150 YEARS: Marnoo Primary School will celebrate its 150th anniversary with an open event on June 27. Hannah Argall, former student, event organiser and mother of the school’s students, Thomas, 9, Soph, 6, and Jessica, 5, pictured, said the anniversary was a great opportunity for past students to see the school in operation and reminisce. People can visit the school’s website or Facebook page for more information or to register for the event. Picture:
BY LAUREN HENRY
Hindmarsh and Yarriambiack
shire councils will advocate to the State Government to be officially drought-declared.
Earlier this month, the State Government pledged an additional $15.9-million in drought support for farmers in 13 extra local government areas, including Northern Grampians, Horsham, and the remainder of West Wimmera.
They join the existing 11 LGA’s, including Ararat and the southern part of West Wimmera, declared last year.
The package includes an On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grant program where farmers can claim up to $5000; the appointment of a small business financial counsellor; and $900,000 for the National Centre for Farmer Health in Hamilton to deliver ongoing ser-
vices and resources to the farming community.
It also means farmers in the droughtdeclared areas of Horsham, Northern Grampians, West Wimmera and Ararat will not have to pay the new Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund in the next financial year, rather they will continue paying the Fire Services Property Levy.
However, farmers in Hindmarsh and Yarriambiack will face a 150 per cent increase in levy costs come July 1.
Chief executive Monica Revell said Hindmarsh Shire Council was ‘very disappointed to not be included in the list of councils who are drought declared’.
“Data provided to council by farmers shows significant rain deficiency and soil moisture rapidly declining,” she said.
“We have received many phone calls
from disappointed farmers who are puzzled as to why Hindmarsh was not included in the recent announcement.
“Council has provided the information to Emma Kealy MP’s office and Jacinta Ermacora MP’s office seeking assistance in lobbying for Hindmarsh to be included.
“We will continue to provide information where required and advocate for Hindmarsh to be included as a drought-declared council.”
From the period of May 18, 2024 until May 18, 2025, soil moisture levels have declined 19.3 per cent at eight sites in the Hindmarsh Shire, 18.2 per cent at four sites in the Horsham municipality, and 13.4 per cent at four sites in West Wimmera.
The data supplied to Hindmarsh Shire Council was generated by farmers from their paddocks – Mrs Revell said it represented the real-life stress
that farmers in the shire were facing.
With between three and five millimetres of rain up until 9am yesterday, Tuesday, the region continues to be parched.
Yarriambiack Mayor Kylie Zanker said its chief executive Tammy Smith had been in discussions with Agriculture Victoria, providing feedback from its farming sector regarding their concerns.
“We will continue to work with our farming community and monitor rainfall and will continue our advocacy as the season unfolds,” she said.
Cr Zanker said although farmers in Yarriambiack Shire were not eligible for the $5000 On-Farm Drought Infrastructure Grants, they were eligible for other statewide support such as mental health and wellbeing support through ‘Look Over the Farm Gate’; statewide technical decision-making
support both in one-on-one and group formats; as well as usual programs such as Agriculture Victoria’s Farm Business Resilience Program; Rural Financial Counselling Service; Farm Household Allowance; and Regional Investment Corporation loans. Meanwhile, Northern Grampians Mayor Karen Hyslop was critical of the drought support, in light of the huge impost being put on the farming community through the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund levy.
Cr Hyslop said the infrastructure grants, of up to $5000, were on a dollar-for-dollar basis.
“Farmers have to spend money to get drought support, so the drought package is tokenistic at best,” she said.
• VFF and farmers lobby government, page 3.
Horsham Rural City Council at the meeting held on 26 May 2025 approved community grant funding totaling $137,684 to 41 community groups to deliver a wide range of projects that will enhance the liveability of our community.
Successful and unsuccessful applicants will be formally advised of application outcomes in June 2025.
To view the full list of grant recipients, or for information on how to claim your organisation's grant, please visit hrcc.vic.gov.au/community-grants or scan the QR code.
The land affected by the application is located at:
•280 NORTHERN GRAMPIANS ROAD, DRUNG
•10 FLAT ROCK ROAD ST, ST HELENS PLAINS
•279 NORTHERN GRAMPIANS ROAD, DRUNG
•NORTHERN GRAMPIANS ROAD, DRUNG
•WESTERN HIGHWAY, DRUNG
The application is for a permit to:
Earthworks for the modification of the Lubeck Loop Channel assets.
A permit is required under the following clauses of the planning scheme:
•Clause 44.04 LSIO, Building and Works
•Clause 35.07 Farming Zone, Building and Works
•Clause 52.17, Native Vegetation Removal
The applicant for the permit is: GWMWater
The application reference number is: PA2500846
You may look at the application and any documents that support the application by:
•Visiting the planning section at hrcc.vic.gov.au
•Using a smart device to access via QR code
•In person at the office of Horsham Rural City Council 18 Roberts Avenue Horsham Vic 3400 Telephone: (03) 5382 9777. This can be done during office hours and is free of charge. Contact Officer: Kirsten Miller.
Any person who may be affected by the granting of the permit may object or make other submissions.
An objection must:
•Be made to the Responsible Authority in writing
•Include the reasons for the objection
•State how the objector would be affected.
HRCC will not decide on the application before:
Wednesday 11 June, 2025.
If you object HRCC will inform you of its decision.
art for
Renowned street artist Jimmy DVATE (James Beattie) has returned to Horsham to transform the rear wall of the Horsham Newsagency into a stunning tribute to our native wildlife.
The new mural, commissioned by Horsham Rural City Council as part of the Laneways Activation Project, features a vivid musk lorikeet surrounded by native flora.
It’s the latest addition to our growing public art trail aimed at bringing energy, colour and creativity into the heart of our CBD.
This is the second mural Jimmy has created for the site — following the much-loved “Flame Robins and Flame Grevillea” piece in 2023.
Newsagency owners Michael and Nicola were so impressed with his previous work, they were eager to welcome him back and personally selected the glorious lorikeet design.
You can view the mural in the Ward Street carpark, right behind the newsagency.
Thank you to Jimmy DVATE for another incredible addition to our city’s public art — and to Michael and Nicola for their enthusiasm and support in celebrating local creativity.
Reconciliation Week celebration event today
You're invited to the Horsham Reconciliation Walk, Event and Lunch.
Join us on Wednesday, 28 May as part of National Reconciliation Week.
12noon – Reconciliation Walk
Starting from the Horsham Aquatic Centre carpark, we’ll walk together to the Riverfront Meeting Place.
12.30pm – Reconciliation Event and Lunch
Enjoy a free sausage sizzle lunch and take part in a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, led by an Elder from the Barengi Gadjin Land Council.
This is a chance to reflect, connect and walk together in the spirit of reconciliation.
Closes Thursday 12 June
Monday 5 June
All tender, EOI and RFQ details at hrcc.vic.gov.au
Next Council Meeting: Monday, June 23, 2025 - 5.30pm Horsham Rural City Council: 18 Roberts Avenue Horsham | Postal
Council is pleased to provide the Draft Budget to the community for feedback. This is the final budget prepared in alignment with the 2021-2025 Council Plan.
Council is currently preparing a new Council Plan for 2025-2029 which will shape and guide future budgets and the communities' priorities.
If you would like to have your say on the draft budget, please complete one or both of the surveys on the Engage Horsham platform before 5pm, 6 June 2025.
The DAMP promotes responsible pet ownership and animal welfare, safeguards the community and environment from nuisance pets, and establishes a framework to assess the adequacy of animal management services.
This plan outlines the services, programs, and policies in place to administer the Act and manage dog and cat issues within the community.
You can have your say by:
• Filling in the survey on the Engage Horsham platform before Monday 16 June.
• Attending a listening post session at Horsham Neighbourhood House on Wednesday 4 June from 2pm-5pm.
EVENT EXPERIENCE AND COMMUNITY IMPACT EVALUATION
The first major event at the new City Oval Event Stage, the Horsham Regfest Country Music Festival, featured a lineup of eight country artists, including crowd favourites Adam Brand and Casey Barnes. The festival drew 1,200 visitors to the region.
We're now inviting business and community feedback on the recent Regfest event and would love to hear your ideas for future events you'd like to see at the City Oval Event Stage.
Have your say by filling in the survey on the Engage Horsham platform before Friday 6 June.
HORSHAM MUNICIPAL COMMUNITY FACILITIES STRATEGY
Council is preparing the Horsham Municipal Community Facilities Strategy 2025–2035—a long-term plan that outlines how we will plan, provide and manage community facilities across the municipality to meet the needs of our residents now and into the future.
Council will be seeking community feedback on the Draft Strategy from 28 May to 28 June 2025.
How to get involved:
•Read the draft strategy on the Engage Horsham platform.
•Fill out the online survey before 28 June. Your feedback will help shape the strategy and ensure our facilities meet your needs.
For details visit the Engage Horsham section of HRCC's website
Farming leaders and farmers are calling on politicians to visit western Victoria to see first-hand the effects the drought is having.
Victorian Farmers Federation, VFF, president Brett Hosking yesterday unveiled a comprehensive and scalable drought-response framework designed to deliver timely, targeted support to farmers and regional communities battling prolonged dry conditions.
The VFF’s framework, developed in consultation with Agriculture Victoria and submitted to the State Government, reflects months of policy engagement with Agriculture Minister Ros Spence.
It outlines a three-tiered approach to drought support that is evidence-based and ready to implement.
Measures include infrastructure and reseeding grants, municipal rate relief, water security initiatives, and dedicated mental health services.
The model is built on empirical climate triggers to ensure support is equitable, transparent and responsive to escalating conditions.
The VFF framework also urges the State Government to address longerterm strategic barriers, including the relaxation of pest control restrictions, improved freight access for fodder transport, and the fast-tracking of critical pipeline infrastructure projects. It comes as Mr Hosking prepares to meet with Premier Jacinta Allan to discuss the request this week.
“We are also calling on the Victorian Premier, the Prime Minister, and both the state and federal agriculture ministers to visit drought-affected communities in Victoria,” he said.
“It is vital that leaders see first-hand what these communities are experiencing in order to understand the challenges and identify how they can best support them.
“We’ve got the Premier’s ear and now it’s time to deliver for regional communities who are really struggling.
“This isn’t just about handouts. This is about keeping rural communities on their feet, safeguarding food production, and making sure no farming family feels like they have to go it alone.”
Horsham Regional Art Gallery is set to unveil a major exhibition exploring queer identity, history and culture.
The exhibition, titled Kaleidoscope, will kick off with an opening event at the gallery on Friday and will run from May 31 to October 5.
Gallery director Lauren Larkins said the name Kaleidoscope evoked the ever-changing nature of queer culture, as well as the limitless possibilities of human experience.
The exhibition is set to bring together works by prominent queer-identifying artists, artists from earlier eras during which it was impossible to identify as queer, and other artists whose works connect to queer history in various ways.
Artists contributing to the exhibition include Dylan Mooney, Paul Yore, David McDiarmid, Deborah Kelly, Frances Cannon, The Huxleys, and Scotty So.
It will also feature works by Max Dupain, Andre Kertész, Jeffrey Smart, and Rupert Bunny, with installations ranging from intimate photography, to performance, to political prints.
Ms Larkins said the artworks reflected facets of queer life including playfulness, defiance, tenderness and complexity.
“Kaleidoscope is about celebrating, remembering, representing, learning and connecting through art,” she said.
“It reflects the beauty and strength
of queer lives – past and present – and invites audiences to view the world through a shifting, dynamic lens.”
Ms Larkins said presenting Kaleidoscope in a regional city like Horsham amplified the importance of visibility, connection and representation for LGBTQIA+ communities beyond metropolitan centres.
She said she hoped the exhibition would foster inclusive dialogue and understanding, while creating a welcoming space for regional audiences to encounter stories that might reflect, or expand, their own lived experiences.
The exhibition is supported by Wimmera Pride Project, Dimboola Imaginarium and the National Gallery of Victoria.
Kaleidoscope’s official opening will begin at 5.30pm at Horsham Regional Art Gallery on Friday, and will feature a performance by artist Scotty So.
Merchandise will be for sale to raise money for LGBTQIA+ youth support organisation Minus 18, with wine and refreshments provided on entry and cocktails for sale at the bar.
Entry is free but bookings are essential, and can be made online at www. horshamtownhall.com.au/hthevent/ kaleidoscope-opening-event.
On Saturday at 11am, artists Scotty So and J Davies will take visitors on an artist-led tour of the exhibition, providing insights into their individual practices.
Antwerp cropping and sheep farmer Nathan Albrecht said he was dismayed that Hindmarsh Shire had not been drought-declared, while farmers in neighbouring shires Horsham and West Wimmera were eligible for drought support.
“I’d like to know where or how they create this line because I know they had just the same rainfall as us – or close to it – and I just didn’t understand how we could miss out,” he said.
“Our harvest last year – yes, there might have been patches around our area that might not have been too bad –but we just didn’t get the late rain to finish our season off last year.”
Mr Albrecht said before yesterday’s three millimetres of rain, it had been ‘so dry for so long, without a drop of rain’.
“I think if we have two inches of rain we’d be driving in the paddock the next day, that’s how dry it is,” he said.
Mr Albrecht said his operation usually sold hay to dairy farmers but he had held back a few loads for his sheep this year, and he had pushed back crop-
ping, which he was concerned would affect yields.
National Farmers Federation presiddent and Murra Warra farmer David Jochinke echoed the calls for the state and federal leaders to visit droughtaffected areas.
Prior to the federal election, the NFF called on whoever became Prime Minister and agriculture minister to tour drought-affected regions within the first 30 days of forming government.
Mr Jochinke said South Australia had been battling drought for two years, and the Western District for at least a year.
“We need to be seen, we need to be heard – these are not only farms, these are whole regional communities that are suffering under these dry conditions with even some circumstances of farmers running out of rainwater to run their households, let alone making tough decisions around their cropping program and then also their pasture and livestock program,” he told Channel Seven on Monday.
The gallery will also host a lifedrawing class in connection with the exhibition. Artist Frances Cannon, whose work features in Kaleidoscope, will run the class at 2pm on June 15, aiming to teach participants how to represent the human body through charcoal sketches. This class aims to be non-judgemental, welcoming and
relaxed with participants encouraged to express themselves through drawing.
The cost of the class is $50 per person, with materials and light refreshments provided. There is a 10 per cent discount for gallery members.
Tickets are available at horshamtownhall.com.au/hthevent/lifedrawing-with-frances-cannon.
A GABNetwork event at Ararat next week will offer a place for people experiencing hardship to come together for support, while highlighting the region’s successes.
Key speakers, advice and region highlights will be part of SurviveThrive 2025 Growing Together, GABNetwork committee member Cam Conboy said.
“We want to focus on the positives, focus on what’s happening in our region and what we can do to come together,” he said.
“As a business network, obviously the region’s been hit pretty hard – we had half our average rain in 2024, 2025 has been one of the driest starts on record, we’ve had bushfires, we’ve had everything.
“And I think the straw that broke the camel’s back was when that emergency services tax went through. Phones and networks lit up and I think people are genuinely struggling.”
Mr Conboy said the GABNetwork event would give people the opportunity to come together.
“We think it’s a really good time to have a circuit breaker – let’s come together, let’s just have a bit of an informal evening, catch up, bring a few mates, have a laugh, have a chat, have a drink,” he said.
Key speakers at the event will offer personal and business tips, and share the region’s exciting news.
“Ararat Meat Exports’ Michael Stapleton will talk about the opening of exports to China, so that’s positive news for the district,” Mr Conboy said.
“Sam Batters and Tim Hayes from CHS Broadbent are coming to give us grain market outlooks, Luke Broadbent from RSM will give a few accounting tips for before the end of financial year to help ourselves through, and Dr Tim Harrison will talk on behalf of Ararat Rural City Council about some exciting new developments.
“We’re trying to say not only can we survive 2025, but we can move ahead and thrive in the future.” People can go to www.trybooking.com/DCBVU to book. The event is at Chalambar Golf and Bowls Club on next Wednesday, June 4, from 6pm until 9pm.
“Linda loves people and helps all of us and ... she even sings songs with me!” Student - Age 4
“I enjoy bringing out the guitar and just seeing children bloom with confidence and joy as they sing.”
Linda started her career after finishing herschooling,earnedherDiploma,then fast-trackedherBachelorofEarly ChildhoodEducationlastyearandis nowateacher.CongratulationsLinda!
Career reward: “Getting to know each child, building connections and being a part of their life is a huge privilege.”
Could you be the next ‘Linda’?
Career Challenge: “Itwouldbewonderful to have more staff to create a variety of learningopportunities.” Early Childhood Education and Careprofessionals are in high demandacross theWimmera.
Access to Early Childhood Education and Care (ECEC) lays the foundation for children tothrive.Havinghighlyqualifiededucatorsiscritical.ByFiveiscommittedtoensuring thatruralchildrenintheWimmeraSouthernMalleehaveaccesstohigh-qualityECEC. Weworkwithkindergartens,childcareservices,trainingorganisationsandlocal communitiestogrowandsupportthelocalworkforce.
This edition of inspiring ECEC heroes is brought to you by:
BY LAUREN HENRY
Wimmera and Grampians councils have reacted with fierce opposition to the State Government’s Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund levy – which they will be tasked with collecting.
The State Government’s legislation of the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund Bill has been met with outrage from farmers and Country Fire Authority volunteers, resulting in mass protests and rallies across Victoria.
All property owners face an increased tax from July 1 – with farming properties set to pay a levy with a 150 per cent increase on the previous Fire Services Property Levy.
The Municipal Association of Victoria passed a series of resolutions to lobby the government to collect the levy through the State Revenue Office, instead of forcing local governments to collect the new tax as part of the rates system.
Yarriambiack Mayor Kylie Zanker said the council was ‘outraged’ by the levy – at ‘the expense of our residents who are facing drought and a cost-ofliving crisis’.
Cr Zanker said ratepayers had contacted the council, stating they would not pay their rates.
“Although modifications were made to secure the passage of the Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund, they are considered an insult to our community,” she said.
“Farmers and primary producers who are experiencing drought will be exempt from paying the increased levy during the duration of the drought. Instead, they will continue to pay the existing Fire Services Levy.
“How does the government expect councils to administer this? It is now May, and with the new rates and charges to be struck and posted out to residents by mid-August, how does the government propose our software systems will be able to manage two separate levies?
“Our small rural shire operates with limited resources, and reallocating our staff time and efforts to administer an unjustifiable tax is absurd.”
At last week’s meeting, West Wimmera Shire Council agreed to lobby state and federal politicians to rescind the ‘egregious tax’, which councillors believe is particularly targeted toward rural communities.
“The Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund punishes the very communities that rely most heavily on volunteer emergency services – people who already give their time, energy and resources freely to protect lives and property,” Mayor Tim Meyer said.
“To ask local councils to collect this levy is offensive.
“We are not state revenue collectors, and we won’t stand by while our residents are hit with rate hikes of more than 100 per cent.
“We are calling on Premier Jacinta Allan to listen to rural Victoria.
“This tax is not welcome here. It’s time to rescind it and stop taking rural
communities for granted.” Northern Grampians Mayor Karen Hyslop said she was full of outrage and disbelief following the passing of the fund legislation, and said she was deeply concerned about the effects the new tax would have on residents’ capacity to pay, the council’s ability to collect it and the region’s already-stressed economy.
“The fund will affect all Victorians, with increases affecting all residents –but no one will feel the full brunt of this enormous financial burden more than farmers,” she said.
“It is incredibly unjust to impose further pressure on a group of people who are already struggling with the crippling cost of drought and everyday living.
“On top of the dramatically increased cost of inputs over the past five years, without the increase of revenue to match it, farmers are currently also paying to cart water, feed stock – some can’t even afford to pay themselves a wage right now, and yet, the government is demanding they pay more and more. It’s outrageous.
“Our farmers certainly understand the importance of funding emergency services, particularly firefighting efforts.
“Many of our farmers double as volunteer firefighters and when needed, drop everything on their farm to help protect life and property – whether they are personally affected or not.”
Cr Hyslop said she was in consultation with other municipal leaders in the region to consider next steps.
She said there needed to be a more equitable solution, particularly considering the state was in a period of drought.
Cr Hyslop said she was also concerned for business owners, especially those in Halls Gap, recovering from financial loss due to the summer’s fires.
“The whole community is worried,” she said.
“I haven’t spoken to one person in favour of this new levy. We are very concerned about how people will cope with this on top of everything else.”
Hindmarsh Shire Council has joined with its community in expressing serious concern about the new tax.
“We have been actively advocating for our community since this proposal was first introduced, working with Rural Councils Victoria, the Municipal Association of Victoria, local community action groups and State Government representatives to call for what is fair,” Hindmarsh Mayor Ron Ismay said.
“Our community is full of emergency services volunteers, including a significant number of farmers who will be most impacted, sacrificing their time and safety to keep the community, and state and local government assets safe – they should not bear the majority of the burden of this new charge.
“As well as this, Hindmarsh ratepayers will also suffer through council having to pay this charge on councilowned properties, an expense that further stretches our budget when we’re
trying to prioritise improvements to key roads, community infrastructure and services.”
Ararat Mayor Jo Armstrong joined seven other Western District mayors last week to present a united front against the levy.
Together, they called for the government to reassess the funding model to ensure fairness for rural communities; assure revenue would be spent in the communities where it was raised; and shift levy collection responsibilities to the government.
“This travesty of a tax is going at the very heart of our community, already inflicting deep distress, anger, and real pain on those struggling through tough economic times and the ongoing drought,” Cr Armstrong said.
“The rate reduction for primary producers offers no substantial respite as it remains an exorbitant burden on rural communities, many of whose members are the very people who bravely risk their lives to protect our community.
“The absence of prior modelling, the disregard for council resources, and the lack of commitment to ensure these funds are returned to our community is appalling. We are vehemently opposed to this tax.” Councils have expressed concerns the tax would cause further stress and result in increased mental health issues.
•For help, people can call Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636, Lifeline, 131 114, or Rural Financial Counselling Victoria West 1300 735 578.
With more than 60 Country Fire Authority volunteers in the gallery at its ordinary meeting on Monday night, Horsham Rural City Council reinforced its opposition to the State Government’s Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund levy.
Mayor Ian Ross opened the meeting by addressing the gallery, most dressed in their yellow CFA jackets, and said the levy would have ‘a devastating impact on our community’.
Horsham’s ratepayers are facing one of the highest increases in the state, with a projected $3.26-million increase on the previous Fire Services Property Levy – an increase of more than 84 per cent.
“This is a significant burden, particularly for our rural residents and primary producers, who are already under immense pressure from rising costs and ongoing economic challenges,” Cr Ross said.
“Our community is hurting – not just because of the scale of the increase, but because of the way it has been imposed.”
Cr Ross said councils had not been adequately
consulted, and it was unacceptable that local government was being forced to act as the tax collector for the government.
“We are being asked to take on the administrative load, the reporting responsibilities, and the debt recovery risks – with no fair compensation,” he said.
Cr Ross said Horsham Rural City Council was
‘standing shoulder-to-shoulder with neighbouring councils’ to call for urgent reform. He said the council was calling on the government to oppose councils being used as levy collectors on behalf of the state; to shift responsibility for collecting the principal place of residence component to the State Revenue Office; to fully reimburse councils for the administrative and
financial costs of collection and enforcement; to ensure transparency, open communication and consultation moving forward; and most importantly, to deliver a levy that was fair, equitable, and does not unfairly burden rural and farming communities.
Cr Ross said he and former chief executive Craig Niemann had met with Local Government Minister Nick Staikos and Agricultural Minister Ros Spence a fortnight ago to advocate for changes to the levy.
“We intend to continue this advocacy. With our fellow councils we are also seeking meetings with the Premier,” he said.
Cr Ross said the council was seeking advice regarding its obligations to collect the levy. “This is not just a question of fairness – it’s a matter of respect for rural Victorians and the role local government plays in supporting them,” he said.
Cr Ross’ address was met with applause from the gallery, who also clapped the speeches of Crs Brian Klowss, Angela Munn and Rebecca Sluggett following their reports.
The Deplorables 24 July | 7.30pm
‘If they’re playing cricket, who is making the sandwiches?’
In Bendigo in 1874 two women’s teams played cricket for the very first time in Australia! Money was raised for charity, the women were praised for their sporting endeavours and then –all hell broke loose – as the press decided that women should stay home, know their place and sit down. Written by Christine Davey and presented by award-winning regional theatre company – Skin of our Teeth Productions – this joyous, musical, and uplifting story explores this event and what it means for all of us. These glorious women have been lost to history, and it’s time to bring them back to centre stage where they rightfully belong. Join us for a tale of extraordinary women doing extraordinary things and the very ordinary men who tried to stop them. This production is suitable for all ages.
Skin of our Teeth Productions is a regional, female and disability-led theatre company celebrating diversity.
AMitchell Park man appeared at Horsham Magistrates Court last week after he was charged with a string of driving, drug and firearm offences.
Police arrested the 34-year-old man, near Ararat, as part of an ongoing investigation of motor vehicle thefts in the Ballarat area.
He was remanded to appear at Ballarat Magistrates Court, and on May 19 was released under strict bail conditions, including not to drive a motor vehicle.
At 10.30am on May 21, a petrol theft from a Brown Hill service station was reported, involving a stolen Toyota Landcruiser wagon. The vehicle was seen travelling west on the Western Highway at Wendouree.
About 11am the vehicle was allegedly travelling erratically and at excessive speeds at Buangor, and was later detected speeding at 212 kilometres an hour.
Assisted by the air wing, police located the vehicle about 11.30am travelling near Green Hill Lake at Ararat.
The driver allegedly drove directly at police members, forcing a police officer
to take evasive action to avoid a collision.
About 1pm, police set up tyre-deflating devices, stop sticks, on Warrack Road near Hopkins Correctional Facility.
In a failed attempt to avoid the devices, the driver took the vehicle offroad, onto the road verge, before colliding with a concrete pit and launching the Landcruiser into a concrete floodway, narrowly avoiding upturning the vehicle.
Police arrested the front passenger, a 35-year-old female, before arresting the driver.
Police will further allege they located a 16-year-old boy, a 14-year-old boy, a 12-month-old girl and a two-year-old boy inside the vehicle, who were assessed by paramedics and cleared of injuries.
A further search of the vehicle allegedly located a sawn-off .22 calibre rimfire rifle, which contained a spent .22 calibre shell in the breech; five .22 calibre live rounds scattered on the console; 59 .22 calibre live rounds secreted in a chewing gum container; a quantity of methyl-amphetamine; and an ice pipe.
The man, woman and two teenage boys were transported to Ararat police station,
where the boys were interviewed by police and released after receiving a police caution in relation to theft of motor vehicle.
The woman was interviewed by police and released pending summons.
The driver was later interviewed by detectives and charged with a prohibited person possessing a firearm; unlicensed person possessing a firearm; possessing a loaded firearm in a public place; shortening the barrel of a firearm; carrying a firearm under the influence of a drug; aggravated recklessly exposing a police officer to risk by driving; five counts of reckless conduct endangering serious injury; dangerous driving while pursued by police; contravening a family violence intervention order; driving while disqualified; theft of a motor vehicle; committing an indictable offence while on bail; possessing a drug of dependence; and nine other charges.
He was remanded overnight to re-appear at the Horsham Magistrates Court on Thursday.
READY TO RESPOND: The Athlete’s Foot assistant manager Linda Billing chats to Horsham police, Senior Constable John Hunt and leading senior constable Neil Zippel as part of Operation Ridgeback. Picture:PAULCARRACHER
Horsham police officers are focusing on preventing thefts from shops in the city’s CBD.
The proactive Operation Ridgeback involves police officers having an increased visible presence in and nearby Horsham retail outlets.
Sergeant Tianne Harris, of Horsham police, said the operation would operate until August.
“The aim of the operation is to engage positively with local retailers and customers, reduce theft and build strong connections by being out and about chatting with members of the community,” she said.
“The Horsham community may notice an increased police presence in the CBD, with officers conducting foot patrols in and around retail stores.
“This initiative aims to deter shop theft and provide visible reassurance to both customers and staff.
“Community members can feel confident knowing police are nearby to assist, prevent offending, and respond promptly and thoroughly to any incidents of theft or antisocial behaviour.”
Ararat Rural City Council is inviting the community to celebrate Ararat Library’s official opening of its recent interior refurbishment at 11am on Tuesday.
Attendees will have the opportunity to learn about the Ararat Library’s range of services available to the community.
Morning tea will be provided, and activities will be run throughout the day, including handing out showbags and book giveaways. Interior refurbishment works to the library included the installation of all-new flooring and mobile shelving in the adult fiction and non-fiction areas to allow the space to be easily adapted for a variety of the library’s programs.
The project also delivered a new customer service desk, improved library signage, new soft furniture for reading and quiet study, and two new public computers to meet technological demands.
The upgrades, funded by a $200,000 investment from council’s capital works program, reflect community feedback received midlast year, and address the community’s changing needs.
For more information about the Ararat Library’s services and programs, people can visit www.ararat.vic.gov.au/services/library, contact the library on 5352 1722, or email library@ararat.vic.gov. au.
Horsham is set to feature on national television program Country House Hunters on June 13.
Filming recently took place in Horsham, with host Catriona Rowntree and the crew visiting a range of scenic and cultural locations across the Wimmera.
The production captured footage of the Wimmera River frontage and walking trail, local wineries, Mount Arapiles, Natimuk, Horsham’s street art and Horsham Regional Art Gallery.
The episode is scheduled to air on Channel Nine at 8pm on Friday, June 13.
OʼBrien & Smith Lawyers are pleased to announce they have acquired Derbyshire Legal, a respected institution in Stawell.
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.
Patrick Smith
Patrick Smith
Helen Thomson
Please note that consultations will be conducted by appointment only to ensure the highest level of service.
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.
To arrange your appointment, kindly contact O’Brien Smith Lawyers’ reception by calling 5381 2222 or visit www.obsl.com.au.
LL.B. (Hons), B. Int. St., B.Ec., GDLP
LL.B. (Hons), B. Int. St., B.Ec., GDLP
LL.B., B.A., GDLP
Lauren Emblem
Lauren Emblem
LL.B., B.A., GDLP M.App Law (Family Law)
LL.B., B.A., GDLP M.App Law (Family Law)
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Smoke on the Water – part of the 150km Feast series of events
– returns to Horsham’s Maydale Reserve on Sunday, June 8, for a riverside celebration of fire, food, wine and music.
The much-anticipated community event invites residents and visitors to gather at Horsham Showground’s historic riverside precinct for an afternoon and evening that will warm the soul and offer a complete sensory experience.
Gates open at 1pm, with festivities running through until 9pm.
Event manager Andrea Cross said the King’s Birthday long weekend event would offer something for the whole family, with old-fashioned fun for children as well.
“As day turns to night, patrons can stay on and sit around the glowing coals and enjoy the final hours of live entertainment under the stars,” she said.
“This year’s live music lineup features a diverse mix of talent, including the theatrical energy of Whimsical Tricycle, Hamilton-based country music artist Jarrod Stevenson, the soulful sounds of Prue Heard, and 14-year-old rising star Archie Clarke, visiting from Melbourne with family ties to Horsham.”
Mrs Cross said the evening would also showcase spectacular fire-themed dance performances, choreographed by Horsham creative Amy Anselmi, bringing stories to life through flame and movement.
A range of local food trucks will also
“As day turns to night, patrons can stay on and sit around the glowing coals and enjoy the final hours of live entertainment under the stars”
– Andrea Cross
be on site, serving everything from wood fired pizzas to Dutch mini pancakes.
“Adding to the event atmosphere, undercover in the Maydale Pavilion will be a carefully curated local drinks offering, including wineries, craft beer and small-batch spirits, alongside an alcohol-free bar featuring mocktails,” she said.
An exclusive centrepiece of this year’s event will be Coal Catering’s Asado Cross-style smoked whole pig, slowcooked over open flames.
The intimate dining experience is limited to 26 guests, with just 10 tickets remaining.
“It’s a rare chance to enjoy a dramatic, fire-cooked feast in a truly unforgettable setting,” Mrs Cross said.
“Smoke on the Water is a bold winter celebration of community, creativity, and culinary firepower.
“All are welcome to join this riverside gathering and experience live entertainment, open flames, local flavours and a night to remember.”
Admission is $15 at the door or $10 online. For more details, people can visit www.150kmfeast.com.
Wimmera Regional Sports Assembly-run Wimmera Whippets has been granted six new Sherrin footballs by West Side Horsham, replacing the group’s decade-old balls.
Whippets program manager Matt Jolly said the all-abilities football team appreciated the donation.
“Thanks to West Side, the balls are going to come in very handy for the Whippets – for the past 10 years we’ve been using the same batch of footies that were originally secondhand donated when the Whippets started, and they’re in need of replacing,” he said.
“It will certainly help the players at training and on game days,
practising their skills and kicking goals.”
West Side Horsham manager Kim Millar said it was fantastic to see Whippets participants enjoying the new footballs.
“It’s great to see that our community grants program has contributed to this fantastic local community organisation,” she said.
Mr Jolly said all people with a disability were welcome to join the team.
“We train at Sunnyside Oval, 4.30pm until 5.30pm each Wednesday – people are more than welcome to just come down to training,” he said.
“People can also reach out to us
on our Wimmera Whippets Facebook page, or contact Wimmera Regional Sports Assembly for more information.”
Wimmera Whippets compete in the Football Integration Development Association Western Conference and the Regional All Abilities Netball League.
Last year 23 footballers and 12 netballers represented the Whippets. The team played Grampians Giants and South Warrnambool at Stawell in round two competition at the weekend, and will meet both teams again at Horsham City Oval for round three on June 15, playing the Giants at 11am and Warrnambool at 12.30pm.
MONDAY-FRIDAY: 8AM - 5PM SATURDAY-SUNDAY: 9AM - 3PM MONDAY-FRIDAY: 9AM - 4PM SATURDAY-SUNDAY: 9AM - 3PM
Machete attacks are thankfully not too common in our region.
But they are becoming more prevalent across Victoria – particularly in Melbourne.
And there was even one in Dennington, near Warrnambool, used during a car-jacking at the weekend.
But the gang-related fight at Northland shopping centre on Sunday hit a little too close to home for our family.
When I had a missed call from my adult stepdaughter on Sunday afternoon, and then saw on social media about the Northland incident, my heart skipped a beat.
Northland is her local shopping centre, so my first thought was ‘oh no, she’s there’.
When she didn’t answer my return call, my heart raced a little more, thinking what if she is ringing me because she’s scared, or she’s unsafe. I text her: ‘You’re not at Northland are you?’
In the time it took for her to ring me back, I had relayed my fears to my husband.
When she rang back, I quickly put her on speaker phone so her dad could hear.
She had been at Northland, shopping with her boyfriend, and they were forced to hide in EB Games while the nearby incident unfolded.
She had seen three guys with machetes walk past while about 20 people in the store hid behind the shuttered doors.
I had already seen social media footage of shoppers running out the shopping centre, as the alarm and evacuation message played loudly.
It looked terrifying and to think our daughter had witnessed it, and had been put in that position was shocking.
She too was in a bit of shock as she retold the story – thankful that it had not been worse, but still a horrible situation for a 22-year-old, or anybody, to be put in.
By Lauren Henry
It took me back to the Bondi incident last year and how people just going about their normal day can be caught up in such a terrifying incident.
The incident quickly put the planned State Government ban of possessing a machete, set to be enacted in September, back in the headlines.
What I don’t understand is why it has taken so long to bring in the ban? The government decided months ago it was to be introduced – so why the delay in implementing it.
The use of machetes in assaults and carjackings has been a growing issue in criminal activity in recent times.
Premier Jacinta Allan on Monday moved to ban the sale of machetes immediately, but is this actually going to have an effect on machete attacks?
There will still be machetes circulating in the community, and won’t the criminals just get their hands on the weapons illegally? Or criminals will just source an alternative type of weapon.
The machete ban also doesn’t address the gang-related criminal attacks occurring in public places, and putting innocent people at risk.
It was disturbing to read that two of the people involved in the Northland fight were 15-year-old boys. What kind of world do we live in where teenagers are involved in machete attacks?
The government has a lot more work to do in this space with tougher legislation and more preventative programs needed to make our cities and towns safer for all.
Peter Dennis, ANZ chair South Australia Simon Birmingham, GWMWater executive manager infrastructure Nick Mumford, and Laing O’Rourke general manager water and energy Andrew Ackerman.
West Wimmera Shire Council is inviting community feedback on two significant projects that aim to strengthen local infrastructure, support economic growth and improve liveability across the shire.
The Kaniva Tourism and Wellbeing Precinct, and Wetlands to the Desert: Connecting West Wimmera, are being considered for funding under the Federal Government’s Regional Precincts and Partnerships Program.
Council has agreed to apply for up to $17-million for the Kaniva project. The application combines multiple projects that could be delivered as one major project or as separate packages in the future should council not be successful.
Council also agreed to apply for $1.5-million for the Wetlands to the Desert: Connecting West Wimmera project.
Chief executive David Bezuidenhout said community input was important for both projects.
“These projects are designed to respond to what we’ve heard from our community – that people want to see improved infrastructure, better public spaces, and long-term planning that supports our towns to grow and thrive,” he said.
“We want to make sure these plans continue to reflect the values and aspirations of residents,
and we encourage everyone to have their say.”
The Kaniva Tourism and Wellbeing Precinct includes a complete redevelopment of Kaniva Memorial Swimming Pool, including new amenities building, splash park, accessible ramp, wet deck pool surrounds, pool enclosure, and plant and equipment upgrades.
The Kaniva Poolside Caravan Park is also set for major improvements, including the removal of the old scout hall, and new cabins, powered and unpowered sites.
Other works will include restoration of the war memorial and cannon at Band Park, a new inclusive playground, silo art illumination, pedestrian improvements, and upgrades to roads, kerbs, and footpaths across the precinct.
The Wetlands to the Desert: Connecting West Wimmera project focuses on detailed design and planning work across Edenhope, Kaniva, Apsley, Goroke and Harrow. It includes the development of detailed streetscape design for each town, industrial estate planning for Edenhope, and detailed design for Edenhope Lions Park.
Community feedback can be submitted online at westwimmera.vic.gov.au/Have-Your-Say/ Regional-Precincts-and-Partnerships-Programprojects, closing on Friday.
Shame, shame, shame
I agree with all Andrea Coxon wrote, letter to the editor, The Weekly Advertiser, May 21.
Farmers work extremely hard and not only do they have to pull through drought and flooding they also have to deal with mice and locust plagues.
I operate a small business and when harvest is on, they work through the night and sleep for a couple of hours and then back to work. When farmers have come into my business they look exhausted.
The threat of mining? Wind farms? Transmission lines? A new tax? And in the mix drought? Floods? Plagues?
These hard working people need a break.
Our farmers not only feed Australians, they feed the world.
I would like to see the politicians work as hard as the farmers and people in business.
How many of the politicians have ever had a business?
It should be mandatory for all politicians to have had a business before they enter parliament.
As I mentioned, I operate a small business and I received an invoice for land tax because I don’t live on the premises.
Lucky me, I will receive two fire levies.
I only have a few bills to pay, e.g. gas, electricity, council rates, water, council registration for my business, insurance, phone, repairs to my building and the list goes on.
Bills for my house, e.g. electricity, council rates, water, insurance – car and home.
Now, how am I going to manage paying my bills? It is called budgeting.
It seems that the politicians that voted for all of these taxes have never had to budget.
If they want to learn how to budget, I will offer to teach them.
Between the federal and state politicians and all the taxes we will have to pay, I believe that many will go under and declare bankruptcy.
There will be no money left at the end of the
week and no money left for repairs to my business or home. My cousins who live in Gippsland went to support the farmers outside parliament. My cousins spoke to a farmer who said suicide is the only way out.
How many people suicided when we held the record for the world’s longest lockdown because of the last Victorian Labor Premier?
I only hope that nobody suicides because of the stupidity of the present Labor Premier and all who voted for this.
What about the cost of living? How many politicians go through rubbish bins to look for food for their family? This is what a member of the Salvation Army said on a program on Friday.
In Australia, people are going through rubbish bins? Shame, shame, shame.
In Australia? Are we now a Third World country?
So many people are living in tent cities. Shame, shame, shame.
People are hungry and some food banks have closed. Shame, shame, shame. And the people who work on the land and provide food to eat are being taxed. Shame, shame, shame.
Judith Nimmo
Rupanyup
• Anyone experiencing mental-health issues can call Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636, or Lifeline, 131 114.
Difference in petrol prices
I recently travelled to Ballarat and I noticed the petrol prices compared to Horsham.
Here is an example: Ballarat $168.90; Beaufort $171.90; Ararat $149.90; Great Western $162.90; Stawell $167.90. Yet Horsham is $178.90.
I would like to know how Horsham can get away with this rip-off?
Ron Pannan Horsham
Approaching retirement can bring forth various emotions – excitement, relief, and concern. Questions like when to retire, financial readiness, accessing super, income sources, and government assistance may arise. Our expertise focuses on advising those aged 55 and above, addressing your queries to provide peace of mind.
To celebrate the launch of the brand-new Crown Physio Range, Forty Winks, in partnership with Crown Posture Bedding, is giving one lucky couple the chance to live like royalty.
Simply purchase a Crown mattress for your chance to win a luxurious night at Crown Towers, including dinner at one of their premier restaurants.
Amajorenvironmental project is underway at Warracknabeal, addressing the silting of Yarriambiack Creek.
Wimmera Catchment Management Authority is overseeing the removal of sediment in the creek, between Werrigar and Wood streets, about 3.7 kilometres upstream of the Warracknabeal weir on Rainbow Road.
The project will involve the removal of sediment from the creek and Wood Street sediment pond. It will also include the removal of invasive weeds and grasses.
Yarriambiack Shire Council chief executive Tammy Smith said the initiative was designed to effectively manage the sediment ‘slug’ – a concentrated deposit of sand or sediment within the creek that can migrate downstream.
“By addressing this issue, we aim to enhance the creek’s health and flow,” she said.
“Additionally, the project will tackle the removal of invasive non-native weeds and grasses. These plants, if left unchecked, can deplete
oxygen levels in the water, affecting fish and other wildlife by forming dense mats within the waterway.
“The eradication of weeds is crucial to prevent their detrimental impact on our communities and ecosystems, which includes obstructing waterways and disrupting our drainage systems.”
Efforts to resolve the issue have been ongoing since January last year, with both council and Wimmera CMA working through the approval process.
“We acknowledge the community’s concerns regarding the health of the creek and appreciate the community’s patience and understanding while we navigated challenges that delayed the commencement of this project,” Mrs Smith said.
“Our dedication to restoring the natural beauty and functionality of Yarriambiack Creek remains unwavering, and we look forward to the completion of this project.”
Residents are asked not to park in Wood Street for the duration of the works, which are set to be completed by Friday.
Applications for the State Government’s Business Bushfire Recovery Grant Program are now open following an expression-of-interest-period earlier this year.
In March, the State Government announced federal and state-funded Disaster Recovery Funding Arrangements, DRFA, aiming to deliver more than $24-million in essential support to western Victorian businesses affected by the December 2024 bushfires.
Applications opened last week for one-off grants of up to $5000 for eligible small businesses, including eligible primary producers, that experienced a significant decline in revenue due to the 2024-25 bushfires.
The grant can be used for: essential business costs such as utilities, rates, stock replacement and rent; seeking financial advice to help with business recovery; adjusting a business to be vi-
able in the changed local context following the bushfires; expanding a business through targeted marketing and communications; or making a business more resilient to future disasters.
Ararat Mayor Jo Armstrong said she expected the program would ‘deliver meaningful support to primary producers and local businesses’.
“To those members of our business community impacted by the Grampians-Yarram Gap Road bushfires, including those who may not consider themselves part of the tourism sector but are equally eligible and in need of support, I urge you to apply for this funding,” she said.
Applications close on November 13, or until the funding allocation is exhausted.
To find out more, and to apply, people can visit website business.vic.gov.au/grants-andprograms/business-bushfire-recovery-grant.
Northern Grampians Shire councillors marked National Sorry Day and National Reconciliation Week by raising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander flags in Stawell and St Arnaud on Monday.
National Sorry Day marked the start of National Reconciliation Week, which is from May 27 to June 3 and offers an opportunity for Australians to learn about the cultures and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, as well as the history shared by all Australians.
Mayor Karen Hyslop said the week also offered opportunities to explore how everyone could contribute to achieving reconciliation in Australia.
“Council is committed to reconciliation and overcoming any division and inequality between Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal Australians,” she said.
“This year’s theme is Bridging Now to Next, reflecting the ongoing connection between past, present and future.”
National Reconciliation Week recognises two significant dates in Australian history.
On May 27, 1967, Australians voted to remove clauses in the Australian Constitution that discriminated against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
On June 3, 1992, the High Court of Australia
handed down its landmark Mabo decision, recognising the native title claims Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander have to the land.
The decision also recognised that, in some cases, Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples’ native title had survived British colonisation.
Northern Grampians Shire Council’s reconciliation efforts began with a symbolic decision to return management of Sisters Rocks near Stawell to traditional owners.
In April 2021 the council worked with Barengi Gadjin Land Council and the State Government to transfer ownership of the land to the state, to be managed by the land council on behalf of traditional owners.
Cr Hyslop said the council was in the process of drafting a Traditional Owner Acknowledgement Policy and was working with both Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation, DJAARA, and Barengi Gadjin Land Council to deliver a local government engagement strategy as part of their respective recognition and settlement agreements.
Stawell and St Arnaud library branches will recognise Reconciliation Week with book displays and colouring activities for children, with a display in Shop 108, Main Street, Stawell, throughout the week.
People can visit www.reconciliation.org.au for more information about the week.
From left, Hindmarsh Shire chief executive Monica Revell and Mayor Ron Ismay, Next Generation Electrical site manager Alistair Clouston, Climate Action parliamentary secretary Sheena Watt, Next Generation Electrical senior project manager Luke Harley, GWMWater strategic infrastructure projects manager Graeme Dick and managing director Mark Williams, Next Generation Electrical head of operations Tim Rule, GWMWater chair Caroline Welsh, infrastructure executive manager Nick Mumford, senior project engineer Chris Baker, and independent Aboriginal board delegate Ron Marks at the solar farm.
A new solar farm at Nhill is generating 70 per cent of Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water’s power operations at its 330 sites, propelling the water corporation toward achieving 100 per cent renewable electricity by this year and net zero emissions by 2035.
This investment in renewable energy will help lower power bills for GWMWater, which means they can continue to deliver affordable water and sewer services to the community.
The facility is being jointly developed, owned and operated between GWMWater and Vibe Energy, an energy infrastructure company based in South Australia.
The facility comprises a 6.5-megawatt solar farm with a 2.75MW battery system fully integrated and connected to the local grid.
GWMWater managing director Mark Williams said it was a significant leap forward for the corporation.
“The connection to the electricity grid represents a significant leap forward for GWMWater, working towards becoming a carbon-neutral, net-generator of electricity,” he said.
The energisation of the Vibe Energy highvoltage connection asset is the first stage in the commissioning of the Nhill Renewable Energy Facility, and a major milestone for the project, which is expected to be fully commissioned by mid-2025.
Victoria is on track to reach its target of 95 per cent renewable energy generation by 2035 and net zero emissions by 2045.
Horsham’s Michelle and Heath Khan have described being in Vatican City when the election of Pope Leo XIV was announced as an ‘amazing experience’.
Mrs Khan said there was a lot of running, yelling and screaming.
“The crowd went from being able to walk comfortably to being so large you had to push through – it took us a bit to work out what was happening,” she said. “We joked about it before we left, but we didn’t really think it would happen on the actual day we were in Rome, and to be at Vatican City was just luck. It was an amazing thing to experience.”
US-born Pope Leo XIV was elected in the 2025 conclave on May 8 following the death of Pope Francis.
Federation University Australia leaders are calling on the Federal Government to increase a cap on student numbers as the higher education provider seeks to increase the number of enrolments across its campuses, including in the Wimmera.
The university this month tabled its 2024 annual report in Victoria’s parliament, outlining the detrimental effects of changes to international student visa arrangements, shifting market demands and regional economic trends.
Federation University reported a net operating deficit of $26.2-million in 2024, smaller than its budgeted deficit of $30.7-million.
Vice-chancellor and president Duncan Bentley said a 6.1 per cent increase in revenue to $18.1million, combined with a 3.9 per cent decrease in expenditure to $13.9-million, resulted in the university reducing its deficit from $81-million in 2023.
But he said higher education institutions still faced challenges.
Prof Bentley said Federation University was on track to reach caps on the numbers of both domestic and international students it could enrol in 2026.
He said the university welcomed a Federal Government commitment to reform the way higher education places are allocated countrywide.
“Like most Australian universities – and all regional universities – and despite the commitment and hard work of our staff, Federation has been challenged by a range of external pressures, including significant changes in government policy that have impacted revenue,” he said.
Prof Bentley said the university was in the midst of an overhaul started in March last year, with an aim of trimming $40-million of expenditure annually to return to a budget surplus.
He said Federation still aimed to provide quality education in the Wimmera and at its other campuses despite the cost-cutting efforts.
“Federation University is deeply invested in the Wimmera region, and our Horsham campus plays a vital role in delivering accessible, highquality education and training to regional communities,” he said.
“Federation is committed to the future of the
Wimmera and will continue to work closely with local communities, council, schools, and industry partners to support growth, opportunity, and long-term regional success.”
Prof Bentley said expanding the number of spaces available for students at its Wimmera campus was part of its overall goal.
With a 20 per cent increase in TAFE enrolments at the campus in the past year – with 477 students now enrolled in high-demand courses including nursing, early childhood education, electrotechnology and engineering – Prof Bentley said there was plenty of demand to support enrolment expansion.
“We’ve seen strong growth in TAFE enrolments in Horsham, reflecting the strong appetite in the Wimmera for vocational education and the success of initiatives like free TAFE,” he said.
“We believe there is strong growth potential for the Wimmera campus in critical skills shortage areas like renewable energy, electrotechnology, and engineering with proposed major projects like the SEC Renewable Energy Park and Wimmera Mineral Sands.
“There are also great opportunities for locals, especially secondary school students, to enrol at Federation TAFE and walk straight into a job in the region.”
Prof Bentley said Federation University was committed to attracting investment to the Wimmera through a proposed Wimmera Southern Mallee High Growth Community Partnership funding arrangement with the state and federal governments.
The proposed partnership outlines plans for the Wimmera including: a $6-million investment in the university’s Wimmera campus to upgrade workshop and training facilities, including enhancements to construction and engineering spaces; $3-million to provide 200 rural students with high-speed satellite internet access and oncampus accommodation for practical training; and a $6-million scholarship program to support 100 local TAFE graduates in engineering to transition into higher education.
People can view the university’s 2024 annual report online by visiting federation.edu.au/staff/ governance/plans-publications-policies/annualreports.
Picture: BRONYWN HASTINGS
A series of workshops and sessions aiming to demystify and make law matters more accessible took place last week as part of Victoria Law Foundation’s annual Law Week.
Events at Horsham, Rainbow and Stawell for community members and school students were run by community legal centres, neighbourhood houses, government bodies, community organisations, law firms, courts and tribunals to explain how everyday problems could be resolved, how to find legal help, and explain the justice system. Inspired by the USA’s Law Day, Law Week began 45 years ago and has grown to include inperson and online events across Victoria, as well as a program of on-demand podcasts, videos and resources.
Volleyball Horsham will be celebrating its 50th anniversary next year. A centrepiece of this celebration will be a commemorative book highlighting the top 50 male and female players over the past 50 years, 50 memorable victories involving Volleyball Horsham members and 50 iconic photos.
Thank you to West Side Horsham, who have contributed to the costs associated with the printing of the 50th Anniversary booklet.
Beyond Inclusive, a disability support services business, supports Wimmera disability participants to attend the Disability Tri-State games each November. The Disability Tri-State games offers people with a disability a chance to compete against their peers in indoor sports, swimming, track and field athletics, and team sports. Hosted by various venues across Victoria, South Australia and New South Wales, the 2025 Disability Tri-State games will be in Portland, Victoria. Beyond Inclusive supports disability participants for the entire week, staying with the participants and helping them to attend and compete in the games. The grant Beyond Inclusive has kindly received from West Side Horsham will go towards a new marquee for our team, Horsham Heat, to use when competing in the swimming and track and field athletic days. Beyond Inclusive is so grateful to Kim and the team at West Side Horsham for their support and cannot wait to have the new marquee with ‘our thanks to West Side Horsham’ proudly shown on it.
West Side Horsham proudly sponsors local community groups through it’s Community Grant Program. Scan
MILESTONES:
Malcolm and Jeanne Lourensz celebrated their 65th wedding anniversary on May 7 and Malcolm’s 100th birthday on May 17.
BY TED JOHNSON
AsHorsham’s Malcolm Lourensz celebrates his 100th birthday, he has a lot to reflect on.
From his immigration to his career and World War Two, Mr Lourensz has seen ‘a heck of a lot’.
Born in Ceylon, now known as Sri Lanka, Mr Lourensz has been in Australia for about 77 years.
Due to the Immigration Restriction Act 1901, also referred to as the White Australia policy, moving was a challenge for Mr Lourensz. Not only did he have to prove he had 75 per cent European descent, but he had to wait six months for his documents to be approved for him to board a ship to Melbourne.
Mr Lourensz has worked multiple, notable jobs over the years, including his occupation at a British intelligence firm in Ceylon during the Second World War, where he was responsible for transmitting important knowledge to London.
Mr Lourensz considers himself lucky, due to his war-time job being separated from conflict.
After arriving in Melbourne, Mr Lourensz said he found work as a paymaster for more than 150
women at a meat-works factory, responsible for exporting meat and eggs to England.
“All the women did was break eggs into a stainless-steel drum, and that was frozen and shipped to England,” he said.
The Australian workplace proved difficult for him as he had to use pounds, shillings and pence after a life of decimal currency.
Mr Lourensz has followed Footscray, now AFL team Western Bulldogs, for as long as he’s been in Australia – he even watched them win their first premiership in 1954.
The club, also turning 100, gifted him a cap and a beanie for his big day.
Mr Lourensz and his wife, Jeanne, moved from their Box Hill home to Horsham after the COVID-19 pandemic.
Prior to his birthday, Mr and Mrs Lourensz celebrated 65 years of marriage.
After an eventful life of seeing wars, three coronations and numerous descendants including great grand-children, Mr Lourensz now enjoys his quiet life of tending to his garden, listening to Big-Band era music, and watching the cricket and football.
Wimmera District Scout Association, Lee Cooksley:
“We
“It
and it gets our young people outdoors.
“The grants are very easy to apply for. I’d encourage anyone to give it a go it’s really easy to do and they are a great support.”
HANDS ON: Ted Johnson, a year-10 work experience student from St Brigid’s College, Horsham, interviewed Malcolm Lourensz last week. “I have learnt and done a lot during the course of my week of work experience at ACE Radio. I have written stories, this week’s quiz, witnessed the best sales-people work their magic and even contributed my voice to the radio news. I greatly appreciate the hospitality and willingness of ACE staff to teach as they work. I have gained a wealth of information from radio, paper, journalism, marketing and photography. It was difficult to wrap my head around all the grammatical rules The Weekly Advertiser’s journalists had to follow. I learnt to be concise and write without bias. I thank the staff of ACE Radio for this unmatched learning experience.”
Wildlife Victoria is calling on people to support its services after reporting a spike in animal-rescue case numbers across the Wimmera and Grampians regions.
The wildlife rescue charity this month launched a Keep Tomorrow Wild campaign, encouraging Victorian residents to consider the future survival of the region’s unique wildlife.
Wildlife Victoria chief executive Lisa Palma said the charity responded to more than 97,000 sick, injured or orphaned native animals across 455 different species statewide in 2024.
She said more than 1200 of the cases included vulnerable or threatened animals, including squirrel gliders, gang-gang cockatoos, and easternbarred bandicoots.
A Wildlife Victoria spokesperson said reports to the service in the Wimmera and Grampians had spiked in the past 12 months.
She said from 2019 to 2024, Wildlife Victoria received an annual average of about 362 reports of animals in distress per year in the Wimmera and Grampians.
She said while local reports to Wildlife Victoria had increased at an annual average of about 15 per cent, there had been a recent spike.
“From 2019 to 2024, there have been 1812 reports of animals needing rescue across the Grampians and Wimmera regions,” she said.
“In the past 12 months, that number has risen to 432.”
While acknowledging that recent bushfires in the Grampians had contributed to an increase in reports in the region, the spokesperson said the most common cause of wildlife in distress remained animals being struck by vehicles.
“The eastern grey kangaroo, swamp wallaby, and koala are consistently among the most frequently reported species,” she said.
“Wildlife Victoria is experiencing a consistent year-on-year increase in demand for services, with the primary demands drivers, climate change, habitat destruction and urbanisation all impacting the state’s wildlife adversely.”
Ms Palma encouraged people to consider donating to Wildlife Victoria, with the charity’s round-the-clock emergency response and veterinary services more than 90 per cent funded by donations.
“Over 85 per cent of Australia’s mammals, reptiles and frogs are found nowhere else on earth,” she said.
“Yet many of these species are under threat due to habitat destruction, invasive species, climate change and vehicle collisions.
“We urgently need to protect them before it’s too late.”
People can find more information or make a donation by visiting wildlifevictoria.org.au/donate.
The peer-driven learning and personal growth of Horsham’s Army Cadets was showcased at an open day, where new recruits were welcomed.
Commanding officer of the 316 ACU at Horsham, captain Michael Byrne, said the cadet program was a great equaliser.
“It doesn’t matter what school they go to, if they come here, they’re all in the same ilk and it all seems to work really well,” he said.
“It’s very much about youth development and giving them experiences they wouldn’t normally get.”
Captain Byrne said the cadets manned stands at the open day on May 14.
“They set up stands to demonstrate
the different skills they have learned, because cadets is very much cadets run for cadets by cadets,” he said.
“They are upskilling, they are then passing on their knowledge after they have done the courses and so on.”
Horsham has about 35 cadets, all recruited since the program began about a year ago.
“In broad terms about 20 to 30 per cent of those will go on to join the Army, but we’re not officially a recruiting arm,” Captain Byrne said.
“However, we do have a lot of success with kids who come in, can’t look you in the eye, or can’t shake your hand. But when they leave, they’ll stand straight-backed and say, ‘thank you sir’ and so on, then I know
I’ve had that little bit of an impact and we’ve done a good thing.”
People aged between 12.5 and 17 years who are interested in joining the cadets can find more information at www.armycadets.gov.au, or can contact Captain Byrne through the unit’s Facebook page.
“We parade every Tuesday night from 4.30pm to 7.30pm in school terms two and three, and until 8.30pm in terms one and four, when it’s a bit lighter and a bit warmer,” Captain Byrne said.
“If people have any questions, they can come here on a Tuesday night, have a look, and talk with the cadets and the staff.”
– Bronwyn Hastings
Saturday, June 7
Open 11-5pm,
Coal Catering cooking lunch for 12noon: Whipped bone marrow and popcorn butter on sourdough with Winter Chorizo Risotto, after dinner mints and stout infused salted choc with garden mint oil. Limited tickets available by contacting Coal Catering.
Sunday, June 8
Open 11am – 4pm, Wreath making on the lawns, $20 per person, includes a glass of wine or other drink, share platters around re pit until 4pm, bring your friends, its loads of fun.
Monday, June 9
Open 11am – 4pm, three size platters available all afternoon, small, medium and large.
Please phone or message early to book in wreath making tickets and or food. Phone 0417 532 145 for bookings.
DONATION: Nhill Urban Fire Brigade’s volunteers received a light tanker and a field command vehicle, funded by donations and a grant.
Nhill fire brigade has received two new firefighting vehicles – a light tanker and a field command vehicle, funded by significant contributions from the community and Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program.
Brigade captain Robert Schneider said it was a privilege to receive two vital appliances.
“These vehicles are more than just an upgrade, they are a direct investment in the safety of our community,” he said.
The light tanker is a low-profile and lightweight vehicle, equipped with up-to-date safety features and water capacity of 2000 litres.
“The new light tanker will help us move safely and comfortably across the challenging landscapes we are often called to,” Mr Schneider said.
“The stability and reliable handling of the tanker also improves our response to incidents.”
The replacement field command vehicle is a four-wheel-drive, off-road vehicle built for effective operation in bush environments.
“It’s a massive upgrade to our fleet. It’s purpose-built, reliable and suited to support us in the tough conditions we work in,” Mr Schneider said.
“It gives us the ability to direct our fire trucks to get where we need to be, and will support us in serving our community in critical moments.”
District 17 assistant chief fire officer Chris Eagle said with Nhill’s dense trees and challenging terrain, the features of both vehicles would assist with greater and efficient incident response.
Victoria State Emergency Service, VICSES, celebrated its 50th anniversary and its annual Wear Orange Wednesday, WOW Day, with statewide events and facility tours last week.
Horsham unit controller Crystal Sanders said the national recognition event was well-supported by the community.
“We had about 50 people come through, including representatives from other emergency services, and Bunnings cooked a breakfast for us,” she said.
“It was a great ‘thank you’ to our volunteers for all the time they give for emergency response in Horsham.”
Ms Sanders said the Horsham unit welcomed new volunteers to a variety of roles, and would launch a recruitment drive in coming weeks.
“We want to increase our emergency response – we respond to Requests for Assistance, RFAs, for floods, storms, tsunamis, landslides. We do
road crash, high-angle rescues, and searches, and we support other emergency agencies as well,” she said.
“We are a junior-accredited unit, so people can start at 16. We do limit their exposure to incidents until they are 18, but it works well when people join as a junior, because they’ve got two years to develop skills, build rapport and make sure it is something that they want to do.
“By the time they turn 18, they are ready to go for a full response.”
Ms Sanders said VICSES had roles and pathways from administration to high-angle rescue, requiring a variety of skills and training, with roles suitable for most people.
The unit meets for about two hours from 7pm each Tuesday at its McPherson Street base. People are welcome to call in and find out more, visit the unit’s Facebook page, or fill out an expression of interest on the VICSES website www.ses.vic.gov.au/join-us.
BY BRONWYN HASTINGS
Carman’s has outgrown its premises for a second time, moving its windscreen, towing and car rental services from Horsham’s Hamilton Street to Haven’s Hamilton Road.
Beginning in 1953 at Ward Street, panel beater Ivan Carman bought his first tow truck in 1962. Business picked up after a survey of potential clients found the need for a 24-hour windscreen service – in the pre-laminate days of shattering glass – and the expanding business moved to Hamilton Street in 1966.
Joining his father in the business in 1974, Ray Carman said the building was made from secondhand timber.
“He bought a sawmill building out of McPherson Street from the Smith family – they donated the spire to the Church of England – and rebuilt it, what you see on the front is all the timber from there,” he said.
“At that stage we had the panel shop, the towing and the windscreens, then we bought more tow trucks, and we had the Natrad radiator franchise for a few years.
“Then 17 years ago I sold the tow trucks, and Avis vehicle rental came along. Max Wright Car Sales originally had Avis, and I took it on when that shut down.”
Mr Carman’s son, and current business director, Stephen Carman, reintroduced tow trucks in 2019.
“After 51-and-a-half years walking through those doors, I’m not one bit emotional about it. Nothing lasts forever – I just wish Stephen all the best in the future”
– Ray Carman
“Stephen could have killed me when I sold the tow trucks, but I had to do it,” Mr Carman said.
Mr Carman said he was ‘three-quarters’ retired, and not at all emotional leaving the Hamilton Street premises.
“After 51-and-a-half years walking through those doors, I’m not one bit emotional about it,” he said.
“Nothing lasts forever – I just wish Stephen all the best in the future.”
Stephen, an automotive body vehicle glazier and the main tow truck driver, said he had spent most of his working life in the family business.
“I left school at the age of 15 to start working full-time – I’m now 35,” he said.
“There was a two-year period where I went and worked for someone else, just to experience a different thing in life, but realised it wasn’t for me and I came back.”
Mr Carman said the business now employed five full-time staff and offered accident, breakdown and wide load towing, and windscreen replacement for all kinds of vehicles.
Ararat Rural City Council has signed off on a new infrastructure program that includes planned upgrades to roads and bridges across the municipality.
The program outlines more than $12-million of investment across a five-year period, supported by the Federal Government’s Roads to Recovery Program.
Council chief executive Tim Harrison said the works would help improve accessibility and road safety through the construction and maintenance of urban and rural infrastructure.
“This program marks a significant step forward in enhancing the quality and safety of our road infrastructure,” he said.
“This five-year commitment will significantly improve accessibility for our community and lay the groundwork for a more connected and better future for Ararat Rural City.”
Roads and bridges set to receive upgrades
through the program include: Stevens Crescent, Ararat; Viewpoint Street, Ararat, from Banksia Street to Temple Street, and High Street to Lambert Street; Dawson Street, Ararat, from George Road to Banfield Street; Laby Street, Ararat, from Barkly Street to Clay Street; Rundell Street, Ararat, from Princes Street to Maude Street; Mt William Road Bridge across Fiery Creek; Burnetts Road bus route; Woorndoo Streatham Road, at the Moyne Shire boundary; additional segments of a current project on Buangor Ben Nevis Road; McCrows Road Bridge; Barton Bridge; Moyston Willaura Road Bridge; and Bellellen Road floodway.
Preliminary investigations concerning the design and construction aspects of the projects are set to commence soon.
Updates on the program’s progress will be made available via the Engage Ararat website at engage.ararat.vic.gov.au.
Commercial 2 Zoning Horsham – 157 Stawell Road – 6065m2
• One of the last blank canvas Highway blocks available.
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Price: $1,100,000 plus GST
Mark Clyne M 0417 568 200 Features Include: Mountain views, fully-fenced, bitumen driveways, extra wide 7.0mt crossovers, 2-phase 40 amp power at pit, GWM Pipeline water available & extra wide road reserves. All lots are titled and ready to build on. Lots are priced from: $385,000 -$395000
BUSY: The Weekly Advertiser photographer PAUL CARRACHER has enjoyed several morning teas across the region in the past week, and a visit to Horsham West and Haven Primary School’s open day. Pictured are, clockwise from above: Liz Hopkins, Susan Mathews and Prue Pyke at Laharum’s Biggest Morning Tea, celebrating its 20th year. This year’s event raised $1020 for the Cancer Council and $650 for Wimmera Cancer Centre; Sharon Wood, Rhaya Cashman, Amity Khan, Alira Khan, Jess Lee and Ruby Jamieson at the primary school open day; Leah, 3, and her mum Jess Hammond at Laharum’s 20th Biggest Morning Tea; ACE Radio’s Biggest Morning Tea fundraiser; Emma Maybery and her son Kaiden at the open day; and Scott Neill, Horsham councillor Bec Sluggett, Tiffany Warren and Charlie Helyar at Horsham Neighbourhood House’s IDAHOBIT morning tea.
A$12,500 donation from Stawell Hospital Auxiliary will see cataract eye-surgery patients treated with new instruments.
Grampians Health used the donation to purchase four new sets of cataract surgery instruments, which will support a busy eye-surgery program in Stawell.
On average 16 patients undergo cataract procedures on each ophthalmology surgical list.
The sets will be sterilised and maintained by Grampians Health
Stawell’s central sterile services department, led by Stephanie Rathgeber.
Ms Rathgeber said the new instruments would bring the hospital in line with best practice and streamline its eye-surgery program by reducing delays between procedures, improving patient experience.
“With more sets available, we can better manage turnaround times and maintain a smooth workflow between patients,” she said.
Grampians Health chief people officer Claire Woods thanked the
“Supporting equipment that helps people stay close to home for surgery –and ensures they receive care in a comfortable, familiar setting – is what the auxiliary is all about”
– Pam Byron
auxiliary for its support. “We’re incredibly grateful for the auxiliary’s donation,” she said.
“It’s fantastic to have the backing of such a dedicated group, helping
both head and heart. This this could be your next move? Email Lisa: lisa@latituderecruitment.com.au
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us provide the best care possible for our patients.”
Stawell Hospital Auxiliary president Pam Byron said the group was proud to contribute to a differencemaking local service.
“Supporting equipment that helps people stay close to home for surgery – and ensures they receive care in a comfortable, familiar setting – is what the auxiliary is all about,” she said.
People interested in joining the auxiliary can call Ms Byron on 0428 598 272.
Former politician Rob Knowles will serve as chair of the Grampians Health board after the State Government officially appointed him to the position this month following time as interim chair. Mr Knowles was a member of Victoria’s parliament from 1976 to 1999, including stints as Minister for Housing and Aged Care, Minister of Health and Aged Care, and deputy leader of the government in the Legislative Council.
He was a commissioner of both the National Health and Hospital Reform and National Mental Health commissions, and previously chaired the Victorian Health Reform and Innovation Council, as well as the Royal Children’s Hospital board. He is a current board member of home and community-health and aged-care services company Silverchain, Brandon Biocatalyst, Beyond Blue and Great Ocean Road Health.
Grampians Health chief executive Dale Fraser congratulated Mr Knowles on his appointment.
“We are thrilled to welcome Rob as a continued member of our Grampians Health family,” he said.
“Rob’s leadership, experience, regional connections and deep understanding of the health landscape have been invaluable during the last few months.
“His confirmation as chair ensures continuity and a strong strategic focus as we move into the next phase of our growth while we continue to make care accessible to our communities.
“We are fortunate to have someone of his calibre guiding our board.”
Mr Knowles said he was ‘honoured’ to continue as chair.
“Since its formation, Grampians Health has made great strides in delivering more integrated and equitable healthcare across our region,” he said.
“I look forward to working with our communities, staff, and partners to build on this momentum and ensure we continue to meet the diverse needs of the people we serve.”
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Email: jade@latituderecruitment.com.au
To go to our current vacancies scan this QR code or check out our website www.latituderecruitment.com.au
With the rising business costs, decreased rainfall, and increasing pressure on local industries many in the business and agricultural sectors are feeling isolated and uncertain.
Agriculture, Agribusiness and Business come together to:
• Network, Share & Learn
• Catch up. Bring a mate. Have a laugh. Have a Drink.
This is an opportunity to connect, share and access practical knowledge fostering community support and collaboration.
We aim to strengthen resilience, improve decision-making, and encourage sustainable practices.
Be a part of the momentum driving our region forward. Let’s Grow Together.
Wednesday, June 4, 2025 6pm to 9pm
BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY
Less than a year after it faced liquidation, Horsham proteinmanufacturing business Australian Plant Proteins’ future appears secure after investment company
My Co acquired it last month.
Australian Plant Proteins, APP, creates protein-isolate powders from pulse crops using a patented process known as fractionation.
The powders have a range of uses, including as pre-workout and nutritional supplements, in vegetarian and vegan-friendly meat and dairy alternatives, as well as in snack foods and other baked goods.
The business was founded in 2016 by Brendan McKeegan and Phil McFarlane and opened its Horsham manufacturing plant in 2020.
In 2022 the business announced plans to construct a new South Australian facility with an estimated cost of more than $300-million, which it planned to operate concurrently with its Horsham manufacturing plant.
But by the following year the plans were scrapped when the federal and South Australian governments, which had pledged a combined $178-million towards the project, withdrew their commitments.
In June, 2024 the company entered into voluntary administration, with accountants Romanis Cant reportedly
recommending it be liquidated. But a saviour emerged in early April, with Australian businessman Terry Paule purchasing APP through his investment company My Co.
My Co’s website states the company has a focus on investing in food, agricultural and bio-tech startups, with a portfolio of more than 10 businesses including APP.
My Co chief executive Vicky Pappas said the company was thrilled to acquire APP and was committed to keeping the Horsham plant open.
“APP will employ around 18 fulltime staff at our Horsham manufacturing facility when full production
is achieved in the coming months,” she said.
“It’s worth noting that our manufacturing site is heavily automated and uses state-of-the-art equipment, which gives efficiency and guarantees quality of products.
“My Co’s acquisition is focused on protecting local jobs and supporting the Horsham community. We are committed to retaining all Horsham-based employees as we invest in expanding APP’s operations and capabilities.”
Ms Pappas said she believed that APP had a bright future despite its recent financial troubles.
“My Co is confident in APP’s profit-
NEW OWNER: Australian businessman Terry Paule purchased Australian Plant Proteins, APP, through his investment company My Co in early April, after the business entered voluntary administration in June 2024.
ability and long-term sustainability,” she said.
“The financial difficulties were driven by a range of external economic factors, not a failure of the business fundamentals.
“APP’s core offering – a high-quality, sustainable product with unique technology – remains strong.
“Our strategy involves leveraging My Co’s proven expertise in scaling food businesses, enhancing operational efficiencies, and expanding product lines.”
Ms Pappas said APP’s proprietary technology gave it an edge over competitors.
“My Co was drawn to APP because of its unique, patented fractionation technology, which enables the production of high-quality protein isolates from locally grown pulses like faba beans, yellow peas, lentils, and mung beans,” she said.
“This clean, non-solvent extraction process sets APP apart globally and aligns with My Co’s mission to foster food sector innovation and sustainability.
“We see immense potential in APP’s technology and its ability to support local farmers, protect regional jobs, and reinforce Australia’s status in the global plant-based food market.
“With growing consumer demand for nutritious, sustainable food options, we believe APP is well-positioned to expand its capabilities and presence both domestically and internationally.”
In a statement on social media, Mr Paule said he was ‘gobsmacked’ after acquiring APP.
“I’m realising just how significant this company is and why the world needs to know about the immense benefits of our faba bean protein isolate,” he said.
“I had the privilege of visiting our state-of-the-art facility in Horsham … and I couldn’t be more excited about the opportunity ahead.”
Talk about a week being a long time in politics. Last week was like politics on speed.
It was a 5am start for me and what turned out to be thousands of farmers and CFA volunteers on Tuesday last week, leaving home in the dark, destination Parliament House, Melbourne.
I first got a sense this protest against the Emergency Services and Volunteer levy was going to be far larger than previous ones as I passed convoy after convoy of CFA trucks in a steady stream down the Hume Freeway. It unexpectedly lifted my spirits.
The crowds just kept rolling in, and in, and in. There were a few complaints that protesters couldn’t find the advertised sausage sizzle and it was going to be a long hungry morning, but all in good spirits.
It was also like a long-awaited reunion, hearing so many, ‘I haven’t seen you for years!’.
I even took a photo of the box of cow poo that so upset the Premier when it was delivered to her office. It was actually quite prettily presented in a pink box with bows and was obviously not something meant to be opened.
The State Opposition had already leaked the news it would repeal the levy legislation, but Liberal leader Brad Battin confirmed it to great celebration from the protestors. No tensions evident between the Coalition as Nationals leader Danny O’Brien stood shoulder to shoulder with Battin. More on that another time when this debacle of David Littleproud leading the split of the Federal Coalition is resolved.
Farmers and CFA volunteers spoke emotionally about their lifetimes of serving their community for little reward.
An exhausted VFF president Brett Hosking,
Libby Price
who has done himself so proud working tirelessly to try to get a resolution, was a tad teary as he spoke.
In my not very humble opinion, the protest was somewhat taken over the head of the United Fire Fighters Union, Peter Marshall.
Let’s not forget the Independent Broad-based Anti-Corruption Inquiry last year found the union had ‘unprecedented influence over the operation and decision-making of the fire service, which prevented the service from functioning properly’, and that ‘the staff involved were motivated to misuse MFB information to further the interests of the Victorian branch of the UFU or its secretary, Peter Marshall’. Marshall had exerted enormous power over the Andrews government having helped it win the 2014 election. Then came the protracted industrial dispute over pay for his union members. It was largely Marshall who persuaded thenPremier Daniel Andrews to bring together all paid fire fighters under Fire Services Victoria, the very reform that really left volunteer firefighters now fighting a different fire, a fight for their very existence. It must have left a very bitter taste in the mouth of the Allan government that Marshall had once again chosen to do what he thought was in his own best interests.
BY BRONWYN HASTINGS
Norton Estate winery’s Chris and Sam Spence are looking at an exciting future – they have their packaged home and business on the market, and are set to launch two new wines.
One is a carefully planted 200-yearold cultivar from America, the other an incidental fire season-dedicated rosé.
Mr Spence said this season was the first they have had grapes affected by smoke.
“In the 22 years the vines have been producing fruit properly, we’ve had mostly good years, but we have never had smoke taint until this year,” he said.
“But the positive is – and there’s always a positive – the skin on the shiraz grapes is thicker, so we got rid of the skins and used the juice to make rosé.
“We will change from a redhead rosé just this year to be something else, dedicated to the season that was.
“It’s yet to be bottled and the name announced, but it will be a 2025 vintage released in the next few months.”
Mr Spence said the other wine, unique in Australia, would coincidentally have the vineyard’s name.
“We have nurtured a unique, 200-year-old cultivar from America – we’re only the second vineyard in Australia to have it – it’s a red wine grape and it’s called Norton, so it has our name. It will be the Norton Estate Norton,” he said.
“You can’t compare it to anything else because it’s its own variety – a little bit European, a little bit American in its style. It’s very rich in tannin, but lively and fruitful in the mouth.”
The Lower Norton vineyard is a result of the work and determination of two generations.
The couple, along with Mr Spence’s parents Don and Wendy, planted the vines 29 years ago, converting what Mr Spence described as ‘a few sheep on a hill’ to a still-expanding winery.
Connections to fourth-generation Best’s Winery vigneron Viv Thomson assisted the Spences’ learning – in both the making of their wine, and the expansion of their business.
“My father Don and mother Wendy, they were good friends with Viv, dating back to about 1972,” Mr Spence said.
“When Viv found out we were going to have a play around with some wine grapes, he visited and showed us what
to do. He was basically born in a vineyard, and became a real mentor and a lifetime friend.”
The Spences have tripled the size of the cellar door and built a deck and alfresco area, reflecting the vineyard’s expansion from the first planting of a hectare of shiraz to cabernet, sauvignon blanc, and more shiraz.
The vineyard now averages about 23 tonne of fruit each year, resulting in between 15,000 and 20,000 bottles of wine.
The Spences have celebrated life events and special occasions with people and the community, from engagements and weddings, baby showers,
Last season’s weather-impacted fallen grain and a warm summer has sustained mouse populations, presenting a risk to new season’s crops.
CSIRO mouse management specialist Steve Henry said weather that caused grain loss provided soil moisture, which enabled mice to keep breeding through summer.
“This means we are seeing high numbers of mice in parts of Queensland, New South Wales, and parts of the Wimmera where we think there’s been significant grain loss prior to harvest, associated with a weather event,” he said.
Mr Henry said farmers would
needed to be prepared to bait as they sow.
“If mice are present in high numbers when the crop is been sown, you can see significant damage to the freshly sown crops,” he said.
“The mice get switched on to the lines of the seeder, and they’ll actually just march along a single furrow and take all the freshly sown seeds, so they are plants that never get an opportunity to germinate and grow and produce grain.”
Mr Henry said it was important that farmers understood how many mice were present in their stubbles before they sow their crops.
“If they’re seeing high numbers of mice, they need to be prepared to bait as they sow to try and minimise that damage that mice might cause,” he said.
“The advantage of spreading bait as farmers sow the crop is that a lot of that residual food gets buried as the crop gets sown, and then when mice come out after the seeder’s been through, the bait is the first thing they find on the surface.
“It’s really important that, if possible, farmers reduce food prior to baiting, that would enable them to get the best result.”
and significant birthdays. In recent months the couple has afforded some time away from the vineyard, holidaying and weighing up retirement options.
“We have travelled around to different destinations, which has opened our eyes to what other parts of Victoria, Tasmania and New South Wales have got, so who knows,” Mr Spence said.
“People say they’re going to write a new chapter in the book. I’ve got a feeling we’ll write a completely different book.”
Wonwondah and district sheep farmers are set to benefit from a best practice ewe management and feed planning breakfast workshop on June 12.
Hosted by Agriculture Victoria, presenter and livestock consultant Dr Steve Cotton of Dynamic Ag will discuss how to manage and feed ewes for reproduction and lamb survival during dry seasonal conditions.
Agriculture Victoria south-west regional manager meat and wool Kate McCue said Dr Cotton’s tips would inform and support producers preparing for a late autumn break.
“Dr Cotton is well known to industry as both a speaker and consultant, as well as a co-ordinator of some of our BestWool-BestLamb groups’’ she said.
“This workshop is a great opportunity for producers to discuss their goals and concerns with Steve among fellow farmers and leave feeling equipped to meet their ewe and lamb demands this season.”
The workshop will start with a complimentary breakfast from 7.30am, with the workshop at 8.30am. Topics will include best-practice ewe management; improving reproduction and lamb survival; ewe feed requirements before and after lambing; lamb feed requirements; and management tips for a late autumn break.
The workshop is part of the Farm Business Resilience Program jointly funded by the Federal Government’s Future Drought Fund and the State Government’s Future Agriculture Skills Capacity Fund.
Registration is essential, with the workshop location provided after registering. Registration details and further information is available at ww.agriculture.vic.gov.au/events. Dry seasons support is available at agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons or by calling 136 186.
BY LAUREN HENRY
Yarriambiack
Shire Council
will make a submission to the State Government’s draft transmission plan and seek clarification as to why two major projects are not included in the updated renewable energy zones, REZ.
VicGrid, a State Government department, released a draft plan that identified seven onshore renewable energy zones – two of which are in the Wimmera.
The Wimmera Southern Mallee zone is located alongside the Henty Highway, north of Horsham – an area already host to the Murra Warra wind farm, with others in planning phases; while the other zone is in the Gramians Wimmera REZ, north of Stawell – already earmarked for a major transmission line project.
Yarriambiack Mayor Kylie Zanker said each of the two zones were planning to generate between 320 and 480 megawatts of new wind energy.
“In contrast, the energy parks planned for Yarriambiack Shire are significantly larger. The Campbells Bridge project is set to produce 1000MW, and the Warracknabeal Energy Park will generate 1650MW,” she said.
“We seek to understand the implications for these large-scale projects, specifically whether their capacities will be reduced.
“Given the maximum megawatts identified, we anticipate the number of prospectors in these areas will decrease substantially”.
The plan sets out how much more wind and solar energy Victoria is expected to need over the next 15 years and identifies the most suitable locations for new renewable energy and transmission projects.
A
‘Look Over the Farm Gate’ mental health and wellbeing grant program will be available statewide to help communities come together and support farmers and farming families under stress.
In response to deteriorating seasonal conditions, the State Government announced drought support for an extra 13 local government areas, including Horsham, Northern Grampians and all
Cr Zanker said the council would seek clarification regarding the Curyo Windfarm, up to 1000MW, and the Wilkur Energy Park, up to 776MW, not being within the footprint of a REZ.
“We wish to understand if those projects will still be considered, given the uncertainty these proposed projects place on our community,” she said.
“Both projects have initiated Environmental Effects Statement, EES, processes. The commencement of these EES processes has imposed limitations on farming communities regarding the development of certain areas of their land.”
Cr Zanker said the council would also be asking about private transmissions projects, such as the WiRES project planned within the shire.
“As a council, we have observed the anxiety and concern that proposed projects have caused among our community members,” she said.
“We seek clarity from the Victoria Transmission Plan so that our community can comprehend its impacts.
“It is important the community re-
view those zones, along with the likely scale of generation in each REZ.
“I encourage the community to visit the community engagement hubs established or to provide feedback via the feedback form available on the Engage Vic website.”
Yarriambiack council endorsed its position statement on mining, renewable energy, and transmission lines in January, acknowledging the widespread community concerns, but stating the council had no authority over the projects.
“However, council will continue to advocate for legislative reforms to ensure that community members residing close to mining, transmission, and renewable energy infrastructure are considered, and their health, wellbeing, and the social cohesion of our community are taken into account,”
Cr Zanker said.
Member for Mallee Anne Webster said the State Government had ‘sharpened its sights on Marnoo, Navarre, Beulah, Warracknabeal, Normanville and Quambatook’ to bear the brunt of the VNI West transmission line, wind
turbine and solar panel energy targets.
Dr Webster pointed out all seven zones fell in electorates held by federal Coalition MPs – three in Mallee; two in Wannon; and one each in Nicholls and Gippsland. “While this is good news for the Horsham, Robinvale, Charlton, Donald, Wycheproof and Kerang communities that were included in the original 2021 REZ mapping – and earmarked as Tier 1 top priority on page five of Labor’s September 2024 plan – I am very concerned that yet again Labor’s railroading of the energy agenda again identifies political targets instead of listening to the community and the science,” she said.
Dr Webster noted the new mapping goes out of its way to avoid much of the Labor-held greater Ballarat region and state electorate of Ripon – which were in the original ‘V3’ REZ mapping – and Labor-held Bendigo seats, which were in the original ‘V2’ REZ mapping.
“I will always take a strong stand fighting for regional communities, particularly where locals have not
been listened to and where energy cowboys pay lip service to gaining social licence,” she said.
“Victoria’s newest REZ mapping will further embolden the cowboys to crack on with non-disclosure agreements, buying off farmers and pitting neighbour versus neighbour, stirring bad blood where it had never been so before.”
VicGrid will host community consultation sessions, from 10am to 3pm, at Horsham’s Centre for Participation, 39 Urquhart Street, every Tuesday until June 17; and at Grampians Community Health, 8-22 Patrick Street, Stawell, every Wednesday until June 18.
• Following strong and widespread opposition to the VNI West transmission project, Buloke Shire Council voted to formally oppose the project in its current form.
The Victoria to New South Wales Interconnector project proposes a high-capacity double-circuit overhead transmission line that will cut across agricultural land, forming a conduit between the Western Renewables Link project at Bulgana, east of Stawell, to New South Wales.
In a statement, council said ‘while some individuals are directly affected by the proposed alignment, many others have voiced concern about broader issues including land use, farmland protection, consultation processes, and the cumulative impact of transmission infrastructure on rural communities’.
“This opposition reflects the dissatisfaction with the engagement and planning process to date, as well as a lack of confidence that the project will deliver fair and lasting outcomes for the Buloke community, farmers, landholders and the environment.”
of West Wimmera. Ararat was among 11 municipalities announced last year to be a drought-declared area, eligible for $5000 on-farm drought infrastructure grants.
Ararat Mayor Jo Armstrong said there would be continued support for the regional drought co-ordinator role, and additional funding for small businesses through the appointment of a small business financial counsellor.
“While we recognise the broader financial pressures facing our community, including the incoming Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund Levy, the immediate need for drought support for our farmers remains paramount,” she said.
“I strongly encourage all eligible primary producers to carefully consider the criteria and apply for the available State Government assistance. This
support is crucial in helping our rural sector to navigate these persistent and challenging dry conditions.”
The government has also allocated $9000 for the National Centre for Farmer Health in Hamilton.
Agriculture Victoria’s farm business technical and decision-making support will include a range of technical specialists who can support farmers to manage the impacts of increas-
ingly difficult seasonal conditions. Other support includes Rural Financial Counselling Service, the Federal Government’s Farm Household Allowance, and low interest loans available through Regional Investment Corporation.
People can find out more at agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons or by phoning 136 186.
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BY LAUREN HENRY
Ararat farmer Rob Armstrong told a heart-wrenching story to the thousands of people who descended in front of Parliament House in Melbourne last week to protest the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund.
While farmers in the droughtdeclared local government areas of Ararat, West Wimmera, Northern Grampians and Horsham will get a reprieve on the new fund in the next financial year, all other farmers face a 150 per cent increase from the previous Fire Services Property Levy.
CFA and VICSES volunteers will be eligible for a partial rebate, estimated to equate to a 16 per cent reduction, but only on their primary place of residence.
Meanwhile residential and commercial ratepayers face about a 100 per cent increase, and industrial properties will increase by 64 per cent.
The fund, which will replace the Fire Services Levy from July 1, will inject about $1.6-billion into State Government revenue.
Mr Armstrong’s humble, and at times emotional, speech was warmly welcomed by protestors.
He had attempted to travel to Melbourne’s CBD by train but delays –which affected many protestors making the 10am rally in Spring Street – had forced him to eventually travel by an Uber to the city.
Out of breath due to him hurrying, Mr Armstrong – a Country Fire Au-
thority volunteer for 39 years – was forthright with his words, saying he had been fighting the levy since the day it was announced.
He told a story about fires in February, 1969, where a woman named Dorothy Tucker was babysitting four kids aged two, four, six, and eight years old.
“When the fire threatened the family farm, she wrapped the kids up in wet towels, loaded them into an old SJU and tried to drive them to safety, but the smoke was too thick – she hit a tree trying to escape,” he said.
“Dorothy carried those children to the main road on foot, a firefighting unit, a local volunteer farmer, was out chasing the fire.
“They couldn’t see through the smoke, so they drove with the windows down, listened for the gravel under their tyres so they could stay on
the road, and then the smoke parted just enough and they saw her huddled over the children.
“The fire had already passed over them. They were badly burned. They spent months in the Royal Children’s Hospital, but they survived.
“I was one of those children.”
Mr Armstrong said every time he was called to a fire as a CFA volunteer, he heard voices in his head telling him not to go, but he went anyway.
“Because maybe one day I’ll get the chance to help someone the way Dorothy and those volunteer farmers helped me,” he said.
“But if the levy had existed back then, many farmers wouldn’t have had the money left to buy their own fire equipment.
“If the levy had existed back then, maybe they wouldn’t want to risk their life to fight fires and be charged
“If this government refuses to listen, we will stop the food from leaving the farm – meat, vegetables, cereals, grains, a week at first. And if you don’t listen, we’ll do it again. And if you don’t listen, we’ll do it again”
– Rob Armstrong, left
for it through the nose. Maybe no one would have come to save us.”
Mr Armstrong said the levy threatened to put everyone in rural Victoria in danger.
“The ESV Fund does not support farmers. It does not support anyone. It punishes us. It taxes us. The taxes are people who show up,” he said.
Mr Armstrong called on Premier Jacinta Allan and Treasurer Jaclyn Symes to see the damage they were doing to all Victorians.
“We don’t sell our souls to the highest bid like you and Jaclyn did on Wednesday night. We’re respectful people. We value our neighbours. We back our communities,” he said.
“You sold us out and now we are standing up. You have showed no understanding, no conscience.
“If you and your treasurer still believe in serving Victorians, you’ll listen. You’ll fix this. If not, step aside because the State Government – it doesn’t belong to you – it belongs to the people who keep it running. The people you are supposed to serve.”
Mr Armstrong, also an Ararat coun-
cillor, said the government had exposed rural councils to enormous risk.
“Councils still have to pay the State Government whether the levy is collected or not,” he said.
“That means farmers can’t pay, won’t pay, and the councils will be left withholding all the debt.
“At this rate, rural councils will be bankrupt within two years.”
Mr Armstrong said if all 39 councils stuck together, they could say they would only collect the levy at the residential rate for all ratepayers.
“Because what’s really going on here – this levy isn’t about delivering better emergency services, it’s about plugging a hole that the government has created themselves,” he said.
“They’re now trying to refill the bucket with not city taxes, but from the pockets of volunteers and primary producers.
“It’s not a policy, it’s a betrayal.”
Mr Armstrong said for the first time in his entire life, farmers were ‘truly united as one’.
“We may be only one per cent of the population, but we feed 100 per cent of the people,” he said.
“Jacinta, you have woken a sleeping giant.
“You can’t control if you don’t respect the farmers and you won’t have any food.
“And if this government refuses to listen, we will stop the food from leaving the farm – meat, vegetables, cereals, grains, a week at first. And if you don’t listen, we’ll do it again. And if you don’t listen, we’ll do it again.”
The Victorian Farmers Federation has welcomed the State Government’s announcement of draft regulations to enable the legal use of virtual fencing in Victoria.
Virtual fencing uses collars with GPS and wireless technology to control livestock without physical fences. If the animal leaves a designated area, the collars send out three warning noise and vibration cues and additional stimulus to encourage the animal to return to the area.
Agriculture Minister Ros Spence announced last week that new regulations would be prepared for the use of virtual fencing and herding technology for cattle in Victoria.
The announcement follows years of advocacy by the VFF and the broader farming community, as the government engaged with industry, manufacturers and researchers about virtual fencing to understand the animal welfare impacts of the technology that will create better and more efficient farms.
Ms Spence said further engagement would occur with relevant stakeholders, including animal welfare groups, with the regulations to be finalised by the end of the year.
She said the new regulations would make sure the roll-out of virtual fencing across the state would improve
animal welfare outcomes, farm safety, productivity and staff wellbeing.
However, the VFF says more must be done to ensure farmers can access and implement the technology, particularly in the face of deepening drought conditions.
VFF president Brett Hosking said the announcement was a long-overdue recognition of the need to modernise Victoria’s outdated rules.
“This is a win for common sense and a testament to the advocacy efforts of the VFF and our members,” he said.
“Virtual fencing is already proving its worth in other states. It’s time Victorian farmers had the same opportunities to improve livestock management and reduce pressure on our land.”
While recognising the legislation as a positive step, the VFF is urging the government to make existing drought and preparedness funding eligible for virtual fencing and stock containment infrastructure once the regulations are finalised.
“The timing of these changes is critical,” Mr Hosking said.
“We’re in the middle of a challenging season, and farmers need every tool available to manage feed, protect soil, and rotate stock efficiently. Virtual fencing is one of those tools.
“Once regulations are in place, we want to see support made available, not just through words, but with prac-
tical funding that helps farmers adopt this technology where it’s most urgently needed.”
A trial of Halter virtual fencing technology at Agriculture Victoria’s Ellinbank SmartFarm in Gippsland will continue conducting research until June 30 – giving Victorian farmers the chance to experience it first-hand.
Since July 2024, dairy cattle at the SmartFarm have been fitted with solar powered smart collars that use electronic cues to contain animals within a virtual fence and guide them to areas of the farm via a mobile phone app. It also allows farmers to monitor their cows’ location, health and reproductive status.
Ms Spence said Agriculture Victoria was actively contributing to the de-
in Horsham,
velopment of the Australian Animal Welfare Guide for Virtual Fencing, a project led by the Federal Government’s Department of Agriculture, Fisheries and Forestry.
The guide aims to support a consistent regulatory approach across states and territories, while ensuring optimal animal welfare outcomes where virtual fencing is used.
“We know that Victorian farmers are looking to use virtual fencing and herding technology to improve productivity and farmer safety, which is why we’re making decisions to ensure farmers have the best technology up to date,” Ms Spence said.
“It is critical that we have appropriate safeguards in place to protect animal welfare, while enabling innova-
tion on farms. These new regulations will provide a framework to achieve this.”
Mr Hosking said the VFF also reiterated its disappointment over recent policy decisions, such as the Emergency Services and Volunteer Fund levy, which had added pressure to rural communities already managing severe cost and climate pressures.
“We won’t forget the government’s decision to ignore rural voices on the unfair levy,” he said.
“But we’ll always support policies that help farmers do their jobs better and virtual fencing is one of them.”
The VFF will continue to work closely with the government and industry to ensure the final virtual fencing framework is safe, practical and aligned with the needs of Victorian producers.
The VFF and United Dairyfarmers of Victoria have worked closely with manufacturers, researchers and regulators to support the responsible roll-out of the technology.
UDV president Bernie Free noted the technology’s potential to transform operations for dairy producers.
“Dairy farmers have been ready to adopt virtual fencing for years,” he said.
“We’ve done the groundwork, and while this announcement is welcome, we can’t afford to wait much longer.”
Reports of cruelty and neglect towards horses are increasing across the state amid rain deficiencies, prompting budget-bound RSPCA Victoria’s inspectorate to issue a plea to horse owners.
RSPCA Victoria chief inspector Michelle Green said more than 8100 horses were involved in cruelty reports this financial year, a 53 per cent increase on the previous year.
“This year we have already taken in 183 horses, with more than 60 horses still in our care,” she said.
“The majority are at various agistments across the state due to the limited capacity at our shelter.
“Caring for these horses comes at a cost, with each horse estimated to remain under our care for an average of 120 days costing nearly $50 per day, per horse.”
RSPCA chief executive Liz Walker said RSPCA Victoria received ongoing funding from the State Government of $2.3-million per year, which covered about 21 per cent of its inspectorate costs, forecast to be $10.8-million this financial year.
“While we’re incredibly grateful for the funding we receive annually, and the additional one-off boost of $2.5-million received this financial year, this barely
makes a dent in the amount it costs to keep our inspectors on the road and to care and rehabilitate the animals coming in through the inspectorate,” she said.
“In addition to existing safety concerns for our inspectors, without sufficient funding, sadly we will likely need to restrict the species of animal we investigate, rehabilitate and rehome, removing horses, poultry and livestock from our scope of work.”
There are 28 inspectors on the road to investigate more than 10,000 cruelty reports across the state.
The RSPCA seized 10 horses from an Ararat property earlier this year.
“Our inspectors are the only authorised officers under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act, who currently enforce and prosecute horse welfare in the state and with horses not currently covered by local laws, without other law enforcement agencies picking it up, neglect and cruelty towards horses will be left unchecked across the state,” Dr Walker said.
Anyone with concerns about the welfare of animals with first-hand information is urged to make a report to RSPCA Victoria at rspcavic.org/cruelty-report or by calling 9224 2222. For more information on horse care, people can visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/livestock-and-animals/ horses/basic-horse-care.
NEW HOME: Horsham’s Crop Smart team, Trevor Ryan, Steven Jardine, Angus Martin and Bodie Colbert in front of their new Dimboola Road, Horsham, store.
Crop Smart has relocated from its Dooen store to a new site in Horsham, marking a significant step in the company’s evolution.
The move also honours a 19-year partnership with Darren Mills, the driving force behind the original Dooen location.
Independent and Australian owned, Crop Smart was founded in 2006 as a one-person operation.
It has now grown to include a formulation plant and a network of stores across South Australia, Victoria, and southern NSW, offering expert advice and in-field support to deliver solutions that optimise farm productivity and profitability, supplying agricultural chemicals, fertiliser, crop nutrition, seed and animal health products.
Crop Smart executive chairman Matt Durden said the relocation was a strategic decision enabling
the company to enhance its operational efficiency and provide a more convenient service for customers across the Wimmera.
He said the new Horsham site would ensure continuity of customer service and high-quality farm inputs the local farming community had come to expect.
“This move has been in the works for some time as our company and Darren’s own farm businesses both continued to grow, so we’re entering this new chapter together with mutual excitement,” he said.
Mr Durden said the Dooen store, Crop Smart’s first ever site and situated on Mr Mills’ farm, had been a cornerstone of the business for nearly two decades, thanks in large part to the dedication and expertise of Mr Mills, his family and his employees.
“Their combined commitment
has been instrumental in Crop Smart’s expansion throughout the Wimmera region, with this amicable parting of ways allowing Darren to focus on his expanding farm while Crop Smart continues to grow and evolve,” he said.
“Darren has been an incredible partner and friend to Crop Smart over the years. His passion and hard work have contributed significantly to our growth in the Wimmera region.”
Mr Durden said Crop Smart expressed its sincere gratitude to the Wimmera farming community for their support over the past 19 years, and the team were looking forward to welcoming customers to its new location.
An official opening event at the new site at 52-56 Dimboola Road, Horsham, is scheduled next month.
BY DR JEFF CAVE, AGRICULTURAL VICTORIA SENIOR VETERINARY OFFICER
Aswe move towards winter, sheep producers may begin to see cases of pregnancy toxaemia, or twin lamb disease, in their ewes.
Twin lamb disease occurs when ewes have an inadequate energy intake during the last four to six weeks of pregnancy.
During this final period of pregnancy, ewes’ energy needs increase substantially, as she is providing energy for both herself, and her rapidly growing lamb.
Ewes that are carrying twins are particularly susceptible, hence the name.
In fact a ewe carrying twins has one and a half times the energy requirements of a ewe with a single lamb, and more than twice the energy requirements of a dry ewe.
The table below shows energy requirements in megajoules – MJ ME/day – for sheep maintained at condition score three with single lambs or twin lambs.
Sheep weight (without foetus) kg
Medium frame 50kg 8 12
Sheep fed in containment areas generally require 10 to 16 per cent less energy compared
with animals walking around paddocks looking for feed.
An outbreak of twin lamb disease is often triggered by stress and environmental conditions that cause a low intake of food such as during yarding or holding off feed or severe weather conditions.
Affected ewes usually appear dopey, blind and unresponsive.
The condition may progress over several days.
The presence of affected ewes is an indication that all is not well in the remainder of the flock.
Many other ewes may also be sub-clinically affected and may progress to become further cases of twin lamb disease.
Twin lamb disease occurs because of a breakdown of body fat at a rate with which the ewe’s liver is unable to cope.
As a result, on autopsy an affected ewe’s liver will appear swollen, yellow, crumbly and greasy.
Affected ewes can occasionally be successfully treated by an energy-rich drench such as glycerine, provided the drench is given during the early stages of the disease.
More importantly, good quality supplementary feeding should be given to those ewes most at risk.
Increasing the ewe’s energy intake through appropriate ration formulation during the last eight weeks of pregnancy can prevent twin lamb disease.
For further advice, people can contact their local veterinarian or Agriculture Victoria veterinary or animal health officer.
Further information on ewe nutrition can be found at www.feedinglivestock.vic.gov.au.
For more information and support during drought and dry conditions, visit www. agriculture.vic.gov.au/dryseasons or call 136 186.
Agriculture Victoria is encouraging livestock producers to consider effective stock containment strategies to help maintain core herd or flock numbers and support pasture recovery.
Agriculture Victoria’s land management extension officer Kerri Goschnick said dry seasonal conditions and limited rainfall continued to place pressure on grazing operations, impacting pasture growth and causing bare ground across many paddocks.
“Stock containment refers to confining livestock in designated areas, where farmers can effectively manage feed, water and shelter,” she said.
“This allows farm paddocks to rest until an autumn break causes pastures to recover and withstand livestock grazing.
“Stock containment doesn’t necessarily require a complicated system; it can be as simple as a sacrifice paddock with good quality water and access for feeding.
“Farmers should be aware that there is a higher risk of weed infestation when importing feed to supplementary feed livestock.
“Establishing a stock containment area to use supplementary feed will contain the weed seeds to a manageable area.
“Weeds to look out for include parthenium weed, particularly in fodder sourced from parts of Queensland and NSW.
“It is important that animals in containment have their nutritional, water and shelter needs met.”
Agriculture Victoria can assist in planning feed budgets and stock containment area design and management.
Further information can be found by searching Agriculture Victoria’s website.
For more information about drought and dry seasonal conditions support head to agriculture. vic.gov.au/dryseasons.
Partnerships Against Pests program grants of $10,000 up to $50,000 are available to community groups for projects focused on managing established weeds and pest animals.
Round four of the $5-million program, worth $637,000, will allow groups to develop and deliver community education programs and action for up to two years and can include up to $10,000 for capital items.
Capital items can include monitoring technology and weed and pest management equipment, such as monitoring cameras to track feral pigs, hoes to eradicate serrated tussock or bait laying equipment to manage rabbits. Equipment for
demonstration and education such as projector screens may also be eligible for funding.
Buloke and Northern Grampians Landcare Network facilitator Andrew Borg said the program had been invaluable for kickstarting the network’s pest and weed management efforts.
“Without funding through the Partnerships Against Pests program we would not have been able to commence upskilling of our volunteers and regional land managers to combat invasive pests and weeds,” he said. Applications close on Friday July 4. For more information people can visit agriculture.vic. gov.au.
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Having recently purchased land near Horsham, I plan to establish a site for growing and breeding the prickly pear—Opuntia cus indica.
This highly productive species was domesticated thousands of years ago by the natives of the Mesoamerican regions, especially around Mexico and is legal to grow, unlike most species that are noxious weeds.
I have begun to plant an arboretum of available varieties as a genetic resource allowing for cross-pollination by bees and hopefully interesting new varieties will appear.
Instead of paying top dollar for hay during a drought and also culling breeding stock, a relatively small arboretum of prickly pears means a readily available store of
fresh and highly nutritious food is at hand. These plants can also grow on poor soils provided it’s well drained.
Unfortunately Australians still harbour fears associated with prickly pears due to past disasters when wild Opuntias species escaped and covered large areas of northern NSW and southern QLD over a hundred years ago. Many farmers were forced to abandon their land as a result.
The rst wild opuntias arrived with the rst eet in 1788, needed to harvest the red dye produced by the cochineal aphid that feeds off Opuntia pads.
Before that time the Spanish provided the dye, but England and Spain were at war preventing the usual supply of dye for the English red coat army.
Since those early days, some 30 wild Opuntia species have naturalised in Australia and are classi ed as noxious weeds. These dif cult to control plants reproduce much faster than the relatively benign and legal Opuntia cus indica.
ICARDA is a worldwide organisation looking to produce resilient livelihoods in dry regions around the world. It’s sponsored by the Food and Agriculture Organisation of the United Nations.
This publication has a vast amount of information and references.
This publication gives an overview of the state of opuntia cus indica culture throughout the world.
Leading countries producing fresh fruits for human consumption include Israel, Italy and the Americas.
Brazil and Mexico are world leaders in animal fodder production including mechanical harvesting of attened stems known as cladodes or paddles.
China has utilized Opuntia cus indica as a food crop that also stabilizes light soils in semi-desert areas, a large industry including irrigation to produce high fruit yields.
Some farmers expressed
concern that birds will spread this cactus, but I’ve found that chemical mix of paraquat and diquat is highly effective at killing Opuntias, where a single droplet will eliminate a young plant.
Applications for prickly pear include treatments for diabetes, hypertension and in ammation along with anti-in ammatory and antioxidant qualities.
Uses in the cosmetics and skincare market is expected to boom. These applications are for people in wealthy countries but by far the most valuable use is to save human and animal lives in drought stricken regions in undeveloped nations.
Africa has large regions in long term drought and these living water stores reduce the water needs of grazing animals as well as providing an invaluable source of pollen for bees that are being devastated by the varroa mites.
General uses
• Juices
• Biofuels
• Stock Feed
• Fire Retardants
• Soil Bioactive components
Edible gums from pads and water soluble oils from seeds are highly sought after. Lubricating food producing machinery is best used with nontoxic oils obtained from the Opuntia.
Farmers interested in a trial arboretum can collect free
paddles for propagation early next year.
These are simple to grow but if you want to know more about this project please leave your details: rappard48@gmail.com
The ancient Aztecs revered the prickly pear because it sustained their lives in a dif cult environment. They named it the gift from the Gods, but will farmers see it in the same light? Sadly, when chatting with farmers what often comes to mind is the fairy tale about the golden goose and we know how that ended.
I’m looking for interested people who appreciate future challenges farmers will face and are prepared to spend an hour or so each month to learn how to grow the prickly pear in preparation for mechanical harvesting. I’m happy to mentor the group until they’re ready to run their own patch and further improve mechanical harvesting techniques.
In Conclusion
We know the planet is heating and it’s imperative we react sooner rather than later as traditional crops will eventually be growing outside their optimal growing range. The prickly pear has a high optimal temperature range as well as the ability to store water and nutrients, becoming an effective insurance policy should traditional crops begin to fail.
March 2025.
BY BRONWYN HASTINGS
Grain receival centres across the country could be equipped with new technology to grade grain more quickly and uniformly by harvest, after further commercial trials of an artificial intelligence system at Horsham and Minyip last week.
Cropify co-founder and chief executive Anna Faulkner, who gave several on-site demonstrations using lentils at Shannon Bros and Wimpak with co-founder and chief operating officer Andrew Hannon, said the device had been met with positive reviews.
“We have had growers come through with buckets of lentils and we’re testing them,” she said.
“It’s been really interesting for them, too, because they know what quality of lentils they have, and we want growers to be comfortable with this technology, and the only way to do that is for them to see it and see the results.”
Ms Faulkner said the software analyses the samples in about six minutes.
“At harvest time, and depending on the quality of the sample, current grading can take anywhere from 10 to 45 minutes, while growers and contractors are idling in line,” she said.
“This not only takes the subjectivity out of it, removing the inconsistencies of different opinions of a sample, it’s also done in a shorter, consistent time, improving efficiency across the site.
“Growers will have a consistent result, whether they come to this site or any other that is using our instrument.”
Ms Faulkner said they started trying to operate the program on a mobile phone.
“The results were inconsistent, and Grain Trade Australia won’t accept them as tradable tests,” she said.
“We may do something on mobile phones a year or so down the track – we might have a light version – it’s novel and not tradable, but it’s something the farmer can use as a guide.”
The sample is screened, put onto trays and photographed, the images are uploaded and analysed using offsite software, before the results are sent via SMS to the grower.
The scanning hardware fits on a benchtop, requiring little infrastruc-
tural change, and removes a degree of training, allowing more users to multi-task.
While there are competitors looking to launch similar machines, Cropify’s machine remains a first of its kind.
Years of testing have ensured a stable, consistent environment to test samples of lentils, as well as chickpeas, field peas, lupins, fava beans and broad beans, with wheat grading still being refined.
ABOVE: Cropify co-founders Anna Faulkner and Andrew Hannon are marketing new grain grading equipment for handlers. Together with Cropify grain grader Bec Spence, left, the team gave several on-site demonstrations using lentils at Shannon Bros and Wimpak last week, met with positive reviews. Picture: PAUL
It has been trained to so far recognise 18 of the 38 targeted weed seeds, as well as poor colour, or damaged or inferior grain.
Mr Hannon said he had been in the grain industry for nearly 30 years, and subjective testing had always been an issue.
“For as long as I can remember the grains industry has been looking for a solution to subjective testing,” he said.
“As a demonstration, we’ve run the same 404,953-lentil sample to show there’s one lentil variance, that’s about 0.0002 per cent variation.”
Ms Faulkner said the equipment was at the ‘pointy end’ of the process, where the grading was refined, and
investors sought. “We’re 95 per cent there. We’re well-aligned with the full-time graders, and we are getting lots of data from the trials this week, which will show us where we have to make tweaks,” she said.
“We will send that data to Grain Trade Australia to get approval for this as an approved instrument.
“We don’t require that, but it’ll give the whole industry comfort that we’re approved to trade, so that’s our aim.”
Cropify will give further demonstrations of the Australian-designed and made AI equipment at Mallee Machinery Field Days at Speed in August.
BY ALASDAIR WOODFORD, HARWOOD ANDREWS
Stamp duty is typically payable on all transfers of property in Victoria.
Section 56 of the Duties Act 2000 provides a stamp duty exemption, which is relevant to farmland in Victoria.
In order to obtain the exemption, the farmland must be exempt from land tax under the ‘primary production’ land tax exemption.
Primary production means that the land is used for: cultivation for the purpose of selling the product of cultivation; maintenance of animals or poultry for the purpose of selling them; keeping of bees for the purpose of selling their honey; commercial fishing; and cultivation or propagation for sale of plants, seedlings, mushrooms or orchids.
To be exempt from paying stamp duty, the transfer of property must also be between relatives. A relative includes a child, grandchild, parent, brother, sister, uncle, aunty or any partner of these. Additionally, a relative includes an appropriately structured farmland trust.
The use of a farmland trust can assist with both asset protection and succession without requiring paying stamp duty.
A farmland trust can be utilised for asset protection and succession purposes.
For example, if a husband and wife are under-
Birchip Cropping Group has appointed two new members to its board – Marisa Collins and Giles Cunningham, who are set to bring deep scientific, educational, and on-ground production expertise to help shape the future direction of the organisation.
Dr Collins, associate professor in agronomy at La Trobe University, joins the BCG Board with more than two decades of experience in agricultural research, education, and industry collaboration.
Hailing from a family farm in the Mallee, Dr Collins has worked across Australia’s leading agricultural research institutions including the University of Melbourne, CSIRO, University of Queensland, and La Trobe University.
Her research, funded by GRDC, AgriFutures and the Department of Agriculture, has focused on improving crop productivity through better water-use efficiency, understanding crop responses to heat and drought, and enhancing nitrogen fixation in legumes.
Her leadership in tertiary education has shaped modern agronomy curricula across Australia, and her commitment to linking science with the paddock is a natural fit with BCG’s mission.
“As a long-time admirer of BCG’s role in supporting farmers with practical, farmer-led research, I’m excited to contribute more deeply,” Dr Collins said.
“BCG’s ability to attract and develop top-tier talent, while staying deeply connected to growers’ needs, is something I’m proud to support.”
Mr Cunningham, a corporate farm manager with more than 15 years’ experience across dryland and irrigated systems, brings a commercial and operational lens to the BCG board.
With a background in strategic farm planning, agronomy, machinery investment, irrigation design, and financial governance, he offers critical insight into the practical and business realities of running high-performing farms.
“I’ve always believed the best innovation comes from applied research developed in close partnership with growers,” Mr Cunningham said.
“BCG is a national leader in this space, and
taking a farming enterprise in a partnership, and the farmland is owned in the name of either or both of them, the land is exposed to the risks of the farming business.
However, if the farmland were transferred to a farmland trust, this distinct legal structure is separated from the risk of the farming business. Further, if the parents were looking at succession of the farmland to one, on-farm child, to the exclusion of an off-farm sibling, holding the land in a trust allows a structured succession discussion separate from a wider estate discussion, including off-farm assets.
It falls outside of the assets on which a testator family maintenance claim can be made.
When considering if you are eligible for a section 56 stamp duty exemption, it is important for parties to be aware of their obligations and evidentiary requirements when applying.
In the example above, you would need to provide copies of the trust deeds for the farmland trust and explain to the State Revenue Office the capital – the property – of the trust can only be distributed to the ‘relatives’ of the parents. However, in this example it is very likely that the State Revenue Office would issue a full exemption to stamp duty.
If you require advice regarding the topics discussed, contact Harwood Andrews for more information.
APPOINTED: Giles Cunningham, a corporate farm manager with more than 15 years’ experience across dryland and irrigated systems, has joined BCG’s board.
I’m thrilled to support and represent the region’s growers on the board.”
BCG chief executive Fiona Best welcomed the appointments.
“We are thrilled to welcome Marisa and Giles to the BCG Board,” she said.
“Their diverse skill sets and deep commitment to agriculture will be invaluable as we deliver on our mission to create enduring prosperity for farming communities.
“I’m really looking forward to working with them both as we continue to tackle the challenges and seize the opportunities facing our region.”
BCG chair John Ferrier, a Birchip-based farmer, also endorsed the appointments.
“The strength of BCG lies in its people, and the appointment of Marisa and Giles adds to that strength,” he said.
“They each bring unique insights and energy that will help guide the organisation in its strategic direction. It’s an exciting time to be part of BCG.”
BY BRONWYN HASTINGS
Horsham business Crop Opti
is giving Wimmera and Mallee growers fertiliser choices closer to home, and the positive response is seeing the business expand after its first full sowing season.
Supplying just urea at its start, the business now has most starter fertilisers – monoammonium phosphate, MAP, and granuloc, as well as spreading fertilisers urea, super, and sulphate ammonia, fungicides, as well as house-made liquid fertilisers.
Crop Opti manager Travis Hair said his team of eight, in business for 16 months, was still learning.
“We still have a little bit of work to do, but we’ve been so wellsupported we’re looking to progress and put some extra bays of fertiliser in the shed, increasing from 3000 tonnes to 4500 tonnes, and moving the liquid fertiliser tanks outside,” he said.
“Buying fertiliser here means growers no longer need to travel to Geelong or Portland and wait in line, which will save them time at one of their busiest times of the year, and giving them a quick option to pick up big or small loads.
“They can pick up a truckload when they actually need it – it goes
“We’re always looking to invest in what we do, not just for us, but for our growers. We’re looking forward to getting better and better.”
– Travis Hair, right
straight from our shed into their truck, into their air seeder, into the ground, which eliminates the issues in having to store it.”
Growers can have soil tested and consult with agronomists onsite, and can have a personalised mix prepared; including three-way blends, and the addition of fungicides, all computer-controlled.
“Fertilisers are becoming nearly a prescription-type mix for a lot of people,” Mr Hair said.
“It’s not a one-size-fits-all, we’re not looking to jam a square block through a round hole; things have changed a lot in farming over the last 10 years, five years and even over the last three years.
“Because we have control over blends and treating, we can make it cheaper for the grower to pick it up at Horsham rather than Geelong or Portland.
“It saves them a bit of time and can allow them to use a better product.
“It’s a win-win for us and the grower.”
Mr Hair said he was happy with
the business’s progress, after his original business idea was met with trepidation from some.
“A lot of people early on that said it won’t work – the idea did get tried about 30 years ago in Warracknabeal, when Incitec actually built a shed, but being that we also do a lot of soil testing and precision ag nowadays, it is working,” he said.
Mr Hair said he enjoyed the flexibility of the business, and being able to talk with growers and improve their operations, so his business could improve.
“We’re always looking to invest in what we do, not just for us, but for our growers,” he said.
“We’re looking forward to getting better and better.”
Farm emissions and productivity workshops will be presented by farmer, agronomist and industry advisor Cam Nicholson at Apsley, and by soil scientist and leading expert in farm emissions Cass Schefe at Kaniva in July.
The workshops provide an overview of the external forces driving the need to track farm emissions, give short, medium and long-term options, and discuss calculators and data to be able to calculate emissions.
New legislation requires large business and financial institutions to report their carbon emissions, with many global and national businesses having already signed up to voluntary targets and emissions reporting.
The free workshop runs from 10am to 2.30pm, on July 15 at Apsley Golf Club, and on July 22 at Kaniva Neighbourhood House. People can register at Agriculture Victoria’s events webpage agriculture. vic.gov.au/support-and-resources/eventlisting?result_515616_result_page=3.
A brassica conference at Horsham will bring together scientists and representatives from the canola and oilseeds sector to showcase new developments.
The Australian Brassica Conference, which takes place every two years, is the peak conference for canola research and development, focused on advancement of canola production and utilisation.
The July 21 to 23 event at Horsham SmartFarm will combine presentations, discussions, social events and a field tour. People can find more information and register attendance at brassicaconference.com.au.
BY MATT BROGAN
As more and more new entrants arrive to share Australia’s already bustling new-vehicle market, it is time to take a moment to view the successes and shortfalls as applied to the nation’s best sellers so far in 2025.
Among the 56 marques covered in the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries’ monthly VFACTS reports – and two by the Electric Vehicle Council – there is a handful of brands consistently jostling for the top four positions, behind dominant Toyota, each month.
But further down the list, there are clearer signs that some brands are struggling – partly from an abundance of competition, and partly from a readjustment following supply-and-demand disruptions since the pandemic, along with higher interest rates, costof-living pressures, a federal election
and other economic factors affecting consumer and business confidence.
Focusing on those importers with a market share of 1.1 per cent or more, there has been little growth from Australia’s number one importer, Toyota, up just 0.2 per cent since the same time last year.
Mazda, up two per cent, Kia, up 1.8 per cent, and Hyundai, up 3.5 per cent, have shown incremental growth, while Ford and Mitsubishi have slipped, down 8.3 per cent and 8.7 per cent respectively.
Away from the top of the table are more substantial differences in performance.
GWM is climbing ever higher, up 14.2 per cent, while fellow Chinese importer MG Motor dipped considerably, down 10.5 per cent.
Former favourite Nissan has almost slipped from the top 10 entirely, down 16.5 per cent year-on-year, while Isuzu Ute sales have plummeted by a
devastating 27 per cent. Moving out of the top 10, several of Australia’s stalwart marques have yielded share to newer players. Honda has slipped 9.2 per cent, LDV 19.5 per cent, and Volkswagen 21.1 per cent, while electric vehicle pioneer Tesla dropped dramatically, down 75.9 per cent.
Conversely, there has been varied growth among prestige entrants including BMW, up 4.6 per cent, Lexus, up 11.9 per cent, and Mercedes-Benz, up 20.5 per cent, though with far less volume than their mainstream counterparts.
Perhaps most interesting, however, is the rise of two of Australia’s newer entrants, BYD and Chery.
Seemingly arriving from nowhere just a few short years ago, these Chinese marques have captured the value-for-money and electrified markets well, growing their volume considerably to score year-on-year gains of
103.3 per cent and 234.0 per cent respectively.
Speaking with GoAuto last week, Chery Australia chief operating officer Lucas Harris said the brand’s successes were born of its value-formoney positioning and close engagement with its national dealer network.
“One of Chery’s core strengths is our value for money proposition, which is spearheaded by the multi-awardwinning Tiggo 4,” he said.
“Chery also offers a range of vehicle’s that meet the needs of Aussies in various stages of their lives. This ranges from the Tiggo 4, ideal for young drivers getting into their first new car, right up to the seven-seat Tiggo 8, perfect for growing families.
“Working closely and engagement with our nation-wide dealer network is also a key focus for Chery and continuing to enhance these relationships as the business grows.
“Finally, a comprehensive seven-
year warranty ensures customer peace of mind.”
While careful to note the shift in buyer habits that will likely accompany tougher economic times, Mr Harris said the Chinese importer would continue to work hard to ensure the brand goes from strength-to-strength, particularly with its incoming range of new energy vehicles.
“The Australian new-car market is very unpredictable, so it’s hard to predict where we will be in 12 months,” he said.
“However, we aim to continue building on our strong results and further establish Chery as a competitive force in 2026 and beyond.
“This will be assisted with the introduction of Chery’s New Energy model range, including the Chery’s Super Hybrid technology for Tiggo 7 and 8, and the Tiggo 4 HEV, providing drivers with greater choice and a range of technology solutions.”
As part of what it refers to as a new model ‘assault’ that will amplify its lead in Australia’s electric truck market, Foton Mobility Distribution, FMD, has announced an expanded line-up that will soon include 8.5-tonne and 18-tonne battery-electric models.
The new trucks will arrive in the second half of 2025 with as yet undisclosed pricing or specification, but may hold greater appeal for fleets not seeking or able to gain Australian Renewable Energy Agency, ARENA, funding.
They will join the existing Foton T5 4.5-tonne GVM electric truck and are expected to help FMD build on a market-leading position in Australia’s electric truck space by ‘doubling down on its commitment to zeroemission transport’.
So far, the Foton T5 electric truck has been popular in Australia, securing a customer base that includes major Australian corporations such as Woolworths, Bunnings and Ausgrid.
“We had the 4.5-tonne GVM, which a lot of companies haven’t been able to bring here, and that’s the biggest segment of the light truck market,” FMD chief executive and founder Neil Wang said.
Moving onwards and upwards, the first of the newly announced larger Foton electric trucks to arrive will
be an 18-tonne variant, available with two wheelbases, 4500mm and 5400mm, filling another void in the electric truck segment and, according to FMD, catering to diverse applications.
The model is powered by a 281kWh CATL battery that is expected to meet the power and range requirements of medium-duty zero-emission trucks.
It is available to order now, with arrivals due in September and trials with several large medium-duty truck operators to commence in the fourth quarter of 2025.
An 8.5-tonne model to follow the
18-tonner is designed to meet the needs of the light-duty truck segment above 4.5 tonnes.
In Australia, 8.5-tonne trucks are commonly used for various applications including construction, delivery, and general freight transport, including last-mile deliveries.
FMD says customer interest from major last-mile companies and electricity infrastructure companies has been substantial, with many welcoming the higher GVM.
Timing for the 8.5-tonne variant is scheduled for later in 2025.
Of the 700,000 vehicles Foton pro-
Foton Mobility Distribution, FMD, is the exclusive distributor for all Foton zero-emission trucks and buses in Australia and has announced an expanded lineup that will soon include 8.5-tonne and 18-tonne battery-electric models.
duced last year, 20,000 were heavy new energy vehicles, NEV, which the manufacturer plans to increase to 90,000 annually by 2030.
“This means Australia can cherry pick suitable models from the evolving line-up of new energy options,” Mr Wang said.
FMD is the exclusive distributor for all Foton zero-emission trucks and buses in Australia and has already achieved significant successes, such as a recent supply agreement for 126 Foton electric city buses to Transport for NSW, TfNSW.
Additionally, in collaboration with
Metronet, Holcim Concrete is currently operating a 32-tonne electric Foton concrete agitator truck on the Byford Rail Extension Project, which ‘demonstrates the potential for emissions reduction, noise reduction, and sustainable change’.
In the background of the announced range expansion, FMD’s corporate structure has been evolving with Mr Wang reacquiring a 50 per cent shareholding in the company, alongside bus industry stalwart Scott Riley who joins the FMD board as a director, bringing decades of public transport experience. Following this restructure, the KRW Motor Group becomes the umbrella for all Foton heavy zero emission trucks and buses, rigid trucks and prime movers along with responsibility for final assembly of Foton buses at a new plant in Nowra, NSW.
At the recent Brisbane Truck Show, KRW announced the introduction of a second Chinese truck brand, DFAC, beginning with diesel models, and has plans to import both electric and hydrogen powered prime movers into Australia and New Zealand in the future.
FMD is not part of Inchcape Australasia’s distribution arrangement for diesel-powered Foton trucks, nor the brand’s utes and vans that will include both electric and internal combustion engine models.
– Peter Barnewell
NEW STRUCTURE: GWM Australia and New Zealand is offering a new national ABN and fleet price structure for its Cannon Alpha PHEV until June 30.
GWM Australia and New Zealand has announced plans to better support Australian ABN and fleet buyers with the introduction of a new National ABN and Fleet Pricing Structure for its Cannon Alpha PHEV.
The Chinese importer says the move will further strengthen its positions as ‘a compelling choice for business and fleet buyers across the country’.
While GWM recently moved to offer statebased drive-away pricing for the Cannon Alpha PHEV, starting from $61,490 drive away – the latest announcement will see eligible buyers save up to $4100, depending on their state of purchase.
GWM says the pricing incentive ‘has been introduced to maximise opportunities with the ABN buyer base, which represents a large percentage of ute sales across Australia’.
“By offering simplified and attractive national pricing for ABN holders, GWM is making it easier than ever for sole traders, small businesses, and fleet managers to access the many benefits offered by the Cannon Alpha PHEV,” the company added.
Further, GWM has introduced a revised fleet structure, offering what it says is greater clarity and value for fleet managers.
The new classification system will now be
indexed by volume across general, national, and premium fleet categories, in addition to rental, providing what GWM Australia and New Zealand chief operation officer John Kett says is tailored value based on fleet size and operational needs.
“This move sends a clear message to ABN and fleet buyers – GWM is open for business,” he said.
“We’re committed to delivering not only classleading vehicles, but also strong value and realworld affordability for Australian businesses and fleet operators looking for efficient, capable transport solutions.”
To further incentivise eligible buyers, the Cannon Alpha PHEV will be offered with a free 7kW home charger valued at $599.
The Australian ABN pricing for the Cannon Alpha PHEV and free charger offer is valid for all contracts signed before June 30.
Finally, eligible buyers of the Cannon Alpha PHEV can also take advantage of a trade-in or loyalty bonus when purchasing before the end of the financial year.
Customers who trade in their current GWM vehicle for a new Cannon Alpha PHEV will receive an additional $3000 trade-in bonus.
Alternatively, existing GWM owners who purchase a Cannon Alpha PHEV as a second vehicle will be eligible for a $1000 loyalty bonus.
– Matt Brogan
Toyota has lifted the covers on a stretched Touring version of its bZ4X electric crossover model, which will feature all-wheel drive and nearly twice the power of the current coupeshaped model, and confirmed Australian on-sale timing for the first half of next year.
Still slowly and cautiously expanding on its battery-electric vehicle line-up, Toyota’s bZ4X Touring is another twin-under-the-skin collaboration with Subaru, joining the GR86 (BRZ) sportscar and bZ4X (Solterra) crossover with a version of the Trailseeker wagon Subaru debuted at last month’s New York motor show.
Growing in length by 140mm over the regular bZ4X, the Touring is claimed to yield a 30 per cent increase in cargo volume – tipping it from crossover into SUV territory, and builds on the recently announced updated bZ4X that is due locally in the fourth quarter of this year.
Visually, while technically an SUV, the bZ4X Touring still looks very much like a crossover, with a sleek, flowing body that is in no way boxy.
Toyota Australia vice-president of sales, marketing and franchise operations Sean Hanley said following on from the bZ4X upgrades announced in March, the bZ4X Touring provided an excellent solution for customers requiring extra cargo space in their electric vehicle.
“Along with its additional amenity, the bZ4X
Touring will also appeal to customers with its uprated all-wheel-drive powertrain delivering the performance and battery range they desire for long-distance touring,” he said.
The model will be offered exclusively in dualmotor all-wheel drive guise, delivering a punchy 280kW, making it the most powerful Toyota SUV to date – ahead of the LandCruiser 300 with its 227kW output.
The bZ4X Touring will feature a larger 74.7kWh battery, as used in the updated crossover model due later this year, which Toyota says will enhance driving range.
For context, the Subaru Trailseeker will offer a driving range of about 420km, so the Toyota equivalent should fall somewhere around that figure.
The smaller updated bZ4X crossover, which also features the larger 74.7kWh battery, has a quoted range of 573km for the front-wheel drive variant and 520km for the all-wheel drive runner.
According to Toyota, the battery will feature a pre-conditioning system that optimises its temperature for charging, which will allow a charge time of around 30 minutes – even in cold conditions.
Honda is the latest major global automotive manufacturer to put the brakes on battery electric vehicle, BEV, development, cutting spending in response to slower than expected uptake.
Speaking at a business briefing in Tokyo last week, Honda director, president and representative executive officer Toshihiro Mibe said the company was re-evaluating its BEV plan, ‘postponing’ three trillion yen – about $A32-billion – out of a previously allocated 10 trillion yen expenditure on BEV development up to 2030.
“As for the plan announced last year to invest 10 trillion yen in resources to pursue its electrification strategy, Honda decided to reduce the investment amount by three trillion yen, to a total of seven trillion yen, over the period through the fiscal year ending March 31, 2031, based on its decision to postpone the project to establish a comprehensive EV value chain in Canada and change the timing to construct dedicated EV production plants,” he said.
“For small-size mobility products including passenger vehicles, Honda believes that electric vehicles are the optimal solution for achieving carbon neutrality from a long-term perspective.
the North American, Japanese and Chinese markets.
“We have a new generation of low cost HEV products coming in 2027 that will give Honda a wider range of models and will help us achieve 2.2 million HEV sales in 2030,” he said.
In addition to targeting greater battery efficiency and a 50 per cent cut to manufacturing costs, the company’s new e-HEV system will feature weight reduction through battery development and parts commonality between models to achieve cost competitiveness and increase sales.
The new generation e:HEV technology replaces existing technology first implemented in 2019 and developed before that and will be applicable to a wider range of vehicles.
“Based on this belief, Honda made the strategic decision to make a major shift toward the popularisation of EVs and has been making progress with various initiatives.”
Heading toward 2030, Mr Mibe said Honda would improve profitability through continuous expansion of its motorcycle business, cost reduction effects in automobile business associated with the adoption of the next-generation e:HEV system and platforms, and an increase in unit sales of HEV models, and will keep making progress toward achieving the company-wide ROIC target of 10 per cent for the fiscal year ending
March 31, 2031. Honda will realign its automobile electrification strategy through enhancing the competitiveness of BEV and HEV models with the core focus on application of intelligent technologies and will strengthen its business foundation through the reassessment of the powertrain portfolio.
While shifting focus to HEVs, Honda will maintain its drive towards ‘intelligent mobility’ and carbon neutrality for all products and corporate activities with the company targeting 100 per cent electrified passenger ve-
hicle sales by 2040, carbon neutrality by 2050.
Honda remains in collaborative discussions with countries and other manufacturers including strategic alliances with Nissan and Mitsubishi for cost sharing arrangements and the sharing of intelligent technologies.
But Mr Mibe said BEV sales targets were falling behind, necessitating a realignment of Honda’s automotive strategy that places more emphasis on new generation, lower cost and more efficient hybrid, HEV, technology, along with a greater focus on
Both small-size and mid-size e:HEV systems will gain efficiency and greater range through engine and powertrain optimisation that sees the hybrid system utilising an advanced nextgeneration platform providing a boost to driving stability and further weight reduction and a new electric all-wheel drive unit that realises precise and responsive motor control yielding an expected 10 per cent fuel economy improvement.
“Honda will bring 13 new HEV models to market by 2027 and will strive to build a new EV brand featuring our new ‘H’ mark logo,” Mr Mibe said.
Acacia Caravan Park
Ararat Auto & Ag
Ararat North Store
Ararat RSL
Aussie Home Loans
Autopro Stawell
Cafe Jas
Casey Kosch First Aid Training
Centre for Participation
Cheeky Fox Cafe
Clarks Furniture
Cooks Of Horsham
Curtains By Robyn & Abbey
DMD Horsham & Nhill
Dollar Curtains & Blinds
Go North RV Services
Gold Star Self Storage
Harvey Norman Ararat
Harvey Norman Horsham
Hayley Maree Bridal Ararat
Hermans of Horsham
Horsham Golf Club
Horsham Motor Co
Horsham Paint Right
Horsham RSL
Horsham Sports & Community Club
Kings Cars Ararat
KLM Nursery
McPherson’s of Brim
Mountains Of Chocolate
National Insurance Brokers
Nu-Life Health Foods
Poolwerx Horsham
Priceline Pharmacy Ararat
Pyrenees Premium Cuts
Spotlight Horsham
Stawell Harness Racing Club
Stawell Lotto
The Exchange Hotel Horsham
The Royal Hotel
The Victoria Hotel Horsham
Tyrepower Ararat
Western Victorian Wholesalers
Westvic Spares
Wimmera Mallee Ag
Wimmera Outdoors, Sportspower Horsham & Surf One
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.
From The Weekly Advertiser archives: May 26, 2005 –Peter and Dianne Erbacher moved from South Australia to Horsham to manage the new Village Life retirement complex. More than 300 people attended the open day to inspect the units and facilities at the $4.1-million Green Park complex. More than half of the residences were occupied. The couple said visitors were impressed by the Village Life system of ‘pay as you go’ rental accommodation.
10 years ago: May 27, 2015
Kaniva College year-12 students Sarah Nash and Leilani WilliamsBale won a Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning, VCAL, Foundation Personal Development Skills team project award for ‘High Fives for Trent’. The project – including an event to gain the most high fives, at which Trent Rothall’s brother Henry broke the record by more than 150 – raised more than $15,000. Trent suffered a spinal injury on his 21st birthday in 2012. Money raised enabled him to have surgery to give him more movement in his fingers.
Five years ago: May 27, 2020
A fire starting in a clothes dryer at Horsham’s Victoria Hotel impacted its laundry, kitchen, main dining room, Mill Room function area and beer garden, causing about $400,000 damage. Firefighters searched the premises on arrival, rescuing an occupant and his dog. The occupant was treated for smoke inhalation. The fire started about 11pm and was under control within two hours.
One year ago: May 29, 2024
Woomelang midwife Skye Stewart was recognised with a national award for her work with Aboriginal families who had experienced stillbirth. Announced Midwife of the Year at HESTA Australian Nursing and Midwifery Awards in Melbourne, Ms Stewart created the nation’s first stillbirth support guide, Jiba Pepeny: Star Baby, for Aboriginal families. Ms Stewart said she would use the prize money to print a children’s book and a suite of resources for families, siblings and children affected by stillbirth – another first of its kind.
FOR THE WEEK JUNE 1 TO JUNE 7
ARIES (March 21 - April 20)
Lucky Colour: Blue
Lucky Day: Monday
Racing Numbers: 3, 5, 1, 6
Lotto Numbers: 5, 9, 20, 21, 25, 34
1. Which Marvel super-hero is villain ‘Kraven the Hunter’ known for fighting?
2. Which battle in the year 1066 would go on to drastically influence the English language?
3. What is the name of the piece of plastic or metal at the end of the shoelace?
4. In long distance running, what does it mean to ‘bonk’?
5. The what Bucks are an NBA team based in which city?
6. On this day, in 1912, which Australian cricket bowler performed two hat-tricks in one day in a game against South Africa?
7. American actor Patrick Fabian portrays which character in the television program, ‘Better Call Saul’ – Jimmy McGill, Howard Hamlin, Mike Ehrmantraut, or Cliff Main?
8. Which fantastical creature is the national animal of Scotland?
9. On this day, in 1937, which German motor vehicle company was founded?
10. Who said, ‘We are not makers of history. We are made by history’?
Answers: Spider-Man. 2. The battle of Hastings. This battle -be tween Harold the II of England and William, Duke of Normandy, ended with Harold’s defeat, leaving William to become the first king in the English Windsor lineage. William’s native language of French also influenced the way we speak today, pig became pork, cow became beef and so on. 3. An aglet. 4. ‘Hitting the wall’ or ‘bonking’ refers to a runner’s sudden loss of energy during a race. 5. Milwaukee. 6. Jimmy Mathews. He is the only player in cricket history to take two hat-tricks in the same test match. 7. Howard Hamlin. 8. The unicorn. 9. Volkswagen. 10. Dr. Martin Luther King Jr.
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
Danica Cutter: dcutter@aceradio.com.au; Heidi Higginson: heidih@aceradio.com.au; Lily Olver: lolver@aceradio.com.au Newsroom 5382 1351: Lauren Henry: lhenry@aceradio.com.au; Bronwyn Hastings: bhastings@aceradio.com.au; Georgia Bailey: georgiab@team.aceradio.com.au
A period full of surprises and sudden changes. Long-distance travel may be on your mind, with new plans for the future taking shape. Expect a busy time ahead when everything seems to happen at once.
TAURUS (April 21 - May 20)
Lucky Colour: Aqua
Lucky Day: Wednesday
Racing Numbers: 5, 3, 2, 7
Lotto Numbers: 6, 10, 18, 20, 22, 25
You’ve been waiting for changes, and this period indicates they are on the way. Romantic times are ahead, and your love life should flourish beautifully.
GEMINI (May 21 - June 21)
Lucky Colour: Orange
Lucky Day: Friday
Racing Numbers: 8, 3, 2, 6
Lotto Numbers: 1, 17, 20, 26, 33, 38
Expect changes but don’t rush into anything. Surprises may come from people from your past, and your love life is in for an exciting time.
CANCER (June 22 - July 22)
Lucky Colour: Ochre
Lucky Day: Monday
Racing Numbers: 6, 4, 8, 6
Lotto Numbers: 1, 17, 20, 26, 33, 38
A good time for joint ventures, and partnerships should bring prosperity. Stay calm around people who may not be in the best of moods to avoid conflicts.
LEO (July 23 - August 22)
Lucky Colour: Lavender Blue
Lucky Day: Tuesday
Racing Numbers: 9, 1, 2, 3
Lotto Numbers: 8, 13, 20, 22, 26, 31
Trust your intuition in financial matters and other aspects of life. Someone may help you achieve something you’ve been hoping for.
VIRGO (August 23 - September 23)
Lucky Colour: Peppermint Green
Lucky Day: Thursday
Racing Numbers: 8, 3, 5, 4
Lotto Numbers: 7, 14, 21, 28, 33, 35
For your ideas to be heard at work, make sure to state your case clearly and calmly. You’re likely to be popular during this period, and social connections will thrive.
LIBRA (September 24 - October 23)
Lucky Colour: Rose Pink
Lucky Day: Monday
Racing Numbers: 8, 1, 4, 3
Lotto Numbers: 6, 11, 20, 26, 36, 41
Big changes may lead to more travel. If you’re searching for a new partner, this could be the time to find the right one. Romance is highly favoured.
SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22)
Lucky Colour: Olive Green
Lucky Day: Sunday
Racing Numbers: 4, 3, 2, 4
Lotto Numbers: 10, 18, 22, 24, 34, 40
Some secrets may come to light during this period, so be mindful of whom you trust. Work productivity will be high, and success is within reach.
SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 20)
Lucky Colour: Flame Red
Lucky Day: Friday
Racing Numbers: 4, 2, 9, 6
Lotto Numbers: 7, 16, 19, 23, 41, 44
Something you’ve been working on for a long time will finally be ready to launch. Keep important matters in writing to ensure clarity.
CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19)
Lucky Colour: Navy Blue
Lucky Day: Wednesday
Racing Numbers: 9, 5, 7, 3
Lotto Numbers: 10, 19, 26, 31, 39, 43
Don’t be too quick to dismiss someone from your life; there may be something worth saving in the relationship. Plans for long-distance travel may face delays.
AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 19)
Lucky Colour: Primrose
Lucky Day: Saturday
Racing Numbers: 4, 3, 2, 8
Lotto Numbers: 17, 20, 28, 30, 36, 42
You may feel restricted in your current environment, and plans for a move or change in life could be developing. Avoid conflicts with loved ones.
PISCES (February 20 - March 20)
Lucky Colour: Khaki
Lucky Day: Monday
Racing Numbers: 6, 9, 3, 1
Lotto Numbers: 6, 11, 20, 25, 30, 36
If you’ve neglected your health recently, now’s the time to be more cautious. Domestic moments may lift your spirits and help with your recovery.
Keith Robert
Passed away in May 2025, aged 62 years.
Dearly loved son of Ian (dec) and Gay.
Loving father to Daniel, Ashleigh and Axel. Cherished by Alison.
Adored Grandpa to Kaleb, Lucas and Maddy.
Always loved and forever missed.
Damian Charles
3-4-1967 to 18-5-2025
Passed away at the Hopetoun Hospital, aged 58 years.
A memorial service for Damian will be held at the Yaapeet Community Centre on Friday, May 30 at 11am.
To be privately cremated.
Emiley & Mathew Bone
Nhill, Dimboola & Kaniva District Funerals 0419 008 464
John Robert
Passed away in Jeparit on May 22, 2025, aged 82 years.
Dearly loved husband of Kerin (dec).
Loving father and father in law of David & Maree; Michelle & Tom; Kim & Jason.
Adored Pa to Hannah, Patrick and Aiden; Sam, Lou and Abby; Joe, Amy and Angus. Now at peace
(nee Perry), Lynette Eyleene
6-3-1953 to 23-5-2025
Much loved and cherished wife of Alan.
Mother of Nathan, Amber & Tiffany. Mother-in-law of Danny & James.
Also Grandma, who adored and spoilt our grandchildren Miles, Cole, Fionn, Tylah, Rex, Judd & Sylvie.
While we suffer through our loss, we also are thankful for the beautiful memories. We celebrate those memories as you touched us with your love, strength and resilience. Rest peacefully with all our love.
OAM
Donald Allan “Don”
Passed away on May 15, 2025 aged 91 years.
Dearly loved husband of Val (dec).
Loving father and fatherin-law of Greg (dec) & Ros; Ray (dec), Anne & Philip; Trevor & Jenni; Russell & Janine; and Andrew.
Adored Grandpa to Jessica and Joel; Abby; Liam and Carly; Louis, Millicent and Hugo.
Great Grandpa to Freddy, Ellis, Jaggar, Luca, Jensen, Finley and Bailey.
Reunited with loved ones
PEKIN (nee Jackman), Marie Lucille “Lucille”
29-5-1931 to 20-5-2025
Loving wife of Alex (dec), mother of Marie & Jim Arthurson, Bill & Kathie, Dan & Mary, Ed & Janice, Jim & Liz, Anne & Robert Russell, Gabrielle Pekin, Helen & David Crawford.
Loved Nana of 22 Grandchildren and 38 Great Grandchildren.
Reunited with her Alec. RIP. God bless!
In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to rural men’s health.
Horsham & District Funerals
Dylan & Amity Hartwich 5382 1149
RIDDINGTON Wayne
Passed away on May 22, 2025 aged 50 years.
Dearly loved husband of Michelle.
Loving father of Alisha and Chloe.
Forever in our hearts.
We will love you until eternity.
(nee Radollovi), Evelina
23.9.1937 - 22.5.2025
Loved and remembered always.
Loving wife to Silvino.
Cherished mother and mother-in-law of Peter & Diane, Alida & Peter, Janet & Robert and Susy & Nick.
Nonna to Cara & Bill, Ashleigh & Lewis, Alexander & Jacinta, Caitlin, James, Tayla & Tony, Erin, Nicholas & Lara.
Beautiful Nonna Lina of Oliver, Rose, Alyssa, Theodore, Elodie & Jordan.
Always in our hearts. Riposa in pace.
Horsham & District Funerals
Dylan & Amity Hartwich 5382 1149
Keith Donald
1-4-1943 to 11-5-2025 Passed away peacefully surrounded by family.
Second son of Sylvia and Les (both dec).
Dearly loved brother of Ron, and Cecil (dec).
Much loved husband of Helen. Loved father and father-in-law of Annette & Frank, Tanya & Robert. Poppy to Jorja and James. Great Gran Poppy to Ezra and Ruben.
Thanks to the staff at Wimmera Base Hospital and the staff of Ambulance Victoria for their love, care and support.
Resting in the arms of Jesus
McLEAN (nee Perry)
A graveside committal service for Mrs. Lynette Eyleene McLean will be held at the Warracknabeal Lawn Cemetery on Monday, June 2, 2025 commencing at 12.30pm
Following this service a memorial service to celebrate Lyn’s life will be held at the Warracknabeal Community Centre on Monday, June 2, 2025 commencing at 1.30pm No flowers by request. Donations to Cancer Council.
W.B. Gardiner & Son Funeral Directors Warracknabeal 0407 340 064
Donald Allan “Don”
The funeral of Don Papst will leave the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Horsham on Friday, May 30, 2025 after a service commencing at 2pm for the Horsham Lawn Cemetery.
The service may also be viewed online at youtube.com/@horsham lutheranchurchaustr7146
Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member
PEKIN (nee Jackman), Marie Lucille “Lucille”
A requiem mass for the repose of the soul of Mrs. Lucille Pekin will be held at Ss Michael & John`s Catholic Church, Horsham on Thursday, May 29th 2025 commencing at 10.30am Interment to follow at the Clear Lake Cemetery.
A rosary and vigil prayers will be held Wednesday 28th at Ss Michael & John`s Catholic Church, Horsham commencing at 5pm.
Keith Robert
A memorial service to celebrate the life of Keith Robert Fischer will take place at St Andrew’s Uniting Church, Horsham on Monday, June 2, 2025 commencing at 2pm Privately cremated.
The service may be viewed online at horsham. unitingchurch.org.au/watch
Trevor Bysouth & Daughter
SARTORI (nee Radollovi), Evelina
Requiem mass for the repose of the soul of Mrs. Evelina Sartori will be held at Ss Michael & John`s Catholic Church, Horsham on Friday, May 30, 2025 commencing at 11.30am Interment to follow at the Horsham Lawn Cemetery. Rosary and vigil prayers will be held Thursday evening at 5pm.
Please use this link for the live stream of the funeral service https://www.youtube.com/@ smjchurchhorsham/streams
Dylan & Amity Hartwich 5382 1149
~ DE LEEUW ~ Bill
The family of the late Bill De Leeuw would like to thank all the medical teams who were involved in his care.
Thanks to all the people who attended his memorial service. Thanks to everyone who sent flowers, food, cards, phone calls and visits to us all.
We really appreciate your support and love during this difficult time.
It also helps us understand what a good man Bill was. Thank you
~ JANETZKI ~ Peter Wilfred
24.9.37 - 17.2.25
There are no words to express our heartfelt thanks for the love, sympathy and support you have shown to us during this time of great sadness.
In the loss of a beloved husband, father in law and poppy we deeply appreciate your thoughtfulness and sincerely thank you.
Rosalie, Kerrie & Shane, Nadine & Sophie, Louise & Craig, Ruby & Amber, Melinda & Jason, Riley & Darcy & Timothy.
~ KIMBER ~ Judith (Judi) Maree
My beautiful Blondie, My Best Mate, who returned to God in Heaven May 29, 2019
My darling Blondie, I still continue to struggle with you returning to God in Heaven so soon. While on God’s earth you believed you were not worthy of entry into Heaven but God knew otherwise.
You have now been with God six years. Life continues to be agonising without you. You were my life before God called you home and you will be continue to be my life when I join you in Heaven. Until that glorious day arrives, my heart can never find peace.
Your devoted loving husband for all eternity, Anthony.
3 year old black and tan bitch working kelpie, great yard dog, Ph or PM for details to Harry 0458318200
Aged pensioner looking to buy a male chihuahua, 1 1/2 -2 years old Ph 0421237043 Aust White/Dorper Ewes pic# 3WWWJH126 Ph 0447275737
Dylan & Amity Hartwich 5382 1149
Wayne
Please see next edition for funeral details.
Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA
Beeamma White, Australian
White Stud purebred rams, private sale on farm, BRUC, ACC, OJD, VAC, ewes available, Elders Alan Thompson 0427849779, Rod Donnell (08) 87582095
Birds for sale , princess parrots, cockatiels and bourkes, all colours Ph 0408535515 Stawell
Bristlenose catfish, great tank cleaners $5ea until sold out Ph 0474159010 after 6.30pm
Budgies, assorted colours $10 each Ph 0417533579
Budgies , pastel and standards $10 each Ph 0428010996 Horsham
Chihuahua puppies , last litter, one girl and two boys available, born on 20/01/25, grey/white male microchip# 953010006886663
Grey male microchip# 953010006886703
Black female microchip# 953010006886699, source
MB168010, microchipped and first vaccination, ready to go Ph 0406048840
Cocker Spaniels, purebred for adoption, two females, mother and daughter pair, aged 9 and 7, vaccinated, groomed, wormed, desexed and microchipped, adoption at the discretion of owner based on assessment of compatibility, apply to 0475834545
For sale male kelpie dog , three years old, bobtail, source# EE232038, microchip# 985141006234860 Ph 0427861437
Goats for sale, 6mth old male goat, pregnant female goat Ph 0414851313
Love birds assorted colours $20 each pick up only Warracknabeal Ph 0447776408
Princess Parrots for sale, breeding pairs, various colours Ph 0439655239
Stawell area
Purebred black faced Dorper , rams and ewes, rams 2yrs old, ewes 9months old, pic# 3HSDC083 Ph Liz 0419664345
Purebred German Shepherd , 13 weeks old, black and tan, great temperament, toilet trained, straight, 2 boys source# MB115424, m/chip# 953010007067038/7069200 Ph 0421018631
Purebred German Shepherd, 7 months, black and tan, great temperament, toilet trained, straight, one boy & one girl source#
MB115424, m/chip# 956000016586733/6681104
Ph 0421018631
Roosters, ducks and guinea fowl wanted to buy Ph 0427361940
Very pretty & young budgies, assorted colours, ready to go $10 each Ph 0423182267
2019 Ezy Trail Stirling GT
Mark 2 camper, EC, full annex, used 4 times, full rego
$14,999 ono Ph 0428820446
Caravan 20’ full length, solid annex, ensuite shower, basin toilet, on permanent site in Portland Seaside Caravan Park, fully furnished, for holidays or permanent living
$5800ono Ph 0432544164
CUB Escape camper, 2020, Australian made, off road camper that will go anywhere, queen size bed, all canvas awnings, very good condition
$24,800 Ph 0490532715
Restored Antique cast iron/ timber garden benches $250 each Ph 53522691
Jayco Finch Pop Top , double beds with fly mesh, electric brakes, boat rack, annex $12,000 Ph 53582560
13’ 1992 Colt Caravan, tv, a/c, 2way fridge, awning, VGC, reg till May 25, as is $8500 Ph 0487750540
2000 Jayco starcraft, full annex, TV lots of extras, very good condition, one owner, very little use $20,000 or nearest offer Ph 0456601681
2013 Jayco Starcraft, 21’, one owner, very little use, as new, many added extras
$40,000 Ph 0427909230
2014 JB dirt roader
19’caravan , full ensuite queen bed, 3 way fridge washing machine, reverse cycle a/c diesel heater, Sirocco fans, 2 solar panels, 2 batteries, 280 litres water
$44,000 Ph 0427902375
Beulah
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
Toyota Coaster camper , 2 seater, diesel heater, 1hz motor, solar and 12v awning much more $40,000 Ph 0418325662
1997 Hercules Tipper
$76,000 plus Gst Ph 0428386295
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
Tradesman trailer, off road $4500 Ph 0407285097
Camping Equipment, including as new Yamaha 2KVa inverter generator never used, aqua cube shower, porta potty, Komodo pantry, and clothesline $2500 Ph 0458683879
REDUCED 1 Bridgestone
Turanza Tyre , R35 55 R17, done 10,000kms $30 Ph0428504558
REDUCED 4KW 240V Generator , gauges and trolley $550 Ph 0428504558
MDC Highside Cruiser
2019, 3 ton McHitch, fridge, redarc dc to dc charger, EC
$14,500 Ph 0407147996
REDUCED 2006 Concept
Ascot pop-top, immac cond, shedded, low kms, new full annexe, R33763 $18,500 Ph Ray 0413445347
REDUCED 2009 Jayco
Stirling Expander , immaculate cond, front club lounge, slide out q/bed, full ensuite, roll out awning and full annex
$40,000ono Ph 0428913307
REDUCED 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
Cox ride on lawn mower
$900 Ph 0407285097
Expression of interest, for sale, international 511 28 row trash floats combine, 211 33 tyne scarifier, 18 disc Connor-Shea hyd lift 4 fold, B45 baler working order, Lowan round bale carrier Ph 0407911884 evenings
New Holland T8 360, 2250 hours, suit new buyer, power shift, 50km box, heavy axel model, 1 owner/operator, always serviced, excellent all round, immaculate condition, wired for trimble auto steer, UHF, quick hitch linkage, duals, new fan belts, ad blue switched off, front suspension & cab suspension, 4 remotes, always shedded, used for light work only, reg until 19/6/25, can provide 12 months extra if req, $210,000 + gst, $231,000 inc gst Ph0418504408
2 saddles, 2 bridles, 2 horse bits, 1 drench bit, 1 riding cap Ph 0447590865
23 PVC pipes, 39” long x 6.25” diameter, ideal planters $150 for the lot or $5 each 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
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
CCE cage on wheels 6x4 well made $400, 500 gallon ex fuel tank $100, Coolgardie safe $100, Ute crate, 6x4 tub tight $50, Bailey extension ladder 5.3 extends to 6.3 $500, leith grain measuring sheep feeder $1000, new Holland Mower GC with parts, best offer Ph 0429857207
Configura twin motor tilt recliner lift chair, beige vinyl, model S15444, $2500ono, Royale Medical over bed tilting split table $200ono Ph 0428810806 Horsham
Craftsmen ZTS700 ride-on zero-turn mower, good condition, 21 hp engine, reconditioned spindle and deck, many hours left in this machine $2850 Ph Eddy 0428922335
Galvanised trailer, 5x5 $800 Ph 53522691
Gold and opal ring, approx 80yrs old, current valuation $4500 would like $2500 Ph 0458014560
Good Clean Faber Beans, 10 tonne ready to sow, graded and treated with cruiser insecticide $650 a tonne plus Gst Ph 0429836055
Hot potato mobile van , bought new 2018, never used $980 ono Ph 0432544164
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
Round bale hay ring $350 Ph 0429200566
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
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
Invacare Pegasus mobility scooter, excellent condition, includes, shade canopy, front basket & rear carrier $3500 Ph 0408826727
Shoprider Allrounder mobility scooter, 2yrs old, EC, hard canopy, weather proof fittings $4200 Ph 0419633821 Dimboola
Top Gun mobility scooter, EC, shade canopy, front basket, rear carrier, inspections welcome $4000 Ph 0438354414
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
ICare IC333 electric
Homecare bed, in very good condition, king single, extra mattress and gel overlay
$2500 cash Ph 0428313173
Invacare Comet Ultra Mobility Scooter, excellent condition, new batteries, front & rear basket $2250 Ph 0427542512
Hilux toyota tray, excellent condition with push on tarp $1200 Ph 0484355030
Peugeot, beautifully cared for car, 407HDI $8000 Ph 0484355030
2014 Nissan Navara D22 2.5 turbo diesel 4X4 ute, registered until December with service books, low 91,600kms $22,500ono Ph 0492496448
Funeral remembrance videos edited with cherished media by professional, each project individual, AI photo restoration available Ph 0478609837
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
R80RT, GC, reg till 10/25, 141,000kms, YO459 $5400 ono Ph 0427315845
1946 Anglia Ford Ute , engine fully rebuilt $700 Ph 0492975751
1989 Toyota Camry Sedan 2 litre EFI, red, unregistered, vin# 6T153SV2109103569, 198,000 kms $500 Ph Peter 53525927 leave message
Ford XA 1972 era Panel Van with rust $1500 neg Ph 0428501109
1999 Toyota Dual Cab Ute, 4x4 diesel with fold out camper $12,500 Ph 0428822730
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
1990 Nissan Patrol GQ
4.2petrol, 12months rego, 654000km, new tyres, JN1OWGY6OA0020221, 1YI5EW $10,000 neg Ph 0428501109
1994 Ford ED Futura Auto 4.0i , drives strong, great duco, no RWC or rego $5500 Ph 0409423541
2001 Fairlane Ghia, AU11 series, meteorite colour, QFQ527 $3250 Ph53503220
2005 SP Mazda 3 Hatch, 5 speed manual, power steering & aircon, black in colour, 1YD6TE, 193000km, RWC, $4500, Ph 0423335246
2012 Ford Territory , 173,000kms 1GK5WZ $8000 inc roadworthy Ph 0492975751
2013 Ford Mondeo Zetec hatch , auto, economical turbo diesel, silver colour, full service history, registered June 25, RWC, 317,000km, 1AG2PW $5500ono Ph 0428928248
Honda Civic , 1994, great condition with RWC, automatic & aircon, colour black, Vtech motor, vin JHME6548005203141 $10,000 Ph 0428501109
2015 Mitsubishi Triton GLX 4x4, manual, regretful sale, 2nd owner, has tuffseat canvas seatcovers, Bridgestone dueler A/T tyres with minimal use, 165,300km, AEB150 $14,500 for more information Ph 0400213684
REDUCED 2013 Toyota ATARA, 2.5L sports sedan, auto, RWC, Toyota seat covers, only 2 owners, selling due to downsizing, 127,000kms, $12,000 Ph 0400728252
REDUCED 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, RWF984 $18,888 ono Ph 0487700251
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
Mini Cooper S, 2016, 5 door hatch, 2.0L, 6speed auto, near new condition, 51,900kms AHB987 $29,900 Ph 0428320108 Horsham
Toyota Hilux 2022, 4 wheel drive, auto, diesel, new tyres, warranty, immaculate condition, 48,747kms, 1NV4FU $42,390 plus Gst Ph 0427858264
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
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
2003 Landcruiser , auto, factory turbo diesel, lots of accessories, HDJ100, 420,000km $29,500 Ph 0447159379
2005 Isuzu NPR250 car license truck, 6 months rego, 230,000kms, 1OC9FA $22,500 Ph 0438521591
Ararat man, 67 years old, interests include gym, fishing, camping, singing, acting, Lions Club, bushwalking, ballroom dancing, looking for a lady aged between 40-70 years old, Ph 0467791009
Ararat
Jill Nicholson went to Dover girls tech in the 60s Adelaide, lived 5 Broadway South Brighton left Adelaide to live in rural Victoria early 70s Ph John 0423315174
Private Sale Executive, 4 bed, 2 bath, large, spacious home, in popular Horsham West, a short stroll to river, fully renovated to a quality, not a budget, contact owner Lisa 0422506969 to view
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
Great workers wanted $29.71 per hour
Positions available at Wimmera Laundry Services
Multiple positions needed between 10 and 38 hours per week
Please email your details to accounts@regionallaundryservices.com.au
Race Club Manager
Edenhope Race Club
Edenhope Racing Club
The Edenhope Race Club is looking for a Race Club Manager for the 25/26 racing season. All enquiries and resumes can be sent to the president of the Edenhope Race Club, John Burchell at flung23@gmail.com
For a position description, contact me via email, flung23@gmail.com or on my phone 0419 351 380
Ararat Rural City
POSITION VACANT
Ararat Rural City Council is seeking an enthusiastic and motivated Community Safety Officer to join the Community Safety Team. The Community Safety Team provide education and an enforcement presence across the municipality while also carrying out all duties associated with Animal Management and amenity protection in line with relevant legislation.
The ideal candiate will have experience in investigating complaints, animal management and local law compliance, handling animals including livestock, and a current drivers licence and Working With Children Check.
For more information about this role, please visit: www. ararat.vic.gov.au or contact Human Resources on (03) 5355 0200. Applications close 4pm Friday 13 June 2025 and can be sent via hr@ararat.vic.gov.au.
Dr Tim Harrison Chief Executive Officer
COME JOIN OUR TEAM! Wimmera Aquatrail Shop Assistant
Wimmera Aquatrail currently has an exciting position for an energetic salesperson.
This is a diverse position to work in a business that caters to the sale of irrigation, plumbing, and landscaping supplies and services in the Wimmera region.
Ideally, the applicant is great with people. Previous experience with irrigation, plumbing, and landscaping/turf management industries would be highly valued but not essential. We will provide on-the-job and external product training from industry leaders.
The position:
The business is very versatile and the below is preferable.
• Irrigation and pump salesperson
• Customer service in all areas of the business
• The position is either part/full time or casual for the right candidate, and the position incumbent will form part of a weekend roster
• Remuneration- above award rates
About you:
• Ability to work independently and as part of a team
• Willingness to learn all areas of the business
• Irrigation/pump knowledge and pump repair skills are also an advantage
If you are looking for employment security and value the importance of great customer service with good attention to detail, then this could be the perfect job for you. To see more about who we are, please visit https://www.wathorsham.com.au/
GWMWater is an innovative and progressive employer committed to contributing to the sustainable growth of communities within the Grampians, Wimmera and Mallee regions.
Senior Customer Service Officer (Horsham)
Position number VG/3303A | Ongoing role
Are you a natural leader with a passion for delivering exceptional customer service?
We’re looking for a motivated Senior Customer Service Officer with strong communication skills to lead and support our Call Centre team.
If you share our goal to consistently exceed customer expectations at all times and thrive in a collaborative environment, we want to hear from you!
Applications close: Wednesday 11 June 2025
GWMWater contact: Maddi Cullinan, Head of Customer Support
Position number VG/5402H
Are you passionate about shaping the future of water infrastructure?
We're looking for a strategic thinker to lead the planning of asset replacement and upgrade projects across urban water, wastewater, and recycled water networks.
We’re seeking a qualified engineer with a passion for delivering complex projects, mentoring others, and driving positive change. In this role, you’ll manage planning projects, collaborate across teams and stakeholders, and ensure excellence in engineering, safety, quality and procurement.
If you’re ready to join a team that invests in you, apply now!
Applications close: Wednesday 11 June 2025
GWMWater contact: Chris Wright, Manager Asset Performance
Position number VG/6061A
Are you ready to join a team that supports your growth and invests in your future?
We are seeking a dynamic leader to guide a team of hydraulic modellers and planning engineers in shaping the future of water and sewer networks. Join us and be part of a team that keeps our water and sewer networks running smoothly!
Applications close: Wednesday 11 June 2025
GWMWater contact: Chris Wright, Manager Asset Performance
Project Manager
Position number VG/4306B
Are you ready to lead infrastructure projects that make a real difference?
We’re seeking a skilled Project Manager to oversee water and wastewater projects from start to finish — including design, evaluation, and contract management.
Use your mentoring skills to help develop team members’ career goals while advancing your own career and supporting other infrastructure and service delivery teams.
Your next big career opportunity starts here – apply to join the team today!
Applications close: Wednesday 11 June 2025
GWMWater contact: Nathan Harders, Manager Project Delivery
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 Managing Director
BY SIMON KING
By Saturday evening, the Wimmera Hockey Association season will have reached a significant milestone, when each team has played all opponents once, providing a good indication of where each stands within their division.
However, there are still several big games to be played to reach that point.
The round starts on Friday when Yanac and Dimboola will clash for the outright lead on the women’s ladder, and with both teams undefeated, outright top place on the ladder is on the line, along with bragging rights.
The match between Nhill Thunderbirds and Horsham Jets will also hold some interest as both suffered narrow losses last weekend and will want to regain some form as they strive to establish themselves in the top half of the ladder.
The last game of the round will see Kaniva and Warrack play, with the former team looking to remain in touch with the competition leaders, and the latter still looking for its first win for 2025.
The Yanac Tigers will finish the round on top of the open ladder despite having the bye, unless Warrack Hoops score a big win over Kaniva Cobras.
Despite this incentive, Hoops will
need to initially focus on just the win, as they have not played for three weeks due to byes, and although Cobras have been a bit hot-and-cold this season, they are more than capable of matching the Hoops.
Horsham Hurricanes are playing some entertaining hockey and, after a solid performance last weekend against the Cobras, should be able to hold off the improving Nhill Rangers in the other open match.
In under-16 competition, Dimboola Kangaroos have shown some significant improvement this year, but face a big test when they take on undefeated
evening.
Regardless of the result, the Kangaroos will reach this milestone point in the season well above their fifth-place finish last season.
Warrack Revengers have the chance to solidify their place in the top-four when they play Kaniva Raiders, and although recent form suggests the Revengers should win, this game could go either way, depending on the personnel each puts on the pitch.
Nhill Leopards suffered their first loss for the season at the hands of competition-leading Warriors last week, but should bounce back when
DIVE: Horsham Hurricanes’ goalkeeper Lars Simmons dives to block the ball during a penalty corner, with team-mate Josh Heal in support, under the watchful eye of umpire Caleb Baldock.
Picture: SIMON KING
they take on Horsham Bombers, who are yet to taste victory in 2025.
After this round, the competition has a week off while senior country championships are held in Bendigo over the King’s Birthday long weekend.
Round four results –
Open: Yanac Tigers 3 (goals, K. Croot, S. Alexander, B. Alexander; best, T. Alexander, S. Farmers, S. Alexander) d Nhill Rangers 0 (H. Gill, J. Knoll, J. Reichelt). Horsham Hurricanes 4 (T. Batchelor 2, F. Cullen, P. Mackereth; T. Leffler, F. Cullen, C. Hassall) d Kaniva Cobras 0 (C. Beattie, L. Mills, A. Wallis).
Women: Yanac Women 3 (E. Alexander 2, M. Mackley; E. Alexander, M. Mackley, A. Farmers) d Nhill Thunderbirds 0 (K. Clark, C. Shurdington, C. Rowe). Kaniva Women 4 (S. Williams, H. Beattie, I. Williams, N. Hutchins; I. Williams, L. Stimson, H. Braisby) d Horsham Jets 1 (L. Schilling; K. Eilola, A. Heal, L. Schilling). Dimboola Roos 9 (E. Baldock 3, J. Hauselberger 2, B. McMaster, A. Baker, A. Rintoule, N. Kuhnell; B. McMaster, A. Baker, J. Hauselberger, A. Rintoule) d Warrack Women 0 (S. Williamson, E. Williamson, J. Boyd). Under-16: Yanac Warriors 3 (S. Pedie, H. Zanker, S. Farmers; L. Cramer, S. Pedie, A. Zanker, H. Zanker) d Nhill Leopards 2 (T. Bee, B. Clark; L. Clark, O. Bone, T. Bee, B. Cannell). Horsham Bombers 1 (A. Jochinke; H. Knoop, J. Di Pietro, J. Schwarz) drew with Kaniva Raiders 1 (B. Clark; J. Beattie, F. Dodson, J. White). Warrack Revengers 1 (S. Williamson; B. Cannell, O. Knoop, N. Eilola) d Dimboola Kangaroos 0 (V. Ward, R. Hadzig, L. Hauselberger).
Development program: Yanac Lowan Stars 2 (R. Dickinson, A. Pedie) v Nhill Bandits 2 (N. Krelle 2). Horsham Black Hawks 5 (E. Batchelor, L. Hobbs, A. Lacey, H. Mills, M. Rose) v Kaniva Rampagers 1 (R. Williams). Dimboola Kookaburra 6 (L. Hauselberger 3, L. Elliott 2, C. Wallace) v Warrack Avengers 0.
Weekdays from 6am weekdays from 6am
BY DAVID BERRY
All Phantoms teams are well placed to figure in Victorian Volleyball League finals at the half way mark of the season, with the premier one men and premier two women showing the way.
Both teams have banked early wins to sit in second position on their respective ladders, with the men recording six wins from seven games, while the women have seven wins from eight games.
Premier men’s coach Matthew Berry said these early wins for both teams were important, as both teams were still to settle on their best line-ups, and have full availability of all their players.
“As is always the case with Phantoms teams, being able to get the best line-up on the court throughout the season is a challenge, but we know that come the business end of the season we will be a lot stronger, which will stand us in good stead as we march towards finals,” he said.
Premier two women’s captain, Volleyball Horsham’s Laelah Robertson, is thrilled with how her team is playing, despite the constant change in personnel.
“I’m over the moon with how the team is performing, as we keep things simple and play to the best of our ability,” she said.
“It doesn’t matter who we have in our team, all we ask is that they have a crack and do their best, and that’s what they are doing.”
Phantoms premier one women, featuring Volleyball Horsham’s Tamikah Dockrill and Paige Hemley, are sitting seventh with three wins from seven games.
Captain Kilby Galo said the team had been hit hard with injury and unavailability and was in a race against time in the back half of the season to make finals.
“We’ve dropped three games we should have done better in, but we are determined
to bounce back next time we take the court,” she said.
Phantoms premier two men, featuring Volleyball Horsham’s Jack Hannan, Tim Carter and Tyler Puls are also sitting seventh, with four wins from eight games.
Hannan, who has been rewarded with the captaincy of the team, said a five-set win against VIP in their most recent game, should give the team confidence going forward.
“We have been our own worst enemy in most of our losses, as we’ve let lost a lot of five-setters to teams we really should have beaten,” he said.
“Given the premier one men are only going to get stronger towards the back end of the season, which then flows down into the premier two men’s team, hopefully we won’t leave our run too late to figure in finals.”
The state league one men’s team featuring Volleyball Horsham’s Tyler Snowden and Oscar Jackman is another team on the brink of finals, sitting seventh with three wins from seven games.
Snowden, who has been a most consistent contributor to the team, said this weekend would be vital for his team’s chances going forward.
“Latrobe Uni and Monash Blue are sitting below us on the ladder, so if we are to figure in finals, these two games are must win for us,” he said.
The state league one women, with Sophie Quick and Mercedes Arnott, will be looking to, at minimum, split their results this weekend, with a winnable game against Heidelberg, sitting bottom of the ladder winless, and a tough clash against Monash Blue, who are on top undefeated.
The state league two men with Noah Werry, who are three wins from six games and sitting ninth on their ladder, will sit back and cool their heels as they have the bye.
Ararat trainer-driver Michael Bellman should have plenty of good times to look forward to, judging by the impressive performance of Mecarno in taking out the $15,000 Need For Speed three-year-old trot at Melton on Saturday night.
Drawn outside of the front line in the 2200-metre contest, Bellman gave the lightly-raced gelding plenty of time to balance up out of the gate and was content to settle three back in the one-out line after they had gone half a lap.
With Mecarno travelling smoothly at the 600, Bellman edged three wide to make ground outside his main danger Mystery Fred, with Jodi Quinlan aboard. In a hard fought battle up straight it was Mecarno who proved the strongest and went on to score by a length with a decent gap to Ezra Kai, Jordan Leedham, in third place.
Saturday’s success came on the back of a 40m victory at Geelong three weeks ago in 1:58.2 for the
flying mile. “We took him up to Menangle after that, hoping to get a start in the NSW Trotters Derby, but lucked out being the emergency and no scratchings,”
Bellman said.
“It’s great to see wonderful owners Gary and Tracy Hull get a smart horse after all the time and money they put into breeding them.
“Fingers crossed he stays sound.”
Mercano will have a short let up before returning in time to contest the Holmfield Classic in mid-August and then all being well it will be on to the Derby and Vicbred Series during November.
Perfectly judged Concongella owner-trainer
Paul Rousch enjoyed a win at Melton on Friday afternoon with his 11-year-old gelding Thelongroadnowhere.
Concession driver Brent Murphy brought the 99 start, evergreen pacer from one-out-two-
back at the bell to score by three metres in a rate of 2:01.1 for the 2200m journey.
The perfectly judged drive gave
Thelongroadnowhere a well overdue 12th career victory, his last being at Boort in January 2024.
In fine form
Stawell trainer Toby Ainsworth and driver Ada Massa combined to land seven-year-old mare Beautiful Sunrise a winner at Bendigo on Wednesday last week.
The daughter of Great Success USA proved her toughness, racing three wide solo for the first 600m, then working to take the lead shortly after the bell had sounded.
Massa kept the black beauty in her rhythm as she strode to the post untouched for an eight metre victory and the fifth of her career.
Ainsworth has Beautiful Sunrise racing in fine form with three wins and two minors from eight starts this season.
– Tony Logan
from 6am to 9am
BY COLIN MACGILLIVRAY
The Horsham Hornets are building towards a big 2025 Country Basketball League, CBL, campaign, reappointing men’s coach Scott Benbow while reviving their women’s program under new coach Jordyn Burke.
The Hornets last year suspended their senior women’s team from competition after player unavailabilities left the side shorthanded in the leadup to the season, but Horsham Amateur Basketball Association leaders said reinstating the team this year was a priority.
Last month the association announced Burke, along with assistant coach Tim Webb, would lead the women’s team in its first season back.
Burke, who has previously coached
HABA junior girls representative teams, said he was excited for the season ahead.
“Overall the main thing is that it’s just really positive to have the women’s side going again,” he said.
“There’s a big contingent of female basketballers, both junior and adult, in the area and it’s about making sure they’ve got an opportunity to play at the highest level they possibly can.”
While tryouts for the team are not set to commence until July, Burke said he had already fielded plenty of interest from prospective players.
“It’s been good. We’ve had a few players from two seasons ago reach out, but also there’s been a few reach out that probably haven’t played for a few years,” he said.
“They might’ve played a fair bit of
junior representative basketball and they’re looking to get back into it.
“Everyone, regardless of how long they’ve been playing for or how long they might’ve been out of the game, is encouraged to come and try out.”
Benbow said he was also excited for the upcoming season, with the Hornets’ men set to defend their CBL south-west conference crown.
“The squad should be pretty strong again I would’ve thought,” he said.
“In my four seasons as coach, to win twice, come runner-up once and get knocked out in the semi-final the other year is really good for that group of boys.
“They deserve it – they work hard and they’re great to coach. They’re good team-mates and they’re good mates as well, and it’s just a great
ROUND SEVEN: The Weekly Advertiser photographer PAUL CARRACHER attended Horsham District league action between Taylors Lake and Natimuk United on Saturday. Natimuk United senior footballers were victorious 12.10 (82) to Natimuk’s 9.15 (69), while Taylors Lake came out on top in A Grade netball 45-37. Pictured, clockwise from above: Taylors Lake’s Kayla Kelm celebrates her 200th club game; Natimuk United’s Kaiden Sudholz on the run; Keeta Scown, Natimuk United, guards Taylors Lake’s Harriet Overman; and Tristan Rayes, Taylors Lake, tackles William Taylor, Natimuk United. For more pictures, visit theweeklyadvertiser.com.au.
program to be around. I think we provide a pretty exciting product for the people of Horsham to come and watch – we always fill the stands up, so we want to continue to do that.”
Benbow said the team would have a slightly different look this season, with stalwart Matt Lovel retiring as a player but continuing as an assistant coach on the bench.
The Hornets have also signed defensive-minded guard Tim McCormick as a playing assistant.
Benbow said he was uncertain about the availability of guard Freddy Frew and forward Micah Livingstone, both of whom have study commitments in Melbourne, but he expected the bulk of last season’s premiership-winning team – including top-scorer Austin McKenzie – to return.
He said the Hornets’ men were thrilled to see the women’s program returning in 2025.
“We missed the women last year. We’re excited to get them back on the court,” he said.
“I’m very excited for Jordy to put his stamp on the team. He’s been a very successful coach in footy and he’s coached the girls’ program for the last couple of years as well.
“He played high-level basketball back in his junior days too, and he knows how to make a program successful.”
The Hornets’ women’s team will host a pre-tryout information session on June 15 from 11am at Horsham Basketball Stadium. Interested players can contact Burke on 0418 689 919 for more details.
BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY
Through six rounds of the Mininera and District Football League the Ararat Eagles have been one of the highest-scoring teams, but showcased their defensive prowess in a 19.16 (130) to 0.3 (3) walloping of Caramut on Saturday.
Playing before a home crowd at Alexandra Oval, the Eagles yielded only solitary behinds in the first, second and fourth quarters, keeping a blank sheet in the third.
Such was the team’s dominance that it was difficult to pick, although Sam Summers, who started on a half-back flank, Ben Robertson and Andrew Cameron in the midfield, Jack Wilson with four goals and Tom Cousins with three all caught the eyes of onlookers. With the win the Eagles remained atop the ladder, with their perfect 6-0 record keeping them four premiership points ahead of second-placed
Lismore-Derrinallum, which posted its own convincing 14.11 (95) to 3.4 (22) win over Glenthompson-Dunkeld at the weekend.
But while the Eagles have soared thus far in 2025, their neighbours in
TAKING CHARGE:
Great Western’s Rayne Salmon was among the Lions’ leading performers on Saturday in his team’s loss against HawkesdaleMacarthur.
the league’s northernmost reaches –Great Western, Tatyoon and MoystonWillaura – all continued to lose ground in the race for a top-five finish on Saturday.
The Lions travelled to take on
Hawkesdale-Macarthur, but lacked the requisite firepower to challenge the home side.
The visitors scored only one goal in the first half and, despite, a third-quarter surge in which they kicked four goals to one, were unable to make up the ground they needed, losing 15.18 (108) to 6.7 (43).
Tom Randone, Kurt Dunn and Rayne Salmon were some of the Lions’ leading performers, with Sam Cocks the sole multiple-goal kicker, slotting two.
Moyston-Willlaura was similarly outgunned against Woorndoo-Mortlake, losing 15.19 (109) to 9.9 (63) at Woorndoo.
The Pumas did their best to stay in touch with the Tigers in the first half, with Riley Van Dyke digging in in the midfield and Sam Walker working hard on a wing, but a five-goals-to-one third term by the home side proved telling.
Tatyoon was unable to convert an
early advantage against reigning premier Penshurst, losing 14.13 (97) to 9.9 (63) on the road.
The Hawks started brightly and led by 12 points at the first break, only for the Bombers to retake the lead in the second term with a six-goal blitz. Tatyoon regained the lead at the final change but the Bombers kicked away in the last quarter, despite the efforts of Hawk players Jack Fraser, Jude Bulger and Lachie McGrath.
The round’s final match saw Wickliffe-Lake Bolac 15.8 (98) defeat SMW Rovers 12.13 (85).
This weekend will see Great Western travel to Lake Bolac to take on the Magpies, while Ararat hosts MoystonWillaura and Tatyoon is at home to Lismore-Derrinallum.
Glenthompson-Dunkeld will host SMW Rovers, Caramut travels to play Penshurst and Hawkesdale-Macarthur will be at home to Woorndoo-Mortlake.
Laharum stamped itself as an early favourite to win the inaugural Wimmera Football Netball League senior women’s football competition after spoiling Horsham’s first-game celebrations at the weekend.
Plenty of supporters turned up to Laharum’s Cameron Oval on Sunday to watch Horsham’s women make their debut, a week after Laharum scored a memorable first-up victory over Minyip-Murtoa.
And while the scoreboard showed a 6.17 (53) to 0.1 (1) win for the home side, the visitors were far from disgraced.
Horsham, with skipper Mjay Jones leading from the front and players such as Macy Uebergang, Sophie Sarre and Ella Boston putting in strong efforts, never stopped trying, but found itself unable to match the firepower of a Laharum team led by young Greater Western Victoria Rebels talents Violet McGennisken and Poppy Peters.
Tarah Bond was the game’s leading goal kicker, scoring three for the afternoon.
There was better news for Horsham’s under-14.5 girls team, which held on for a thrilling 6.10 (46) to 5.7 (37) win in its first game.
The visitors led 4.6 (30) to 1.0 (6)
at quarter time and looked to have the game well in hand, but Laharum clawed its way back into the match through the efforts of Chloe Butsch, Lucy Miller, Evangeline Martin, Eden Dunn and Imogen Young.
With the margin narrowed to less than a goal at the final change it was up to Horsham to respond, and they did through Sienna Morrison and Sienna Treloar, each of whom finished with two goals, while Trinity Wilson, Indigo Pope, Halle Arnel and Maddison Jason were the side’s other top performers.
Horsham will be in action again in front of a home crowd at City Oval this Sunday, playing a visiting Minyip-Murtoa in the senior women’s competition at noon, while the Demons’ under-14.5 girls will open proceedings at 10am with a match against a combined Minyip-Murtoa and Warrack Eagles team.
Horsham also announced it would withdraw its under-18 girls side from the Western Victoria Female Football League this season.
The club said unexpected issues with player availability meant it was unable to field a team in 2025.
It committed to preparing to relaunch the team in 2026.
Pimpinio’s leaders are keeping a lid on expectations despite the club’s senior football side getting off to its best start in more than 15 years.
The Tigers improved to 5-1 from their first six matches after besting Swifts – a top-three side last season – 9.8 (62) to 6.9 (45) at the weekend.
But coach Guy Smith said it was difficult to draw definitive conclusions from the injury-marred game.
“We knew that Swifts were going to be undermanned. They went into the game with a fair few out, so we knew that we could do it,” Smith said.
“We weren’t predicting to have no bench ourselves by half time though, which put a spanner in the works.
“Noah Jacobsen, who is one of our key defenders, got taken out of the game; Connor O’Dwyer, one of our midfielders, hurt an ankle; and Matt Rosier was taken out for a good two quarters with a knee injury, but we got him back going again in the end.
“It left us with no rotations for most of the second half.”
The Tigers had built a 29-point buffer by the long break but the Baggies’ senior leaders, including Liam Scott and Ryan Folkes, helped drag them to within two straight kicks at the final change.
Smith said his side needed to regroup, and it did through the likes of Jason Westley, who matched Folkes with three goals as the Tigers ran out the game strongly despite their compromised bench.
“To Stawell’s credit they threw it
back at us, which was great. We had to have a bit of a wake-up call at threequarter time and get it together to finish the game off,” Smith said.
With the Tigers’ trio of injured players all likely to miss this Smith said the team’s depth would be tested.
“We’re in a position now where we’ve got to finish as high up the ladder as we possibly can,” he said.
“While we’re waiting for some players to get back, we’ve just got to keep putting our best foot forward and getting over the line however we can.”
Pimpinio will this weekend face Kaniva-Leeor United, which nearly caused the boilover of the season against Harrow-Balmoral.
The Cougars looked out of the game at three-quarter time, trailing the depleted Roos by 40 points, but launched a furious comeback in the last term, kicking five goals to none to finish just 10 points adrift, 8.10 (58) to 6.12 (48).
Centre half back Hamish Bennett was instrumental in the comeback attempt for the Cougars, but HarrowBalmoral’s class told out, with the likes of Clinton Robinson, three goals, and Will Burbury dragging their team to a win.
One of the talking points of the round was Laharum youngster Chase Whelan, who kicked nine goals in a 31.18 (204) to 2.1 (13) rout of Rupanyup at Cameron Oval.
The 15-year-old slotted an impressive 16 goals for the day after earlier kicking seven against the Panthers’ under-17 side, showcasing the talent that saw him selected in the Victo-
By Colin MacGillivray
rian under-15 team to compete at this year’s School Sport Australia national championships.
Whelan was far from a lone hand against the Panthers’ senior side however, with Brodie Mines, six goals, and co-coach Robbie Miller, five, also in the thick of the action.
Natimuk United continued to show improvement this season, defeating Taylors Lake 12.10 (82) to 9.15 (69) on the road at Dock Lake Reserve.
The Rams appeared to have the game under control with a 22-point lead at half time, but the Lakers, led by Bray Cullinan and Ryan Gebert, cut the margin to eight points by the final change.
In a tense last quarter it was the
Rams who struck first, with Cody Frizon’s fourth goal of the afternoon giving his team enough of a buffer to seal the victory.
Noradjuha-Quantong continued to dominate the competition in a trip to Kalkee, defeating the home side 20.15 (135) to 5.3 (33).
After a surprise first quarter in which the Kees grabbed a four-point lead it was all one-way traffic, with Brock Orval slamming through eight goals and captain Dylan Shelley excelling across the field.
The undefeated Bombers will now turn their sights to a 2024 grand final rematch against the Roos, who, while also yet to lower their colours, have won four of their past five games by
four goals or fewer. Other games will see Rupanyup host Kalkee, Laharum travel to play Natimuk United and Edenhope-Apsley at home to Taylors Lake.
Correction: Last week’s The Weekly Advertiser reported that a draw between Rupanyup and Taylors Lake resulted after the field umpires overruled a goal umpire’s call of a behind after the siren. The goal umpire did not signal a behind, but a gesture was misinterpreted as such by some players and spectators. The goal umpire, after a conference with the field umpires, agreed that the result was no score. The Weekly Advertiser apologises for any inconvenience.
Laharum’s A Grade netballers showed they remain the Horsham District Football Netball League’s apex predators, winning an engrossing 2024 grand final rematch against Rupanyup on Saturday.
Anticipation for the clash had been growing since the start of the season, with both teams entering undefeated.
The Panthers started brightly, goal shooter Zanaiya Bergen using her height to shoot over the top of Laharum coach Rebecca McIntyre.
At the other end of the court Demon goal attack Maddie Iredell was dynamic, running hard to create space and answer Bergen’s scores with those of her own.
Laharum led by a single goal at quarter time and two at the long break after a shot by Bergen fell short on the half-time horn.
In the third term the teams continued to trade blows, with Rupanyup retaking the lead thanks to strong defensive work from Holly Ross and sharp shooting from Ilze Van Zyl alongside Bergen in goals.
But the reigning premiers hit back quickly, with their midcourt trio of Olivia Jones-Story, Mel Russell and Rylee Hateley moving the ball effectively into attack, where Iredell continued to present strongly.
A lightning-quick burst of six straight goals in the final two minutes
of the third quarter saw Laharum retake the lead and seemingly rattle the Panthers, who had enjoyed the run of play to that point in the term.
The Demons then netted the first three goals of the final quarter to give themselves a six-goal buffer, holding on to win 47-43.
The win extended Laharum’s unbeaten streak to 25 consecutive games – stretching back to the start of last season – and confirmed the Demons as serious threats to defend their premiership.
The Panthers, meanwhile, will need to wait until round 18 for their next chance at grand final revenge, and will turn their attention to a round-eight meeting with Kalkee this weekend.
The Kees are coming off a tense match of their own, going down to Noradjuha-Quantong 37-35 on Saturday.
Kalkee led by two goals at quarter time on its home court, with Casey Rentsch and Paula Wiedermann doing their best to counter the height of Bomber goalies Shannon Couch and Taya Quick.
But the likes of Holly Nuske and Izabella McIntytre began to turn the match in Noradjuha-Quantong’s favour.
With co-coach Taylor Shelley clamping down on Kalkee goal attack Jenna Bywaters in the second half, the
Bombers turned a two-goal quartertime deficit into a three-goal lead by the final change, holding on for a win that keeps them firmly in the hunt for a top-five finish.
Harrow-Balmoral celebrated a second win from its past three games, defeating Kaniva-Leeor United 42-38 at Balmoral.
The Cougars, with Tahlia Pearson on song in goals, mounted a comeback from a nine-goal half-time deficit, but Megan Little and coach Emily Langley did enough to preserve the Roos’ lead.
Taylors Lake continued to showcase its improved form, defeating Natimuk United 45-37 thanks to a strong display by Harriet Overman in goals, while captain Keeta Scown was the Rams’ best player.
Pimpinio remains in search of its first win for the year, succumbing to Swifts 47-37 at Pimpinio Recreation Reserve.
Goalie Michaela Carey, 27 goals, was the Baggies’ best player, with Tahnee Brown doing her best to combat her for Pimpinio.
This weekend will see the Tigers travel to Kaniva to play the Cougars, while the Baggies have a bye. Natimuk United will host Laharum, Edenhope-Apsley will be at home to Taylors Lake and Noradjuha-Quantong hosts Harrow-Balmoral.
BY LAUREN HENRY
Asolid 20-point win over last year’s grand finalists Southern Mallee Thunder has bumped Horsham Saints up to fifth place on the Wimmera league senior football ladder.
The Saints travelled to Hopetoun to take on the somewhat undermanned Thunder, and a seven-goal second quarter resulted in visitors taking a 27-point lead at half-time.
Leading at every change, the Saints charged ahead to win 90-53.
Horsham Saints coach Ben Knott said his young side had made the most of a strong breeze in the second term.
“They had it in the first quarter and we were really happy at quarter-time with how we had defended in that breeze,” he said.
“To get back-to-back wins is a good reward for the boys and it just means everything we’ve been working on is sort of starting to take shape.
“It all sort of fell into place against probably an undermanned Thunder team, but we’ll take the win.”
The Saints’ best included Cody Bryan, with four goals, Zac Van Buuren, Gage Wright, Keegan Mellington, Levi Munyard, and Mitch Martin.
“It was a good mix of a few of our more experienced blokes, and then it was pleasing to get some of our young blokes really stand up, so it was a really good all-round mix,” Knott said.
“All our young blokes are really
starting to take some steps forward, so them improving obviously makes a team better.
“Some of them are just naturally gifted footballers, but others need to work a bit harder, but they’ve all got roles within the team and it’s all sort of working for us at the minute.”
Knott said he expected this Saturday’s game against Minyip-Murtoa to be a ‘tough challenge’.
“The next two games – MinyipMurtoa and Ararat – with a couple of byes thrown in there, we’ve got a big couple of rounds ahead of us,” he said.
“We’re really pleased with the way we’ve been going about things and moving the footy and defending the ground, so we’ll look to just continue that improvement and that’s all you can ask for with a young group.”
It was Zachary Robins, Billy Lloyd and Sam White who stood out for the Thunder, who will now look to turn things around against Nhill this weekend.
The Tigers are coming off a 91-73 win over Warrack Eagles, needing a fourth-quarter blitz to win the match.
Five goals to Drew Schneider and two to Petros Politis saw them in the best, alongside Clay Shadforth and Liam Albrecht.
It was another case of so close for the Eagles, who have shown great improvement in season 2025 but are still winless.
However, that could all change this
playing due to a shoulder injury that is likely to keep him out of the game for four to six weeks, said although the Rats were missing forwards, their scoring was also restricted by the Burras.
Mills’ co-coach Tom Williamson was let off at the tribunal on Thursday night, allowing him to play against the Burras, after he was reported following the match against Thunder the week prior.
“To Minyip-Murtoa’s credit, they played pretty well,” he said.
“They played a good, contested game and didn’t allow us to get the ball on the outside as much as we would’ve liked, which probably slowed our scoring down a little bit.” Henry Shea took hold of his opportunities, named Ararat’s best player.
ON THE RUN: Minyip-Murtoa’s Luke Fisher chases down Ararat’s James Hosking.
Saturday as they take on Horsham, who are also winless this season.
The Demons suffered a huge 94-point loss to Stawell at the weekend, with super-boot Paul Summers kicking 10 goals and Cody Driscoll scoring five to hammer home the win for the Warriors.
After an even first quarter, with the Demons holding a five-point lead, the Warriors kicked into gear, through the likes of Jakob Salmi and Josh Fowkes.
Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
The Warriors will need to take their strong form in this round’s match against Dimboola, who had a bye last round.
In the other match of round six, Ararat – missing about six senior players through injury – got away with a 20-point win over Minyip-Murtoa. Played at Murtoa, the Burras actually hit the front on the scoreboard in the third term. Ararat co-coach Tom Mills, not
“He’s mainly in the back line, but just with numbers out, he played in the midfield and forward and he had a really good game,” Mills said.
“He kicked three goals in the third quarter, which kept us in it a bit.
“At one stage there we really needed someone to stand up, and he was that bloke, so it was good to see.”
With the bye this weekend, followed by a general bye on the King’s Birthday weekend, Ararat won’t play until June 14, against Horsham Saints.
“We should get three or four back by the time we play our next game, so it’s worked out pretty well,” Mills said.
Warrack Eagles’ A Grade netballers shook a monkey from their back on Saturday, posting their first win of the Wimmera league season in convincing fashion against Nhill.
Playing at their Anzac Park home, the Eagles set the tone for their 48-30 win in the first quarter, smothering the visiting Tigers with a 17-6 term.
The teams went goal for goal from their first three centre passes before the home side took over, reeling off 14 of the next 17 goals.
Nhill’s defenders struggled to account for the height of Warrack goal shooter Amber O’Connor, who netted a game-high 30 goals, while at wing defence Ava Koschitzke provided a conduit through the midcourt after
Isabella Orszulak and Jess Kelly secured defensive rebounds.
The Tigers rebounded with a stronger second quarter, matching the Eagles goal for goal as goal attack Ruby James became more involved, but the team was unable to make any ground up on the home team.
The result leaves Minyip-Murtoa as the sole remaining winless team in this year’s A Grade competition after the Burras went down to Ararat by 38 goals at Murtoa.
The Rats showcased both their offensive and defensive prowess in a dominant first half.
In the second quarter alone they restricted the Burras to only four goals while scoring 18 of their own, as
Paige Biddle dominated at goal defence and Annie Shea and Maggie Astbury shared the spoils in attack. With the game safely in hand the Rats tried different line-up combinations in the second half, cruising to a 61-23 win.
On a difficult day for Minyip-Murtoa, goal attack Jessica Newell was named the side’s best performer, while Johanna Griffiths never stopped trying after starting the game in defence and moving to centre in the second half. While the Horsham Saints achieved an expected result, defeating Southern Mallee Thunder at Hopetoun on Saturday, they were met with a sterner challenge than many league watchers might have predicted.
The undefeated Saints have set the pace during the first third of the season, but found themselves in a scrap after a 10-10 first quarter against the Thunder.
The home side used its height in the defensive end, with goal keeper Sydney Thorogood rebounding many Saint misses while midcourt players like Codie Robins whisked the ball to the other end of the court.
But in the second quarter the class of the visitors began to tell, with Saint Jorja Clode shaking free of Thorogood’s shackles and Abby Hallam shooting well in a stiff breeze.
The 17-10 second term proved the difference in the game as the Saints went on to win 57-43. Horsham re-
minded the competition it remains a premiership threat with a dominant 76-46 win over Stawell at Central Park.
Imogen Worthy netted 47 goals for the visitors, but it was the work of Keely Pope, who played at both wing defence and wing attack, and Georgia Batson, who set Worthy up at goal attack, that most impressed coach Georgie Carberry.
The Demons will return home this weekend to host the Warrack Eagles, with Dimboola coming back from a bye to host Stawell, Nhill at home to the Thunder and Minyip-Murtoa travelling to play the Saints at Coughlin Park.
– Colin MacGillivray
BY LAUREN HENRY
Ararat
co-coach and last year’s Wimmera league best and fairest winner Tom Williamson has nominated for the AFL midseason draft tomorrow.
The draft, scheduled to start at 6.30pm, will allow eight clubs to select 13 players from the 338 hopefuls nominated.
Players from across Australia –mostly playing in state leagues such as the VFL – will get their chance to join AFL lists where clubs have available spots due to retirement and long-term injury.
Some clubs, such as Essendon, will have more picks than others due to having more injured players on their lists, while Richmond will not have a pick.
The Herald-Sun last week reported that Williamson would be ‘the definition of a mid-season bolter’ if he was selected in tomorrow’s draft, adding ‘even though some good football judges say Williamson is the best bush footballer in Victoria’.
It has also been reported West Coast is interested in signing Williamson, sparking the 26-year-old’s
interest in nominating for the midseason draft.
After winning the Toohey medal in 2024, and polling the highest number of votes in the league in the season prior but being ineligible due to suspension, Williamson has been a standout player in the Wimmera league since his return in 2023.
After being drafted to the AFL in 2016, Williamson played 44 games for Carlton before leaving the Blues mid-2022 in a mutual decision, after Williamson had a leave of absence due to personal issues.
He then played a few games for North Melbourne in the VFL, before returning to Ararat, where he was appointed co-coach last year, leading his side to a premiership.
Ararat co-coach Tom Mills said Williamson was good enough to play at the AFL level.
“I’m happy for him– if he gets picked up, its great for him and its great for the club,” Mills said.
“If the opportunity is there, you have got to take it.”
Mills said Williamson had ‘always tossed up’ a return to the AFL.
“I wasn’t surprised – he just thought he might as well have an-
other crack, so I was all for it. I mean, he’s got nothing to lose. Hopefully he gets picked up,” he said.
Williamson has kicked 24 goals in the five games he has played, including a bag of 10 goals against Stawell.
Last season, Williamson kicked 66 goals – winning the league’s senior goal-kicking.
Following his Toohey medal win last season, Williamson paid tribute to his home club.
“I’ve come back, obviously being down in Melbourne and went through a challenging time in my life and the Ararat footy club has been there from the word go for me,” he said.
“It’s been pretty emotional and the footy club as a whole has wrapped their arms around me – I love the place and can’t thank them enough.”
Williamson was reported for striking Southern Mallee Thunder player Kai Sheers in the May 17 match, but successfully contested the suspension at a tribunal hearing last week – making him again eligible for this year’s Toohey Medal, should he remain the Wimmera league.
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TRIPLE GOLD: Horsham golfers Carolyn McRae and Joan Williams, pictured, won Horsham Golf Club’s Golden Putter 4BBB Par event for the third year in a row. This year the pair had a score of nine up and narrowly won after a countback. A field of 68 ladies, including visitors from surrounding golf clubs, provided strong competition in this annual event, which is sponsored by Horsham Doors and Glass. Runners-up, also with a score of nine up were Jenni Pike and Val Linke, from Hamilton. In third place were Fleur Finlayson, from Serviceton, and Amanda Brownsea, from Nhill, with eight up. In fourth place were Horsham members Lyn McCrae and Louise Nield with seven up. Nearest the pins on the par three holes were Sue Sanford, from Warracknabeal, on the second hole, Jenni Pike, from Hamilton, on the eighth hole, Debbie Simpson, of Horsham, on the 11th hole, and Fleur Finlayson, from Serviceton, on the 13th hole.
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BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY
Rising Wimmera gymnasts Remi Bailey and Edward Jones will represent the region at the highest level of competition after winning selection for Victorian teams at July’s Australian Gymnastics Championships in Queensland.
The Natimuk and District Gymnastic Club members were picked among eight Victorian gymnasts to compete at the championships in their respective levels – level eight open for Bailey and level seven open for Jones – in teams announced on Saturday.
Each gained selection after results across a pair of state trials, as well as the Gymnastics Victoria senior championships in Melbourne a fortnight ago.
Both celebrated successful outings at the state championships, with Bailey claiming a silver medal on floor and bronze on vault.
Jones’ best results were on vault and high bar, where he won a pair of bronze medals.
Natimuk head coach Lynette Morrow praised both boys for their dedication and congratulated them on their performances.
“We’re all very excited for them. It’s a great opportunity and a credit to them for the work they’ve put in. They’ve held themselves very well throughout the competitions,” she said.
“We’re excited for the club too – for such a small club to have two qualify for nationals is a great achievement.”
Morrow described both junior gymnasts as ‘hard workers’.
“They’re dedicated to their training. What they put in they make count,” she said.
“Edward has a lot of natural strength and ability that helps him through the routines, and Remi is a bit of an all-rounder. He competes well on all apparatus, so provided he has a good day at a competition, that’s where he shines.”
Last year the pair became the first Natimuk gymnasts to be picked for the Border Challenge – an Australian gymnastics competition that ranks below only the national championships.
Morrow said the experience would hold them in good stead.
“I think that’s given them a little bit of experience in interstate competition, which will help them prepare better for the nationals,” she said.
“I have no idea how their teams will go at nationals. I can’t say I’ve been watching too much of what the other states have been doing, but I’ll certainly go back and look at their results and what they’ve done.”
Morrow said the club would now help the pair prepare for the national championships, which will be on the Gold Coast from July 3 to 17.
“The boys will have a couple of state training days in Melbourne and we’ll go down with them to make sure we follow the program from the state coaches,” she said.
“We’ll bring that back to our club and tune their routines a little bit more, clean up some skills.
“I don’t think we’ll be adding too much more to their routines, but we’ll just make sure that what they do they’re doing well.”
Vol. 27 No. 46 Wednesday, May 28, 2025
Ararat coach Tom Williamson hopes to rekindle his AFL career today after nominating for the mid-season draft. Acknowledged by many as the best footballer in country Victoria, Williamson played 44 games with Carlton. Williamson successfully challenged a two-game suspension last week after being charged with striking Southern Mallee Thunder player Kai Sheers, enabling him to play in the Rats’ 20-point win over Minyip-Murtoa. Story, page 66.
BY BRONWYN HASTINGS
Wimmera Super Meat Market has maintained it passion and upheld its traditions since the early 1960s –from when founder Johannus van Dyk brought smallgoods recipes from his native Holland to Horsham, to winning international awards for the same products in recent years.
In the 1970s, Mr van Dyk opened a shop in Pynsent Street, Horsham to cater to his expanding customer base. It was one of the first self-service butchers to be established in Australia.
Mr van Dyk’s sons, John, who has been involved in the business since 1959, and Dominic, since 1978, took over management of the business when their father retired in 1990.
Continuing operations in the same format, but now from their Firebrace Street shop, the van Dyks have won gold, silver and bronze medals at the Australian Charcuterie Awards, and gained international recognition at a competition in Frankfurt, Germany – their black pudding winning a silver medal.
And everyone loves a warm casserole or stew, be it:
•Irish Stew • Goulash • Stroganoff
•Sweet & Sour Pork • Lamb Tagine
Not sure what is best for you?
Just pop in and ask for assistance.
Something special for the weekend dinner, roasts are a favourite for all.
Beef Roasts – Blade or Topside? My favourite is Blade, or a Gorello Veal Roast.
Pork Roasts – Try our boneless free-range Australian pork leg roasts.
Lamb Roasts – Leg, Chump Leg, Shoulder or Lamb Rack. And then there is also the quick and easy chicken – try our marinated butterfly chicken.
This weather brings out the urge to have a pot of soup simmering. They do more than just warm you on a cold day; they are also nutritious and can be a meal on their own.
Start your quality home-made soups with the best –select from our range:
Smoked Bacon Bones or Hocks, Lamb Shanks, Lamb Bones, Beef Shank (Osso Buco) or Beef Bones, Chicken Bones
Try our house-made Lasanga & Shepherd’s Pie!
•Meat Market Florentines are always a favourite.
•Beef Schnitzels, Chicken Kievs or Florentines. And there is also the quick grill – we sell premium:
Beef Steaks from Wagyu Eye Fillet, Rib Eye, Scotch Fillet, Wagyu Rump Steak, Scotch Fillet and Porterhouse – all prepared, trimmed and cut to suit your needs.
