The Weekly Advertiser – Wednesday, July 30, 2025

Bypass on agenda

BY LAUREN HENRY

Horsham Rural City Council has firmly put a bypass back on the agenda as part of a list of priorities for the Western Highway.

At Monday night’s meeting, councillors endorsed the priorities for inclusion in the Western Highway Action Committee advocacy strategy.

The Western Highway Action Committee, in existence since at least 1999, comprises the 10 councils between Melton and West Wimmera Shire, and has played a key role in advocating to the state and federal governments.

The committee’s updated strategy is proposed to be completed this year.

The council’s highest priority is planning an alignment for the Western

Highway bypass of Horsham, incorporating links to the Wimmera and Henty highways.

Other long-term priorities are duplication of the Western Highway through to the South Australian border, initially to Stawell; implementation of bypasses on duplicated sections; return of passenger rail to Horsham; and equitable access arrangements for freight on rail, compared to road.

Council’s short-term priorities include identifying a bypass-truck route alignment around Horsham, incorporating ring road and links to the Wimmera and Henty highways around the perimeter of the Horsham urban area. Council has also called for addressing major congestion issues between Bacchus Marsh and metropolitan Melbourne, bringing that section of

highway to full freeway standards; completing planning of Beaufort and Ararat bypasses; and upgrading the Woodmans Hill section, east of Ballarat, to full freeway standards.

A ‘very short-term’ priority is the completion of the Stawell Road roundabout, intersecting with the Henty Highway and Golf Course Road, which is currently undergoing preparation works ahead of construction.

Cr Brian Klowss said the advocacy document was a good starting point.

“We as a  council, I think also have to pull our finger out and get a bypass route and the truck bypass route on paper, at the very least  to pressure the State Government to fund these roads,” he said.

Mayor Ian Ross implored the Horsham community to read what the

priorities were in the advocacy document.

“ This document is prioritised from the broad, right down to our top priorities – and the alternative truck route around Horsham is the key one,” he said.

The Horsham council also listed as safety issues: highway intersections near the Wail overpass; short-stacking for heavy vehicles between Horsham and Wail, in particular Geodetic Road; unduplicated sections of the highway; pedestrian safety in Pimpinio and Dadswells Bridge; the Tarara roadhouse, east of Ararat, and the absence of acceleration and deceleration lanes; management of highway detours during emergency incidents; and reducing the speed limit for in urban areas to 50 kmh.

Continued page 3

CREEPY AND KOOKY: The Addams Family: School Edition will be staged by Wimmera Lutheran College students next week, with Zara Nichols, left, as Morticia, Evan Hahn as Gomez, and Rhianna Williams, Wednesday. Williams describes her portrayal of Wednesday as ‘confusing – a mix of no emotions as well as experiencing deep feelings of love for Lucas’. Tickets are on sale now at Horsham Town Hall box office and website. Story, page 3.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

HRCC NEWS

Freestyle Kings World Tour coming to Horsham in 2026

Freestyle Kings Live, the ultimate action-sports theatrical spectacular, is set to ignite Horsham’s City Oval on Saturday, 14 February 2026, as part of its explosive 6-country, 50-show World Tour.

This family-friendly event brings together the world’s elite riders in Freestyle Motocross (FMX) and BMX.

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

“At 43 years old, it is no secret that I am closer to the end of my freestyle motocross career than I am to the start.

My accomplishments on a dirt bike have been beyond my wildest dreams, but by far my greatest achievement is watching my three boys share the same passion I have for this sport… They are little showmen at heart, and whilst I might be a bit biased, I think it’s the favourite part of the show for the crowd,” Robbie Maddison said.

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

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

The excitement doesn’t stop there: 20-time X Games Gold medallist and reigning FMX World Champion Rob Adelberg will lead a star-studded international FMX and BMX crew.

Adelberg, renowned for his dominance at the X Games, including nine gold medals in 2025 alone, said:

“I’m from Regional Victoria and my dirt bike has taken me all over the world for the last 20 years, and I can tell you, there is no better crowd to ride in front of than in places like Horsham… this is the best riders on the planet, who will be throwing down tricks that need to be seen to be believed.” Freestyle Kings Promoter Josh Hannah emphasised the tour’s regional commitment:

“Regional Australia is at the very forefront of our thinking when it comes to live events… we source everything else locally in Horsham, from food & beverage, to ushers, security, machinery and everything else needed… we obviously get a lot out of these shows, but we like to think we give a lot back to a regional centre like Horsham.”

“A show of this magnitude will have a huge economic impact for the region” said Mayor Cr Ian Ross.

“Horsham is proud to host this incredible event, and we look forward to showcasing our town as a vibrant hub for exciting, large scale entertainment. It’s going to be a spectacular experience that will leave lasting memories for everyone who attends.”

Tickets go on sale August 28th through Ticketek.

The Festival will run throughout the month of October this year, offering a range of affordable and accessible events for seniors to participate in.

Council has a small amount of funding provided by the State Government to support the Victorian Seniors Festival.

Grants of up to $300 can be used to cover event costs such as venue hire, catering and promotion.

Events will also be promoted through the Victorian Seniors Festival program and Council media and communications.

If your community group is interested in hosting an event during the Seniors Festival please complete the Expression of Interest form online.

You are encouraged to contact Council's Grants Team on 53829777 if you require assistance to complete the online form or would like to discuss the event and how it can be supported.

The closing date for Expressions of Interest for the Horsham Seniors Festival is Friday 29 August. This will allow time for Council to allocate funding and start promoting events in September 2025.

Get involved and together we can look forward to an exciting Seniors Festival later in the year.

The VTIC Top Tourism Town Award winners have been announced

Disappointingly, Natimuk was unable to secure the Top Tiny Tourism Town Award this year, but reaching the finals is a no mean feat and a testament to the town's vibrant community spirit.

Congratulations to Warrnambool, Mount Beauty, and Trentham for their well-deserved victories, and to our neighbouring towns like Port Fairy and Halls Gap for receiving recognition.

A sincere thank you to all who voted and supported Natimuk’s campaign, and to the Horsham Rural City Council Business and Tourism Team for their tireless work in promoting our region.

Let’s keep celebrating and sharing the warmth, beauty, and welcoming spirit of our local communities with visitors from near and far.

TENDERS AND

Council will commence a project to build disaster resilience in Dadswells Bridge, Laharum, Wartook and Natimuk.

Cr Ian Ross said the recent Grampians Complex and Little Desert fires underscored the importance of local people understanding disaster risks, being prepared, and having plans in place—especially in high-risk areas.

“We know that when a community is well-prepared, it can reduce disaster impacts, rely less on external help, and strengthen resilience in tough times,” Cr Ross said.

While the project is primarily aimed at residents of Dadswells Bridge, Laharum, Wartook and Natimuk, members of the wider community are also welcome to attend the free community information session. It will focus on understanding the local risks, what to expect when disaster strikes, and how to plan your property, animals and yourself for disaster. People will also learn about emergency warnings and advice, how to stay informed and to be psychologically prepared.

After the information session, there will be an opportunity for each of the targeted communities to come together.

Funding for the project has been provided through the State Government’s Council Flood Support Fund.

“Planning isn’t just about responding—it’s about empowering our communities to act together in a crisis. Knowing your risks, having a plan, and helping your neighbours makes all the difference.”

“The session is a chance for residents to build practical plans and connections that boost community safety ahead of the next emergency. We encourage people to come along to the information session and learn more about how this project can benefit their community.” said Cr Ross.

Free Community Information Session

Date & Time: Wednesday, 6 August 2025, 5.30pm–8.30pm (doors open at 5.10pm)

Location: Horsham Civic Centre (18 Roberts Ave)

To register for the information session, please scan the QR code or call Horsham Rural City Council on 5382 9777.

Next Council Meeting: Monday, August 26, 2025 - 5.30pm Horsham Rural City Council: 18 Roberts Avenue Horsham | Postal

Email: council@hrcc.vic.gov.au | Web: www.hrcc.vic.gov.au

Seniors Month grants open for 2025

Horsham Rural City Council is seeking to partner with community groups to create memorable events for the Victorian Seniors Festival 2025.

United in spreading safety message

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

Horsham Police and Wimmera Mobility Group are among those publicly highlighting mobility scooter safety following two major incidents and several near-misses at Horsham in past months.

A 90-year-old man died when his mobility scooter collided with a car on Stawell Road, Horsham in April.

Mobility scooter user and Horsham resident Alex Cushion, who was involved in a collision that left him pinned under a car at the Darlot and Wilson streets roundabout in January, said he was ‘lucky to be alive’.

“The police said when they looked under the car, they didn’t expect me to be alive,” he said.

“I don’t know what happened, I was dumbfounded – I couldn’t say anything. I was jammed under there. I could feel the scooter’s rear-vision mirror hitting me in the chest.

“There was nothing left of my gopher – I came out of it with a scratch on my elbow.”

Mr Cushion spent a few nights in Horsham hospital as a precaution, and said he encouraged other mobility scooter users to adhere to the road rules.

“There are a lot of gophers out there – there’s one bloke that rides on the main road all the time, I’ve told him and told him not to,” he said.

“You’ve got to go by the rules and wear all your safety gear.”

Horsham Police and Community Consultative Committee representa-

tives – including Acting Inspector Eddie Malpas and Wimmera Mobility Group members – have collaborated to increase road safety.

Acting Inspector Malpas said there was legislation that related to mobility scooters – the Road Safety Act and the Victorian Road Rules 2017.

“People who use mobility scooters are considered to be pedestrians, so they need to be aware of the rules that apply to them,” he said.

“For example, if you need to travel on the road, you must travel facing oncoming traffic, you must cross the road at the shortest possible route, you must give way to cars entering or exiting a roundabout, and give way to bicycle riders when crossing a bike path.”

Acting Inspector Malpas said mobility scooters also could not obstruct the path of a driver or other pedestrians, and users could not leave the mobility

Bypass firmly back on agenda

From page 1

Cr Rebecca Sluggett said a bypass or an alternate truck route would certainly help alleviate some of the traffic through Horsham.

She said the document also addressed the issue of the short-stacking of heavy vehicles between Horsham and Wail – which was where B-double trucks do not have the space to cross a railway line, assess traffic and then pull out safely onto a highway.

“Because of that, we have vehicles that are going over the overpass and down Kalkee Road to get around to the grain receival site at Dooen,” she said.

“Addressing this would alleviate some of the traffic over harvest coming through town, and even now when they’re emptying that site and taking product down to the port.

“So there’s a whole section of land where, with the upsize of trucks, a lot of our farmers are unable to access that side of the highway without going out to Wail or coming through town.”

Cr Angela Munn questioned whether traffic lights were the best option for the Western Highway-Hamilton Street intersection.

“Our trucks can be up to about 53 metres long and I just feel there’s going to be a stacking problem with trucks trying to turn and trucks coming straight down north and south on the highway with that small part there,” she said.

rope safety barriers; and maintenance of amenities and rubbish removal at truck stops and rest areas.

scooter parked somewhere that blocks the path of other pedestrians.

“One of the key safety tips is to travel at walking pace when around other pedestrians and slow down to match their speed,” he said.

“Be particularly careful in shopping centres and keep closer to the curb as opposed to travelling close to shop doorways – this will reduce the risk of running into people as they exit shop fronts.”

“There are about 1000 injuries relating to mobility scooters across Australia each year. I ask that pedestrians and road users be mindful of the presence of mobility scooters both in residential areas and in the central business district, be patient and understanding” – Acting Inspector Eddie Malpas

Acting Inspector Malpas said although mobility scooters did not need to be registered, nor users licenced, there were requirements and restrictions.

“Mobility scooters can only be used if the person has an injury, disability, or other medical condition that affects their ability to walk,” he said.

“They must not travel faster than 10 kilometres an hour and must not weigh more than 110 kilograms, without the user or luggage.

“There are about 1000 injuries relating to mobility scooters across Australia each year.

“I ask that pedestrians and road users be mindful of the presence of mobility scooters both in residential areas and in the central business district, be patient and understanding.

“Pedestrians should practice care and patience when there are mobility scooters present and remember that we all have a responsibility to be safe when using our accessible walkways and roads.”

Creepy and kooky production

Wimmera Lutheran College is staging three shows of The Addams Family: School Edition at Horsham Town Hall next week.

look really good. So many people have put hard work into it and it’s just really paid off.”

Featuring students from years seven to 12, the production tells an original story of a grown-up Wednesday Addams who falls in love with a ‘normal’ man.

Wednesday subsequently asks her father, Gomez, to keep the relationship a secret from her mother – a first for Gomez, played by year-11 student Evan Hahn.

Other issues the advocacy document called for the attention of the State Government were the major dips in the road associated with movement of pavement, due to highly reactive clay soils; the timely repair of wire

While other items listed in Horsham’s advocacy paper were the increasing length of speed limited zones in urban areas, such as Stawell; improved pedestrian safety near fast-food outlets, such as Dimboola Road, Horsham section; the potential installation of red-light cameras at the Baillie-Urquhart streets and McPherson-Wilson streets intersections; investigation of traffic lights at the intersection with Hamilton Street and congestion at Williams RoadDuff Street intersection; truck parking – decoupling area to be located in Horsham to service B-doubles and Adoubles; and parking areas for heavy vehicles near healthy food options, amenities, and services.

“It’s difficult to be Gomez because I have to please two women – I have to keep a secret from one but I also can’t lie to the other, which makes it really hard to capture that essence of him,” Hahn said.

“The sets look amazing, and the costumes and the props are going to

Zara Nichols, in the role of Morticia, said she had enjoyed bringing her own personality to the traditionally-gloomy character.

“She’s gloomy but she’s happy. It’s a lot of fun to try and incorporate all of her little mannerisms and her speaking voice and accent, while still trying to have some of myself in it as well,” she said.

Shows are at 7.30pm on Thursday, Friday and Saturday, August 7, 8 and 9.

Tickets are $35 for children, town hall members and concession, $40 for adults, and $30 per person for a family of four. They are available at Horsham Town Hall website and box office.

LUCKY TO BE ALIVE: Horsham man Alex Cushion is back on his wheels after an accident at Horsham’s Wilson Street roundabout.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Councillors back mayor and CEO

BY LAUREN HENRY

West

Wimmera

Shire councillors have backed their mayor and chief executive following a motion of no confidence from staff.

As reported in The Weekly Advertiser, July 23, the Australian Services Union, ASU, called for councillors to stand down chief executive David Bezuidenhout, amid allegations of a ‘toxic and fearful’ workplace.

The ASU wrote to councillors demanding they immediately stand down Mr Bezuidenhout until an independent investigation was complete.

However on Friday, councillors responded through a statement, quoting deputy mayor Cr Jodie Pretlove, who

said councillors had carefully considered the claims and rejected the need for a formal investigation.

“Councillors categorically refute any suggestion of improper conduct by the CEO,” she said.

“We see no justification for a formal investigation based on such broad and unsupported assertions.

“Councillors remain firmly committed to upholding a safe and respectful workplace for all.”

Cr Pretlove confirmed councillors’ full confidence in the leadership of the council.

“Councillors are united in their full support for both Mayor Tim Meyer and CEO David Bezuidenhout,” she said.

The media release also stated the

council reaffirmed its ‘strong commitment to providing a safe, respectful, and professional working environment for all staff’.

“It is expected that all parties, including staff and unions, respect and adhere to established processes, as outlined in council’s human resources policies,” the media release said.

Councillors emphasised that staffing matters fall entirely within the operational responsibilities of council officers – not councillors.

Councillors are aware Mr Bezuidenhout has formally requested the ASU advise its members to report any concerns through council’s established internal processes, and to date, no such reports have been submitted.

The standoff between staff and council began after negotiations about the Enterprise Bargaining Agreement, EBA, faltered, with staff taking strike action in May.

A key component of the pay negotiations centres on the Income Protection Scheme, which has covered council staff since 1999, but was withdrawn by the council as part of the new EBA.

Council says the council and the ASU have agreed to refer the matter to the Fair Work Commission for clarification.

A hearing date has been set for October.

“Councillors are increasingly concerned and disappointed the ASU has launched public attacks on both the mayor and the chief executive,

rather than engaging in genuine industrial dialogue,” the council media release said.

“This approach is viewed as part of a pattern of adversarial tactics commonly employed by the ASU, rather than a commitment to fair and respectful negotiation.

“The ASU letter also contains vague and baseless allegations against the chief executive.”

The other key issue in the standoff was in relation to the council earlier this year outsourcing aged care services, and then earlier this month, deciding to outsource maternal and child health services to West Wimmera Health Service.

Man charged over shooting Serious injuries in two collision

Armed Crime Squad detectives have charged a St Arnaud man, 37, following a shooting in the town on Monday morning.

Emergency services were called to a property on Kings Avenue at about 7.20am, following reports of a dispute.

A 40-year-old St Arnaud man was taken to hospital via air ambulance with a non-life-threatening gunshot injury to his upper body.

Police, including the Armed Crime Squad, launched a manhunt for the shooter, and on Monday afternoon intercepted a car at Lake Bolac.

The 37-year-old was arrested, and taken to hospital for treatment to injuries alleged to have been sustained during the dispute.

He has been charged with reckless conduct endangering serious injury, intentionally cause injury, common law assault, using a firearm contrary to firearms prohibition order, theft of motor vehicle, driving while disqualified, dangerous driving while being pursued by police, committing an indictable offence while on bail and contravening a conduct condition of bail.

The man was remanded in custody to appear before Stawell Magistrates’ Court yesterday.

A Victoria Police spokesperson said patrols were conducted in St Arnaud to ensure the safety of the community.

“This is alleged to be a targeted incident, and the parties are known to each other,” the spokesperson said.

Anyone who witnessed the incident or with information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

A woman received serious injuries when the school bus she was driving collided with a B-double truck on the Warracknabeal-Stawell Road at Minyip at about 8.30am on Thursday.

VICSES and CFA volunteers extricated the driver, releasing her into the care of a specialist air ambulance crew and six advanced life-support paramedics before she was airlifted to The Alfred.

Three children and another woman on the Warracknabeal Special Development School bus, along with the truck driver, sustained minor injuries.

A Department of Education spokesperson said the students had returned to school and were receiving support.

In a second incident on Thursday, a man received serious injuries when the utility he was driving collided with a B-double truck at about 9.20am on the Pyrenees Highway near Ararat.

Picture: BRONWYN

HASTINGS

STUNNING: Wimmera Hospice Care Auxiliary members Rae Hill, centre, and Lesley Lane, with model and Ms Hill’s grand-daughter Marni Saunders. Ms Saunders is wearing Jan Cameron’s 1962 dress, alongside Elaine Mitchell’s 1961 and Helen Sudholz’s 1938 gowns, which will feature in a wedding dress parade fundraiser next week.

Decades of gowns on parade

Wedding dresses spanning a range of eras – the earliest a 1938 gown – will be modelled at a Wimmera Hospice Care Auxiliary fundraiser on Wednesday next week.

Auxiliary member and organiser Rae Hill has sourced the dresses and models, for what is the first wedding dress parade for the group.

“All the dresses were worn by brides from across the Wimmera,” she said.

“Nineteen dresses will be modelled and another two will be displayed on mannequins.

“One of the displayed dresses be-

BOWERS CHIROPRACTIC CENTRE

Carpal Tunnel Syndrome

longed to Rupanyup lady Helen Sudholz, who was married in Horsham in 1938, while the other is from 1940.”

Horsham resident Jan Cameron was married in Adelaide; her 1962 dress features delustered satin and applique around a scoop neckline, and will be modelled by Ms Hill’s grand-daughter Marni Saunders.

Auxiliary member Lesley Lane said Ms Saunders was able to model most of the dresses.

“Marni can walk out in just about everything we have,” she said.

“Another of our models is about

Well you’ve either got it or had it or know someone who has. So what is it? Carpal Tunnel Syndrome as described by the Mayo Clinic is when someone experiences numbness, tingling, or weakness in the hand and it generally affects the thumb, index finger, second finger and sometimes the ring finger, but generally not the little finger.

This can be experienced as sensation travelling from the wrist to the forearm, be aggravated by driving or maybe it wakes you at night and feel you have to shake out your hand.

So what do we as Chiropractors do? Well interestingly enough we look at your neck and right down your arm. This is because the nerves which start at the base of your neck go down your arm and work the muscles of your arm wrist and hand. We check with specific positioning of the neck if we can recreate your sensation. We also check your neck, shoulder, elbow and wrist for jammed and locked up areas which maybe aggravating the nerves or causing the muscles to be tight. Now not only can these locked up areas be causing the problem; it may also be locked up area in your upper back. This is because your neck muscles go down this far and tight upper back can also be restricting neck movement.

As a chiropractor we take into consideration that there are many factors which need addressing and work with our patients to get the best results. You may not need surgery.

Dr. Pauline Walsh B. Clinc

six-foot tall and really tiny, so that has worked out well – Rae has done well, scouting to find the models and the dresses.”

The parade will also feature Dimboola bride Pauline Thomson’s 1970s gown.

The August 6 parade is at Coughlin Park in Robinson Street, Horsham, starting at 2pm.

Tickets are $25 and are available before the event by phoning Ms Lane on 0409 954 684.

Afternoon tea is included in the admission price.

The sole occupant of the white dualcab utility was extricated and airlifted to The Royal Melbourne Hospital. It is believed the utility was travelling south on Warrayatkin Road before its driver, a 57-year-old Gordon man, performed a right turn onto Pyrenees Highway, colliding with the oncoming B-double.

He sustained serious injuries, while the driver of the truck was not physically injured.

The circumstances surrounding the incident are yet to be established, and the investigation into the collision is ongoing. Anyone who witnessed either collision, with CCTV/dashcam or information is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an online confidential report at www. crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Have Your Say

Transition of Kindergarten Services to Emerge Early Years Services

Council is inviting feedback from the community on the proposed transfer of their remaining three kindergarten services at Rupanyup, Minyip, and Warracknabeal to Emerge Early Years Services

CEO Tammy Smith confirmed, “Council would continue to support Emerge in the provision of service delivery, however, Council would no longer be the front facing organisation managaging the day-to-day operations and quality assurance of the centre”

Community feedback is welcomed on this proposal and is invited to be submitted up until 5 00pm 25 August 2025 via Council’s website, or alternatively you are welcome to send a letter addressed to the Chief Executive Officer

Have your say by visiting our ‘Share Your Feedback’ webpage: www yarriambiack vic gov au/Engage-WithUs/Share-Your-Feedback

Current Public Notices

Yarriambiack Shire Council gives notice of its intention to either sell the lands or transfer the lands to itself for the unpaid rates and charges

For more information please visit: www yarriambiack vic gov au/Your-Council /Public-Notices

Members of the public are invited to review all the details and provide feedback. Submissions must be received within 4 weeks from the date of publication.

LawersAU Pty Ltd, solicitors for YSC Telephone number: #03 7004 8206 Email: mailadmin@lawyersau com

Blister Pack Recycling

Yarriambiack Shire Council is launching a new collection point for blister packs in our reception area at the Warracknabeal Municipal Office There will also be a recycling container in the Little Yellow Wagon - that visits a number of small towns each month. Since starting the collection of blister packs in 2022, Pharnacycle has removed over 82 million blister packs, keeping them from landfill All recovered materials are stored and reprocessed locally While each blister pack is just one small item, it is an opportunity for everyone to help make a small difference in our recycling.

Mallee Machinery Field Days

The Mallee Machinery Field Days event returns once again to Speed The two-day event is a celebration of our region’s agricultural industry and community

Yarriambiack Shire Councillors and staff will be in attendance to provide patrons with an opportunity to ask questions and share ideas Visitors to our marquee site will be able to get further information on our Council Plan and other strategies, current & completed projects, raise concerns or requests and share feedback on issues available for public comment

Event website: www mmfd com au

2574 Sunraysia Highway, SPEED VIC 3488

Event Day 1: Wednesday 6 AUGUST th

Event Day 2: Thursday 7 AUGUST th

Gates Open: 8:30am - 5:00pm

Yarriambiack Shire Council - Site 26

Council’s Engagement Van will also be there to host fun children’s activities and bring Yarriambiack Libraries’ mobile service to the event See you in Speed!

Tourism Recap 2024/25

Grampians Wimmera Mallee Tourism is a Visitor Economy Partnership (VEP) to manage the sustainable growth of our region's visitor economy; it is a collaborative partnership between the Victorian Government, our region's councils and tourism stakeholders The purpose of the VEP is to inspire visitation, overnight stays and expenditure through promotion and development of our tourism industry

The full recap i s available to view on Council’s News webpage: www yarriambiack vic gov au/Home/Tabs/N ews/Tourism-Recap-2024-25

Find out more about the Grampians Wimmera Mallee Tourism campaigns, such as the Visiting Friends and Relatives Campaign or the new Visitor App.

Council provides a weekly update to residents about the ongoing works being carried out on our extensive road network

Visit our website ‘News’ tab to view all the Grader Teams Updates.

Use the ‘Snap Send Solve’ app to tell us about non-emergency issues in our community

You can download the app for free from the App Store or Google Play

AUGUST 2025

NEXT COUNCIL MEETING: 27 AUGUST 2025

Mayoral Matters

During the last month, I had the opportunity to attend the Minyip Lions, Warracknabeal Lions, and Brim Lions Clubs Changeover Dinners It was a privilege to participate in these formal occasions, which highlighted and acknowledged the valuable work performed by the Lions Clubs Their substantial contributions play a vital role in enhancing the health and wellbeing of our communities and are sincerely appreciated

At the Warracknabeal and Brim Lions Club changeover dinner, Psychologist Colby Bryce, son of local residents Mandy and Tim, joined us as a guest speaker Mr Bryce shared insights from his professional journey in psychology and discussed his recently published book, *Mental Wellness: The Secret Ingredient* Our Chief Executive Officer anticipates inviting Mr Bryce to present on this significant topic at our local libraries in the near future

We regret the recent developments that have affected one of the images on the Sheep Hills Silo Art The image has been removed, and we extend our gratitude to Juddy Roller and artist Adnate for their professionalism and commitment in facilitating the prompt repainting of the Sheep Hills silo following these events The initial phase involved removing the ima ge and blending the background to preserve the aesthetic and integrity of the artwork The subsequent phase will take place when Adnate returns to create a new image on the silo, anticipated before year’s end The Barengi Gadjin Land Council will select the new image to ensure the continuity of the Sheep Hills silo art narrative

It was a pleasure to attend the Early Child Education and Childcare Challenges in Rural Communities - A conversation with Early Childhood Australia CEO dinner in Horsham earlier in the month This was an opportunity to join Wimmera Southern Mallee By Five and regional stakeholders to discuss the challenges and opportunities for childcare in our region

As the financial year concluded, we reflected on the projects we have delivered and advocacy we have undertaken for our communities We look forward to sharing our achievements with the community when we present our Annual Report in October

Cr Kylie Za ker

Call to support bioenergy project

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

Ararat Rural City Council is calling on the State Government to provide greater support for renewable gas production, citing bioenergy company Valorify’s proposed $400-million biomethane plant development in Ararat as ‘crucial’ for the region and for the state’s clean-energy future.

Council chief executive Tim Harrison said the plant would have the capacity to transform cereal straw – often burned on farms as a form of agricultural waste – into enough re-

newable gas to supply the Carisbrook to Horsham gas pipeline and service towns including Ararat, Horsham and Stawell.

Dr Harrison said the plant would be capable of producing a volume equivalent to 6.5 per cent of Victoria’s total gas usage for the year 2020.

“We’re actively working to position Ararat Rural City as a prime mover in the circular economy to ensure a sustainable future for our region, and a key part of that is championing renewable energy solutions,” he said.

“Clear policy from the Victorian government supporting renewable gas

production is crucial to unlock signifi

cant investment in this sector.

“This will not only accelerate projects like Valorify’s biogas plant and attract subsequent investors looking to co-locate and access behind-the-meter power, but it will also support regional development and ultimately secure Victoria’s energy future.”

Dr Harrison said the proposed Valorify plant aligned with the council’s commitment to environmental preservation outlined in its council plan 2025-2029.

He said the council aimed to take a regional lead in responsible environ-

mental management and engagement with a circular economy.

Dr Harrison said gas remained essential in a net-zero future for hightemperature industrial applications and as a chemical input for products like medicines and fertilisers, with current renewable-fuel alternatives unable to replace it as yet.

He said renewable gas, like the biogas to be produced at the proposed Ararat plant, would play a pivotal role by offering a carbon-neutral substitute for natural gas, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and their associated greenhouse gas emissions.

New drama category bolsters eisteddfod

Esther Fry and William Meyer won Wimmera Music Eisteddfod’s advanced competition with their respective vocal and piano performances at last week’s twoday showcase.

Fry presented a 12-minute program of three contrasting songs to win the Alex Rathgeber Championship Vocal Event, while Meyer presented two contrasting piano pieces to win the Ann Adler Memorial Piano Event.

Abbey O’Connor received the Richard Morris Memorial Scholarship for most promising vocal

student, while Chloe Anstis was most promising piano student.

Pianists used The Wesley’s Brash Paling grand piano; it is currently housed at Holy Trinity Lutheran Church while The Wesley is being refurbished.

Eisteddfod president Lisa Thomas said the event was slightly larger than last year’s showcase, with the new drama speech monologue section a success.

“Across the competition, we had 180 competitors give about 270 performances to audiences totalling around 400 people,” she said.

“The drama speech monologue section went really well, so that is something we will continue with in the future.”

Mrs Thomas said the event’s adjudicators enjoyed the performances.

“They felt that it was very friendly and very well run,” she said.

“We have a family section, where any number or combination of a family can get up with voice or instrument or a combination of both, which the adjudicators really enjoyed, because that was

the first time they’d come across a family section.”

Mrs Thomas recognised the volunteers and sponsors.

“Without them, we couldn’t afford to put it on financially, or we wouldn’t have the manpower to be able to do it as well, with two venues running at the same time,” she said.

Entries for next year’s competition open in April. People can find more information on the event at eisteddfod’s website or Facebook page.

If you are experiencing difficulty in paying your water bill and would like support to manage your payments, we’re here to listen and assist you where we can.

Both Victorian’s Gas Substitution Roadmap and the Australian Energy Market Operator’s, AEMO, 2025 Gas Statement of Opportunities acknowledge a need for new gas supply developments to prevent future shortfalls. People can find more about Valorify’s proposed Ararat Bioenergy project by visiting valorify.com.au/ projects.

People living within 100 kilometres of Ararat can register their interest in becoming a cereal straw supplier for the project by visiting araratbio.com. au/register-your-interest-to-supplystraw.

Silver for Halls Gap

Halls Gap has come away with a silver medal at this month’s Victorian Top Tourism Town Awards, with the category winner awarded to Trentham.

Natimuk was also named a finalist in the same category, for towns with a population of less than 1500.

Other category winners were Mount Beauty, taking out the Top Small Tourism Town award for towns with a population between 1500 and 5000, and Warrnambool, winning Top Tourism Town for a population above 5000.

The awards, run by the Victoria Tourism Industry Council, VTIC, celebrate towns across the state that provide outstanding visitor experiences, with 25 finalists vying for the awards this year.

Acting VTIC chief executive Chris Porter said this year’s awards showcased the strength and diversity of offerings of regional destinations across Victoria.

“A theme we have seen this year is that many of the winners are located further out of Melbourne, with destinations showcasing why visitors should travel to enjoy the delights that the winning Top Tourism Towns have to offer,” he said.

A full list of award winners and finalists is available at www.vtic.com.au/toptourismtown/ winners.

Crime night returns

Blue Ribbon Foundation Horsham’s annual crime night event ‘The Inside Story’ returns tomorrow evening.

The Inside Story provides the public with a rare insight into the police investigations undertaken to solve some of Victoria’s most notable crimes. Lead detectives will give the audience a chance to see and hear details not covered by the media. The audience will have a sneak-peak into crime scene photos, evidence and details of interviews conducted by police. There will also be an opportunity to ask questions.

Tickets to the 18-year-plus event, at Harvest Church, Horsham, cost $30 each, with refreshments included.

Raffle tickets will also be available to purchase online or at the door.

To buy tickets, visit https://events.humanitix. com/brf-horsham-inside-story-dqda3n5j.

ON SONG: Horsham College VET ensemble, featuring Lily Robson on vocals, compete at the Wimmera Music Eisteddfod on Friday afternoon.

Picture: BRONWYN HASTINGS

Supporting Our Community

West Side Horsham proudly sponsors local community groups through it’s Community Grant Program.

Natimuk Agricultural & Pastoral Society

Our Objectives: To promote the advancement and development of agricultural, pastoral, horticultural, viticultural, stock raising and associated industries, including culturally relevant Sports, Arts, Crafts and Educational activities in the Natimuk District. To embrace a holistic, inclusive approach to the mental and physical well-being of individuals and the community. Our missionis to engage all people and children to strengthen their mental health and well-being and foster social and economic community outcomes now and into the future. Our vision: We dedicate ourselves to rural development with a holistic approach to improving the quality of life for all residents by providing a safe and fun environment to play and interact socially. Our Business: To conduct a One-day agricultural show and 5 to “Farmers’ Markets Plus” per year. The Natimuk A & P Society is the owner of the Natimuk Showground, which is home to 10 Community User groups. The day-to-day coordination and maintenance of the grounds is delegated to the Natimuk Showground Committee of management. The purpose of the $1000 West Side Horsham Grant is to purchase Directional Swing signs to enable clear and visible signage for Horse Exhibitors and patrons. This will enhance our current safety procedures. The Natimuk Agricultural and Pastoral Society take this opportunity to thank West Side Horsham for their support and looks forward to working with them in the partnership in the future.

On behalf of Horsham U3A, I would like to heartily thank West Side Horsham staff, board and members for this generous grant. The money from this grant is to enable us to purchase a webcam and tripod to be used for a multiple of purposes. It will allow us to record and/or stream our classes and workshops via our social media channels and website to the larger community. As many of our members are older, and as we enter further into the digital age, it is important to maintain contact with our members who are unable to attend in person. We have also had requests from other community groups such as Rainbow Neighbourhood House and from members of the Murtoa Community for access over the internet to classes such as Local History and our various art programs. The webcam will also enable us to record public events such as our Annual General Meeting for transparency going forward. The webcam will also make it possible for us to join in U3A network meetings remotely, this includes the local Grampians network, as well as State U3A gatherings and more. Allowing for better communications and sharing of ideas, information and resources. Once again, thank you West Side board, staff, members and guests for this opportunity.

West Side Horsham: Proud to be supporting our locals

I have been encouraged by the surveys sent back to my office as part of Mallee’s Biggest Survey - 2025 edition. You can go to my website www.annewebster. com.au to share your views through the survey and as always, email me at anne. webster.mp@aph.gov.au if you have more to say.

It is my honour to be officially sworn in this fortnight in Canberra as your Member for Mallee in the 48th Federal Parliament. Amid a week of pomp and ceremony, the spectre hanging over Canberra was the release of Treasury advice to Jim Chalmers that he would need to cut spending and raise taxes to get his budget back into balance.

This brings me to the globally unprecedented new tax on unrealised capital gains within Labor’s new superannuation legislation. Unrealised capital gains are increases in asset value purely on paper, not actual gains because the asset, e.g. the farm or business premises, which has not been sold. Some farmers have told me they will have to sell some land to pay the yearly tax grab. How does this help productivity?

for Mallee

The National Farmers Federation said Labor’s new super tax is their number one concern in the 48th parliament. Labor’s asset tax grab on superannuation balances over $3 million will reap over $2 billion in taxes in its first year of operation alone - and over $40 billion in the next decade. Labor’s $3 million threshold is not being indexed to rise with inflation, meaning when younger Australians retire, millions of Australians will be caught by the tax.

Treasurer Chalmers has also included a sneaky clause giving him the power to tax you even harder without putting it through Parliament.

This tax grab is a Trojan Horse and to mix a metaphor, beware the Greens bearing gifts.

Labor can pass legislation in the Senate with the Greens’ support alone. The Greens want a $2 million threshold, which would immediately rake in $8 billion a year.

Labor also claims their new asset tax grab applies from 1 July 2025 but the Bill has not yet even gone through parliament.

Curious about boarding school?

Free Information Evening

Meet boarding staff from Scotch College and MLC, two of Melbourne’s most respected single-sex boarding schools.

Learn from our boarding leaders:

– How tailored environments for girls and boys support their academic excellence and personal growth

– The unmatched opportunities that await – Day-to-day life in diverse, inclusive student communities

Current and past parents are also invited to attend and share their experiences.

5 August, Horsham International Hotel

For more information or to register, scan the QR code.

Horsham U3A

Authorised by A. Webster, National Party of Australia, 1/146A Eighth Street, Mildura VIC 3500.

Forum builds projects’ awareness

BY LAUREN HENRY

Aforum in Horsham last week featured a line-up of speakers who passionately outlined their views against mining and renewable energy projects proposed for the Wimmera and Mallee.

More than 250 people filled the Horsham Church of Christ to hear from guest speakers – soil scientist John Russell, agricultural economist Bill Malcolm, Dunmunkle Land Protection Group chair Andrew Weidemann, Horsham businesswoman Andrea Cross and Wallaloo and Gre Gre District Alliance Ben Duxson.

Mr Weidemann spoke about poor government policy, and the impact that was having on decisions to approve mining and renewable energy projects in the Wimmera.

He spoke about the State Government’s plans for legislation allowing transmission project workers to gain access to private land, which will enable authorities to fine people up to $12,200 if they try to hinder work, including removing work permit signs, barring access to farmland and refusing to identify themselves to authorised officers.

“The Institute of Public Affairs have put together a paper – they’re actually briefing both sides of government –and that paper is basically saying that once this legislation is put in, we’ll be the most draconian state that’s ever been put in existence,” he said.

“Now, at the local level, what we’re all really concerned about is the human factor – the health and wellbeing of everybody – because at the moment, we’re seeing people being

“We would do benefit cost analysis of proposed changes in land use to see that no-one was going to be worse-off than someone who would be betteroff. Now no-one in the world knows, no-one in the state knows, no-one in the country knows, because the work hasn’t been done”

– Economist Bill Malcolm

torn apart, regardless of whether it’s mining, renewables, or whatever.

“And it’s all because of poor government policy.

“That’s why we as a community need to be able to come out and talk about what’s going on.”

Mr Weidemann said government departments had too much control over government decisions.

“They are overruling almost even the ministers themselves in their determination around a lot of the state, and it’s really disappointing that they haven’t taken the time to come up to this community and other communities and actually visit and take the time to unpack what’s going on in a sensible fashion, because it’s just the government forcing it down on us instead of actually thinking about how can we benefit the region better.”

Mr Weidemann raised concerns about water use by mining projects and the effect that dust could have on the Wimmera Intermodal Freight Hub, and the international reputation of the region’s grain exports.

Mr Malcolm said all public policy

decisions should be analysed. “We all know people, they just know – they’re often wrong, but they’re never in doubt. That’s the type of government decisions we’re getting hit with now,” he said.

Mr Malcolm said the point of government decisions should be to make people better-off, and as an economist, better-off meant no-one was worseoff, and at least one person was betteroff.

“One time the Department of Agriculture was all over this, and I was a part of it,” he said.

“We would do benefit cost analysis of proposed changes in land use to see that no-one was going to be worse-off than someone who would be better-

off. Now no-one in the world knows, no-one in the state knows, no-one in the country knows, because the work hasn’t been done.”

Mr Malcolm questioned whether new projects in the region were actually creating new jobs – or just shifting workers around Australia.

“If the economy is operating at full capacity, and if the capital is foreignowned, then what are the benefits for Australia?” he said.

“Bad decisions come home to roost, and I’ve seen that eventually, economics beats politics.”

Mr Duxson, whose Kanya farmland has been earmarked for the VNI West transmission line project, said people needed to know the energy

policy was a ‘government-induced train-wreck’.

“Stop selling coal and gas overseas tomorrow – our emissions will drop straight away,” he said.

“We keep the energy here, make it make sense that we don’t do all this sort of stuff.

“They keep telling us renewables is the cheapest form of energy. It’s not the cheapest form of energy. It’s not the socially acceptable form of energy, and it’s not environmentally friendly.”

Mr Duxson said farmers in the region were ‘farmers for food and fibre’ – not energy farms.

“We are not putting up with this,” he said.

“A $12,210 fine for me objecting to them coming onto my land, another $4000 if I don’t identify as a property owner and $1200 if I dare put up a sign that is against their project. This isn’t democracy. It’s dictatorship.”

In an honest and heartfelt speech, Mrs Cross spoke about how she had made a submission to support mining through the Environmental Effects Statement process because she had thought ‘the mine was going to save us’ in terms of the region’s economy.

But after discussions with an affected family and through her own research, she had since changed her mind.

Mrs Cross spoke about the social licence needed by projects, and how they provided funding to community groups, which was contributing to the division being created between neighbours and friends.

“Community is key – let’s not forget what is going on in our backyard,” she said.

INFORMED: Guest speaker, soil scientist John Russell, left, with emcee Ross Johns.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Safety upgrades for school sites

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

Araised pedestrian crossing is proposed to be installed on Dimboola’s Hindmarsh Street after Dimboola Primary School flagged a safety issue with Hindmarsh Shire Council.

Council will apply for a TAC Local Government grant, which would fund half of the $150,000 installation, with the other half factored into council’s 2026-27 budget, for works to be completed by June next year.

School principal Greg Sampson said the new crossing would be in addition to other safety measures the school had taken.

“We have had some instances of near-misses with children crossing roads. Some people travel through the area at quite unreasonable speeds,” he said.

“There have been ongoing conversations with parents about parking their cars in a place, which makes sense in terms of students getting to school, but also encouraging students to use the school-crossing appropriately.”

Council director of infrastructure services

Ram Upadhyaya said council conducted a traffic study in the area.

“The study suggests there’s a high volume of traffic in that space, and a lot of non-compliance in terms of speeding,” he said.

“More than 55 per cent of vehicles were travelling at a speed higher than the posted 40 kilometres an hour speed – the maximum speed recorded was 90.7kph.”

Mr Upadhyaya said council officers had liaised with Victoria Police in relation to traffic speed information detected during the traffic count period.

The proposed project would see an upgrade of

“The study suggests there’s a high volume of traffic in that space, and a lot of non-compliance in terms of speeding”

– Ram Upadhyaya

the infrastructure at and surrounding the current crossing.

Council consulted with school staff last year after receiving their letter of support, and should the application be successful, further consultation with the community would be undertaken.

Cr Rosie Barker said Nhill’s Whitehead Avenue was also identified as a priority project for upgrade to a raised pedestrian crossing.

“I personally have seen quite a number of scary incidents in Whitehead Avenue, especially considering there’s a number of heavy vehicles going through there at speed,” she said.

Mr Upadhyaya said council had been allocated $2-million from the State Government’s Safe Local Roads and Streets Program.

“We are also negotiating with TAC and the Department of Transport to include the Whitehead Avenue and Davis Avenue crossing and footpath in Whitehead Avenue on the north side to facilitate the crossing for the school kids,” he said.

“The project has progressed significantly, but we’re still waiting for the final approval from TAC, and after that, we’ll proceed into the detailed design and construction phase.”

The upgrade would improve pedestrian safety for users of the Nhill P-12 College, Nhill Early Years Centre, swimming pool, and the new kindergarten on the school site.

Tree of the Year

WhenI was a baby, my mum used to sit me near a window looking out over our backyard, and I would be content in watching two large gum trees sway in the wind.

It obviously offered me some sort of comfort –almost a meditation of sorts.

The relaxation activity continued as I grew up and as a small child, I would often sit on the couch near the same window and look out to the swaying trees.

Trees offer different things to different people. They can be a form of decoration in one’s yard, a source of shade, act as screening on a property, or be a conscious decision to help add to the air quality in our environment.

Trees can also serve as living landmarks that hold memories, stories, and deep cultural significance.

Or they can be a hilarious form of entertainment – such as the ‘rooster tree’ on the Hume Freeway, between Kilmore and Broadford.

The rooster tree – which I think is actually two trees growing close by each other – sits proudly high on a hill as you round a bend heading north on the freeway.

For many people it’s a sign they are nearly home, for families it’s a source of amusement and a competition to first spot the tree, while for others it’s a sign they have well and truly escaped Melbourne and are well on their way for a road trip.

There is even a Facebook group dedicated to the tree – The Hume Highway Rooster Tree Appreciation Society.

And would you believe it – a song dedicated to its existence.

The Rooster Tree, by Mal Webb, is a funny little folk song about how he didn’t realise how many others had thought the tree looked like the outline of a rooster – and it was actually a common sighting for those that regularly travelled to the Hume to look out for the tree.

EDITORIAL

By Lauren Henry

I wonder if it has ever been nominated for the Victorian Tree of the Year.

Yes, there is such an award.

In fact the National Trust of Australia – Victoria has just opened nominations for the 2025 award, coinciding with National Tree Day on July 27.

Attracting thousands of votes each year, the annual competition celebrates significant trees that have captured the hearts of Victorians and draws attention to the vital role trees play in our environment and communities.

Since 1982, the National Trust of Australia has classified more than 20,000 trees across 1200 locations through the National Trusts of Australia Register of Significant Trees.

To be eligible for the Victorian Tree of the Year, a nominated tree must be listed on this register.

Nominations can be submitted online until August 31 via the National Trust’s website at www. nationaltrust.org.au/treeoftheyear.

Each submission should include details about the tree and a description of why it deserves the title.

The Significant Tree Expert Committee will then review all nominations and curate a shortlist of nine exceptional trees.

Public voting will take place online from September 23 to October 23, with the winner announced on October 28.

The Victorian Tree of the Year aims to raise awareness about the conservation of the state’s natural heritage and highlight the many benefits that trees bring to our lives.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

A case of supply and demand I have a keen interest in renewable energy and how we can transition to a zero carbon emissions economy in the shortest time possible.

When I read Daryl Scherger’s letter, Wind and Solar Reality, The Weekly Advertiser, July 16, I was looking to add to my knowledge, but I will admit that I struggled to understand his calculations and conclusions.

Reading through Daryl’s letter the capital cost of solar energy went from being the cheapest to the most expensive.

This appears to have resulted from the additional cost that he has applied when supporting solar energy with battery storage.

So how much battery storage will we need?

There are many factors that will influence our storage requirements and will, in turn, help to shape the cost of electricity.

The abundance of low cost solar in the middle of the day provides us with the opportunity to better utilise this energy for running air conditioning, washing machines, dishwashers, ovens and other appliances and reduce the demand later in the day.

Daytime heating of hot water when the spot price is close to zero is an excellent example of low cost, dispatchable energy storage.

The technology of batteries and solar panels is developing at an impressive rate, both in reducing cost and improving lifespan.

Several diverse battery technologies are now emerging, such as the solar thermal plant now operating at Carwarp, the proposed compressed air generator at Broken Hill and the proposed gravity generator at Mount Isa.

We are seeing how different storage solutions can be selected to suit local environments, such as disused mines being transformed into pumped hydro batteries.

The uptake of electric vehicles and adoption of vehicle to grid technology could significantly increase our region’s storage capacity and contribute to lower electricity costs.

My wife and I are planning for our next vehicle to be electric, which will allow us to store our daytime solar energy and return it to the grid

Teachers ‘take the plunge’

Horsham Primary School has welcomed South Africa’s Mbali Mbeje and Fiji’s Brij Singh to teach at its campuses from the beginning of this school term.

Ms Mbeje started teaching grade-two at the 298 campus last week.

“I have been teaching for about seven years,” she said. “I started teaching in South Africa, and I taught in China, and last year I was working in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia

where I was also teaching in an international kindergarten.

“One thing that I have looked forward to is developing myself, and I think the education system here in Australia will afford me the opportunity to develop myself as a teacher, and also as a person, so I took the plunge.”

Mr Singh, who along with Ms Mbeje are adjusting more to the change in weather than anything else, said he was also looking forward to the

opportunities working in Australia could bring.

“I thought to grow my skills in the teaching arena and I decided to apply to a school in Australia,” he said.

“Back in Fiji I was a teacher, I rose to the head of the school and then I thought I needed to grow and update my skills, so I decided to move on.

“I’m looking forward – it’s a great opportunity.”

Mr Singh is the school’s science specialist teacher.

when demand is high. As retirees we will need adequate battery capacity for occasional long trips, but most of the time the cheap stored energy will be available for export to the grid and local travel.

Our savings on fossil fuel costs will be welcome.

Even better, we will be free of price hikes whenever there is instability in the world and we will be reducing our dependence on imported fossil fuels.

When considering the different storage technologies and usage circumstances, it is difficult to apply one capital cost for each MWh of storage across the National Energy Market.

And where rooftop solar panels are utilised for home and business, estimating the behind the meter usage further complicates the matter.

The reality is energy prices within the National Energy Market are derived from the spot price of electricity, reflecting real-time supply and demand.

Generally prices are negligible in the middle of the day and peak in the late afternoon and evening when demand is high.

The challenge and opportunity for our region is, where possible, to shift our usage to the middle of the day and use the most appropriate storage technology to narrow the demand and supply curves at other times.

Graham Parkes Halls Gap

OPPORTUNITIES: Brij Singh and Mbali Mbeje have joined the Horsham Primary School teaching team.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Festival finalist shares message

Aformer Wimmera resident is encouraging people from the region to support this year’s Focus on Ability Short Film Festival, after being named a festival finalist for the third straight year with his latest entry.

Neville Hiatt, who was born in the Wimmera and attended school in Horsham, Murtoa and Warracknabeal, created a four-minute stopmotion animated film titled F.O.A. for this year’s entry.

He previously submitted entries in the short film and documentary categories of the festival in 2023 and 2024.

The festival, now in its 17th year, focuses on showcasing the talents and abilities of people with disabilities.

Mr Hiatt said his film focused on a message of encouragement – especially for people with what he termed ‘invisible disabilities’.

“In the lyrics of the film there’s a focus on people with invisible disabilities – you might see them down the street and not think there’s anything wrong with them, but they’re battling whatever they’re battling,” he said.

“It’s easy for us to acknowledge there’s physical disabilities if we see someone in a wheelchair or on crutches, but invisible disabilities can get missed by society to some degree.

“But the message isn’t to feel sorry for them –just give them a bit of encouragement and focus on what they are able to do.

“There’s a lot of things I haven’t been able to do for years for medical reasons, and you can either wallow in it and say ‘I can’t do this anymore’ or you can say ‘what can I do?’”

Mr Hiatt encouraged people from the Wimmera to view this year’s entries, vote for their favourites and consider entering next year’s festival.

He said people needed no prior filmmaking experience to become involved.

“You see people who know how to tell a story, shoot it and edit it and it could easily be on TV, and others where someone has just made a home movie that’s funny or heartwarming or sad,” he said.

“Everyone has to start somewhere, and the whole ethos of the competition is have a go –show us your ability, whatever it is.”

Mr Hiatt said he was inspired to try stopmotion animation because of his love of projects such as the series Pingu and the Wallace and Gromit films.

While he said a tight production deadline for the film tested him, he was happy with the result.

“I pretty much did the movie in about two weeks, and I should have taken two months. By the time I was done I was barely able to walk,” he said.

There are more than 1300 photos for four minutes of film … and it was enough to do the job, but I could easily have shot 13,000 photos if it was set up in an actual studio and I had the time.

“It certainly could have been a much bigger production, but again, that’s one of the things I like about the films in this festival – you use the equipment you have, use the skills you have and produce what you can.”

People can view this year’s Focus on Ability Short Film Festival and vote for their favourite entries by visiting www.focusonability.com.au.

Nhill rail infrastructure damaged

Trains travelling through Nhill last week were required to approach level crossings with caution due to track work required after rail infrastructure was tampered with.

The Australian Rail Track Corporation has advised that between July 20 and 21 trains travelling through Nhill were operating under a Condition Affecting the Network, CAN, warning, where trains were required to slow down, stop and only proceed across the crossing once it was safe to do so.

“The change in operating conditions was in place while repairs were carried out on rail infrastructure, which had been tampered with ap-

proximately 10 kilometres outside of the town,” an ARTC spokesperson said.

Hindmarsh Shire Council reported that a train passing through Nhill’s Queen Street crossed before the boom gates were down.

But the ARTC spokesperson said the active level crossing at Queen Street was operating as intended during this time.

“The community is reminded to take care around level crossings and obey the road rules and signs,” the spokesperson said. ARTC also reminded people to report any suspicious activity around railways to police.

Neville Hiatt

ELVIS FOREVER

AUGUST

New chapter for library patrons

Libraries in Kaniva, Edenhope, Goroke, and Harrow will soon be accessible after hours.

West Wimmera Shire Council received $198,709 in funding from the State Government’s Living Libraries Infrastructure Program, to improve access across four West Wimmera branches.

Libraries will be fitted with CCTV, keypad entry, automated lighting, motion detectors, a public announcement system and automatic doors, allowing residents to use library facilities outside of traditional opening hours.

People will be able to use the spaces for borrowing, printing, study, meetings and small gatherings at times that better suit their needs.

Council chief executive David Bezuidenhout said libraries were essential community spaces for learning, connection and work.

“This upgrade means people will be able to use the libraries when it suits their lives – after school, after work, or even on weekends,” he said.

Wimmera Libraries co-ordinator Sarah Wiesner said the project would help address one of the biggest barriers to library use in the region.

“This upgrade means people will be able to use the libraries when it suits their lives – after school, after work, or even on weekends” – David Bezuidenhout

“Limited opening hours have long been one of the biggest barriers to library use in West Wimmera,” she said.

“Open Access will give our members the freedom to use the library at times that suit them.

“This project isn’t about convenience, it’s about equity.

“It ensures that everyone in our community, no matter where they live or what their schedule looks like, has access to a safe space to learn, connect and grow.”

The initiative responds directly to feedback gathered through previous community consultation, which highlighted limited opening hours as a major barrier to use.

A similar project is being rolled out at Horsham Library, as part of a broader effort to modernise regional library services.

Red Flags exhibition in Ararat

Ararat Gallery TAMA will host the work of Wadawurrung artist Kait James next month in a solo exhibition titled Kait James: Red Flags.

The exhibition showcases a collection of re-appropriated souvenir products, primarily created for non-Indigenous tourists between the 1950s and 1980s.

The items – including tea towels, screen prints, largescale fabric collages, ceramic wall figurines and felt pennant flags – represent ‘red flags’ through iconography.

Ms James said she had created a practice of subversive commentary on politics and popular culture since beginning her career as an artist in 2018.

“This has been an experience. I’ve explored creation stories, contentious icons of Australia, political pathways, languages lost and found, and have uncovered underlying truths of travelling and visiting country for tourism without knowledge,” she said.

“My new works are to be studied by the visitor, and I encourage a second look at each one, as an invitation to dive deeper into culture, country and conversation.”

Kait James: Red Flags opens at Ararat Gallery TAMA on Saturday, featuring a talk from Ms James from 2pm to 4pm. To register for the free event, people can visit araratgallery tama.com.au.

The exhibition runs daily, with free entry, until Sunday, November 16.

Hlth.

TBY LAUREN HENRY

he family of a Horsham pilot who died in an aircraft crash in Wales in 1942 has welcomed the crash being memoralised –more than 80 years later.

David Campbell Anderson was one of four crew members to die in the test-flight crash after enlisting in the Royal Australian Air Force during the Second World War.

He never returned home and was buried at Aberstwyth Cemetery, Cardiganshire, in Wales.

Pilot officer Anderson was the son of David and Florence Anderson, of Wilson Street, Horsham, and at the time, was survived by siblings Robert, Marion, who later married David Walter, and John.

The family was well known in Horsham as their father was a real estate and stock agent in the rural city.

Now, descendants of pilot officer Anderson – both still living in Horsham and further afield – have come forward to welcome the memorial and give an insight into who D.C. Anderson was.

Brenda Samuels, daughter of Marion, said she was surprised to hear about the planned memorial – the brainchild of Wales military enthusiast Adrian Hollis.

As reported in The Weekly Advertiser on June 18, Mr Hollis put out a call for family and descendants of pilot officer Anderson to make contact with him.

Mrs Samuels, who now lives in Sydney, said the wider family had always known about the story of her uncle but it was not dwelled on.

“I think in those days, life moved on and probably they didn’t want to burden the descendants with sad stories,” she said.

Through the Mid Wales Memorial Project, Mr Hollis is set to mark a series of memorials of aircraft crash sites, with the first project to be at Aberystwyth, Wales.

“I think it’s a lovely idea to remember things like that,” Mrs Samuels said.

“I’m not really a military sort of person, but I guess it’s part of history to remember things like that and the stories, and to bring those stories to life.”

On February 10, 1942, pilot officer Anderson had taken off on a fuel-consumption test flight from the Royal Air Force station at Honeybourne, south of Birmingham in England, when the Lockheed Hudson V9127 aircraft crashed at 1.30pm near Aberystwyth, Cardiganshire, in Wales.

The 28-year-old was accompanied by Flight Sergeant and observer Gordon Duncan, of the Royal Canadian Air Force, and Royal Air Force Volunteer Reserve wireless air gunners Sergeant John Harker and Sergeant Ronald Hodgson.

A flying accident report stated ‘a possible cause of the crash was bad weather conditions with the pilot flying at low altitude in hilly conditions’.

Mrs Samuels said when she was living in London in 1988, her mother Marion had visited and they travelled together to Aberstwyth to visit pilot officer Anderson’s grave.

“We saw the grave and then we went to the site of the accident and we met a woman who lived nearby who remembered the crash, so that was amazing,” she said.

“We also went to the library and looked up old newspaper articles and there was an account of the crash.

“I remember there being an account of his funeral and how they had draped the Australian flag over his coffin, and I found that so sad.

“I mean, I’d never met him, but I think I was sadder than my parents, because you imagine the relatives back home just getting a telegram to say he was killed.”

Mrs Samuels said it was an emotional experience for herself and her mother to see the grave and hear about the crash first-hand.

“I found it so moving the whole experience. I suppose mum probably had thought about it and grieved and all those things, all those years ago,” she said.

Mrs Samuels said the families of the four victims in the plane crash would

be intrinsically linked. “They were all in the same boat, but then in those days, communication wasn’t like it is now,” she said.

“Now they would get in touch with them and their families, grieve and do all those things, but then it was so different.”

Mrs Samuels said a lot of families went through a similar experience during war times.

And it had a long-lasting effect on Marion.

“ I remember (my brother) Rob was actually conscripted during the Vietnam War, and my mother being terribly upset and that’s probably because it would’ve brought all those memories back,” Mrs Samuels said.

“So that would’ve been terrible. And I remember she was so angry about it.”

Family legacy

While their son and brother’s death had a profound effect on the Anderson family, he continues to be held in high regard and remembered.

Great niece Jessie McCrae has a filing cabinet full of information passed down from her grandparents, while another young relative in Horsham – a great, great nephew, has the middle name of Campbell, which is the chris-

REPLACING

OR SPLIT

arriving in the UK. He wrote about a couple of links to home, like when he was in a pub and met an English Army officer who had been to Australia who asked if he knew the Felstead family in Horsham.

“He went on to tell me that he nearly married one of the Felstead girls in Sydney,” he wrote.

“The world is small as I shall cite in another case later.”

Later in the letter, he wrote about meeting ‘chaps’ that his mother knew such as Mac Paton, Geoff Heard, Alan Cook, Jack Bond from Nhill, Fitzpatrick from Ararat, and Ken McDonald formerly of Polkemmet.

tian name that pilot officer Anderson was called in the family.

Ms McCrae said her grandmother Florence Anderson had kept all the letters her son had sent home to her while serving in the United Kingdom.

There was also an article from a Wales newspaper detailing the funeral of pilot officer Anderson and Canadian airman Gordon Duncan.

Comrades of both airmen were among other military and police officials to attend, along with the Aberstwyth mayor and councillors.

Following a service at the cemetery chapel, the men were laid to rest to the sound of The Last Post and the Reveille.

The article also states the ‘chief mourners were pilot officer Anderson’s two cousins’.

But it was in a five-page letter to his mother, dated July 21, 1941, that gave a true indication of the man that pilot officer Anderson was.

The detailed letter was written before pilot officer Anderson had started active service in the United Kingdom, where he travelled to Scotland, London and to various English countryside towns as he prepared to begin service.

He had also been to Canada before

Pilot officer Anderson wrote about his love of the countryside, distaste for London – although it was growing on him – and he had enjoyed visits to the same tourist spots that are popular today – Westminster Abbey, the Thames, Houses of Parliament, St Paul’s Cathedral and Madam Tussaud’s Wax Works. A highlight was seeing Queen Elizabeth I drive past and wave while he was sight-seeing at Buckingham Palace.

His letter was like any other Australian 28-year-old who was travelling in the UK – but of course, it was during the Second World War.

Pilot officer Anderson’s letter makes several references to preparation for the job that he had travelled to the UK to do, but he notes ‘there is plenty to eat of good wholesome food. People are happy, bright and confident.’

He seemed to have been making the most of his time in the UK, making friends and enjoying the experiences that come with being in another country.

But less than a year later, it all came to an end for the young Horsham airman.

“I think my mother’s family would’ve all been heartbroken,” Mrs Samuels said.

Some 83 years later, the Mid Wales Memorial Project is taking a small step to mark that heartbreak by acknowledging the sacrifice and service of pilot officer Anderson, and his three fallen airmen.

HONOUR: David Campbell Anderson was one of four crew members to die in a test-flight crash after enlisting in the Royal Australian Air Force during the Second World War.

Wind farm propels 17 new projects

Not-for-profit and community groups across Horsham, Yarriambiack and Hindmarsh municipalities have shared more than $103,000 from the latest round of the Murra Warra Wind Farm Community Grants Program.

The fund distributed the money across 17 projects spanning five categories: education and training; sustainable environment; culture, diversity and arts; sport and recreation; and social, health and wellbeing.

The independent grant selection committee awarded $20,000 to Laharum Football Netball Club to upgrade lighting at Cameron Oval – the club’s home field and a community hub.

Club secretary Rowena Doyle said the investment would have ‘a significant and lasting impact’ on the Laharum community.

“Improved lighting will enhance safety and accessibility for all sporting groups that use the oval, including our growing number of football and

Bank closure

St Arnaud will be one of 28 agencies of the Bendigo Bank to close.

The bank has decided its agency model can no longer be supported due to decreasing customer use, and ‘other relevant factors’.

The St Arnaud agency will shut on October 17.

The bank’s agency model, established more than 30 years ago, has enabled the bank to offer limited services via third parties in areas where there was not enough customer demand to sustain a branch.

Bendigo Bank’s chief customer officer consumer, Taso Corolis, said the difficult decision to retire the agency model had been informed by evolving customer preferences leading to reductions in business activity, limited use of the services, and an increase in costs and compliance obligations.

“To preserve what makes our bank unique, we must prioritise our investments across both physical and digital channels to continue meeting the changing needs and growing expectations of our 2.7 million customers,” he said.

“We understand it may take time for some customers to adjust to these changes and we will support them through this.

“This may be in the form of connecting them with their closest alternate service, including nearest branch or Bank@Post locations, and walking them through e-banking services available, when required.”

netball teams – particularly our female and junior participants,” she said.

“The upgraded facilities will also strengthen the oval’s capacity to serve as a base for emergency services and a Safe Neighbourhood site during bushfire events.

“We are incredibly grateful for the contribution to this vital project, which supports both sport and community resilience in our region.”

Dimboola Lions Club received $14,679 for a public container deposit collection program.

Committee member La Vergne Lehmann said the club was thrilled to receive the grant.

“The Dimboola Lions have a long history of focusing on recycling and what we do know is that if we make it easy for people to recycle then we get a better result,” she said.

“This grant will help us make it easier for people to recycle their cans and bottles in recognisable bins at various locations in Dimboola and at events.”

Murra Warra Wind Farm operations

manager Chris Gulvin said he was proud to see the list of initiatives using money from the fund to benefit the broader Wimmera community.

“It’s great to see the Murra Warra Wind Farm Community Grants Program continue to enable grassroots organisations to drive meaningful change across the region,” he said.

“This is a top priority for Squadron Energy – to make sure we provide benefits to the broader community and contribute positively to the regions where our projects are based.”

Wimmera Southern Mallee Development chief executive Chris Sounness said the grants program received 36 applications this year – the secondhighest number since the fund started in 2021.

“It’s been great to see such a strong response to this year’s grants round, with a 38 per cent increase in applications and the second-highest interest we’ve seen since the fund began,” he said.

“What stands out is how many lo-

cal groups are backing themselves, coming forward with practical ideas and making decisions that reflect what matters to their communities.

“These grants don’t just fund projects they support local people who are putting in the time and effort to keep their communities strong, connected and moving forward.”

Other major grants awarded this year included $13,420 to Yarriambiack Creek Development Committee to upgrade a footbridge over Yarriambiack Creek and $8117 for Dimboola Golf Club to purchase and install a 13.2kW solar system.

Other recipients were: Eastern Hindmarsh Landcare Network for a molescan trip to Adelaide for farmers; Field Naturalists Club of Victoria to help protect nationally endangered and locally significant species in the Mali Dunes region; Gariwerd Artists Collective for mobile display boards to exhibit artwork; Arapiles Historical Society for an IT infrastructure upgrade; Cooinda Burrong Scout Camp

Staff, patients welcome donation

Grampians Health Horsham has acquired new equipment to help treat patients from the comfort of their own home, thanks to donations from the community.

The Horsham Grampians Health at Home medical team now has access to its own portable ECG unit and portable bladder scanner.

GH at Home is an alternative service to an in-hospital stay, providing acute admitted care in the patient’s home. Although they are not in the hospital, they are still considered

hospital patients and remain under the care of their hospital doctor.

Horsham GH at Home co-ordinator

Janet Johnson said prior to having the equipment, they would either have to borrow equipment from the acute ward or require patients to visit the hospital clinic.

“We are very grateful to the community for providing this equipment through their generous donations. These items will make our patients’ journeys a lot easier because they will be able to receive more care

at home,” she said. Horsham’s GH at Home team, comprising a doctor, several nurses and allied health workers, can care for up to 20 patients a day.

Grampians Health chief operating officer Ben Kelly said the purchase of the equipment was a great example of the importance of community donations.

“It just proves that every contribution, no matter what size, can help us deliver care that is responsive to local community needs,” he said.

for mattress upgrades; Hopetoun Tennis Club for equipment and a facility upgrade; Horsham Arts Council for a rehearsal shed upgrade; Horsham District Landcare Network for revegetation of property at Grass Flat and an ecologist survey; Horsham Rotary Club for a science and engineering challenge program; Jeparit and District Historical Society for curation and collection management; Nhill Basketball Association to purchase iPads; and Winiam Hall to purchasing gym equipment and host community fitness sessions.

The Murra Warra Wind Farm Community Grants Program is administered by Wimmera Southern Mallee Development on behalf of Squadron Energy, with an independent selection committee consisting of local government and community members making grant allocations.

More information regarding the grants program can be found at www. wsm.org.au or www.squadronenergy. com.

Business grants

Horsham Rural City Council has allocated $20,000 in its 2025-26 budget for business enhancement.

The Business Enhancement Support Program provides grants of up to $1000 to support existing businesses in Horsham Rural City.

Mayor Ian Ross said the small grants would support a broad range of business projects.

Previous grants have resulted in improved online presence, equipment upgrades, business-front enhancements, signage and accessibility improvements.

“I encourage potential applicants to read the guidelines, plan your project, and speak with a council officer if you have any questions,” Cr Ross said. Guidelines can be found on the council’s website and remain open until the allocation of the 2025-26 budget.

Nominations open

Victorian leaders are calling for nominations for the 2026 Australian of the Year Awards.

The annual awards celebrate the achievements and contributions of extraordinary Australian citizens and are awarded in January each year.

Nominations are open for Australian of the Year, Senior Australian of the Year, Young Australian of the Year and Australia’s Local Hero awards. Nominations close at midnight tomorrow. To submit a nomination, visit australianoftheyear.org.au.

GRATEFUL: GH at Home nurses, from left, Jodi King, Janet Johnson and Zoe Frew with the portable bladder scanner and ECG unit.

Proceed with care...

Estate planning can be difficult and stressful, but for blended families there is an added overlay of complexity.

According to the community demographic website, profile.id.com.

au, as of 2021, blended and stepfamilies make up about 12 per cent of Australian households.

For these families, ensuring every person is treated fairly, is a significant challenge where the needs of the current spouse, shared children, and children from previous relationships need to be considered.

To avoid legal problems and damaged relationships, adequate planning is essential.

It begins with open and honest communication with family members which, while uncomfortable, can help to prevent misunderstandings and potential disputes after you’re gone.

A financial or estate planning professional can help you work through the legal process, and even facilitate difficult conversations.

The Australian legal system provides the following tools to support blended families.

Wills

A professionally-drafted Will is the main element in any estate plan enabling you to specify how assets are to be distributed.

For blended families, it is vital that ambiguity be avoided, so a well-written Will ensures your wishes are clearly articulated.

Mutual Wills are used by couples who agree that their Will won’t change if one partner dies. They are handy when children are involved because they offer reassur-

FINANCE focus

ance that children from previous relationships are included in an inheritance.

While many couples find Mutual Wills are the perfect planning solution, they can be inflexible and surviving partners may be restricted from using or selling some of the assets, particularly if they remarry.

Testamentary Trusts

A Testamentary Trust is created as part of a Will, coming into effect after your death. They provide control over your estate by managing asset distribution and avoiding family disputes or creditor claims. Testamentary Trusts are helpful when children are involved, ensuring their inheritances and assets are protected. On the downside, they can be costly, and complex to set up and administer, and legal advice is imperative.

Binding agreements

Binding Financial Agreements, BFAs, are agreements drawn up prior to a marriage (prenup) or after the marriage (postnup).

They aim to clarify expectations regarding property ownership and financial arrangements to avoid future disagreements or claims on the estate by a surviving spouse. BFAs can offer the couple a sense of security and clarity and are useful in protecting assets, however, as they are relatively new to Australia, the law around them is still

evolving. As a result, they can be overturned by a Family Court if you do not receive appropriate legal advice or the agreement was not properly drafted.

Additionally, they do not always allow for future changes such as children not yet born, or variations to income or health.

Ultimately, when drafting any estate plan, it is important to think carefully about how each member of a blended family is considered – not just now, but into the future.

There are several ways to structure your Will. For example, you might allocate a percentage to each beneficiary, or perhaps distribute specific assets to individuals.

Whatever you decide, be certain to document your rationale behind all your decisions.

Seek professional guidance to reduce confusion and support you in determining the best tools for tailoring an estate plan that reflects your family’s unique situation.

Peace of mind comes with knowing your family’s future financial security will be managed, but it’s important to note that no estate plan is a set-and-forget.

Regular reviews are essential as family circumstances rarely stay the same. Marriages begin and end, children are born, grow up, have their own families.

Estate planning for blended families can be complicated. But with planning, professional advice and thoughtful conversations, you can be confident that your loved ones will be protected.

• The information provided in this article is general in nature only and does not constitute personal financial advice.

Human Nature Horsham bound

Human Nature will perform at Horsham Town Hall in March next year.

The performance, on March 11, is part of the band’s MTWN 2026 Regional Tour, celebrating 20 years of singing Motown music. It follows Human Nature’s 2025 regional tour with the band keen to continue the Motown celebrations.

Guest performers on the tour are the Tierney Brothers.

Other performances in regional Victoria will be at Ballarat, Bendigo, Mildura, Geelong, Traralgon, Shepparton and Wangaratta.

Human Nature has firmly established itself as one of the premier pop-vocal groups of the modern era.

The group first captured the attention of the Australian public in 1996 and has since gained international acclaim for its signature harmonies and dynamic live performances. Comprising brothers Andrew and Mike Tierney, along with Phil Burton and Toby Allen, Human Nature rose to prominence in Australia before

building a global fan base. Their discography includes 13 studio albums, four of which reached number one in Australia.

They have earned 27 platinum certifications, achieved 19 top 40 singles, and secured five top 10 hits worldwide, with more than 2.5 million albums sold in Australia. A major turning point came with the release of Reach Out in 2005, a tribute to Motown legends such as Smokey Robinson, The Supremes, The Temptations, and Stevie Wonder.

“We were absolutely blown away by the reaction to our MTWN shows – the excitement of the audiences and the sheer fun of celebrating the 20th anniversary of our Motown journey was just incredible,” Burton said.

“To have the chance to take the show to even more of our awesome fans is a dream come true, and we can’t wait to jump back in the van and travel to even more places to continue the party with you all.”

Full details and links to buy tickets are available at humannaturelive.com.

Ramping up

Preparations

are ramping up ahead of the launch of the first mainstream Mitsubishi battery electric model to be sold in Australia, with the marque’s re-established Australian ride and handling adjustment team re-tuning the Taiwan-built BEV for local ‘tastes’.

In tandem with increasing demand for its plug-in hybrids, Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited, MMAL, needs to sell its new BEV in sufficient numbers to help offset the CO2 emissions of its higher-carbon vehicles such as the Triton ute and petrol-powered Outlander medium SUV variants.

With Australia’s New Vehicle Emissions Standard, NVES, now in force, MMAL chief executive Shaun Westcott told GoAuto that, like many Original Equipment Manufacturers, Mitsubishi would ‘cop significant penalties’ because buyers were currently opting mainly for internal com

bustion, ICE, or hybrids, HEVs, but not BEVs.

To increase the chance that Australians regard the Mitsubishi BEV as a solid buy, Mitsubishi Motors Corporation in Tokyo has approved MMAL to conduct tuning of the Foxconnsourced vehicle in South Australia and at the Lang Lang proving ground in Victoria.

Engineers from Foxconn, which will assemble the BEV – wearing Mitsubishi badges and styling – in Taiwan, have already visited Australia and met with Tony Dorrington, MMAL product strategy manager and head of the local tuning team.

“We have been working on the Foxconn car, the full EV out at the end of 2026,” MMAL general manager of product strategy Bruce Hampel said.

“Tony and the Foxconn team have been driving the competitive set at Lang Lang, getting a sense of Australian road conditions in as many places as possible.”

Mr Dorrington said his team would be involved with tuning of the prototype version of the Mitsubishi BEV, with that process starting soon.

The MMAL tuning team has returned to its old Magna/380 tuning roads – a punishing and pockmarked route on the Fleurieu Peninsula of South Australia.

The BEV in question is likely to be a restyled version of the Foxtron Model B – a slightly raised hatchback measuring 4300mm in length, 1865mm in width, and 1530mm in height.

Key rivals are expected to be the MG 4, BYD Atto 3 and Kia EV3 which, in the first six months of 2025, have accrued 2268, 1854 and 1153 Australian deliveries respectively.

Foxtron is a joint venture between Foxconn, known in the technology industry for its assembly of iPhone components, and Yulon, a Taiwanese automotive manufacturer.

In May this year, MMC and Foxtron signed a memorandum of understand-

ing, MOU, for the supply of the BEV model.

The relevant MOU stipulated the BEV would be ‘introduced in the Oceania region – Australia and New Zealand – in the second half of 2026’.

The timing, which affords a 14 to 20-month window for Foxtron to retool its production line for right-hand drive production, is tight.

If the Mitsubishi BEV is indeed based on the Foxtron Model B, it is likely to use the 400-volt MIH skateboard platform and offer rear-wheel drive with a 170kW rear motor. A circa-60kWh lithium iron phosphate battery will afford about 450km range at an efficient 13.3kWh-100km.

Behind the scenes, MMC is understood to have secured alterations to the front and rear styling of the Model B, but the core body in white is expected to be shared between the Foxtron and Mitsubishi versions of the five-door hatch.

For the BEV to generate sufficient

sales for MMAL to provide some NVES offset benefit, pricing would need to be competitive with the MG 4, which starts at $37,990 drive-away, or $43,000 drive-away with a 64kWh battery similar to that used by the Mitsubishi vehicle.

Mr Westcott warned the BEV needed to ‘wash its face’ commercially rather than act merely as an enabler of cross-subsidies.

“We have a BEV product. We will bring it to market when we think the market is able to support that product,” Mr Westcott said.

“It needs to be financially viable and feasible.”

The Mitsubishi BEV agreement has spurred deepening collaboration between MMC’s Renault-Nissan Alliance parent and Foxconn, with the Taiwanese conglomerate understood to be exploring the use of the former’s Japanese plants for production of other BEV models.

–Tom Baker

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

Quick Workout

Fit the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 into the hexagons so that where the hexagons touch, the numbers will be the same. No number is repeated in any hexagon.

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

© bmpuzzles Distributed by Knight Features

13 words Excellent: 29 words

On This Day

From The Weekly Advertiser archives: July 28, 2005 –Ararat resident Josie Marshall was the proud owner of a limited edition John Laws wristwatch after winning a competition on the nationally-broadcast radio program, heard locally through 3WM. Laws was out of action after back surgery, with fill-in host and Channel Ten sports presenter Tim Webster conducting the contest. Webster asked listeners to record a series of code words for a chance to take home the prize. Ms Marshall was the recipient, winning the watch and cash, and was presented with her prize by 3WM’s Bill Lovel.

10 years ago: July 29, 2015

Alex Rathgeber, originally from Horsham, won a Helpmann award for best supporting actor in a musical production. Rathgeber won the award – Australia’s equivalent to the USA’s Tony Awards – for his role in musical comedy ‘Anything Goes’.

Five years ago: July 29, 2020

During COVID-19 restrictions and lock-downs, police issued travel restriction fines to two Frankston people who were staying in Murtoa without a valid reason. To that date, police had issued 79 fines to individuals across the state, based on chief health officer directions, and had checked 21,481 vehicles at checkpoints on main arterial roads.

One year ago: July 31, 2024

The contract was awarded for the construction of Horsham City Oval’s community pavilion. The building would feature two main change rooms with amenities, an accessible change room, three umpire change areas, first aid room, social space, kiosk, office, storage space, canopy for external shelter, mounded viewing areas, landscaping and pathways.

TaKe a BreaK

1. Born on this day in 1818, and dying from tuberculosis at the age of 30, was which English novelist, author of Wuthering Heights?

2. In volleyball, what is the maximum number of touches allowed per team before returning the ball over the net?

3. ‘The truth is out there’ was the original tagline for what television show, which originally aired in Australia in 1993?

4. In AFL, what year was the father-son rule introduced –1949, 1969 or 1989?

5. What did the US postal service add in 1963, followed by Australia in 1967, that is part of every address today?

6. Which celebrity couple had children named North, Saint, Chicago and Psalm?

7. In 1932, a man named Francis De Groot, on horseback, created a scene at what famous Australian occasion?

8. Where do you find populations of wild alpacas?

9. The ruins of the ancient city of Thebes are in what modern Egyptian city?

10. Who said, ‘I have noticed that even people who claim everything is predetermined and that we can do nothing to change it, look before they cross the road.’?

Nowhere. Alpacas are the product of domestication in South America thousands of years ago. 9. Luxor. 10. Stephen Hawking.

5. Postcodes. Australia’s introduction -coin cided with the introduction of large-scale mechanical sorting. 6. Kim Kardashian and Kanye West. The children were born in 2013, 2015, 2018 and 2019 respectively. 7. The opening of the Sydney Harbour Bridge. De Groot was a member of the right-wing New Guard and during the official opening, in front of 300,000 people, rushed -for ward with his ceremonial sword and slashed at the opening tape -be fore the New South Wales Premier Jack Lang had the opportunity. 8.

Answers: 1. Emily Bronte. She also co-authored a book of poetry with her sisters Charlotte and Anne. 2. Three. 3. The X-Files. 4. 1949. The father-daughter rule has existed since the AFLW’s 2017 -forma tion, and criteria is in place for the children of AFLW players once they are 18 years of age.

Getting in touch with The Weekly AdverTiser

Our office is at 2 Stawell Road, Horsham. Mail: PO Box 606, Horsham 3402. Telephone: 5382 1351. Website: www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au Email: weeklyadvertiser@team.aceradio.com.au For classified advertisements: 5382 1351 – email: horsham@aceradio.com.au

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

FOR THE WEEK AUGUST 3 TO AUGUST 9

ARIES (March 21 - April 20)

Lucky Colour: Red

Lucky Day: Sunday

Racing Numbers: 1, 2, 2, 1

Lotto Numbers: 12, 21, 24, 29, 41, 43

Avoid rushing into situations where the outcome is uncertain. Refrain from lending or borrowing, and focus only on essential expenses. For those eligible, this could be an excellent period for romance.

TAURUS (April 21 - May 20)

Lucky Colour: Orange

Lucky Day: Tuesday

Racing Numbers: 4, 5, 1, 7

Lotto Numbers: 4, 5, 17, 29, 26, 41

Catch up on tasks that have piled up. Be ready for an opportunity that may improve your career or financial situation.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 21)

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 2, 1, 6, 1

Lotto Numbers: 2, 16, 17, 31, 42, 43

This period favours personal and romantic relationships. Any carefully planned ventures started now are likely to succeed, and someone from your past may reappear.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Wednesday

Racing Numbers: 1, 2, 1, 2

Lotto Numbers: 1, 12, 18, 28, 25, 43

Opportunities for financial gain are around, but you must act quickly. Surprises from someone close could add intrigue. A little stranger might enter your life.

LEO (July 23 - August 22)

Lucky Colour: White

Lucky Day: Thursday

Racing Numbers: 3, 1, 3, 1

Lotto Numbers: 3, 13, 14, 19, 21, 39

People around you may be unpredictable, so avoid relying on others for plans. Complicated situations from the past could now be resolved in your favour.

VIRGO (August 23 - September 23)

Lucky Colour: Purple

Lucky Day: Monday

Racing Numbers: 6, 1, 2, 8

Lotto Numbers: 6, 10, 28, 29, 33, 42

This is not the time to ask for favours. Conflicts with authority may arise, so tread carefully. On the bright side, social and romantic affairs should bring joy; some may meet someone fulfilling their dreams.

LIBRA (September 24 - October 23)

Lucky Colour: Orange

Lucky Day: Friday

Racing Numbers: 1, 5, 2, 6

Lotto Numbers: 15, 26, 28, 39, 30, 45

Self-reliance is key, as others may lack clarity. Take your time with tasks requiring attention to detail. This is a favourable time to request favours from superiors.

SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22)

Lucky Colour: Grey

Lucky Day: Tuesday

Racing Numbers: 9, 1, 2, 1

Lotto Numbers: 9, 12, 17, 27, 42, 44

You’ll likely persuade others to adopt your point of view, and past efforts could yield gains. Career advancements and unexpected romantic proposals are possible.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 20)

Lucky Colour: Mauve

Lucky Day: Sunday Racing Numbers: 1, 7, 1, 1

Lotto Numbers: 1, 7, 10, 11, 25, 43

Support for your ideas and efforts is likely. Problems will clear up more quickly than expected, leading to better-than-anticipated outcomes.

CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19)

Lucky Colour: Black

Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 1, 6, 1, 8

Lotto Numbers: 16, 18, 19, 22, 35, 42

Trust your instincts – hunches may prove accurate. A promising opportunity could arise. Attention to the domestic scene will maintain stability, and a younger family member might need guidance.

AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 19)

Lucky Colour: Silver

Lucky Day: Thursday

Racing Numbers: 4, 6, 2, 2

Lotto Numbers: 4, 6, 22, 37, 33, 41

Avoid overpromising or getting involved in conflicts. Financial prospects look good, and new income opportunities may present themselves.

PISCES (February 20 - March 20)

Lucky Colour: Yellow

Lucky Day: Monday

Racing Numbers: 7, 1, 9, 2

Lotto Numbers: 7, 19, 26, 24, 32, 45

Good news and celebrations are on the horizon, but be cautious with your budget. Seek support from those in a position to help – you may be pleasantly surprised by the response.

you feel throughout your journey.

Whether you’re building your final home, a new layout to suit your changing mobility or a growing family, our team is here to guide, support and protect you every step of the way.

Classifieds

ENGLISH,

Bryan Dooen Fire Brigade

The Chairman, Authority Members, Chief Officer, Officers, the Dooen Fire Brigade and Personnel of the Country Fire Authority regret the passing of their esteemed colleague and offer their deepest sympathy to his family.

HEINRICH, Charlie Flynn

Passed away on July 25, 2025 aged 19 years.

Dearly loved son of Marcus and Angela.

Anniversary

~ BAMFORD ~ (nee Borgelt)

Greg & Menna

Married August 2, 1975 at St Paul’s Lutheran Church, Woorak

Love Nathan, Naomi, Jacinta, Sharelle & families.

BLACKLEY (nee Leith), Verna of Warracknabeal , on July 20, 2025

Loved wife of Henry (dec).

Loved mother of Trevor (dec), Lee-ann, Marlene, Kerry.

Loved Nanna & G Nanna to their families.

BRUMPTON, Charles William ‘Bill’

Passed away on July 25, 2025 aged 92 years.

Dearly loved husband of Bev.

Loving father and father-inlaw of Andrew (dec); Janelle and her partner Luke. Now at Peace

COMBS, Gladys, M (Pat) of Minyip, on July 27, 2025

Loved wife of Eric (dec).

Loved mother of John & Roger and their families.

Baby brother to Ellie, Lucy and Maggie.

Beloved grandson to Arie and Jacqueline.

So handsome, so brave, so strong

HICKS, Annette Margot

5.08.1939 – 25.07.2025

Annette passed away peacefully at Lakeside Living in Edenhope.

Loved mum of Sue, Trevor (dec), Rodney (dec), Craig (dec) & Melissa.

Grannie Annette will be dearly missed by her whole family.

Horsham & District Funerals

Dylan & Amity Hartwich 5382 1149

ISBEL (nee Sprake), Valerie Norma

Passed away on July 27, 2025 aged 90 years.

Dearly loved wife of Bob (dec).

Loving mother and motherin-law of Garry (dec) & Gaynor; Shane & Annie (dec); Brendan & Gina; and Maryanne.

Adored Nanna to all of her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Reunited with loved ones Now at peace

SCHNEIDER,

Kevin Victor

9-8-2025 to 27-7-2025

Loved husband of Shirley. Father and father-in-law of Brian and Jenny, Louise and David.

Loving Grandpa of Rhys, Hailey and Lucas.

We Have You In Our Hearts

Horsham & District Funerals

Dylan & Amity Hartwich 5382 1149

BLACKLEY (nee Leith), Verna

A graveside service for Mrs Verna Blackley will be held at the Warracknabeal Lawn Cemetery on Friday August 1, 2025 commencing at 1pm

W.B. Gardiner & Son Funeral Directors Warracknabeal 0407 340 064

BRUMPTON, Charles William ‘Bill’

The funeral of Bill Brumpton will take place at the graveside, Rupanyup Lawn Cemetery next Thursday, August 7, 2025 commencing at 2pm

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

COMBS

A graveside service for Mrs Gladys M (Pat) Combs will be held at the Minyip Cemetery on Tuesday, August 5, 2025 commencing at 1.30pm

W.B. Gardiner & Son Funeral Directors Warracknabeal 0407 340 064

HEINRICH, Charlie Flynn

Please see future editions for funeral details.

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

HICKS, Annette Margot

The funeral service for the late Mrs. Annette Hicks will be held at St Johns Anglican church, Horsham on Monday 4th of August 2025 commencing at 1.30pm.

A private interment will take place.

Amity & Dylan Hartwich 5382 1149

ISBEL, Valerie Norma

A Memorial Service to Celebrate the Life of Valerie Norma Isbel will take place at the Horsham Church of Christ on Monday, 4 August 2025 commencing at 3pm. Privately interred. The service may be viewed on line at www.youtube.com/ live/4tIkidPXzkw

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

SCHNEIDER, Kevin Victor

The memorial service to farewell the late Mr Kevin Schneider will be held at St John’s Lutheran Church, Murtoa on Friday, August 8, 2025 commencing at 1.30pm.

A private interment will take place.

Dylan & Amity Hartwich 5382 1149

Thank you

The family of the late Ivan Maybery wish to thank those who have offered support and messages of sympathy following the loss of our Dad.

Special thanks to Amity & Dylan Hartwich, Susan Hobbs & the Uniting Church, and a special mention to the Church ladies for their wonderful afternoon teas. It was an afternoon celebrating Dad’s life.

To the staff at Natimuk Nursing Home and Kurrajong Lodge prior, for caring for Dad in his later years.

To those who visited him, Thankyou all

Thank you

~ MEADOWS ~ Daryl

Sue, Carly, Kristy and family wish to thank everyone for their love, support and flowers after the death of our much-loved husband, father and Pop.

Thank you to all who attended Daryl’s funeral and a special thanks to Suzanne at Wimmera Funerals and Susan Hobbs for all their support during this time.

JENNER, Glenys 2-8-2024

It only seems like yesterday, That you grew your angel wings and flew away.

You have left a space no-one can fill; We love you and miss you, and always will.

Your loving husband Graeme and family.

BAKER, Jeff

12/10/1942 - 19/07/2025

In memory of Jeff, brother to Lea (dec) Doug, Heather (dec), Dawn, Ella, Harold (dec), Keith, Kevin (dec), Eric (dec), Roger, partners & families.

JACKSON, Judy

1-9-1952 to 3-8-2024

It’s been a year since Judy passed and she is in our throughts every day. Always remembered and never forgotten.

Your loving husband Tony and family.

8 week old Miniature Dachshunds puppies , 1 male and 1 female, ready for new home, microchipped and vaccinated, currently 11 weeks old, m/chip# 985141007722153/4 $2000 each Ph 0421756746

Beeamma White, Australian White Stud purebred rams, private sale on farm, BRUC, ACC, OJD, VAC, ewes available, Elders Alan Thompson 0427849779, Rod Donnell (08) 87582095

and tan bitch working kelpie, great yard dog, Ph or PM for details to Harry 0458318200

Aged pensioner looking to buy a

chihuahua, 1 1/2 - 2 years old Ph 0421237043

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

Budgies , assorted colours $10 each Ph 0417533579

Kelpie puppies for sale, good working parents, great temperaments, 2 male brown/ tan, 2 female black/tan and 2 male black/tan available, currently 7 weeks old and have been vaccinated and microchipped, source# MB 286176, 956000018852127, 956000017246586, 956000017239009, 956000017249996, 956000017239349, 956000018852851, $500 Ph 0408575398

Love birds assorted colours $20 each pick up only Warracknabeal Ph 0447776408

Male and female mini foxy Jack Russell puppies for sale, microchip# female 956000017247463, male 956000018924349 Ph 0488976777

Mini Foxy/ Jack Russell pups, 2 males, ready to go, microchipped, vaccinated, vet checked and wormed, microchip# 95301000773802 8/953010007737972, source# MB116953 Ph 0409350743 or 0458913225

Mixed breed of goats, pregnant females, young male goats, mixed sheep available for sale, call for prices Ph 0414851313

Princess Parrots for sale breeding pairs, various colours Ph 0439655239 Stawell area

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

Purebred German Shepherd, 13 weeks old, black and tan, great temperament, toilet trained, straight, 2 boys

source# MB115424, m/chip#

953010007067038/7069200

Ph 0421018631

Purebred German Shepherd, 7 months, black and tan, great temperament, toilet trained, straight, one boy & one girl

source# MB115424, m/chip# 956000016586733/6681104

Ph 0421018631

Reduced price to reflect age of puppies, Spoodle puppys, 2 Spoodle girls could one of these girls be the missing piece in your life, raised in a loving family environment with sweet natures, 6 week vacations, microchip and vet checked, ready to join their new furever families �� �� born 9 May, microchip# 956000017221175 & 956000018924045, source # EE223376 $2000 price neg Ph 0400035456

Welsh Pembroke male and female Corgi puppies red and white, born 11/6/2025, vet checked vacc and microchip, available on the 8/8/2025 for there new home, microchip# 953010007914643, 953010007914649, 953010007914762, 923010007914686, the pups are reg with MDBA and come with Pedigree paper on limited reg, source# RB110579 Ph or text for pic and info 0448024815

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

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

1993 Jayco Micro Poptop 12ft roll out, awning, 2 singles, fridge cooker, 11mths reg 35970C $5250 Ph 0490364260

2000 Jayco starcraft , full annex, TV lots of extras, very good condition, one owner, very little use $20,000 or nearest offer Ph 0456601681

2013 Jayco Starcraft, 21’, one owner, very little use, as new, many added extras suit retired couple planning to travel $39,000 Ph 0427909230

2014 JB dirt roader 19’caravan, full ensuite queen bed, 3 way fridge washing machine, reverse cycle a/c diesel heater, Sirocco fans, 2 solar panels, 2 batteries, 280 litres water $44,000 Ph 0427902375 Beulah

2015 Jayco StarCraft 20ft 6’ dual axle, full ensuite, queen bed, L shape seating, full oven, agm battery bike rack, full size fridge freezer, reverse cycle heating cooling, washing machine, new tyres 12 months rego, ESC $39000 ono Ph 0429227860

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

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

2019 Ezy Trail Stirling GT Mark 2 camper, EC, full annex, used 4 times, full rego

$14,999 ono Ph 0428820446

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

Caravan 2015 Jayco starcraft, 16ft, queen sized bed, tv, full sized fridge freezer, microwave, gas electric hotplates and oven, toilet and shower, full annex, sway bars $42,000 ono Ph 0417573022

Colorado Summit 210E 21’

Queen bed, large ensuite, full oven, 3way fridge, washing machine, A/C, diesel heater, sirocco fan, solar panels., lithium battery, AC-DC charger, rollout awning Great condition many extras $48000 ONO Ph 0400189163

Jayco Finch Pop Top, double beds with fly mesh, electric brakes, boat rack, annex

$12,000 Ph 53582560

Jayco Optimum 2013 motor home 28.5’, 2 slides, extras inc, 400 watt solar, diesel heater, bulbar, security system, 92,000kms, also Suzuki 2008 4 door w/afame

$155,000 Ph 0438951101

MDC Highside Cruiser 2019, 3 ton McHitch, fridge, redarc dc to dc charger, EC $14,500 Ph 0407147996

REDUCED 2014 Jayco Silverline Outback

23-72-1, satellite dish, gas heater, 4 x 130 watt solar panels = 520 watts, Epever Triron 42ION MPPT 40 AMP controller, 2 x llithium batteries, 227 litre compressor fridge/freezer, full annexe

$52,000 Ph 0448099981

REDUCED 2018 Dingo

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

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

REDUCED Toyota Coaster camper , 2 seater, diesel heater, 1hz motor, solar and 12v awning much more

$35,000 Ph 0418325662

Slingshot campervan, light weight, easy to tow and setup, annexe, two single beds, EC

$13,900 Ph 0429585845

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

Expression of interest, for sale, international 511 28 row trash floats combine, 211 33 tyne scarifier, 18 disc Connor-Shea hyd lift 4 fold, B46 baler working order, Lowan round bale carrier Ph 0407911884 evenings

Header Gleaner R62, retired, no further use, $15,000+gst Ph 0438701392

REDUCED 2022 Mahindra

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

Wanting to buy Jetstream computer spray sprayer 17ml x 2000L in good working order Ph 0437942434

11 PVC pipes, 39” long x 6” diameter, $50 for the lot Ph 0428504301

2 saddles, 2 bridles, 2 horse bits, 1 drench bit, 1 riding cap Ph 0447590865

4 of 10Ft / 3meter high scaffolding propes, $700 the four Ph 0428504301

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

Archery equipment , 3 compound bows, 35 pound youth bow, 60 pound adult bow, 16 wheeler antique, 1 45 pound Samic longbow, arrows, tool boxes, apres and fletching jig $500 Ph 0429164375

Brick pavers , H shaped, beige colour, 1600 $800 Ph 0459027575 Stawell

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

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

CCE cage on wheels 6x4 well made $400, 500 gallon ex fuel tank $100, Coolgardie safe $100, Ute crate, 6x4 tub tight $50, Bailey extension ladder 5.3 extends to 6.3 $500, new Holland Mower GC with parts, 44g drums ideal for grain feeding cattle, best offer Ph 0429857207

Configura twin motor tilt recliner lift chair, beige vinyl, model S15444, $2500ono, Royale Medical over bed tilting split table $200ono Ph 0428810806 Horsham

Folding bike with training stand $350, Snow sled 1050x500 $45 Ph 0418992631 Galvanised trailer, 5x5 $800 Ph 53522691

Gold and opal ring, approx 80yrs old, current valuation $4500 would like $2500 Ph 0458014560

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

J Berends pasture harrows 8’ $400 Ph 0429309491

Kirby Avalir 100th Anniversary, EC, clean and functions perfectly, includes filter bags, brand new home care system, all attachments some brand new $750 Ph 0429679481

Omega gold watch , approx 65yrs old, still keeps perfect time $1500ono Ph 0458014560

Pea straw small square bales, $7 per bale, great garden mulch, pickup or delivery to Horsham Ph 0488303725

Portable motor post hole digger with 8” augar, $80 Ph 0427911765, 0477138363 (Nhill)

Rinnai Convector portable gas heater, VGC, $50 Ph 0427911765, 0477138363 (Nhill)

Round bale hay ring $350 Ph 0429200566

Sherwell PTO bin $1200 Ph 0428857312

Stihl FS 38 whipper snipper, just serviced, VGC, $65 Ph 0427911765, 0477138363 (Nhill)

caravans

caravans Antiques

Strongberg Carlson Console Radio, ex condition Ph 53824316

Tent Dune Eyre, 10x10, near new, easy set up for Easter Ph 0491644368 Horsham

Toledo 4 berth dog float, good condition, reg til Dec 25 $950 Ph 0400192571

Tradies Trailer enclosed , containing shelving storage, power points $680 ono Ph 0432544164

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

Quintrex FishAbout MKII

Repowered 40HP Yamaha, low hours, new Oceanic Trailer

Bimini Hummingbird Finder

40Ib Elec Motor Dec Estate Ph 0491644368 Horsham

Shoprider Allrounder mobility scooter, 2yrs old, EC, hard canopy, weather proof fittings $4200 Ph 0419633821

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

for car, $8000 Ph 0484355030

Round dining table with 4 velvet chairs $340 Ph 53824788

Single bed , excellent condition, includes mattress if needed and doona covers $100 ono Ph 0417566140

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

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

3.7 savage aluminium boat, UM198, 25 HP Mercury forward steer reyco trailer, b15834 electric motor and lawrence fish finder $2600 Ph 0428523919

Aspire wheelchair, as new condition, barely used once a day for 3 months, extremely comfortable, cost $3500 from Action AIDS, reduced price $950 Ph 0427562913 Horsham

Freedom forearm walker

$250, wheelchair $150 Ph 0437600095

Invacare Comet Alpine Scooter, bought for $7,500, hood and bag, warranty, as new, used twice, 10km $5,500 Ph 0474297661

Invacare Pegasus mobility scooter, excellent condition, includes, shade canopy, front basket & rear carrier $3500 Ph 0408826727

Dimboola

Top Gun mobility scooter, EC, shade canopy, front basket, rear carrier, inspections welcome $4000 Ph 0438354414

2011 Honda 750 Shadow Shaft, as new cond, reg til 2/26, spares inc some new, 27,700kms $5250 Ph 0488023477

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

$20,000 Ph 0409590596

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

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

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

1994 Ford ED Futura Auto 4.0i, drives strong, great duco, no RWC or rego $5500 Ph 0409423541

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

2009 Holden Colorado LX 4x2 single cab, petrol engine, aluminum tray, towbar, recently serviced with RWC, 203,000kms XAN999 $7700 Geoff Ph 0427913060

2013 Ford Mondeo Zetec hatch, auto, economical turbo diesel, silver colour, full service history, registered June 25, RWC, 317,000km, 1AG2PW $5500ono Ph 0428928248

2013 VE Commodore V6, grey, aftermarket exhausts, aftermarket speakers in doors, subs in boot, GC, will provide road worthy certificate, 240,000km, ZOT852 $9500 Ph 0488050839

Ford BF Sedan 2005, dual fuel, ex cond, 280,000kms, WIY315 $4500 Ph 0468 559 166

Honda Civic , 1994, great condition with RWC, automatic & aircon, colour black, Vtech motor, vin JHME6548005203141

$10,000 Ph 0428501109

2012 VE SV6 Commodore, excellent condition, auto, silver in colour, 4 months rego, full service history, near new tyres, 117,000kms, ZFC921

$19,500 Ph 0400823904

REDUCED

75 series

Toyota Landcruiser ute, 4.2l diesel, dual tanks, dual batteries, comes with quality rooftop camper, TJM pro diff lockers front/back, airbagman suspension fitted, 5 new tyres, winch, Engel fridge and slide, lots of accessories, very well looked after, 12 mnths reg, RWF984 $18,888 ono Ph 0487700251

2005 Isuzu NPR250 car license truck, 6 months rego, 230,000kms, 1OC9FA

$22,500 Ph 0438521591

2014 Toyota Hilux, 3 litre diesel, new shockers and springs and injectors, oil filter and oil every 600km, great for towing vans, 290,000kms

$25,500 Ph 0417109816

2019 Ford Ranger XLS grey double cab with full screen, very good condition

125,000km, 8 mths rego, new tyres, snorkel, arb bull bar, air bags, side steps, black duck seat covers, under tray tool boxes, many extras always shedded, minimal towing

$45,000 inc Gst Ph Andrew 0427923236

Subaru WRX, 50th Anniversary model, 1st registered 2023, 6 speed manual, only 3900kms, $40,000 Ph 0355877233 evenings

Toyota Ute, no Ev tax on this one, dual cab SR5 auto transmission, 3 litre motor, diesel, 2011 model, RWC supplied, high rise canopy, tub liner, trailer pull, electric brakes, as new inside, 106,500 kms, YFK992 $32,500 plus Gst Ph 0428 832 227

Landcruiser ute with slide on camper, 2002, 4.2 litre diesel, 4x4, Millhaven tray towbar, bullbar, Superwinch, tool lockers, Polyair bellows, Davsher hitchhiker camper, new 90L, 3-way dometic fridge/freezer, fiamma awning, 2 burner gas cooktop/griller, sink,120kW fold up solar panels, 200W inverter, 200AH AGM house batteries, queen bed, robe, spacious storage, midge-mesh screening, Highjacker hydraulic legs, 2nd spare wheel, plus extras, excellent condition, 228,961km, HZJ79R Ph 0427482976

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

Ararat man, 67 years old, interests include gym, fishing, camping, singing, acting, Lions Club, bushwalking, ballroom dancing, looking for a lady aged between 40-70 years old, Ph 0467791009 Ararat

Jill Nicholson went to Dover girls tech in the 60s Adelaide, lived 5 Broadway South Brighton left Adelaide to live in rural Victoria early 70s Ph John 0423315174

Stawell Lady recently moved to Stawell, interests include art, camping, ukulele, singing, bushwalking, dancing, looking for a respectable man for possible relationship aged between 60 -70yrs Ph 0413375338

3 bedroom house to share, near Horsham cbd, own walk in robe and ensuite, semi-furnished Ph 0427963906

Looking to Buy a Home in Horsham I’m a genuine buyer seeking a house in Horsham. If you’re considering selling-now or in the near future-please get in touch. No agents, just a straightforward sale, any condition considered, call or text Ara on 0425906535

Golf cleveland halo XL senior flex 5 & 7 Loft Fairway Woods, R.H, covers, mint condition, $150 each Ph 0353824210

Peugeot 407 HDI, beautifully cared

Funeral remembrance

videos edited with cherished media by professional, each project individual, AI photo restoration available Ph 0478609837

Keyte’s Mowing Service , lawn mowing, block slashing, general pruning, ABN 64050479274 Ph 53826461 or 0429309491

Massage service, very clean, full body massages available for both men and women, very discreet, you come to us or we can come to you, call for quote and booking, in the Wimmera area and beyond Ph 0473311660

Massage ......Don’t deprive yourself of time to be completely pampered, to made feel like you’ve not felt in a very long time, discreet in all aspects, is here at your service, can have all your sensual desires catered for including massage oils to help you relax, feel comfortable and put you in a state of euphoria, clean in all regards, a safe home environment, including off street parking that you can arrive at your appointment at ease, catering for both male and female Ph 0422275320

Sheep slaughtered at $15 per head Ph Andy 53838240

TOP STUDENT TUTORING, one-to-one individualised tutoring for Years 7-12 English, working with Children Check Ararat & Stawell, email Philippa: philippak1@ bigpond.com

Aged pensioner looking to buy a male chihuahua, 1 1/2 - 2 years old Ph 0421237043

2 tanker loads of water as running low Nhill area cash paid ph 53928295 and leave message

Mental health contacts

Cancelled

MONTHLY PAPER DRIVE IS NOT ON THIS WEEKEND

in 1986 coincidentally,

in a colour unfamiliar to me. Also unfamiliar was the colour of the heads of my friends, grey has replaced brown, copper, and blonde in our hair and beards.

In Isaiah 46:3-4 God promises faithfulness to the grey heads: from bald babies to balding oldies The Lord is always faithful, even among the ruined echoes of the halcyon days. I don’t belong to Mulgrave anymore, it has moved on and so have I; but The Lord endures forever, and in God I shall too. Mulgrave can decide for itself whose path it wants to follow.

Damien Tann - St Matthew’s Stawell, and Pomonal Community Uniting Church

GWMWater is an innovative and progressive employer committed to contributing to the sustainable growth of communities within the Grampians, Wimmera and Mallee regions.

Mallee Operations Manager (based in the Mallee area)

Position number VG/5311A

Are you ready to take the lead in delivering water and wastewater services across the Mallee region?

We’re looking for a confident and energetic leader to guide our dedicated operations teams in Birchip, Hopetoun, Ouyen and Swan Hill. In this pivotal role, you’ll guide a group of passionate Team Leaders, champion safe and efficient work practices, and drive operational excellence across our assets. From optimising maintenance schedules to mentoring future leaders, your influence will help shape the way we serve our communities.

If you’re a proactive leader with a passion for customer service, and the ability to inspire teams to deliver their best, we want to hear from you!

To apply online please visit: gwmwater.org.au/careers

Applications close: Friday 15 August 2025

GWMWater contact: Michael Schneider, Acting Executive Manager Service Delivery on 1300 659 961 during business hours

GWMWater is committed to achieving ‘Zero Harm’ across all operations. We prioritise a safe working environment, ensuring that everyone returns home safely every day.

As an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, we are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. For confidential support throughout the application process, please contact our People, Culture and Legal division at 1300 659 961 to ensure a fair and inclusive experience.

Subscribe to receive GWMWater job alert emails by visiting gwmwater.org.au/careers

Mark Williams

GRANTS FOR BUSINESSES AND COMMUNITY GROUPS NOW OPEN

Applications for Round One of the 2025/2026 Business Assistance and Community Action Grants programs open on Thursday 31 July 2025 and close at 5:00pm on Thursday 04 September 2025

Application forms and grant guidelines are available on Hindmarsh Shire Council’s website www.hindmarsh.vic.gov.au/applyfor-grants

For support with your application, you can contact the following teams:

Business Assistance Grants

Economic Development and Tourism team at business@hindmarsh.vic.gov.au or phone (03) 5391 4444

Community Action Grants

Community Wellbeing Team at community@hindmarsh.vic.gov.au or phone (03) 5391 4444

Monica Revell

Chief Executive Officer

TEACHERS WANTED

Horsham West and Haven Primary School’s vision is to empower all students to achieve their personal best.

Our mission is to maintain a community of learners who are happy and confident in their ability to learn, grow and succeed. Come and join our dedicated team! First Aid/Classroom Support - position available now Plus Graduate Teachers for 2026

If you would like to discuss these opportunities further please contact Lee McKenzie 0438 824 580 or email your resume to: lee.mckenzie@education.vic.gov.au

the washer in a tap, repairing a couple of tiles, painting a room, repairing a door. $50/hour. No fixed hours. As needs basis.

CONTACT KATE MCDONALD 0461 543 744

HEAVY VEHICLE MECHANIC

Field & Workshop

Inroads (part of VSA Roads) has grown into one of the largest bituminous sealing companies in Victoria, with a proven track record of innovation and specialty work throughout Western Victoria and South East South Australia.

This full-time position located in Horsham, is a genuine opportunity to be part of an organization experiencing continuous growth.

We are seeking a qualified and/or experienced Heavy Vehicle Mechanic – Field & Workshop to join our maintenance team.

The successful applicants should possess the following attributes:

• Suitably trade qualified with experience on diesel engines, preferred

• Light and heavy vehicle and machinery repairs and preventative maintenance

• Ability to demonstrate safe work practices

• Maintaining the workshop to a high standard

• Liaise with other staff members and suppliers

• Work well in a team, show initiative and be responsible

• Accurate record keeping

• Be able to travel when required

You must be able to work flexible hours to meet operational requirements, some weekend work may be required.

An attractive full-time hourly rate plus overtime and allowances, a fully maintained service vehicle, mobile phone and company iPad are supplied.

For further information contact on 5382 4406, or forward your resume to:

• Email: reception@inroads.com.au

• Post: P.O. Box 708, Horsham VIC 3402

• In person: 8 Bracken Street, Horsham VIC 3400

Challenging conditions greet players

BY SIMON KING

After battling challenging, damp conditions at Nhill on Saturday, Wimmera Hockey Association players will need to quickly adjust their game plans as they take to the artificial surface at Dimboola this weekend for the next step towards the finals.

Open

The top four teams in the open competition will be in action, and with first and fourth places already decided, all interest is on who will earn the crucial second chance in the finals.

Kaniva Cobras, albeit fresh off the bye and needing a win to challenge for second place, will find the task of tackling undefeated Yanac Tigers overwhelming, but the Warrack Hoops versus Horsham Hurricanes game in the evening match could go either way.

Both of these teams excel on the surface, so anyone who stays to watch will witness a top encounter where the Hoops can secure second place with a win. At the same time, the Hurricanes need to rediscover their best form, after a couple of mediocre performances, to build confidence as the finals approach.

Nhill Rangers have the bye.

Women

Two in-form teams will open the

round in the women’s competition on Friday evening, when the home team hosts Nhill Thunderbirds.

Both teams could use a win to help keep them in their current positions on the ladder, with Dimboola Roos close to securing second place going into the finals, while a win for the Thunderbirds would relieve the pressure to hold onto fourth place.

The rivalry between Yanac and Kaniva has been building over recent years after meeting in three of the last four grand finals.

Yanac has looked impressive so far

this season, and although they should be able to maintain their undefeated record, will have to work hard for the win.

When the two lowest-ranked teams meet on Saturday afternoon, there will still be plenty to play for.

Horsham Jets’ chances of playing finals are quickly slipping away, and they must win this match against Warracknabeal to have any chance of reclaiming fourth place.

Their opponent has not yet won a game this year, but their mix of inexperienced and young players is start-

ing to gel with their old hands, and if they can field their best team this week, a maiden win in 2025 would not be considered a major upset.

Under-16

Interest continues in who will claim the last two places in the under-16 finals, and all three games this week will contribute another piece to the puzzle.

As the team currently in fifth place, Dimboola Kangaroos have the most work to do if they are to make the finals, but will find Nhill Leopards too much of a challenge on Friday evening.

However, the team just above them in fourth, Kaniva Raiders, have an equally difficult task when they play Yanac Warriors on Saturday morning.

The Leopards and Warriors have dominated this division, having lost only one game each to each other, and they should both end the round with another win each.

If third-placed Warrack Revengers can deny Horsham Bombers their first win for the season, they will firm their grip on that ladder position and feel a bit more confident that they will play in finals.

Round-11 results –

Under-16: Kaniva Raiders 1 (C. Champness; J. Beattie, J. White, C. Champness) d Dimboola Kangaroos 0 (A. Pretorius, L. Hauselberger, R. Hadzig). Yanac Warriors 2 (H. Zanker 2; S. Pedie, A. Zanker, H. Zanker) d Horsham Bombers 0 (J. Schwarz, J. Mackereth, J. Di Pietro). Nhill Leopards 5 (O. Bone 3, B. Clark 2; O. Bone, B. Clark, T. Bee) d Warrack Revengers 0 (S. Williamson, E. Williamson, N. Krelle).

Development program: Kaniva Rampagers 1 (R. Williams) v Dimboola Kookaburras 4 (L. Hauselberger 2, C. Wallace, R. Wallace). Yanac Lowan Stars 5 (S. Hedt 2, C. Alexander, M. Zanker, E. Alexander) v Horsham Black Hawks 2 (C. Claassen, L. Rose). Nhill Bandits 4-1 (M. Sardara, H. Albrecht, A. Cramer, N. Krelle, B. Cannell) played a scratch match as Warrack Avengers could not field a team.

Open: Yanac Tigers 6 (goals, J. Harding, R. Croot, T. Alexander, Z. Dorrington, A. Zanker, R. Mackley; best, B. Alexander, S. Alexander, Z. Dorrington) d Horsham Hurricanes 0 (P. Mackereth, W. Gulline, J. Knoll). Warrack Hoops 3 (C. Bardell 2, S. Schultz; C. Bardell, S. Schultz, J. Knoop) d Nhill Rangers 0 (L. Marra, J. Knoll, N. Dickinson). Women: Dimboola Roos 3 (A. Rintoule 2, C. Elliott; B. McMaster, A. Rintoule, C. Hadzig) d Kaniva Women 1 (H. Braisby; N. Hutchins, H. Braisby, B. Curtis). Yanac Women 9 (C. Alexander 4, E. Wheaton 2, E. Alexander, M. Mackley, S. Hedt; E. Alexander, M. Mackley, S. Hedt) d Horsham Jets 0 (M. Noaillies, M. Trillini, H. Mackereth). Nhill Thunderbirds 10 (B. Clark 3, K. Clark 2, R. Clark 2, L. Clark, A. Albrecht, N. Rowe; K. Clark, C. Shurdington, R. Clark, B. Clark) d Warrack Women 0 (E. Bull, E. Williamson, S. Williamson, E. Gawne).

UNDER PRESSURE: Yanac Tigers’ Zach Dorrington clears the ball under pressure from Horsham’s Charles Hassall. Picture: SIMON KING

Excitement for new season

BY DAVID BERRY

Volleyball

Horsham’s winter season hits off tonight with A Grade and a new-look Women’s A and Women’s B competition.

Association vice-president Matt McLoughlin said there was an air of excitement heading into round one for all competitions.

“To ensure as even as competition as possible for A Grade, a sub-committee gets together over the break between seasons to draft new players into the competition and reform the five A Grade teams,” he said.

“There is a general consensus among the A Grade cohort that the sub-committee has come up with five pretty even and competitive teams, which will make it interesting from the get go.”

Reigning premiers Hellenic Nuggets have the bye and will sit back and watch with great interest the first round of matches, which see Jack Hannan’s Rangers do battle with Nathan Berry’s Heidelberg, while Tyler Puls’ Phantoms square-off against Tyler Snowden’s Tsunami.

Rangers welcome into their team Haidyn Young, James Davidson and Alex Baker, which will give Hannan the extra support he needs.

Heidelberg look to be the big improvers, with association veteran Tim Popple, the high leaping Oscar Jackman and Laelah Robertson pulling on the black-and-white uniform.

Phantoms will be strengthened with the inclusion of Tim Carter and welcome back into A Grade young gun Joey Nagorcka.

Their biggest weapon will be Bendigo player Ollie Harriott, who when available will pull on the purple uniform and bring great experience to the team.

Tsunami has the young guns of the competition in Logan and Jiedan Young, together with James Johns, on board this season.

The youngsters get great tutelage from Snowden as they prepare for the junior country championships at the end of September.

The women’s A Grade competition extends to eight teams, with the young Bombers girls stepping up from women’s B.

Reigning premiers Nuggets welcome back Mikaela Wright and introduce Rhianna Williams into a team that is also preparing for the junior country championships.

They will be undermanned tonight due to a school camp, but will bring exciting young juniors Eden Pumpa, Stella Angue and Drew Armstrong into their team to take on Phantoms.

Phantoms welcome Paige Millar back to the competition as well as veteran Larree Smith.

Lakers will kick-off the night against Matilda Horvat’s Bombers, while the new look Vixens team, with Mercedes Arnott at the helm and the experienced

CONGRATULATIONS: Volleyball Horsham president David Berry recognises Tamikah Dockrill’s 100-game milestone for Phantoms.

Maddison Watts on board, will do battle with WLC Thorns.

The Thorns will welcome back Rachel Reichelt who will use all her experience from playing in Ballarat as she takes over the middle blocking role.

The final game sees Laelah Robertson’s Tsunami taking on Serena Johns’ Heidelberg, who will be stronger for the return of the athletic Molly Gawith.

On behalf of all Volleyball Horsham members, congratulations to Tamikah

Dockrill for reaching the 100-game milestone for Phantoms.

Dockrill has been playing since 2017 and is only the second Volleyball Horsham female to join the 100-game club behind Kara Johnson.

All under-15 members are reminded the final selection trial for boys and girls’ country championship teams will be on Sunday at St Brigid’s College stadium from 8.45am.

Pigeons face tough conditions

Horsham Racing Pigeon Club entrants were slowed by adverse weather in last week’s race.

John Aisbett’s two winning birds averaged 43 kilometres an hour, a contrast to the week before’s 81 kilometres an hour winner.

It was the first race on the southeast line from Ararat, and took place on Thursday to avoid the weekend’s weather conditions.

Fifteen members released 319 birds, who flew into a north-westerly breeze.

Leigh Arnott’s leading pigeon was two minutes, 48 seconds away in second place, with third-placed belonging to Peter Robertson, arriving 12 seconds later.

There will be two races from Ouyen and one from Ballarat next weekend.

The club is still seeking information on the whereabouts of its stolen Mazda ute.

People with information can contact Horsham Police or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

AFL LIVE ON

arOunD The leagues

History-making final

BY COLIN MACGILLIVRAY

The stage is set for a historic first Wimmera Football Netball League senior women’s football grand final on Sunday, with undefeated Laharum to take on Minyip-Murtoa at Murtoa.

The inaugural home-and-away season for the three-team competition concluded at the weekend, with the Burras beating Horsham 5.9 (39) to 2.2 (14).

Laharum will enter the grand final as a deserving favourite after defeating the Burras three times during the season, posting an 11-point win in the competition’s first-ever game in round one, with subsequent 28-point and 27-point wins in rounds four and eight respectively.

Demons coach Rod ‘Rocket’ Hogan said his side would miss Paige Prentice, who suffered a broken foot in the team’s final game, but would otherwise be at full strength.

“Training has been very good. We’ve been working on a couple of things to be able to transition the ball between defence and our forward line,” he said.

“If we can structure things around Tarah Bond at full-forward a little bit better and have people at the fall of the ball, front and centre, we should be able to capitalise on it.

“It’s our midfield that I’m putting a lot of faith in to stand up. We’ve got some great midfielders – Ruby Man-

son has been very consistent all year, and Poppy Peters and Violet McGennisken are Rebels players.

“They’re relishing the opportunity to be in that midfield role because they’re probably not playing those roles at Rebels level. They’re relishing the opportunity and I’m looking for big games from them. When they’ve been back playing with us they’ve been absolutely terrific.

“Then you’ve got the likes of Catherine O’Dea and Hailey Puls – a couple of those girls that run all day and are quick across the ground.”

Minyip-Murtoa senior leader Tegan ‘TJ’ Johnston said the Burras were also primed for the grand final.

“In female football it’s always quite hard to score, so like any other football game, it will mean whoever can get the most scores on the board will come out on top,” she said.

“The first and the last time we played Laharum it wasn’t as high-scoring. It was very much played out in the middle of the ground and it was very hard fought with lots of tackling and lots of physicality.

“If we can put goals on the board and keep it open, I feel like we’ll give ourselves a chance. But they’re very hard at it, which makes them hard to play against.”

Johnston picked Minyip-Murtoa midfielder Ashlee Ison as one to watch in the grand final.

“She has had a stellar year. I don’t

think there’s been a week where she hasn’t made it in the best. She stands up each week and is ruthless. She never gives up,” Johnston said.

“Then we’ve got people like Stacey Arnold, who’s been around the club for many years and is super consistent and plays wherever she’s put.

“Our youngest player Maddie Asplin made it in the best last week because she was marking, she had three kicks at goal and she had a fair crack. She’s only 16, so we’ve got people stepping up and playing out of their skin, and it’s just so exciting to watch.”

Johnston said the players and club were overjoyed to be part of a historymaking grand final.

“It’s exciting for both of our clubs that we’re going to be showcasing something brand new to this area, and playing it in front of our two communities will be pretty special,” she said.

“It just feels good that we can turn up to something new and compete in a way that we haven’t been able to in this area. To be out there for the young girls who are coming through – to play so they can actually watch women in our area play football.”

Hogan said a grand final appearance was ‘just reward’ for the work his club did to establish a women’s football program.

“It’s a lot of hard work by the committee and the women’s footy subcommittee,” he said.

“We are just really looking forward

Stacey Arnold

Olivia Lenehan

HB: Lauren May

Rylee Hateley

Tatiarna Nelson W:

HF: Sally Boyd

HB: Emily Humphries

FP: Tia Aylmer BP: Hannah Weir

Laharum followers: India Warren, Hailey Puls, Ruby Manson

Inter: Jess Cannane, Sophie Quick, Jess Ballinger, Sally Rodwell, Jess Phillips, Maegan Werry, Paige Prentice, Ellysha Shields, Bridget Dorrington, Hannah Ross, Maddison Iredell, Gemma Ramsay

Ali Perris

Tarah

Ebony Jordan

to it, and win, lose or draw, it’s going to be a great occasion for both sides.

“It’s the start of something and we hope it builds and continues, and that they’re still playing here in the next 20 years.”

The under-14.5 junior girls football competition will also play its grand final on Sunday, with undefeated minor premier Horsham Demons taking on Laharum.

The junior grand final will start at 10am, with the senior women commencing at midday.

Eagles clear on top as finals race gathers momentum

Tatyoon’s remarkable Mininera and District Football League revival faces its ultimate test this weekend in a meeting with the ladder-leading Ararat Eagles.

The Hawks have made a dramatic turnaround after a rocky start to 2025, and entered the top five for the first time this season after a thrilling 11.7 (73) to 10.9 (69) win over Hawkesdale-Macarthur on the road on Saturday.

The sides were never separated by more than a goal at any change, with the Hawks kicking 5.2 to 4.2 in a tense final-term shootout to snatch the victory after a relatively low-scoring first three quarters.

Thomas Quick was named best afield for the victors, but skipper Josh

Bibby showed the consistent leadership he has displayed all season with a team-high three goals, while Josh Lee and coach Andy Challis added two apiece.

Josh Brown, Cameron Anderson and Thomas Bartlett were other top performers for the team, which has now won its past five games after managing only one win and a draw from its first seven matches.

While the Hawks have gained a tenuous foothold in the top five, their ability to keep themselves there will be put to the test this Saturday at Tatyoon Recreation Reserve as they welcome the Eagles.

Ararat shook off its first loss of the year against reigning premier Penshurst in round 12, bouncing back

to defeat Glenthompson-Dunkeld 8.8 (56) to 3.11 (29) in a scrappy, lowscoring game at Alexandra Oval.

The Eagles were shut out in the first quarter as the visiting Rams kicked a wasteful 2.6, but dominant second and fourth quarters were enough to get the home side over the line.

Zach Louder was the hero with four goals for Ararat, while defenders Aaron Watts and Adrian Reid and midfielder Jake Peters played strong supporting roles.

Moyston-Willaura was rewarded for a season of toil with its second win in a tense game against Caramut on Saturday.

With both teams out of finals contention there was simply pride to play for, and the Pumas grabbed the early

ascendancy with a 6.0 to 1.5 first quarter before holding on as the Swans mounted a comeback to win 11.8 (74) to 9.13 (67).

Ned Bohner and Brad Uwland were superb across half-back for the Pumas, with coach Rhys Cronin providing a match-winning four-goal haul up forward and Kaiden Cooper and Ryan Heard getting involved in the play.

While Moyston-Willaura celebrated its second win of a difficult season, Great Western’s year took another disappointing turn as the Lions failed to register a score in a 22.17 (149) to 0.0 (0) defeat at the hands of LismoreDerrinallum.

While the Lions had been one of the league’s lowest-scoring sides this season, they had never failed to regis-

ter at least four goals in a game until Saturday.

There were few winners on a dismal day for Great Western, although the likes of Jayden McCartney and Ryan Nellthorp turned in creditable efforts. Other results at the weekend saw Penshurst 23.14 (152) defeat Wickliffe-Lake Bolac 5.7 (37) and SMW Rovers 11.5 (71) down WoorndooMortlake 8.16 (64).

With three rounds remaining Ararat Eagles remain atop the ladder with a 12-1 record, while Tatyoon is two premiership points ahead of WickliffeLake Bolac in fifth place as the finals race continues to gather momentum.

– Colin MacGillivray

Horsham Saints V Southern Mallee Thunder

FF: Georgia McIntyre FB: Kate Oleinikov

FP: Adele Reardon BP: Chloe Jarrod

CHF: Tia Cummins

CHB: Ema Iredell

HF: Rory Starick

HB: Kate King

W:

Poppy Peters

Mikaela Turvey Violet McGennisken

W; Bonnie Delahunty W: Catherine O’Dea

Mia Geue HB: Hannah Dichiera

Poppy O’Shea

Bond

Alexandra Hanson

Emily Freak

MM followers: Tegan Kerrins, Ashlee Ison, Scarlette Funcke Inter: Jayde Ellis, Madison Churchill, Emersyn Gowlett, Macy Fuller, Patria Lees, Clare Whyte, Maddison Asplin, Lauren Cole, Lara Daniel, Tash Mustafa

hOrsham DisTricT league

Demons firm finals hopes

Laharum put a dint in Swifts’ Horsham District Football Netball League finals hopes and shored up its own position in the top-five race with a 29-point win at Cameron Oval on Saturday.

Entering round 13 the Demons and Baggies were among three teams fighting for the final two post-season berths along with Kaniva-Leeor United, and it was Laharum that grabbed a decisive ascendancy with the 10.6 (66) to 6.1 (37) result.

While the Baggies entered fresh from a bye they started slowly, failing to register a score in the first quarter amid sodden and sloppy conditions as the home side built a 14-point lead.

Laharum co-coach Robbie Miller extended his side’s lead early in the second term after sharking a hitout from Swifts coach Brett Hargreaves and snapping a quick goal, and Peter Yates added another major only a minute later with a tumbling soccer off the ground in the goal square.

Just as the Demons seemed poised to run away with the game the Baggies broke through, with Cameron Wickham defying the muddy conditions to snap a classy goal.

Wickham had a chance to add a second less than two minutes later after drawing high contact in the goal square, but the ball, heavy with rain and mud, failed to carry over the man on the mark on the subsequent free kick.

However at the ensuing stoppage, Laharum co-coach Shannon Argall punched the ball through the Baggies’ goals on the full in an attempt to

concede a behind, giving the visitors another chance from directly in front that Noah Stirling made no mistake in converting.

While consecutive goals gave the Baggies a brief glimmer of hope, Laharum was quick to snuff it out.

The Demons added another goal before half time and three more in the third term to give themselves a lead that, amid the conditions, was virtually unassailable.

Argall, midfielder Daniel Easson and full back Alec McCallum were all excellent for Laharum, with Yates, Riley Lenehan and Ryan Thomas kicking two goals each in a diversified forward attack.

For Swifts, full back Jesse GaleaPortelli defended well with the ball in his area of the ground for much of the afternoon, with fellow defenders Joseph Martin, Bourke Nicholls and Ben Boatman also standing up under pressure.

The Baggies now trail fifth-placed Kaniva-Leeor United by four premiership points after the Cougars downed Taylors Lake 16.18 (114) to 9.8 (62) at Dock Lake Reserve.

Leading the way for the visitors was Lochie Eats at half forward, while his brother Jacob and captain Jock Maddern kicked five goals apiece.

Bray Cullinan and Billy Finnigan were best for the Lakers, with only Alex Baker managing multiple goals.

While the Cougars are in the top five for now, they could be leapfrogged this weekend with a bye if Swifts record a big win against Kalkee.

The Kees are coming off a spir-

By Colin MacGillivray

ited two-goal loss to top-three side Pimpinio on Saturday, leading at quarter time before eventually succumbing to an effort led by Tigers Matt Rosier, Brock Hamerston and brothers Adam and Jason Westley, the latter of whom kicked a game-high three goals in the 7.6 (48) to 5.6 (36) result.

Best for Kalkee were Karl Campbell and Patrick Mills, with Ben Lawson and coach Andy Devereaux each kicking two goals.

Noradjuha-Quantong was in no mood to waste time against Edenhope-Apsley, jumping to a 58-point lead in the first quarter as it went on to win 29.17 (191) to 4.1 (25).

The Bombers had winners all over

Fifth spot remains wide open

The race for the Horsham District

A Grade netball competition’s fifth finals berth remains wide open after the two main contenders – NoradjuhaQuantong and Natimuk United – each faltered at the weekend.

The Rams were no match for ladder leader Rupanyup, losing 65-31, while the Bombers lost 63-42 at the hands of Edenhope-Apsley.

The contest at Natimuk Showground was over before half time, with the visiting Panthers wasting no time building a sizeable lead.

Zanaiya Bergen, the competition’s top goal scorer, was in fine form with 47 conversions from 65 attempts, getting the best of Natimuk United keeper Ebony Rintoule.

But while the Rams struggled to contain Bergen, goal defence Keeta Scown was able to keep fellow Panther goalie Ilze Van Zyl to only 14, with veteran Danielle Hanson working to combat sisters Georgia and Ally Hiscock in the midcourt.

Edenhope-Apsley’s game against Noradjuha-Quantong was, similarly, over well before the final whistle, as Saint goalie Dee Dee Lambert netted 35 shots in an entertaining duel with Bomber counterpart Taya Quick, who had 34.

But while the Bombers were unable to find consistent avenues to goal out-

side of Quick, Lambert’s goal-circle partner and Saints coach Lavinia Fox scored 28, while Jasmine McIntyre worked hard on the defensive side of the midcourt.

The only close match of the round was played at Dock Lake Reserve, with Taylors Lake downing KanivaLeeor United 38-35.

The Lakers led by five goals at half and three-quarter time, but the persistent Cougars refused to lie down, and it was only through the efforts of players like Kayla Kelm and Ella Hogan that the home side was able to hang on.

Ellen Bennett and Tahlia Pearson were named Kaniva-Leeor United’s best players.

Laharum joined Rupanyup and Edenhope-Apsley with its own dominant win, defeating Swifts 53-34 to put a dent in the Baggies’ finals hopes.

Maddie Iredell, 29 goals, and Courtney Taylor, 24, split the load in attack, while Ema Iredell came up with several of her trademark intercepts at the other end of the court.

Best for the Baggies were co-captains Kathryn Boag in the midcourt and Michaela Carey in goals.

The biggest win of the weekend went to Kalkee, which crushed bottom side Pimpinio 66-20, in front of its home crowd.

Paula Wiedermann scored a gamehigh 35 goals for the Kees in a vintage performance, as Lotus Martin locked down Pimpinio goal shooter Ella Thompson at the other end of the court.

With three rounds remaining the fifth-placed Bombers, with a 7-6 record, lead Natimuk United only by percentage, although the Rams have a bye this weekend.

The Bombers will host Taylors Lake on Saturday with a chance to put some breathing room between themselves and the Rams.

First-placed Rupanyup, secondplaced Laharum and third-placed Edenhope-Apsley have all guaranteed themselves finals berths, although the order in which they finish is still to be determined.

The Panthers will host the Saints in what could be a finals preview, while Laharum has a bye.

Fourth-placed Kalkee can all but assure itself of a finals spot if it defeats Swifts this weekend at North Park, while the seventh-placed Baggies will be fighting to keep their slim finals hopes alive.

The final match of the round will see Pimpinio, still in search of its first win this season, hosting HarrowBalmoral.

the ground in the rout, with captain Dylan Shelley kicking seven goals, Jye Walter slotting five and Declan Phyland booting four of his own in a best-on-ground effort.

Conversely there were few standouts for the Saints, with midfielder Ryan Obst and half forward Adam Hood among the club’s better players.

Rupanyup tasted victory for the first time since round five, defeating Natimuk United 13.8 (86) to 8.13 (61) on the road.

Despite a five goals to one from the Rams in the last quarter, the Panthers led comfortably throughout, with cocoach Cam Weston on top in the ruck, Daniel Weetra again solid in the back

line and Blake Turner kicking five goals.

Natimuk United’s top players included Mitchell Clarke, Liam Klowss and Oscar Miller, with Jack Bellinger kicking four goals.

In addition to this weekend’s potentially ladder-shaping clash between Swifts and Kalkee at North Park, Pimpinio will host Harrow-Balmoral in a top-three duel, Noradjuha-Quantong plays Taylors Lake at Quantong and Rupanyup is at home to Edenhope-Apsley.

Laharum, Kaniva-Leeor and Natimuk United have byes.

MILESTONE: Kalkee’s Paula Weidermann played her 250th senior club game at the weekend. Picture: BRONWYN HASTINGS

PLENTY OF MUD: Pimpinio’s Dylan Thomas breaks away from the pack during Saturday’s two-goal win against Kalkee.

Picture: BRONWYN HASTINGS

By Lauren Henry

Dimboola celebrates upset win

Dimboola

netball coach Ant

Toet estimates it has been more than 35 years since the Roos have beaten Horsham Demons in an A Grade match.

But to her side’s credit, the Roos achieved one of the upsets of the season on Saturday, knocking over the Demons 52-47.

With scores at 23-all at half-time, Dimboola was able to edge ahead in the third quarter and hang onto that lead in the last term.

Without their usual goaler Nicole Polycarpou, overseas, and young gun Indy Ward, who is expected to miss the season after injuring her knee against Ararat in round 11, Dimboola had to work hard for the win.

“It’s been a tough sort of time for the girls because they’ve really worked hard on being there for each other, team goals and goal-setting,” Toet said.

“And then, you’ve got to deal with the stuff you can’t control – and I think that really rattled them, but to their credit ... and it was hard ... but this was awesome.

“We had a game plan and we stuck with that for the whole game.”

Toet said the wet conditions suited the Roos’ game plan.

She said instead of playing two tall goalers, they went with Olivia Beugelaar in goal-shooter and Maddison Marra in goal-attack.

“Maddie can quite ably step into goal attack. She provides a lot of drive through the mid-court when she’s there, but she just brings another dimension when she’s that moving goal,” she said.

“It was good to be able to mix it up as well, give us something different upfront – and to keep them guessing.”

Toet said while Marra, Billie Barber in wing-attack and defender Bridget Dorrington were named in the Roos’ best, it was a true team effort.

“Every single player did their job and wore down their opponents and that was a big part of it for us – to be in it and still be in it for four quarters, and not give up,” she said.

Toet said the win provided a confidence-boost heading into finals.

“You can’t turn up this year and just say that’s a win every game. You’ve got to work for it – and our girls know that, so it’s going to be interesting towards the last four games before finals,” she said.

Following a bye this weekend, Dim-

boola then plays Stawell, Warrack and Southern Mallee Thunder before finals.

In another close match in round 14, Southern Mallee Thunder defeated Ararat 43-40.

The Thunder led by eight goals at half-time before the Rats mounted a comeback, led by sisters and defence duo Paige and Faith Biddle.

But playing in front of a home crowd at Jeparit, the Thunder was able to hang on for the win, as goal-keeper Abby White and goal-shooter Emma Mill, with 22 goals, shone.

Stawell scored its second win of the season, defeating Nhill 41-33 after trailing by four at half-time.

Stawell skipper Lauren Homden in goal-defence and wing-defence Sophie Dyer were instrumental in the Warriors’ win.

For Nhill, defender Ashley Hobbs and wing-defence Ashleigh Batson were named best.

The undefeated Horsham Saints continued on their winning ways, scoring a 53-25 victory over Warrack Eagles.

The Saints host the Thunder in round 15 action, while Stawell travels to Horsham City Oval to take on a Demons team who will be hoping to bounce back after its upset loss.

Nhill and Warrack Eagles will play at Davis Park and Minyip-Murtoa, coming off a bye, will have a tough task against Ararat.

Warrack Eagles soar, Saints drop from top five

Warrack Eagles threw a spanner in the works of Horsham Saints’ hopes to make Wimmera league senior football finals, as the home side scored a 20-point win on Saturday.

With Stawell knocking over Nhill by five points, Dimboola thrashing Horsham Demons by 96 points and Ararat continuing on its winning streak to defeat Southern Mallee Thunder by 25 points, the Saints now find themselves a win outside the top five.

Playing at Anzac Park, the Eagles versus Saints was a tight tussle in the first half with scores 25-22 in favour of the home side.

But in wet conditions, Warrack was able to kick three goals in the third term, to the Saints’ one goal, to take

a handy 15-point lead into the last change.

Another two goals to the Saints’ one in the final term put the Eagles in a winning position.

With Machok Garang, Sean Arney, and Sam Hayden playing standout football, the Eagles notched up their third win of season 2025.

For the Saints, Sam Clyne, Angus Martin and Mitch Martin again featured in the best.

But in a season where Warrack has suffered so many admirable, close losses – the win was vital in where the Eagles are building to for season 2026.

Another vital win came at Central Park, Stawell, where the Warriors

grinded out a win over Nhill, cementing third spot – now on 32 points –and slightly edging away from fourthplaced Minyip-Murtoa on 24 points. Also on 24 points is the Thunder, fifth, and Dimboola, sixth.

Conditions weren’t suitable for forwards to shine, so the Warriors relied on the likes of Zachary Marrow, Josh Fowkes and Sam Williams to lead the way.

While each side scored just five goals for the game, Stawell had five more scoring shots, and in the end those five points were the difference.

For the second-placed Tigers, Darcy Honeyman, Frazer Driscoll and Lucas Dahlenburg were best.

In the grand final re-match, Ararat

SHEEP HILLS CUP

SERIOUS HORS!NG

AROUND

proved too good in the fourth quarter to take a 70-45 win.

The Thunder, with their coach Kieran Delahunty returning to the field after suffering a broken leg against Ararat earlier this season, were two points ahead at three-quarter time.

But led by Harry Ganley, Ben Taylor and Henry Shea, the Rats piled on four goals, four behinds in the last term to take the win.

Delahunty, along with Lou White and Brayden Ison were standouts for the Thunder.

Meanwhile at Dimboola Recreation Reserve, 14 goals from Jackson Calder – a feat in such wet conditions –was the difference between the Roos and the Demons.

A relatively even and free-flowing first quarter had the scoreboard at 36-25, but the Roos were able to hold the Demons to just one goal for the second term.

After half-time, Horsham did not kick a goal – just six points – while Dimboola, through Calder, Jack Landt and Ben Miller, went on to dominate and cruised to a 133-37 victory.

While the Roos have the bye in round 15, other matches this weekend feature Ararat versus Minyip-Murtoa; Horsham Saints host the Thunder; Horsham Demons play Stawell; and Nhill will take on Warrack Eagles.

DELIGHTED: Dimboola’s Olivia Beugelaar, goal-shooter, and Maddison Marra, goal-attack, celebrate a goal during their team’s victory against Horsham Demons on Saturday.

Picture: BRONWYN HASTINGS

Clubs in running

BY COLIN

MacGILLIVRAY

Three Wimmera racing clubs are among the finalists for the Community Club of the Year prize at next month’s Country Racing Victoria, CRV, Awards.

The Community Club of the Year goes to a club with six or fewer race meetings on its calendar deemed by judges to have achieved the best performance during the 2024-25 racing season.

The winning club will receive $20,000 from CRV.

Among the finalists for the award are Horsham and District Racing Club, Ararat Turf Club and Donald and District Racing Club.

Other contenders include Casterton and Mortlake racing clubs. Horsham and District Racing Club president Chris ‘Pop’ Murray said the club’s nomination represented ‘reward for effort’.

“There’s 15 of us on the committee and we all put in,” he said.

“We’ve upped our crowd numbers this year. We had the biggest crowd uptick in country Victoria for the Horsham Cup and our Santa Day races.

“We were up by 33 per cent on previous years, and I think it’s just because we’re really having a go.”

Mr Murray said the club strove to offer attractions that extended beyond racing.

“We’re trying to get more people in and achieve a better experience for them,” he said.

“We’re trying to give them something different and not just make it all about racing.

“We want them to have a good experience.

“We have live music, food, kids’ stuff – there’s something for everyone.”

Mr Murray praised the work of the committee and said the club, if it claimed the $20,000 prize, would reinvest the winnings.

“The committee has put in a lot of hard work. We’ve got new betting rings now and we’re always putting in for funding for different ideas and projects.

We’re just having a crack I suppose,” he said.

“We’re trying to build a new amenities block for the punters, so if we won the $20,000 it’d probably go towards that.

“We’d just encourage people to keep getting along to the club and keep supporting it.”

Ararat Turf Club chairman

Adam Atchison thanked the local community for helping the club to win recognition as one of country Victoria’s best.

“This recognition is a reflection of the tireless dedication of our volunteers, the support of our local community, and our commitment to delivering inclusive, welcoming, and memorable race days,” he said.

“It’s an honour to stand alongside other great clubs who share the same passion for regional country racing.”

Donald and District Racing Club chairman Jack Alexander said all the nominees had played a part in improving country racing.

“This nomination reflects the dedication of our committee, volunteers, participants, and the wider Donald community who continue to support and contribute to the success of our race days and community initiatives,” he said.

The winner of the Community Club of the Year award, as well as the prize for Club of the Year for clubs with seven or more race meetings on their calendar, will be announced at Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre on August 23.

Wimmera wins inaugural event

Nearly 80 golfers took part in an inaugural challenge event last week as the Wimmera District Veteran Golfers Association took on the Kara Kara veterans association in Donald.

The event, organised in memory of golfer

Peter Kelly, saw 49 members of the Wimmera veterans association and 30 of their Kara Kara counterparts take part in a stableford competition on July 21.

The Wimmera team won the day overall, with individual winners being –

A Grade: winner Ian Hair, Natimuk, 38 points on a four-way countback; runner-up Mark Hamley, Charlton 38; third Anthony Jones, Moor Park 38; fourth Janice Midgley, Minyip, 38; fifth Tubby Drendel, St Arnaud, 36 on a three-way countback.

B Grade: winner Di Roberts, Donald, 37 on

countback; runner-up Neil Slocombe, BirchipToolondo, 37; third Ian Ruwoldt, Horsham, 35 on three-way countback; fourth Sue Krause, Sheep Hills, 35; fifth Roy Liersch, Warracknabeal, 35.

Nearest-the-pins: third hole, Jo Donnelly, Dimboola, and John Neville; seventh, Heather Hogan, Birchip, and Peter Hallam, Hopetoun; 14th, Heather Hogan, Birchip, and Ian Hair, Natimuk; 16th, Jo Donnelly, Dimboola, and John Headon.

Wimmera association secretary Jo Donnelly thanked the players who participated in the challenge, as well as Victorian Veterans Golfers Association president Ern Kraulis and John Robertson, who both attended the event.

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HONOUR: Wimmera District Veteran Golfers Association members David Baker, left, and Ian Hair receive the shield, named in honour of Peter Kelly, from Evelyn Adams.

Squash masters take the lead

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

Horsham hosted the Victorian Squash Masters’ Tournament at the weekend, bringing more than 60 players with their officials and supporters from across Victoria and interstate to the region.

Women from 30 years of age were eligible to play masters, men from 35 – the oldest player, Frank Bugeja, celebrated his 82nd birthday on the first day of the competition.

Gippsland’s Bugeja said he had been playing for 64 years.

“I had my first game of squash when I was 18, and I have been playing masters since 1992,” he said.

“I have been reasonably injury-free, I’m lucky.

“I had a sore knee from football, and I wear a brace – it’s just like a baby and a dummy.”

Tournament director Darren O’Neill said Victorian Masters’ Squash Association ran four tournaments each year.

“We like to go to country Victoria,” he said.

“Every year we just pick different places and bring our merry people along – the squash players – and support the local club.

“Earlier in the year, we went to Mildura.

“We’ll be going to Ballarat in November, and next February, we’re going to Bairnsdale.”

O’Neill said Horsham Rural City Council had been supportive of the tournament.

IN FULL SWING: Queenscliff’s Phil Taylor in action on Saturday. Pictures: BRONWYN HASTINGS

“Horsham’s council has been amazing,” he said.

“They’ve given us a banner to put up, they have been so obliging. We’ve been very lucky to have them support us.”

Horsham Mayor Ian Ross said hosting the tournament was a great opportunity to showcase the town’s hospitality and sporting infrastructure.

“Horsham has built a strong reputation for delivering successful regional sporting events,” he said.

“The tournament has attracted hundreds of visitors to Horsham, offering a timely boost to the local economy and tourism sector.”

Bibby’s run of success continues with new signing

Warracknabeal basketball export

Chloe Bibby’s run of success in 2025 has continued, with the 188-centimetre forward suiting up for the Indiana Fever this week after signing a sevenday contract.

Bibby’s signing marks her second stint with a team in the United States’ WNBA – the top women’s basketball association in the world – this season after she previously appeared in six games for the Golden State Valkyries.

She is also fresh from representing Australia at the FIBA Women’s Asia Cup in China, helping her country to an undefeated gold-medal performance.

In her debut for Indiana on Mon-

day morning Australian time, Bibby played 11 minutes off the bench, scoring eight points, grabbing two rebounds and hitting two of her four three-point attempts.

Speaking to media after signing with Indiana, Bibby said she was excited to join the team.

“Just to be back in the WNBA and have another crack is exciting – I’m really grateful for this opportunity here with the Fever,” she said.

“I’m kind of taking it all in my stride right now and one step at a time.”

Bibby said she first received word that Indiana was interested in signing her while she was playing for Australia in China.

“From China I was like ‘well, I already have some stuff packed’ so then I just came back over here to America,” she said.

“It all happened pretty fast, but I feel a little bit settled. I have had a lot of sleep, which is great. I think I’ve gotten over the jetlag a little bit.”

Bibby said she believed her outside shooting ability would help her fit into the Fever’s offensive scheme.

“Obviously Indiana is a really physical team – tough and fast-paced – and I like that fast style, so I think that suits me a lot,” she said.

“The team likes to play at a fast pace, shoot the three-ball and I think that’s exactly what I do, so hopefully I

can find my stride here and hopefully get into a rhythm.”

Fever head coach Stephanie White praised Bibby’s performance after Monday’s game.

“She did a really good job of understanding offense, understanding where she was going to get hers, and then staying shot ready,” White said.

“I like how she was defensively too, she didn’t allow any easy entry passes.”

The Fever’s next game is 9am AEST on Thursday against the Phoenix Mercury.

Wimmera finals set

Warracknabeal will host the 2025 Wimmera Football Netball League grand final.

A clash with Horsham and District Football Netball League grand final day on Saturday, September 13 will see preliminary finals at Horsham City Oval on the same day as the HDFNL decider at Natimuk. The Wimmera league is for the first time breaking tradition of playing its preliminary final on a Saturday, rather than the usual Sunday fixture.

Finals are as follows:

Qualifying Final – Saturday, August 30: Dimboola Recreation Reserve

Elimination Final – Sunday, August 31: Nhill Davis Park

Second Semi Final – Saturday, September 6: Minyip Recreation Reserve

First Semi-Final – Sunday, September 7: Ararat Alexandra Oval

Preliminary Final – Saturday, September 13: Horsham City Oval

Grand Final – Saturday, September 20: Warracknabeal Anzac Park

Former Horsham Saints netballer Maggie Caris will this Saturday be a part of the Melbourne Vixens’ team to compete in this year’s Suncorp Super Netball League grand final.

The Vixens will compete in their fourth grand final in six years after defeating NSW Swifts in a thrilling preliminary final at Sydney on Sunday. The Vixens came from 10 goals down at three-quarter time to win 66-65. Caris, who grew up in Quantong, was elevated to the Vixens’ main squad as a temporary replacement player for defender Emily Mannix, who gave birth earlier this year.

The 190-centimetre defender had previously been a training partner with the Vixens for the past four years, and had also juggled an AFLW career with Melbourne Demons.

While Caris did not get any court time in the preliminary final, she has gained valuable experience throughout the home-and-away season.

The grand final, against West Coast Fever at Melbourne’s Rod Laver Arena, will be coach Simone McKinnis’ final match after she announced in June that she would step down as head coach.

CELEBRATION: Frank Bugeja, right, pictured with Rod Wilson, 68, celebrated his 82nd birthday at the squash tournament on Saturday.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Site Map & Exhibitors List 2025

August 6 & 7, 2025 at Speed

Speed site once again at capacity

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

Speed Lions Club has announced key attractions of this year’s Mallee Machinery Field Days, including guest speaker Tom Hawkins, new exhibitors and technological upgrades at the site.

Field days secretary Matt Brady said the event had grown exponentially across the past four years, driven not only by the tireless commitment of the Speed Lions Club, who host the Mallee’s largest agricultural event, but also by the shared enthusiasm of exhibitors nationwide, united in their support for the region’s farming communities.

“This year we’ve had a lot of interest from new exhibitors who are looking forward to showcasing the latest in agriculture across the two days,” Mr Brady said.

“The site is once again at full capacity.

New exhibitors include Signature Offroad Solutions, which specialises in utility task vehicles, UTVs, Muddy River Agriculture with their Horsch 8000L 400hp self-propelled sprayer and MJM Equipment Australia, which will showcase Balzer equipment.

This year the Speed Lions Club has also invested in long-term improvements at the site.

DRIVING FORCE: Speed Lions Club members, hosts of the Mallee’s largest agricultural field days, are looking forward to welcoming visitors to the site.

“In the past the remote location of our site has presented its share of logistical challenges, but we’ve been working hard with one of our major sponsors, SpaceTec, to install fibre optic cables across the site, which will help to improve connectivity for both exhibitors and visitors,” Mr Brady said.

“We’ve also laid a permanent gypsum pad for the craft and special interest tent and upgraded the power network to meet the evolving needs of exhibitors.”

Mr Brady said a highlight of

the event would be SwarmFarm Robotics.

“This company pioneers advanced agricultural robotics designed for crop production and will deliver live demonstrations that offer a glimpse into the future of farming,” he said.

He said this year’s event would also have a strong emphasis on farmer health and wellbeing.

AFL football great and guest speaker Tom Hawkins will officially open the event on the Wednesday, sharing his experience of stepping away from the

limelight of football to take up an agricultural role with Nutrien Ag Solutions.

Mr Brady said current forecasts suggested a below-average season for agricultural producers throughout the Mallee region.

“We need the spring to be kind to us and bring some rain our way,” he said.

“Despite the dry conditions this year, it’s encouraging to see such strong support from our exhibitors, who continue to showcase cutting-edge technology to our farming community.”

Key information

Date: Wednesday, August 6 and Thursday, August 7.

Time: 8.30am to 5pm.

Location: 2574 Sunraysia Highway, Speed, Victoria 3488 – two kilometres south of Speed.

Admission: $15 and children under 15 years no cost.

Facilities: On-site parking and toilets, food and refreshment stalls, first aid and Victoria Police, phone and mobile phone service and EFTPOS facilities.

Accommodation: No camping on site. Accommodation at Lascelles, Patchewollock, Woomelang, Sea Lake, Ouyen and Hopetoun. Camping facilities at Tempy, Lascelles, Woomelang, Ouyen, Sea Lake, Hopetoun and Nandaly.

More information: www.mmfd.com.au

August 6 & 7, 2025 at Speed

See you there...

BY KYLIE ZANKER, YARRIAMBIACK SHIRE MAYOR

The Mallee Machinery Field Days event returns once again to the town of Speed, in the north of Yarriambiack Shire.

The two-day event is a celebration of our region’s agricultural industry and community, providing an opportunity to showcase new agricultural technology and offer social togetherness for those who attend.

The occasion attracts more than 8500 attendees and 350 exhibitors from across Australia.

The dedicated and hardworking volunteers of the Lions Club of Speed do a wonderful job to co-ordinate and grow the annual event – the largest in our shire.

From humble beginnings in 1979, the Mallee Machinery Fields Days is now one of the biggest and most respected field days in the state.

It is a great example of our region’s volunteerism and our agricultural industry working hand-in-hand as the combined lifeblood of our economy and community.

On behalf of Yarriambiack Shire Council, I’d like to congratulate the Lions Club of Speed for their continued efforts and commitment to provide the agricultural industry the two-day event that in-turn provides an economic boost to our region.

Yarriambiack Shire councillors and staff will again be in attendance this year to provide patrons with an opportunity to ask questions and share their ideas on

projects, issues and ideas that impact our community.

Visitors to our marquee site will be able to get further information on our council plan and other strategies, current and completed projects, raise concerns or requests, and share feedback on issues available for public comment.

Council’s engagement van will also be in attendance to host fun children’s activities, new release books, as well as information on how to utilise Yarriambiack Libraries’ mobile service.

Council acknowledges the tremendous hard work and volunteer hours that go on behind the scenes to deliver these events and wish the event committee, exhibitors and patrons a wonderful Mallee Machinery Field Days.

See you in Speed!

Hawkins a welcome guest

Tom Hawkins, mental health advocate and former AFL Geelong footballer, is Mallee Machinery Field Days’ guest speaker, and will officially open the event on Wednesday next week.

Mr Hawkins is now working as a livestock representative with Nutrien Ag Solutions.

He said he was excited to join an industry that was meaningful to him.

“Family, farming and footy are my passions,” he said.

“The role with Nutrien offers me a unique and exciting opportunity to challenge myself in a new way and enter an industry that is meaningful to me.

“I am thrilled to be working with the farming customers who are the heart of the agriculture industry.”

Mr Hawkins is also known for his motivational speeches. He has appeared at a variety of events and institutions and spoken about mental health and wellbeing, as well as leadership, overcoming challenges, and teamwork.

He retired from an AFL career that saw him rank 13th all-time in league goal-kicking, after he was drafted under the father-son rule.

Mr Hawkins made his football debut in 2007, has been part of three premiership wins, won a Coleman Medal.

He also owns a farm near Geelong after growing up on a farm at Finley, NSW.

Mallee Machinery Field Days secretary Matt Brady said the committee was pleased to be hosting Mr Hawkins.

“We’re looking forward to having Tom Hawkins at our field days,” he said.

“His appearance was made possible thanks to the support of Nutrien Ag Solutions – one of our major sponsors.”

Tom Hawkins

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August 6 & 7, 2025 at Speed

A proud tradition continues

Mallee farmer Mark Roberts is a thirdgeneration Speed Lions Club member, following in the footsteps of his dad and grandfather.

His grandfather, the late Bob Roberts, was a founding member of the Speed Lions Club, the Mallee Machinery Field Days was his brainchild.

Mr Roberts fondly recalls his grandfather telling him stories of how the field days began.

“He used to tell me how a group of them got together and organised a few manufacturers to hold demonstrations out in the paddock,” he said.

Following its success, the Speed Lions Club was formed and the club worked towards finding a permanent site for the event.

“He was always very proud of what it had become,” Mr Roberts said.

“He had the opportunity to return to the site in 2018 to help celebrate the event’s 40th anniversary.”

Bob Roberts died in 2020 and the following year, Mr Roberts signed up to the Speed Lions Club, upholding his grandfather’s legacy.

“The club was dwindling at the time, and they were in need of more members,” Mr Roberts said.

“The field days is such an important part of the area, and I didn’t want to see it fade away.”

Mr Roberts said it was rewarding to be part of a club that injects so much money back into the local community.

“The reward is that you get to see the local community benefitting from the event, helping local schools, sporting clubs and others in need,” he said.

Mr Roberts said one of his most memorable field days was when he was a teenager, about 15 or 16.

“It had rained the day before and the site was a wet, muddy mess,” he said.

“There were puddles and wheels spinning everywhere.

“Farmers always talk about wet years and how much rain they’ve had, and whenever I think of a wet year, that memory has stuck with me ever since.”

In the true spirit of the Mallee, the showcase has always continued, despite the weather – in rain, hail or shine.

Hoping for the perfect weather conditions this year, Mr Roberts said he was gearing up for another successful event.

“It’s the display of all the latest and greatest in farming and agriculture that I enjoy most,” he said.

“To have everything in the one spot, right on our back step is pretty impressive.”

Historic showcase

Speed’s Mallee Machinery Field Days is one of the Mallee’s biggest events, and a major event on the agricultural calendar.

In the 1970s, the chartered members of the Speed Lions Club searched for a fundraising venture that would hold them in a sound position to serve both the local and broader communities.

The first field days was in 1979 in a local paddock, where 39 dealers exhibited their products with an emphasis on broad acre agricultural machinery and equipment.

The two-day event was held in different temporary sites with all amenities erected and pulled down each year – a major logistical exercise.

After six years the current permanent site was settled on a leased area off the Sunraysia Highway between Speed and Turriff – 42 kilometres south of Ouyen and 55 kilometres north of Hopetoun.

Subsequently, permanent amenities were constructed and the club was successful in acquiring the original historic Speed Railway Station as its main office.

Across the years permanent buildings and utilities were built to keep up with the demand.

Today, the field days has earned the respect of the industry; it is a major event on the agricultural calendar and one of the biggest events in the Mallee.

About 350 site holders and 8500 visitors make the event the success that it is. People come to view the equipment on offer, and learn from the technical information to aid modern broadacre farming.

One of the features of the field days is its circular design – a section of the site is allocated for crafts and interests, which includes fashion parades, central demonstrations and craft tables.

Mallee Machinery Field Days has developed into one of the biggest in the state and has been a great fundraiser for the Speed Lions Club and many other local organisations.

The Speed Lions Club has 24 members and without their volunteered hard labour and the support from local sporting and social clubs, this event would not be the success it is today.

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REWARDING: Mallee farmer Mark Roberts is a third-generation Speed Lions Club member, upholding his grandfather Bob Roberts’ legacy.

August 6 & 7, 2025 at Speed

Project support for all farmers

Promoting

farm safety, animal welfare and biosecurity across Victoria is the aim of two Victorian Farmers Federation projects.

Stock Sense, which is funded by the cattle, and sheep and goats compensation funds, helps Victorian livestock producers and small landholders maintain and improve their animal health and welfare and farm biosecurity.

The program is through free online resources such as webinars and factsheets, as well as facilitating educational workshops across the state.

Similarly, the Making Our Farms Safer team regularly travels across the state for free farm safety visits and community meetings, while also producing a monthly newsletter and a toolkit of handbooks and resources to assist and educate farmers on implementing and maintaining safety.

VFF president Brett Hosking spoke highly of the two projects and the benefits they provided for Victorian farmers of all types.

“Both the Making Our Farms Safer and Stock Sense projects are great ways of engaging everyday farmers with information and facts that will actually help them in their businesses, their families and their com-

INFORMATIVE: Making Our Farms Safer senior farm safety advisor Paul Wearing.

munities to work towards better farming outcomes,” he said.

“We’re looking forward to both programs continuing to engage and support our farmers in real and practical ways.”

People can learn more about the VFF projects by visiting the VFF Making Our Farms Safer site at the Mallee Machinery Field Days, via their Facebook page or website, making ourfarmssafer.org.au, or the Stock Sense Facebook page or website at vff.org.au/ stocksense.

Building lifelong homes with heart

Preston Builders, based in the heart of the Wimmera-Mallee in Warracknabeal, is a proud, familyowned and run building company.

Headed by Wayne and Lee Preston, the company boasts a team of about 14 staff, including skilled carpenters and a friendly, experienced administration crew.

Mr Preston said at the core of the business was a team.

“When our people feel supported and valued, that same energy flows into every home we build and every client we serve,” he said.

“As a custom builder, every home we create is unique, designed specifically to suit the lifestyle, budget and future needs of each individual client.

“We believe your home should be as personal as your story.

“While you’re welcome to explore

our past designs for inspiration, no two Preston Builders’ homes are ever the same.”

Mr Preston said the team was proud of in-house designer Lee Preston, who guides the creative process.

“With a background in nursing and a passion for functionality, Lee specialises in designing ‘lifelong’ homes – spaces that adapt with you through life’s changes, whether that’s mobility needs, recovery from injury, or growing family demands,” he said.

“At Preston Builders, building a quality home is a given, but it’s how we make you feel that matters most.

“We believe in guiding, protecting, and supporting our clients through what can often be an overwhelming journey.

“Whether you’re choosing tapware, talking budgets, or sharing stories about your family milestones, our team is here.”

Mr Preston said when people build with Preston Builders, they were not just getting a house, they were gaining a team that genuinely cared about the customer and achieving their desired outcome.

“We will walk with you, every step of the way because here, you’re not just a client, you’re part of the Preston Builders’ family,” he said.

People can visit Preston Builders website prestonbuilders.com.au for more information.

Preston Builders

Exhibitor profile

Victorian Farmers Federation

Exhibitor profile

GUIDED JOURNEY: Lee and Wayne Preston, of Preston Builders, guide clients every step of the way.

Broad knowledge ready to assist

Traction Ag will again showcase its traditional products and services at the Mallee Machinery Field Days this year, but with one exciting difference – the opening of a new branch at Swan Hill.

Horsham-based sales administrator Anthony Redford said the Swan Hill team would join the established teams at Horsham, Naracoorte and Nhill, with a mix of branch representatives at the Speed event.

“We have a lot of products that are going to suit everyone across our areas, from the hay job to general purpose tractors – we have a good range,” he said.

“AGCO products have a huge following through the Wimmera Mallee, so we’re supporting the clients who are up that way, and showing what’s coming into the marketplace.”

Mr Redford said while tractors were the mainstay of farming, a new range of side-by-sides, chaser bins and John Berends implements would be showcased at the event.

“The Polaris machines are very popular, and we’ll have Nyrex chaser bins, a company that has only just recently come on board, which will be an exciting addition to what we do,” he said.

“We are excited to announce that

OPPORTUNITY: Traction Ag Horsham-based sales administrator Anthony Redford is looking forward to catching up with attendees at next week’s Mallee Machinery Field Days. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

we have also teamed up with Honey Bee fronts, which are due to arrive in our stores just before harvest in October, so that’s exciting.”

Mr Redford said Traction Ag’s 40-odd employees shared knowledge and expertise across a broad area,

which encompassed a range of production and farming practices.

“We’ve got exposure in the Mallee with Swan Hill, we’ve got exposure at Naracoorte, and across to Nhill and Horsham,” he said.

“We’ve got a good mix of people

offer a personalised marketing service for Australian grain growers and consumers

We have established a strong reputation as specialist commodity traders and accumulators and developed trusted relationships with our customers.

We manage all negotiations with integrity and leverage from our extensive experience in grain trading, logistics, and risk management.

and products at our dealerships that certainly help cover all our farmers’ needs.”

Mr Redford said Traction Ag would demonstrate a modified RoGator at Speed.

“The RoGator self-propelled spray-

“The biggest thing about people in the Mallee – they know their land and they know what they can produce, they’re comfortable with that, and they always have smiles on their faces”

– Anthony Redford

er has been extended from a 6300-litre tank to a 8200-litre and has a 36-metre spray boom – we’re pretty excited to be showing that off,” he said.

“And we have an Agtronics chaser – its weed-spray technology has a chemical-saving component, so instead of having multiple shuttles of Roundup to do a spray application, it’s just spot spraying the weed as you come across it, a potential chemical saving of about 80 per cent.”

Mr Redford said he was looking forward to attending the field days, not just to showcase a range of machinery and products, but to see the attendees.

“It’s a great chance to catch-up and have a chat about the season and what’s coming forward,” he said.

“The biggest thing about people in the Mallee – they know their land and they know what they can produce, they’re comfortable with that, and they always have smiles on their faces.”

Traction Ag

Exhibitor profile

Changing of the guard at showcase

Primary Sales Australia is marking 40 years of supporting Australian agriculture and invites people to celebrate with their team at the Mallee Machinery Field Days.

PSA will be joined by harvester specialists, and will focus on optimising header setup, reducing crop losses and boosting productivity.

PSA customer service and marketing co-ordinator Scout Rayner said that for the team, being out in the paddock with growers was not just part of the job, it was a core value.

“The team spends more time on the road than behind a desk, working closely with farmers to understand their needs firsthand,” she said.

“This hands-on approach drives ongoing product improvements and ensures PSA continues to deliver practical, high-performance solutions that truly support growers where it matters most.”

To celebrate four decades of reducing harvest losses, PSA is offering special field day pricing on farmers’ favourite harvest loss tool, the Bushel Plus SmartPan System, with the option for the team to visit during harvest and conduct grain loss testing on farm.

Brothers Jack and Sam Gall from north-east Victoria have each equipped their headers with the Bushel Plus

SmartPan System from Primary Sales.

Jack Gall said he ‘loves it’.

“It was a cheap asset to buy,” he said.

“We transfer it between our different headers – we bought one each so we can test a couple of machines on the go.”

Growers looking to further reduce losses are increasingly switching from OEM knife guards to PSA Adapt-aGap systems.

These knife guards feature easily interchangeable plastic crop fingers, recognisable by their signature pink and blue colours, available in varying

angles and gap widths. This unique design significantly reduces front losses.

This year also marks a moment of change for the PSA team; as the company celebrates 40 years, they also bid farewell to long-serving Victoria and New South Wales territory manager Brian Legg, who is retiring after the Mallee Machinery Field Days.

People can visit PSA at site 137 to say goodbye to Brian, and meet the new territory managers, Victoria’s Josh Sampson and New South Wales’ Shane Harrison.

LONG ASSOCIATION: Above: Victoria and New South Wales territory manager Brian Legg, right, is retiring after the Mallee Machinery Field Days. He is pictured with new Victorian manager Josh Sampson. Both will be on site at next week’s event to farewell and greet clients. Above left, Primary Sales Australia director Alan Fisher at the company’s site in the 1980s.

August 6 & 7, 2025 at Speed

New auger reaching visitors

Vennings

Vennings staff are looking forward to returning to the Mallee Machinery Field Days this year, with another newly released auger.

The 70-foot long by 12 inch auger will be displayed for the first time on site, and Richard and Andrew Venning encourage people to swing past and have a look.

“We have needed to develop a longer, faster auger to tackle the high silos that are being used for on-farm storage,” Andrew Venning said.

“Vennings can now provide a powerful three-cylinder 36hp or four-cylinder 48hp Yanmar water cooled diesel engine for all augers 50-60-70 foot long.

“This motor drive has been developed to lift those heavy commodities up the long and large diameter augers at faster speeds.

“We can still supply Vanguard petrol motors by Briggs and Stratton, such as the 40hp EFI Vanguard.”

Mr Venning said the new auger was made with a heavier top and bottom frame and support track to take the extra weight.

“It also has a newly designed cradle with an actuator that lowers the motor to tension the belt drive,” he said.

“This actuator adjusts as the belt stretches.

“All the Vennings’ self-propelled

are mechanically driven, and are self-propelled with hydraulics for ease of operation and ease on the back, steering and moving around the paddock or yard.

“It’s as simple as sitting on the seat and driving it around.”

Also standard is the fire extinguisher, steel hopper, tow hitch, two work lights and banded belt drive with 25 per cent higher transmission efficiency than conventional wrap single belts.

Safety items include oversize signs and flags.

Mr Venning said towing was easy

as they were legal to tow at sign posted speed limits with an inbuilt electric brake controlled axle with large Sunraysia wheels.

He said the company would also have on display a 31,000 litre Cestari chaser bin.

Vennings has been importing the Cestari chaser bins since 2010.

“The bins have been well-received by the farming community,” Mr Venning said.

Made in Argentina, Cestari offers clients the opportunity to have a wagon style bin.

“Sizes available are from 10,000

up to 43,000 litres in capacity in colours that match the harvester or tractor that is pulling the bin,” Mr Venning said.

Richard Venning said the company mainly imported John Deere green or Case red, but also has the opportunity to purchase other colours.

Richard and Andrew Venning will be on site to discuss all your bulk-handling needs. They can also discuss seed and super units Groupers grain cleaners for onsite cleaning chaser and chassis bins for harvest.

“Come in and say hi at site 74,” they said.

your cleaning solutions

A family business that has been locally owned and operated since 1999, The One Cleaning Service is the business for all your cleaning needs.

The Tucker family are proud owners and have made a well-known name for themselves across the Wimmera, Mallee and Grampians.

After more than 25 years in business, they have developed a very good and loyal, but ever-growing clientele across the region; a credit to their outstanding, hard work.

The One Cleaning Service provides a variety of cleaning services, such as general cleaning, tile and grout cleaning, upholstery cleaning, and window cleaning – both inside and out.

The One Cleaning Service also offers specialist cleaning, from exit and empty house cleans, to home help, NDIS and aged care cleans, commercial and domestic cleans, steam cleaning of carpets, and stripping and sealing of vinyl floors.

The One Cleaning Service is available by appointment.

People can visit the Tucker family in their office at 4 Bradburys Lane, Horsham, or call 5382 2387 to obtain a free, no obligation quote for all their cleaning needs.

The Heliodor is a true all-rounder: it is ideally suited not only for shallow stubble culti-vation of light and medium soils, but o ers outstanding performance even in seedbed preparation for mulch seeding and after ploughing!

The Heliodor is a true all-rounder: it is ideally suited not only for shallow stubble culti-vation of light and medium soils, but o ers outstanding performance even in seedbed preparation for mulch seeding and after ploughing!

Bene t from its numerous other advantages:

Your local dealer for Western Victoria

Your local dealer for Western Victoria

Your local dealer for Western Victoria

Bene t from its numerous other advantages:

The Heliodor is a true all-rounder: it is ideally suited not only for shallow stubble culti-vation of light and medium soils, but o ers outstanding performance even in seedbed preparation for mulch seeding and after ploughing!

Bene t from its numerous other advantages:

■ The optimum angle adjustment of the discs ensures good penetration and intensive mixing

■ The optimum angle adjustment of the discs ensures good penetration and intensive mixing

■ Maximum clearance to prevent clogging

■ Maximum clearance to prevent clogging

■ The optimum angle adjustment of the discs ensures good penetration and intensive mixing

■ Maximum clearance to prevent clogging

■ Low lifting power requirement due to low weight

■ Low lifting power requirement due to low weight

■ Flexible uses for both soil cultivation and tillage

■ Flexible uses for both soil cultivation and tillage

■ Low lifting power requirement due to low weight

■ Flexible uses for both soil cultivation and tillage

■ Hydraulically adjustable levelling tines for optimum levelling

■ Hydraulically adjustable levelling tines for optimum levelling

■ Hydraulically adjustable levelling tines for optimum levelling lemken.com

Call by site 74 to speak to the team from Vennings.

August 6 & 7, 2025 at Speed

Exhibitor profile

Exporter Johnson Asahi is celebrating 30 years of service and growth as a joint business venture in the international hay processing industry.

Now situated at Dooen in a 24-hour hay processing facility to accommodate increasing demand, the Johnson name has been synonymous with premium hay and straw products for more than a century.

Operations manager Rusty Hier said Johnson Asahi now employed more than 40 staff, who were committed to excellence.

“We reliably deliver high-quality products to agricultural communities worldwide,” he said.

“Our hay and straw products provide essential nutrition for livestock and superior bedding solutions.

“We are accredited by FeedSafe, a recognised quality assurance accreditation program for the Australian stock feed industry.

“Quality control, safety, sustainability and continuous improvement are at the forefront of mind for all Johnson’s employees.”

Johnson Asahi was formed in August 1995, when Johnson’s and long-term client Asahi Industries, now Asahi Agria, agreed to form a joint venture company and centralise Johnson’s existing east coast hay plants to one location in Horsham.

“As part of our desire to expand and improve, in early 2023 Johnson Asahi opened our new state-of-the-art production facility in Dooen,” Mr Hier said.

“The partnership has grown from strength to strength, with the company now exporting over 100,000 tonnes of hay and straw each year.”

Mr Hier said Johnson’s core values were based on family values, respect, genuine care and providing high quality feed for customers.

“With a focus on communication and trust, the purchasing team at Johnson Asahi listens to producers and works seamlessly with them to secure long-term relationships,” he said.

“Our decades-old joint venture partnership is testament to Johnson’s ability to maintain long standing relationships with our partners, suppliers and customers.”

Mr Hier said their unique, friendly style of business allowed staff to enjoy the chal-

lenges of the business while having the scope to grow professionally as opportunities arose.

“The Johnson’s Group currently employees more than 100 staff in its South and West Australian facilities, and more than 40 in Victoria – and we are growing,” he said.

“There is a wide range of exciting employment opportunities at our new Dooen facility.”

Johnson Asahi will have representatives attending the Mallee Machinery Field Days.

People can also visit their website www.jtj.com.au for more information.

Johnson Asahi

IN CHARGE: Johnson Asahi directors, from left, Yoshihiko Okazeri, Kazushi Tomita, Noriyuki Nakamura, Mark Johnson, Katura Nishinaka and Shigeto Okazeri. Below, the company’s expanding site at Dooen.

August 6 & 7, 2025 at Speed

Shipsides steers crew

HorshamMotor Company has some new staff, a fresh approach, and a winter giveaway –there has never been a better time for people to stop by the business.

Company dealer principal Mark Riedl said Damien Shipsides was now ‘leading the charge’.

“Damien has stepped into the role of workshop controller and technical advisor,” he said.

“He has years of hands-on experience and a passion for precision, and is already making a big impact.

“He is streamlining workflows, enhancing efficiency, and ensuring every vehicle receives the expert care it deserves.”

Mr Riedl said there were two new staff members inside the dealership, with Emily Clarke and Brock Loveday serving at the front counter.

“We’re thrilled to welcome Emily and Brock to the team as the new friendly faces at our front counter,” he said.

“They’re bringing a fresh spark to our customer service experience, whether you are booking a service, picking up your vehicle, or just dropping by with a question, the team is here to help –friendly, efficient, and always ready to assist.

“And here’s the real kicker – we’re turning up the heat this winter with our ‘Service-to-Win a RAV4’, plus a $5000 gift card to spend on Toyota genuine

products and services, or one of 10, $100 vouchers – but conditions and exclusions do apply.

“It’s our way of showing appreciation for those who continue to trust us with their vehicle care beyond the standard programs.”

Mr Riedl said the dealership was alive with activity, and momentum growing.

“With expert technicians in the workshop, outstanding service at the front desk, and exciting promotions, the Horsham Motor Company service department is absolutely buzzing,” he said.

“We invite people to see what’s new and experience the Horsham difference. This winter, we’re not just servicing vehicles – we’re raising the bar.”

Sivcorp Industries Exhibitor profile

Off-grid advantages

Sivcorp Industries offers a range of energy systems for a variety of applications, from hydro electricity to solar and batteries.

Sivcorp senior consulting engineer Marc Siv said now was a good time for people to change to off-grid living or upgrade their existing power systems – government rebates are still available.

“People who buy a battery can be eligible for a government rebate of up to $16,800,” he said.

“And they can enjoy so many other advantages of our off-grid systems, from no longer having to pay power bills, to having an uninterrupted power supply, so no more black-outs.”

Mr Siv said a key pillar of Sivcorp’s complete, off-grid solar energy system was the adaptable solution for new and existing systems, keeping generated solar energy on reserve until it was needed in the premises.

“There is great flexibility in terms of storage capacity and plant power,” he said.

“Our systems offer the ideal solution for high self-consumption and intelligent energy management for nearly all applications.

“The system is combined with lithium-ion batteries to provide an industry-leading storage solution for residents and businesses that do not wish to rely on

the public grid connection. Our batteries not only provide a longer life solution than lead-acid technology, but they are also more resistant to the effects of temperature, charge more quickly and deliver energy rapidly to meet the demands of modern off-grid applications.”

People can visit Sivcorp’s website at www.sivcorpindustries. com.au or visit them at the field days.

Horsham Motor Company Exhibitor profile

FRESH FACES: Horsham Motor Company staff, from left, Damien Shipsides, Emily Clarke, Tim Barnett and Brock Loveday.

Sivcorp Industries senior consulting engineer Marc Siv.

2025 at Speed

Team ready to talk Action

Hay sheds are valuable infrastructure, and setting up on-farm storage ahead of harvest is forward-thinking and a proven way to future-proof a farming business, providing opportunities regardless of how the season plays out.

Action Steel building consultant Jason Stone said new hay shed projects were proving popular this year, and looked to be smart investments.

“The 4000-bale shed recently completed by Action – The Big Shed People at Patchewollock is a great example of how to maximise capacity and lower the storage cost per bale,” he said.

“Besides starting with a tried-andtested 64-metre by 24-metre hay shed kit, the secret to success is a well-planned project.

“While the 64-metre by 24-metre hay shed kit is a common choice. It typically has a height of 7.5 metres which allows bales to be stacked eight high.”

Mr Stone said for the project, the kit shed design had been tweaked and the height increased to nine metres, for two purposes.

“Firstly, increasing the height of the shed is a cost-effective way to increase the capacity of the shed compared to either increasing the length or width of the shed,” he said.

“Secondly, it is a good idea to increase the height of the shed to provide additional clearance when there is a canopy; this is because a canopy typically decreases the clearance height by about 500mm.

“A cantilevered canopy has many benefits, including being a costeffective way to gain some extra storage space.

“For example, the combination of the 24-metre span and eight-metre canopy is more cost-effective than a 30-metre span hay shed.”

wide bay, which allowed three big bales to be stacked across, between the columns, for an efficient use of space and good airflow between the bales.

“The building consultants at Action often recommend upsizing the bay spacing to 8.5 metres wide,” he said.

“While this doesn’t increase the capacity of the shed, it does provide more ‘wiggle room’ to make loading and unloading the shed easier and less stressful.

“It is hard to go wrong with an open-front shed, and that is certainly true for hay shed projects.”

configuration was the most effective way to protect hay from weather damage, while still ensuring the hay could be easily accessed.

“Another advantage of the openfront hay shed is that it can be easily customised, such as installing sliding doors in the back wall or gable end –or both – to make it easier to access the hay at the back of the shed,” he said.

People can visit the Action team at the Mallee Machinery Field Days at site 98 to chat about farm shed projects. August 6 &

Mr Stone said the hay shed project also used the popular eight-metre-

Mr Stone said the open-front shed

Smallaire Exhibitor profile

Multi-faceted showcase

Real-world experience and a commitment to quality drives Smallaire in its delivery of products and advice to help farmers get more done with less hassle.

Smallaire director Lolita Small said she was excited for people to see what made Smallaire stand out.

“We’re excited to be exhibiting at this year’s Mallee Machinery Field Days – and even more excited about what we’ll be bringing with us,” she said.

“At Smallaire, we don’t just supply parts – we deliver smart, hard-working solutions that help farmers get more done with less hassle.”

Smallaire produces air seeder components, high-pressure blowers, and high-performance agricultural machinery parts.

“Everything we offer is backed by realworld experience and a commitment to quality that speaks for itself,” Ms Small said.

“We invite people to visit us at our site to see first-hand what makes us different.

“We have genuine understanding of local farming challenges; we offer expert advice and top-shelf gear that’s built to handle the tough Australian conditions.

“We’re here to help keep your operation moving forward.”

People can visit site 152 to see Smallaire’s latest range, have a chat with the team, and find out why more and more farmers are making the switch to Smallaire components.

August 6 & 7, 2025 at Speed

RAV4 breaks new ground

Exhibitor profile

The all-new sixth-generation Toyota RAV4 has been revealed, and it’s bringing big changes to one of Australia’s most popular SUVs.

With a striking redesign, advanced safety and multimedia features, and Toyota’s first-ever plug-in hybrid electric vehicle, PHEV, powertrain for Australia, the next-generation RAV4 is set to make a powerful impression when it arrives in the first half of next year.

For the first time, Australians will be able to choose a RAV4 with a PHEV system, offering impressive electric-only driving capability.

The PHEV will be available alongside Toyota’s popular and efficient hybrid options in both 2WD and AWD configurations, providing more choice for drivers looking to balance performance with efficiency.

Also making its debut is the new GR Sport flagship, featuring exclusive PHEV AWD performance, motorsport-inspired styling, upgraded suspension, and a host of interior enhancements including GR logos, red accents, and sports seats.

Designed for modern lifestyles, the new RAV4 includes an updated multimedia experience powered by Toyota’s Arene software platform, delivering faster performance, AI-

enabled functionality, and seamless over-the-air updates.

The interior offers improved screen clarity, a new home-screen layout, enhanced voice control, and Google Points of Interest for real-time navigation.

Safety is also front and centre with the latest Toyota Safety Sense technologies.

New and improved features include front cross-traffic alert, an upgraded blind-spot monitor with rear-vehicle approach indicator, expanded lanechange assist, and enhanced obstacle

detection through the pre-collision system.

A panoramic view monitor and advanced parking support, including smartphone-operated remote parking, further elevate convenience and confidence behind the wheel.

Toyota Australia vice-president of sales, marketing and franchise operations Sean Hanley said the new era RAV4 continued the legacy of the first RAV4, which came to Australia more than 30 years ago.

“When it first arrived in Australia in 1994, the RAV4 appealed to cus-

tomers with its family-friendly utility, bold design, and signature Toyota dependability,” he said.

“The all-new sixth-generation RAV4 will carry on that legacy while introducing exciting new Toyota-first technologies.”

Local specification and model line-up will be announced closer to launch. In the meantime, customers can register their interest online.

To find out more or express interest locally, people can visit Stawell Toyota, 72-76 Longfield Street, or call 5358 1555.

Moisture levels low

Despite good rainfall recently, many farmers will find their dam not filling due to lack of saturation.

Agriculture Victoria land management officer Clem Sturmfels said the hot, dry summer and lack of autumn rain had left soil moisture levels very low for this time of year.

Factors such as soil structure and depth affect the rate of saturation – deep and well-structured soils often need more than 200mm of rain, while shallower soils require around 150mm.

“In normal years, actively growing pastures use much of the stored soil moisture, however, plant growth and water use this year will be low due to the very late break,” Mr Sturmfels said.

“Even in an average year, plenty of rain is required to fill farm dams.”

Mr Sturmfels also outlined the importance of considering a landholder’s catchment area.

“A catchment area of five to 10 hectares is required to fill a small one megalitre dam,” he said.

“Contour banks can help to increase the catchment area of a dam by collecting water from the adjoining area.”

Contour banks only need to be 200 to 300mm high and built on soil that is not prone to tunnel erosion. They can be installed quickly using a modern articulated grader.

Permits or licences may be required before undertaking the work.

People are advised to contact their council planning officer and water authority for guidance.

• Shaft drive for maximum ef ciency

• Hydraulically raised / lowered

• Hydraulically driven around

Stawell Toyota

Stawell Toyota is inviting people to visit the store to register interest in the new RAV4.

Early detection a lifesaver

The Southern Skin Cancer Clinic is looking forward to visiting the Mallee Machinery Field Days this year.

We are excited to have the opportunity to attend and provide bulk-billed skin cancer checks to the locals and surrounding communities - you will find us in the health tent located in the Craft and Interest site, next to the CFA and near the main office.

Our team is extremely passionate about visiting regional areas, which often lack these important medical services.

We understand it is hard to find the time to get a check-up, which is why we have brought our clinic to you – to make it as easy as possible to have a skin cancer check-up.

We have seen thousands of patrons in rural Victoria and New South Wales across the years, finding hundreds of skin cancers including more than 400 melanomas.

We continue to spread the word of the importance to have at least one skin check every year - especially for

farmers who spend most of their time outdoors - it just might save your life. Skin cancer does not discriminate and is not, as some people might think, an old person’s disease. Sun damage just keeps adding up and eventually is likely to become a skin cancer.

Statistically, two out of three people in Australia will develop some type of skin cancer before the age of 70, which shows the importance of being Sunsmart, by protecting your skin and eyes from excessive sunlight and getting regular skin checks.

Have you noticed a mole or freckle changing across a period of months? Has it grown in size, shape, become mottled in colour or irregular in outline?

Do you have a mole you persistently scratch, or a mole that is lumpy or bleeds easily when rubbed with a towel and turns into a sore that doesn’t heal? These are all common signs you may have a skin cancer.

If you have never had a check before or are due for a yearly check-updon’t put it off any longer - make sure you, your family and friends visit our friendly, caring and knowledgeable team for a bulk-billed skin cancer check.

The saying ‘prevention is better than cure’ is particularly relevant to Skin Cancer and can be lifesaving with early detection so make sure you visit us at the Mallee Machinery Field Days.

For over 180 years, our business has been integral to the Australian agricultural industry.

Nutrien Ag Solutions is an integral part of the Australian agricultural industry. Our generations of experience have made us experts in a range of di erent farming areas, including precision farming services, marketing livestock and wool, agricultural services, water, finance, insurance, merchandise and real estate.

We are the largest distributor of both farming supplies and fertiliser in Australia and provide unparalleled access to solutions. Our team of more than 4,000 farming experts are committed to upholding the mission and values that make us the ag retailer of the future.

SPECTACULAR SITE: The Mallee Machinery Field Days have grown exponentially across the past four years, driven not only by the tireless commitment of the Speed Lions Club, who host the region’s largest agricultural event, but also by the shared enthusiasm of exhibitors nationwide, united in their support for the region’s farming communities. Pictured above, the unique, circular layout is a drawcard for many; far right, triplets Scarlett, Lilly and Charlee Shine, with police officers Brad Bond and Abby Harrisson at last year’s showcase, and right, Kobe Hallam and Lenny Carter of Horsham, with George Cook, of Hopetoun, explore the 2024 site.

August 6 & 7, 2025 at Speed

HIGHLIGHTS: More than 8000 people made

DEEP RIPPERS SEED DRILLS CHASER BINS

AUSTRALIAN MADE

2025 FIELD DAY & AUCTION

2025 FIELD DAY & AUCTION

WILL BE HELD AT BALMORAL RECREATION RESERVE

WILL BE HELD AT BALMORAL RECREATION RESERVE

MONDAY, AUGUST 11, 2025

PARTICIPATING STUDS

Glendonald • Gleneden • Glenera North Poll • Glenpaen

Glendonald • Gleneden • Glenera North Poll • Glenpaen

MONDAY 11th AUGUST, 2025

2025 FIELD DAY & AUCTION

WILL BE HELD AT BALMORAL RECREATION RESERVE

PARTICIPATING STUDS

Mount Yulong Poll • Orrie Cowie • Rock-Bank • Rockbank South Stud Park South • Thornlea • Wurrook GLENELG

Gringegalgona • Kalenea Poll • Kevlyn • Kurra-Wirra • Melrose

Gringegalgona • Kalenea Poll • Kevlyn • Kurra-Wirra • Melrose

Glendonald • Gleneden • Glenera North Poll • Glenpaen

Mount Yulong Poll • Orrie Cowie • Rock-Bank • Rockbank South Stud Park South • Thornlea • Wurrook

Gringegalgona • Kalenea Poll • Kevlyn • Kurra-Wirra • Melrose

Mount Yulong Poll • Orrie Cowie • Rock-Bank • Rockbank South Stud Park South • Thornlea • Wurrook GLENELG

MONDAY 11th AUGUST, 2025 OPEN 10am to 4pm • Auction 1pm

Inspect our display at Sheepvention in Hamilton

Inspect our display at Sheepvention in Hamilton

OPEN 10am to 4pm • Auction 1pm Light luncheon available 3% Rebate to outside agents

Livestock and toxic weeds

Agriculture Victoria authorities are urging farmers to be on the lookout for toxic weeds as they allow stock to graze in areas near water bodies where soil is damp.

Agriculture Victoria senior veterinary officer Paul Beltz said with farmers looking for green areas to keep their stock amid drought conditions, the risk of encountering toxic weeds could increase.

“One of the things we’re seeing is the billabongs or the swampy areas on their properties where they haven’t grazed previously because of the bogginess of the ground, it’s dried out enough – but they need to have a good look and just check for weeds and see if it could be really toxic for their livestock,” he said.

Dr Beltz said ‘quite a few’ noxious plants had become problems for farmers.

“We certainly have seen over this past season issues with dock, fat-hen, soursob, sorghum and unfortunately we’ve also had a couple of outbreaks affected by lesser loosestrife,” he said.

“They are all plants and weeds that will preferentially grow where the land is a bit damp usually and where we’re seeing it dry out and stock being put.

They’re probably common in those areas, so if farmers have a look at the areas before they put their stock

in, which is something I would really strongly suggest, then they should be able to identify them.”

Dr Beltz said there were many resources to help farmers identify potentially dangerous plants.

“There are good apps to put on your phone that can help you identify weeds, or farmers can take a photograph and call in, and we’ll see if we can advise what the weed is,” he said.

“There is also the Agriculture Victoria website, which has a lot of information about the weeds and good photos to help identify them.”

Dr Beltz said death was ‘not necessarily’ an imminent outcome if stock ingested toxic weeds, but it could still have detrimental impacts.

“Livestock have to eat a lot of them in most cases to die, but if you put them in and they’re hungry then they’re going to look at the green pick and hoover it up,” he said.

“One of the things we suggest is having a good look, and the second thing is putting your stock in after they’ve had a feed so they’re not going to hoover up all these green weeds and get the toxic effects of them.

“The stock that are going into the saleyards are getting a good price at the moment, so you don’t want to lose your stock to something that’s preventable.”

Timely support in plain

BCG has launched ChatBCG, a digital tool giving farmers and advisors instant access to more than 30 years of trusted, local research anytime, anywhere.

The first tool of its kind in Australian farming systems research, ChatBCG is designed to support faster, more confident decision making on farm by delivering evidence-based answers in seconds.

Unveiled to more than 120 attendees at the BCG Ag Tech Expo in Charlton earlier this month, ChatBCG is set to transform how farmers access and apply insights in real time.

ChatBCG allows users to type a question and receive fast, practical answers grounded in decades of BCG research.

Whether it’s managing dry sowing, interpreting gross margins, or exploring nitrogen strategies, the tool delivers timely support in plain language.

“This tool puts the full weight of BCG’s research behind every question a farmer might ask, whether they’re in the paddock, at the kitchen table, or working with an advisor,” BCG chief executive Fiona Best said.

“It’s part of our commitment to staying at the cutting edge of agricultural innovation and supporting our members through changing conditions and technologies.”

BCG’s communications and engagement officer and ChatBCG project manager Jess Bidstrup said the

language

aim was to make it easier for farmers to access the insights they needed, without having to trawl through old reports.

“The beauty of ChatBCG is that it distills complex research into clear, practical answers, and it’s available 24-7,” she said.

For a limited time, non-members can trial ChatBCG free for one month before it becomes a membersonly benefit.

With a BCG membership, users gain ongoing access to the tool alongside the full suite of research updates, technical bulletins, events, and extension activities.

Farmers can trial ChatBCG now or sign up for membership at www. bcg.org.au.

FIRST OF ITS KIND: ChatBCG project manager Jess Bidstrup at the launch of the ‘first tool of its kind in Australian farming systems research’.

Farmers ‘in the dark’

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

Murra

Warra farmer and National Farmers’ Federation president David Jochinke is leading a chorus of voices urging the Federal Government to expand its drought support for farmers through the Regional Investment Corporation, RIC.

Mr Jochinke said the National Farmers’ Federation, NFF, along with member groups Australian Dairy Farmers, NSW Farmers, Primary Producers SA and the Victorian Farmers Federation, was calling on the government to commit to safeguarding the RIC and implementing other findings of an independent review of the Regional Investment Corporation Act 2018.

The RIC is a body set up by the government to provide low-interest loans to farm businesses in response to drought conditions.

Since its inception in 2018, the RIC has provided loans to about 3400 farm businesses, saving farmers a collective $354-million in interest payments.

An independent review of the body commissioned in November 2023 found that concessional loans were effective in supporting the long-term viability of farming businesses, and recommended the government retain the RIC as a way of delivering the loans.

But Mr Jochinke said farmers were in the dark about the government’s plans for the future of the RIC more

than a year after the final report became public.

“We’re concerned the government hasn’t been able to give us information about what they’re planning to do with the recommendations from a report that was written a year earlier,” he said.

“Essentially, RIC is meant to be the major support mechanism from the Federal Government to farmers in drought, and we’re not really sure either what their support is or what their intention is for the future of the program.

“It was recognised as the major mechanism that we could and should use to support farmers in drought conditions, through drought loans that were both affordable and accessible. What we haven’t seen is either of those two issues being dealt with.”

Mr Jochinke also called for a further reduction to interest rates on loans through the RIC.

“At the moment we’re seeing that the interest rates aren’t too dissimilar to bank loans and similarly the amount of time taken to approve the loans isn’t as smooth or doesn’t have a really easy transition, which is another area we believe can be improved,” he said.

“We want to make sure that when farmers do apply for loans that it’s done in a quick manner that doesn’t disenfranchise their current banking arrangements, but also is a meaningful reduction in either the interest paid or the extent that interest isn’t paid for

a loan that is given through the RIC.”

Mr Jochinke credited the Federal Government for acting on several priorities outlined by the NFF in a pre-election wishlist, including visits to drought-affected regions by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and Agriculture Minister Julie Collins, increased funding for the Rural Financial Counselling Service and the announcement of a 2025 National Drought Forum.

But he called on the government to immediately commit to extending the RIC’s loan capacity beyond the end of the 2025-26 financial year.

“There wouldn’t be too many farmers in the south of Australia who haven’t felt the pinch of this drought – everything from trying to get access to fodder to establishing pastures and even their crops and looking after their livestock is a real struggle out there,” he said.

“It makes common sense that we are all singing from the same hymn book and we are in agreement for what needs to happen.

“We have got some meetings lined up on the back of our announcements to try to get some understanding of what the government is doing next.

“There is a drought forum to be held in South Australia later this year in September, but by that stage we feel like it’s already too late. We need to know what’s happening now so farmers can plan for the rest of the season.”

Spirit of the Bush competition

Rural Aid is launching the sixth annual Spirit of the Bush photo competition, inviting people to share images that capture the strength, resilience, and beauty of life on the land.

Open until August 31, the competition provides a powerful platform for rural and regional Australians to tell their stories through the lens – stories of beauty, resilience and community spirit in the face of hardship.

This year’s competition comes after another challenging season of natural disasters, with floods, fires, and droughts again testing rural people.

“Every year, we are humbled by the entries we receive, each photo is a tribute to the unwavering spirit of our farming families and communities,” Rural Aid chief executive John Warlters said.

“The Spirit of the Bush competition is more than a showcase of talent. It’s a reminder of the grit and determination that keeps rural Australia going.”

Entrants are invited to submit a high-resolution, landscape photograph that represents the true Spirit of the Bush. Photos can be submitted via Instagram or Facebook by tagging @ruralaid in the image and using the hashtag #SOTB2025. Entries can also be submitted, and the competition terms and conditions reviewed, via www.ruralaid.org.au/ spirit-of-the-bush/.

A panel of judges will select 10 winning images, each of which will receive a $250 prepaid Visa card. Winners will be announced on September 15.

BIG PICTURE:

Farmer Alan Bennett inspects an exclusion fence on his property north of Yanac on the Big Desert boundary.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

DNA tracking dingo path

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

Agroup of Wimmera farmers is hoping DNA evidence will shed light on an increasing spate of livestock attacks in the vicinity of the Big Desert Wilderness Park.

The West Wimmera Action Group is calling on the State Government to reinstate an unprotection order for dingoes in north-west Victoria, and hopes to prove dingoes are behind the uptick in livestock attacks since the order was lifted last year.

The unprotection order, before it was lifted, allowed farmers to use lethal control methods on dingoes on private land, and on public land within three kilometers of a private land boundary.

The State Government last year suspended the unprotection order in north-west Victoria in the region surrounding Big Desert, citing concerns the genetically distinct Mallee dingo population could become extinct.

Yanac farmer Alan Bennett said the lifting of the unprotection order had resulted in an uptick in sheep attacks on farms surrounding Big Desert.

“There’s a group of about four landowners adjacent to the Big Desert on the southern edge on the

Nhill-Murrayville Road, and we’ve been highly impacted for the last 14 months since the unprotection order was lifted,” he said.

“The extent of the attacks is actually increasing now. They are moving further into farmland.”

Mr Bennett said the West Wimmera Action Group had recorded evidence of dog prints on a property 19 kilometres from the edge of Big Desert.

“We’ve had a dog attack on a fifth farmer’s property who I’m guessing wouldn’t have previously had dog attacks for decades probably,” he said.

“We’re seeing these dogs roam and range in a bigger area now because they’re becoming established in that fringe area.

“So rather than coming out of the desert and attacking our sheep, they’re sort of living in that fringe area now and roaming further.”

West Wimmera Action Group dingo focus group leader Marty Colbert said he was collecting DNA evidence in an attempt to prove dingoes were behind the attacks.

much work has been done on the DNA of the dingoes in the Big Desert.

“We’re compiling a DNA data bank from the attack sites just to eliminate other factors.

“If the DNA system shows that there’s a tie-in with the Big Desert dingo genotype, that will help answer some of those questions.”

Mr Colbert said he collected DNA samples from fresh attack sites.

“It involves the farmer or farmers having seen the attack, staying on site and ensuring no other species get involved with the carcases so that we can try to eliminate that sort of contamination,” he said.

“Then I’ll arrive and gather the DNA samples in a very sterile manner with rubber gloves and swabs.

“At this stage I’m just collecting and storing the DNA safely.

“You can’t just grab a couple of tubes or a couple of swabs and go like that.

“I need a fair number, so at this stage it’s just important to have the DNA and keep it stored.”

and their proximity to native timber belts or the national park,” he said.

Mr Bennett said if the data showed dingoes were behind the attacks, the group would use it to strengthen their argument that the government reinstate an unprotection order.

He dubbed the current arrangement ‘a lose-lose situation’ for both landowners and dingoes.

“We’ve got the landowners who are hugely impacted and it’s costing them probably $100,000 a year at the moment in direct lost livestock and we’re seeing the dogs move out of the desert and live in an environment they’re not supposed to be in,” he said.

“This unprotection order is not actually helping the dogs or helping us.

“The previous management kept the dogs inside the Big Desert, which is their natural environment.

Farm water calculator

An online calculator that helps land managers monitor water supplies has been upgraded.

Agriculture Victoria’s farm water calculator now offers a more user-friendly and accessible experience in estimating water requirements across a farm, storage capacity in tanks and dams, and water supply potential from sources such as shed roofs, waterways, groundwater and catchment runoff.

Agriculture Victoria climate change development officer Heather Field said by adjusting rainfall inputs, users could explore how their water supply might perform under different climate scenarios, helping them plan for dry seasons or unexpected shortages.

“The calculator now works seamlessly on mobile phones and tablets, making it easier to perform in-field assessments,” she said.

“It complements the existing summer water calculator, which focuses on livestock water needs and dam longevity during hotter months. For the most accurate results, farmers are encouraged to use the calculator alongside regular monitoring of water use, storage and supply.”

People can try the upgraded tool at go.vic. gov.au/44llzBj. Farmers across the state can access technical information and advice to help manage the impacts of increasingly difficult seasonal conditions via Agriculture Victoria’s website, www.agriculture.vic.gov. au/drought or by calling 136 186.

EvokeAG event

Premier agrifood innovation event evokeAG will bring the brightest minds in agtech, food production, research and agricultural investment to Melbourne next year.

Led by AgriFutures Australia, evokeAG is a leading global agrifood technology and innovation event that unites the agrifood innovation community around the world.

Entrepreneurs and growing companies will showcase their work, together with live demonstrations, food and beverage experiences and interactive sessions designed to inspire, inform, and drive collaboration.

“At the moment the wider belief is that there is a chance the attacks are caused by either escaped domestic dogs or errant livestock dogs like border collies or kelpies,” he said.

“We’ve been fortunate that so

Mr Colbert said the group was using other methods of data gathering in addition to DNA samples.

“We’re also geotagging the extent of the attacks and their locations –not just where they are in general, but where they lie in the landscape

“The dogs that came out were trapped and euthanised – it was a successful system that managed both sides of the interface between public and private land.

“Now it’s a disaster, and it’s going to be a disaster for the dogs, because the dogs should not be out living in this environment – it’s not where they’re supposed to be.”

AgriFutures Australia chair Cathy McGowan said Victoria was home to a vibrant and diverse agrifood sector, worldclass agricultural research institutions, and some of the most innovative producers and startups in the country.

“It’s the perfect place to showcase what is possible when agriculture and innovation come together,” she said.

The event is at Melbourne Convention Centre on February 17 and 18. Visit www. evokeag.com for more information.

Farmsafe calling for a cultural reset

Farmsafe

Australia’s new campaign will focus on fatigue –one of the most under-recognised safety risks in Australian agriculture.

As part of National Farm Safety Week last week, Farmsafe Australia turned the spotlight on fatigue through its ‘Second Chances – Who Knows How Many You’ll Get?’ campaign.

Whether it is jobs that farmers push through at the end of the day, the early mornings after a late night, or the ‘cannot wait’ tasks in the middle of sowing, harvest, shearing or packing, FarmSafe chair Felicity Richards said the message was simple – the ‘just keep going’ culture wasn’t working.

“Fatigue has long been normalised in agriculture,” she said.

“We don’t think twice about the 18-hour day. We shrug off brain fog, forgetfulness, dropping things or zoning out as just part of the job.

“But when you’re tired, your deci-

sion-making suffers. You cut corners. You miss steps. You make mistakes. And in this environment, mistakes can be fatal.”

This year’s Safer Farms Report shows that after recording the lowest on-farm fatality figure in 2023 – 32 deaths – the sector was rocked in 2024 by 72 fatalities, the highest figure in more than two decades.

Severe injuries, meanwhile, have remained consistently high for more than a decade.

Ms Richards said fatigue was a critical factor hiding behind many of the events.

“It doesn’t always show up in the incident report, but ask any farmer and they’ll tell you about the time they nearly rolled a machine, misjudged a gate, forgot a safety step or lost their footing after days of little sleep,” she said.

“Fatigue is the invisible risk that sneaks up on us because we’ve trained ourselves to ignore it.”

The campaign encourages farmers to reframe fatigue as a safety threat, not a personal weakness.

Ms Richards said too often, the industry viewed pushing through exhaustion as a badge of honour.

“But the truth is, real strength is knowing when to pause,” she said.

“Backing yourself to rest, or call in help, or wait for daylight, that’s a safety decision. Not a vulnerability.”

FarmSafe is advocating for a cultural shift needed across agricultural businesses.

The campaign urges practical changes that respect both the work and the worker – whether it’s shifting expectations around workload, improving rostering, or planning for pressure seasons ahead of time.

And Ms Richards said the message resonated across all sectors; cropping, livestock, horticulture and beyond, particularly during high-pressure times.

“When you’re under pressure to get

TIME FOR CHANGE: Starting times for the sheep market at Horsham Regional Livestock Exchange have changed. In partnership with Horsham Agents Association, the livestock exchange has changed times for the Horsham market – now starting 90 minutes after the conclusion of the Hamilton sale, but no earlier than 12.30pm. The changes were made to ensure the best possible outcomes for vendors by allowing a full gallery of buyers to attend both the Hamilton and Horsham sales on the same day. The change came into effect on July 16. However, on alternate weeks, the sheep market will begin at the usual time of 9.30am.

the job done, it’s easy to skip the toolbox talk or say yes to one more paddock,” she said.

“But too many families have been devastated by what can happen in those final hours of the day when someone was just too tired to see the risk.”

As part of the campaign, Farmsafe is encouraging teams and families to speak more openly about fatigue and warning signs.

Some of the campaign’s key fatigue reminders include:

• Make time for the plan, not just the job – a short pre-job check can prevent long-term consequences.

• Don’t let deadlines drown out danger – one honest conversation beats one emergency phone call.

• Build in time for safety – schedule backup and build buffer days into pressure periods.

• Call the huddle – a quick check-in can reveal risks someone else might not see.

The campaign also calls for leaders across the agricultural industry to set the tone.

“If you manage staff or contractors, your choices matter,” Ms Richards said.

“You set the example, not just in how you work, but in how you rest.

“The way you talk about risk and decision-making shapes what others feel is okay.”

Farmsafe encourages rural organisations, businesses and industry bodies to use the week as a platform to start the conversation.

“Don’t wait until you’ve had a scare to talk about fatigue,” Ms Richards said.

“Schedule a break, check in with your crew, and create space for people to speak up.

“Because when someone’s tired, really tired, we don’t need to push them harder. We need to listen.”

Flocking to Sheepvention

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

Ashearing competition, Women in Ag lunch, and Australian singer-songwriter

Shannon Noll will feature at Hamilton’s annual Sheepvention Rural Expo, starting Sunday.

A leading event in the Australian sheep industry since 1979, the two-day event brings together agribusiness, machinery, livestock and professional services, with feature events such as a sheep show, farm dog championships, and a wide range of exhibitors from agri-trade to home and garden.

Sheepvention president Darren Schurmann said the event also had some new initiatives.

“A Women in Ag lunch on Sunday is going to be a standout event – it will shine a light on the women who keep our farms, families and communities going strong,” he said.

“It’s also a chance to hear from these inspiring women who work in agriculture, are breaking glass ceilings and leading from the front.

“They’ll be sharing practical and hard-earned knowledge with the attendees.”

Mr Schurmann said there would be a new shearing competition based on both speed and skill.

“The sports shear is an exciting competition where the shearers are

“The whole aim of the concert is to get together, with all profits from the concert being invested back

into the community through mental health training and education in the region”

– Darren Schurmann

judged on their speed as well as their skill. It’s really popular and the start of the sport shear season, so I think it’s going to be supported really well,” he said.

An ‘Ag Passport’ is offered to children to engage them in activities and learning stations across the venue, and go into the draw to win a prize.

Mr Schurmann said the After Dark drought relief concert, headlined by Shannon Noll and supported by Hamilton-local acts Michael Honan and Bec Milly, would raise money for mental health.

“It’s a night just to come together and support each other and shine a light on mental health,” he said.

“The evening will also include a brief panel of speakers sharing lived experiences and offering practical advice and support.

“The whole aim of the concert is to get together, with all profits from the concert being invested back into the community through mental health

training and education in the region.”

Mr Schurmann said Sheepvention was more than just sheep – it was about inventions and industry innovations.

Exhibitors will attend both days – from 8am to 5pm on Sunday and from 8am to 4pm on Monday.

“There are just so many different

areas of Sheepvention, it can be exciting and attractive to anyone,” Mr Schurmann said.

“It’s good to get off the farm and talk and have a look at all these innovations and things we can offer.”

People can find more information and book tickets online at www. hamiltonshowgrounds.com.au.

Waterways guide

The Environmental Protection Authority has made available a free document with advice for property owners whose farm fronts a creek, stream or body of water.

The document ‘Reducing the impacts of grazing on water quality’ is a collection of what works best in preventing erosion, sediment and loss of vegetation.

“This is about making choices on managing stock, land and vegetation that become lasting, passive protections for the waterway,” director of operations for regional Victoria Jessica Bandiera said.

“It explains the risks to waterways from grazing and offers practical measures to prevent them without hampering normal operations of the farm.”

The risks to riparian land can include overgrazing, especially during winter or drought; feeding stock too close to waterways; allowing animals with calves or lambs onto riparian land; allowing stock to directly access waterways; and allowing runoff with sediment, nutrients and contaminants to flow into waterways.

Practical tips include fencing; installing off-stream watering; revegetation to stabilise banks and fight erosion; carefully managing grazing rates; and keeping stock feed, fertiliser and manure away from waterways.

The guide also explains the signs to watch out for, so people can protect the waterway, native plants and wildlife, and their land, before the problem becomes critical. It was produced to support farmers and build their understanding of how to comply with environment protection legislation, and minimise environmental risks.

‘Reducing the impacts of grazing on water quality’ is available from www.epa.vic.gov.au.

HEADLINE: Australian singer-songwriter Shannon Noll will headline an After Dark drought relief concert in Hamilton on Sunday.

Footrot resistance sparks interest

Edenhope merino sheep stud

Curlew Merinos has bred a line of rams with footrot resistance, following successful breeding for both worm resistance and to cease mulesing.

Stud co-owner Elise Kealy, whose father was a pioneer of worm-resistance breeding two decades ago, said the eradication project had value in a very active market.

“We think there is an opportunity for somebody to breed sheep that have footrot resistance in Australia – people are now buying, selling and trading sheep more than ever,” she said.

“Anyone who has neighbours that buy and sell sheep, or who has to walk sheep up and down a public road, is at risk of catching footrot at some point.

“Prevention is better than cure, so they say, so the footrot resistance breeding value is a step in that direction.”

Ms Kealy said footrot costs the Australian sheep industry $80-million a year.

“About $60-million of that is in loss of production, so it’s not actually in treating sheep with footrot, it’s the lower growth rates, less wool production, less lactation and reproduction,” she said.

“The New Zealanders have got a huge head start over the Australians

– in Australia, having footrot is a notifiable disease, but in New Zealand just about everybody has it, which has allowed them to be able to score the sheep.

“That data is submitted to sheep genetics, just like a fleece weight or a growth rate or fat muscle or worm resistance, and sheep genetics give you back a breeding value.”

Ms Kealy said Australian producers were unable to import semen or

rams with footrot resistance from New Zealand, owing to Australia’s biosecurity program.

“However, Australian genetics can go to New Zealand,” she said.

“There’s an Australian ram in New Zealand who is now seven years old, who had semen collected before he went, and we were able to get some of that semen a couple of years ago.

“He’s now sitting in the top 10 per cent of the whole merino select analy-

sis for footrot, after having four drops of progeny measured for footrot, and so we’ve been able to use him to give us a leap forward.”

Ms Kealy said in the meantime, they had sent five different drops of cull rams to a host farm to be infected with footrot to collect raw data to help select for resistance.

“We currently don’t have footrot on our farm, so we have been sending a portion of our cull rams to a host farm

Did you know we also do windscreens for tractors, trucks,

Contact Horsham Autoglass today to organise prompt repair or replacement.

LAWYERS

OʼBrien & Smith Lawyers are pleased to announce they have acquired Derbyshire Legal, a respected institution in Stawell.

LAWYERS

As Yvonne Derbyshire steps into a well-earned retirement, O’Brien & Smith Lawyers are excited to continue Derbyshire Legal’s tradition of exceptional legal service. O’Brien & Smith Lawyers extend their heartfelt congratulations and best wishes to Yvonne on her retirement and thank her for her continued trust and support. The team O’Brien & Smith Lawyers will be available to assist you with your legal needs from the same familiar location at 178 Main Street, Stawell from 1 March 2025.

The team at OʼBrien and Smith Lawyers look forward to assisting with your legal needs, and are happy to announce that Helen Thomson is back from maternity leave and now accepting appointments.

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

“There has been quite a bit of interest in the footrot resistance, but we won’t really know until ram-selling or semen-selling time how much interest there is”

– Elise Kealy

to be infected with footrot each year so that we can select ones who are resistant to it,” she said.

“We cull the ram who has performed the worst, and we reuse the ram who has performed the best, plus one of his sons,” she said.

“It’s quite a slow way to do it because by the time you’re measuring that footrot resistance on the 18-month-old rams, you’ve already got another drop of lambs on the ground.”

Ms Kealy said following the success of worm-resistance breeding, wrinkle and dag was added in to cease mulesing, and they were now also looking to breed for flystrike resistance on top of footrot resistance.

“There has been quite a bit of interest in the footrot resistance, but we won’t really know until ram-selling or semen-selling time how much interest there is,” she said.

“But it has certainly sparked a lot of conversation and a lot of discussion.”

BEST FOOT FORWARD: Edenhope merino sheep stud Curlew Merinos co-owner Elise Kealy.

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

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

Patrick Smith

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

Helen Thomson LL.B., B.A., GDLP

Net-zero attack

Just when you thought it could not get worse for the Federal Coalition, Barnaby Joyce breaks free of his leash and attacks their Net

Zero Emissions by 2050 policy.

It looks like a few others from the Coalition are joining the pack, but could they end up just being scavengers on the Coalition carcass?

Granted, Australia’s grass-fed beef cattle industry organisation, Cattle Australia, has said net zero by 2030 is not achievable.

That is only five years away, so they might have a point.

We can wait to see which other sector puts their hand up and say ‘no can do’.

But the Coalition policy is for net zero by 2050.

I’ll be 90 years old by then and hoping like hell someone has managed to do something to stop the pernicious spread of climate change.

If they haven’t it will be farmers who pay the highest price.

More droughts, more floods, more algal blooms … one unholy mess with humans to blame.

Country Today

with Libby Price

Why do I think it is more about power than it is policy?

Because the private members bill is doomed before it is even presented to the parliament.

Labor has 94 MPs, the Coalition 43.

You don’t have to be a mathematician to work out that other than a mutiny in the Labor party, it is going to be whimper not a bang.

To quote ANU political analyst Jill Sheppard’s analysis of last week’s return to Federal Parliament after the winter recess: ‘Restless politicians reliably create havoc for their leaders’.

So what is Barnaby’s plan?

He’s going to submit a private members bill to the Parliament to repeal the very legislation he was instrumental in signing off for the Nationals in 2021, in exchange for an extra seat in the Morrison cabinet.

Now he has signed up another former Nationals leader, Member for Riverina Michael McCormack.

The one thing they have in common is wishing David Littleproud was not leading the party.

What frustrates me the most about the Coalition tussles over this is that it is not really about climate change. It is about power struggles. Barnaby Joyce realises he has zero chance –about like zero emissions – of ever being Nationals leader again.

ADVERTISEMENT

It also goes partly to explain why David Littleproud foolishly walked away from the Coalition agreement in the first few weeks after the last federal election.

The wolves from within his own party were sniffing and growling at the door.

If there is a change in the Nationals leadership, it won’t bode well for Liberal leader Sussan Ley.

She is probably the leader-inwaiting with yet her own fellow Liberals biding their time to strike at the leadership when the iron is hot.

Barnaby Joyce cares little about that having publicly stated ‘We’re not gelded, we’re not emasculated. We’re very much virile and out there’.

I’ll leave that image with you.

Debunking Common Insurance Myths with Humour

Myth versus Reality

Insurance is o en misunderstood, and many myths surround the topic. Let’s take a light-hearted approach to debunking a few of these common misconceptions.

One of the biggest myths is that you don’t need insurance until something happens. is thinking is like saying, “I’ll buy an umbrella when it starts raining.” e reality is that insurance is there to protect you before disaster strikes, not a er. It’s better to be prepared than scrambling when things go wrong.

Another myth is that insurance companies won’t pay out when you need them. While stories of bad experiences might fuel this belief, the truth is insurance companies exist to pay claims, they just need to verify that the claim is legitimate.

Being transparent and understanding your policy details ensures the process goes smoothly when you need it most.

Many also believe their neighbour’s insurance is just like theirs. While you may live in similar homes, your needs could be di erent. Your neighbour might not have kids or pets, or perhaps you have a home o ce. Insurance is personalised, and it’s essential to review your policy regularly with a broker to ensure it suits your speci c circumstances.

Finally, there’s the myth that the cheapest insurance is always the best deal. While everyone loves a bargain, the lowest price doesn’t always o er the coverage you need.

ink of insurance like buying a pair of shoes: they need to t your needs.

“A broker can help you balance cost and coverage for the right fit.

By debunking these myths, you can better understand your insurance and ensureyou’re adequately covered when life’s surprises come your way.”

Managing kangaroos on farms

Farmers who have livestock competing with kangaroos for fodder can apply for rebates to engage professional harvesters to manage kangaroos under an approved authority to control wildlife.

The Victorian government is providing $1.8-million to help drought-affected farmers control eastern and western grey kangaroos, until the end of this financial year or when funds are exhausted.

People who own, share or lease a primary production business and meet other requirements can obtain refunds for professional harvester fees and on-farm disposal expenses. An authority to control wildlife can be obtained online at www.vic.gov.au/wildlifemanagement-and-control-authorisations and people can email kangaroorebate@ agriculture.vic.gov.au for more information and help on the program.

Abbie Wilson, National Insurance Brokers

Adaptive farming workshop

Wonwondah will play host to a two-day workshop next month as part of a series of adaptive-farming courses across regional Victoria.

Consultant Kate Burke will present the ‘In good times and bad: adaptive skills for your farming future’ workshop, funded through Agriculture Victoria’s Farm Business Resilience Program.

Dr Burke said the workshop, at Won wondah Hall from 9am to 3pm on Au gust 18 and 19, would teach farmers a range of valuable skills around manag ing risk, identifying opportunities and planning for the future.

“At the end, basically they’ll be able to identify some areas for improvement and give themselves a pat on the back

“At the end of the day the one thing that’s certain is that everything is really uncertain, so we need these skills to be able to capture the opportunities when they present, and also to have things in place so we can batten down the hatches in more uncertain and tougher times”

plan for all the aspects of the business,” she said.

“The feedback we’ve got is that people really enjoy the two days with their peers, and they’ve gone away really motivated.

“When we check back on them six months later they’ve actually done some really significant things, whether that’s getting cracking with succession planning, rolling out an infrastructure project or just resetting a few relation-

Winter woes for weaners

Worms and scours can be a significant problem in weaners and lambing ewes with limited feed and the stress of winter.

Sheep that are nutritionally stressed and in grazing-short pastures are likely to be most affected this winter.

Worms should be considered in all ill-thrifty or scouring sheep, regardless of when the sheep were last drenched.

To establish whether worms are the cause of ill-thrift or scouring, it is worth considering the nutrition of the sheep and the sheep’s class and condition.

It is also worth considering the drench program of your sheep; products used, dates drenched and time since last drench.

To know for sure, faecal samples from at least five affected and five

Many measures can be taken to help manage worms in sheep throughout winter, including test every four to six weeks and in lambing ewes four weeks before

For further information people can visit their local veterinarian or Agriculture Victoria animal health

TRAILERS!