campus
Patients, staff and visitors at East Grampians Health Service’s Willaura campus are set to benefit from a security upgrade.
Member for Western Victoria Jaala Pulford said the State Government had provided funding of $134,083 through its Health Service Violence Prevention Fund to upgrade Parkland House, Willaura Hospital and Willaura Day Centre.
“The funding will be used to install CCTV and perimeter door access controls at the Willaura campus as well as an upgrade of duress and nurse call systems,” she said.
“This money will help deliver on our promise to reduce violence at hospitals and mental health services across the state, including Willaura Hospital, by making them safer for all, especially frontline workers who care for our loved ones.”
Health Minister Jill Hennessy said the money would help make hospitals safer for staff and patients.
“Our hard working doctors, nurses and para-
medics are not punching bags. Abuse is not part of the job and won’t be tolerated,” she said.
The government is investing $40-million to improve the safety of frontline workers.
So far, more than 60 health services across Victoria have received funding for a range of safety measures through the Health Service Violence Prevention Fund.
In addition, in an Australian-first, all hospitals are required to implement a clear and standardised Code Grey policy for responding to, preventing or reducing a violent situation.
The State Government’s ‘It’s never OK’ campaign is designed to reduce occupational violence and aggression against healthcare workers and paramedics.
Ms Hennessy said it was estimated that up to 95 percent of healthcare workers had experienced physical or verbal attacks while simply doing their job caring for others and saving lives.
Community forum
The Wimmera’s Centre for Participation will present a ‘Strengthening Communities’ forum next month to help organisations improve leadership and direction.
The forum will be at the centre’s headquarters in Horsham from 9.30am to 3pm on March 17, and costs $10.
Organisers are inviting people from groups and organisations in the region to register their interest.
Centre for Participation chief executive Julie Pettett said the forum would be a way for groups to help strengthen and celebrate communities. “It will also provide an opportunity to examine the ways we can improve leadership, and the future direction of groups,” she said. “We will announce workshop topics shortly so watch this space.”
Extend your outdoor living
Horsham’s Alix
works her way through an obstacle course at a Stockman’s Challenge at Wimmera Equestrian Centre at Riverside.
Club sets next challenge
Wimmera
Equestrian Club members will turn their attention to a dressage competition next month after a successful stockman’s challenge.
Club president Tony Golder said spectators at Riverside Recreation Reserve were treated to some exciting action from talented riders.
“The event was an awesome success,” he said.
“We had competitors come from as far away as Euroa and Strathalbyn as well as people who compete at Corryong each year.
“We had good feedback from everyone who attended.”
The event showcased teamwork between horses and riders and included an obstacle course, working patterns, whip cracking and cross country challenges.
Mr Golder, who finished third in the open division, said several Wimmera riders were among the place-getters.
“We also had a gumnuts section for ‘tiny tots’, which went well,” he said.
“All in all it was a great day. We were really happy with the number of spectators we had. People drifted in and out all day and every time I looked over I thought we had good numbers.”
Competition leaders presented several trophies.
Jennifer Tod and Delta won the Jim and James Stewart Memorial Encouragement accolade, with the Driscoll, McIllree and Dickinson Junior award presented to Natalie Featherston, who rode Flicka.
Mr Golder said he already looked forward to next year’s stockman’s challenge.
“It’s an annual event and continues to go from strength to strength,” he said.
Wimmera Equestrian Club’s dressage competition will be at Les Howland Oval, Dimboola, on March 18.
Sean Gray, riding Neo, won the John and Mick Helyar Memorial Open, while the Grampians Horse Riding Novice award went to Greg Fetherson on Brisco.
Basham
Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
Trio South Africa bound
BY SARAH SCULLY
Three Horsham women have won another opportunity to compete on the world
after ‘unexpected’
sults in this month’s Ironman 70.3 Geelong event.
Sally Pymer, Kelly Miller and Susie Ellis are off to Port Elizabeth, South Africa, in September to compete in the 2018 Ironman
70.3 World Championship.
Pymer said she and her fellow competitors were thrilled to qualify in Geelong.
“There was one spot for the world championships available in my age group, 45 to 49 years, two spots in Kelly’s age group, 35 to 39, and one in Susie’s, 50 to 54, so we were excited to all place and get to go,” she said.
“I came first, Kelly came second and Susie third – the first two people didn’t want to go.
“None of us expected to qualify, so to have the three of us from Horsham qualify when competing against people from all over the country is quite amazing.
“We are all very proud of our achievements and are still trying to comprehend what happened.”
Wimmera athletes Jon Dixon, Penny Penfold and Daniel Garner also competed in the Geelong event.
“Jon smashed his time, Penny did well and Dan did well competing in his first 70.3,” Pymer said.
She said she was lucky to make it to the starting line after battling injury in the lead-up to the Gee-
long course, on February 18. “I was at the physio the Thursday before, doing everything I could and every last-minute thing to try to get there,” she said.
Ellis was also recovering from injury.
“I thought I’d see how I’d go and ended up nearly catching second,” she said.
“The girl who came second was six seconds in front of me.
“I should have ramped it up. She always beats me. I’m coming back from bad hamstrings and I haven’t been able to train properly, so I’m surprised by how well I ran.”
Miller was hoping for a personal best but did not expect to place.
“I was this mad person in the recovery tent after the race. I said to
Sally’s husband, ‘Can I just look up my time?’ because he had Sally’s time on his phone,” she said.
“I looked up mine and I was like, ‘Oh my goodness, I came second’.
“I didn’t expect to place, so I was over the moon.”
Miller and Pymer competed in their first Ironman 70.3 world championship in Chattanooga, Tennessee, in 2017, while Ellis has competed in world Ironman events in Last Vegas, Austria and Mooloolaba.
The 70.3 in the title refers to the number of miles for the competition.
The event includes a 1.9-kilometre swim, 90km cycle and 21.1km run.
The world championship will
WORLD STAGE: From left, Horsham’s Susie Ellis, Kelly Miller and Sally Pymer will compete in the Ironman 70.3 World Championship in South Africa.
Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
attract about 6000 athletes from more than 100 global qualifying events in locations including Australia, China, Spain, South Africa and the Americas.
The women will race on September 1 and the men the following day.
Pymer said the trio would continue training in all three disciplines in the lead-up to the event.
She said the plan was to compete in Port Macquarie in May ahead of the international venture.
“We were just saying we wanted a break – we were ready for a rest – and then we qualified at Geelong,” she said.
“Now we’ll do Port Macquarie and then have a few weeks off and start training for South Africa.”
Stawell looks to celebrate women
Four Wimmera women will share their stories at an inaugural International Women’s Day dinner at Stawell Neighbourhood House.
Stawell Women’s Advocacy group – which formed late last year to raise awareness of gender issues in the community and their consequences, and promote increasing opportunities for women and girls – will host the event. The dinner will be on March 8 at 7pm. Stawell Neighbourhood House’s Jenny Greenberger encouraged people to attend the dinner.
“This is the first time Stawell has had an event for International Women’s Day, at least in recent times,” she said. “We hope to make it an annual event.”
Mrs Greenberger said the guest speakers would share their journeys to success in their field, with a particular emphasis on the barriers faced due to their gender and how they overcame them.
Author Julieann Burwood, LGBTIQ advocate Tina Healy, Northern Grampians Shire economic and community development director Debbie Bach and recently retired Grampians Community Health chief executive Jill Miller will be guest speakers.
“We also have some musical entertainment and our emcee for the evening will be Millie Francis, who is VCE co-ordinator at Stawell Secondary College,” Mrs Greenberger said.
Money raised from the dinner will be used to help fund STEM – Science, Technology, Engineering, Maths – events or activities to inspire and encourage girls to pursue interests, education and careers in these non-traditional fields.
“Wimmera women are invited to attend the dinner to celebrate International Women’s Day together,” Mrs Greenberger said.
“Women attending will enjoy a great meal together, hear from some interesting and inspiring local women, and enjoy some stimulating conversation.”
Organisers are taking bookings for tables of eight as well as individual seats. Tickets cost $35 a person, which includes dinner, and people can bring their own drinks.
Tickets are available online at www.trybooking. com or for cash at Stawell Neighbourhood House.
Thank you
Wimmera Cancer Centre
Supporting our community with cancer, palliative care and dialysis services
Construction of the Wimmera Cancer Centre commenced last month and as we start the next phase of this journey Wimmera Health Care Group wishes to acknowledge the tremendous support provided to the project since the fundraising efforts commenced in 2015.
Both the Commonwealth and State Governments have contributed substantially to the project and there has been overwhelming fundraising support from individuals, groups, health services and businesses across the Wimmera Southern Mallee region.
Your efforts will enable us to improve the health and wellbeing of community members in the Wimmera and Southern-Mallee through the development of this facility specifically for cancer treatment, renal dialysis and community palliative care. The centre will provide a safe, supportive, tranquil and dignified environment for patients, carers and their families. We will have increased capacity to provide treatment closer to home, reducing the stress and financial burden of travelling for appointments.
We also wish to acknowledge the ongoing fundraising efforts which are contributing to the purchase of equipment and furniture for the Wimmera Cancer Centre. This will assist us to deliver safe and high quality care to the communities we serve.
We have pleasure in presenting the plans to you and again express our sincere thanks and appreciation for the support shown to this important project.
Wimmera Cancer Centre PROPOSED DEVELOPMENT
Federal Health Minister Greg Hunt (centre) digs a sod at the new Wimmera Cancer Centre,WHCG Chair Marie Aitken and Member for Mallee Andrew Broad lend a hand.
Council ‘no stance’ on pokie request
BY DEAN LAWSON
Horsham Rural City Council has voted to take a strategic fence-sitting position in response to a submission to increase electronic gaming machines in the municipality.
The council voted to ‘do nothing’, based on a premise that it was caught in a paradox where the best outcome was most likely to come from inaction.
Cr Joshua Koenig, in moving that the council take the second of three options presented by planning and economic director Angela Murphy, was the best move possible.
The options were to support the application, do nothing or object to the application.
Cr Koenig’s motion came after council debate on a Horsham Sports and Community Club submission to the Victorian Commission of Gaming and Liquor Regulation to increase its electronic gaming machines from 78 to 83.
The issue drew a varied response from councillors, some concerned about the morality of supporting the move, others fearing that failing to support it would lead to a greater lack of control over the distribution of the machines, and one believing the council should maintain a stand against an increase.
Discussion unveiled a belief from some that because the Victorian Commission of Gaming and Liquor Regulation was responsible for gaming machines, that the council would ultimately be powerless in fighting the submission.
This was regardless of a council policy position established in 2012 to advocate against any increase in gaming-machines licences, while encouraging a reduction in licences.
Ms Murphy provided information that if the council was to object, the commission would list the matter for a hearing.
Whether the commission approved or refused the objection, there was an ability by the sports and community
“If the council does nothing, it is likely that the commission will approve the application”
– Angela Murphy
club to appeal to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal.
Debate surrounded a strong feeling that there was a risk of wasting money or inadvertently directing gambling money away from the community in fighting the move.
Cr David Grimble, outlining how the club redistributed money generated from the machines into the community, at the same time arguing the move was low-risk, moved to support the submission.
Cr John Robinson agreed.
“I don’t think legally we have much grounds to object to this,” he said.
“We’re entitled to object but we would incur legal expenses and so would the club.
“The impact would be taking money away from community groups.”
Crs Grimble and Robinson also
Maggie new ‘deaf access officer’
Horsham Rural City Council’s new ‘deaf access officer’ will work to improve the lives of deaf people across the Wimmera.
Maggie Bridgewater is leading the council’s Deaf Access Project, which will also be delivered in Northern Grampians, Yarriambiack, Hindmarsh and West Wimmera municipalities.
Horsham community services
director Kevin O’Brien said the council was pleased to deliver this important service in the Wimmera.
“The aim of the Deaf Access Project is to enable people who are deaf and hard of hearing to participate in and benefit from the same community activities and mainstream services as everyone else,” he said.
“Communities need to have accessible information to make decisions and choices.”
Mr O’Brien said the project would enable the council to continue to improve universal accessibility across its communities.
“It will provide meaningful opportunities for the hard of hearing and deaf communities to be able to contribute to civic and community life,” he said.
IMPROVING LIVES: Horsham Rural City Council’s new deaf access officer Maggie Bridgewater with a desktop hearing box, available at Horsham Civic Centre reception and Horsham Town Hall.
City of Ballarat previously provided the Wimmera Deaf Access service.
The worker was based in Ballarat and covered a broad geographic area.
Mr O’Brien said the Horsham council had joined forces with City of Ballarat to deliver the important and innovative service in the Wimmera.
and Human Services funds the project.
People can contact Maggie via email at maggie.bridgewater@ hrcc.vic.gov.au, mobile text 0437 167 125 or TTY Dial 133 677, then ask for 5382 9533
Angela Murphy
spoke on fears that if the sport and community club did not get the machines, other less ‘appropriate’ organisations might acquire them.
Cr Mark Radford said he had general concerns about the machines, adding that he could feel obvious ‘tension’ in the chamber surrounding the issue.
“Poker machines are a real problem for some people,” he said.
“Sometimes you have speak up for
the small voice and I think this might be a case. For those people I’m voting against this.”
Cr Grimble’s motion was lost in a split vote, which led Cr Koenig to move that the council accept Ms Murphy’s second option, which was to do nothing.
Ms Murphy said in her report that by not responding, the council would declare no support for the application.
“If the council does nothing, it is likely that the commission will approve the application,” she said.
Cr Koenig said the move would result in the best outcome without the council sacrificing moral ground, and his argument drew support from mayor Pam Clarke.
Cr Clarke said the move was a case of taking direct action through inaction.
But Cr Koenig’s motion also attracted responses from Crs Grimble and Robinson, who argued the council was failing in its role to make a decision for the community.
Getting in touch with The Weekly AdverTiser
Our office is at 2 Stawell Road, Horsham. Mail: PO Box 606, Horsham 3402. Telephone: 5382 1351. Fax: 5381 1147. Website: www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au Email: weeklyadvertiser@team.aceradio.com.au
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Newsroom: Dean Lawson: 0448 571 811, deanl@team.aceradio.com.au; Sarah Scully: 5382 1351, sarahs@team.aceradio.com.au; Georgia Bailey: 5382 1351, georgiab@team.aceradio.com.au
The publisher and
The publisher and general manager is Scott Grambau, C/- 2 Stawell Road, Horsham, for Ace Radio Broadcasters Pty Ltd, ACN 064 882 042. The Weekly Advertiser is a free paper printed by Newsprinters Pty Ltd, 7940 Melbourne Rd, Shepparton, and distributed by regional distributors and Australia Post.
The Department of Health
People can email Mr O’Brien at kevin.obrien@hrcc.vic.gov. au for more information about the Deaf Access Project.
Governor visits Ararat
Victorian Governor Linda Dessau caught up with students and community leaders and personalities as well as performing official duties during a tour of Ararat district.
Governor Dessau capped off a tour of the Ararat municipality by hosting a reception at Alexandra Oval Community Centre.
During her visit she met Ararat councillors and executive team members, laid a wreath at Ararat War Memorial and toured Ararat West Primary School.
She also planted a tree at Willaura Railway Station, visited Moyston General Store and Wills Memorial, walked with Ararat Active members and toured manufacturing business AME Systems and Ararat Leg-
acy headquarters. Ararat mayor Glenda McLean said the Governor’s visit was a great success.
“She is her own person and organises her own itineraries wherever she goes,” she said.
The Australian Wool Market performed steadily for the second consecutive week. General price increases of between 20 and 50 cents were enjoyed across the entire merino spectrum. The Benchmark Eastern Market Indicator (EMI) rose by 8 cents, to close at 1820 cents, only 1 cent below the record level achieved in January. Worth noting, due to currency movements, when viewed in USD terms, the EMI lost 17 cents, a reverse of what was seen in the previous sale. As the year progresses, so too does the amount of vegetable matter (vm) present in wools across the country. In particular, in the Eastern States, where FNF wools (less than 1.0% vm) currently make up just over half of the fleece offering. The continual decline of these of these wools, is increasing the premium that buyers are prepared to pay, resulting in larger price rises in these types, when compared to similar wools carrying more fault. The skirting market went against the trend of the fleece. Losses were felt across all microns, generally between 20 and 30 cents, with wools with less than 2.0% least affected. The crossbred sector has managed to record rises for the third consecutive week. Gains were posted across the entire range, generally between 5 and 20 cents. Main buyer interest was focussed on better prepared lines, and as a result these wools enjoyed the greatest lift in price. The oddments were discounted this sale. Wools carrying more than 3.0% vm were the hardest hit as buyers favoured the lower vm types. Prices were generally reduced by 20 to 40 cents, pushing the carding indicators down by an average of 23 cents. Next week sees another increase in the National offering. Currently, there is 44,506 bales on offer in Sydney, Melbourne and Fremantle.
“We had an excellent congregation of different groups from the community involved in the visit.
“It was a wonderful experience.”
EXPERIENCE: Lake Bolac students Charlie Leishman, Liam Deutsch, Jasmine
and Annabelle Walker travelled to Ararat for the event. Pictures: PAUL
OPPORTUNITY: Victorian Governor Linda Dessau with Elmhurst Primary School students, from left, William Edgar, Marlow Edgar, Matlida Greene and Jackson Greene at a reception in Ararat.
REPRESENTATIVES: Tammie Meehan, Bella Latronico, Floyd Burmeister and Josh Phillips from Willaura Primary School during a visit to Ararat.
GUESTS: Christine Peacock, Frances Kennedy and Heather Joiner were guests at Governor Dessau’s Ararat reception.
Clark
CARRACHER
Nhill primed for wheelie big event
Organisers of a major money-raising event for Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre on March 10 expect a crowd of more than 1000 to gather at Nhill aerodrome.
Wheels for Wirraway, raising money to help the centre acquire an historic Second World War Wirraway aircraft, will be from 10am to 4pm and feature ‘wheels’ as a major theme.
Event spokeswoman Jenny Creek said organisers had planned an action-packed day featuring wheels of all sorts and sizes.
“Wheels for Wirraway will be a unique event bringing together people who use wheels every day, either for pleasure or necessity,” she said.
“Visitors are invited to participate by bringing any form of wheels, from roller skates to trucks, ride-on mowers to classic cars and everything in between.”
A major feature of the day will be a display of vintage cycles, along with penny-farthing bicycles, motorcycles, classic cars, trucks, military vehicles, tandem bikes, unicycles, antique toys and wheel sculptures.
“There will be competitions for decorated bikes, skateboards and remote-controlled vehicles. Joy flights, a car boot sale and market, children’s activities and food stalls, which will all add to the festival scene,” Ms Creek said.
Wheels for Wirraway will be the last major
fundraiser in the campaign for the heritage centre to buy a Wirraway restored by Borg Sorensen from Tyabb.
“With only $50,000 of the $300,000 purchase price yet to be raised, it is hoped the Wirraway will be on permanent display at Nhill by mid2018,” Ms Creek said.
“An Avro Anson, Link Trainer and Tiger Moth, together with the Wirraway, will complete the collection, reflecting the four main aircraft stationed at Nhill RAAF training base during the Second World War.
“This specific combination of four 70-yearold working aircraft displayed together at a former RAAF base will be extremely rare and might in fact be the only example in the world.”
People seeking more information about activities can visit website www.nhillaviationheritagecentre.com.au or Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre Facebook page.
People with ‘an unusual set of wheels’ that they are keen to display, or are keen to enter a ‘wheels’ sculpture can call John Deckert on 0437 351 753 or Ms Creek on 0417 014 278.
Admission to this money-raising day is $20 for adults and $10 for school-aged children. Pre-schoolers are free of charge and a family ticket is $50. Entry to all displays, the Bellman Hangar and the Ahrens Hangar is also free.
SPEED MESSAGE: Children from Concongella, St Patrick’s, Stawell West and Stawell primary schools formed a giant ‘40’ at Stawell’s Central Park to send a ‘slow down in school zones’ message to motorists across the region. The schools joined Northern Grampians Police Service Area members to promote the message that 40kmh school zones operate between 8am and 9.30am and 2.30pm and 4pm Monday to Friday. Above, Senior Constable Peter Everett, left, and Acting Sergeant Shaun Allen are pictured with students, from left, Thomas Collins, May Hartford, Jesse Couchman and Jack Clemenson, and below, the giant 40 at Central Park. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER and STEPHEN HUGHES, Australian Drone Mania Photography
Help to navigate the modern world
Centre for Participation leaders are seeking mentors for a new engaging, hands-on skilled mentors program for people aged 55 and older.
The ‘Communicating in the Modern World’ program aims to develop and engage community members who want to learn more about technology.
Leaders are seeking skilled mentors for the program, which will be delivered in partnership with Horsham Rural City Council.
Centre for Participation learning manager Robbie Millar said being a skilled mentor was rewarding and fulfilling.
“When knowledge is shared with another in a fun and engaging envi-
ronment, and a person’s quality of life is enhanced, it’s a wonderful feeling of achievement for both the skilled mentor and the mentee,” he said.
Mr Millar said the program would be tailored to the individual learner’s needs, however, previous stakeholder feedback indicated current learning areas to explore included: MyGov,
My Aged Care and Facebook along with varying other online platforms.
“Steering group members identified digital connection for health and medical connectivity as a priority learning area, while access to platforms such as Facebook to assist with connection to family and friends would be great also,” he said.
“The aim is to give learners the skills and digital knowledge of var-
PERSPECTIVE: Theatrical production
HART will be at Horsham Town Hall.
Performance explores Stolen Generations
A theatrical production that examines the Stolen Generations from the perspective of four Noongar men across three generations will be at Horsham Town Hall on Tuesday.
The production of HART includes Ian Michael, winner of Melbourne Fringe Best Emerging Indigenous Artist award for his performance in the show.
The performance is part of Horsham Town Hall performing arts centre’s 2018 theatre season. Town hall marketing co-ordinator and HART programmer Charee Smith said the production was ‘an incredible’ piece of theatre.
“It will evoke so many different emotions, particularly as our region’s ongoing legacy of our own connections to the Stolen Generations,” she said.
“I was fortunate enough to see this production when it was pitched at Showcase, an annual theatre brokering event where programmers can procure touring productions for venues.
“I was transfixed by the storytelling and incredible acting portrayed by Ian Michael.
“I would highly recommend this production and encourage all to attend.”
HART director Penny Harpham said she shared Michael’s passion for the project.
“Making HART has been a way for us to educate each other, to keep informed, and to create a considered and highly personal shared experience,” she said.
Horsham Town Hall is offering an introductory offer to the 2018 theatre season and all tickets for HART, which it is presenting alongside She Said Theatre, are $25. People can buy tickets online at horshamtownhall.com.au or by phoning 5382 9555.
ious online platforms within a fun, social setting with a skilled mentor.”
The program will be offered at several Horsham Rural City venues, including the library, Centre for Participation, neighbourhood houses and schools.
“Growing learners’ understanding and capacity while engaging with a skilled mentor to access online platforms is a positive step to ensuring that our community members have the tools and skills needed to navigate the digital world,” Mr Millar said.
People who have communication technology skills and wish to be a skilled mentor can call Centre for Participation on 5382 5607 for more information.
promote a new ‘Communicating in the Modern World’ program aimed at people 55 and older.
There are thousands of businesses in The Workforce Behind The Defence Force. And opportunities for more to get involved are growing by the day.
Over the next decade, the Australian Government is investing $200 billion in our defence capability, and this will open the door to a number of Australian small businesses including those in technology, manufacturing, R&D, logistics, construction and IT.
To discover the business opportunities in the defence industry visit DefenceIndustry.gov.au
CONNECTEDNESS: Ron Eldridge and Centre for Participation frontline employee Thandi Eltze
Picture: GABI BIGGS
Willaura Health Care
SEA OF COLOUR: Ararat’s Marian College and Horsham College hosted school swimming sports last week. There was plenty of colour at Ararat Olympic Outdoor Pool and Horsham Aquatic Centre as students got behind their respective houses. Pictured clockwise from above: Bonnie McIlvride, Georgia Culph and Taylah Lardner, Marian College; Lara Maybery, Brooklyn Fraser and Emily Russell, Horsham College; Ella Carlyle and Demi Cunningham, Marian College; Evie Wallace, Sarah Hughes and Laura Hill, Horsham College; and Ben Russell, Miss Australia Jarrod Morrow, Mitch Moore, Noah Talbot, Zach Smith and Jackson Walsgott, Horsham College.
Swimming SportS
Saturday 24th March,
Kerbside recycling help
Northern Grampians Shire Council leaders have welcomed a State Government commitment to ongoing kerbside collection of household recyclable waste.
Energy, Environment and Climate Change Minister Lily D’Ambrosio has announced the government would provide $13-million to help councils and industry affected by China’s decision to stop receiv-
Chalambar talent night
Ararat district musical talent will be on show at Chalambar Golf Club on March 29 as part of a community effort to raise money for the Royal Children’s Hospital Good Friday Appeal.
Santa’s Place volunteers, a collection of people who provide their time to raise money from diverse activities, will switch from a Christmas to Easter theme to present the talent night.
The group has already collected $1000 from Christmas activities and wants to push the figure beyond the $1997.50 it raised for the appeal last year.
Talent night spokesman Carl Forshaw said the event, which had a cover charge of $25 and included supper provided by the Chalambar club as well as lucky door and chair prizes, would feature a talented mix of established and young musical talent from Ararat.
“We have five people coming to perform and it’s a great mix from our well-known Elvis impersonator ‘Ricky’ to outstanding young talent,” he said.
“The doors open at 7.30pm and children 12 and under who attend with parents are free of charge. And Easter bunny just might be there with Easter eggs.
“We’re hoping people come along and support the night. We want as many people there as possible.”
Earlier in the day, the group has also organised Easter bunny to be in Ararat’s main street in front of Bendigo Bank from 11am to 2pm, where Ararat’s Y’smen will provide a money-raising barbecue.
ing low-quality mixed recyclables. Northern Grampians mayor Tony Driscoll said the announcement was a positive development in the ongoing discussions around the future of Victoria’s recycling and waste industry.
“We welcome the Victorian government’s announcement and look forward to working alongside the government and other affected councils in order to flesh out the details of this plan,” he said.
“Obviously the council’s primary concern is to continue to deliver uninterrupted kerbside recycling services to our residents, and we aim to continue to do that as per usual for the foreseeable future.”
Councils can receive funding until June 30, 2018.
Ms D’Ambrosio said councils would be required to meet any increase in recycling costs from July 1.
“While recycling is ultimately a matter for local councils,
we’re stepping in to help councils and industry affected by China’s new import rules,” she said.
“This is about protecting jobs and ensuring Victorians have confidence to continue recycling.
“We’re already investing at record levels to manage waste in the long term and we will continue to work with industry and local government to help them address these challenges.”
CREATIVITY: Wendy Taylor and Barb Shannon chat about Wendy’s book at last year’s Willaura market.
Plenty on offer at Willaura
Music, entertainment and the best of regional produce and homemade goods will be on offer at this year’s Willaura Healthcare Outdoor Market on Sunday.
The market, next to Willaura Healthcare centre in Delacombe Way, will be from 10am to 2pm.
Willaura Healthcare Auxiliary member and market coordinator Jane Millear said the market was shaping up to be a great day for families.
She said market stalls would include jams, preserves, homewares, metal art,
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cards, jewellery, art and craft, chocolate, fudge, plants, soy candles and more.
“Not only will we have stalls packed with homemade and homegrown goods, but we will have music and children’s entertainment,” she said.
“Popular music duo SOFT will return to the market this year and we’ll have musical entertainment from Ararat 800 Primary School’s choir and Willaura Primary School’s band and choir.”
Mrs Millear said children’s entertainment would include
a jumping castle, mini-golf and trackless train.
She added that vintage cars would also be on display for motoring enthusiasts and gourmet food and coffee and Willaura Auxiliary’s Tea House would also be at the market.
During the past 12 years
Willaura Healthcare Outdoor Market has raised more than $63,000 for Willaura Healthcare, with money going towards new furnishings and fittings, equipment and activities.
THURSDAY MARCH 1
1:30 RSPCAAnimalRescue[s] Hosted by Anthony Field. 2:00 TheDailyEdition[s] 3:00 TheChaseUK [s] 4:00 SevenNewsAt4 [s] 5:00 TheChaseAustralia[s] 6:00 7PrimeNews[s] 7:00 HomeAndAway(PG) [s] 7:30 My KitchenRules (PG) [s] 9:00 Swimming: 2018 Australian Swimming Championships *Live* –See the stars of swimming including Cam McEvoy, Cate Campbell, Kyle Chalmers and Mack Horton compete for selection to the Australian Commonwealth Games Team. 11:30 The Goldbergs: The Dirty Dancing Dance (PG) [s] 12:00 Bates Motel: Crazy (M v) [s] 1:00 HomeShopping 5:30 Today[s] 9:00 TodayExtra(PG) [s] 11:30 NINE’sMorningNews [s] 12:00 Ellen (PG) [s] 1:00 Extra [s] 1:30 MarriedAtFirstSight (M) [s] 3:00 NINENewsNow [s] 4:00 NINE’sAfternoonNews [s] 5:00 MillionaireHotSeat[s] 6:00 NINENews [s] 7:00 A CurrentAffair[s] 7:30 RBT: Banana Wine / Don’t Drink And
James Corden, Julie Walters, Alexandra Roach 3:00 NINENewsNow [s] 4:00 NINE’sAfternoonNews [s] 5:00 MillionaireHotSeat [s] 6:00 NINENews [s] 7:00 ACurrentAffair[s]
(PG) 6:00 Movie: “Open Season: Scared Silly” (PG) (’15) Stars: Trevor Devall 7:45 Movie: “Shark Tale” (G) (’04) Stars: Robert De Niro 9:35 Movie: “Zoolander” (M s) (’01) Stars: Owen Wilson 11:20 WWE Smackdown (MA15+) 12:20 Total Divas (M v,l) 1:15 Mike Tyson Mysteries (MA15+) 1:30 Teen Titans Go! (PG) 5:00 Children’sPrograms 3:55 Bananas In Pyjamas 4:15 Wallykazam! 5:00 Thomas And Friends 5:30 Peppa Pig 6:00 Octonauts 6:25 Go Jetters 7:05 Ben And Holly’s Little
Faresin – The materials handling and feed mixing specialist partners with Carines Merchandise
Faresinis proud to announce Carines Merchandise as a distributor for western Victoria.
Faresin Australia’s Rod McDonald said his company, a division of the Chesterfield group, was delighted by what it had seen in Carines Merchandise.
“The team at Carines is fantastic, they’re in touch with their market and know how to get the right results for their clients. We couldn’t be happier having them as a dealer,” he said.
Like Carines, Faresin is a family owned company that proudly produces quality telehandlers and feed mixers.
Faresin started in Italy in the early 1970s and is renowned for its top-quality products and innovative designs.
“We’ve just completed two days’ training at Carines for the Faresin machines and we’ve never seen a more receptive group, who are more passionate about customer satisfaction,” Mr McDonald said.
Faresin’s mixer wagons are available from five to 46 cubic metres, with a range of feedout configurations including direct to ground and elevated hopper feeder.
All Faresin feed mixers are built using ST355 structural steel and are completely roll formed, protecting the integrity of the structural steel.
Andrew Carine said he was excited
by Faresin’s products. “They’re going to be a fantastic complement for the products we already stock, with the return to higher livestock values, the focus on feeding, and more feeding efficiency than ever before, we know Faresin products are right,” he said.
Faresin telehandlers are also available in a range of configurations, with a selection of engines including Deutz
and Iveco. “The range of telehandlers is second to none,” Mr Carine said.
“With Euro hitches you can add any attachment easily.”
Faresin offers an Ag-Pack with three-point linkage, PTO and hydraulic remotes, making it versatile and helpful throughout busy times such as hay season or harvest.
ITALIAN PERFECTION:
The Faresin Telehandlers with, from left, Faresin Australia’s Rod McDonald, Carines Merchandise’s Jesse Raggat, Andrew Carine and Luke Garton and Faresin Australia’s Ross Davidson.
“This is a revolution in the market, giving you more versatility than ever before,” Mr Carine said.
These products can be viewed at the Faresin display at Carines Merchandise in Horsham.
They will also be on display at the upcoming Wimmera Machinery Field Days on March 6, 7 and 8 and
South East Field Days at Lucindale on March 16 and 17.
Carines Merchandise is also organising on-farm field days to show off the new Faresin machines in the near future.
People can call Andrew Carine on 0418 504 367 for more information.
New-look hatch
European-market Ceed previews design for next Kia Cerato hatch, due late 2018 – Page 31
Great Wall bolsters Steed range with single-cab Page 32 Nissan flags high-performance version of its Navara ute Page 33
due near the end of this year.
New-look Cerato hatch
Kiahas unveiled its all-new third-generation Ceed hatch for the European market, which will preview the styling of the refreshed Cerato hatch due to land in Australian showrooms in the fourth quarter of the year.
While the European Ceed – which has dropped the jarring apostrophe from its name – and Australian Cerato will look similar, Kia Motors Australia general manager of media and corporate communications
Kevin Hepworth said the vehicles’ underpinnings would be completely different.
“There is no similarity to the Ceed and Cerato – they are different cars on different platforms,” he said.
European Ceeds are built in a factory in Slovakia, whereas Ceratos destined for the Australian market are built in Kia’s native South Korea.
The specification of the Cerato hatch is expected to match the revised sedan revealed at the Detroit motor show in January, which draws its design inspiration from the Stinger
large sedan. While the European-spec Ceed will score either a 1.4-litre turbo-petrol or 1.6-litre turbo-diesel four-cylinder engine, Australian Ceratos are expected to retain the existing 112kW-192Nm 2.0-litre aspirated petrol engine mated to either a sixspeed manual gearbox or automatic transmission.
Australian examples will also miss out on the new continuously variable transmission that will be offered in the US-market sedan, called the Forte stateside.
Rumours are rife that the Australian version of the new Cerato is tipped to receive a GT warm hatch variant, powered by a 1.6-litre turbocharged engine shared by Hyundai models including the i30 SR, Elantra SR and Veloster SR Turbo.
Under the bonnet of the Hyundais, the engine produces 150kW-265Nm, driving the front wheels via either a six-speed manual or seven-speed dual-clutch automatic.
If the Cerato hatch arrives wearing a similar face to the European Ceed,
“There is no similarity to the Ceed and Cerato – they are differrent cars on different platforms”
– Kevin Hepworth
it will see revisions to headlight styling, a larger lower air intake and a refreshed rear end, while retaining Kia’s signature tiger-nose grille.
Inside, both sedan and hatch variants are tipped to get a larger 8.0-inch touchscreen, simplified switchgear and circulate air vents that emulate the cabin design of the Stinger.
Australian examples can expect to receive LED headlights, Apple CarPlay and Android Auto compatibility, wireless smartphone charging and and a Harman-Kardon sound system, depending on the variant grade.
Kia’s suite of advanced driver-assistance systems – including blindspot monitoring, lane-keep assist, adaptive cruise control and seven
airbags – is tipped to be fitted in the new Cerato.
While pricing is not close to being announced, Kia Motors Australia is attempting to retain the $19,990 plus on-roads entry point that exists in the current range.
Kia found homes for 18,731 examples of the Cerato in 2017, up 42.9 percent on the 13,111 units it sold in 2016.
Its haul was enough to make it the fourth best-selling small car behind the Toyota Corolla with 37,353 sales, Mazda3, 32,690, and Hyundai i30, 28,780.
The Cerato has started 2018 in similar fashion, with a 4.4 percent year-on-year lift in sales to 1432 units, again the fourth-best result in its segment.
The new Cerato sedan can be expected in Australian showrooms in the second quarter of the year, while the hatch will arrive towards the end of the year.
– Robbie Wallis
State ticks driverless car trials
Driverless vehicles can now be trialled across Victoria after the State Government passed legislation in Parliament.
Under changes to the Road Safety Act, VicRoads will be able to grant permits to individuals or organisations wanting to run on-road trials of automated vehicles. Roads and Road Safety Minister Luke Donnellan said the legislation would encourage national and international industry leaders to develop exciting, emerging technology in Victoria – meaning more jobs and opportunities for Victorians.
“Victoria is at the forefront of autonomous vehicle technology and these changes will allow our best and brightest to continue to drive transport innovation,” he said.
“Automated vehicles are the future of road safety – that’s why we’re investing in trials and giving researchers better access to Victorian roads.”
Mr Donnellan has also announced a $9-million grant program for researchers and industry, as part of the Towards Zero Road Strategy and Action Plan.
These grants will support the development of vehicles with connected and automated technology and safety features.
Mr Donnellan said automated vehicles would be a game-changer for Victorian roads – initially reducing and ultimately eliminating human driver error.
Under the new laws, all driverless vehicle trials will require a human supervisor to monitor the vehicle from either inside or outside the vehicle.
Once it has been established a vehicle can drive safely, this condition might be removed to allow the vehicle to drive in automated mode in limited circumstances without a supervisor.
SucCEED: Kia has revealed its new Ceed for the European market with design cues that are expected to trickle down to the new Cerato hatch
Great Wall adds to Steed range
GreatWall has continued its re-establishment in the Australian light-commercial market by bringing a pair of single-cab Steed variants Down Under to sell alongside its existing dual-cab versions.
Pricing starts from $18,990 driveaway for ABN holders for the 4x2 version, while non-business owners will fork out $17,990 plus on-road costs.
The 4x4 version is priced at $20,990 driveaway and $19,990 plus on-roads respectively for ABN holders and private buyers.
Great Wall has priced the Steed single-cab competitively, and will jostle for sales with the likes of the entry-level Foton Tunland at $22,490, Tata Xenon, $19,990, and Mahindra Pik-Up, $19,990, all of which are driveaway.
For reference, the Steed dual-cab range starts at $24,990 driveaway for the 4x2 petrol, while diesel-only 4x4 examples kick-off from $26,990.
Both single-cab drivelines will be motivated by the same 2.0-litre turbodiesel unit underpinning the 4x4 dualcab variants, which produce 110kW of power at 4000rpm and 310Nm of torque from 1800-2800rpm matched exclusively with a six-speed manual gearbox.
A locally manufactured aluminium
tray measuring 2400mm long and 1777mm wide comes as standard, while the leaf-sprung rear end allows for a 1198kg payload.
Braked towing capacity is rated at 1700kg.
The Steed boasts disc brakes front and rear, while sitting on 16-inch alloy wheels shod in 235-70 rubber.
Interior features include cloth fabric seats, air-conditioning and auto-dimming rearview mirror, while standard
safety kit comprises two airbags, ABS brakes, ESP stability control, hill hold control and tyre pressure monitor.
Great Wall offers a three year100,000km warranty for the Steed to go with three years of roadside assist.
Great Wall Motors Australia chief marketing officer Tim Smith said the single-cab version has been requested by dealers and customers alike.
“Since we re-launched the Steed nameplate in 2016, we have received strong demand from dealers and customers for the return of the single cab version,” he said.
“With a mix of toughness, reliability and value for money, the single cab has always been a popular member of the Great Wall family.
“At its peak in 2012, the single cab version accounted for 55 percent of all Great Wall utility sales.”
In its first full year of sales since relaunching in Australia with a factorybacked operation, Great Wall sold 404 units of the Steed, with 214 opting for the two-wheel-drive version and the other 190 the 4x4.
Only nine Steeds found homes in the first month of 2018, representing a 57.1 percent drop over January 2017.
When the 4x2 dual-cab variant was crash tested by the Australasian New Car Assessment Program, ANCAP, in September 2016, the Chinese ute only mustered a two-star rating.
– Robbie Wallis
Navara sports version vision
Nissan Motor Corporation’s global light-commercial vehicles chief is studying the potential for a high-performance sports version of the Navara one-tonne utility, with a Daimler-sourced V6 diesel engine on the table and chassis development from an in-house alliance partner such as Nismo or Renault Sport.
In Australia this month for the launch of the Series III Nissan Navara, the Japanese manufacturer’s senior vice-president of LCV, Ashwani Gupta, told GoAuto that creating a high-performance version of the Navara along the same lines as Ford’s forthcoming new Ranger Raptor was now under study, following meetings with executives from Nissan Australia who were the driving force behind the project.
“The key factor to go to study the sports utility, or high-end sports series, is only the powertrain,” he said.
“If we take Navara – we have tough and smart – we have both – and now if we need to upgrade tough and smart we can do it very easily to the sports grade.
“But the most important thing is which powertrain we adopt to get to that. That is the study which we need to do.”
Mr Gupta said the company could
easily tap into in-house performance partners such as Nismo – or those from alliance partners Renault, Renault Sport, or even Mitsubishi Ralliart – for chassis development rather than outsourcing to a specialist provider.
“I think it is more a question of, first of all, the customer should exist, which I think is evolving, and what is the cost of technology and time to market.
“And I think these are the two things
which will be answered during the study.
“What we have in the alliance is, obviously, we benefit from each other – as far as the technology is concerned and as far as the platform is concerned.
“On the brand side, we have distinctive brands and three distinctive prime market areas.
“So obviously if Mitsubishi brand customer is asking for it, we will consolidate the request, if Renault is
NEXT STEP: Nissan is now studying the case to build a highperformance version of its Navara ute, and will look to exploit existing partnerships with the likes of Daimler, Renault and Mitsubishi.
seeing today in the one-tonne pick-up market is driven by Australian voice,” he said.
Nissan Australia managing director Stephen Lester said the potential for developing a sports version of Navara was clear.
“When you start to see the volume and the change and how the market has really evolved here and how quickly it is evolving, you can really see the potential in this range,” he said.
“And to the credit of some other brands, they have snapped that up, and as MD of Nissan Australia I don’t want to miss any opportunities.
“So it behoves me, and the rest of the team, to make sure that we exploit those opportunities to the best of our ability.
“As a true car guy, my imagination is limitless with what I would like to see.
asking for it, we will consolidate the request.
“Obviously the synergies between the three brands are important to make the cost of the technology more optimised.”
Mr Gupta confirmed feedback from the Australian market, which in the past couple of years has become a prominent voice guiding vehicle development, had guided the sports truck plan.
“The transformation which we are
“It’s up to individuals like Ashwani – and up to us to create business cases – that make that vision really possible.”
As well as the Ranger Raptor, higher-performance flagship mid-size pick-ups include the Volkswagen Amarok V6, forthcoming V6-powered XClass and the HSV-Holden Colorado SportsCat, although the latter trades on chassis development rather than powertrain.
– Terry Martin
LOCAL TRADE DIRECTORY
With more than 30 years of servicing the Horsham area, the local family run business P. and S. Cross Builders are your building gurus.
Owner, Peter Cross has been in the building business for 44 years, gaining valuable building knowledge and skills working for two experienced builders – Fred Harris and Perc Coutts, before branching out by himself.
P. and S. Cross Builders service Horsham and surrounding areas within a 50kms radius. Peter and his team of three employees, provide a range of building options for commercial and domestic projects.
They specialise in building new homes and any renovations or extension jobs. P. & S. Cross Builders offer free no obligation quotes for any building job, big or small.
For your next new home or renovation idea, ensure to contact your well-known local business P. and S. Cross Builders on 0418 524 879.
1. This year’s Wimmera Machinery Field Days at Longerenong near Horsham will be what birthday for the event? A. 54th. B. 55th. C. 56th. D. 57th.
2. Edward Budding invented what garden utensil in Thrupp in Gloucestershire, England in 1830 for use on sports grounds and gardens?
3. True or false? The skin of a polar bear, like its fur, is white to help it blend into Arctic environments?
4. In a fight-to-the-death confrontation between a hungry Australian freshwater crocodile and an introduced cane toad, which animal wins?
5. In the 1973, American post-apocalyptic science-fiction film Soylent Green starring Charlton Heston and loosely based on the Harry Harrison novel Make Room! Make Room!, what was the manufactured food Soylent Green made from?
6. From the mid 1820s to 1832, Australians were involved in something often referred to as the ‘Black War’, which claimed the lives of hundreds of people. Where was it and who were the combatants?
www.consortiumpw.com.au
7. In Adelaide, all trams, except a line running between the city and what suburb, closed in the 1950s?
8. Prozac is one of the trade names for what antidepressant drug?
9. The resemblance of the flower of the native shrub Templetonia retusa to part of an Australian bird provides it with its unusual common name – which is what?
10. Actor Geoffrey Bayldon played the title role in what Richard Carpenter-cult British television series of the early 1970s?
Fluoxetine. 9. Cockies’ tongue. 10. Catweazle.
Answers: 1. C. 56th. 2. The lawnmower. 3. False. Its skin is black and its fur is -trans parent and appears white because it reflects visible light. They appear almost invisible under infrared light. 4. Neither. The crocodile kills and eats the cane toad but poisonous toxins in the toad kill the crocodile. There has been evidence suggesting some ‘freshies’ are learning to eat only the non-toxic hind legs of the toads. 5. People. 6. Tasmania. It was an unofficial and largely guerrilla war fought between European colonists and indigenous Tasmanians. Some estimates suggest the Aboriginal population might have suffered between 600 and 900 casualties and the European settlers more than 200. 7. Glenelg. 8.
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ARIES:
(March 21- April 20)
Lucky Colour: Lilac
Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 5-7-3-1
Lotto Numbers: 14-18-24-28-35-3
Not a good period for lending or borrowing money or possessions; travel is favoured and many are in for major changes in business and career matters. Opportunities for rapid advancement are indicated.
TAURUS:
(April 21- May 20)
Lucky Colour: Green Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 7-8-3-1
Lotto Numbers: 11-17-24-29-35-20
Do not let yourself be pressured into taking chances on unknown business affairs. They are likely to be very quick moving and if in doubt consult the experts. Love affairs look good and family reasons to celebrate.
GEMINI:
(May 21- June 21)
Lucky Colour: Lemon
Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 6-3-1-4
Lotto Numbers: 1-5-9-23-31-40
Career affairs promise higher financial rewards. More support from the boss; a holiday or travel could be in the offering; a chance encounter could be history making in your love life.
CANCER:
(June 22- July 22)
Lucky Colour: Red Lucky Day: Saturday Racing Numbers: 1-3-2-1
Lotto Numbers: 11-8-10-24-29-35-33
Friends and partners could be more demanding and difficult to cope with; a career opportunity could present itself –and if you are prepared to take on added responsibility – promotion and better financial rewards.
LEO: (July 23- August 22)
Lucky Colour: Red
Lucky Day: Sunday Racing Numbers: 8-4-2-1
Lotto Numbers: 13-19-24-29-34-35
Love affairs should take a turn for the better; those who like a bit of a gamble could hit the jackpot. Investors should bring in better rewards; however travel could present a problem or two.
VIRGO:
(August 23- September 23)
Lucky Colour: Grey
Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 1-6-4-3
Lotto Numbers: 1-7-21-25-32-41
Friends and partners are more likely to be more loving and considerate and you should be feeling happier. Business ventures could be more profitable than usual.
LIBRA:
(September 24- October 23)
Lucky Colour: Green
Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 1-7-3-1
Lotto Numbers: 13-18-25-29-34-43
During this period romance should find you in different places and an interesting offer concerning your career matters. Keep lovers informed of future plans as that will avoid friction later on.
SCORPIO:
(October 24- November 22)
Lucky Colour: Red
Lucky Day: Saturday Racing Numbers: 6-3-1-5
Lotto Numbers: 7-2-32-38-45-5
Added opportunity to gain more income is about to be coming true; be ready to take on the chances as they come. Romance looks very interesting; some will meet the mate of their dreams and for some an old flame could re-appear.
SAGITTARIUS:
(November 23- December 20)
Lucky Colour: Green
Lucky Day: Wednesday
Racing Numbers: 8-5-3-4
Lotto Numbers: 5-2-21-27-35-43
Wiser to let those who matter know what your future plans are and they should be supportive. Don’t rely on anybody else but yourself in business and get everything in writing. Your handling of money should be easier; however, if you need advice go to the experts.
CAPRICORN: (December 21- January 19) Lucky Colour: Yellow Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 1-7-8-3 Lotto Numbers: 15-19-24-28-34-39 Money needs to be carefully budgeted, as you could get tempted into buying things you really can’t afford. Major changes
SEMMLER, Ronald David
Passed away peacefully on February 22, 2018 aged 76 years.
Son of the late Frederick Carl & Hilda (nee Rentsch)
Loving brother of Mervyn (dec), Lorraine & Jo and friend of Cedric. In God’s Care
SHERRIFF,
Melva Jean “Jean”
Passed away peacefully at Trinity Manor on February 24, 2018 aged 94 years.
Dearly loved wife of Maurice (dec).
Loving mother & mother in law of John & Elaine; Peter & Jan; Janene & Michael; Leonie & Tom; Debbie & Frank; and sister of Evelyn. An adored grandmother and great grandmother. Re-united with Maurice in God’s care.
SHERRIFF, Melva Jean “Jean” A Church of Christ Memorial Service to celebrate the life of Melva Jean “Jean” Sherriff will take place at the Sunnyside Lutheran Retirement Village Community Centre on Friday 2nd March at 10.30am. Private interment
Alpaca guards, ready to work $400 each Ph 0417531989
Alpaca herd guards x 3 $210 plus Gst, will not separate, mature age Ph 0402293486
SEMMLER, Ronald David
The funeral of Ronald David Semmler will leave Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Horsham on Monday, 5th March after a service commencing at 11am for the Horsham Lawn Cemetery.
Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member
1 Poll Hereford Bull, 14mth old, very quiet, very well bred $1800 plus Gst Ph 0429434340
7 young male guinea fowl, one older white make $15 each, Quail $8 each Ph after hours 53839227
American Bulldog puppies , 3 females; white and brindle, tan, and white, all vaccinated and microchipped # 985141001113024 / 1111080 / 1110778 REDUCED
$500each Ph 0400367110
Boer goat buck, 6mths old, well bred $120 or will swap for a young doe Ph 0488616058
Border Collie pups, black and white, chocolate and white, male and female, 10 weeks old, purebred, wormed, vaccinated, vet checked, microchipped and ready to go, black and white $750 each, chocolate and white $950 each microchip # 991001001306918 # 991001001306912 Contact Brendan Hogan Ph 0439971754
Budgerigars, consistently winning exhibition aviary, quality birds, new batch of young birds now available, young birds continually available, price to sell Ph 53824389
Budgerigars, show quality, from imported birds $15 and up Ph 0428730777
Guinea fowls Ph 53583440 in the evening Horse manure, free if collect or $3 per bag delivered to Horsham or Dimboola Ph 0437894257
Mixed chooks , guinea fowl, indian runner ducks from $10 Ph 0428564676
Parrots for sale, princess parrots all colours, indian ringnecks, bourkes and yellow and green opaline turks, ring for prices Ph 0408535515
Peachface and Fisher Lovebirds, variety of colours, from $20 Ph 0428832058 Stawell
Show budgerigars all colours, english blood lines $25 each Ph 0428730777
Staffy pups , vacc, vet checked, 4 females, microchip # 956000006103432 / 6080942/6085824 / 6108641 $300 each Ph 0458486381
Staghound pups, hunting bloodlines, male and female, vet checked, microchip # 953010002011954/2177 $350 Ph 0419355301
Standardbred mare & gelding, gelding black 16hh unbroken, mare bay 15hh green/broken, ex-trotter, sweet horses need experienced trainers/riders, best of homes only $500 each Ph 0404157484
Thoroughbred mare 4y/o , Lucy Blue, beautiful brown mare, cooperative nature, suit show/hack or breeding $1100ono Ph 0428846285
Tropical fish, convict cichlids or bristle nose catfish
or 3 for $25, $5 from each purchase goes to anti-cancer Ph 0474159010 after 6pm
Two Princess Alexander’s, two females 5 and 6 yo, one male escaped and one died $140 each Ph 53902287
each Ph 0447275737
Alnate Singer Sewing Machine original condition $180 Ph 0409687529 Nhill
Antique property sale poster Ph 53826350
1/43 scale model cars, Ford Falcons, starting from $50 each Few remaining Ph 53574217
Diecast 1/43 scale model cars, mainly Holdens, starting from $30 each Few remaining Ph 53574217
Plough , Britsand, single furrow, great garden ornament $400 Ph 0400999412
2006
caravan. Single beds, side and rear awnings, everything included VGC $13,950 Ph 0411221435 Ararat
Benz campervan, goes well, 76yo Ph 53823909 Hamilton Rd Horsham
Ph 53521476 Ararat
Caravan accessories : Hayman
Reece tow bar and caravan mirrors $250 0459682780
Budgies for sale $10 each Ph 0417533579 Bull, Murray Grey/square metre, brown bull, DOB Dec 2014, compact muscly build, inspection welcome, delivery available in local area $2999 inc Gst Ph Donna 0428994210
Cockatiels, most colours $30 Ph 53852280
REDUCED Antique cedar wash stand with towel rail, gallery back, EC $95
$10each
White Dorper Ewes, 17, mixed aged, will separate, excellent shedders $199 inc Gst
Diecast
1200L Fuel Cart with inch petrol pump $1100 inc Ph 0427181801
1989 Case 1680 header, 30’ 1010 bat front and finger reel, good tyres, smale p/plucker, 5635 engine hrs, trailers $24,200 inc Gst Ph 0428951262
Semi Tipper, rusty ends, alloy, 36x6, airbags, new roll tarp, grain chute, ready to work, 53200F $55,000 plus Gst Ph 0428528179
Simplicity air seeder 5700L, tow behind, 3 outlets, farmscan monitor, EC $16,000 plus Gst Ph 0428991814
Davey pump, 1100 gauls, approx two tanks $400ono Ph 53837527
Toyota Campervan 1998, manual, EC,
2 Ackland field bins, 15 ft Ryan 3pt Cultivator, fold up wings. GO, all items plus GST Ph Les 53596283 or 0427596283 after 7pm
40’ stockcrate, GC, two deck, RWC $44,000 inclusive Ph 0428592277
Air seeder 620 Ford, engineers plus monitors, 28F shearer bar $18000 plus Gst Ph 0429434340
Case IH 8220 25’ trailing windower, VGC $16,000 Ph 0429891787
Farm Machinery, 7140 INT tractor, 1688 Case International header, DAF truck with 30’ triaxial trailer, leyland, bogie tipper with 14’ seed and super bin Ph 0458548580
Ferguson Tea20, reco engine, new paint, new parts too numerous to mention, good tyres, inspection invited $4000ono Ph 0429491426
Fire Fighting Unit, new motor and pump, 800lt, poly tank, 2 hoses
$1400ono Ph 0428944462
Grader 3PL height wheel Ph 0409503216
Howard Bagshaw, 45 tyne folding wing scarifier $3700 Ph 0427974205
Sockets for truck $100 the lot Ph 53911111 or 0427042750 Nhill
Stock Crate Steel, 2 deck W8” x
H6”3x L 17”8, will suit 16’ $2700inc Gst Ph 0419542569
Thompson long horn calf handler, adjustable, suitable for large sheep and goats $1250 Ph B & J Murphy 53826350
Vennings Grouper with vanguard, 9hp motor $5000ono Ph 53871405
10’ landleveller , maker W.C McCullock and Son, Golden Square Bendigo $3000 Ph 0419348196 after 7pm 1959 MK2 Zepher motor $500 Ph 0418126577
2 steel diesel fuel tanks on stands $700 each Ph 0427990533
2 Talon chainsaws, 14”, works well $100 Ph 0458687009
2006 Sterling prime mover cat C12motor, low kms, UAU326, white tri axle chassis tipper $90,000 plus Gst will separate Ph 0498511395
44 Knucjey press wheels $560 each inc Gst Ph 0427504253
6 Person Adventure tent, quick set up, only four weeks use $100 0459682780
8000L water tanker, Honda pump with spray bar, inspection welcome, $6000ono Ph Kevin 0407340510
9 Person tent only been used once, fly never used $400 Ph 0427840342
Enclosed trailer with loading ramp, twin horse float springs added to rear end, replaced master cylinder, all wheel cylinders, wheel bearings, brake drums and shoes and new tyres, previously used for transporting a wingless speed car with Holden V6 engine, has loading ramp with side door plus stainless steel tool box on the Abar, 2000kg, over ride hydraulic brakes, tracks beautifully, urgent sale $12,500 Ph 53911111 or 0418202203 Nhill
Endless chain 2 ton, 6m drop, Beaver brand, green, never used $170 Ph 0418504408
Family sized Weber Q BBQ, brand new, includes hood and half plate $700 Ph 0488714242ono
Fish tank, Aqua one, 1200x600x450, 285L, with cabinet, tropical fish and accessories included Ph 0437834827
Mountain Bike and Kayak Combo, engineered trailer built to suit both bike and kayak, comes with all life vest, paddle, waterproof bags, fishing net and other accessories $1000 Ph Josh 0428099363
Narva fog lamp kit ‘oval’, brand new $60 Ph 0408504029
Nerine bulbs, 3 varieties from $50 per 100. Discount for quantity. Ph 53542542 Moyston.
New Season Oaten Rye, grass hay $15 per roll Ph 0428504817
Newport inflatable boat with watersnake electric motor $999ono or will separate Ph 0427840342
Old centrifugal water pump 100mm, pto driven, high volume, GC, needs tyres $250 Ph 53527043
One Active Michelle Bridges treadmill, in good order $250 Ph 0409935105
Lumina fridge, absorption 3 way $150ono Ph 53562532 Great Western Men’s Florsheim slip leather shoes, 2 pairs, size 8EE, Portugal black and Portugal burgundy, never worn, still in box $120 pair ono Ph 53811515 after 6pm
Purpose built go kart trailer, Forte manufacture 2012, front door access, holds two karts, room for storage at front, includes two go karts, arrow frames, Yamaha J and RL Leopard engines, comes complete with starter, track module, wheeling frame, arrow racing suit, trailer as new, both karts Leopard, GC $10,500 Ph 0427904209
US army duffle bags X5 large, bodyworx exercise bike $260ono or will separate Ph 0458687009
Used 4 wheel electric Gopher, GC $400 Ph 0428147667
Verandah posts, Victorian turned timber, 3 plus 1 split, 2.6 long $300 Ph 53527043
Hard top for a Holden Crewman, white, GC, maker proform $500ono Ph 0458714572
Holden crewman tonneau cover and fittings, VX wagon cargo barrier with escape door, VX wagon rear blind, VY original CD radio $380ono or will separate Ph 0458687009
Maxxis, 4 x 205 x 60 R15, 91H, 65% $150 Ph 53527043
Milenco Grand Aero towing mirrors, 1 pair $90 Ph 0408504029
New x4 Pirelli 265/60R 18” tyres, new x4 18” alloy rims for Jeep Grand Cherokee, under half new price $800 for the lot Ph 0428180286
REDUCED Ironman roof rack , suit GU or GQ Patrol or 80 series
Landcruiser, used once $300 Ph 0427508229 Horsham
REDUCED Pair black clearview mirrors, suit Ford Territory 2011 $300 Ph 0409227240
REDUCED PRO rack luggage pod $200 Ph 0409227240
Set of 20x 8-5 commodore rims, black and tyres, 90% $1200 Ph 0427825158
Set of tyres and rims, suit early Nissan Navara, 235 x 15” $375 Ph 0411419516 Ararat
Honda CRF100 2009 model very little use, in new condition, JH2HEO3U38KZ00106, $2250 Ph 0439329646
Kawasaki KH500 Mach III 1976, good original condition, runs well, 44,500kms, Frame No. H1F50220, no reg, no RWC. $8500 Ph 0439466330 Ararat
Motorcycle box trailer , just registered, VGC $1250 Ph 53564288
Holden crewman S pack, 2004, 3.6 157000km, 12mths reg, new tyres, cosmic mica, tow pack, hard ute lid, tub liner, roof racks, RWC, one owner, EC, SUB335 $9750ono Ph 53825429 Horsham
Holden Rodeo 1999 single cab 2WD petrol, manual, steel tray back and two sides drop down, tow bar. 105,000km, long reg, RWC, PQT597 $4000 Ph 0408133292 Ararat
2007 Toyota Corolla Ascent auto sedan, only 25,000kms on speedo, service record book supplied, one elderly owner, perfect for first car, EC $14,000 UXV006 Ph 0400340983 after 4pm
2007 Kia EX, 4x4, SUV, leather trim, RWC, good unit, 190,000kms, vin# KNAJE52605645 $6900 Ph 53548205
2008 Hyundai Getz, 5spd manual, new timing belt and water pump, 208,000kms, XFU529 $4500ono with VIC RW, rego till 04/03/2018 and interior detailed or $4000ono as is without rego Ph 0429637551 and leave a message if no answer
2009 Proton Jumbuck only 38,457kms, manual, power steering, aircon, just serviced, new battery, full service history, front brake rotors, RWC, XLS297 $9000 Ph 0427844838.
1938 Wasp Austin Tourer, 12mths club rego 26750H, ruskin body 467A $31,050 Ph 53975262
2003 Landcruiser Wagon , 4.2 diesel, manual transmission, tyers, bat, injectors, glow plugs, all new, VGC $26,000 Ph 0428822730
2010 Toyota Tarago GLI 2.4L, 8 seater people mover, in VGC, 143,000kms, safety pack-all round air bags, new tyres and full service history ZLJ273 $20,990 Ph 0428538145
2013 Mazda 6 Touring Sedan, local owner, leather trim, 2.5cyl, auto, 24,500kms, BC0939 $21,999 Ph 53827340 or 0427827342
2014 Toyota Hilux SR5 dual cab, 54,000kms, as new condition, rarely been off road, Cooper AT-3 tyres at 80%, ARB intensity driving lights, ARB deluxe bull bar with rails and steps, GME UHF with broomstick aerial, reg until Sept 18, 1CW8AG $41,000 Ph 0427987001
1992 Subaru Ute, 4WD/40KS, PS, AC no RWC, OMO269 $1900 Ph Graeme 0458673135 Bridgestone tyre, LT 265/75 R16, 80% tread, suit toyota $50 Ph 0428504725
4 bedroom weatherboard house for removal Ph 04273593529
House for removal , solid 3 weatherboard home, located in Horsham $5000 Ph 0417566621
House on 10 acres, insulated stock barn, 80m x 20m, machinery shed 10m x 12m, workshop/machinery shed 9m x 40m, 2 car garage, submersible bore plus 5meg irrigation licence, solar unit on shed and house, stocked yabbie dam, shearing shed, coolroom 4m x 3m, extensive lawn area, well fenced, 5 rain water tanks, location is Broughton $470,000 Ph 03 53928290 Sony 7.2 channel surround sound home theatre, 120W amp and speakers, as new can demonstrate, RRP $1200 sell $550 Ph Steve 0432502452
SEASON 2018 “NOW OPEN”
Please phone your orders in advance Monday to Friday – 8am to 5pm PHONE STEVE – 0421 972 017 SARAH – 0427 919
White’s Gypsum & Lime NETHERBY Changing Focus
Planning and Environment Act 1987
Notice of the preparation of an amendment Amendment C31
The Northern Grampians Shire Council has prepared Amendment C31 to the Northern Grampians Planning Scheme.
The land affected by the amendment is within the settlements of Barton, Bellellen, Dadswells Bridge, Fyans Creek, Glenorchy, Great Western, Greens Creek, Halls Gap, Illawarra, Jallukar, Joel Joel, Joel South, Ledcourt, Mokepilly, Navarre, Pomonal, Shays Flat, Tulkara and rural land in proximity to Wimmera River, Mount Cole Creek, Wattle Creek (also known as Heifer Station Creek), Howard Creek, Seven Mile Creek, Dunmunkle Creek, Mount William Creek, Salt Creek, Fyans Creek, Pleasant Creek, Sheepwash Creek and Golton Creek and tributaries.
The Amendment implements the findings of the following four flood investigations:
• Halls Gap Flood Study (Water Technology, 2016) The Mount William Creek Investigation (BMT WBM Pty Ltd, 2014).
The Amendment applies the Floodway Overlay and Land Subject to Inundation Overlay on land which is subject to flooding in a 1 in 100 year flood event, introduces local policy to assist in the assessment of planning permit applications and applies planning permit exemptions within the Schedules to the Floodway and Land Subject to Inundation Overlays. You may inspect the amendment, any documents that support the amendment and the explanatory report about the amendment, free of charge, at the following locations:
• during office hours, at the offices of the planning authority, Council Customer Service Office, Town Hall, 59-69 Main Street, Stawell and Northern Grampians Shire Council Office, 40 Napier Street, St Arnaud.
• during open hours at Halls Gap Post Office and Glenorchy Post Office at the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning website www.delwp.vic.gov.au/publicinspection .
Any person who may be affected by the amendment may make a submission to the planning authority about the amendment. Submissions must be made in writing giving the submitter’s name and contact address, clearly stating the grounds on which the amendment is supported or opposed and indicating what changes (if any) the submitter wishes to make. Name and contact details of submitters are required for council to consider submissions and to notify such persons of the opportunity to attend council meetings and any public hearing held to consider submissions.
The closing date for submissions is Tuesday 2 April 2018. A submission must be sent to:
Ms Justine Kingan, Manager Economic Growth, Northern Grampians Shire Council, PO Box 580, Stawell Victoria 3380 or by email to ngshire@ngshire.vic.gov.au
The planning authority must make a copy of every submission available at its office for any person to inspect free of charge for two months after the amendment comes into operation or lapses.
MICHAEL BAILEY
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
CLASSIFIEDS
IF
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Drivers battle for state title
BY MARK COWIN
Blue Ribbon Speedway at Kalkee, north of Horsham, will be the scene of more Victorian state title racing when threelitre sedans roar into action on Saturday.
Supported by a round of the VMPA Modified Sedans, in preparation for an Australian title event at Blue Ribbon on the Easter long weekend, Limited Sportsman, Street Stocks and V8 Trucks are also on the card.
Victorian title
With teams from across Victoria heading to Kalkee, the competition will be fierce, with Horsham district teams teams of Ellis, Gerlach and Honeyman fighting to secure the Victoria one title left vacant with the retirement of Will Lamb’s car.
After holding the title for four of the past five years, Lamb has moved to the late model division to try his luck in the fast-developing series.
“After winning the title four times I thought it was time to move on and try something else,” he said.
“But the Torana is still out back so I am not saying I won’t come back again, but I wish all the drivers the best for the weekend.
“We have been struggling with the set-up of the new car and hope to be back at Blue Ribbon again soon.”
In the last three-litre event the cars of long-time campaigners Steve Ellis and Graham Gerlach showed they are ready to put on a fight to secure the state title.
But it won’t be easy, with the car of Steve Honeyman coming off a strong showing at Rushworth.
The cars of Bradley, Jason and Andrew Ahearn are also always strong, ensuring a great night of racing.
Prelude to their dream
In a prelude to the Australian title at Easter, VMPA Modified Production competitors from across the series will return in preparation for their run at national glory.
A full field of cars is expected at the track as this will be a points round for the VMPA series.
Racing will be tight as teams try to get a handle on the tricky 440-metre clay surface.
In the last event at the track, cars were running three wide at times and passing was impossible in various parts of the circuit.
Sporties
Following another rain-out at the King of the Rock at Bairnsdale at the weekend, the ‘sporty’ drivers will be ready to give it their all at home this weekend after the disappointment of a long trip out east only to be stopped by Mother Nature.
Recent winner of the Les McMaster
Memorial and the South Australian title, Jock Baker, will be eager to get back in the groove against the fierce group of drivers in the always popular class.
V8 trucks
After a great night of racing at their last outing, V8 trucks will again be out to entertain fans with their high, wide and handsome style of racing. As has happened throughout the season, there might be some guest
drivers in the trucks including another visit from the ‘Stig’.
The trucks will always put on a show and again the HO 57 of Luke James might have the strong hand, but don’t forget that anything can happen.
We might see the likes of wingless sprintcar driver Steve Hateley revisiting the trucks after trying to fly his car home from Simpson Speedway recently in a massive rollover that wrecked his car but left him shaken and stirred, and undaunted.
Pickert picks up top award
Horsham Hornets’ Tim Pickert capped off a stellar 2017-18 Country Basketball League season by claiming the club’s most valuable player accolade.
Pickert was earlier this month named the league MVP and was also the northwest conference’s highest scorer.
The Hornets enjoyed a great first season in the new conference, dropping only one match on their way to the title.
Pickert claimed the MVP award ahead of Matt Lovel, with coach Cam Bruce third. Jeremiah McKenzie collected the Graham Adams Memorial Award.
Georgia Hiscock won the Lady Hornets MVP award, Caitlin Story earned runner-up honours and Olivia Jones was third. Jess Cannane picked up the coaches award.
The Lady Hornets also had a great year, finishing on top of the ladder with only one loss, but fell short of Bendigo in the grand final.
Golf croquet
Horsham Golf croquet: Saturday, division one, G. Devlin 3-23, S. Price 3-23, division two, V. Hood 2-20, M. Wiederman 2-20, division three, D. Scott 3-25, E. Nicholls 2-20; Tuesday, division one, D. Frost 2-19, G. Devlin 1-13, division two, M. Wiederman 2-19, R. Devlin 2-17, division three, O. Dunn 2-14, L. Ball 1-21.
PREPARED: Graham Gerlach has his car well set up for the weekend’s Victorian State Three Litre title.
Picture: M AND L SPEEDWAY PHOTOGRAPHY
Top tennis clash turns into fizzer
Atop-of-the-table clash in
Stawell Tennis Club’s Friday night competition turned into a non-event with Crowe Horwath proving to be a class above Farrers Tyrepower.
Crowe Horwath scored an emphatic 71-game victory, with Stawell’s top-ranked male Blair Hart taking full advantage of arch rival Joel Freeland’s absence, dropping just six
games against a hapless Shane Field. Hart was back to his best after indifferent form in recent weeks and was well supported by fellow skipper Sue Blakey.
Consistent Mick Sullivan and Dakota Cosson were also prominent in the victory.
Karl Scott and Angus Williams showed why they are two of the top fancies in B Grade singles club
MASTERS PREVAIL: Former
Australian fast bowler Doug Bollinger lets fly with a delivery as umpire Trevor McKinnis looks on during an Australian Cricketers Association Masters match at Ararat’s Alexandra Oval. The visiting Masters team, featuring some of the legends of Australian international and domestic first-class cricket, took on a Grampians association representative team and won by four runs in a thriller. The Masters batted first in the Friday clash and set Grampians a 20-over target of 156. Familiar cricketers who played alongside Bollinger included Andy Bichel, Mark Cosgrove, Greg Matthews, Graeme Vimpani, Sean Clingeleffer, Cameron Borgas, Brett Geeves, Dave Gilbert, Julia Price and Molly Strano.
Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
championships with another polished display, but it was not near enough for Farrers Tyrepower, going down eight sets 126 games to Crowe Horwath 19-197.
Frewstal forced its way into second place with a comfortable 46-game win over cellar dweller David O Jones Mitre 10.
Led by co-captains Howard Dunn and Jade Cross, Frewstal was never
challenged in its 17-190 to 10-144 victory.
Caitlin Martin and Millie Francis did their best to emulate Cross’s heroics, displaying great touch on their way to multiple victories, while Sandy Kellas was also one of the better performing players of the evening.
Declan Pyke and Leon Monaghan battled hard against the odds for the underdog Mitre 10.
This week sees a crucial battle, which will have a huge effect on the make-up of the final four when Tyrepower and Frewstal lock horns.
A comfortable victory appears assured for unbeaten Crowe Horwath against a Mitre 10 team searching for it’s first victory.
Two Horsham Amateur Basketball Association teams earned runner-up honours at a Naracoorte junior tournament at the weekend.
The Horsham Hornets under-16 girls were seeking back-to-back titles and played well throughout the tournament to qualify for the grand final.
The girls battled hard but went down to Millicent by five points in a thriller.
The under-14 girls were also strong throughout the weekend. They survived overtime in a semi-final to qualify for a grand final berth, also against Millicent.
Millicent proved too strong, triumphing 38-17.
The Hornets under-14 boys white
development squad showed terrific improvement and fell just short of a finals berth, while the under-12 girls blue team was unlucky not to make finals after two wins and a draw, missing out on percentage.
The girls also showed improvement at Naracoorte.
Under-12 boys blue development team celebrated its first win and was very competitive. They had narrow losses and a terrific week of learning.
The under-12 boys team was competitive all weekend without registering a win. The side did not lose a game by more than 12 points.
Their focus now shifts to state championships in Bendigo in April.
WIN A FIVE HOUR FISHING CHARTER FOR
Netball CouNtdowN
Sisters unite for coaching role
BY SARAH SCULLY
Noradjuha-Quantong will look for another strong Horsham District league season in 2018 after making finals in all senior grades last year.
Defender Yolly Molineaux will again coach the club’s A Grade outfit, this time alongside sister Georgia Francis.
Molineaux said she was excited to see her sister, a former B Grade coach, take the next step.
“George showed real maturity and leadership last year, which shows she is ready for this next challenge of coaching,” she said.
Last year’s co-coach and veteran shooter
Sharon Fedke will line up in B Grade this season, while multiple premiership player Melissa Hoffmann will step into the A Grade shooting role.
“Hoff has been our club’s most consistent goalie for years and has really earned this challenge,” Molineaux said.
“She might not be overly tall but she makes up for it in smarts – she is one of the smartest netballers I’ve ever played with.
“She is also cool, calm and collected, which is a bonus in any grade.”
The Bombers have retained the majority of last year’s A Grade list with the exception of Maddi Focroul, who has departed the club to join the army.
The club has welcomed Sarnia Hose, wife of new senior football coach Gareth.
“Sarnia is a great pick-up,” Molineaux said.
“She’s a fit and speedy player who has had a few years off and is already showing great signs.
“She is fitting in great and will slot into the midcourt well, although she’s versatile enough to play in defence if we need her to.”
Francis and Carly Creek will also line up in the midcourt.
“George is a real leader in attack. She’s agile and quick and controls everything in our attack end, while Carly is our ‘tagger’, running opposition off their feet while sticking like glue,” Molineaux said.
Young goalie Lucy Brand continues to grow in confidence each week and will return to the ring, while Molineaux and Brooke Pay will again form a strong defensive combination.
Molineaux said while the bulk of the A Grade side was set, she and her fellow selectors were still finalising teams.
“Our selection process is going longer
than we thought it would because we have plenty of numbers and are working hard to find the best fit for everyone,” she said.
“Pre-season is going great so far and we have lots of new faces, which is wonderful for the club.
“We also have several girls returning after a few years off, so we’re just taking our time to make sure we get the mix of players right.
“We are focusing more on game play earlier to ensure we’re ready for round one, while trying to incorporate fitness at the same time.”
Noradjuha-Quantong will field all netball grades in 2018 and will look to make finals across the board.
The club’s C and C Reserve teams will start the season as reigning premiers, while the 15 and unders also made the grand final in 2017.
“We had a fantastic season last year with all senior teams making finals,” Molineaux said.
“We pride ourselves on having strong netballers and talented juniors coming up through the ranks.
“This year we will all just take it one game at a time, ensuring our new faces work into their teams.”
Noradjuha-Quantong will meet Natimuk United in round one on April 7.
Yolly Molineaux
Footy CouNtdowN
Young Bombers continue promise
IBY DEAN LAWSON
f there was ever a club poised to emerge from the Horsham District league wilderness, it must surely be Noradjuha-Quantong.
Noradjuha-Quantong rates as one of the most successful clubs in the competition for the past few years.
But it is success measured from an overall club perspective and not at a senior football level – something of which the Bombers faithful are acutely aware.
Bombers president Tim Kelly acknowledged that regardless of how well the club was travelling at various levels, people would only gauge a club on senior results.
He said consistent high rankings in the league’s club championship, measured across all levels of football and netball, told a broader picture.
“As a whole club, it’s been going very well, but we’re just missing out on senior footy,” he said.
“But in saying that, we’ve been blooding and sticking with youth and they will eventually come through and take the next step.”
Mr Kelly said the approaching season loomed as promising and exciting under new non-playing coach Gareth Hose.
“He was appointed late last year and since he has come on board has presented new ideas and great leadership skills,” he said.
“Everyone is excited with the standard
he brings. He’s young, enthusiastic and he’s getting good numbers on the track.”
Hose has forged a considerable reputation in Mallee, Ballarat and north Queensland football, having experienced premiership success with Beulah, Redan and Cairns Saints teams.
As a player he missed playing finals in only one of 17 years.
“That senior result has been eluding us, but with Gareth on board and our retention of youth we don’t think that is far away,”
Mr Kelly said.
“On a weekend camp the message was that we would be striving to be in the finals and we would then build from that.”
Mr Kelly said the club was busy on the tough recruiting trail, and while ‘no real big names’ had yet joined the list, the club had ‘a couple of things in the pipeline’.
“I’m happy to have a very good committee of directors and over the past three years I have been more than happy with the direction we’re taking,” he said.
Hose said being in charge of a ‘very’ young list, a primary goal of his for the group, as well as building fitness, was to establish on-field structure.
“It is also obviously about getting a lot
more games into these young guys. And I’m working with them on the style of footy I want them to be able to play,” he said.
“A lot of guys coming up from juniors haven’t previously needed to be organised and therefore can be unsure of where to position themselves on the field – this might include what to do at kick-outs, kick-ins, stoppages and so on.
“It’s about trying to get those types of things in place without restricting their natural games. That’s where improvement can come.
“Obviously working on fitness with ball work under fatigue is also important, as is a need to improve on the five wins from last year.
“Being new to the club I also need to learn, but what I’m pursuing is what I’ve gained through experience and that’s what I’m try to implement.
“Jason Kerr is assistant coach and I’ve been picking his brain a fair bit in getting an understanding of the playing group.”
Noradjuha-Quantong has solid and growing financial support with Horsham’s White Hart Hotel and SMS Rural back as major sponsors.
Netball CouNtdowN
Kalkee strong across all grades
BY SARAH SCULLY
Incoming Kalkee A Grade coach
Jaymi O’Connor plans to instil a strong game sense across all grades throughout the 2018 Horsham District Football Netball League season.
O’Connor, who joined the club last year from Wimmera outfit Horsham Demons, said she hoped her experience as a coach and player stood her in good stead for her first A Grade appointment.
“This will be my first year as an A Grade coach but I have coached senior netball teams before,” she said.
“I am super excited for the challenge of A Grade though.”
O’Connor said game play and fitness were key aspects of pre-season.
“We’ve had a good start,” she said.
“We have some really enthusiastic girls among the group who are pushing us all so that we can improve on our fitness before the season begins.
“My main focus as coach is to instil a really strong game sense in all of our grades.
“Our girls are very skilled but have lacked an understanding of court structures and effective use of lanes, so hopefully we can improve on that this season.”
O’Connor said the club had attracted fantastic numbers at pre-season training and selection sessions.
“There is a really good vibe among the group,” she said.
2018 coaches
A Grade: Jaymi O’Connor
B Grade: TBC
C Grade: Montana Ledgar
C Reserve: Melissa Beddison
17 and under: Hayley Thomas
15 and under: Bek Harvey, Bella Adams
13 and under: Joanne Martin, Thalia Dufty
Net Set Go: TBC
Mods: Brydie Scollary, Daryl Scollary
“Numbers are great and we will certainly be fielding all grades this season. I think all grades should be very competitive, which is an exciting situation for our club.”
Kalkee’s A Grade finished eighth in 2017.
All other Kees netball teams qualified for finals, with C Grade making the grand final.
“We were really disappointed with not making A Grade finals last season,”
O’Connor said.
“We lost some games we should have won early in the season that really cost us.
“We will be hoping to make finals this year and then anything can happen from there – in fact all grades should be aiming for a competitive finals series as we have some really strong inclusions across all four teams.”
O’Connor, who will play B Grade, has taken over the reins from Bek Harvey, who will remain as a player and junior coach.
“We have a few inclusions this season in Jenna Bywaters, Britt Nitschke and Clair McDonald,” she said.
“These inclusions, plus keeping all players bar Anna Exell, will help us build on our improvements from last season.”
Nitschke and Bywaters will add extra strength and versatility in goals, alongside Tamara Exell.
“Our midcourt will remain similar to last season, which is exciting because those girls – Emily Hannan, Grace Braithwaite and Millie McRae – just continued to improve every week last year,” O’Connor said.
“Clair’s inclusion will add some height to our defensive end, which will be great because it will give us more rebounding power.”
Coco Ledgar and Remy Hoffmann will also return to the Kees’ defensive line-up this season.
O’Connor said preparations were progressing well in the lead-up to the start of the season on April 7.
“At this stage our focus is just on improving fitness and preparing ourselves for round one against Laharum,” she said.
“They are a really strong club and all of their senior teams will be a good challenge for us, so we are looking forward to seeing where we are at against them.”
KALKEEFOOTBALL NETBALLCLUB
• We have people within the club who are prepared to put time into individual player development.
• It is about participation, developing skills and instilling good discipline and team work.
• We are asking parents and their children to think about the benefits of joining our family-friendly club.
Jaymi O’Connor
Footy CouNtdowN
New-look Kees on the improve
SBY DEAN LAWSON
peed, skill and fitness – it’s a simple enough equation but that’s the formula that seems to be taking shape for a new-look Kalkee preparing for the 2018 Horsham District league season.
New joint coach Stuart Farr, sharing responsibilities with Hamish Exell this year, said the plan was for the Kees an ‘exciting and fast’ brand of football and to ‘hit the scoreboard hard’.
“There is excitement and momentum around the club, which is great and we have plenty of talented and committed players,” he said.
“We’re not going to be that tall so the hope is to apply pressure at the contest and to run opposition teams off their legs.”
Farr, one of the most successful and highly decorated coaches in the region, said two years away from the game had been the break he had needed and he had found his job with the Kees refreshing.
“I’m feeling rejuvenated and love it,” he said.
“Being in a joint position with Hamish is great – we have very similar philosophies and no conflicting messages and I’m really happy with how it’s going.”
Farr is renowned for pushing his teams
2018 coaches
Seniors: Hamish Exell, Stuart Farr
Reserves: Simon Adams
Under-17s: TBC
Under-14s: TBC
through rigid fitness regimes and there seems little doubt Kalkee will excel in this department this season.
“We want to win the ball at the coalface,” he said.
“The greater the ability to stay in the contest, the greater the chance to win the ball – it’s pretty simple really.”
Non-playing Farr and on-field leader Exell will have the benefit of an injection of about 10 new or returning players and many are recognised as some of the best players in the district.
While Farr has some concerns about height, he has key-position forward Lachie Exell returning to the Kees from Dimboola.
Jayden Kuhne, Mitch Delahunty and Alex Smith are also on the incoming list and headlining the group is returning Simon Hobbs, sure to add critical oomph to help Exell in the middle.
Farr added the Kees were far from done in adding to their playing list with another ‘two or three’ quality players still in the negotiation mix.
“This all helps in applying healthy pressure to senior selection,” he said.
Kalkee president Heath Martin, meanwhile, said overall Kalkee was ‘travelling quite well’.
“Senior numbers on the track have been good and training very solid,” he said.
“There is a positive vibe around the club and we expect a good start to the season.”
Mr Martin said a primary push was to build on club participation levels.
“Without numbers you don’t have a club,” he said.
“We aim to make the finals this year and at the same time see the competition being very strong.”
Kalkee continues to have strong financial backing with Mr Martin applauding longtime major sponsors Horsham’s Victoria Hotel and Bentley Group.
Kalkee rates as an historical Horsham District league powerhouse, but has undergone restructuring and rebuilding in the past couple of years.
Junior numbers continue to be a frustration for the club, which finished eighth with six wins last season.
The Kees are training three times a week, with full sessions on Tuesday and Thursday nights and an extra run on Saturday mornings.
Jace Monaghan
Netball CouNtdowN
Saints to field teams in all levels
BY SARAH SCULLY
Edenhope-Apsley has had an unsettled start to 2018 following talks of a potential merger and move to Kowree-Naracoorte-Tatiara league.
With leaders making the decision to retain the status quo, the Saints are now preparing netballers for their latest Horsham District league campaigns.
Netball director and A Grade player Cynthia Watt said pre-season was now in full swing, with solid numbers on the training track.
“We’ve been training a few weeks but it’s still early days,” she said.
“Until recently we’ve been constantly having merger talks so we were looking at numbers and contemplating shuffling teams.
“Now we know what we’re doing we can put plans in place.”
Watt said netball leaders were focusing on improving players’ fitness while providing game-play opportunities.
“We’ve been doing four 15-minute blocks to imitate a netball game,” she said.
“We’ve been incorporating a few fun games into our fitness schedule and also doing some court time, which the girls seem to enjoy.
“We have two practice matches coming up in the next two months, along with a couple of trials against Border Districts. That will be part of our selection process.”
A Grade: Monica van Dyk
B Grade: Monique Treglown
C Grade: Ellie Middleton
C Reserve: TBC
17 and under: Sarah Domaschenz
15 and under: Veronica Smith-Ralph
13 and under: Ann-Marie Robinson
Mods: TBC 2018 coaches
Watt said the club had retained the majority of last year’s A Grade players, with the exception of the van Dyke girls, Monica, Ursula and Eleanor.
Monica, however, will remain in a coaching capacity and has taken over the A Grade leadership role from Leonie Lang.
“Monica is expecting her first baby and she’s excited to be taking on the coaching role,” Watt said.
“We’re taking a bit of a different approach to coaching this season.
“Although each grade will have a coach, we’re looking at a more collaborative approach, with a panel working across the grades.
“They will be working together in everything from Thursday night trainings to our fitness camp to game days on Saturdays.”
Watt said she looked forward to settling teams and preparing for round one against Rupanyup.
“We’re keeping most of last year’s A
Grade players and we might bring up a couple of B Grade players,” she said.
“Last year we were a bit up and down, filling voids created by leave and holidays, so hopefully we’ll be a bit more settled this year.”
Watt said club leaders were happy with last season’s performances, with A and C grades making finals.
She said the club would look to enter teams in all grades in 2018.
The Saints did not field a 17 and under team last year after several girls moved away for school.
Sarah Domaschenz will coach the junior side this year.
Watt said the club would also put a C Reserve team together.
Last year the Saints withdrew from the C Reserve competition due to a lack of numbers before entering a team part-way through the season.
“This year we’re aiming to be a competitive club all round,” Watt said.
“Given our numbers we hope to put together some really competitive netball teams.
“We’ve got some really positive girls around and we are drawing on the experience of some very experienced netballers.”
Rachael Elmslie
Footy CouNtdowN
Saints continue to ponder future
BY DEAN LAWSON
Aquestion mark hangs over Horsham District league club EdenhopeApsley as teams prepare for the 2018 season.
Edenhope-Apsley has been public and open about merger talks with neighbouring Border Districts. But how will this influence what happens on the footy field this year?
There is a strong historical suggestion that clubs that have announced major change either rally strongly for an approaching season or struggle.
On this occasion there is a sense, considering the Saints’ forthright approach to the demographic pressures making life tough for the club, that they will continue to be highly competitive.
Edenhope-Apsley’s probe into the future comes across more as a proactive than desperate measure and the appointment of Chris Oliver as senior coach seems to have generated a positive vibe.
Club president Carolyn Middleton said the Saints, in awaiting results of an AFL Wimmera Mallee review due out in June, had committed to Horsham District ranks for 2018.
She said a vote from members later in the year would also ‘largely’ determine whether the club sought to merge with Border Districts and play in Kowree-Naracoorte-Tatiara league next year.
“Things have obviously been difficult, but we’re looking for club longevity and
have been very open and honest with our members,” she said.
“We’ve been through the review process and hope this can give us some direction.
“Many are skeptical about reviews because they often come to nothing, don’t help or change anything. But we’re hopeful this one will be different. We just have to keep moving forward and make sure we can provide sport in our community.”
Ms Middleton said regardless of planning behind the scenes, the club was delighted by the positive feeling surrounding football and netball this season.
“There seems to be revitalised energy,” she said.
“Chris Oliver has his heart and soul in the job and has a great group of players who are really behind him. There is no doubt he has great rapport with the playing group.
“We also have more numbers on the training track than we had at this time last year.”
Ms Middleton said the simple club directive to footballers was to be as successful and competitive as possible, and importantly, for them to enjoy themselves.
“We want everyone to explore the opportunity to excel personally as well as a team and do their club proud,” she said.
Maintaining playing lists and recruiting appeared tough early for the Saints, especially with news that Jason Rae and John and Leslie Butler and former coach Michael Rowe would be among almost 10 departures from a senior list.
But Oliver said the club’s fortunes had changed dramatically, to a point where he was now very excited about what the lineup offered this year.
“We’re looking good actually. We have Damian Monaghan from Dartmoor, Jak Ryan returning from Mt Gambier and Chris Heath is coming across from Harrow-Balmoral,” he said.
“We had a good B Grade team last year and we have some good young blokes coming through.
“I’m actually pretty happy. We’ve had 30 or 40 different faces on the track and you never know, we might be a bit of a darkie.”
Oliver said he was keen for players, particularly youngsters, to explore their potential.
“I’ll be pushing the boys out of their comfort zone and encouraging them to learn a bit about themselves and what works for them,” he said.
Oliver said speculation about the club’s future had also seemed to provide a spur for many.
“It has made some of the younger blokes really step up and show a lot of belief and heart,” he said.
The Saints have started alternating training between Apsley and Edenhope.
Chris Oliver
Swimmers shine in Melbourne
Wimmera District 12 swimmers experienced success in the pool at an interdistrict meet at Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre.
They will now focus on a Wimmera championship at St Arnaud on Saturday.
A Wimmera team of 47 competed in a Saturday program in Melbourne featuring 68 events – 58 individual events and 10 relays.
Swimmers had to compete in specific age groups, except in open racing, open to swimmers of any age.
Wimmera competitors performed strongly in individual events with 13 finishing with top-10 placings for their respective individual events.
The majority of Wimmera swimmers also achieved personal-best times.
For some Wimmera swimmers it was the first time they had competed outside their district, let alone the MSAC’s 10-lane Olympic pool.
Jorja Clode achieved outstanding individual success for the day in a 10 and under girls section, coming second in butterfly, third in freestyle, fourth in backstroke and ninth in breaststroke.
Eloise Wills also had a successful day, placing second in 11-12 girls 100-metre freestyle and fourth in 100m backstroke.
A 10 and under girls freestyle relay team was first to experience success on the day.
With parents, support crew and team-mates looking on, the girls finished in a comfortable third place.
The team comprised Asha Dale, Jorja Clode, Billie Donnan and Ella Reichelt. For some of the girls it is their first year of competitive swimming.
They also competed in a 10 and under medley relay, finishing fourth.
Other Wimmera District 12 relay results from the meet: 13-14 boys medley, fourth; 13-14 boys freestyle, fourth; 17 and over girls medley, fourth; 17 and over girls freestyle, fourth; 10 and under boys medley, fifth; 10 and under boys freestyle, fifth; 15-16 girls medley, fifth; 15-
16 girls freestyle, fifth; 12-12 girls freestyle, sixth; 15-16 boys medley, sixth; 15-16 boys freestyle, sixth; 1212 boys medley, sixth; 13-14 girls freestyle, eighth; 13-14 girls medley, ninth; men’s open 400m medley, seventh; women’s open 400m freestyle, ninth; men’s open 400m freestyle, seventh; women’s open 400m freestyle, eighth.
Erin Kearns and Maywadee Townsend also represented the Wimmera in multi-class events.
Erin competed in three events, finishing seventh in breaststroke, equal ninth in freestyle and 10th in backstroke.
Maddie competed in two events, finishing equal ninth with Erin in freestyle and 11th in backstroke. This weekend the St Arnaud pool will open at 9am for warm-ups, with heats to start at 10am.
Finals are in the afternoon and the meet will determine age champions for the district.
SHINING BRIGHT: Wimmera swimmer Jorja Clode with 10 and under ribbons from an interdistrict meet at Melbourne Sports and Aquatic Centre.
TOP SWIM: Wimmera 10 and under girls freestyle relay team members, from left, Jorja Clode, Ella Reichelt, Billie Donald and Asha Dale, after coming third in Melbourne.
Full-time volleyball officer for city
FULL VOLLEY
The appointment of a dedicated volleyball development officer for the region is a major step forward for the sport.
Volleyball Victoria and Wimmera Regional Sports Assembly representatives are finalising details of the position, now with full-time funding.
The development officer will be based in Horsham, making it central to Western Region affiliates, which are investing in the position.
Sunraysia, Warrnambool, Horsham,
Ballarat and Phantoms clubs have all committed to the position and the value it will bring to the respective entities.
With Volleyball Australia contributing through its participation funding and Volleyball Victoria matching it, together with the regional affiliates, a unique partnership has been formed, one that will be the blueprint going forward.
This is great news for the sport and one we have been working on over the past two years.
To see it this close to becoming reality is exciting for all involved, both directly with the position and the volleyball community in general.
We know how hard it is for the state body to commit time and resources into regional areas, and the investment into the development officer enables it to still have a presence in the region.
The main responsibilities of the development officer will include the establishment of ‘Spikezone’, volleyball’s equivalent of Auskick, and the hugely popular Sporting Schools Pro-
gram, which will give more primary school children exposure to the sport.
I can’t wait to go to a Spikezone session in Horsham or Murtoa and see kids running around in their special Spikezone t-shirt with their special Spikezone volleyball. It’s going to be great.
To be able to have someone on the ground during school times is so much easier than having to have someone take time out of their work or take the pressure off students who might not be as confident coaching.
REGIONAL SUCCESS:
high jump record and is one of eight off to the championships. Others celebrating a great day at Warrnambool are, from left, Jordan Nitschke, Thomas
Foster, Kelly Grey, Rouxle Le Roux, Lochie Hobbs, Sebastian Le Roux and Kynan
William Hobbs and Della Blake.
Athletes off to state championships
Eight Horsham Little Athletics participants will put their skills to the test at Little Athletics Victoria’s State Track and Field Championships in Melbourne.
Jett Wilson, Thomas Naylor, Sebastian Le Roux, Rouxle Le Roux, Lachlan Hobbs, Kelly Grey, Seanna Foster and Ada Binney will compete at Lakeside Stadium in Melbourne on March 10 and 11.
The Horsham members qualified at a regional competition in Warrnambool.
Fourteen Horsham athletes from under-9
to under-15 divisions competed, as did four athletes in an under-6 to under-8 carnival.
As a centre, Horsham Little Athletics won 28 medals, 10 gold, 11 silver and seven bronze.
Those who won gold medals automatically qualified for the state championships.
Jett also achieved a Western Country Region Record in the under-9 boys high jump.
Horsham Little Athletics publicity officer
Amy Stasinowsky congratulated participants on their efforts to date.
“All of our athletes were very strong in their events, gave their all and showed superb levels of sportsmanship across all age groups and levels,” she said.
“Our under-6 to under-8 athletes were amazing.
“They competed in up to six events each of mixed age groups. Needless to say, these little champs were exhausted.”
The development officer will also work closely with associations that are on board to help them build sustainability and strength in their boards of management to give them the skills they need to make the sport stronger. It’s exciting and all involved are certainly looking forward to the future. Groups or individuals interested in participating in volleyball in the Wimmera should email info@volleyballhorsham.com.au.
– David Berry
Big win for Mitch Creek
Horsham star basketballer Mitch Creek, 25, has added an Adelaide 36ers Most Valuable Player award to his growing list of achievements.
The National Basketball League professional and Australian representative clinched the club’s highest individual accolade, the Mark Davis Perpetual Trophy, during presentations in Adelaide. Creek, who cut his teeth with Horsham Hornets, finished the National Basketball League season averaging 14.5 points, 5.4 rebounds and 2.4 assists a game and led the league’s field-goal percent with 63.
Horsham Little Athletics members are off to state track and field championships after qualifying at Warrnambool. Jett Wilson, front, broke an under-9
Naylor, Acacia Blake, Ada Binney, Seanna
Stasinowsky. Absent, Charlie Inkster,
Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
Last minute shuffle
BY
ONE SHORT
Alast-minute shuffle of the top order in Grampians Cricket Association led to Aradale being bundled out of the finals and Youth Club marching in due to an outright win over Pomonal.
In other developments Buangor grabbed second spot and Tatyoon slipped to third.
Youth Club gained its expected outright win against Pomonal by dismissing the Tigers for just 61 in the second innings.
This came thanks to a match winning 6-22 from Cam Kimber, figures that went with his 5-21 in the first innings.
Buangor did Youth Club a favour by downing Aradale by 91 runs.
Again Lachie Oddie and Chris Jerram took the bulk of the wickets, capturing six between them.
The outstanding effort of the contest was young Riley Wood’s maiden century, scoring 117 of 184 with the next highest score being 19 extras.
Halls Gap finished a poor season with another loss, this time to Navarre.
Les Pyke took his score to 48 to be the only batsman to deal with the Grasshoppers’ attack of Brad Slorach and Andrew Shovan.
Slorach’s 6-39 was his best return for the season.
In the battle for top spot, Tatyoon was saved from a pre-final defeat by the weather, which made play impossible on the day.
In semi-finals on Saturday and Sunday, top team Swifts-Great Western will play fourth-placed Youth Club at Stawell’s Central Park.
Second-placed Buangor will play third-placed Tatyoon at Alexandra Oval in Ararat.
Swifts-Great Western will go into its semi-final as warm favourite, having comfortably defeated the Clubbers on the two occasions they have met this season.
Warm favourite
But a word of warning for the top team – the Clubbers’ bowlers have performed in recent games with Cam Kimber and Damon Folkes among the wickets.
If the Clubbers’ batsmen can give them a few runs, the bowlers might just get them the win.
But Youth Club is up against the team that has scored the most runs for the season.
The Combine’s batsmen have all scored runs at some time during the season, and with the memory of last season’s shock semi-final loss spurring them on, should post
more runs than the Clubbers. In the match at Ararat, Buangor will go into the game with the advantage of having played the last four games on the turf at Alexandra Oval.
Buangor’s form has been better of late than earlier in the season, with spinners Lachie Oddie and Chris Jerram taking the bulk of the wickets in recent matches.
So if Callum Baker and Jack Ganley can take early wickets, Buangor would be well on the way to a win.
Tatyoon’s batting is somewhat brittle, the team leaving the bulk of run-scoring to Jarrod Blandford and Michael Harricks.
Buangor also has a larger spread of potential match-winners in Jerram, Jacob Bates, the Fraser brothers and Ganley.
A win by either team would not surprise, but Buangor might have the edge.
In B Grade semi-finals, SwiftsGreat Western will play Youth Club, a mirror of the A Grade, and Chalambar will play St Andrews.
Final A Grade ladder: SwiftsGreat Western 58 points, 1.89 percent; Buangor 54, 1.71; Tatyoon 53, 1.42; Youth Club 47, 1.49; Aradale 46, 1.24; Pomonal 28, 0.82; Navarre 18, 0.50; Halls Gap 0, 0.28.
New home, new season
Horsham Hockey Club will host try-outs for the upcoming Wimmera Hockey Association season in its new home in Dimboola Road.
The club has relocated to Horsham Community Oval after 33 years at Horsham Racecourse.
Club president Jarryd Bannan said previous rooms the club built at the racecourse, in conjunction with Horsham Softball Club in 1984, no longer suited the hockey club’s requirements.
He said a lack of water for the playing surface was among reasons club leaders decided to search for a new venue.
“The new site will better accommodate the increase in membership and having our clubrooms in the same location as where we train will be a huge bonus,” he said. “Lights at the new location means training can be run after hours in winter more readily.”
Mr Bannan said with support from Hockey Victoria, the club was running a successful under-12 program.
“This has been a real boost for numbers, allowing the club to run its own internal competition for under-12s,” he said.
The club fields four teams in Wimmera Hockey Association competition, mixed under-12s, mixed under-16s, women’s and men’s.
Mr Bannan encouraged anyone interested in playing, including new and returning members, to attend a tryout and registration day on Sunday at Horsham Community Oval.
Activities will kick off at 10.30am and will be followed by a free barbecue.
People can call club secretary Paul Mackereth on 0400 981 978 for more information.
•
•
NEW VENUE: Horsham Hockey Club president Jarryd Bannan at the club’s new home at Horsham Community Oval. The club will host a tryout and registration day at the oval on Sunday.
Final day to decide top-four make-up
BY DEAN LAWSON
Six cheap wickets at Dimboola and faith in a Horsham Saints bowling attack to finish the job against Laharum are atop a wish list for Jung Tigers cricketers chasing an 11th-hour bid to play in finals.
The Tigers sit only one point outside the top four behind vulnerable Laharum in Horsham association’s A Grade competition.
A last-minute leap-frog over the Mountain Men will depend on what happens on Saturday.
The Tigers are gripped in a tight battle with Blackheath-Dimboola at Dimboola after struggling to post a competitive score against a team desperate to finish the season with a win.
The young Bulls bowled the Tigers out for 139 in the two-day clash, sending
shockwaves through the visiting team, only to then run into experienced new-ball campaigner David Puls.
Blackheath-Dimboola will resume its chase at 4-59, needing only 81 more runs to throw a spanner in the works of its fancied opponent.
David Elliott, 17, and Trent McGough, 14, are unbeaten at the crease and will face up to Puls who already has 4-16.
Earlier in the game, Elliot Braithwaite, 4-42, Ash Avery and Harry Young, 2-7, bowled their team into the contest, while an unbeaten 47 from Marty Knight put the Tigers ship back on course.
Laharum of course can take the equation out of Jung Tigers’ hands if it can spend a full day at the crease at Cornell Park and accumulate the 268 needed to topple Horsham Saints.
Laharum did plenty of work in favourable bowling conditions to at one stage
have the Saints reeling 6-77, courtesy of Daniel Griffiths, 4-48, and Heath MacInnes, 3-75.
But saving runs and solid partnerships down the list resurrected the Saints’ cause.
Josh Hedt top-scored with 81, Craig Klemm clipped 45 and Tim Braendler made 40.
While the finals intrigue was unfolding at Dimboola and Cornell Park, runs were flowing aplenty for Homers batsmen at Horsham Sunnyside.
Leading the charge is the Pigeons, posting 4-304 against Rupanyup-Minyip, and priming himself for a big finals campaign was second drop Jarred Combe.
Combe made a sparkling 138 in a knock featuring 11 fours and three sixes.
He had handy allies in Sandy Hodge, 68, and Chris Hopper, 53, retired hurt.
Rupanyup-Minyip now faces a mighty task of chasing down a hefty target.
Horsham
How they stand: Homers 4-304 (Jarred Combe 138no, S. Hodge 68, C. Hopper 53no) v Rupanyup-Minyip; Horsham Saints 267 (J. Hedt 81, C. Klemm 45, T. Braendler 40, M. Combe 27; D. Griffiths 4-48, H. MacInnes 3-75) v Laharum; Jung Tigers 139 (M. Knight 47no, D. Puls 25; E. Braithwaite 4-42, A. Avery 3-45) v Blackheath-Dimboola 4-59 (D. Puls 4-16).
Grampians
This week: Saturday-Sunday, semi-finals, Swifts-Great Western v Youth Club at Central Park, Stawell; Buangor v Tatyoon at Alexandra Oval, Ararat.
Last week: Navarre 245 (J. Hannett 100, B. Slorach 49; B. Iseppi 3-58) d Halls Gap 137 (L. Pyke 48; B. Slorach 6-39, A. Shovan 3-39); Youth Club 5-169 (D. Folkes 83, B. Taylor 57no; M. Grinham 3-30) d Pomonal 40 (C. Kimber 5-21, D. Folkes 4-7) and 61 (C. Kimber 6-22); Tatyoon 5-32 (M. Heffer 4-20) drew with Swifts-Great Western 139 (S. Cocks 28; A. Maconachie 3-31) in washout; Buangor 8-275 (J. Fraser 65, T. Carr 45, J. Bates 31; B. Tate 5-91) d Aradale 184 (R. Wood 117; L. Oddie 4-29, P. Latham 3-9).
Wimmera-Mallee
How they stand: Birchip 113 (A. Redford 39; F. Douglas 5-26) v Marnoo 1-16; Brim-Kellalac-Sheep Hills 180 (I. McPherson 38, C. McPherson 35, S. Schulz 25) v Jeffcott 7-18 (A. Herron 5-7); St Marys 80 (C. Torney 5-24) and 0-16 v St Arnaud 56 (J. Patching 31; T. Bell 8-24).
River
Horsham
THAT’S OUT: Rupanyup-Minyip’s Nick McIntyre, left, and Travis Hair successfully appeal for an lbw to dismiss Simon Hopper off a ball from Brent Hudson. The wicket was a rare celebration for the Blue Panthers, with Homers losing only four wickets while accumulating 304 runs.
Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
Vol. 20 No. 33
Wednesday, February 28, 2018
Grampians Cricket Association’s Jack Ganley from Buangor gets airborne as he launches into his bowling stride while playing against an Australian Cricket Association Masters team at Ararat’s Alexandra Oval. He is pictured thrusting past former Tasmanian first-class player Sean Clingeleffer, who was among several former highprofile Australian cricketers playing in the game. The ACA Masters narrowly won the clash. Ganley is sure to take experience gleaned from the T20 game into a Grampians association A Grade semi-final against Tatyoon this weekend.
Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
Horsham’s
Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
Confidence drives event success
BY DEAN LAWSON
Asense of buoyancy and strength in Victoria’s agricultural industry has led to a strong business response to this year’s Wimmera Machinery Field Days.
That’s the frank assessment of field days manager Murray Wilson, who has been preparing for a busy three days of activities at Wimmera Events Centre at Longerenong.
Mr Wilson said site inquiries from national and international agricultural businesses had been strong and augured well for a major rural showcase.
“Following a bumper harvest last year to a mixed-bag, but also reasonable harvest this year, there is an obvious sense of optimism in agriculture, especially in our part of the world,” he said.
“What patrons will see at the field days are exhibits and activity that reflect the continuing evolution of broadacre farming in Australia and a strong desire to be as efficient and profitable as possible.”
The field days event, which represents the largest industry exhibition on the Wimmera calendar, celebrates farming and rural and regional culture as well as promoting the latest agricultural machinery, products and concepts.
It is designed to correspond with a critical broadacre farm-planning period between seasons, when farmers assess what they will grow and the best ways of achieving crop or livestock success.
Mr Wilson said a major expansion of agribusiness exhibits based at Alan Heard Pavilion reflected how the business of farming was continually evolving.
“A spill over from the pavilion into an agribusiness marquee has led to a rebranding, and we now have an Agribusiness Centre,” he said.
“It provides an example of the diversity and general expansion of agriculture into various fields of expertise and business.
“There is everything from brokering and agronomy to general precision farming, which might include computer software and go right down to the most effective nozzle for a sprayer.
“It’s about helping farmers to use every available area in their paddock and services available.
“A spill over from the pavilion into an agribusiness marquee has led to a rebranding, and we now have an Agribusiness Centre”
– Murray Wilson
“It shows where our farmers stand in being among some of the best in the world.
“The willingness to adopt new technology and practice, minimise risk and maximize potential is part of the growth we’re seeing.
“Wimmera and Mallee farmers like to keep up with international trends and what makes them so effective is that they are not satisfied doing the same thing year in year out.
“They are wonderful at absorbing information, and that is what the field days are all about.”
Mr Wilson said site inquiries would continue up to the start of the event, which would take the number of exhibitor sites well beyond the 500 mark.
“The beauty of the Wimmera Events Centre is that from an outdoors perspective we can always manage to fit exhibitors in and we will always provide opportunities,” he said.
• President’s welcome, page 7
Wimmera Machinery Field Days special edition
Sculptures from scraps What’s on
BY SARAH SCULLY
Horsham’s Glenn Connor loves the sense of freedom working with metal brings compared with other materials.
“With your imagination and steel you can make nearly anything,” he said.
“If you’ve got a problem when you’re making something, and something has to go from here to there, you just visualise it and then make it out of steel.
“There is a real freedom.”
Mr Connor’s foray into creating sculptures from scrap metal started about four years ago when he bought a mig welder.
Since then, he has entered several competitions and become a regular contributor to the Victorian Farm Sculpture Competition.
The Wimmera Machinery Field Days will host the 13th edition of the competition from March 6 to 9.
The competition usually attracts more than 40 entries from across the region and interstate.
Mr Connor has placed in the competition but is yet to break through for a win.
He hopes 2018 is his year.
Mr Connor started working on his project, still under wraps, a few months ago.
He has completed extensive research on his chosen subject and is working off detailed designs.
“You’ve got to know what you’re going to make. If you can’t draw a plan of it, it’s a bit hard to make it,” he said.
“Things are subject to change without notice though.”
Mr Connor said he had spent about 500 hours learning his craft.
“I like to look at the best in the world and see what they do and try to learn,” he said.
“I’d hate to know how much time I’ve put into making things, but it’s all good fun.
“I am getting slightly smarter. I was making them so big it’d take 10 men to cart them out to the field days.
“Half the time, because they’re so big and heavy, you’d break a bit of something.
COMPANION: Bailey keeps watch over Horsham’s Glenn Connor as he spends hours in his workshop creating sculptures and other items from scrap metal. Mr Connor is preparing to enter the Victorian Farm Sculpture Competition at the Wimmera Machinery Field Days.
“The one I’m making this year actually goes into about six pieces, so it should be easier to put together.”
Mr Connor said he loved the challenge of coming up with an idea, designing his sculpture and sourcing material.
“Probably the hardest part about doing this is if you make something out of new steel, it doesn’t look any good and it’s very heavy and hard to work with,” he said.
“But if you get old steel that’s rusty, it either falls apart or doesn’t do what you want.
“Part of the art is finding old steel you can work with.”
Mr Connor sources his material from farms, scrap-metal dealers and ‘anywhere where someone doesn’t want something that is old, rusty and useless’.
While he spends hours in his workshop creating masterpieces and honing his craft, Mr Connor has company in the form of his dog, Bailey. Bailey spends hours sitting on his mat, overseeing the creative process.
Mr Connor said Bailey took a while to get used to the equipment.
See you at Wimmera field
Tuesday
10am: Product demonstration, Auditorium
10am: Live snake show, Livestock Block
10.30am: The Chefs Toolbox demonstration, Auditorium
Welcome to the 56th annual Wimmera Machinery Field Days.
The WMFD committee and staff extend their warmest welcome to exhibitors and patrons and hope you have a fantastic and productive time at this year’s field days.
The WMFD provides a world-class event to the communities of western Victoria and we are proud to be able to provide an opportunity to our exhibitors to showcase the latest and greatest that the world’s manufacturers have to offer. Likewise, our patrons have the chance to conduct business and learn about new technologies and avenues of growth in the industry, while enjoying a relaxed day and friendly environment that the field days are known for.
The organising committee and staff of the WMFD are a passionate and dedicated group.
Members work tirelessly to overcome obstacles and challenges to bring our patrons and exhibitors together for an event that epitomises agriculture.
Agriculture continues to be an industry at the forefront of innovation.
It is always looking for new inventions and ideas that can be incorporated to assist with efficiencies and better practices.
The WMFD has been an excellent platform to achieve this for the past 56 years.
We consider all our exhibitors and sponsors to be vital to our event and it’s with great appreciation that we rec-
ognise all they have contributed to the successful running of the WMFD.
Our exhibitors are essential to our industry, always looking for an edge on the competition to provide customers with the results they want.
In addition they promote a fantastic atmosphere for our patrons and a great social day out.
We would like to thank all our volunteer and community groups whose participation and hard work help to
make the field days a success. Once again I would like to welcome you all to the 56th annual Wimmera Machinery Field Days.
I hope your time with us provides you with the ideas, skills, knowledge and tools to benefit your business, community and your lifestyle.
Peter Moore President Wimmera
Machinery Field Days
What you need to know
The 56th annual Wimmera Machinery Field Days are on Tuesday, March 6, Wednesday, March 7 and Thursday, March 8.
Opening times Tuesday and Wednesday, 8.30am to 5pm, Thursday, 8.30am to 4pm.
Entry
Adults $18, two-day pass $25, students aged 12 to 18 years, $5. Children under 12 are free. Eftpos is available for entry at gates two and three.
Toilets
Toilets are clearly labelled on the site map, on page 17 of this feature. These include indoor, modern facilities with full disabled access in Alan Heard Pavilion. Wider access toilets suited to disabled access and prams are located in the blocks in the Country Lifestyle Square and the toilet block near the Field Days Kiosk two, in the boating, camping and caravan area.
Parents and babies
A well-equipped family and kids marquee is situated in Field Days Square behind the main office, offering a place to go for little ones to get changed, relax or have a play. There are also private feeding areas available.
First aid
Emergency Medical Response will have qualified first aid trained staff and their fully
equipped vehicles stationed near the field days office each day.
Explore bus
A free site explorer bus will operate on all three days. The ‘hop-on hop-off’ bus will save your legs from plenty of walking as it covers the entire site. The bus will run from 9am to 4pm each day.
Scooter hire
Scooter hire is available at gate two. People can book by calling 0428 694 335.
Courier service
A free courier service will operate for customers who have purchased goods. People can use the free courier and parcel pick-up service to help with their larger purchases. Items can be picked up and taken to a depot to collect later.
Banking Banking services, along with Eftpos for money withdrawal, is located at the south end of the field days office. Opening hours are 9.30am to 4.30pm daily.
Food and drink
There are plenty of options to keep you refreshed and satisfied at the field days, all provided by local community groups and regional caterers. From ice cold drinks to hot gourmet coffee, barbecues and German sausages, fresh sandwiches, ice creams, hot takeaway food, baked potatoes, wood fired pizza and more.
FMX stunt riders sure to thrill
Wimmera Machinery Field Days will again feature an exciting freestyle motocross stunt team as a special attraction.
Stunt riders from Factory FMX, a huge hit with field days patrons last year, will again bring their live show to the event.
As a bonus this year, the show will feature two professional riders showcasing tandem jumps and the latest mid-air tricks, while leaping distances of more than 21 metres long and nine metres high.
O’Connors Farm Machinery has come on board to sponsor the motocross stunt show and will be offering the chance for the Factory FMX Motocross stunt riders to leap over some of its huge tractors and other machines lined up under the jumps area.
Wimmera Machinery Field Days manager Murray Wilson said the motocross stunt team would be a huge drawcard for the event.
“With the region’s strong connection to motocross and Horsham’s first-class track, the site of world junior titles later this year nearby, it is a great fit for the field days,” he said.
“It’s also fantastic to have major field days exhibitor O’Connors show its support by providing farm vehicles and machinery for the team to leap over, which is sure to be an impressive sight for patrons.”
The Factory FMX Motocross team will perform three shows daily at this year’s event.
An FMX stunt team member takes to the air at last year’s Wimmera Machinery Field Days. Picture: KELLY LAIRD
Event plays major farming role
BY DEAN LAWSON
The hit and miss success rate of last year’s broadacre crops across the Wimmera-Mallee has emphasised a need for growers planning for next year to arm themselves with as much information as possible.
Victorian Farmers Federation president David Jochinke said earlier in the year that what farmers decided to do in the interim period between seasons would heavily influence their success.
He said the Wimmera boasted some of the best broadacre farmers in the world and much of that reputation came down to their ability and willingness to harness the latest expertise available.
An understanding of the critical farm-planning period between seasons is one of the primary reasons why the Wimmera Machinery Field Days exist.
Field days manager Murray Wilson said while the three-day event had evolved into a major celebration of rural lifestyle, it had maintained its critical role in providing farmers with the latest developments in farm machinery, technology and knowhow.
“Because the field days are early in the calendar year it is always seen as an effective launching pad for businesses and experts in the sector to promote new products and-or ways of simply doing things,” he said.
“As a result, farmers also use the field days as a launching pad – to set themselves up for the season ahead.
“The plans, purchases and decision-making for the next 12 months for many involves, in some way, the field days.
“It’s been a primary role of the field days for more than half a century and its evolution has meant the international world of agriculture and the Wimmera collide every year for three days in March.”
Mr Wilson said the diverse nature of rural and regional society had meant the field days had also had to adapt beyond a simple product and service market.
“An understanding of what makes rural communities tick is at the core of why we have such a variety of attractions,” he said.
“At the Moore Exhibition Centre, for example, there is a strong regional community and service-group presence where people can gain advice on everything from banking and finance to health, education and training.
“In contrast is a Gourmet Pavilion where people can explore regional produce, be they ciders, beers and wines or the vast variety of food products that are becoming available.
“In many cases people can also sample what’s on display with the produce coming from the Wimmera and beyond.”
Mr Wilson said a Country Lifestyle
Murray Wilson
marquee and square represented one of the region’s largest pop-up markets, where patrons would have access to everything from product demonstrations and art and craft to clothing.
“The Auditorium is another big part
of the field days. It’s our main entertainment section where there are food-preparation and cooking demonstrations, activities on stage such as fashion parades and the always highly anticipated showcase of Horsham
College creative arts,” he said. “But that’s only a taste of the experiences on offer. We have a specific boating and camping site, our Livestock Block will have Tom ‘The Shearer’ McGrath providing shearing demonstrations, a vintage tractorcade, snake handlers and interactive wildlife demonstrations.
“And for the adventurous keen to get a bird’s eye view of what’s happening, there are helicopter rides available from either Grampians Helicopters or Ultimate Helicopters.”
Mr Wilson emphasised that machinery display and promotion remained a critical part of the three days.
“We have an event that remains strong and maintains its importance for key agricultural organisation,” he said.
“In direct acknowledgement of the region’s primary industry – agriculture – the field days are a key driver in building, driving and fostering that industry.
“It continues the tradition of being an effective tool and important part of our region’s agricultural backbone. “It is also important to understand that in regards to worldwide agriculture, it puts the Wimmera and Horsham on the national and international map.
“It’s this time every year that we all realise just how big a role we are playing in helping to feed and clothe the world.”
Important message to share
BY SARAH SCULLY
As a survivor of prostate cancer, Horsham’s Brian Nagorcka knows how important early detection can be.
In 2016, he and friend Max Judd formed Wimmera Prostate Cancer Support Group to use their experiences to help others.
Mr Nagorcka said the pair not only wanted to provide support for other men and their families dealing with the disease, but also wanted to raise awareness of a need for men to prioritise their health.
Wimmera Prostate Cancer Support Group members will have a stand at Wimmera Machinery Field Days for the first time this year.
Mr Nagorcka encouraged people to visit the stand, in Moore Pavilion, for a chat or to pick up some literature.
“The field days committee was good enough to ensure we had a stand this year to address people about this important topic and help people who want help,” he said.
“I had a man call me up last week who had just been diagnosed with prostate cancer.
“That’s what our group does – offers support. We don’t tell people what sort of treatment we think they should have, but we can talk to them about the treatment we’ve had and some of the options that are out there.
“We also have oodles and oodles of literature on the subject.”
Prostate cancer specialist nurse Gay Corbett will be on hand to answer questions on Wednesday, with a Cancer Council Victoria representative to attend on Thursday.
Ms Corbett is a regular visitor to the Wimmera through her work with Wimmera Prostate Cancer Support Group.
The group has about 30 members, including wives and partners, and meets at Horsham RSL on the fourth Wednesday of each month.
“We get together for lunch and a meeting. People share their experiences and sometimes we have a guest speaker,” Mr Nagorcka said.
He said while he believed people were becoming more educated about prostate cancer, more needed to be done.
“It is talked about a lot more than it used to be,” he said.
“But we still need to talk about it more. The women have got their act together but men still have the mentality, ‘it won’t happen to me’.
“Well, it happened to me. I’m okay now, but early detection is key.
“Once they get to 50, men should have regular check-ups and blood tests to make sure they are taking care of their health.”
Mr Nagorcka encouraged women attending the field days to stop by Wimmera Prostate Cancer Support Group’s stand.
“It’s important women are involved in this as well,” he said.
“They play a big role supporting the men. It’s a team effort.”
Time to taste
Newly established Pomonal Estate, based at the foothills of the Grampians, will be a first-time field days exhibitor in the Country Gourmet Pavilion.
The family-run, small boutique winery will offer local wines, handcrafted beer, cider and local produce.
The business will showcase its cellar door and its venue, perfect for weddings, functions and conferences. It also has self-contained accommodation.
Pomonal Estate will also bring its popular handcrafted beer and wine ‘tasting paddles’ to the field days, which are sure to prove a hit.
Fashion first
Afirst for the Wimmera Machinery Field Days this year is the inaugural ‘Field Days Kids’ fashion parade.
An excited group of youngsters ranging in age from four to 12 will take to the field days catwalk on Wednesday at 11am.
The parade is another key feature of the field days ‘Family Day’.
Supporting the Field Days Kids fashion parade will be Horsham children’s clothing store Kawaii Kids.
SURVIVOR: Brian Nagorcka will join other Wimmera Prostate Cancer Support Group members at a stand at Wimmera Machinery Field Days for the first time this year.
Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
Showcase of past machinery
Wimmera
Machinery Field Days will host a vintage machinery tractorcade at this year’s event.
Last seen rolling out at the field days 50th anniversary event in 2012, the tractorcade was a huge drawcard and an extremely popular feature capturing the attention of thousands of patrons every day.
Each afternoon participating tractors and machinery will roll out and complete a lap of the central field days site, allowing patrons to see the machines in the tractorcade as they drive past.
There will be a host of participating brands and machines, some dating back 60 to 80 years.
The 2018 Field Days tractorcade is supported by the Dunmunkle Sump Oilers, Wheatlands Warracknabeal Agricultural Machinery Museum and Nhill Vintage Machinery Club. The parade will get underway at 3pm every day of the field days.
Show. Dunmunkle Sump Oilers are sponsoring the tractorcade at this year’s field days.
Get up close and personal
Theteam from Black Snake Productions will return to the field days this year with some of their deadliest possessions. The exhibit gives patrons the chance to get up close to the world’s most deadliest snakes.
People can touch and hold a big, friendly python or native lizard and see how sharp a baby crocodile’s teeth really are.
The team will have displays of other reptiles and will introduce many during live shows throughout the three days. Professional snake handlers will provide demonstrations and informative talks on handling and care, what to do if you are bitten by a snake, and more. Live ‘venomous’ snake shows will run daily at 10am, 11.30am, 1.30pm and 3.30pm in the Livestock Block.
SHOWCASE: Dunmunkle Sump Oilers’ Winston Chivell at last year’s Dimboola
Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
LIVE SHOW: The team from Black Snake Productions will host live shows across the three days of the Wimmera Machinery Field Days. Pictured are helpers Alicia Bunting, left, and Brit Hides.
Picture: KELLY LAIRD
Exhibitor awards up for grabs
The Wimmera Machinery Field Days prides itself on providing a showcase with a modern professional image and the very latest in agriculture machinery and technology.
To encourage exhibitors to strive for similar ideals, there are two major product awards and 11 site awards on offer during the event.
The two main product awards are judged by a panel of regional primary producers and agribusiness professionals who are committee members of the Wimmera Machinery Field Days.
In many cases the award winning machine has gone on to become a standard piece of equipment on farms throughout Australia.
Judging criteria for the product awards include the machine’s purpose and suitability; scope of application; construction – durability, appearance and design; ease of maintenance and service; ease of operation, including operator comfort and safety; ease of adjustment; availability of parts; and overall value-for-money.
The machinery and agribusiness products that are eligible are required to be new to the market in the 12 months following last year’s field days in March.
Exhibitor site awards are judged by a panel of Wimmera Machinery Field Days committee members ac-
WINNERS ARE GRINNERS: From left, Wimmera Machinery Field Days vice-president Chris Bartlett with Bellvue Trading Warracknabeal’s Chris Taylor and Kuhn Farm Machinery representative Jarrod Maskell. A Kuhn spreader displayed by Bellvue Trading won a Machine of the Year award at least year’s field days.
cording to overall showcase and ease of recognition; effort put into the display; quality of the site; and overall participation in the theme and spirit of the Wimmera Machinery Field Days.
Judges also look for aesthetic appeal, presentation of equipment on display, dress and ease of recognition of staff on the site – uniforms, name
tags and so on – and safety, for example tent pegs, leads, sharp objects and trip hazards.
It is also important that exhibitor site holders are compliant with Wimmera Machinery Field Day policy and procedure prior to and during the event.
Presentations to all winners takes
place in Field Days Square on Wednesday, March 7, at 2pm Field Days Exhibitor
Awards 2018
Product awards –
• Wimmera Machinery Field Days Machine of the Year.
• Agribusiness Innovation of the Year.
• Best Moore Exhibition Centre Exhibit.
• Best Indoor Country Lifestyle Exhibit.
• Best Outdoor Country Lifestyle Exhibit.
• Best Country Gourmet Pavilion Exhibit.
2017 award winners
Machine of the year: Bellevue Trading Warracknabeal – Kuhn fertiliser gypsum spreader.
Agribusiness Innovation of the Year: Agricultural Energy – Turbodrum.
Best Outdoor Agribusiness Exhibit: Wimmera Small Engines.
Best Indoor Agribusiness Exhibit: Precise Farm Solutions.
Best Outdoor General Site: Stephen Pasture Seeds.
Best Moore Exhibition Centre Exhibit: Wimmera Aquatrail.
Best Boating, Camping and Caravan Exhibit: New Age Caravans.
Best Indoor Country Lifestyle Marquee Exhibit: Out and About Clothing.
Best Outdoor Country Lifestyle Square Exhibit: Mr Pure Water.
Best Country Living Gourmet Pavilion Exhibit: The Chef’s Toolbox.
Annual student showcase
Asnapshot into the growth and evolution of the arts across the Wimmera will be on show at this year’s Wimmera Machinery Field Days.
Students across the region have never had greater opportunities to explore artistic flair at senior levels and Horsham College is keen to share what its students have been creating and learning.
The college’s annual student showcase –Horsham College has Talent – will feature at 2pm in the field days auditorium on all three days of the event.
The showcase promises an eclectic mix from textile students displaying garments they have created as part of their studies to Vocational Education and Training dance students performing routines.
The showcase has become an integral part of field days attractions and fits neatly into the event’s charter to promote a country lifestyle.
It also encourages the college arts students to get out of their comfort zones and exposes them to the world of analysis and critique.
Previous showcases at the field days have left many patrons staggered at the level of art that students are producing at the college.
The college, while long having a reputation for its fine art, textile and music students, now also has dedicated dance studios. This year is the first that dance graduates from the college have gone on to study the discipline at a tertiary level.
Not to be outdone, college hospitalitycourse students will provide showcase support by providing audience members with ‘taster’ bags.
Minister to launch field days
Federal Agriculture Minister David Littleproud will officially open the Wimmera Machinery Field Days at Longerenong on Wednesday.
The National Party of Australia member for Maranoa will also join guests at a field days president’s lunch at the Wimmera Events Centre event. Field days manager Murray Wilson said the visit from Mr Littleproud, sworn in as Agriculture and Water Resources Minister in December, was a major coup for the event.
“It has been a while since we’ve had such a high-ranking federal minister attend the field days,” he said.
“His visit reflects the national significance of agriculture in the Wimmera, Mallee and Western District and also the role that the Wimmera Machinery Field Days play.”
Mr Littleproud’s opening of the field days is loosely scheduled for 11.30am on a lawn area in front of Moore Exhibition Centre.
FINAL TOUCHES: Horsham College students Jacinta Oliver, Soe San Di, Jessica Taylor, Georgia Perris, Hannah Murray, Destany Dickerson-Cornell, Tara Emmerson and Tori Foster prepare for Horsham College has Talent at the Wimmera Machinery Field Days.
Hose Factory K9-10 Janke Australia C12 Jetwave Industrial Equip Q15-16 John Berends Implements A58-61 JPD Agriculture Pty Ltd N1
T14-15
Equipment V5-6
Light Co R3
T3
G2-3
Q10-12
River Stockyards X27-36
Stotten Machinery Q9
N19-22
Fire Trailers R20-22
and Outback Trailers S4
Bank D20-21
Hayrakes B27-30
Silo Upgrades U1
Watch out for farmer George
Live on stage this year as part of Wimmera Machinery Field Days’ Wednesday Family Day will be George the Farmer.
It will be George’s first visit to the Wimmera.
George and his friends will host two shows on stage in the auditorium, at 10am and 12.30pm.
There will be an opportunity to meet and greet George and friends after each show.
George will also take a stroll around the field days site, checking out all the farming gear and saying g’day to everyone.
George the Farmer is Australia’s best-loved farming character.
Since he was first launched in July 2014 as an interactive story app, the George the Farmer brand, subsequent products and performances have won national awards.
His message has been backed up by five-star reviews.
He has delighted many kiddies and adults alike all over Australia, and further afield.
Created by friends Simone Kain and Ben Hood, in regional South Australia, George is playing an extremely important role in educating children about farming practices, along with how food and fibre are produced.
A different perspective
Wimmera
Machinery
Field Days has partnered with Horsham-based Ultimate Helicopters and Grampians Helicopters from Stawell to offer field days patrons a chance to get above the crowd and see first-hand the multi-milliondollar display of Australia’s best showcase of agricultural machinery.
Newly established Ultimate Helicopters will be operating on Tuesday and Thursday of the field days and Gram-
pians Helicopters will return for the Wednesday of the event.
Wimmera field days manager Murray Wilson said one of the key outcomes of the field days was the opportunity to provide something different and a helicopter flight to see the field days from the air would provide a unique experience for visitors as part of the event.
“Both Ultimate Helicopters and Grampians Helicopters look forward to providing five, 10 and 15-minute joy flights during the three days of the
Wimmera field days, starting from $60 a person,” he said.
“This will be an amazing opportunity for patrons to see just how big and impressive the field days site is from the air and it will certainly give people the chance for a unique view of the site in its entirety
“We expect it to be an exciting and popular feature of the field days this year
“The joy flights will be operating each day from the east side of the field days site and are offering special field days rates.”
THUMBS UP: Watch out for George the Farmer as he strolls around the Wimmera Machinery Field Days site on Wednesday, or catch him on stage in the auditorium.
Event a jewel in region’s crown
BY DEAN LAWSON
Victorian farming leader David Jochinke has urged Wimmera people to pause and consider what the Wimmera Machinery Field Days means to them and the region as a whole.
Mr Jochinke, Victorian Farmers Federation president and a field days committee member, said it was rare in agriculture to have standalone events so dedicated to the industry.
“As a whole, I don’t know whether we in the Wimmera and southern Mallee generally appreciate what that means for us,” he said.
“To have the country’s largest event dedicated to broadacre farming in our own backyard shouldn’t be taken for granted.
“Not only does it celebrate agriculture, but it celebrates our region and for me, even though it is a traditional event that occurs every year, it is somewhere to find out the latest in what’s happening.
“In fact it is all about leading-edge technology – the world’s best technology in broadacre farming coming to the Wimmera.
“When you think about it, that’s pretty special.
“We have the sheer scale of the event and also the value of equipment being displayed or promoted.
“Added to this are the lifestyle exhibitors. It all culminates into a ma-
jor celebration and reflection of the region.”
Mr Jochinke said from a Victorian Grains Conference in Geelong that he had been attending the field days since he was youngster
“I used to go there with the Dimboola college concert band, let alone dad pulling me out of primary school as well,” he said.
“Now it’s great to see schools in-
volved and creating new habitual pathways.
“It’s not just about farm kids either. It’s an opportunity for children and people generally to learn about the local economy and farm industry.”
Mr Jochinke said from his perspective the field days could be roughly split into three parts – relationships between buyers and exhibitors; a celebration of rural and regional lifestyle;
and the opportunity for communities from across a vast expanse of western Victoria to establish or renew social connections.
“Firstly, the field days relies on patrons coming to look at exhibits and exhibitors relying on patrons to see what they have to offer,” he said.
“But the field days shouldn’t be seen as a simply buying and selling exercise.
“It is a learning and comparing process where you can talk to relevant people and touch and feel – all in the one location.
“Secondly, it is not just 100 percent agricultural technology.
“There is lifestyle and general interest and for me it is also a great social event.”
Mr Jochinke stressed the value of the field days as a promotional tool for regional connectivity and solidarity.
“It is a chance for regional communities to mingle, to catch up,” he said.
Mr Jochinke added the field days also remained a major ‘touch point’ between the VFF and a large section of the Victorian farming community.
“It provides an opportunity to discuss issues, policies and politics with members as well as broader community,” he said.
“We want engagement with all players in the agricultural fraternity while also understanding that our members are number-one.”
Mr Jochinke said he would be ‘wearing his VFF hat and field days uniform’ when he caught up with Federal Agriculture Minister David Littleproud during the field days.
“I’ve already cornered him on a couple of issues and the field days gives me another chance to discuss things further,” he said.
Mr Littleproud will officially open the field days.
DIVERSITY: The Wimmera Machinery Field Days is as much about families and rural lifestyle as it is about buying and selling machinery.
2018 Wimmera Field Day
Come and see our large range of HARDI sprayers at the Wimmera Field Days on the 6th of March, 2018. From the massive 9000 Litre Self-Propelled RUBICON to some of Australia’s most popular COMMANDER and NAVIGATOR trailers, we’ll have a sprayer that’s right for you! Visit the team at Wimmera Ag on site A 69-74.
The Sprayer
Five new agronomy graduates
Agriculture Victoria has selected five new graduates to take part in its latest 18-month Agronomist Development Program.
The expanded number of graduates will take up positions in Horsham, Hamilton, Bendigo and Mildura and will also undertake intensive placements with leading grower groups and agribusinesses.
Program leader James Nuttall said the new graduates – Stephen O’Connor, Kate Finger, Rachel Coombes, Mitchell Fromm and Alexander Clancy – were the fourth intake under the program, which was established to build grains industry capability.
“This current intake follows three previous cohorts of three graduates that commenced with the program in 2015, 2016 and 2017,” he said.
The Agronomist Development Program is part of the Regional Research Agronomists program, co-funded by Grains Research and Development Corporation and Agriculture Victoria.
Dr Nuttall said the program to date had targeted grains research and development for the medium and high rain zones, however, an expansion into low rain zones had meant several graduates would be undertaking placements that focused on production systems and networks in the Mallee.
For three of the five graduates, Stephen, Kate and Rachel, their 18 months will include intensive place-
ments with leading grower groups and agribusinesses. They will gain experience in key areas including seasonal risk management; nutrition and pathology; trial development and management; pest, weeds and disease identification; and crop protection options in a regional
context; as well as developing communication packages to support research adoption.
These positions will be based in Hamilton, Bendigo and Mildura.
The remaining two graduate positions are designed to build capability in targeted areas.
in Bendigo and with agribusiness Precision Agriculture in Ballarat.
Dr Nuttall said the modified approach of these two ADP positions reflected the growing need for agronomists with targeted skills to support these priorities, supporting the successful transition of pulses into the Mallee and pulse agronomy applications to industry.
GRDC Grower Services southern manager Craig Ruchs said the aim of the program was to provide wide industry exposure to the graduates, who would be able to use the skills on completion of the 18-month program.
“The ability for each graduate to work across the three areas of agricultural research with agribusiness, Agriculture Victoria and a farming systems group will provide them with wide exposure to future employment directions,” he said.
“The program will equip the next generation of information providers with a diverse skills base, ready to provide this information for future generations.
For Mitchell, the program focus will be pulse agronomy in the Mallee, with placements at Southern Pulse Agronomy and Moodie Agronomy, working from Horsham and Mildura.
Alexander will focus on precision agriculture, working with Agriculture Victoria’s remote sensing specialists
“Previous Agronomist Development Program graduates are now all working in the agricultural sector, with one graduate from the 2017 cohort recently accepting an employment offer from a Mallee-based agro-consulting group.
“Overall, this is a great outcome for the program.”
SELECTED: Agronomists Rachel Coombes, Alex Clancy, Kate Finger, Mitchell Fromm and Stephen O’Connor have started an 18-month development program.
Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
Research trials uncovered
BCG members had the opportunity to hear the results from a plethora of 2017 research trials at the annual BCG Trials Review Day.
The day attracted about 160 people from across the Wimmera, Mallee, North Central and beyond.
Invited guests and BCG researchers presented on topics covering cereal disease pressure, pulse and cereal variety performance, three-year brome grass and wild radish control, the movement of nitrogen in stubble, the threat of mice in 2018, a seasonal climate update and more.
A highlight of the event was the review of the 2017 season by two farmers, Sam Eastwood of Kaniva and Terry Kiley of Nandaly, who shared their experiences, self-critiqued their operations and spoke of challenges and opportunities for the future of their farm businesses.
Steve Henry from CSIRO provided information on the potential of a mice outbreak in 2018, saying there was a moderate chance.
“Eight weeks prior to sowing is the latest you can leave paddocks without baiting,” he said.
“Zinc phosphide is the only registered product to control mice, and at a rate of 1kg-ha.
“Don’t over bait, the best way to reduce mice numbers is by removing the food source.”
Mr Henry also said narrow windrow burning provided a good base for mice, as there was adequate food and shelter available for months.
“Immediately after burning windrows is an effective time to bait, as mice have lost their shelter and food source,” he said.
Another highlight of the event was timely wheat and barley varietal performance information.
Research leader Claire Browne highlighted the importance of looking at long-term varietal performance when choosing a variety, so it could be compared over a range of different seasonal finishes.
“Scepter has performed well in the Wimmera in the past three years. Arrow, Mace, Corack, Beckom, Cosmick and Trojan have also performed well,” Ms Browne said.
“Don’t change varieties for the sake of changing, managing them according to your system is your best bet.”
BCG research officer Linda Walters highlighted key barley varieties La Trobe, Fathom, Hindmarsh, Spartacus CL, Compass and Rosalind were consistently performing well across a four to six year average in the Wimmera.
RGT Planet, a new variety from Europe, had also performed well, however, it had only been tested in two seasons.
“You could choose any of these varieties based on yield, but then look at individual agronomic traits of the varieties to see which will best suit your farming system,” she said. “For example, if you are choosing a variety for weed management and its competitiveness, RGT Planet, Fathom and Compass offer good weed competition.”
WELL RECEIVED: More than 150 people attended a BCG Trials Review Day last week.
BCG research staff have been selecting research sites for 2018 and will host its main research site on the Nullawil-Birchip road, 18km north-west of Birchip.
The core Wimmera research site will again be at Longerenong College.
The site selection process entails finding out about paddock history, for example, herbicide history to understand residual risks, weed type and pressure, soil type, rotation history and planned crop type around the trial site for the current year.
Other trial sites are still being chosen
SPIRAFLEX AIR SEEDER HOSE
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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.
throughout the Wimmera and Mallee.
BCG is again offering a soil sampling service, which started in the north-west Mallee last week.
The soil sampling machine will start in the Wimmera on March 5.
People are advised to call the BCG office on 5492 278 to book in their paddocks.
Soil sampling allows for a better understanding of the soil profile, including moisture and nutrition location, thus leading to informed decision-making throughout the year.
Wild dog, fox bounty resumes
Collection teams will be back on the road next month with the resumption of a Victorian Fox and Wild Dog Bounty.
Agriculture Victoria’s John Matthews said collections would resume on Monday, starting with north-west collection centres.
“The collection period for the fox and wild dog bounty will run from March until the end of October, consistent with previous years,” he said.
“Eligible participants can submit entire fox scalps for a $10 reward and entire wild dog skin pieces for a $120 reward during scheduled collection times.”
Mr Matthews urged hunters to check collection centre times because there were minor scheduling changes for 2018 due to public holidays and a change of venue at Geelong.
He also reminded hunters the collection of entire wild dog skin pieces for the North West Wild Dog Control Area was by appointment only.
He said appointments could be made by calling the Agriculture Victoria Customer Service Centre on 136 186.
Full details on collection times and locations, terms and conditions are available online at www.agriculture.vic.gov.au.
Peru agreement win
Farmers in grains, red meat, wine, dairy and horticulture sectors will have their tariffs to Peru slashed after the signing of the Peru-Australia Free Trade Agreement.
Member for Wannon Dan Tehan said PAFTA would eliminate 99.4 percent of tariffs that exporters faced when marketing into Peru, putting Australian farmers on equal footing with foreign competitors.
He said many farmers across western Victoria, including his electorate, would benefit from the agreement.
“This new trade deal is a huge win for farmers right across Wannon, creating expanded export opportunities,” Mr Tehan said.
“This is fantastic news, putting more cash in the pockets of our hardworking farmers while building on our $435-million two-way trade with Peru.”
The key tariff outcomes for Australian agriculture through PAFTA will include:
• Immediate elimination of all tariffs for seafood, sheep meat, kangaroo meat, most horticulture products and wheat –current tariffs are up to nine percent.
• Elimination of all tariffs for beef within five years and immediate elimination of most tariffs for pork – current tariffs are up to 17 percent.
• Immediate elimination of tariffs for wine across lines of commercial interest to Australia, with the remainder being phased out over five years –current tariffs are up to nine percent.
PAFTA will provide many in-
dustries with duty-free access for large volumes of exports, including:
• 7000 tonnes of dairy, growing to 10,000 tonnes – capped amount – in year five.
• 15,000 tonnes of sorghum, with the volume growing to 20,000 tonnes – capped amount – in year five.
“PAFTA will allow us to bet-
ter compete in the Peruvian market and supports the potential for expanded trade into the broader Latin American region,” Mr Tehan said.
The signing of PAFTA follows the finalisation of the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership, which will lock in greater trade access to
markets worth almost $10-trillion combined, including Japan, Canada, Mexico, Malaysia, Singapore, Chile, Peru, Vietnam, New Zealand and Brunei.
People seeking more information about the agreement can visit website dfat.gov.au/ trade/agreements/pafta/Pages/ peru-australia-fta.aspx
Bootcamp for young farmers
A two-day Young Farmer Business Bootcamp program is underway at Kaniva.
The bootcamp, which combines expert presentations and advice with hands-on activities and professional networking opportunities started in Kaniva yesterday and continues today. A similar bootcamp was in Ouyen earlier this month and another will be at Skipton on March 14 and 15.
The Agriculture Victoria bootcamp takes participants through: Analysing the performance of a business; understanding profit and loss, variable costs and gross farm income; return on assets; understanding risk; planning for profit and drivers for profit; how to make evidence-based decisions; cash-flow budgets; strategic planning; and pathways to farming including leasing and share farming and succession planning.
THUMBS UP: Member for Wannon Dan Tehan says many farmers across western Victoria, including his electorate, will benefit from the Peru-Australia Free Trade Agreement.
Opportunity for greater profit
S
ignificant opportunity exists for most southern region grain growers to generate stronger levels of profitability from their resource bases.
That is based on a study commissioned by the Grains Research and Development Corporation, which has identified the key profit drivers in successful cropping businesses.
The project – The integration of technical data and profit drivers for more informed decisions – involved collecting a minimum of three and up to five years of benchmarking data from more than 300 cropping businesses nationally.
The project was led by Rural Directions Pty Ltd in the southern region and involved Meridian Agriculture and Macquarie Franklin.
Tony Craddock from Rural Directions said a consistent message from the project was that a large gap in financial performance existed between the ‘top 20 percent’ businesses and the average business in each agro-ecological zone.
“It demonstrated that there is abundant opportunity for many grain growers to increase profit from the resources that they currently have available to them,” he said.
Findings from the project were detailed to growers and advisers attending GRDC ‘Opportunity for Profit’ workshops in 2017.
Designed to enable growers to better understand the profit drivers in their own businesses and therefore adopt profit-generating changes, the workshops will again be occuring throughout the southern region of Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania in 2018-19.
Driven from the agro-ecological zone level upwards to ensure the key profit drivers reflected the farming conditions relevant to different rain zones and soil types, the project explored the management characteristics of cropping operators, which influence their decision-making processes and farm business performance.
Profit drivers
The study found that four primary profit drivers separated the top 20 percent of grain businesses – which are consistently retaining 30 percent of turnover as net profit – from average businesses in the GRDC’s southern region.
These four primary profit drivers were identified as gross-margin optimisation; low-cost business model; people and management; and risk management.
In terms of gross margin optimisation, Mr Craddock said this was driven by two main factors – income or turnover per hectare and variable costs per hectare.
“Therefore, it is all about optimising yield in a cost-effective manner,” he said.
“The top 20 percent are often generating 10 percent more crop yield per hectare from a common or lower overall investment into variable costs per hectare. This enables the top 20 percent of businesses to generate gross margins which are 15 percent to 20 percent stronger than the average business in the dataset.”
Developing a low-cost business model also provided growers with the opportunity to increase farm profitability.
“Differences in machinery use and labour use are driving the most significant variation between the top 20
percent businesses and average businesses in relation to this profit driver,” Mr Craddock said.
“The top 20 percent maintain a 0.7 to 1.0 machinery investment to income ratio while also generating more than $600,000 of turnover per full time equivalent, FTE, labour unit. The average businesses often had a machinery investment to income ratio of more than 1.0 to 1.0 and the average level of turnover per FTE is less than $450,000 across the full dataset.”
People management
In terms of people and management, Mr Craddock said a qualitative survey identified that an implementation gap rather than a knowledge gap was driving substantial differences in performance between the top 20 percent and their lower-performing peers.
There are six key management characteristics that characterise high performing grain businesses: Having a systems focus; taking a ‘helicopter’ view of management when under pressure; internalising and taking responsibility for key decisions; focusing energy on things within their control; superior implementation ability; and strong observation skills.
“As a result of focusing their energy on things within their control, the top 20 percent of growers achieve a stronger return on investment from the time and energy they contribute to their businesses,” Mr Craddock said. Risk management is the fourth key
Fill ’er up thanks!
profit driver, with the top 20 percent of businesses being low-risk, high-margin operations.
Mr Craddock said some potential measures of well-implemented risk management within a business might include lower income variation from year to year; lower long-term cost of production by commodity; lower variability in profit from year to year; and a greater ability to withstand a business or production shock.
“Businesses able to retain a greater percentage of turnover as net profit on a long-term basis become more resilient by design. They are able to more easily absorb a short-term production or business shock that reduces revenue within a particular year,” he said.
Mr Craddock said that in terms of opportunity for enhanced profitability, some businesses might have a yield and revenue opportunity, other businesses might benefit from a more disciplined approach to variable costs, while for others the opportunity could be in managing total plant machinery and labour-related costs.
“While it takes skill, courage and discipline to replicate top 20 percent performance, it is generally decisions and choices that are well within our control that we can influence to achieve it,” he said.
“Low risk, high margin agriculture is possible.”
Tony Craddock
• Apsley Cafe
• Ararat: Hansen Print
• Ararat Newsagency
• Ararat North Store
• Beulah General Store
Beulah Post Office
• Birchip Newsagency
• Bordertown Post Office
• Dimboola Newsagency
• Dimboola: Des Lardner
• Donald: BP Service Station
• Donald: Early Bird Cafe
• Donald: Johno’s Diner
• Donald Newsagency
• Edenhope Fuel & Tyre
• Edenhope Take Away
• Goroke IGA
• Haven General Store
• Hopetoun IGA
• Hopetoun Newsagency
• Horsham: 3WM, MIXX FM, The Weekly Advertiser office
• Horsham: Bennett Road Milk Bar
• Horsham: Caltex The Foodery
• Horsham: Edith St Milk Bar Horsham: Dooen Road Milk Bar
• Horsham Visitor Information Centre
• Horsham: Plaza Lotto
• Horsham: Poolside Caltex Horsham: Shell Coles Express
• Horsham: Wawunna Road Milk Bar
• Jeparit Newsagency
• Kaniva Community Roadhouse Lascelles Hotel
• Marnoo Milk Bar
• Minyip: Millford Stores IGA
• Mundulla Post Office
• Natimuk: Fraser’s Store
• Nhill Takeaway
• Patchewollock Community Store
• Rupanyup Supermarket
• Rainbow: IGA
Highway Milkbar
• Stawell: Winston Lodge Shell Roadhouse
• Warracknabeal: Fishers Caltex Service Station
• Warracknabeal: Fishers IGA
• Warracknabeal: Kim’s Foodworks
serrated discs
depths from 5 to 15 cm Contour Frame for the perfect following of ground contours
Running gear folds completely over the machine
MOUSE SPECIALIST: CSIRO’s Steve Henry will lead seminars about early season strategies for mouse management in the Wimmera and Mallee next month.
Mouse tactics on the table
With experts forecasting another outbreak of mice this autumn, Wimmera and southern Mallee farmers are invited to hear about early season strategies for mouse management.
Agriculture Victoria will host mouse information seminars at Hopetoun on March 16 and Kalkee on March 17.
CSIRO mouse specialist Steve Henry will lead the seminars.
Mr Henry will share the latest mouse monitoring data from the region and discuss tactics to minimise mouse damage to this season’s crops.
Mr Henry said mice caused serious damage to cereal crops in late spring last year and higher than expected numbers were already being reported this year.
“It’s very concerning,” he said.
“We know there is plenty of food available and that the long-term forecast is for average to above average rainfall.
“These factors can contribute to high mouse numbers in grain-growing districts.”
Mr Henry said the situation was compound-
ed in some areas where late season frosts and heavy rainfall just before harvest had led to high grain residues on the ground.
Agriculture Victoria land management extension officer Heather Drendel said farmers should not miss these events.
“Burning stubble is not effective in significantly reducing mouse numbers, as mice live in deep burrows,” she said.
“We will learn about tactics to manage mice pre-sowing, during sowing and in-crop with information on a range of integrated tactics that have the biggest impact.”
The seminars, which will include a 45-minute presentation followed by open question time, will be at Hopetoun Recreation Reserve at 3.45pm on March 16 and at Kalkee Recreation Reserve at 7pm the following day.
For Mallee growers, there will be a seminar at Underbool Recreation Reserve at 7.30pm on March 15.
People can call Heather Drendel on 5083 2205 for more information.
Expert leaves his legacy
There would be few people in western Victoria involved in invasive species management who had not worked with, or know the work of, John Matthews from his 38year career.
John began with the Department of Crown Lands and Survey as it was known back then, in 1979, and has worked across regional Victoria in Swan Hill, Ellinbank, and Horsham – spending most of his career at offices in Hamilton and Casterton.
“A lot has changed since I first began,” he said.
“The department was a very male dominated workforce, now it is a great mix of professional, dedicated people using science to achieve results.”
John said over the years his work had provided many adventures and challenges, including working with many organisations and gaining their trust to work with them to protect community assets.
“Trialling and establishing compliance for pest animal management was difficult early on, but is now widely accepted and requested by the community and environment bodies,” he said.
As he approaches retire-
ment, John said some of his proudest achievements were being part of the team that led Victoria to become the first jurisdiction to fully privatise and commercialise access to 1080, and lead the development and accreditation of an established invasive animal training program for Victoria.
His final major piece of work has been on the RHD boost project for Victoria – a 20-year national program to biologically control rabbits.
As much as it is about the work, John noted how fortunate he had been to work with wonderful, intelligent and supportive colleagues who had given him many years of enjoyment and friendship,
as well as his achievements in the established invasive animal space.
“I hope I have improved systems and processes for the management of EIA in Victoria by influencing and providing solutions to the wicked problem that is the impact of established pest animals in our state,” he said.
Agriculture Victoria Director of Plants, Chemicals and Invasive, Sharyn Williams, said that throughout John’s career with the department he had been a key contributor and driver in incorporating proven ideas from research into established pest animal management programs.
“He has been the leading advocate in showcasing the results of best practice pest animal management in Victoria,” he said.
“John has been a friend to many, a mentor, and a true gentleman to work with and has guided many staff with their career development and always provided support to colleagues.
“John’s technical input, commitment to mentor and teach, and professional approach are just a few examples of the legacy he leaves in the department.”
Property to Property transfers. Ballarat.
Wimmera Mallee Machinery Field Days. Longerenong.
John Matthews
Adjuvants’ role in fighting resistance
National herbicide-sustainability group Weedsmart has reported on the work of Jubilee Consulting research agronomist Andrew Somervaille and his views on adjuvants in herbicides.
Adjuvants are designed to improve herbicidal activities or application characteristics.
Mr Somervaiile has been evaluating the performance of herbicides for more than three decades and said the role of adjuvants was often either over-rated or underestimated.
This might seem a contradiction, but Mr Somervaille said the fact is that sometimes adding an adjuvant was beneficial and sometimes it was detrimental; and there was an art to knowing how to best deploy these additives.
He said when weeds were susceptible to the applied herbicides, the effectiveness of adjuvants generally went un-noticed.
However, correctly applied adjuvants could reduce the impact of lowlevel herbicide resistance by helping maximise the amount of herbicide taken up by the plant.
“In the best case scenario, the correct use of an adjuvant can optimise performance of a single herbicide, or a herbicide mix,” Mr Somervaille said.
“This results in the most efficient control of the target weeds, minimises seed set and reduces weed numbers into the future.
“All research points to low weed numbers as the only sustainable way to manage herbicide resistance.
“In the worst-case scenario, the incorrect use of an adjuvant can reduce herbicide performance, might compromise the physical compatibility of mixtures and can alter the function of tank mix components.
“This can result in a sub-lethal dose of herbicide being applied, which is known to amplify herbicide resistance if there are low levels of resistance present in the weed population.
“When populations are highly resistant then the impact of adjuvants is reduced.
“This highlights the importance of being very deliberate and calculated when making recommendations or decisions about adjuvants.”
In one example of Mr Somervaille’s experiments involving two formulations of glyphosate, he measured the effect of the adjuvant used in each formulation, when in the presence of 2,4D, to control awnless barnyard grass.
“We know there is antagonism between 2,4-D and glyphosate in a tank mix in some situations that results in a reduction in the level of control expected from glyphosate alone,” he said.
“What we observed in this experiment was that one glyphosate+surfactant formulation mixed with 2,4-D achieved just over 80 percent control while a second glyphosate+surfactant formulation mixed with 2,4-D
EITHER
WAY: Research agronomist Andrew Somervaille suggests growers and advisors should not overlook or over-rate the use of adjuvants.
achieved 94 percent control.” Mr Somervaille said although some herbicide products were manufactured with an adjuvant included as part of the formulation, there might still be a benefit gained from adding another type of adjuvant before application, depending on the other products in the mix, the water quality or the target weed.
In another experiment, Mr Somervaille investigated the effect of different adjuvants – LI 700 and Liase – on the efficacy of a RoundUp Power Max glyphosate and Amicide 2,4-D mix.
The results clearly showed that while Liase improved the performance of the mix, LI 700 reduced performance
to less than 80 percent control of barnyard grass.
He said grower experience, research trials and computer modelling all pointed toward high levels of herbicide performance, coupled with the removal of survivor plants, to reliably and sustainably extend the useful lifespan of herbicides by removing potential carriers of resistance traits.
“Even small incremental losses in control at the ‘top end’ can have a large effect on the total seed-bank load,” he said.
“While 95 percent control might still be considered a good result from a herbicide application that could have potentially achieved 98 percent control, this three percent loss in efficiency could be the start of a substantial increase in weed numbers and allow herbicide resistance to gain a foothold.”
Mr Somervaille said keeping weed numbers low allowed the targeted use of more expensive products such as through an optical sprayer, made manual control methods economical, and even allowed the use of less efficient products to maintain or slightly reduce numbers while adding diversity to the program – provided there was no cross-resistance.
People seeking more information about improving herbicide efficacy and minimising herbicide resistance risk can visit the WeedSmart website, www.weedsmart.org.au.
Keys to crop water-use
Afour-year study into western Victorian wheat crops has found nitrogen fertiliser application rate, crop rotation and sowing date were the top three factors influencing the crop’s water-use efficiency.
At an Agriculture Victoria seminar earlier this month, Professor Roger Armstrong unveiled crop, soil, disease and management practice data collected from more than 136 commercial paddocks in the Wimmera, Mallee and Western District.
Analysis of the results indicated that crop management had significantly more influence on water-use efficiency than environmental factors or seed variety.
The research, part of Agriculture Victoria and Grains Research and Development Corporation project, ‘Benchmarking and validating the yield gap in each agro-ecological zone’, was an attempt to understand the major factors influencing wateruse efficiency.
Professor Armstrong said farmers, advisers and researchers continued to debate the relative importance that different environmental and management factors had on grain yields.
But there had been little objective assessment of these factors when considered as a whole, especially in ‘real-world’ paddocks.
“We know that we are not achieving our full water-limited yield potential in commercial paddocks and we wanted to try to identify the most important things growers need to focus on to improve this,” Professor Armstrong said.
In a bid to get a picture of what was happening in a commercial setting, the research team moved away from the traditional ‘whitepeg trial’ approach. It instead gathered data from farmers’ paddocks. The team then used statistical techniques recently developed by CSIRO to analyse the data.
“While within paddock spatial variability is a problem in traditional ‘designed’ trials, we used this variability to gain new insights into the impact of different environmental – especially soil – factors,”
Professor Armstrong said.
“The findings reinforced that small improvements to water-use efficiency can have a big influence on yield and profitability and a lot can be achieved by refining how the crop is managed.”
The results clearly showed nitrogen rate to be the most influential variable on water-use efficiency.
The next most influential vari-
IN DEPTH:
Professor Roger Armstrong reviews crop, soil, disease and management practice data collected from more than 136 commercial paddocks in the Wimmera, Mallee and Western District.
Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
ables were the previous crop rotation and sowing date, followed by crop variety, Colwell P – soil plant available phosphorous – crop rotation, year two, phosphorus fertiliser rate and disease risk from stripe rust, crown rot and yellow leaf spot.
Professor Armstrong said while nitrogen rate had the biggest influence on water-use efficiency, it was important to note the other factors examined made a small, but significant difference, when considered as a whole.
“The good news for growers is that a lot can be achieved with good management practices,” he said.
Poly Welding
Education opportunity
Applications are open for secondary schools around Australia to apply for a unique agricultural and entrepreneurial learning program for year nine and 10 students.
AgriFutures Australia and startup.business have joined forces to provide the program designed to teach rural and regional children how to help solve problems facing Australian agriculture.
The program, called AgriFutures startup.business, is based on using innovation and an entrepreneurial mindset.
AgriFutures Australia, formerly Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation, will sponsor seven schools across the country to receive a $7000 education program.
The pilot program aims to show young people how the skills and mindset of entrepreneurs can allow them to create their own jobs.
The Problem Based Learning concept reflects the way people learn and develop in real life.
Presenting problems – not the solutions – to encourage learning, will work in conjunction with skill development and awareness activities, presented in the form of modules.
Phronesis Academy is the parent company of startup.business and chief executive Jo Burston said people learned based on curiosity, challenges and things they did.
“As we learn we grow. That’s why we’ve brought together entrepreneurs and academics to design a unique program of learning,” she said.
AgriFutures Australia manager director John Harvey said his organisation was thrilled to help launch the program.
Teachers or school representatives can apply online at www.agrifutures.com.au/people-leadership/ agrifutures-startup-business/ before March 12.
