The Weekly Advertiser – Wednesday, October 29, 2025 by The Weekly Advertiser

BRACE YOURSELF:

MIXX FM’s second annual Halloween event will petrify, terrify and gratify people of all ages, this year with its haunted house theme of a cursed carnival. With entry by gold coin donation, the circus is open from 5.30pm to 7pm, and from 7.30pm to 9pm on Friday. A sausage sizzle is available, also by gold coin donation. All proceeds will go to Wimmera Against Cancer in Kids. While there is no parking at 2 Stawell Road, people can park at Horsham Greyhound Racing Track and walk across the bridge and under the highway.

Pictured preparing for the scares are MIXX FM, 3WM and The Weekly Advertiser staff Danica Cutter, Issa Riches, Olivia Lenehan and Lily Olver. Picture: PAUL

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

Rural Northwest Health will replace chief executive Jenni Masters as part of its strategic review when her three-year contract ends on January 30.

But staff are petitioning the board, with the signatures of more than 70 people showing support and solidarity for Ms Masters to remain in the job. The petition was anonymously sent to media outlets on Monday evening, and was also presented to the RNH board and leadership team at a two-day workshop on Monday and yesterday, where they were updating

the organisation’s goals and developing a new plan.

“The board has chosen to not renew Jenni’s contract beyond the three years she had agreed to, despite Jenni’s willingness and eagerness to remain with us at RNH long-term,” the petition reads.

“The decision made by the board has been perplexing and has left a devastating ripple effect of anxiety and uncertainty amongst all of us who work with her, particularly as this is the first period of stability RNH has had in almost a decade.”

The petition listed a ‘small sample of the positivity and leadership’ that Ms Masters brought to RNH, in-

cluding: reopening Hopetoun campus urgent care; new staff duplexes at Hopetoun; recruiting and retaining new staff; managing of COVID-19 and gastroenteritis outbreaks; having the hospital retain its café; creating opportunities for sustained positive culture change across departments by fostering solid and lasting leadership; and bringing RNH’s budget back into the green.

The RNH board sent an embargoed announcement to media on Wednesday last week, stating their intentions and thanking Ms Masters for leadership over the past three years.

RNH chair John Aitken said the board was taking the opportunity to

‘test the market to see who’s available’ in the lead-up to the completion of Ms Masters’ contract.

“As part of our strategic review, we felt it was an appropriate time to do that,” he said.

“In terms of what we want to do in the future, that is probably the option we’d like to pursue. We know that there are some people available, but we don’t really know until we test the market as to who may or may not be applying for the job.”

Mr Aitken said COVID-19’s impacts still affected rural health, and the board’s reviewed strategic plan would have a clear focus on community health and patient-centred care,

aiming to achieve the best health outcomes for community members.

“We’re looking at developing partnerships with some organisations, particularly in alcohol and other drugs, and mental health,” he said.

“Mental health has been a significant problem in our community, as it is right across Victoria, and we’ve also got other challenges. There are social determinants that have a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of people in our community, and we’d like to focus on addressing those things as we move forward.”

Continued page 3

CARRACHER

Preusker prepares to make history

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

Horsham-based trainer Paul

Preusker is hoping the adage ‘third time’s a charm’ holds true as he prepares gelding Torranzino for next week’s Melbourne Cup.

It will be Preusker’s third attempt at winning Australia’s richest horse race after previously saddling gelding Surprise Baby in 2019 and 2020, finishing fifth and 13th respectively.

Torranzino punched his ticket to this year’s Melbourne Cup by winning the group three Geelong Cup on Thursday last week, and Preusker said he believed the six-year-old was capable of

capturing the race that stops a nation.

“We definitely think he’s a chance. That’s why you’re there,” he said.

“We’ve still got a week to go, which is a long time at this level, but he’s all good – we’ll be right.”

As of Tuesday afternoon Torranzino was listed with the 11th-best odds to win the Melbourne Cup.

Preusker said he would apply lessons he had learned from his past Melbourne Cup experiences to give the gelding, sired by Tarzino out of Goldilicious, the best possible chance of success.

“I suppose when you’ve had a couple of goes at it you get better at doing

it hopefully. I’ve 100 per cent learned some things from the past couple of times,” he said.

“I’ll produce him right, the best I can, but you still need a ton of luck.

“There’s double the horses in the Melbourne Cup field, so you still need a fair bit of luck.”

Preusker said Torranzino’s Melbourne Cup appearance was a thrill not only for him personally, but an array of Wimmera-based owners.

“There’s quite a few local owners, so it’s pretty special for them to get into a Melbourne Cup. They’re all up and about,” he said.

“He’s predominantly locally owned.

GOOD CAUSE GAGA: Priceline’s The Sisterhood Carnival fundraising event at Horsham on Saturday featured children’s activities, a sausage sizzle and spinning wheel giveaways. The day’s major prize, a Lady Gaga concert and accommodation package, was won by Litchfield’s Florina Alecu. The event raised $4500 for its Sisterhood Foundation charity, whose eight frontline charity partners create positive health outcomes in the lives of women and girls. Makenzi Christian and Will McKinley are pictured during the event.

Fire non-compliance prosecutions

Nineteen Yarriambiack Shire Council ratepayers were prosecuted at Horsham Magistrates’ Court last week for non-compliance with fire-prevention notices.

Magistrate Kieran Gilligan noted council had incurred fees for cleaning up the properties, and that it remained an ongoing matter for council to address, particularly as fire season approached when the fire prevention notices were issued.

Mr Gilligan also observed that the properties continued to be non-compliant.

Council chief executive Tammy Smith said uncleared properties were a significant risk to the community with the increased risk of fire danger.

“We are committed to collaborating with landowners to ensure compliance and effective land management that minimises fire risk,” she said.

“However, those ratepayers who

have been taken through the court system have consistently failed to mitigate these risks, necessitating council intervention to manage the properties at the expense of the ratepayer.”

The court found the matters presented by council to be substantiated and imposed penalties of $2000 and full costs in each case.

Convictions were also recorded for each matter.

There’s a couple from Melbourne but the rest of them are all local.

“There’s people like Brian Tucker, Damian Drum, a couple of fellas from Minyip, Burkey from over at Ararat.”

Preusker said Torranzino’s local connections were elated to be part of the Melbourne Cup.

“It’s pretty special, isn’t it? That’s what it’s all about,” he said.

“It’s not as if they’re battlers, but they don’t get horses like this that often. To get there for them is what it’s all about.

“You’d just love to win one for Horsham, just to show it can be done.

“It’d go down in the history books, so I’m looking to do that.”

Preusker paid tribute to his team, including jockey Celine Gaudray, who will live out her childhood dream when she rides Torranzino in her first Melbourne Cup appearance.

Preusker said his stable had worked hard for another opportunity to take home the Melbourne Cup.

“I’ve got a great team of workers, and without them you can’t do it,” he said.

“They don’t really get seen, but at the end of the day you wouldn’t be there without them.”

Best of the Best’s

The Weekly Advertiser editor Lauren Henry won Best Agricultural Story at this year’s Victorian Country Press Association awards on Friday.

The Weekly Advertiser was also commended in the Newspaper Excellence for Best Free Newspaper, won by the Surf Coast Times, while Henry was highly commended for Best News Story and journalist Bronwyn Hastings highly commended in the TAC Award for Road Safety.

Henry’s story was on Best’s Winery at Great Western, who celebrated 50 years of its cellar door.

Winners across 19 categories were crowned at an awards night in front of more than 170 people at The Sebel Resort, Yarrawonga, which followed a conference with Country Press NSW – the second joint event between the two state associations.

This year’s VCPA awards night attracted a record 670 entries from publishers for the 19 categories.

Rural Press Club awards

The Weekly Advertiser is also a finalist at this year’s Rural Press Club of Victoria awards.

Editor Lauren Henry and photographer Paul Carracher are a finalist in the Best Breaking News Story for their work covering the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund protest on the steps of Parliament. Other finalists in the same category are Chris Earl, Loddon Herald; Warwick Long and Jane McNaughton, ABC Victorian Country Hour; Tom O’Callaghan, Bendigo Advertiser ; Benjamin Silvester and Andrew Thomson, The Warrnambool Standard.

Winners, recognising the best work from journalists and photographers across all regional Victorian media, will be announced at an awards night in Warragul on Friday.

Petitioning for health CEO

From page 1

Mr Aitken said hospitals now provided care beyond their buildings’ four walls.

“Hospitals aren’t really about brick walls anymore – the brick walls are part of the service, but we look after an area half the size of metropolitan Melbourne,” he said.

“We’re looking after about 7000 people. There are challenges, but there are also lots of opportunities, and we want to maximise those opportunities.

“I suppose it’s one of those things, you don’t know what you don’t know until you go out and do your research, so that’s what we’re wanting to do in the next couple of months.”

Mr Aitken said Ms Masters’ three years had brought successes to RNH. “We certainly do appreciate the efforts that Jenni has put into our community. We’ve just opened housing for Hopetoun, we have put on 100 people since COVID-19 decimated the workforce, and we’re in our budget – not many health services in Victoria are within budget,” he said.

“We’ve picked up Commonwealth Home Support packages and that’s been very successful – it allows us to provide services to people who don’t normally engage with the health service. We’ve reopened our Hopetoun urgent care, and we’re slowly getting back to a full workforce in aged care.”

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

HRCC NEWS

Upgrade works at CBD intersection to improve pedestrian safety

Council will begin upgrade works on 5 November at the intersection of Firebrace Street and Baker Street in the Horsham CBD, as part of a regional road safety program funded by the Transport Accident Commission (TAC) and Active Transport Fund.

This project is jointly funded by the Transport Accident Commission’s Safe Local Roads and Streets Program and the Australian Government’s Active Transport Fund, supporting the delivery of safer, more accessible infrastructure for cyclists, pedestrians, and local road users.

To improve safety and accessibility, the works will include:

• Installation of new kerb and channel at the intersection

• Pedestrian outstands on Firebrace Street

• Construction of new concrete footpaths

• Landscaping works, including a new median strip with vegetation to improve street aesthetics

• Road resurfacing

• Line marking

• Kerb extensions on O’Callaghans Parade and Firebrace Street will help to reduce vehicle speeds and shorten crossing distances for pedestrians, creating a safer environment for everyone using the intersection.

There will be minimal disruption to traffic, with access to businesses maintained for road users and pedestrians at all times.

Cat curfew - Keeping pets and wildlife safe

Council has a cat curfew in place to protect pets, wildlife, and community wellbeing. Cats must be confined to their owner’s property between sunset and sunrise, not just indoors, but within the property boundary.

Why it matters:

• Around 80% of cat accidents happen at night

• Roaming cats risk injury, disease, and getting lost

• Even well-fed cats hunt and kill native wildlife at night

• Roaming cats can cause nuisance by fighting, spraying, and digging in gardens.

• Uncontrolled breeding adds pressure to pounds and rescue groups.

Council recommends:

• Register your cat – new registrations are currently half price

• Desex your cat – ask about the $45 desexing program (limited places available)

• Consider outdoor enclosures to keep your cat safe and contained

• Report roaming cats or enquire about the free trapping program.

Let’s work together to keep our cats safe and protect our local wildlife and ecosystems.

For more information, visit hrcc.vic.gov.au or contact Council on 5382 9777.

Horsham Library is getting a Spooky makeover for your Trick-or-Treating needs this Halloween!

We have a multitude of activities to celebrate the scary season, including:

• Prize Raffle: Each person that attends the event will receive a raffle ticket, and those that sign-up to the library get an extra two! Keep the tickets safe; we’ll announce on Facebook the winner of the raffle on Monday.

• Spooky Storytime: We’ll be putting our librarian’s skills to the test in a non-stop hour of storytelling! From scary classics to new monsters, there’s a story for everyone.

• Witch’s Brew: Mix Eye of Newt, Unicorn Tears and more together to create a refreshing potion for the long night.

• Frightful Photos: Take some photos of the costumes you worked so hard on in our staged photo op spots.

• AND of course, Trick-or-Treating! Our librarians are expecting a good scare.

No bookings, no cost! Starts at 6.30pm Friday 31 October.

The Horsham Truck Show rolls in this weekend!

Rev up your engines and get ready for a day full of excitement — the Horsham Truck Show is back on Saturday, 1 November 2025, at the Horsham Showgrounds (22 McBryde Street, Horsham).

Whether you’re a lifelong truck enthusiast or just love a great day out, this is one event you won’t want to miss.

The show will feature an impressive line-up of trucks of all shapes and sizes, from hardworking rigs to shiny custom builds and beautifully restored classics that tell their own stories.

Kids and adults alike can enjoy the model and remote-controlled truck displays, while plenty of food stalls, trade stands, and live entertainment will keep the atmosphere buzzing all day long.

It’s not just about engines and chrome, though, it’s a celebration of community spirit.

The Horsham Truck Show brings people together from across the region, supporting local groups and creating a fantastic family-friendly occasion.

So, gather your family, round up some friends, and come along for a day of big trucks, great food, and even bigger smiles.

Next Council Meeting: Monday, November 24, 2025 - 5.30pm Horsham Rural City Council: 18 Roberts Avenue Horsham | Postal address: PO

STAY UP TO DATE

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

REMOVAL AND ASSET RECOVERY OF PARKING METERS HORSHAM CENTRAL BUSINESS DISTRICT Closes Friday 28 November

26-009

WIMMERA LIBRARY 24 HOUR ACCESS PROJECTDESIGN AND INSTALLATION Closes Thursday 6 November

26-011

PROVISION OF STORMWATER DRAIN CLEANING SERVICES Closes Wednesday 12 November

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

If you have an interest in recreation and sport, or accessibility for people with a disability, you may be a good fit to advise and work with Council on lifting Natimuk’s economic and social profile.

Applications are invited for two positions on the maximum 10-member Project Advisory Committee (PAC), which works with Council staff on key local issues such as business, economy and tourism; climate and sustainability;

Council would like to hear from people who are:

•Involved in and have awareness of the issues to be addressed by the committee

•Willing to work with others and share decision-making to achieve improved outcomes

•Able to represent a broad range of views that reflect the diversity of the community

Members will be selected through an expression of interest process.

Applications close Friday 31 October, register your interest with the QR code.

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

Last chance to help speak for Natimuk

Change of direction for Arapiles plan

BY LAUREN HENRY

Work has paused on the Mount Arapiles-Tooan State Park, Dyurrite Cultural Landscape, Management Plan in a bid to reset its foundations.

Since the plan – proposing to close many rock climbing routes to protect Indigenous cultural heritage sites –was first released to the public nearly one year ago, it has caused significant uproar among the Natimuk community and rock climbers worldwide.

A lack of consultation by Parks Victoria, PV, and the State Government angered many users of Arapiles, but following the appointment of new PV chief executive Lee Miezis, the direction of the plan has changed.

A community working group has been established to create more ways for people to enjoy Mount Arapiles; bring social and economic benefits to the community and region; and pro-

CABARET FOR A CAUSE:

Big Al’s Cabaret will this year entertain with live music in a ‘glow in the dark’ theme, while raising money for two Howard Wright M9 trauma trolleys for Wimmera Base Hospital. Four live bands – Limited Edition, DeRailed, Fahrenheit and The Filos – will feature at the November 8 event at Horsham Town Hall. For people aged 18 and older, attendees are encouraged to wear fluorescent or white clothes, bring their own nibbles, and enjoy drinks at bar prices. Tickets are available at Horsham Town Hall website or box office, and more information can be found at Big Al’s Facebook page. Pictured are Grampians Health team members Daryl Elliott, Zarndra Liston and Mav Cottrell, on guitar, with the trauma trolley from the Oxley unit. Cottrell and Elliott will be playing in bands at the cabaret.

tect and celebrate the area’s culture, people and environment.

Parks Victoria will also reopen a Natimuk office and employ two parkrangers to work in partnership with the traditional owners as part of the amended plan.

Working group member Felix Ritson, a Natimuk-based climber and Arapiles District Community Group, ADCG, representative, said recent discussions between PV, BGLC and the Natimuk community had been positive and productive.

“Everyone attending is working together to come up with a management plan for the mountain that can really encourage a broad range of access, and plenty of opportunities for social and economic development,” he said.

Dr Ritson said the management plan in its current form had been ‘paused’.

“There still will be a formal management plan put in, and then likely at some point in the future after that a

joint management plan,” he said.

“But for the time being the working group and certainly Parks Victoria and the land council want to have the management plan done right, and often that takes a good amount of time.

“So the intention is to take the time needed to make sure we come up with a solution that is appropriate for the park, and the community.”

Earlier this month ADCG hosted a community meeting at Natimuk Showgrounds Pavilion to discuss the plan’s progress, with information presented from an earlier working group meeting with representatives BGLC, PV, Climbing Victoria, CV, Horsham Rural City Council, ADCG and a licensed tour operator.

Dr Ritson said CV presented a proposed guide on visitor etiquette that would be made public, and Parks Victoria would soon replace signs that deteriorated or went missing, conveying which areas have been requested

Candles, Baby and children’s items, Handmade items, Face Painting, Food and coffee vans, Rafﬂe 10am to 1.30pm

by BGLC and PV to be avoided in the interim before a final plan was released.

It is still requested that visitors do not access Tiger Wall, Bard buttress, Fang buttress, Plaque rock, Declaration crag and various boulders, with more details to soon be on the Parks Victoria website.

“Those requests have been in place for, I think five to six years now – they haven’t changed,” Dr Ritson said.

“The working group wants to reiterate to the broader community that those requests not to access those particular parts of the mountain are still in place and new signs have gone up by Parks Victoria to further communicate that.”

Dr Ritson said there were plans for CV representatives to be taken out on country by BGLC to develop a shared understanding and assessments of recreational access at Arapiles.

“We, the Arapiles District Commu-

nity Group, see this as a very positive step forward, and are really excited about further collaboration going forward,” he said.

Reports in The Australian, social media and comments from Member for Mallee Anne Webster had incorrectly stated a backflip on rock climbing bans.

A State Government spokesperson said there had been no changes to current climbing access at Arapiles.

“The great outdoors are to be experienced and admired, not locked away,” they said.

“Our focus is to bring more families to the bush and more jobs to the regions – while still protecting our environment.

“Work on the management plan has been paused while the community working group works together to create more diverse and inclusive opportunities for people to enjoy and access Dyurrite.”

Speed proposal extension

An additional two weeks’ consultation has been added to the Federal Government’s plan to change the default regional road speed limits to as low as 70 kilometres an hour.

The Coalition pressured the Infrastructure department to extend the original deadline of Monday by 14 days.

The department’s Regulatory Impact Analysis to reduce the open-road default speed limit is seeking feedback to the proposed changes, which aim to help road safety on regional or remote roads, where the risk of being killed is 11 times higher compared to a road in a major city.

Feedback will inform updates to the Australian Road Rules for sealed and unsealed roads outside of built-up areas, which can be considered by state and territory governments.

Earlier this month, Member for Mallee Anne Webster said the department had ‘quietly’ changed the consultation period – the original period she described as ‘a Clayton’s consultation’.

“The consultation now runs for the usual length of 42 days, not the abysmally short 28 days,” she said.

“The Coalition has done the heavy lifting making all Australians aware of Labor’s plan to slash road speed limits from 100 to as low as 70 kilometres an hour.

“The minister didn’t even bother doing a media release, even though she had promoted other consultations.”

Dr Webster said Labor’s speed limit proposal was ‘an outrageous, lazy solution to a serious issue facing cars and trucks across the country’. She urged transport operators, small businesses, farmers and councils to make submissions to the government’s consultation by November 10, informing how their communities would be impacted by speed limit reductions on rural roads.

To make a submission, people can visit www.infrastructure.gov.au/ have-your-say/regulatory-impactanalysis-reduce-open-road-defaultspeed-limit.

Mental-health advocates state finalists

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

Tatyoon film-maker Leila Sweeney-McDougall and Ararat’s One Red Tree founders Carly McKinnis and Tammie Meehan are Victorian finalists in the 2026 Australian of the Year awards.

Australian of the Year for Victoria category nominees alongside Ms Sweeney-McDougall include mentalhealth leader Hugh van Cuylenburg, geologist and disaster rescuer Professor Arnold Dix, and brain cancer fundraiser Carrie Bickmore.

Ms Sweeney-McDougall, concerned about mental health in her community, made a film depicting the pressures that push farmers to suicide, as well as the trauma confronting those left behind.

With no previous film experience, she raised $2-million and wrote, produced and co-starred in the feature film Just a Farmer.

Since its 2024 release, it has received critical acclaim, national distribution and festival success, as well as becoming a national catalyst for community conversations.

Rural health advocates Ms McKin-

nis and Ms Meehan, nominated in the Local Hero for Victoria category, are finalists with intergenerational childcare pioneers Fiona Glumac and Anna Glumac, wildlife rescuer and carer Susan Moore and farming community organiser Linda Widdup.

Since 2022, One Red Tree, ORT, has serviced western Victoria from its Ararat base, exemplifying a collaborative, community-led, grassroots response to urgent mental-health needs.

Its partnerships fostered during the last three years have provided provisional and early career psychology placements and employment across 27 schools, the ORT clinic, aged-care facilities and palliative care at East Grampians Health Services.

Ms McKinnis said ORT was about collaboration and responses to mental health need in rural areas.

“We’re trying to work on all different levels within the community – not just the pointy end of delivering clinical psychology services but also about community engagement,” she said.

“We know that mental health really needs that holistic approach and that there’s a lot of lonely people out there.

“At a community basketball event

we ran on Saturday, I saw three generations of one family sitting in the grandstand watching the basketball, and I just thought that is what we want, and we want to grow that into something bigger, maybe a mental health or wellbeing festival in the town that includes sports and arts and lots of stuff, and lots of opportunity to connect.”

Ms Meehan said their nomination, while humbling, was a celebration of what they had been able to achieve as a community.

“Carly and I have just been so supported every step of the way by our community to make One Red Tree happen – it’s really special,” she said.

“I know we’re the two names, but we feel like it’s a real joint award

Annual raffle boosts foundation goals

Blue Ribbon Foundation’s Horsham branch raised more than $3100 with its annual community raffle at Horsham Woolworths.

Foundation member Dale Russell said the money would go towards hospital equipment.

“It’s a $40,000 monitor – and that total will be enhanced by the money we raise at our ball in February next year,” he said.

“The Blue Ribbon Foundation Horsham branch is very grateful for the local relationship with our Woolworths store.

“It’s been going for a number of years

and we’re very appreciative of their help.” Woolworths assistant manager Brad Jarred said it was a pleasure to assist the foundation.

“We love the community, and we just love to help people and local hospitals,” he said.

because it’s been so community-based right from the get-go.”

Ms McKinnis said she was also humbled by the nomination, and a ‘little bit embarrassed’.

“There are lots of people doing amazing work on a level that just never, ever gets acknowledged or noticed – people who are caring for a family member, people who have a child with a disability, all of those kind of things,” she said.

“But if this can help us attract some more funding and do research and to expand and deliver more of the clinical services and support more people, then I think that’s a really good, beautiful thing as well.”

The awards, which also include junior and senior categories, recognised 134 people with nominations.

The Victoria award recipients will be announced on November 6 in a ceremony at the Arts Centre Melbourne, which will also be available to watch online at australianoftheyear.org.au. They will then join other state and territory recipients as finalists for the national awards announcement on January 25 in Canberra.

12noon - 5pm Saturday, November 1, 2025 10am - 3pm Sunday, November 2, 2025 $5 ENTRY

Stawell Senior Citizens Rooms, Victoria Street, Stawell Potting Demonstration Exhibiting Growers Advice Slide & Video Show Plants for Sale

Secretary, Warren Nightingale

UNITED: From left, Blue Ribbon Foundation Horsham committee

member Sam Foster, Acting Inspector Cameron Ross, Superintendent Sharon McCrory, foundation committee members Les Power, Leeanne Thomson, David Scott and Dale Russell, and front, Woolworths assistant manager Brad Jarred.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Leila SweeneyMcDougall

PROJECT UPDATE

As WIM moves the Avonbank Project forward, we are pleased to announce a series of initiatives designed to strengthen community engagement and ensure the project will coexist successfully with the local community and agricultural industry.

Lyall Grey has joined our Horsham Office, as our new Community Engagement and Coexistence Officerbringing with him a deep understanding of farming, exploration, and mining. We are recruiting for new team members to join and welcome local interest.

PROJECT UPDATE

Mining Licence Update

After the lodgement of the Mining Licence and the completion of the public submission period, Resources Victoria is now assessing the application. Following a decision, WIM will move forward with securing project finance and secondary approvals for the project to proceed, delivering significant business and employment opportunities for the region.

Community Reference & Coexistence Group

WIM will establish the Community Reference & Coexistence Group (CCRG) to provide input into the development of the Community Support Strategy and to serve as a transparent forum for discussion of broader community matters. The CCRG will bring together WIM, the HRCC, and key community stakeholders to promote two-way communication, and support the co-existence of mining and agriculture.

Community Support Program

We are developing our Community Support Program (CSP) to deliver meaningful benefits through focus areas:

♦ Education and Leadership: education, training, and youth development.

♦ Social Wellbeing and Health: community health, sport and recreation, family, and youth support.

♦ Economic Participation: local employment and local business development.

♦ Resource and Environmental Sustainability: environment, water, and land management.

The Community Support Program will be a significant financial commitment over the mine life, increasing in size once the mine is underway.

Avonbank Test Pit – Crop Update

The Avonbank test pit was excavated in 2019 and returned to crop in 2021. A total of four crops have been grown and harvested to date. In the 2025 growing season, Canola was sown. The exceptionally dry start to the season in the area meant that crop emergence was heavily delayed. Following the recent rainfall, it is pleasing to note the crop is finally on its way. We will continue to monitor the test pit area.

We have listened about Community Benefits, and are currently developing our Community Support Program that will share the benefits of the mine. We remain committed to our current partnerships and sponsorships, and welcome enquiries from community groups.

Plans are underway to establish a Community and Coexistence Reference Group to provide a structured forum for listening to and responding to community feedback regarding the Avonbank Project.

MEET NEW STAFF

Lyall Grey – Community Engagement and Coexistence Officer

Born and raised on a farm in Hamilton, Lyall worked as a photojournalist with Stock and Land newspaper and as Communications Director with the Victorian Farmers Federation. He brings extensive experience to the role, and is an active volunteer firefighter for over 30 years. As Community Engagement & Coexistence Officer, Lyall works closely with farmers, local businesses, key stakeholders, and the local community to keep people informed of the project and foster relationships for the economic betterment of the region.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT UPDATE

Western Victorian Careers Expo

WIM continues to be a proud partner of the Western Victorian Careers Expo. We attended this year’s expo with an interactive stand showcasing the mineral sands industry and received significant interest from people about how they could be involved in the Avonbank mine.

AusIMM Ballarat Student Chapter Support

AVONBANK PROJECT NEWSLETTER

Despite a very dry start to the season, the test pit has a crop of canola growing, marking our fifth growing season over the test pit site.

We’re committed to listening to the community so the Avonbank Mine creates lasting, positive outcomes for the Wimmera Southern Mallee region, so please do not hesitate to contact myself or Lyall at any time.

Michael Winternitz Director of Projects

Michael Winternitz Director of Projects

Michael Winternitz Director of Projects

Rotary Presentation

WIM was invited to present to the Nhill Rotary Club, introducing the Avonbank mine and providing information for members and answering questions.

Information Sessions – Horsham Shopping Centre

WIM was invited to present to the Nhill Rotary Club, introducing the Avonbank mine and providing information for members and answering questions. Information Sessions – Horsham Shopping Centre

Information Sessions – Horsham Shopping Centre

WIM recently held information sessions at the Horsham Shopping Centre, providing an opportunity for members of the public to ask questions, make suggestions, or register their interest in job and business opportunities. Next information session dates are Wednesday, 29th October; 12th November; Friday, 26th November; and 10th December.

Defying the Drift Initiative

WIM continued its support for the Defying the Drift Program, which works with young regional people and promotes opportunities in the region. Guest speaker was Louise Hobbs from Miss Hobbs Resources, Horsham. Louise produces agricultural resources for high school VCE after finding there were none for Victorian students. Twenty-nine Year 10 and 11 students participated in this year’s event.

JOB VACANCIES & BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES

WIM is pleased to become a Platinum Sponsor of the Ballarat Student Chapter of the AusIMM, supporting tertiary earth science students at the Federation University of Australia. This initiative is vital to WIM, reflecting our commitment to supporting the next generation of leaders in our industry.

We are recruiting for new positions for our Horsham Community team, to learn more about the roles please visit the https://wimresource.com.au/aboutus/careers/current-vacancies/

With significant interest in job and business opportunities at the Avonbank mine, we have established a dedicated online portal to make it easier to register your interest. Visit the Contact Us section of our website. Visit our website for full newsletter

Avonbank test pit – Canola crop, September 2025

22 – OCTOBER 2025

Avonbank test pit – Canola crop, September 2025

ISSUE 22 – OCTOBER 2025

Avonbank test pit – Canola crop, September 2025

Community hub lost to fire

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

The Lascelles community lost its hub when its century old Minapre Hotel was destroyed by a non-suspicious fire last week.

CFA volunteers were called to the Sunraysia Highway hotel at 2.10am on Thursday, where they found the two-storey building well alight.

The hotel’s four occupants escaped the blaze – the two owners, a backpacker and a guest – while CFA used 11 vehicles to fight the fire, with support from Fire Rescue Victoria’s ladder platform.

Community member Tenae Mott, whose partner was instrumental in the firefight as a Lascelles brigade volunteer, said she established a GoFundMe to assist those who lost all their belongings in the blaze.

“We want to help owners Gus and Marlene get back on their feet,” she said.

“And we want to get Bella the backpacker home to Taiwan.”

Ms Mott said the fourth person at the hotel was staying in groundlevel accommodation, which along with the kitchen, was not involved in the fire.

“It was the only pub in town – and we had our post office there, and the bottle shop on the end,” she said.

“I had my 21st there, and in recent years we’d go in on Sunday nights, that was our night, and have pizzas and everyone would catch up.

“We don’t have a footy club anymore, so that was our meeting place.”

CFA commander Dennis Thomas credited working smoke alarms

with the safe evacuation of the people in the hotel at the time.

“Smoke alarms save lives, and that’s exactly what’s happened here,” he said.

“We would have arrived to a very different scene if this building didn’t have working smoke alarms.”

Commander Thomas said the hotel was completely destroyed.

“This hotel was the local pub, post office and bottle shop to the town

– it was the place locals went for dinner,” he said.

“This is a massive loss for the community, and they’re devastated.”

The town’s power was disconnected between 4am and 7am to enable safe firefighting efforts, and the Sunraysia Highway was closed during the incident.

Ms Mott said the hotel was heritage-listed, and was a hub for Las-

celles’ community of about 100 people.

“I spent a lot of time there while I was growing up. Everyone’s a bit sad, but we can’t do anything about it,” she said.

“We don’t have a hall anymore, it burnt down about 25 years ago, and now we’ve lost our hub.”

People can donate via www.gofundme.com/f/minapre-hotel.

Senior Constable Ben Taggart

Out in force

Distraction, speed and impaired driving will be targeted in Victoria Police’s Melbourne Cup long weekend campaign Operation Furlong.

From Friday to Tuesday, the operation will also focus on fatigue, seatbelt non-compliance and vulnerable road users.

Horsham Senior Constable Ben Taggart said long weekends were high-risk periods, with a ‘massive increase’ in road trauma in regional areas.

“The main focus this year is on distracted driving – there’s been a lot of head-on collisions without fatalities and causing serious injury in the past year, and most of those have been from people failing to keep left,” he said.

“Failing to keep left indicates that people are becoming momentarily distracted. The main message is to stay in your lane and stay alive on our roads, because it’s all completely avoidable.”

Senior Constable Taggart said Melbourne Cup came with people celebrating and consuming alcohol.

“People who are planning on having a drink should leave the car at home and arrange a designated driver or utilise alternative transport,” he said.

GUTTED: An aerial view of the heritage-listed Minapre Hotel at Lascelles after it was destroyed by fire last week.

Billy Timber Technology

AI – the future or something to fear?

AI – Artificial Intelligence: software designed to imitate aspects of intelligent human behaviour.

To some, AI is a somewhat scary concept, presenting great risks to both individual and organisations’ cyber security, the circulation of misinformation and in some cases, people’s careers.

But to others it is an intriguing world of possibilities and is a help, rather than a hindrance, saving people time, enhancing productivity and efficiency.

Of course, both are true and as AI develops, we will start to see the true strengths and weaknesses.

AI was a topic of discussion at the Victorian Country Press Association conference last week, with some regional newspapers working with Google to delve further into how it can help newsrooms and production teams to function more efficiently. Some examples include rewriting media releases in the newspaper’s

style; summarising lengthy reports such as council minutes or government documents; culminating sports results in an appropriate format; and analysing sports results to assist with player awards.

There are a multitude of ways that AI is already being used, or can be in the future – and that applies to any business, organisation or individual.

Drafting professionally-written emails, summarising lengthy reports, need an answer to a specific question, automated data entry – AI has you covered.

And the list goes on and on.

In the newspaper industry, larger media companies are already using it in ways that may well be seen as a test case for others.

An ABC story last week detailed the use of AI by Australian Community Media – owner of the Bendigo Advertiser and Ballarat Courier – where staff say ‘the rollout of generative artificial intelligence to assist their journalism has been problematic’, mis-attributing quotes, wrongly iden-

EDITORIAL

By Lauren Henry

tifying people in headlines, and providing misleading media law advice. It’s enough to scare the bejesus out of any newspaper editor or media company owner as it opens up a multitude of problems and legal challenges.

But in an industry that is already challenged by under-resourcing and financial hurdles, AI must be explored to see what ways it could be beneficial to our work systems – while mitigating the risks.

If it can save a journalist time with the little tasks, and free them up to concentrate on local issues, then there won’t be a newsroom anywhere in the world that won’t adopt some form of AI in the future.

However, on the flipside, AI com-

OFFICIAL: WestVic Business ambassador Stacey Taig with Horsham Agricultural Society life member Ron Tickner, society councillor Cindy Francis, Maydale Reserve venue and events manager Luke Ladlow and secretary Andrea Cross officially open The Stables at Maydale Pavilion at Horsham Showground on Thursday.

Let’s open The Stables

A celebration of connection, courage and community took centre stage at Maydale Reserve last week as Horsham Agricultural Society officially opened The Stables with a sold-out 150km Feast pop-up event Let’s Do Lunch.

Seventy guests gathered to mark the occasion, enjoying a three-course meal showcasing the region’s finest local produce curated by Cat Clarke and Claire Morgan.

The highlight was an interactive dessert bar where guests could decorate their own miniature pavlovas alongside a selection of cakes.

WestVic Business ambassador Stacey Taig, who spoke about the importance of community precincts like Maydale Reserve in fostering local connection and regional growth, officiated the ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“Precincts such as Maydale Reserve play an essential role in strengthening our region,” Ms Taig said.

“They provide a place for collaboration, innovation and celebration – spaces like The Stables bring people together and help communities thrive.”

The luncheon featured two guest speakers, Tracey Kruger, a Western District farmer, photographer, author and breast cancer survivor; and Aaron Schultz, founder of the Outback Mind Foundation.

Both shared powerful messages of resilience, wellbeing, and community connection, prompting discussions about supporting those facing life’s toughest challenges.

The event was made possible by the National Centre for Farmer Health and National Insurance Brokers with Rural Aid and West Wimmera Health’s initiative Farmer Wants a Healthy Life, helping to shine a light on mental health and wellbeing in rural communities.

Mrs Cross said the idea for Let’s Do Lunch was inspired by some passionate rural women including Becky Barry, Jackie Peacock and Abbie Wilson who identified the need to create a meaningful social gathering linking people from across the region.

As a result guests travelled from as far away as Mount Macedon, East Ringwood, Ocean Grove and Oakleigh to connect with friends from the Grampians, Wimmera and Mallee to celebrate rural life, community spirit and the shared values of care and resilience.

Mrs Cross reflected on the historic significance of the occasion, noting that The Stables were celebrating their 80-year anniversary this year.

“It’s so lovely to see The Stables being brought back to life with a new purpose,” she said.

“Their former use is no longer required and it’s wonderful to see them continuing to serve the community in a way that honours their history while creating something fresh for the future.”

The opening of The Stables marks a new chapter for the agricultural society as it continues to create welcoming spaces and experiences that bring people together and showcase the best of the region.

panies are presenting significant concerns for regional newspapers.

Country Press Australia says urgent action is required by the Federal Government to enforce copyright laws and stop AI platforms from stealing regional journalism.

CPA president Damian Morgan said the damage to regional journalism was ‘no longer hypothetical or distant, it was already occurring’, as AI companies are harvesting local news stories, paraphrasing them, and delivering them back to users as answers rather than links.

“The public still consumes the journalism, but they never reach the publisher, never subscribe, and never see a local advertiser. The reporting is ours, but the commercial benefit is captured by offshore technology companies,” Mr Morgan said.

“These platforms are now replacing the publisher in real time. They extract our reporting, convert it into their own output, and keep the audience. That removes the economic base needed to keep journalists

employed in regional Australia.” Mr Morgan said the government’s policy failure that occurred when Meta stopped funding news must not be allowed to repeat itself with AI companies.

“We cannot go through a second cycle where big tech uses regional reporting to drive engagement but refuses to fund the journalism that makes it possible. If AI companies want to use Australian news, they must license it and pay for it,” he said. Country Press Australia is calling for a national framework that ensures licensing covers both training and output; regional publishers are included alongside larger media companies; and there is a low-cost, fast-enforcement pathway for small publishers who cannot afford lengthy litigation. He said the government had taken the correct first step by rejecting a copyright carve-out for AI, but the next stage – licensing and enforcement – would determine whether regional publishing can remain viable.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

One step on bigger journey

As the year draws to a close, I would like to extend my best wishes to Year 12 students who will sit their final exams over the coming weeks.

The culmination of your secondary education can be an emotional time, as it marks the end of one chapter of your life.

It is also an exciting time as you look forward to the future and the many opportunities that lie ahead.

I remind all Year 12 students to feel incredibly proud of how far you’ve come, and just how much you have achieved in not only the past 12

months, but the past 13 years of your school life. At the end of the day, your result does not define who you are as a person; exams are just one step on a much bigger journey.

I would also like to say thank you to the parents, families and teachers who have supported this year’s cohort for their encouragement and guidance.

Best wishes to everyone sitting their exams, and congratulations on reaching the end of an era.

Emma Kealy Member for Lowan

• When can I retire?

• Do I have enough funds to retire?

• When and how can I access my super?

• Where will my income come from in retirement?

• Will I qualify for any government assistance?

We specialise in retirement advice, and can answer your questions, to help you ﬁnd peace of mind.

Richard, Penelope and Dean

A new chapter for Victoria’s transmission planning

While there are some big changes underway in how Victoria’s transmission network is planned and delivered, TCV will continue to keep you informed about what this means for the Victoria to New South Wales Interconnector West (VNI West) project, and for your communities.

Current state

Since 2022, the Australian Energy Market Operator’s (AEMO’s) Victorian Planning function has been responsible for developing VNI West — a proposed 500kV double-circuit transmission line connecting the Western Renewables Link project in Victoria, with project EnergyConnect in New South Wales.

VNI West will maintain grid reliability, supporting the transition to new forms of electricity generation as coal-fired generators retire after decades of great service. VNI West will deliver long-term benefits for local communities, the energy market, and the broader economy.

AEMO Victorian Planning (AVP) established Transmission Company Victoria (TCV) to deliver the Victorian section of the project. TCV is leading the development phase of VNI West, including early works, environmental and planning approvals, community and landholder engagement.

Transmission planning and VNI West

The Victorian Government has introduced reforms under the Victorian Transmission Investment Framework (VTIF) to change how major transmission projects are planned and delivered across the state. As part of these reforms, from 1 November 2025, responsibility for planning Victoria’s transmission infrastructure — including accountability for TCV and VNI West — will shift from AVP to VicGrid.

The transition will not affect TCV’s current work, and our dedicated teams will continue to lead VNI West through the development phase. This includes engagement with landholders, Traditional Owners, Councils, and community groups. These ongoing conversations remain at the centre of how VNI West is being planned, and ensure commitments made during the development phase are honoured over the life of the project.

Staying connected

As these changes take place, the VNI West project team remains focused on supporting landholders and communities through open and respectful communication. We’ll continue to share updates so you can stay informed as the project and transition progress.

Website: transmissionvictoria.com.au

Email: enquiries@transmissionvictoria.com.au

Free call: 1800 824 221

Facebook: @TransmissionVictoria

Community Grants Program

The Stawell Gold Mines Community Grants Program helps strengthen the social, educational, recreational, and environmental aspects of the local community.

If your Stawell-based club or organisation would like a helping hand, please submit a grant application for consideration by the program committee.

More info:

For the guidelines and application form, visit: www.stawellgoldmines.com/community

03 5358 1022 enquiries@stawellgoldmines.com @stawellgoldmines

I am pleased to say that by the time you read this column, you will still have time to make a submission on Labor’s plan to slash regional speed limits, by default, from 100 kilometres per hour to as low as 70 km/h.

The Coalition secured an extension of time for 2 more weeks to Monday, 10 November after embarrassing the Albanese government into a more reasonable consultation timeframe.

The Albanese Labor Government’s preference to make regional roads safer was to quietly lower the speed limits in a short consultation they did nothing to publicise. This is called a Clayton’s consultation.

Fortunately, out in regional Australia, The Nationals were vigilant, we listen to locals and we know what terrible roads we drive on.

As federal Shadow Minister for Local Government, I am not critical of councils’ road maintenance effort. Regional shires manage 77 per cent of the nation’s roads but certainly do not get their fair share of funding to make the roads safe. In fact, Labor have reduced road funding across the nation.

To make matters worse, come 1 July the Albanese Labor Government will shut down the Local Roads and Community

Infrastructure program that underpin councils’ work on local roads.

It’s not hard to make our roads safer – improved road markings which newer vehicles detect the lines, making and repairing road shoulders so they don’t crumble away, installing rumble-strips on the sidelines and centre lines, clearing vegetation at corners and intersections –and let’s not forget, filling potholes!

We see Labor governments falling over themselves to invest in the capital cities, such as the Suburban Rail Loop project, raiding regional Australia of funding that would make our roads safer. Many of us in the regions do not have public transport options, the road is our only optionand the roads have become incredibly dangerous in Mallee under Labor.

If you don’t think slashing the default speed limit is the road safety silver bullet, or have other thoughts on genuine road safety reform, please make a submission at the infrastructure.gov.au website ‘Have your Say’ section, also at https://www. infrastructure.gov.au/have-your-say/ regulatory-impact-analysis-reduce-openroad-default-speed-limit before Monday 10 November.

Bunnings sells prior to auction

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

Aproperty

housing Horsham’s Bunnings

Warehouse last week sold to a Western Australian investor for $11.4-million.

The building at 24-38 Wilson Street last sold for about $9.8-million in 2020, but Jones Real Estate sales manager Mimi Hoang, who helped facilitate last week’s purchase, said an exceptional amount of interest had driven the price up.

Ms Hoang said Jones, which worked in conjunction with fellow commercial real estate agency Stonebridge Property Group to sell the property, was inundated with expressions of interest when it went on the market this month.

“We had more than 400 enquiries, which is kind of crazy for any campaign,” she said.

“I usually hope to get at least 50 enquiries, but we got more than 400 for this property. And that was just through Jones.

“We obviously worked with Stonebridge as conjunctional agents, so I’m sure there were more enquiries on their side as well.”

The property had been set to go under the hammer at a boardroom auction on Friday morning, but Ms Hoang said the Perth-based buyer had quickly moved to take the property off the market.

“We secured the offer in the first week and a half. It was in excess of the range, so we took it to the owner,” she said.

“We had planned to go to auction to see it out, but with an offer this good the owner made the decision to sell it prior to the auction.”

Ms Hoang said the result showed a desire from investors to secure ‘trophy assets’ with leases to tenants such as Bunnings or other companies listed on the Australian Securities Exchange, even in areas outside capital cities.

“They don’t trade too often, so for our client, who was the previous owner, we renewed the lease with Bunnings for five years, and we thought if there was a time to sell and get a good price for it, it was then,” she said.

“Trophy assets still trade really well, because they’re not easy to come by, even if it’s in a regional area of Victoria like Horsham.

“A lot of people called us and said ‘where is Horsham?’ Even in a location that’s a bit more out of the way, to get 400 enquiries on one agency’s side does show that there’s heaps of interest.

“At that price point of $10-million-plus, you generally see very few enquiries come through because there’s only a certain percentage of people who will buy an asset like that, but the engagement was really, really strong.”

Jones Real Estate managing director Paul Jones said the property generated a net income of $685,837 annually plus GST and outgoings.

He said the sale price reflected Horsham’s status as a regional growth hub, highlighting private and public projects planned in the region including a $370-million SEC renewable energy park and a $425-million Farm Frites potato processing facility at Dooen.

Stonebridge Property Group partner Rorey James said the property attracted bids from across Australia and overseas.

“Blue chip assets like this are seldom offered to the public market at present,” he said.

“So, it is no surprise that this campaign generated the breadth of interest it did, culminating in a strong position to take it off the table very early in the process.

“High-quality, securely leased assets like this continue to stand out and attract competitive bidding from local, interstate and offshore buyers.”

things through, while Mr McIntyre said it was ‘doing what I’m told’.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Diamond celebration

Horsham’s Denis and Delwyn McIntyre will celebrate 60 years of marriage with their family at the weekend – when most of their six children, 12 grandchildren and five great-grandchildren will converge on the family home.

From Kellalac, Mrs McIntyre said she first met her husband through friends, and after their Warracknabeal wedding, moved to his hometown of Horsham.

They lived on the east side of town for about 32 years, having the six children they had talked about since before they were married – five girls and one boy.

Mr McIntyre had worked on the Snowy Mountains Scheme the year before the couple wed, then worked as an auto electrician, among other roles.

He enjoyed playing lawn bowls, and Mrs McIntyre said she played tennis before committing to transporting their children to their sports.

“They played softball and volleyball and all sorts of things. In fact, I think one time our girls just about made up the full Horsham volleyball

team, five of the six were McIntyres,” she said.

Mr McIntyre said in 1997, they moved into his childhood home on the west side.

“This was our family home, Mum built this house, and I was born here in 1943,” he said.

“And then when mum and dad passed, this was going to be sold, so I offered them a price and got it and did it up.”

The couple has lived in the home for about 28 years, with Mr McIntyre spending about 50 years of his life there.

Their children now live in various places across the country – Horsham, Pomonal, Stawell, Melbourne, Naracoorte and Humpty Doo.

Mrs McIntyre said there was always something going on in the family.

“There’s always an anniversary or a birthday, the grandkids are getting married,” she said.

“And it’s rather wonderful having great-grandchildren. It’s another generation coming along, it’s very special.”

HONEST: Denis and Delwyn McIntyre celebrated their 60th wedding anniversary on October 23. For a successful marriage, Mrs McIntyre has attributed talking

The Victorian Government is delivering real help, right now with over 90 different savings benefits. Like free public transport for everyone under 18 with a Youth myki from January, with savings of up to $755 per child.

Find out what you’re eligible for on the Service Victoria Savings Finder today.

Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

‘The proof is in

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

Horsham West and Haven Pri-

mary School staff have attributed a new, streamlined approach to classroom teaching to its best NAPLAN results ‘in some time’.

Principal Lee McKenzie said all year-three NAPLAN data showed students were at state level or above, while all year-five’s growth data from year-three to year-five was at state or above in literacy and numeracy.

“So, we’re quite pleased – we were coming from a reasonably low base, we were well below state,” he said.

“It’s quite pleasing to show that the work our teaching and learning team has put into place, and the buy-in from our staff to implement the change, is paying off.”

School literacy learning specialist

Emily Landwehr said the change had been an independent five-year journey, which involved studying how people learn as well as visiting other schools.

“We researched as much as we could. We looked at other schools to see who was bucking trends and performing well despite being expected to achieve lower,” she said.

“Essentially, everything changed –we were on a huge learning curve, which wasn’t always easy because we’re a big school and buy-in takes time.”

School staff also participated in an Explicit Direct Instruction professional learning day with staff from across the state, before three days of in-house modelling.

The new venture was paired with phonics program Sounds-Write and

a collaborative approach to planning and teaching.

Mrs Landwehr said providing staff with curriculum that was taught explicitly saved time and gave children good instruction.

“Teachers don’t have to spend hours and hours at home planning, and you can walk into any classroom and always find the same lessons, perhaps with a few differences,” she said.

“We now have time to look at our teaching and our data and be more responsive, where we couldn’t before because our time was overtaken with

what are we teaching this week. It takes you probably two hours to plan a half-an-hour lesson, so taking that away from staff means they’ve got more time for the rest, which is what they love, and they can enjoy their teaching and have work-life balance.”

Staff are also running an intervention program, currently catering to about 40 of the combined campuses’ 610 students, and have developed a coaching model for graduate teachers and staff new to the school.

Mrs Landwehr said the coaching

model was evidence-based, and had been created in-house.

“It’s not something we just grabbed – we’ve done the learning, we’ve done the reading, and have come together as a team,” she said.

“I’m proud of it.”

Numeracy learning specialist Chris Versteegen said numeracy was on a similar path to literacy in its design.

“The main focus has been on providing curriculum that is already premade, so again teachers can focus on how to teach and when to teach and when to embed,” he said.

“We researched as much as we could. We looked at other schools to see who was bucking trends and performing well despite being expected to achieve lower. Essentially, everything changed – we were on a huge learning curve, which wasn’t always easy because we’re a big school and buy-in takes time”

– Emily Landwehr

“And the daily review structure makes sure there’s a review of learning from yesterday, last week, and something from a month ago, to ensure transfer of knowledge from working memory to long-term memory and being able to retrieve it, which is part of the science of learning.

“Even if you have a learning difficulty or you’ve got an attention difficulty, something that’s finding the classroom environment challenging, the way that you learn is still the same.

“It may take you a few more repetitions, or you may not get it until we review it next week, but the process of learning is the same.”

Mr McKenzie said the NAPLAN results were a credit to the amount of work the teaching and learning team had done.

“It’s also a credit to the staff who have got on board, who have really embraced the direction that we’re taking,” he said.

“It’s so nice to be able to show them this – the proof is in the pudding.”

LEADERS: Horsham West and Haven Primary School staff, from left, principal Lee McKenzie, school literacy learning specialist Emily Landwehr, assistant principal of teaching and learning Cam Weston and school numeracy learning specialist Chris Versteegen.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Mobile clinical trials unit closing gap

Grampians Health has launched a new mobile clinical trials unit, aiming to give people across the region better access to healthcare regardless of where they live.

Grampians Health chief medical officer Matthew Hadfield said the unit, an Australian first, would bring innovation, research and care directly to regional and rural communities in western Victoria, giving residents greater access to innovative treatments.

“Our mobile clinical trials unit will help close the gap for our regional and rural patients who face poorer health outcomes, by bringing the latest clinical research and therapies directly to them – delivering care closer to, or even at, home,” he said.

Prof Hadfield said the unit would put Grampians Health at the forefront of clinical research in Australia.

Grampians Health purchased the unit, which was previously used as a mobile laboratory, with an aim of allowing its clinical-trial staff to provide more accessible care to patients currently enrolled in clinical trials.

The unit is equipped with medical technology enabling a diverse range of on-site clinical trials.

Prof Hadfield said staff would assess each trial patient for suitability, aiming to reduce travel burden on patients.

“Every kilometre our mobile clinical trials unit travels represents greater access, better outcomes, and stronger communities for our people in regional and rural areas, reducing the stress and burden on patients and their families,” he said.

OUTCOME: Above, Horsham resident and patient Alana Burley with Grampians Health’s clinical trials co-ordinators Kate Smith and Angela Fletcher; and right, Barry Baulch of Hamilton, who will be among the first clinical-trial participants to receive treatment via the new unit as part of a phase one oncology trial for metastatic lung cancer.

Hamilton man Barry Baulch will be among the first clinical-trial participants to receive treatment via the new unit as part of a phase I oncology trial for metastatic lung cancer.

With Grampians Health currently the only regional Victorian centre offering a phase one oncology trial, Mr Baulch and his wife Bev have travelled hundreds of kilometres in five-hour round trips from Hamilton to Ballarat.

“For Bev and

me,

having

the mobile

clinical trials bus come to us in Hamilton will really take the pressure off,” he said.

“You go through so much with cancer already without adding the extra stress and burden of travel.”

Prof Hadfield said one third of Aus-

tralians lived outside major cities but that only a fraction could participate in clinical trials due to barriers such as travel distance, time and cost.

He said regional communities also experienced higher rates of chronic disease and poorer health outcomes.

“Regional and rural people are currently under-represented in clinical research and are more likely to experience poorer health outcomes,” he said.

“Our aim is to increase participation in clinical research for all our community, including First Nations people, who are also disproportionately represented in clinical trials.

“The mobile unit is one of many steps we are undertaking to ensure inclusion and equity of access for all.”

The mobile clinical trials unit will feature artwork from First Nations artist Darlene Rumler, paying tribute to the Traditional Owners of southwest Victoria.

Prof Hadfield said the unit would also serve as a community engagement hub to build awareness and understanding of clinical trials and their role in advancing healthcare.

Grampians Health currently has about 100 clinical trials open, covering a range of clinical conditions including oncology, cardiology, haematology, neurology, anaesthetics, renal medicine and intensive care.

New medicines and medical devices cannot be approved for use in Australia without first undergoing clinical trials.

People can learn more about Grampians Health research and clinical trials by visiting www.research.gh.org. au.

Co

The Sherrahs

Millikin top senior

Serviceton’s

Les Millikin is West Wimmera Shire Council’s Senior Citizen of the Year, recognised for his volunteer work and involvement in community groups.

For more than 20 years he has volunteered at Serviceton Railway Station, and is an active member of Leeor Fire Brigade and Serviceton Bowling Club.

Mr Millikin also mows around the trees in Serviceton to reduce fire risk, helps clean common areas, and assists residents in need with gardening and maintenance.

He is known for his friendly nature and tireless work ethic and is highly respected across the community.

Council Mayor Tim Meyer presented Mr Millikin with his award at West Wimmera Shire’s Seniors Concert at Kaniva on Tuesday last week.

“Les is an extraordinary volunteer who embodies what it means to serve quietly and wholeheartedly,” Cr Meyer said.

“Les doesn’t seek recognition, yet his impact is seen and felt everywhere in Serviceton. This award is a fitting acknowledgment of his generosity, dedication, and spirit”

– Tim Meyer

“His commitment to maintaining the heritage of the Serviceton Railway Station and supporting the wider community is truly remarkable.

“Les doesn’t seek recognition, yet his impact is seen and felt everywhere in Serviceton.

“This award is a fitting acknowledgment of his generosity, dedication, and spirit.”

The Senior Citizen of the Year award recognises shire residents aged 60 years or older who have made a difference to community wellbeing, have a positive attitude towards ageing, who continue to be active in their community, and encourage others to do the same.

Ararat awards nominations open

Nominations are now open for Ararat Rural City Council’s 2026 Australia Day awards, recognising outstanding community members who make a lasting difference across the municipality.

The awards celebrate the people who go above and beyond by contributing their time, skills and energy to enrich local life.

The council is encouraging residents to put forward a neighbour, volunteer, or leader who inspires others through their generous community spirit.

Mayor Jo Armstrong said the annual awards were an opportunity to show appreciation for those who strengthened connections, supported one another and helped make Ararat Rural City a wonderful place to live.

“Our Australia Day awards celebrate the people who quietly make things happen in our towns and communities every day,” she said.

“It might be someone coaching local sport, helping a community group flourish, or lending a hand where it’s needed most.

“This is our chance to say thank you for their contribution.”

Awards will be presented in several categories, including Citizen of the Year, Young Citizen of the Year, Volunteer of the Year and Community Leader of the Year.

Residents can submit nominations through Engage Ararat at engage.ararat.vic.gov.au/2026australia-day-awards until January 5.

RECOGNITION: West Wimmera Shire Council Senior Citizen of the Year Les Millikin, right, accepts his award from Mayor Tim Meyer.

Dementia study seeking participants

Memory support nurse Cathy Ryan is seeking people who have experienced dementia care to assist her in a project to reduce the disease’s stigma.

Ms Ryan worked for several years as a memory support nurse with Grampians Health Horsham, and last year completed her Bachelor of Dementia Care.

She studied in Melbourne with Dementia Training Australia, where they had instigated the Dementia Knowledge to Action program, and now Ms Ryan said she wanted to learn more from community members.

“They have come to realise that a lot of people have knowledge that is not being translated into practice,” she said.

“As part of my training, I’ve been assigned a project of my choice to complete by the end of November and I’ve chosen ‘Reducing dementia stigma through education’.

“I plan to gain as much knowledge from the Wimmera community as I can.”

Ms Ryan said her experience in her memory-support role taught her that refrigerators were a wealth of information in relation to a client’s level of dementia.

“Is the food being used? Are they stocking the same thing over and over

again? Are they overfilling the fridge? Are the contents of the fridge what you would expect?” she said.

“I had one case where I was asked to check in on a community member and I asked them if I could look in their fridge.

“Opening the door revealed 14 roast chickens and packaged salads and each had been partially eaten.

“The mindset of the client was to go

and buy a roast chicken and a salad from the supermarket, have a feed from it and put the rest in the fridge.

“Then each day they would repeat this process, but at no stage was there a realisation to finish the chicken and salad already in the fridge.”

Ms Ryan said she was sure the community had many more stories and examples of care.

“The more we can find out, the bet-

ART FAIR SUCCESS: A raffle and proceeds from The Rotary Club of Horsham East Art Fair raised $4000 towards upgrading of landscaping at Rotary House in Rennison Street, Horsham. Rotary House provides short-term overnight accommodation for out-of-town families who have a relative at the Wimmera Base Hospital for medical reasons. Money will go towards the installation of artificial grass, removal and trimming of trees, and cleaning of concrete paths at the entrance to the building. The raffles’ major prizes were provided by Macchia Jewellery and O’Connors. Rick Hopper won the O’Connors prize, while Sandra Walter, pictured with Andrew Foster from Macchia Jewellery, won a jewellery voucher.

ter we can understand the illness,” she said.

“I want to talk to people who have both experienced dementia care and those who are concerned about a loved one showing signs of memory loss.”

Ms Ryan said she met regularly with a local dementia carers support group.

“We only have 10 members in the group, and I know there will be a lot more people in our community who

“The mindset of the client was to go and buy a roast chicken and a salad from the supermarket, have a feed from it and put the rest in the fridge. Then each day they would repeat this process, but at no stage was there a realisation to finish the chicken and salad already in the fridge”

– Cathy Ryan

could use the support our group would provide them, so I want to hear from them, too,” she said.

Grampians Health chief operating officer hospitals Ben Kelly said Ms Ryan’s work played a vital role in keeping community members healthy at home.

“Grampians Health has a strong focus on training its workforce to be innovative in everything we do and build on existing strengths,” he said.

“I encourage community members with first-hand knowledge of dementia care to contact Cathy to take part in her project.”

Anyone who would like to talk to Ms Ryan can contact her on 5381 9022 or 0439 492 684.

McNicol releases new book

Author and publisher of best-selling books The Mallee and The Wimmera, Adam McNicol has continued his travels through western Victoria to create a third coffee table book featuring unsung stories from the Western District.

The Western District: A Journey Through South-West Victoria follows the various used and disused railway lines through the Western District, stopping at places including Beeac, Bessiebelle, Digby, Camperdown, Casterton, Koroit, Merino, Terang and just about everywhere else in between.

To capture the essence of the region, award-winning photojournalists Noel Butcher, David Callow, Phil Camp-

bell, Andrew Chapman, Sonja Heijn, Craig Holloway and Erin Jonasson followed sections of a 1950s railway map, journeying along some lines that are still in use and others that have been closed for the best part of 40 years.

With a foreword by Corangamite Shire councillor Nicholas Cole, a sheep and cattle farmer from near Camperdown, the book presents a slice of history into Western Victoria. Publishing company Ten Bag Press was established in 2010 by McNicol, a journalist and author who grew up on a wheat and sheep farm south of Manangatang.

Money for Murtoa’s

Murtoa’s Men’s Shed will receive almost $2000 in grant funding from a program designed to help men’s shed groups upgrade and expand their facilities and equipment.

Carers and Volunteers Minister Ros Spence announced $860,000 in grants to support 31 men’s sheds in this

Men’s Shed

year’s round of funding. “Men’s sheds are at the heart of so many communities – where people come together, build friendships and find a sense of community,” she said.

“Every space means more opportunities for members to share skills and make a difference locally.”

HELP REDUCE THE STIGMA: Memory support nurse Cathy Ryan learns from cold facts, but wants to know more.

For hugs that smell sweet, not smoky. For keeping up on the ﬁeld, not gasping for air.

For being there for the kids, and their kids. For getting control of your life back. Quitting

WE’RE GOING TO THE ZOO: Horsham School of Dance Tiny Tots, Pre School and Kinder Ballet dancers filled the Horsham Town Hall stage with colour and movement on Sunday for their ‘We’re Going To The Zoo’ concert. Pictured are, clockwise from left: Grace Hewitt, Margot Mihan and Henri Miller; Harper MacInnes; Bella Bennett; Daisy Bibby, Indi Harberger, Rahni Bunting, Rose Pohlner, Henri Miller, Teddie Rook, Mila Ross and Maive McKenzie; Violet Gallagher; Rahni Bunting and Sophia Metcalf; Harper MacInnes and Rylee Schirmer; and mums in the wings with dance teacher Karen Booker.

Northern Grampians Shire Council

COMMUNITY UPDATES

HELP SHAPE EMERGENCY PLANNING

We are looking for extraordinary community members to help with planning and preparation for future emergencies in our shire. We are looking for local people with specialist knowledge and/or experience in the following areas: industry/production, business/retail, tourism, agriculture/viticulture, and education/school camps. There is a range of benefits, including opportunities to develop leadership skills and help improve emergency planning. For more information, including how to apply by November 17, scan the QR code at the top of the page.

NOMINATE FOR AUSTRALIA DAY AWARDS

Do you know someone who goes above and beyond for our community? Is there a local group or individual who has made a real difference in Northern Grampians Shire this year? Now is the time to recognise them. Nominations are open for the 2026 Australia Day Awards, until December 5. For more information, scan the QR code above or visit our website.

NEW DIGITAL EXPERIENCES AT SSAC

Stawell Sports and Aquatic Centre has launched a new online member portal and mobile app to put membership management into the hands of its community. Perfect Gym is the online platform for members to update personal information, manage swimming lessons, and view past payment records and transaction declines. Technogym is the revamped mobile app, where you can book group fitness classes and schedule personal training or exercise physiologist appointments. Find out more about the new platforms by scanning the QR code above.

CONNECT FOR A CHANCE TO WIN $150

Create an account in the CommunityConnect mobile app before Sunday, November 30 and go into the draw to win a $150 voucher at Northern Grampians Shire business of your choosing. The smart phone app is designed to foster community connection and provide vital information before, during and after emergency events.

Get Active Kids Vouchers: The State Government is once again offering Get Active Kids vouchers for families with a Health Care Card or Pensioner Concession Card. You can apply for up to $200 to support your child’s sport and active recreation activities, via www.getactive.vic.gov.au/vouchers. The vouchers can be used at Stawell Sports and Aquatic Centre and St Arnaud Swimming Pool, as well as several regional sporting clubs. Scan the QR code above for more details.

Next council meeting: Monday, November 10 in the Council Chamber, Pleasant Creek Historic Precinct, Stawell, at 12.30pm, followed by a statutory meeting at 6pm. The meetings are open to the public and will be livestreamed via YouTube.

Dimboola posting career highlight

Ambulance

Victoria’s Dimboola team manager Frank Mendes has completed his final shift as a paramedic, after what he describes as ‘four of the best years of his career’ in the Hindmarsh Shire.

Mr Mendes started out his ambulance career 24 years ago in Gippsland, first in Traralgon and Morwell, then Bass Coast and Phillip Island.

Knowing he was nearing retirement, he decided he wanted a change.

“I wanted a different challenge in a completely different part of Victoria,” he said.

“I applied for a month-long position as a paramedic in Dimboola and that changed me.

“It changed my entire outlook on how I was going to spend my final years as a paramedic.”

Mr Mendes returned to Phillip Island after that month and immediately began applying to make the move permanent.

“There was a vacancy for a full-time paramedic in Dimboola. I talked to my family and just decided to do it because I’d loved it the first time,” he said.

“It just got better from there. Each month and each year became better and better.”

In Dimboola, Mr Mendes worked alongside a team of ambulance community officers, ACOs, who are community members who step up in an extraordinary way.

ACOs are Ambulance Victoria firstresponders employed on a casual basis to work on-call in rural and remote communities.

They do not require prior medical knowledge but receive clinical training and manual handling techniques at regular education sessions.

“We’ve got an ACO who is the local historian, one who was a park ranger for the desert, one who drives an interstate train and is an ACO in his time off. We’ve got a team of nine ACOs at Dimboola,” Mr Mendes said.

“The highlight for me is working with them, particularly out in remote regions. Sometimes we drive more than an hour into desert or farmland to work with really sick patients in a remote setting where there’s very minimal back-up.

“I absolutely relished that kind of challenge, working in those remote areas with the ACOs, making clinical decisions and trying to secure a good outcome.

“It’s been life-changing and my favourite time of my career.”

Mr Mendes grew up in Melbourne but always wanted to move out of the city, so landing a job with Rural Ambulance Victoria in 2001 was the perfect opportunity.

But his journey to become a paramedic had begun several years prior, helping to save the life of his best mate after a trailbike crash.

“I gave him mouth-to-mouth to re-

suscitate him because he’d stopped breathing,” Mr Mendes said.

“When the paramedics came, I was amazed at how calm and knowledgeable they were and so careful with my mate.

“It stunned me that people could be so competent and calm when faced with someone who was near-death.

“From then on, I sought out jobs to make myself ready to get into the ambulance service.”

Mr Mendes was placed in the Gippsland region, where he worked his way up from paramedic to a clinical instructor.

In 2018, he had his greatest achieve-

“I owe my enjoyment of my time here in Dimboola and Nhill to the ACOs – that’s what has made it for me”

– Frank Mendes

ment, named Gippsland Clinical Instructor of the Year.

Two years after his move to Dimboola, he became team manager of both the Dimboola and Nhill ambulance branches.

“I owe my enjoyment of my time here in Dimboola and Nhill to the ACOs – that’s what has made it for me,” Mr Mendes said.

“They play such a massive role. We couldn’t do what we do without them.

“They work tirelessly and never complain, they just get the job done.

“It might be in the middle of the night, it might be after 12 hours, they might be hungry, but they just get the job done for their community.”

Mr Mendes had his final AV shift on October 12 and AV Horsham, Hindmarsh and West Wimmera senior team manager Anthony Dunn said he would be missed.

“Frank’s dedication to the Dimboola and Nhill communities has been exceptional,” Mr Dunn said.

“His leadership and passion for supporting our ACOs has made a lasting impact, helping to build strong and committed teams across both branches.

“He leaves AV with the respect of everyone who has had the pleasure of working with him, and we wish Frank all the best for his retirement adventures to come.”

LEADER: Ambulance Victoria Horsham, Hindmarsh and West Wimmera senior team manager Anthony Dunn thanks Dimboola team manager Frank Mendes for his leadership and passion as he heads into retirement.

‘Stroke champions’ success

WimmeraBase Hospital’s emergency department was awarded a certificate of distinction at this year’s Australian Stroke Coalition awards ceremony for the introduction of ‘stroke champions’.

The Grampians Health Horsham campus won recognition for the outstanding quality of its stroke care, based on data submitted to the Australian Stroke Clinical Registry.

The Horsham campus also received a certificate of achievement for outstanding performance on case ascertainment, data quality and timeliness of data entry, as well as acknowledgement of improvement in rural retrieval times, from Horsham to Melbourne, in the 30:60:90 Target Awards.

Grampians Health Horsham stroke coordinator Deidre Rennick said the latest awards continued a trend for the team.

“Our success is really from an allround team approach that includes Ambulance Victoria,” she said.

“We have a good relationship with AV because often they will give advanced warning that they are bringing a stroke patient in and they will already have the IV cannulas in the patient and that makes it quicker for us.

“We continue to make improvements, and they include our retrieval processes.

“The Victorian Stroke Telemedicine team assist us in organising a destination for patients going to Melbourne for critical care, which makes transferring patients much quicker.

“I’m one of three stroke coordinators supporting teams in ED, acute and rehabilitation wards and now we have introduced stroke champions.”

Ms Rennick said stroke champions were nurses working in ED who could be there during shifts when a stroke coordinator was not present.

“These champions are nurses who are taking extra responsibility around stroke care and being our eyes and ears on the ground,” she said.

“Emma Criddle and Freia Agustin are the first of our appointed champions and we hope to announce more soon.

“We are going to work with them and upskill them a little bit more so that they can carry on our work when we are not there.

“Our ED team is already highly capable at stroke care but this is about trying to get that expertise across all shifts and just having someone there that can feed back to us.”

Ms Rennick said a key factor in managing stroke was the speed in which treatment was given.

“We have an emergency pathway that we use that allows us to pick up the paperwork as soon as the patient arrives and it’s all organised so the forms just have to be signed, making it all very efficient,” she said.

“The stroke coordinator’s role is to

make sure the systems are working and the patients are on the right pathway and having all their tests done, and that staff are liaising between the doctors and the families.”

Grampians Health chief operating officer Ben Kelly congratulated the Horsham stroke team on its national recognition.

“Our Ballarat campus also featured in these awards and it demonstrates how Grampians Health is driving change through collaboration and growing the capacity to deliver services in the region,” he said.

Festive fun in Ararat

Ararat Rural City Council is encouraging Barkly Street retailers and cafes to stay open until 9pm on Friday, December 12, for a festive late-night shopping event in the Ararat CBD. It is the perfect chance for businesses to welcome more customers and boost sales during the Christmas season, tied in with the launch of ‘Skate into Summer’ at Ararat Town Hall.

From December 12 to 14, the ice rink is set to draw families and visitors to Ararat, giving businesses an opportunity to attract extra foot-traffic.

Council chief executive Tim Harrison said council encouraged everyone to shop local this Christmas – supporting jobs and enjoying the friendly, personal service that local businesses provided.

“This is a wonderful chance for our businesses to open their doors later and make the most of all the extra buzz in town,” he said.

“We know people are busy during the day, so staying open later means more time to shop, eat, and enjoy everything Ararat has to offer.”

The winner of the Greater Ararat Business Network’s ‘12 Days of Christmas’ promotion will also be announced on the night of December 12.

Starting on November 12, shoppers at GABN-member stores go into the draw to win $1500 in vouchers to spend locally.

People can find a directory of participating stores at www.gabn. org.au.

NATIONAL ACCOLADES: Stroke coordinator Deidre Rennick and stroke champion Emma Criddle using a Teledoc to communicate with Victorian Stroke Telemedicine.

New road crossings

Horsham

Rural City Council will begin upgrade works on November 5 at the intersection of Firebrace Street and Baker Street, Horsham, to create safer pedestrian crossings.

Funded by the Transport Accident Commission’s Safe Local Roads and Streets Program and the Federal Government’s Active Transport Fund, the project aims to deliver safer, more accessible infrastructure for cyclists, pedestrians, and road-users.

Works will be undertaken to create safer pedestrian crossings on wide sections of roads in Horsham central business district.

Works will include installation of new kerb and channel at the intersection; pedestrian outstands on Firebrace Street; construction of new concrete footpaths; landscaping works, including a new median strip with vegetation to improve street aesthetics; road resurfacing; and linemarking.

Kerb extensions on O’Callaghans Parade and Firebrace Street will help to reduce vehicle speeds and shorten crossing distances for pedes-

trians, creating a safer environment for everyone using the intersection.

Acting Mayor Brian Klowss said council successfully secured funding earlier this year for multiple road, cycling, and pedestrian safety projects across the municipality under the same program.

“Our goal is to make our roads, footpaths and cycleways safer for everyone,” he said.

“We are grateful for everyone’s patience and co-operation while these important improvements are carried out.”

Subsequent stages will also support council’s aim to deliver safe access for cyclists and pedestrians on the eastern edge of the CBD, encouraging more people to walk and cycle safely through this area.

Cr Klowss said there would be minimal disruption to traffic, with access to businesses maintained for road-users and pedestrians at all times.

Traffic controllers will be on site to manage vehicle and pedestrian movements safely.

Business owners and occupiers in the immediate area will receive a notice of works with more details about timing and access.

WINNER: Horsham’s Samridhi Samyal won West Wimmera Health Service’s ‘Grow Local, Eat Local’ Cooking Competition earlier this month, taking home a $500 gift voucher and gift hampers. Three contestants participated in the cook-off on October 4 at Nhill Uniting Church. Former Nhill resident and 2019 Masterchef Australia participant Tim Bone was the guest judge of the competition. “It was a fantastic community event celebrating local produce, healthy living, and culinary creativity,” Samy said.

A lifetime of singing and storytelling

BY COLIN MACGILLIVRAY

Warracknabeal residents will get a chance to hear the stories and songs of a lifetime in the rock-and-roll industry when Rodney Vincent plays at the town hall on Thursday next week.

Mr Vincent said he had worked with some of the biggest names in the entertainment business since beginning his career playing in music hall dance bands ‘many years ago’.

“I’ve been around for a year or three in the business, which I’m very grateful for,” he said.

“After I started my career, off I went to Melbourne and got a job with the Channel Nine Singers on a show called In Melbourne Tonight with Graham Kennedy, Bert Newton and Don Lane.

“Then I was in a duo called Double Tempo and for about eight years we travelled Australia and did cabaret shows.

“When I got married I thought I’d better do the right thing and get a real job, so I went back to my home town of Albury-Wodonga and ran a motel for a couple of years.

“But when the owners sold the motel the guitar was sitting there waiting for me to come back to it again.”

Since resuming his musical career Mr Vincent has worked with comedian Col Elliott and formed a creative partnership with rock-and-roll legend Gene Pitney before his death in 2006.

“I did five Australian tours and over 120 shows with Gene, and I wrote and recorded two songs with him, which was an incredible experience,” he said.

“Gene wrote ‘Hello Mary Lou’, he wrote ‘He’s a Rebel’, he wrote ‘Love My Life Away’.

“He wrote four or five hit songs and he’s in the Rock and Roll Hall of

Tapestry artist at TAMA

Renowned tapestry artist Tim Gresham was at Ararat Gallery TAMA on Saturday to launch a new exhibition, Perpetual.

Mr Gresham’s work explores light, colour and rhythm through contemporary woven tapestry, drawing inspiration from landscape and modernist design.

With more than three decades of experience in tapestry art, Mr Gresham’s works are recognised for their interplay of texture and tone, created using traditional techniques such as hatching and halfpassing.

Ararat Rural City Council Mayor Jo Armstrong said the event had been an exciting opportunity for the community to engage with one of Australia’s leading contemporary textile artists.

“Tim Gresham’s work speaks to the patience and precision of his craft, while celebrating the expressive potential of weaving. It’s wonderful to see artists of his calibre share their insight and creative process with our local audience,” she said.

Cr Armstrong said Ararat Gallery TAMA was one of Ararat’s flagship attractions and continued to present exhibitions and artist programs highlighting the enduring creativity and innovation within textile art.

Fame. He was a legend in his time. I’ve worked with Elvis to the Max, I’ve worked with Marcia Hines, the Deltones, the Four Kinsmen – I’ve done a real apprenticeship as a special guest with many of these people.”

Mr Vincent said he would bring his lifetime of musical experience to share with the Warracknabeal audience on November 6.

After decades in the industry, he said he still relished writing and performing songs as much as ever.

“Recently I recorded a song called ‘Country Music Man’, which is doing pretty well on the independent country music charts and is up for two awards at the Tamworth Country Music Festival in 2026,” he said.

Mr Vincent said he drew on 1960s

“After I started my career, off I went to Melbourne and got a job with the Channel Nine Singers on a show called In Melbourne Tonight with Graham Kennedy, Bert Newton and Don Lane” – Rodney Vincent

rock-and-roll as a basis for the show, but tried not to emulate any one artist.

“I loved Elvis of course, he was fantastic, but I wasn’t inspired by anybody in particular – I just loved that era of songs,” he said.

“I loved Johnny O’Keefe as well. He was just dynamite and I loved watching him entertain people.

“I just love playing the guitar, singing songs and entertaining people.

“For anybody who comes along, we’ll have a lot of fun and lots of laughs. There’s a good variety of songs.”

Mr Vincent’s show will be at Warracknabeal Town Hall, 39 Scott Street, from 10am to noon on Thursday, November 6. Doors open at 9.30am, with tea and coffee provided.

People can book tickets by visiting website www.trybooking.com/events/ landing/1425825 or in person at Feet First Footwear, 56 Scott Street, Warracknabeal.

People can email ammusic promotions@gmail.com for more information.

Hindmarsh nominations now open

People who have made noteworthy contributions, and outstanding events, during this year can be nominated for Hindmarsh Shire Council’s Australia Day Awards.

Citizen of the Year for people 25 years or older, Young Citizen of the Year for those younger than 25, Community Event of the Year and Lifetime Achievement awards will be presented at next year’s Australia Day ceremonies at the recipients’ respective towns.

People can find guidelines and additional information, and nominate at www.hindmarsh.vic.gov.au/australia-day-awards. Nominations close at 5pm on December 5.

The awards are provided by Victoria’s Australia Day Committee and are administered by Hindmarsh Shire Council.

LONG CAREER: Rodney Vincent will head to Warracknabeal to entertain next week.

Tapestry artist Tim Gresham

70 years of Stawell centre

Stawell Medical Centre workers are cel-

ebrating a special milestone this month as the centre marks 70 years since first opening at its current location on Wimmera Street.

The centre is now a thriving practice with seven contracted doctors and six practice nurses consulting on an average 2800 appointments each month, but for much of its early life the centre functioned with only one or two doctors.

Dr Norman Castle was the original GP at the centre and became a household name in Stawell, remaining in practice for more than 50 years.

Another longtime local doctor, Andrew Cunningham, retired recently after working at the centre for 45 years after Dr Castle lured him to Stawell from Geelong.

Stawell Medical Centre practice manager Kelly Lee said her team now had a pool of 20 doctors to call upon when needed.

“We have a very efficient and well-established team and the clinic runs at full capacity most days,” Ms Lee said.

“The average wait-time from making an appointment is 24-48 hours, but patients are often able to get in the same day that they phone.”

Ms Lee said the clinic had recently included an ear micro-suction service.

“We also provide a halter monitor service and advanced-care directive support and now we have a sexual reproductive hub each Thursday,” she said.

Grampians Health clinical director of ambulatory and primary care Bruce Sanderson congratulated the Stawell Medical Centre team on its milestone.

“The team is one of the best I have worked with, competent, committed and truly focused on the best care possible for their patients,” he said.

“We can all be assured that the next 70 years will be just as good.”

Pools to open

Ararat Rural City’s three outdoor swimming pools are set to open for the summer season, offering residents and visitors a refreshing way to get active and beat the heat.

The pools will initially operate from 4pm to 7pm on weekdays before extending to full-day hours of 11am to 7pm once school holidays begin.

Opening dates for the 2025-26 summer season are: Ararat Pool, November 3; Lake Bolac Pool, December 1; Willaura Pool, December 3.

The Ararat Pool is open for lap swimming between 6am and 9am. Mayor Jo Armstrong encouraged the community to make the most of the pools this summer.

“Our outdoor pools are a muchloved part of summer life in Ararat Rural City,” she said.

“They provide a great place for families, kids and visitors to cool off, stay active and enjoy time together.”

Cr Armstrong said pools could close if the temperature was below 23 degrees.

People can stay updated on pool operating hours and any weather-related changes by visiting the Ararat Fitness Centre’s Facebook page or checking www.ararat.vic.gov.au.

Giving Trees

Giving Trees will be set up at Hindmarsh Shire’s four library branches – Nhill, Dimboola, Jeparit and Rainbow – to receive donations for the Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal. Donations of new, unwrapped gift items can be made from November 10 to December 11, before they are distributed to those in need within the community. Financial donations can also be made directly to the Salvation Army via www.salvationarmy.org.au.

CELEBRATION: Above, the current Stawell Medical Centre team, and below, a former team celebrate the 70-year milestone.

Stawell Show

FUN TIMES: Crowds at Stawell Show on Saturday enjoyed a wide array of activities and events on offer at Stawell Harness Racing Club. Attractions included a dog show; sheep shearing demonstration; Professor Wallace Puppet Show; animal nursery; and children’s activities and rides. There were also competitions galore, from mullets to scarecrows to beaut utes, as well as horse events. Pictured are, clockwise from left: Swaye Deland; Leo Lenehan and Ollie Aspland; Megan Raeburn and Paddy the Platypus with Farrah Grinter; Indi, Jarrod and Dakota Dubignon; John and Lorraine Simpkin; Ayla, Kristy and Richard Dodds; and centre, Darryl Oakley, runner-up, and Anthony Holden, winner of messiest mullet.

Stepping up for awareness

Acrowd

of 70 attendees raised more than $2500 for pancreatic cancer research at Grampians Health Edenhope’s inaugural Pankind Walk this month.

The October 19 walk was organised by Lynette Walker after her partner of about three decades, Wayne Gillick, died of pancreatic cancer earlier this year.

Mr Gillick was diagnosed with stage-four pancreatic cancer in January and died just 69 days later.

Ms Walker said the stage-four diagnosis left no possibility of treatment for Mr Gillick, spurring her to partner with Grampians Health Edenhope to raise awareness through the ‘Put Your Foot Down for Pancreatic Cancer’ walk.

“If there was early detection, maybe we could’ve found Wayne’s cancer at stage-one instead of at stage-four, when there was nothing we could do,” she said.

“We need to raise awareness because this is a hidden cancer and it creeps up on people, without any clear symptoms.”

The couple’s daughter, Jessie Gillick-Walker, addressed attendees in an emotional start to the walk.

Grampians Health community health nurse Cath McDonald, who helped organise the event, spoke about the aggressive nature of pancreatic cancer and shared details of resources for individuals and families.

Attendees wore purple to demonstrate their support and provided cash donations, raising $2598.

The Gillick-Walker family also worked hard to raise money, contributing $2000 to the cause.

UNITED: Above, Donned in purple to demonstrate their support, a crowd of 70 people attended Grampians Health Edenhope’s inaugural ‘Put Your Foot Down for Pancreatic Cancer’ on October 19. Below, Ben, Lynette and Jessie Gillick-Walker raised more than $2000 for Pankind following the shock death of their beloved father and partner, Wayne Gillick, to pancreatic cancer earlier this year.

Ms Walker said awareness was important in detecting pancreatic cancer early.

She said Mr Gillick had, in a span of years, seen several specialists about his health before a neurologist recommended a specific blood test.

“It was that blood test that triggered further testing and, within one day he was told he had four months until end of life,” Ms Walker said.

“The symptoms are so vague but, with more awareness, people might think of it and get onto it sooner.”

Ms Walker paid tribute to Mr Gillick, with whom she lived at their Langkoop property for 28 years.

“He called it his ‘happy paddock’, with all the kangaroos and birds,” she said.

matter who you were.

“We had a full life, camping and fishing and lots of family trips; he is so missed by his friends and family.”

Calling youth councillors

Young people in Hindmarsh Shire can now apply for next year’s youth council, which organises and delivers activities for people across the shire while developing youth councillors’ leadership and teamwork skills.

Youth council meets monthly to organise and deliver activities, outdoor movie screenings, pool parties, live music events and hands-on training opportunities, which are supported by funding from council and the State Government’s Amplify and Engage! programs.

Open to people between the ages of 12 and 18 who live, work or attend school in Hindmarsh Shire, applications close on November 23.

Applicants will undertake an interview process before being endorsed at the December council meeting.

Successful applicants will be presented with their certificates and badges early next year.

Application forms can be downloaded from the council’s website at www. hindmarsh.vic.gov.au/apply-for-youthcouncil, hardcopies are available at customer service centres and libraries.

Garage sale trail

Registrations are now open for the community event Garage Sale Trail at Hopetoun, giving people the opportunity to sell their wares from their yards, or from their car boots at the Tootle Street carpark.

From 9am until 1pm on November 16, registered sellers will be listed online at no cost.

People can contact Hopetoun Neighbourhood House on 5083 3001 for more information or to register.

“Wayne was such a character, he loved people and would talk to anyone, it didn’t

taKe a BReaK

on thiS Day

From The Weekly Advertiser archives: October 27, 2005 –People were warming up for Karkana Support Service’s fun run and walk, part of its Strawberry Fair activities. Karkana chief executive Lyall Wheaton said the event would raise money for the services, while encouraging participation. Runners had a choice of six or nine kilometre courses, while walkers could register for four or six kilometres. The event was supported by market stalls, Horsham’s Lions clubs cooking a barbecue, and featured entertainment by folk singers, buskers and Horsham Pipe Band. Pictured from left, David Berry, Di

10 years ago: October 28, 2015

Twenty-five people at Seppelt’s Great Western site were set to lose their jobs after the winery’s owner announced a restructure of its Australian and New Zealand operations. Treasury Estate Wines would cease wine-making at the site by the end of June 2016, owing to its non-viability. The winery was founded by Joseph Best in 1865 and acquired by Benno Seppelt in 1918. It became known for exceptional table wines, including shiraz.

Five years ago: October 28, 2020 Wimmera-Mallee farmers were looking forward to reaping the rewards of a favourable cropping season after timely ‘moneymaking’ rain. Farmers got off to a reasonably early start before winter frosts slowed growth, while June and July were relatively dry. Harvest was expected to begin in the mid-November.

One year ago: October 30, 2024

A West Vic Business project proposed a plan to expand a Haven site to develop community and support early education in Horsham’s south. Horsham Rural City Council’s draft Horsham South Structure Plan was released for feedback, which allowed for developing a 4540-hectare area of residential, industrial and commercial land, to accommodate more families. The project was supported by Foundation of Rural and Regional Renewal through funding from the Federal Government’s Future Drought Fund.

1. Born on this day in 1947 was which American actor, who had roles in Jaws, Mr Holland’s Opus and Stand by Me?

2. Which Victorian town – where gold was discovered in 1854 – was declared a borough in 1858, a town in 1934, and a city in 1950?

3. True or false – starfish do not have bodies, their ‘bodies’ are technically classed as heads?

4. Before Mike Myers was selected to perform Shrek’s voice, who was the other Saturday Night Live performer initially cast?

5. What is the only mammal capable of flight?

6. Who said, ‘People say nothing is impossible, but I do nothing every day.’?

7. Una Splatt cut the ribbon to officially open Rural Northwest Health’s Hopetoun’s duplexes – what was her job position that earnt her this honour?

8. What is the last name of the business tycoon behind the ‘No. 5’ perfume?

9. Besides elephants and rhinoceroses, what other animals are considered pachyderms?

10. In a Halloween theme – what song has the lyrics, ‘The zombies were having fun; The party had just begun; The guests included Wolf-Man, Dracula, and his son’?

11. Which USA state is the only state to grow coffee beans?

12. On this day in what year was Black Tuesday, the stock market crash on Wall Street that triggered the Great Depression?

Answers: 1. Richard Dreyfuss. He played Hooper, Glenn Holland and The Writer, respectively. 2. Ararat. 3. True. 4. Chris Farley. 5. The bat. 6. Winnie the Pooh. 7. Hospital matron. 8. Chanel. 9. Hippopotamuses. 10. ‘The Monster Mash’ by Bobby Pickett. 11. Hawaii. 12. 1929.

Getting in touch with The Weekly

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

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

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

yoUR lUCKy StaRS with SaRah KUlKenS

Australia’s Trusted Psychic Family

FOR THE WEEK NOVEMBER 2 TO NOVEMBER 8

ARIES (March 21 - April 20)

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Friday

Racing Numbers: 7, 8, 9, 3

Lotto Numbers: 4, 12, 23, 24, 35, 41

Health should be good, but upheavals around you could still affect your mood. While these situations may not involve you personally, their impact is noticeable. Travel is indicated, and romance may add excitement to your week.

TAURUS (April 21 - May 20)

Lucky Colour: Red

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

Lotto Numbers: 1, 6, 8, 23, 35, 22

You’re making positive strides towards improving your financial picture. A passionate and romantic period is on the horizon, and a missed career opportunity could make a welcome return.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 21)

Lucky Colour: Silver

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

Lotto Numbers: 3, 5, 45, 13, 39, 40

This period is busy yet romantic. Family matters might cause minor stress, and a contact from your past may annoy you. Old friends may reconnect, bringing nostalgic moments. Health is set to improve.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22)

Lucky Colour: Orange

Lucky Day: Tuesday

Racing Numbers: 7, 3, 1, 5

Lotto Numbers: 6, 12, 24, 34, 45, 11

Those in positions of authority or responsibility may need to assert themselves to maintain control. Avoid listening to or spreading gossip, as this could lead to misunderstandings.

LEO (July 23 - August 22)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Monday

Racing Numbers: 9, 7, 6, 4

Lotto Numbers: 9, 4, 5, 45, 33, 21

A friend you helped in the past could surprise you with a reward. Career opportunities abound, and you may discover hidden talents. Someone important may show interest in your ideas.

VIRGO (August 23 - September 23)

Lucky Colour: Lilac

Lucky Day: Monday

Racing Numbers: 6, 7, 3, 4

Lotto Numbers: 2, 13, 24, 34, 41, 11

Avoid sharing too much with others, but stay observant of what’s happening around you. Luck is on your side, and past events will heavily inﬂuence your upcoming decisions.

LIBRA (September 24 - October 23)

Lucky Colour: Cream

Lucky Day: Wednesday

Racing Numbers: 8, 9, 5, 4

Lotto Numbers: 1, 14, 23, 34, 42, 33

This is an excellent time for financial and romantic success. A new romance could bring thrilling experiences, while your career may see an unexpected and cheerful boost.

SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22)

Lucky Colour: Violet

Lucky Day: Tuesday

Racing Numbers: 2, 4, 3, 7

Lotto Numbers: 2, 4, 12, 23, 31, 22

Partners might disagree with your perspective, and you must consider others’ plans. Avoid taking sides to steer clear of conﬂicts.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 20)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Monday

Racing Numbers: 8, 9, 3, 4

Lotto Numbers: 5, 12, 23, 34, 45

Fortunate trends surround your romantic and social life. For those seeking love, the stars are aligned in your favour. Financial matters could turn out better than expected.

CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19)

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Tuesday

Racing Numbers: 8, 4, 5, 6

Lotto Numbers: 1, 13, 24, 34, 42, 22

You’ll find greater satisfaction in your relationships. After a slower period, many will feel inclined to overspend, so exercise caution. You’ll soon feel on top of the world.

AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 19)

Lucky Colour: Red

Lucky Day: Friday

Racing Numbers: 4, 5, 6, 2

Lotto Numbers: 1, 3, 12, 24, 34, 45

Be cautious with money and focus on essential expenses. Your confidence and energy increase, but avoid being too blunt in expressing opinions, as it may alienate others.

PISCES (February 20 - March 20)

Lucky Colour: Silver

Lucky Day: Wednesday

Racing Numbers: 7, 8, 3, 4

Lotto Numbers: 2, 13, 23, 34, 41, 11

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

Home improvements and quality time with close friends make this a lively period. Many will start a new and much happier chapter in their lives.

Trotter, Don Carter, Brooke Turner, Bill McGrath, Judith Bysouth and David Bowe.

Rollercoaster season boosted by rain

After a ‘rollercoaster’ season that did not seem to break, farmers across the region welcomed last week’s rain to finish off the crops that had not yet been cut for hay.

Wonwondah wheat and canola farmer Russell Heard said it was his most challenging season to date, with crops emerging late and then being sandblasted.

“It’s been a bit of a roller coaster this year – it was 10 weeks in the ground before crops properly emerged,” he said.

“2025 has been pretty much the same as 2024 on a start basis, and this year we’ve also had sandblasting in emerging crops, so that’s been particularly challenging.”

Mr Heard said he had never experienced sandblasting before.

“Obviously farming has its ups and downs on rainfall and dry times, we

understand that, but the sandblasting early in the year, in the autumn, was something that we’ve never really seen before to this level,” he said.

“For guys who sowed between Easter and Anzac Day, and had disc seeding machines and managed to get an emergence on a very small amount of rain, crops came up and went well.

“Then we had that long dry period, and basically the frost and the warm weather pretty much killed them.

“Then the next time round after repeat sowing, crops got up and then we started to see these bad wind events and sandblasting effect, particularly in canola, which pretty much kills the crop.”

Mr Heard said the change of seeding systems might have assisted the wind damage.

“Because the surfaces have been flat and fine, the wind has raced along and made the topsoil move, and created this little sandblasting event,” he said.

“But fortunately myself, because we still run a tine system which leaves the ground in a rough, cloddy type formation and a wide row spacing, we only had about 65 hectares to re-sow, but there were a lot of people that had to re-sow significant areas, hundreds and hundreds of hectares, multiple times to get through to a proper winter weather event when these winds disappeared.”

Mr Heard said rain on Wednesday last week was unexpected, but welcome.

“We had 15 millimetres – we didn’t really believe it was going to happen,” he said.

“If we hadn’t have had that rain, the cropping season would be starting.

“The 15 mils is what we describe as a money-making rain for everyone. If we hadn’t have had that, it would have been a road of a little bit of deterioration of the crops.”

Horsham-based Spark Agricultural

and Associates’ Matthew Sparke said on Wednesday last week growers had reported about 12 to 18 millimetres of rain across Horsham and surrounding districts.

“It seemed fairly constant across our part of western Victoria through Horsham, Warracknabeal, out to central Victoria, so really good rain,” he said.

“We’ve been sitting on the knife’s edge for a while – those warm days didn’t help.

“We’ve seen a bit of crop cut for hay, which is on the ground and unfortunately, this rain won’t help that. But I think for crops that are still there, the rain is going to fill most of them.

“Some late wheat might struggle, but it’s certainly going to help.

“I think barley will get home on this rain, lentils will get home on this rain, and canola will get home on this rain, but wheat might like another rain.

“These cool days have really helped us get to where we are now, and with

a 15-mil average rainfall, I think we’re very close to getting home.”

Mr Sparke said some warmer days – of temperatures of high-20s and low-30s – had ‘sucked some life out of the crops’.

“It is very noticeable, as you drive around, some are starting to yellow, but some of them are very close to full grain fill as well,” he said.

“We’ve seen some wheat tips around the place and oats have certainly burned off. They’re usually the first to go, but generally it’s not too bad.

“There is a little bit of frost damage about in some lentils and wheat, but generally I think it may not look fantastic, but it’s going to be okay.

“There was no moisture in the profile to start with, and we’ve been living from rain to rain, and we’ve just got through by the skin of our teeth.”

• Rain totals between 15 and 36 millimetres were recorded across the region at the weekend.

Capturing an industry

Australian grain growers are being urged to apply a different lens and enter the 2025 GrainGrowers Photo Competition.

The annual competition captures the spirit of the industry, its people, places, and moments that make it unique.

Four cash prizes are available for aspiring photographers: $1000 for first place, $500 for second, $250 for third, and $250 for people’s choice.

The top 12 selected images will be featured in the 2026 GrainGrowers calendar. Winning entries will also receive industry-wide exposure through GrainGrowers’ publications and social media channels.

GrainGrowers chief executive Shona Gawel said the competition was a fantastic opportunity for growers to share their stories visually.

“What we are looking for are images that showcase the real stories of Australian grain growers,” she said.

Ms Gawel encouraged growers to get inspired, get involved and enter their images at graingrowers.com.au/ calendar-competition.

Growers are invited to vote for their favourite snaps on the website. Entries close on November 7.

WORLD RECORD: Former Dimboola resident and shearer Nick Lehmann is part of a world record-setting team of five who sheared 2301 merino lambs in one day. The first official record in the five-stand, eight-hour category, the team averaged less than a minute to shear each sheep. Setting the record at Morven, New South Wales, the team alongside Mr Lehmann was New Zealander shearers Cameron Hicks and Benjamin Duncan and Australian shearers Lochie Robertson and Toby Walker. Mr Lehmann is pictured with some of his familial supporters after the event, from left, Brad Stonehouse, Tori Lehmann, Olivia Lehmann, Liv Moloney, Mr Lehmann holding his son Paddy and nephew Banjo, Courtney Scherger holding Letti, Jayden Lehmann; and back, Narli, Kai and Pippa.

Cereals

Pulses

Oil Seeds

Navigating the global market

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

An Agriculture Victoria pulse field day near Horsham last week gave industry insight into the local growing and global selling and demand for pulses, from a range of guest speakers.

Agriculture Victoria senior research scientist in agronomy Ash Wallace said the pulse field day was also an opportunity for farmers to network.

“We talked about all different aspects of pulses – lentils, faba beans, chickpeas, field peas and vetch,” he said.

“There was discussion about how to optimise the production, what new varieties are coming through, and how they might help people deal with challenges that they have.”

The annual event, this year at the six-hectare trial site at Kewell, drew a pleasing crowd despite Wednesday’s weather conditions forcing its postponement by a day.

Australia Pulse Council chair and farmer Peter Wilson said global engagement was key to navigating times when international tariffs fluctuated prohibitively.

“I’ve had the privilege of travelling around the world to continue to engage with people on a practical, really positive theme,” he said.

“We had constant engagement with

the Indians during the period of a 60 per cent tariff being applied to desi chickpeas – our Australian chickpea crop basically went down to almost a maintenance-type model to just satisfy Pakistan, the UAE and Bangladesh, because India was out.

“But instead of kicking the stumps over and throwing the toys out of the cot, we maintained really constructive engagement in government and then with the help of Grains Australia, when we got a sense that things were changing a bit, that relationship was already there, it wasn’t a matter of walking in and saying ‘hey we’re Grains Australia and we’re here to help’.

“We talked in terms of partnerships with the Indian government and made it fairly easy to transition from a closed market back to an open market very swiftly, to in excess of two-million tonnes of desi chickpeas last year.”

Mr Wilson said the markets were fully flush and Australian farmers might store more product this year than they did last year as a result, but they would continue to be ‘highly adaptable’.

“They’re very agile in terms of moving – we saw the Queensland and northern New South Wales farmers migrating to other crops, growing bigger faba bean crops and shrinking their desi chickpea crops down,” he said.

“They were very, very quick to get

FIRST-HAND: Research agronomist Jason Brand addresses a group during the Wimmera pulse field day. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

down to make those decisions so that they weren’t looking at absolute crap prices.

“Then they ramped up really, really quickly, went from sort of 800,000 tons of production to 2.3-million in a heartbeat.

“Tariffs are horrible, because, and we’re just in that cycle where people just make a decision on a whim, and our goal is to stay engaged so they don’t just do things on a whim.”

Mr Wilson said Australian farmers had the reputation for producing highquality crops.

“And the end market, if you go into the wet market in South Asia, the buyers all want to put their hand into a bin just as you guys do at harvest time,” he said.

“They want to smell it, they want to look at it, they want it to be good – and Australian farmers do that exceptionally well.”

Managing flystrike

Sheep producers should plan ahead to implement flystrike prevention and control programs as the weather warms.

Agriculture Victoria livestock extension officer Brittany Price said controls included shearing or crutching, breech modification, selective breeding, dag management, preventative chemical treatment, and free website FlyBoss.

“The FlyBoss website allows producers to compare their current management system with an alternative system taking into account their location,” she said.

“This can help inform decisionmaking in relation to the dates of shearing and crutching, and preventative treatment application.

“During high-risk periods producers must inspect their stock regularly to identify and treat any fly struck sheep.”

Ms Price said flystrike in sheep could show up as restlessness, loss of appetite, a strong smell, and visible maggots in the wool.

Flystruck sheep can be treated by shearing struck wool and a five-centimetre barrier of clean wool around the strike close to the skin to remove maggots; collecting the maggot-infested wool into a plastic bag and leaving the bag in the sun for a couple of days to kill the maggots; applying a registered flystrike dressing to the shorn area to prevent re-strike; removing struck sheep from the mob and placing them in an isolation paddock to monitor; and culling struck sheep from breeding programs.

“If treatment is not a viable option, humane euthanasia must be carried out,” Ms Price said.

“As with all veterinary treatments, it is essential to observe the withholding period and keep accurate records of any treatments administered.”

People wanting further information on the management and treatment of flystrike can visit www. flyboss.com.au, or for information about available drought support, visit www.agriculture.vic.gov.au/ drought or call 136 186.

INVESTED: A good crowd attended Agriculture Victoria’s Wimmera pulse field day despite its postponement from Wednesday’s inclement weather.

MINIMISE YOUR DOWNTIME

Ram sales setting new records

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

Ram sale bidders are paying top-dollar at auction at a time when lamb and mutton are fetching record amounts, resetting producers’ on-farm highest prices.

Janmac co-principal Grant Hausler said a record number of registered bidders was an apt reward for the team at Goroke’s stud, after facing consecutive tough seasons.

“Our area is now having a good season, lamb and mutton are at record prices and wool at good levels – I’m not sure I have ever seen those three things combined,” he said.

There were 50 registered buyers at Janmac this year, and they bid strongly on the catalogue of 181 rams, ensuring a total clearance to a top price of $7000.

The 144 Poll Dorsets averaged $1806, while 36 White Suffolks sold for an average of $1269.

“Buyers now seem to be focusing on muscular carcasses and we are known for that style of sheep, so it is our style of fast-growing ram that people are chasing,” Mr Hausler said.

The Poll Dorset average was an increase of more than $250 on the previous sale, with eight more rams sold.

AWN Wimmera’s Dustin Cross said considering the way the season had been during the past 12 months, the rams presented in amazing condition.

“They were some of the best groups the boys have put forward and it showed in the spirited bidding,” he said.

“The top-end of the flock rams were $2300 to $2000, which proves the quality of them and that those growers coming and getting top end rams from Janmac each year are getting the results.”

Detpa Grove at Jeparit continued to cement itself as a leading White Suffolk stud in the country when it set an on-property ram price record of $60,000.

But the real proof in the Pipkorn family’s program was that a total of 30 stud rams sold to buyers in five states and averaged $9700, with 11 of the lots selling for $10,000 or more.

It was an increase from last year’s offering, where 20 rams sold to stud duties for an average of $4825.

Principal David Pipkorn said there were a lot of high-profile studs from across the country in attendance at their annual on-property sale this year.

“They were appreciating the highperformance genetics while built into the sound structure and good breed type of our sheep,” he said.

The attributes culminated in Lot 70, Detpa Grove 240715, the $60,000 sale-topping sire.

By Ashmore 221308, the ram was a July 2024 drop-out of an ET ewe

lamb. It had an Australian Sheep Breeding Value Terminal Carcase Production Index of 181, putting it at number eight in the country across all terminal breeds.

The ram is in the top five per cent for post-weaning weight, carcase weight, lean meat yield, shearforce and postweaning eye muscle depth ASBVs.

“The ram was structurally very correct and had tremendous breed type, on a moderate frame,” Mr Pipkorn said.

“We flush our most advanced ewe lambs each year, and this ram came out of that program.

“It is also a three-quarter brother to our keeper ram this year, Detpa Grove ‘LEGEND’ 240725.

“We were well supported by local agents, and a spread of buyers through Victoria and into South Australia, with the passed-in rams reflective of the tough season and people offloading ewes.

“The lamb industry has held up really well and strong prices have given people confidence to continue and rewarded those that bit the bullet and fed when they needed to.”

At the Melrose on-property ram sale at Nurrabiel, a strong crowd and spirited bidding saw 48 rams sold, with a top price of $4000 and an overall sale average of $1837.

All eight horned rams offered were sold, reaching a top of $3000 and averaging $2125.

Of the 40 poll rams offered, 36 found new homes, with a top price of $4000 and an average of $1771.

The top-priced ram lot 36, 24RP8473 16.2 mic 2.3 sd 14.4 cv 99.5 cf was knocked down to A and K McErvale, Langi Kal Kal, who secured six rams in total. Brimgower Farms, Brimpaen, was the volume buyer of the day, taking home eight rams for an average of $1593.

New South Wales’ Waverley Downs merino stud purchased two rams. One poll lot 20, 24GCG771, 16 mic 2.2 sd 13.9 cv 99.7 cf for $3000 and one horn lot 11, 244O4116 16.8 mic 2.4 sd 14.3 cv 99.7 cf for $2000.

JANMAC: From left, the top-priced Janmac Poll Dorset ram with Dusty Cross of AWN, Bryce, Carl and Grant Hausler of Janmac Stud, Goroke, and Richard Miller of Nutrien.

DETPA: Beau and Oscar McLauchlan, Whitemore, Tasmania, David Pipkorn, Detpa Grove, Jeparit, Caroline McLauchlan, Whitemore, Andrew Donnan, Woomelang, Andrew McLauchlan, Whitemore, Lachlan Day, Bordertown, SA, Ross Milne, Elders Stud Stock manager, Hamilton, and Will Shepherd, Kybybolite, SA, with the top-priced ram.

MELROSE: Elliot Lindley, Elders Ballarat, Katrina and Ashley McErvale and Warren Russell, with the top-price ram lot 36.

The versatile range of trailing spreaders for all types of granular fertilizers and seeds as well as heavy rates of gypsum, lime, compost and manures.

2.5 Tonne to 16 Tonne models available including narrow-track orchard model with side spread option

Available with i4M Variable Rate Controller, Weighing Systems, 3 Metre Axle & wheel options

- Spare Parts and Workshop Service and Repairs available -

Uptick in markets

After an extremely tough period for livestock producers, what started as green shoots earlier in the year has in recent months gone berserk across all sectors inclusive of lamb, mutton and wool.

With every meteoric rise in any market usually resulting in some fluctuations at the top while it finds its new level, the latest weekly numbers suggest the handbrake is attempting to be pulled by buyers and we might be hitting the limiter of what can be achieved just for the moment.

There is no doubt anxiety is high from growers waiting for stock to bloom after a tough start so they can actually participate in the current market and claw back some lost ground from the past 18 months to two years.

Most farmers and agents will be going around their stock and putting a value on them, almost on a daily basis, looking to subscribe to the theory that if they deem their stock too dear to own then they should be getting something onto the market.

This is a great theory when fully stocked, however given what most are coming out of and the level of destocking that has occurred, the store market is also being keenly supported – particularly young ewes – in an attempt to utilise feed that is

finally coming, and coming fast, as well as creating a base for seasons to come.

As it stands, choosing the right article to push forward with in an elevated market is perhaps the most challenging part of the process.

Those with a trading mindset and seemingly thwarted by the current price of entry, will be looking for and waiting for a level of volatility as their cue to pounce.

Our team of AWN agents can assist if looking to get involved in this space.

The uptick in markets has also come just in the nick of time for ram sale season, which has been well supported and has achieved acceptable clearance rates.

What happens from here will largely be weather dependent with recent October rains welcomed in grazing areas and where crops are still hanging on, with more rain forecasted for the end of the month.

The modern weather forecast of course cannot be trusted any further than it can be punted, however, a little more spring rain should prevent a major influx of stock onto the mar

ket and assist in keeping markets buoyant throughout the entirety of spring.

Hopefully the market remembers from here on that we are dealing with livestock and not Bitcoin.

Unfortunately, and disappointingly so, for many in our northern areas rain from here on is probably still welcomed to a certain extent, but of little use with many cereal crops being felled for hay.

Here is hoping that any falls in these areas do not cause major downgrades of product, which would rub salt into the wound on top of a decision that no doubt was very tough to make.

An exciting month is coming up for AWN Wimmera with the highlight to be the annual First X Ewe Feature Sale at Edenhope Saleyards on Thursday, November 13, followed by the wether and crossbred store lamb sale one week later.

The current draw for the ewe sale sits at about 6500 ewes and 3000 ewe lambs.

Quality is shaping up to be excellent and the sale is likely to be keenly supported with an air of positivity and confidence slowly returning to the livestock industry.

Bitcoin as a form of payment – not available.

Muster Dogs draws a crowd

A Muster Dogs television series showcase attracted than 200 people to Kaniva during a Victorian Seniors Festival event, which featured Kaniva’s Kim Dodson, Edenhope’s Rob Tuncks and Keith’s Helen McDonald.

The trainers shared stories about how the program began, their time filming, and their experiences working with their dogs.

They also gave working-dog demonstrations, moving cows, goats and sheep.

West Wimmera Shire chief executive David Bezuidenhout said it was an allages event that brought the community together.

“Bringing the Muster Dogs team to West Wimmera was an exciting drawcard,” he said.

“It was wonderful to see such a strong turnout, with visitors travelling from across the Wimmera, South Australia, and even from Melbourne to be part of the day.

“It really shows how much people connect with the Muster Dogs story.”

Seniors’ Festival celebrations will wrap up at Apsley Hall tomorrow, October 30 with a light lunch and a performance by country music singer Kevin Sporer, who brings more than four decades of experience and an induction into the Country Music Hall of Fame.

SHOWCASE: Muster Dogs contestants, from left, Kim Dodson, Rob Tuncks and Helen McDonald at the Kavina event.

Working to bridge a gap

Some of Australia’s brightest agricultural scientists were in northwest Victoria earlier this month as BCG and CSIRO joined forces to explore how research and practical farming can come together to address the industry’s most pressing challenges.

Topics such as climate resilience, input management, weeds, pests and disease were on the agenda as researches, BCG staff and nine farmers worked side-by-side for three days to discuss the emerging science shaping the future of farming.

The visit placed a strong spotlight on early career researchers, data driven decision tools and the role of local knowledge in driving innovation.

The visitors were also hosted by seven farming families, with the exchange of local perspectives proving a highlight for participants.

BCG chief executive Fiona Best said the gathering marked a significant step toward aligning science and on-farm adoption.

“There’s incredible value in having researchers and farmers in the same room talking openly about challenges and opportunities,” she said.

“This week has set the stage for a new phase of collaboration.

“We’re proud to see Birchip and the broader north-west recognised as a hub where science, data and local knowledge meet to drive the future of Australian agriculture.”

The discussions focused on nitrogen-use efficiency, disease, pest and

weed management, and the role of artificial intelligence.

Themes explored included limited chemical future, the next generation of Yield Prophet, and new biostimulant and microbial cycling research led by teams across both organisations.

CSIRO Farming Systems Program research director Ben Trevaskis said the partnership reflected a shared vision to position the right people to solve both current and future challenges.

“We want to place the right people to solve here and now problems, but also those of the future,” he said.

“Partnerships like this ensure research remains grounded in real world farming systems.”

One of the key ideas to emerge from the visit was the potential for CSIRO staff to be based in Birchip, working alongside BCG to embed science within the region’s farming systems.

The initiative would strengthen on-ground collaboration, provide local research experience for early career scientists, and enhance the translation of research into practice.

“Having a strong relationship with CSIRO is really important for BCG,” Ms Best said.

“It ensures farmer priorities are represented and that research translates into real impact for the region.”

BCG and CSIRO are committed to ensuring the ideas are implemented via a long term coordination framework to map future joint activities, expand researcher exchanges, and integrate science communication, including CSIRO’s upcoming contributions to BCG’s annual Research Compendium.

“Across the three days, we saw ideas emerge that could genuinely shape the next generation of farm management tools, crop inputs and data driven solutions,” Ms Best said.

Minimise risk in feed fodder

Farmers purchasing more fodder than usual are more likely to introduce weeds to their properties, but there are precautions that can be taken to minimise the risk of unwanted weeds and pests.

Dairy extension officer Richard Smith said a designated feeding area, such as a feedpad, sacrifice paddock or containment area, could mitigate risks.

“Feeding out in restricted areas allows for better observation of any new plants germinating and enables quick eradication and control of any weeds or pests that might emerge, therefore reducing the risk of these becoming established in the area,” he said.

“Ongoing drought conditions are creating significant challenges for Victoria’s livestock industry, particularly a critical shortage of fodder, with farmers needing to look interstate to source supply.”

Mr Smith said Agriculture Victoria provided a free and tailored service to suppliers, transporters and farmers to help them efficiently navigate the permit requirements to bring feed into Victoria while managing biosecurity risks.

“When purchasing feed, farmers are encouraged to request a Commodity Vendor Declaration with every load,” he said.

“Commodity Vendor Declarations contain background information about the fodder source, including whether it has been sprayed or treated with chemical that is still within a withholding period, export slaughter interval or export animal feed interval.”

Permit applications for fodder are being prioritised by Agriculture Victoria to allow for timely fodder movement.

“To ensure that fodder movement occurs, once a Plant Biosecurity Permit is applied for, Agriculture Victoria will contact the farmer within two working days to discuss and assess the specifics of their import request,” Mr Smith said.

“A plant biosecurity permit will be issued free-of-charge for fodder movement. If an inspection of fodder by Agriculture Victoria is required on its arrival to Victoria, which will be stipulated as a permit condition, the cost of this inspection will also be waived.”

People wanting more information, can visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/farm-management/ drought-support/moving-hay-and-fodderacross-states.

“This information is critical for quality assurance programs, along with documentation of additional information such as the location where the fodder has been sourced from, the producer, date purchased, the transporter and where the fodder has been fed on farm,” Mr Smith said.

CONNECTION: Birchip farmer Ian McLelland, left, and CSIRO’s Ismail Garba at the BCG-CSIRO collaboration day to strengthen the connection between social innovation and on-farm adoption.

farmer Hamish McIntyre has replaced Murra Warra farmer David Jochinke as president of the National Farmers’ Federation.

Elected by NFF members as the organisation’s 15th president, Mr McIntyre has been a NFF director since October, 2023.

His involvement in agriculture includes serving as Cotton Australia chair and as a director on the Australian Wagyu Association and Agsafe boards.

Mr McIntyre runs a family owned, irrigated and dryland farming, cattle breeding, beef feedlot and broiler chicken meat business in the St George, Dirranbandi, Quilpie and Beaudesert districts in Queensland.

“I am honoured to be elected as the NFF president. I look forward to working with our members to advance Australian agriculture,” he said.

“My priority will be making sure farmers are front and centre in policy discussions in Canberra.”

Mr McIntyre paid tribute to Mr Jochinke, who has served the maximum 12-year term on the NFF board, the past two as president following six years as vice-president.

He was the first Victorian Farmers’ Federation president to also serve as NFF President.

“DJ leaves a legacy of strong farm advocacy,” Mr McIntyre said.

“He stood up for what was right and had access to leaders and decision makers at the highest level.

“Under his leadership, the NFF has delivered significant wins for farmers, including scrapping two taxes – the Biosecurity Protection Levy and the Super Tax.

“But at the

putting people first.

“Under his leadership, farmer mental health, wellbeing and safety became key priorities for the NFF.

“This focus led to the creation of a national mental health coalition supported by more than 50 organisations across agriculture, health and rural sectors.”

heart of what DJ strived to achieve was

Hamish McIntyre

Opportunity to drive grains policy

GrainGrowers is seeking nominations from growers interested in serving as representatives for the southern region on its National Policy Group.

Eligible members in Victoria, southern New South Wales, and Tasmania have an opportunity to be part of a group committed to driving national grains industry policy.

The GrainGrowers NPG comprises a total of 15 growers – five from each of the three major grain-growing regions in Australia: Western Region – South

Australia and Western Australia; Southern Region – Southern New South Wales, Victoria and Tasmania; and the Northern Region – northern New South Wales, Queensland and the Northern Territory.

Applications to fill a total of five positions for the southern region are now open, with nominations closing at noon on November 3.

Warracknabeal grain grower Daniel Keam has served on the NPG for the past six years and said he would highly recommend people to nominate and get involved.

“While I have decided to stand down now, I can say that my time on the group has been a rewarding one for me, allowing me to develop knowledge and consider a range of national issues impacting our industry,” he said.

“As a grain grower you are naturally invested in the industry. The NPG is an opportunity to act on this investment, broaden your perspective and contribute your opinion on issues that can make a difference.

“From my experience, I can say I have learned a lot by being involved

in the process, and I would encourage others to step up and actively play their part in the work undertaken by GrainGrowers.”

GrainGrowers chief executive Shona Gawel said elected growers would provide direct input into the formulation of industry policy positions, developed to represent and deliver outcomes on behalf of growers.

“The NPG is a highly motivated group, committed to considering policy issues from a range of perspectives,” she said.

“I would encourage anyone who

would like to actively look at the key issues impacting the industry to consider what they have to offer, nominate and get involved.”

The NPG meets in person three to four times a year, with additional virtual meetings as required.

GrainGrowers covers transport and accommodation costs and provides a sitting fee.

Eligible members can apply via www.graingrowers.com.au/policy/ national-policy-group.

New lentil variety ‘stacks up well’ Monitor sheep for worms this spring

A new large seeded red imidazolinone, IMI, tolerant lentil variety with the highest combination of disease resistance is on show at field days this spring.

Named GIA Colombo, after the capital of Sri Lanka, which is a key market destination for the product, it has been provisionally rated R/MR to ascochyta blight and MRMS to botrytis grey mould.

It makes it a great fit for lentil growers in disease-prone, medium-to-high rainfall regions, with heavier textured soils or for early sowing times.

Grains Innovation Australia’s, GIA, South Australian based breeder Larn McMurray said if growers had concerns about diseases, the variety would give them more confidence in managing their crop, particularly in seasons with a wetter spring.

“But fungicides are still required in crop, but less than for more susceptible varieties, he said.

“Areas where lentil intensity is high and crop rotations tight will also find this variety useful to help minimise ascochyta infections.”

GIA’s Victorian breeder Michael Materne said national variety trial, NVT, data showed the new variety stacked up well against industry benchmarks in a broad range of settings.

“The all-Australia NVT predicted MET yield across 25 trials in 2023 and 2024 showed GIA Colombo to be the highest yielding of all the large and medium sized IMI red lentil varieties,” he said.

“We developed the variety from a PBA Jumbo2 lentil background, and it has a similar plant type and reaction to boron and salinity.

“It also has a moderate to good vegetative frost reaction and mid maturity rating, like PBA Jumbo2 and GIA Thunder.

“This makes GIA Colombo well suited to longer and more favourable growing season environments.”

PBSeeds commercial manager at the distributor of the new variety, Janine Sounness, said there would be plenty of seed available for the growers to sow in the 2026 season for growers interested in producing large lentils.

LAWYERS

“The large lentil market isn’t as big in volume as the small-size lentil market, but at times large lentils can offer a premium price over small and medium types,” she said.

“GIA Colombo is well suited for the Sri Lankan market with its grey seed coat and seed size a little larger than PBA Kelpie and a little smaller than PBA Jumbo2.”

OʼBrien & Smith Lawyers are pleased to announce they have acquired Derbyshire Legal, a respected institution in Stawell.

LAWYERS

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

The team 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.

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

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

Producers should monitor sheep health after the winter’s drought conditions could have compromised their condition and resistance to internal parasites.

BestWool/BestLamb project leader Alison Desmond said short pastures and prolonged grazing close to the ground could increase the risk of worm larvae uptake.

“Although pasture growth in spring typically lowers susceptibility, it remains essential to stay vigilant –particularly at and after weaning when young animals are most vulnerable,” she said.

“Worm infection costs the Australian sheep industry an estimated $436-million per year in lost production.

“Sheep infected with worms exhibit signs such as weight-loss, poor wool growth, scouring, and in severe cases, anaemia or death. The cost of worm infections can be substantial, with losses in growth, wool, and survival, along with treatment expenses.”

Ms Desmond said weaners were the most vulnerable group of animals, as they had the highest susceptibility to internal parasites.

“Their natural immunity, which protects them against worms, doesn’t develop until about 12-18 months of age,” she said.

“Stressors associated with the weaning process can also compromise immunity.”

Ms Desmond said producers could conduct regular worm egg counts, WECs, which provided the best chance of detecting a worm burden and targeting appropriate treatments.

“Regular monitoring through worm tests is crucial,” she said.

“These tests help determine when sheep exceed the WEC threshold, indicating the need for treatment.

“Active monitoring also guides decisions on when not to drench, preventing unnecessary chemical use, saving the cost of treatment and reducing the risk of drench resistance.”

People can visit Agriculture Victoria Feeding Livestock website: Worms – monitor, measure and manage for information on WECs, and for short videos on the impact of worms and management strategies.

Lauren Emblem

Patrick Smith

Lauren Emblem

Patrick Smith

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

Helen Thomson LL.B., B.A., GDLP

TRIAL: GIA Colombo was on display at the Birchip Cropping Group annual September field day at the pulse variety session with Janine Sounness, left, and Dr Jason Brand.

PREVENTING FLYSTRIKE

SHEARING / BACKLINING

• Wool packs • Bale fasteners

• Brooms

• All accessories

Backlining products to suit all needs

DRENCHING & VACCINATING

FLY TREATMENT

Recent rains could promote a bad fly season. Products to cover all needs available in store!

ONE PRODUCT MULTIPLE SOLUTIONS

ADVANCED FIRE SUPPRESSION

F-500 EA boosts the ﬁreﬁghting capacity of water by up to 20 times.

20 Litres of F-500 EA concentrate @ 1% in water = 2,000 Litres.

BURNBACK RESISTANCE

Help protect your property in advance of approaching ﬁre by applying F-500 EA to vulnerable assets, fences or to expand your existing ﬁre breaks.

LITHIUM BATTERY FIRES

F-500 EA has been tested and proven for over 15 years as the most effective agent to extinguish lithium battery ﬁres.

Boost livestock performance

Boosting livestock performance, productivity and sustainability through electronic data-tracking will be the focus of a free webinar with sheep data specialist Elise Bowen next month.

Wimmera and Glenelg Hopkins CMAs are hosting a webinar on November 7 from 3pm to 5pm on Sheep Electronic Identification, eID. Victoria introduced electronic identification of sheep and goats in 2017 with significant advances in data-collection and tracking technology since.

The webinar will provide practical steps for farmers who have just started using eID along with more advanced data analysis for producers who have been using the technology for a long time.

Wimmera Sustainable Agriculture facilitator Bronwyn Bant said a high number of farmers had already registered for the webinar.

“This indicates wide interest in how eID can be utilised to farmers’ best advantage,” she said.

Ms Bowen, from Wagga Wagga, specialises in supporting farmers to collect and analyse sheep data to boost efficiency gains and fast-track genetic performance.

“Elise is a trusted expert in sheep production, with years of industry experience helping producers lift

performance through her business, Sheep Data Management,” Ms Bant said.

“Through the data collected, farmers can shorten the length of time it takes to have lambs ‘market ready’ and can often run less sheep to achieve the same amount of live weight.

“If you’re running less sheep, for less time, you’re also emitting less methane.”

The webinar aims to demonstrate the full potential of using eID, with topics of: key benefits of adopting

eID technology; practical tips for effective data management; aligning data collection with strategic farm goals; building a data collection calendar tailored to a business; and turning raw data into actionable insights.

Ms Bant said with so much technology available to farmers, often the biggest challenge was sifting through information to find the most relevant and valuable data for making management decisions.

“You can use eID to track performance through genetics, fertility and

Feeling the heat?

the like, giving you the opportunity to weed out under-performing livestock such as dry ewes, poor mothers, low-weight gainers and sheep with poor fleece,” she said.

“This allows you to increase herd performance and efficiency, and by being able to identify and manage your high-impact animals, you can reduce your emissions on farm.”

People can register and receive a link to attend the webinar via Wimmera CMA’s website wcma.vic.gov. au.

Elegant finish for Seppelt’s

Seppelt Great Western’s 2025 Drumborg Vineyard Riesling has been named Best Wine of Show at this year’s Western Victoria Wine Challenge, and manager Larry Sadler awarded the Kym Ludvigsen Memorial.

Winemaker Clare Dry said the newly released vintage impressed judges with its lifted citrus blossom aromatics, precise mineral profile, and long, elegant finish.

She said the recognition was for a team effort.

“We’re incredibly lucky to work with fruit from the Drumborg Vineyard in south-west Victoria,” she said.

“It’s a special site that produces fruit of such finesse and tension, and Larry and the team do a phenomenal job year after year.

“This wine is a real team effort, and we’re thrilled to see it recognised and Drumborg Vineyard manager Larry Sadler, who was awarded the Kym Ludvigsen Memorial Award for Best Single Vineyard Wine of Show at this year’s challenge.

“It was an emotional honour for Larry, as the award commemorates the late Kym Ludvigsen, who was a highly respected figure in Victorian viticulture and a close friend.”

The Western Victoria Wine Challenge celebrates the depth and diversity of wines produced across the Grampians, Henty and Pyrenees regions.

Judged blind by a panel of experienced wine professionals, the event showcases both emerging styles and the benchmark wines that continue to shape Western Victoria’s reputation as a cool-climate powerhouse.

EXPERT: Sheep data specialist Elise Bowen will lead a free webinar next month.

Shining a light on inspiring stories

BCG is bringing local voices to the screen with an eight-part docuseries Over the Fence, celebrating the resilience and ingenuity of farming communities across north-west Victoria.

The series shifts the focus from drought as a crisis to drought as an opportunity for learning, preparation and connection.

By capturing the lived experiences of farmers, advisors, local business owners, sporting clubs, contractors and community members, Over the Fence will shine a light on the strategies and stories that help people endure dry times, and move through them with confidence and hope.

BCG chief executive Fiona Best said the series was about recognising and valuing the knowledge already within the region’s communities.

“Too often drought is only spoken about when people are already in the middle of it. This project is about changing that conversation,” she said.

“Over the Fence encourages us to think ahead, to talk openly about risk management and wellbeing, and to see the strengths we already have.

“Our communities are collaborative, resourceful and connected. We want to capture and celebrate that.”

The docuseries builds on the success of BCG’s Over the Fence maga-

zine published in 2023, which featured 33 farming families and received overwhelmingly positive feedback.

The magazine sparked conversations, prompted reflection and offered a hopeful outlook in contrast to the deficit-focused portrayal of drought.

“The third iteration of Over the Fence reimagines the concept for a

wider audience,” Ms Best said. “By sharing authentic, local stories on film, we can highlight resilience in many forms, from financial planning to community connection, from the role of technology to the importance of wellbeing.

“Too often drought is only spoken about when people are already in the middle of it. This project is about changing that conversation. Over the Fence encourages us to think ahead, to talk openly about risk management and wellbeing, and to see the strengths we already have”

– Fiona Best

munity leaders, we’re able to showcase the bigger picture of how small towns band together in tough times,” she said.

Filming is taking place between September and November this year, with a dedicated launch event planned for early 2026.

The series will be made in partnership with local production company Mallee Media and released across BCG and the Federal Governments Future Drought Fund Victoria Drought Resilience Adoption and Innovation Hub platforms.

BCG extension officer and project leader Alicia Gault said she was proud to be uplifting the voices of local people.

“By shining a light on inspiring stories across the community, from farmers to business owners and com-

“These stories are inspiring, practical, and they remind us that resilience doesn’t start with rain, it starts with people.”

Eﬃciency. Safety.

“This project is about lifting each other up,” Ms Best said.

“By listening to one another and sharing what we’ve learned, we can strengthen our communities, inspire action, and be ready for whatever the future brings.”

CAPTURED: The new BCG docuseries Over the Fence will uplift the voices of local farmers, business owners, sporting clubs and community leaders.

Fundraising For a cause

CHOP, CHOP: Fundraisers in Edenhope and Ararat last week raised money for cancer research. At Ararat’s Pink Ribbon Fundraising Clipathon, $14,084 was raised for Breast Care Nurse Association and East Grampians Health Service’s oncology ward. While at Edenhope, six women chopped their locks, raising more than $2600 for the Cancer Council. The ‘Locks for Love’ fundraiser was organised by Edenhope’s Debbie McLeish, who donated her hair for the creation of wigs – inspired by her sister Julie West who lost her hair while undergoing treatment for breast cancer and struggled to find a natural wig. Pictured, clockwise from left, Hayley Grigg allows her mother Jodie to play hairdresser; back, Hayley Grigg, Debbie McLeish, Wendy McDonald, front, Nita Robinson, Bev Hiatt and hairdresser Kiralee Wallis; Bev Hiatt travelled from Horsham to donate her hair; Ararat participants Margaret Kelly, Will Cairns and Jenni Jacobi after clipping their hair; breast cancer survivor Margaret Kelly has her hair cut by her partner Neville Carr and Ararat RSL colleague Alison Young; Phillippa Cairns clips Will Cairns’ hair; at Edenhope, Janie Farren cuts off one of Nita Robinson’s plaits; and Debbie McLeish, centre, hands the scissors to her sisters Julie West, left, and Liz Smith.

puZZLes

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

Quick Workout

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

Good: 15 words

FOCUS Very good: 21 words Excellent: 30 words

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

Hottest of hot hatche s

Toyota Gazoo Racing has honed its manic GR Corolla to be even sharper for 2026, claiming to have used learnings from its motorsport involvement to improve the car’s performance at the limit.

The hottest of hot hatch models from Toyota and its Gazoo Racing performance arm will land on local soil in early 2026, but pricing is yet to be revealed.

Current generation GR Corolla pricing starts from $72,718 driveaway for the manual and $75,293 for the automatic, putting it at the premium end of the hot hatch market to compete with models like the Honda Civic Type R priced from $79,000 driveaway and Volkswagen Golf R priced at $70,990 plus on-road costs.

The new model ups the performance ante, with changes Toyota says came

from its involvement in Japan’s Super Taikyu Series, tweaking both chassis stiffness and engine cooling.

Toyota claims to have added 74 per cent more structural adhesive throughout the chassis, totalling 32.7m in total, with the majority added throughout the underbody and rear wheel wells.

The reason for this, according to Toyota, is to allow the car to better handle ‘intense vertical and lateral G-forces’ generated when driving intensely.

Another motorsport takeaway was the need for improved cooling, so Toyota has added a new cool air duct to the secondary air intake, which opens at high RPM to bring intake temps down.

Toyota says these changes offer improved driveability and cooling when driving the car ‘at its limits’, hinting at owners’ likelihood to hit the racetrack. At the heart of the GR Corolla is the same G16E-GTS three-cylinder turbocharged engine, producing an unchanged 221kW/400Nm, mated to either a six-speed manual or eightspeed automatic transmission. In addition to the functional performance upgrades, the new model now

gets a subwoofer in the boot to take its sound system to nine speakers in total, up from eight, and the Active Noise Control has been tuned to reduce ‘unwanted engine noise’ in the cabin.

For those who want more engine noise, Toyota has incorporated its Active Sound Control system into the new model, which alters the sound of the GR Corolla’s engine note based on throttle input.

The new faux engine noise system offers three sound patterns with three volume options, but owners wanting the real thing can turn it off.

– Cobey Bartels

Isuzu MU-X Tour Mate returns

IsuzuUte Australia has brought back its tow-ready MU-X Tour Mate, adding popular optional extras to the high-spec LS-T trim for a reduced price, but at nearly $80,000 it is up against stiff competition.

The trim package adds a satin black steel bull bar, tow bar kit, 12-pin wiring harness, electronic brake controller, weather shields and rubber floor mats to the high-grade LS-T model, with Isuzu Ute Australia, IUA, claiming all are commonly selected optional extras.

IUA says the accessories are worth ‘almost $9000’, but the Tour Mate’s $79,990 drive-away price is only $1666 more than a standard LS-T at $78,324 drive-away, using the company’s quote generator for a Queensland-registered vehicle.

This equates to a saving of about $7334 on the included accessories, but that will vary between states and territories, which is good news for customers wanting a tour-ready rig.

The MU-X Tour Mate will rival the likes of Ford’s mid-spec Everest Sport priced from $75,000 driveaway, and Toyota’s LandCruiser Prado GXL priced from $78,990 plus onroad costs, offering more power and technology for a comparative price.

Despite trailing the Ford Everest and Toyota LandCruiser Prado on

COMPETITIVE: Isuzu Ute Australia has brought back its tow-ready MU-X Tour Mate, adding popular optional extras.

the sales ladder this year, by a sizable margin, the MU-X is breaking many of its own sales records with 2033 units shifted in June and 1635 in July – both all-time records for the nameplate.

Powering the Tour Mate is Isuzu’s popular 3.0-litre turbo-diesel engine, producing 140kW/450Nm, backed by a six-speed automatic transmission, with the brand’s new 2.2-litre engine

and eight-speed automatic not offered in this trim grade.

The Tour Mate does, however, receive IUA’s new idle stop-start system, which brings fuel use and CO2 emissions down as NVES tightens its grip on 4x4 ute and wagon manufacturers in Australia.

Interestingly, despite being put forward as an off-road model, the Tour Mate also rides on the same 20-inch

alloy wheels as the LS-T, somewhat limiting off-road tyre choices.

“With the MU-X Tour Mate having been tremendously well received last year, we are delighted to be able to return to market with an updated version of our most capable touring and towing model yet,” IUA managing director Junta Matsui said.

“The MU-X Tour Mate represents exceptional value as a reliable, rug-

ged, and refined vehicle for customers ready to experience the best of the Australian lifestyle, allowing them to go their own way the moment they leave the dealership.”

The Isuzu MU-X LS-T Tour Mate is available to order now, offered with a six-year/150,000km warranty, as well as five years of capped price servicing at $469 every year or 15,000km, whichever comes first.

TOYOTA

STAWELL TOYOTA

T and B Flooring

Travis Patten, along with partner Beck McCoy run T and B Flooring, your one-stop shop for the sale and installation of floor coverings, from vinyl to carpet.

Serving the Wimmera, primarily Horsham, Natimuk and Dimboola areas, Travis, 35 years in the industry, and his trusted sidekick Jack Exell, seven years, dedicate themselves to quality service and using the best modern techniques.

The family-run business supplies and installs all types of floor coverings.

Find our address opposite Horsham City Meats / 89B Wilson Street, enter from Darlot Street.

For a quote or to book call them on 0419 707 196 or email tandbflooring@gmail.com.

Classifieds

(nee Frost), Valda Margaret

27-9-1932 to 26-10-2025

Embraced in the arms of Jesus

And reunited with her beloved Arnie.

Cherished mother of Carolyn, Jennifer, Robyn & Tracey and their families.

“Home now in her heavenly garden”

DOWER, Barry John

9-3-1947 to 25-10-2025

Much loved Dad, Pop, & Brother. Forever missed

Horsham & District Funerals

Dylan & Amity Hartwich 5382 1149

DOWER, Barry John

9-3-1947 to 25-10-2025

Much loved brother of Daryl, brother-in-law of Helen.

Uncle Baz to Simon, Michelle, Ahleiyah, Ciara, Elizabeth, Louis, Isabella, Lucy, William, Andrea, Shane, Jakob, Levi, Louise, Justin, Charlie and Tom.

Fought so hard to the very end and now at peace.

Loved forever

DUMESNY, Link Matthew

7-6-1978 to 23-10-2025

Much loved son of Chris and Rick.

Loved and Loving husband of Chelsea.

Beloved father of Ruby, Isabelle and Amy.

Cherished brother and brother-in-law of Jay and Karen, Scott, Ben and Renee and Treasured Uncle to his many nieces and nephews.

Gone Too Soon

DOWER, Barry John

Funeral prayers for Barry John Dower will be held at Ss Michael & John’s Catholic Church, Horsham on Friday, October 31, 2025 commencing at 11.30am. Interment will follow at Horsham Cemetery.

Amity & Dylan Hartwich 5382 1149

DUMESNY, Link Matthew

A service to celebrate the life of Link Matthew Dumesny will be held in the Cumulus Chapel at Bunurong Memorial Park, 790 Frankston-Dandenong Rd, Dandenong South at 11.45am on Saturday, November 1 following a private burial.

Thank

you

~ WEBB ~ Cyril

We wish to express our sincere thanks to all those people who expressed their sympathy and sent cards, flowers and messages on the passing of Cyril. Florence, Robin & Maureen and families.

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

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

Budgies , assorted colours $10 each Ph 0417533579

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

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

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

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

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

Roosters, ducks and guinea fowl wanted to buy Ph 0480137184

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

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

1998 Cameron Canvas Camper , fully enclosed annexe, off road tires, double innerspring mattress, always

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

2019 Ezy Trail Stirling GT Mark 2 camper, EC, full annex, used 4 times, full rego $14,999 ono Ph 0428820446

Black series total off road, all extras $50,000 Ph 0428788212

Colorado Summit 210E 21’ Queen bed, large ensuite, full oven, 3way fridge, washing machine, A/C, diesel heater, sirocco fan, solar panels., lithium battery, AC-DC charger, rollout awning Great condition many extras $48000 ONO Ph 0400189163

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

Jayco Sterling van purhcased as new , 21’, solar panel, 240v-12v full size fridge, seperate toilet and shower, washing machine, full size double bed with egg shell mattress, 240-12v TV, elec gas hot water and more extras, first to see this van will buy $30,000 Ph 0428861752

Queen bed camper trailer, make an offer Ph 0407179433

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

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

REDUCED Toyota Coaster camper , 2 seater, diesel heater, 1hz motor, solar and 12v awning much more $35,000 Ph 0418325662

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

Wednesday, October 29, 2025

Funeral Notices

Funeral Directors

Slingshot campervan, light weight, easy to tow and setup, annexe, two single beds, EC $13,900 Ph 0429585845

Grain Auger Famson , hydraulic drive, lift + move, 40ft x 7inch 18hp V Twin Briggs, Stratto powered always shedded $4000, Chamberlain 30 disc plough oversize (26 inch) Heavy duty discs $3000, Silyan Boom Spray, 80ft Superior Boom 3,000 + 1,000 titre tanks custom, made to suit J, C, B, Tractor $20,000, John Shearer, harrows 15 leaf hydraulic lift $2,500 Ph 0427824233

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

FOR SALE Teak TV Cabinet

2 shelves 2 glass doors at bottom, 151H x 104W x 700 as new $60. Outdoor setting laminex oval table 4 chairs washable cushions $90. Bird bath small $40, Bird bath large $60, Oil heater as new $35, large towing mirrors $40. Brand new tyre +white rim 195R14C $140. Ph 0409967815, Pick Up Horsham.

L shaped lockable 5 glass shelf display case, with 5 downlights, 500mm lockable storage at bottom, 2.125 mm x 3.180mm x 400mm wide x 2.14mm high, $6200 ono, or lay by, can be dismantled to a flatpack, MINERALS NOT INCLUDED Ph 0428564422

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

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

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

2004 Harley Davidson Heritage softail, screaming eagle pipes saddle bags, great condition, 25xxxkms Ph 0492943038 Stawell

Lost, Prescription Sunglasses in Horsham Woolworths or Aldi car park on 24/8, if found please Ph 0429861917

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

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

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

Peugeot 407 HDI, beautifully cared for car, $8000 Ph 0484355030

Commodore VS Series 2 Ute, auto, very good order, 139,000kms, OFF349 $10,500 Ph 0427894200

caravan $7900ono Ph 0427891884 Deb Dress For Sale, Size: 10-12, worn once, excellent condition, dry cleaned, $400 Ph: 0429820767

Inter Truck C1600, 72 Butter Box model, Jonker hoist, 14’, new head and radiator, front new tyres $5000 Ph 0429857207

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

2 person Far infrared sauna, good condition and working order $550 Ph 0418170153

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

20ft shipping container, $3500 ono Ph 0407285097

0427894263

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

50 bales of native hay, small squares, always kept in shed $15 each Ph 55851429

6x4 trailer with cage, $900 ono Ph 0407285097

7x4 tool trailer, $3500 ono Ph 0407285097

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

Camper Trailer, all excellent condition $1500 Ph 0478254195

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

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

Galvanised trailer, 5x5 $800 Ph 53522691

Gold and opal ring, approx 80yrs old, current valuation

$4500 would like $2500 Ph 0458014560

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

Small fridge in good condition 47cm $60 Ph 0404215709

Solar hot water panel dux, model 2AP, still in packaging $380 Ph 0407565985

Stereo $200, Outdoor setting $150, a round table and chairs REDUCED $290, a beautiful organ paid $8000 selling for $3500, Chiffonier paid $950 selling for $350, ironing board $60, green leather couches,1 x 2 seater and 1 x 3 seater, pristine condition, paid $6500 sell for $4000, all needs to go by 27th October, Ph 53824788

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

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

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

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

Quickie electric wheelchair, hardly used, EC $16,000 neg Ph 0429881523

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

2018 KTM 65, 2nd owner, powerful little motorbike, ready to go! $3200 ono Ph 044731652

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

1988 BMW 320i convertible 6cyl.5sp manual, recently unregistered, always serviced and undercover, original paint, drives beautifully, extras, engine# 206KA25194243, 240,000kms $28,000 Ph 0438297899

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

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

Landsborough

Ute canopy, 2050L x 1900W, will fit extra cab and single cab, LH side pull out dropt down kitchen, 110lt fridge, 120Ah lithium bat and power hub, rh side all storage $16,500 Ph 0427840201

2014 Isuzu D-Max, 5 speed, auto, 3.0lt turbo diesel, 4x2, Tommy Gate loader 460kgs, RWC, reg til 19/1/26, 285,658kms, 1DQ6HB $23,990 Ph 0466375088

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

2018 Toyota Landcruiser Prado GXL , auto, 4x4, EC, 1LZ3FW, 190,000kms $39,500 Ph 0431603221

2004 Mitsubishi Magna , all wheel drive, not going, vin# 6MMTL9F424T024238,

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

2023 Kia Stonic, like new, no longer needed, RWC and rego 2026, IXP9CS, only 11,000 kms $26,500 Ph 0419211643

Nissan Navara ST 4x2 2018, automatic diesel, white color, very good condition, engine 2.3L 4Cyl, service car at 121,654km, canopy , front bar sport, one new tyre, towbar, one owner, registered till 28 June 2026 in Vic, 1PR4MJ, 150,500km $23,500 Ph 0434282826

Toyota Ute, no Ev tax on

this one, dual cab SR5 auto transmission, 3 litre motor, diesel, 2011 model, RWC supplied, high rise canopy, tub liner, trailer pull, electric brakes, as new inside, 106,500 kms, YFK992 $32,500 Ph 0428 832 227

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

for

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

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

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

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

Keyte’s mowing service , lawn mowing, lawn aeration (coring), block slashing, general pruning Ph 53826461 or 0429309491

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

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

real estate

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

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

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

Wanted Land to share-farm or lease anywhere south of Horsham and accross to the Grampians, from 50 to 600 acres, cropping country preferred Ph Roger Hallam at Mockinya 0418822700 Wanted, Billy Goat service for 2 milking goats Ph 53840253

Bethany Hamilton, at the tender age of 13, and at a good time in her surfing career, lost her arm and nearly her life due to a shark attack in 2003. In that moment, her world had been turned upside-down. What would become of her surfing career?

Ever yone experiences loss in life. It can range simply from a temporary loss of your car keys, though to loss of loved ones and personal loss. Shock and grief can be unexpected and diﬃcult to navigate. Jesus understood and experienced these things personally. He was a refugee, misunderstood, abused, hated, and went through suﬀering and death. By going through these things, Jesus can identify with us.

Jesus longs to help us and heal us. Psalm 147:3 says that “He heals the broken-hearted and binds up their wounds.” If we allow Jesus into our lives, He can do much to heal us and bring something good out of the bad situations. Jesus assures us in Romans 8:28 that “in all things God works for the good of those who love Him, who have been called according to His purpose.”

For Bethany, she trusted God, and had a great sense of peace that God had something good for her life. Within a month, she was back on her surfboard. Within 2 years, she had won her first national title. Bethany continues to be a world-class surfer, writer, mum and wife. So I encourage you, hold onto Jesus, and just keep surfing.

Suzanne McDonald - Seventh-Day Adventist Church

Christian Devotion

CLASSIFIEDS

MELBOURNE CUP TRADING HOURS

Please note deadline for classifieds for the Wednesday, November 5, 2025 edition will be 10am Monday, NOVEMBER 3. e Weekly Advertiser Horsham o ce will be closed on Tuesday, November 4. For any classified enquiries please call the Horsham Oﬃce on 5382 1351

you Andrew and the ALK team!

Circle the date:

SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2025

Time: Doors open 6.30pm, Fun from 7pm til 1am

Licensed venue: BYO nibbles but no BYO drinks

Price: $50 donation (for two new Horsham Hospital transfer trolleys)

Venue: Horsham Town Hall

Theme: GLOW IN THE DARK

Tickets: Horsham Town Hall website or ofﬁce

More info: Follow us on Facebook!

Four finalists decided, four to go

BY DAVID BERRY

Four grand finalists have been decided, with four to go in Volleyball Horsham’s winter season finals series.

Rangers, Phantoms, Von Steiger Sisters and WLC Nuggets all progressed with outstanding semi-final victories, and now will sit back and watch if the vanquished can raise another effort to set up rematches, should they prove successful in this week’s preliminary finals.

In A Grade, playing without their first-choice middles, Jack Hannan’s Rangers started strongly against Tyler Puls’ Phantoms, taking the first set,

only to see their opponents bounce back and take the second.

The moves of Alex Baker from passhitter to middle and Hannan to passhitter proved to be the masterstroke in the third set as Baker got into the game, while Hannan showed his class on the outside to help Rangers take the third set 25-19.

Haidyn Young then busted the set wide open in the fourth, taking the score from 13-15 to 18-15 on the back of some strong serving and Hannan front line brilliance, a margin that Phantoms could not bridge.

Phantoms will live to fight another day when they line up against Nathan

Berry’s Heidelberg in the preliminary final.

Heidelberg overcame a slow start, dropping the first set to Tsunami 1825, only to bounce back in emphatic fashion to take the second 25-11, with Berry finding his middle attackers Jake Myerscough and Oscar Jackman more frequently.

With a more settled line up and playing with great confidence, Heidelberg powered away to win the semi-final in four sets, setting up a mouth watering preliminary final.

In Women’s A competition, Phantoms proved too good for Lakers in the second semi-final, while Tsunami

FOURTH TIME LUCKY: It was a case of fourth time lucky for Horsham horseman Aaron Dunn when his three-year-old colt Forty Love took out the 2025 South Australian Pacers Derby final at Globe Derby Park on Saturday night. In 2003 Dunn finished third in the SA Derby with Dee Dees Dream for his late father, owner and trainer, Barry. In 2021 Aaron’s three-year-old gelding Hot Deal finished second to Aladdin, two years later it was Little Louie in fourth place behind Our Vinnie and in 2024 Dee Roe was fourth to Meteor Moth. All honours belonged to Dunn’s son of Downbytheseaside USA and Shadow Scooter, which managed to hold all challengers at bay despite working hard at both ends of the 2230-metre journey. The victory took Forty Love’s record to nine wins, eight minors and stakes of $108,472 from 25 starts.

Picture: Walter Bulyga Photography

Muszkieta wins final race, making five in a row

The loft of John Muszkieta continued its superb run to the end of Horsham Racing Pigeon Club’s season, with his fifth successive win in the final race from Melton.

Members released 113 pigeons, with a west south-westerly breeze of 1024kph resulting in the leading pigeons and winner averaging 55.5kph during the 232km race to their home lofts.

Muszkieta’s winner arrived after a four-hour, eight-minute flight to average 924 metres a minute, winning the race by five minutes and 27 seconds.

The McPhee family’s leading entry averaged 904m/m or 54kph to place second, with Brian Watts’ leading entry third at 894m/m or 53.8 kms.

Racing pigeons tend to average about 72 kilometres an hour or

1200m/m, with no wind advantage or disadvantage. The influence of the south-westerly wind from Melton in the final race on velocities flown was evident once again.

In an earlier race in the program from Melton, the winner averaged 930m/m flying into a west northwesterly wind ranging 18/38kph along the flight path.

showed it will be a serious threat after ending Nuggets’ season in the first semi-final.

Sophie Quick and Cleo Baker were in everything for Phantoms, with Lakers having no answers for the power and precision of the two experienced players.

Likewise in the first semi-final, Nuggets had no answers to the experienced duo in Emily Hannan and Laelah Robertson.

In Women’s B, the two Von Steiger teams enjoyed a great night, with first the Sisters’ team sending the young Power Divas back to the drawing board with a straight sets vic-

tory, while the Shadows did likewise, against the Magnificent Medicos.

Top-of-the-table WLC Nuggets showed just why they will be the team to beat for the Junior A title, when they bounced back from a first-set loss to the Von Steiger Kids, to move into the grand final.

Matilda Smith and Pippa Kelm showed good skills to help the Nuggets win, while Jack Armstrong and Kobe Agustin threw everything into their game for the Von Steiger Kids.

The Von Steiger Kids will now meet WLC Tigers in the preliminary final, in what promises to be another close game.

Great Western fun run first

In a town-first for Great Western, it will host the Lion Chase Fun Run this Saturday – with hopes it will become another event calendar staple within the Northern Grampians.

Organised by Great Western Football Netball Club, the event will support the club’s commitment to providing a nurturing junior sporting experience for participants and their families.

President Dale Hurley said the event was a new opportunity to ensure the club had financial capacity to further develop their junior programs, which have gone from strength-to-strength in recent years.

“The club has made considerable efforts to rejuvenate our junior programs across both football and netball over the past few years with additional resources allocated to make our initiatives possible,” he said.

“The club has created a family-focused culture that we are really proud of and have worked hard at developing, with welcoming opportunities for kids, parents and their extended families to come and enjoy. It’s more than sport for us, it’s about enjoyment, connection and retention.”

The fun run event will inject financial support for the club to use to further enhance activities available to junior players throughout the season.

This year saw the club host training nights led by ex-AFL and Super Netball players, a trip to Melbourne to see the Vixens take on the Firebirds, with free beanies and free Thursday night dinners for all junior players.

“Our junior programs are more than simply providing weekly activities

such as Auskick or Mods netball. We are creating an environment for families to come together and connect with each other. That’s what Great Western Football Netball Club is all about,” Hurley said.

People can register to participate in the Lion Chase Fun Run, which will leave from Best’s Wines on Best’s Road and journey around different parts of the Great Western landscape before finishing near the Great Western Hotel on Cubitt Street.

Return transport will be provided for people to collect their vehicles from the starting post.

“It’s going to be a fun event where people can walk or run the 2.5-kilometre or five-kilometre courses, otherwise runners can get some pace up in the 13-kilometre course,” Hurley said.

“There will be awards in each category for first across the line. We also encourage people to dress up if they want and plan to stay in town and join us at the Thomson Community Centre for a twilight market, from 3pm.

“Free shower and change facilities will be available to participants at the Thomson Community Centre.”

Official proceedings start at 10.30am for 13km runners, followed at 11am with the 5km entrants and 11.30am for the 2.5km group. Tickets start at $10 for kids and $15 for adults, with a family ticket also available for $45. Registrations will be available on the day, but participants should arrive at least 30 minutes before start time.

People can visit thelionchase.event brite.com.au or Facebook page thelion chasefunrun for more details.

MELBOURNE CUP

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 4TH

TAB OPENS 8AM FOR BETS Giveaways

THE BIG SCREENS

Minimum ﬁve seats Prime position

Hot platters ordered prior to the day *Gambleanddrinkresponsibly*

Redbacks win thriller against Lakers

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

Ararat

Redbacks coach Josh Fiegert believes a win against perennial Country Basketball League powerhouse Mount Gambier shows what his team is capable of entering the second half of the season.

The Redbacks are currently second on the men’s south-west conference ladder following Sunday’s thrilling 103-100 win over the Lakers at Ararat Fitness Centre, and Fiegert said he only expected the team to improve on its 3-2 start.

“I thought with the team that we’ve got we were actually going to be a hell of a lot better than where we are right now. I wasn’t expecting to have two losses so early in the season,” he said.

“But having that triple header in round two, our bodies were just fa-

tigued and sore on the Saturday and Sunday games after playing on the Friday night, and it showed because we went down by 10 and 20 points in those games.”

But despite playing shorthanded against the Lakers on Sunday, Feigert’s team showed no signs of fatigue through the first three quarters.

The Redbacks led last season’s runners-up 81-65 at the final break and looked set for a comfortable win before the visitors came roaring back in the final quarter.

“They came out of nowhere and just fought back. It turned into a really good game,” Fiegert said.

“I thought we were going to have a bit of a blowout and I said ‘alright, we might have a pretty good rest of the season if this is how we’re going to play’, because Mount Gambier are one of the top teams.

“I thought we were looking alright,

‘COX PLATE OF THE BUSH’: Ballarat trainer Matt Cumani paired with jockey Cain MacRedmond to take out the St Arnaud Cup on Saturday with Khoekhoe winning the ‘Cox Plate of the Bush’ race. Khoekhoe beat home Papal Army, ridden by Horsham jockey Dean Yendall, ahead of Girls Girls Girls, trained by Stawell’s Andrew Bobbin and ridden by Linda Meech, in third. The next country cup race in the region will be at Ararat on November 9.

“I think it will be a great game of basketball and they’ll give us a good run, but with the skill, capability and players we’ve got, we should be able to pull through and get on top”

– Josh Fiegert

and then the next minute they showed why they were in the grand final last year.

“Foul trouble absolutely killed us with the depth that we had. We had a few out this weekend, and then the juniors who normally come in and fill some spots had a tournament on, so we were really short on the bench.”

Mount Gambier veteran Simon Berkefeld led the charge for his team with 28 points, but the visitors were unable to snatch back the lead despite

cutting the deficit to three inside the final minute.

Ararat held on thanks in large part to the efforts of Zac Dunmore, who finished with 43 points, including 14 in the final quarter.

Dunmore is the league’s leading scorer through the first half of the season, averaging a staggering 44 points per game after dropping 68 against Hamilton in round two.

“You can’t fault Zac. I’ve played my whole life with him and I wouldn’t have anyone else out there. I love having him there,” Fiegert said.

“He just creates shots for himself, he’s accurate and he’s an all-around phenomenal basketball player on offence and defence.”

Looking to solidify a top-four position with another home game against Colac at noon on Sunday, Fiegert said he expected the Redbacks to continue their strong form.

“I think it will be a great game of basketball and they’ll give us a good run, but with the skill, capability and players we’ve got, we should be able to pull through and get on top,” he said.

Colac’s game against the Redbacks will be the second of a double-header for the Kookas in round five, with their first game coming at home at 5pm on Saturday against Horsham.

The Hornets men have played only three games so far this season, with byes in rounds two and four, and will not play their first game in front of a home crowd until Sunday, when they host Hamilton at 2pm.

The Hornets’ women will also play two games this weekend, facing Colac on the road at 3pm on Saturday before returning to Horsham for a 12 noon game against the Warrnambool Mermaids on Sunday.

Wimmera duo among departures

There was disappointment for a pair of Wimmera footballers last week, with former Horsham Saint Darcy Tucker and Horsham Demons export Ben Hobbs delisted by their respective AFL clubs.

The pair joined another ex-Horsham Saint, Tom Berry, who was delisted by the Gold Coast Suns at the end of September.

Tucker, 28, is the most experienced of the trio, having played 156 AFL games at Fremantle and North Melbourne since being drafted in 2015.

The Kangaroos announced last week they would not offer Tucker, who played 48 games in three seasons at the club, a contract for 2026.

Tucker is one of seven players delisted by North Melbourne since the end of the 2025 season, and Kangaroos football boss Todd Viney said it had been a difficult decision.

“These decisions are never easy, especially when they involve young men who have invested so much of themselves into the club,” he said.

for their service to Essendon and their professionalism and dedication throughout their careers,” he said.

“It goes without saying that it’s always difficult with list spots at this time of year, but they leave the club with our very best wishes.

“We have five selections at next month’s AFL draft, and the list squeeze means some challenging choices had to be made.

“Both Ben and Luamon have handled the news with maturity and we applaud them for that.”

The delistings come in the wake of Berry’s axing from the Suns.

The pressure forward had played 23 games for the Suns in the past two years after crossing from Brisbane, but was told in late September that his contract would not be renewed.

Media members speculated Berry, 25, could be offered a lifeline by the West Coast Eagles, but he has yet to sign a new contract.

Hobbs, 22, was a surprise delisting by Essendon after appearing in 18 of the Bombers’ 23 games this season.

Picked at number 13 in the 2021 draft, Hobbs had played 65 games in four seasons but was forced out to make room for incoming draft picks.

He is one of eight players delisted by the Bombers this off-season, along with Luamon Lual, Alwyn Davey Jr, Todd Goldstein, Jayden Laverde, Jye Menzie, Dylan Shiel and Oskar Smartt, while Sam Draper departed to Brisbane as a free agent.

Bombers general manager Daniel McPherson thanked Hobbs and Lual –the latest players to be cut – last week.

“We wish to thank Ben and Luamon

The moves leave Edenhope-Apsley export Tom McDonald, Melbourne Demons; Horsham’s Jake Lloyd, Sydney Swans; and former Horsham Saints Jarrod Berry, Brisbane Lions, and Joel Freijah, Western Bulldogs, as the Wimmera’s current AFL-listed players.

Darcy Tucker

Newcomers continue perfect season starts

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

Horsham Cricket Association

newcomers Donald-Jeffcott

and Swifts-Great Western continued their perfect starts to the A Grade season at the weekend, with reigning one-day champion West Wimmera and Noradjuha-Toolondo also remaining undefeated.

A week after beating Laharum by six wickets in its HCA debut, DonaldJeffcott was even more impressive in a round-two win against Horsham Tigers at Donald on Saturday.

The home side won by a whopping 154 runs after finishing its 40 overs at 4-236 and bowling the Tigers out for 82.

After openers Cooper Anderson and Jake Needs fell within an over of each other – for 38 and 31 runs respectively – Dylan Ruurds and Koby Westerland set about building an 80-run thirdwicket partnership that put the game out of reach for the visitors.

Dale Dridan finally broke through to remove Ruurds for 42, but Donald-Jeffcott skipper Eddie Landwehr continued the Tigers’ pain with an unbeaten 41, while Westerland was out for a match-high 59 towards the end of the innings.

In reply only Callum Jackson, 29, and Prabath Bandara, 19, were able to manage double-digit totals against an evenly balanced Donald-Jeffcott attack, with Anderson, Westerland and Jack Landwehr taking two wickets apiece.

Swifts-Great Western is hot on Donald-Jeffcott’s heels after making short work of St Mary’s at Stawell’s Central Park.

The Lions attack relished a chance to bowl at its home ground, with Jayden McCartney, 4-34, and Zach Marrow, 3-19, making the Saints rue their decision to bat after winning the toss.

St Mary’s skipper Daniel Westerland was a bright spot for his side at the top of the order, knocking 39 runs, but the rest of the line-up offered little resistance after he fell caught and bowled to Marrow, with the Saints all out for 139.

The Lions chased the total in only

26 overs and for the loss of just three wickets, with skipper Aiden Graveson, 62, and Marrow, 49 not out, leading the way.

West Wimmera overcame LubeckMurtoa in a hard-fought match at Murtoa to move to 2-0, backing up a total of 8-142 with a sharp display in the field.

Nathan Alexander, 2-6, Tim Braendler, 3-15, Jobe Dickinson, 2-14 and Josh Lees, 2-21, showcased the depth of the Warriors’ bowling attack, with the Mudlarks all out for 102 in the 38th over.

Noradjuha-Toolondo rounds out the top four, also moving to 2-0 after a win over Laharum at Noradjuha.

The Bullants were sent in after Laharum won the toss, but skipper Troy Dumesny, 52, and fellow opener Jack Combe, 33, helped set up a competitive total of 8-196, with youngster Phoenix Hopper contributing an unbeaten 25 in the lower order.

Despite a handy knock of 59 from 72

by Laharum opener Daniel Griffiths, the Demons fell behind in the chase as Hopper struck three times with the ball to remove Monty Wynne, 23, Ben Peucker, 5, and Jason Kannar, 13. Laharum batted out its 40 overs to finish 9-159 – 38 runs short of the victory target.

Colts were no match for BrimKellalac-Sheep Hills in the most lopsided match of the round, with the visitors all out for 64 inside 35 overs at Brim.

Tim Bell, 4-16, and Isaac McPherson, 3-6, were the architects of the innings, which left the Eagles a leisurely run chase.

Opener Mark McPherson, with an unbeaten 30, ensured BKSH had little difficulty, reaching 3-66 with more than 22 overs to spare.

The results set up a titanic showdown in round three, with DonaldJeffcott to host West Wimmera in a match that could determine earlyseason premiership favouritism.

Elsewhere Laharum will host Swifts-Great Western at Cameron Oval, Lubeck-Murtoa will travel to Horsham’s Dudley Cornell Park to face Colts, St Mary’s hosts Brim-Kel-

lalac-Sheep Hills at Warracknabeal’s Anzac Park in a meeting of former Wimmera-Mallee Cricket Association rivals, and Horsham Tigers are at home to the Bullants.

FOCUS: Swifts-Great Western’s Brady McMahon keeps his eye on the ball. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

Swifts-Great Western medium pacer Jayden McCartney’s 4-34 led the Lions to victory.

Nathan Priest, St Mary’s, plays a cover drive.

Perfect four for Parkers

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

Central Park extended its unbeaten start to the Central Wimmera Tennis Association pennant season at the weekend, overcoming St Michaels in a unique round where all matches were doubles, at Central Park.

The visiting Saints got off to an ideal start when they captured the opening men’s doubles rubbers, with a pairing of Eli Bailey and Steve Schultz beating Parkers Matt Jones and Harry Allen 8-3, while Peter Hayes and Chris Ellis downed Frazer Shurdington and Yassasri Sumanapala 8-4.

But the Parkers showed their prowess in the opening women’s doubles frames, with Willow Sainsbury and Adele Joseph beating a Saints pairing of Mia Rees and Violet McGennisken 8-2, while Sienna Nitschke and Tara McIntyre defeated Kassie Peachey and Barb Crough to give the home side a narrow advantage on games.

Schultz and Hayes continued the Saints’ dominance in the men’s section as they won their pairing against Jones and Shurdington 8-5, but the Parkers grabbed an advantage they would not relinquish when Allan and Sumanapala beat Bailey and Ellis in a tight 8-6 rubber.

The Parkers’ women continued to take care of business, winning the

remainder of their match-ups, and while the Saints’ men also won their remaining encounters – including an 8-0 bagel from Schultz and Ellis over Jones and Sumanapala – the damage was already done.

The 7-71 to 5-60 victory moved Central Park to a perfect 4-0 record early in the season and kept the Parkers atop the ladder – one win ahead of reigning premier Horsham Lawn, which also won on Saturday.

Playing on the road, Horsham Lawn was put under early pressure by Kalkee when the Kees took the opening men’s doubles rubbers, including a thrilling 8-7 tiebreak.

Meaghan Pohlner and Emily Polack’s 8-6 win in the opening women’s rubber gave the Kees a 3-0 lead, but the visitors refused to lie down.

Ella Thompson and Daniella Gillespie got Horsham Lawn on the board with an 8-4 win against Anna Exell and Keeley Schultz, and the visitors continued to chip away at the lead.

Thompson and Gemma Walker’s 8-7 win over Exell and Pohlner got Lawn back into the match, but when Lachlan Punchard and D’Artagnan Walls went down by the same score in their men’s rubber, the visitors’ backs were against the wall.

Horsham Lawn required two wins

from the final two women’s rubbers for victory, and with Walker and Gillespie’s 8-4 win over Pohlner and Keeley Schultz, it all came down to the final set.

Polack and Exell took on Lawn’s Thompson and Lydi Boyd, pushing

d Central Park 3-26; Haven 5-31 d Horsham Lawn Gold 1-18.

Section 1 Girls: Haven 4-31 d Horsham Lawn Gold 2-19; Horsham Lawn White 4-30 d Horsham Lawn Green 2-23.

Section 2 Boys:

them to a tiebreak before falling just short, 8-7. It sealed a 7-85 to 5-73 win for the reigning premiers, who will be away to St Michaels this weekend in round five, while the Kees host Central Park.

COMPETITIVE: Central Park’s Frazer Shurdington in action on Saturday. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

sport

Brought to you by The Morning Crew Weekdays from 6am to 9am

Back-to-back gold for athlete Hill

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

Horsham College’s Jett Hill is training hard for December’s Australian Athletics All Schools Championships after winning a pair of state titles in the span of a week.

Hill was crowned the School Sport Victoria, SSV, Secondary Track and Field Championships 400-metre sprint champion in the boys 12-13 age group on October 20, backing up the result with another gold in the under-14 400-metre final at the Victorian All Schools Track and Field Championships, organised by Athletics Victoria on Sunday.

Hill won the SSV final in a time of 55.51 seconds – more than a second and a half in advance of his nearest competitor – and bettered that time with a blistering 55.21 seconds in the Victorian all-schools final.

The second result qualified him for the Australian all-schools meet, which will be at Melbourne’s Lakeside Stadium from December 4 to 7.

Hill, who said he idolised American sprinter and Olympic gold medalist Noah Lyles, is now training for the national meet.

“It’s pretty exciting. To win back-toback medals in basically a week was pretty good,” he said.

“Next is the Australian all-schools championships, and I’m training extra hard for it now.”

Horsham College sports co-ordinator Jason Revell congratulated Hill on his results, as well as several other students from the school who contested finals at the SSV meet.

“There’s a lot of hard work that Jett does. He’s just always at it. He’s unreal,” Mr Revell said.

“We’re very proud of the achieve-

ments of all of our kids. It shows their dedication and commitment to their athletics to make the long journey down to Melbourne to compete.

“When you’re driving an eight-hour round trip in a car to throw a javelin three times or run 100 metres, it’s amazing what country kids do.”

Other Horsham College students

competing at the SSV finals included Asha Meek, who was fourth in both the girls’ 15-year-old 90m hurdles and 100m sprint finals, and sixth in the 200m final.

Josh Taylor took home a bronze medal from the boys’ 15-year-old triple jump final, Gretel Blake was fourth in the girls’ 14-year-old 400m

final, Kynan Stasinowsky had the fourth-best javelin result in the boys’ 18-20 age group, Benji Jowett ran sixth in the boys’ 12-13 100m final and Claire Crute was eighth in the girls’ 12-13 javelin final.

A Horsham College 12-13-year-old boys’ relay team also came sixth in the four-by-100m final.

The Ararat region also produced a state champion, with Marian College’s Sophie Birch finishing equal first in the SSV girls 16-year-old high jump final.

Fellow Marian College students

Darcy Venn and Grace Pitt also competed, with Venn finishing fourth in both the 15-year-old girls’ javelin and shot put events, while Pitt was seventh in the girls’ 12-13 discus.

Other competitors from the region included Stawell Secondary College’s Xyrus Gragasin, bronze in the boys’ 14-year-old triple jump final and fourth in long jump; and Bella Spokes of Dimboola Memorial Secondary College, who also won a bronze in the girls’ 12-13 high jump and was sixth in shot put.

Horsham College’s Meek was the only other athlete from the region to compete at the Victorian all-schools meet at the weekend, finishing fifth in the under-16 girls’ 90m hurdles final and eighth in a semi-final of the 100m sprint.

Business Traineeship

Horsham – Applications close: ASAP

• Opportunity for growth in other parts of the business

• Possible school hours for right candidate

• Earn while you gain qualiﬁcation

Support a busy agri-business with admin tasks, customer service and data entry while gaining a nationally recognised qualiﬁcation.

Is this you?

• Excellent communication, customer service & interpersonal skills

• Excellent computer skills including MS Oﬃce suite

• Strong organisational skills with high attention to detail

For more information, please contact Daryl Eastwell on 0407 364 654.

Road Worker

Horsham – Applications close: ASAP

• Casual (regular 38 hours/week)

• Base $37.26 p.h. + overtime available

• PPE supplied & maintained annually

Join our crew! Seeking road workers in Horsham. Maintain & service roads, earn a competitive rate and enjoy a variety of work. Apply today!

Requirements:

• Construction Induction White Card

• Medium Rigid (MR) Truck Licence

• Traﬃc Management Certiﬁcates (TC1/2 & TMI1/2 at minimum)

For more information, please contact Tamira Cullinan on 0408 109 324.

Aged Care Support Traineeship

Stawell – Applications close: 7 Nov 2025

• 22.8hrs per week with rotating weekend roster

• Opportunity to increase hours as training progresses

• Work alongside experienced professionals in a dynamic & fulﬁlling environment

Support residents’ wellbeing through personal care, activity planning and safety awareness in a compassionate, teambased care environment.

Requirements:

• Positive attitude and able to adapt to varying situations

• NDIS Clearance required before commencement

• This role requires staﬀ to be fully vaccinated against Inﬂuenza & Covid-19

For more information, please contact Daryl Eastwell on 0407 364 654.

Delivery Driver / Coolroom Assistant

Horsham – Applications close: ASAP

• Overtime available

• Enjoy a part-time role that oﬀers an excellent work-life balance

• Be part of a supportive and friendly work environment

Deliver dairy across the Wimmera, ensure safe loading and provide top-notch service. Is this you?

• MR Truck licence

• Physically ﬁt and equipped to undertake manual tasks repeatedly

• Trustworthy, positive attitude and strong work ethic

For more information, please contact Tamira Cullinan on 0408 109 324.

Business Traineeship

Horsham – Applications close: 7 Nov 2025

• Hands-on experience in a professional oﬃce

• No student debt – training fees paid up front

• Build a strong foundation in Administration, HR and Recruitment

Kickstart your career with Skillinvest! Join a supportive team dedicated to recruitment & employment services. Gain a certiﬁcate & get paid. Is this you?

• Excellent communication and telephone skills

• Good organisational and time management skills

• Computer and keyboard skills

For more information, please contact Kellie Hogart on 0419 728 691.

Labourer Plant Operator

Edenhope/Kaniva – Applications close: ASAP

• Immediate start available

• Ongoing opportunity for the right candidate

• Attractive EBA rate

Support civil works and infrastructure with hands-on labour, plant operation and maintenance. White Card and HR licence preferred.

Requirements:

• Physically equipped to undertake repetitive manual labour

• Current Police Check

• Current Working with Children’s Check

For more information, please contact Tamira Cullinan on 0408 109 324.

AMONG STATE’S BEST: Horsham College student Jett Hill, front, has won two state athletics titles in the past fortnight. College athletes, from left, Asha Meek, Benji Jowlett, Declan Ivess, James Mackereth, Kynan Stasinowsky and Josh Taylor all competed at the School Sport Victoria Secondary Track and Field Championships in Melbourne. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Webinar taking the heat off players

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

The Wimmera Regional Sports Assembly, WRSA, and Grampians Health’s public health unit are partnering to deliver a free online webinar focusing on heat safety for sporting groups next week.

With Australia’s Bureau of Meteorology forecasting a hotter-than-average summer ahead, WRSA executive officer Tony Caccaviello said it was important for clubs and sporting bodies to consider how to mitigate heatassociated risks.

“When we think of risks around our

STATE SUCCESS:

Natimuk and District Gymnastic Club’s level four, division three team members who placed second overall at the Gymnastics Victoria Junior Victorian Championships, from left, Isla Lannin, Airlie Doelle, Layla Glatz, Bernardita Del Real and Ava Hausler.

sporting organisations, it’s easy to think of things like child safety, tripping hazards and other things like that, but we sometimes don’t think about the heat component,” he said.

“Being in the Wimmera, we know the summers can be scorching hot.

“In the background there is a heap of data about the cumulative impact of heat and what that can do to someone’s health. That’s why the public health unit has such a big focus on this.

“We think this is a preventative way to get some of that knowledge into our sporting clubs so they can think about how they reduce that risk dur-

“There are some really key cohorts that I think this would be useful for – lawn bowls, cricket and tennis, or really any sport that gets underway during the peak heat of the day”

– Tony Caccaviello

ing summer.” The Heat Safe webinar will be from 6pm to 7pm on Thursday, November 6, with a presentation from members of Grampians Health’s Heatwave HELP Project covering strategies to reduce heat risk in community

sport; club responsibilities and duty of care during heat events; a panel discussion with sporting representatives including Volleyball Victoria; and a question-and-answer session.

Mr Caccaviello said the webinar was free for anyone wishing to sign up.

“We’re keen to get as many clubs as possible,” he said.

“There are some really key cohorts that I think this would be useful for – lawn bowls, cricket and tennis, or really any sport that gets underway during the peak heat of the day.

“When you think about those sports and some of the participants playing them, they tend to be at either the

Natimuk to host more than 300 gymnasts

Natimuk and District Gymnastic Club is set to finish its season on a high note, with several members bringing home state championships medals ahead of next weekend’s club invitational competition.

Eight junior club members contested the Gymnastics Victoria Junior Victorian Championships in Melbourne this month, with seven picking up medals.

A team of Airlie Doelle, Ava Hausler, Bernardita Del Real, Isla Lannin and Layla Glatz contested the level four, division three teams event, finishing second overall while posting the best scores in the vault, beam and

floor apparatus. The top individual performer was Madeline Castleman, who finished third overall in the level six, division three standings.

Castleman had the third-best vault score and was equal second on the uneven bars.

Also representing Natimuk in the division was Elsa Drendel, who finished 25th in a field of 44 competitors.

Rounding out the club’s competitors was Jayda Hallam, who finished equal fourth on vault in the level five, division three category placing 52nd overall from a field of 75 competitors.

Natimuk and District Gymnastic Club head coach Lynette Morrow said each of the competitors could be proud of their performances.

“We had eight girls compete at the Victorian Championships, and seven of them came home with medals, which is pretty good,” she said.

“It was a nice representation of the club and the kids competed extremely well.”

Morrow said the club would now turn its attention to its invitational competition on November 8 and 9.

“It’s only a week-and-a-half away, but the preparation is going well,” she said.

“We’ve got 300 kids competing that weekend, from all over Victoria and two clubs from South Australia. That’s about even with what we’ve had in other years in terms of numbers.

“There will be girls levels one to 10, and a smaller group of boys in levels one to four.

“It’s good for the club. It’s the end of our competition season, so it’s nice that we get to host it at our club and that it’s such a big competition with a high standard.”

– Colin MacGillivray

older or younger end of the spectrum, and all these factors stack together.”

Mr Caccaviello encouraged people to sign up online via www.trybooking. com/events/landing/1480118.

“The heat risk is always going to be there, but we can think about ways to reduce and mitigate it,” he said.

“It’s all about talking about it, learning what the risks are and trying to combat them with the ways we run sport during summer.

“It’s about finding that balance of being safe and healthy while we’re playing the sports we love.”

Caris signs as Vixens partner

Former Horsham Saints netball Maggie Caris has signed with Melbourne Vixens as a 2026 training partner.

The reigning Suncorp Super Netball champions announced four Victorian pathway stars as their training partners, with Vixens Academy midcourter Zali Anderson also joining the returning Mia Lavis and Tara Watson as part of the extended Vixens squad. Caris, 22, returns for her fifth year in the Vixens program, having been elevated to the main squad in 2025 as a replacement player for Emily Mannix, who sat out the season on parental leave.

The rangy 190-centimetre defender impressed in her six outings on court, showing she could match it with some of the league’s best goal-shooters.

Melbourne Vixens head coach Di Honey said the group demonstrated the value of investing in local talent, with the Vixens’ pathway programs vital to developing the next generation of Australian netballers.

“It’s fantastic to have Maggie, Tara and Mia back for 2026. They’re all talented athletes and they bring plenty of energy and drive, along with a great appetite to learn and develop,” she said.

The Vixens will begin their title defence against the Queensland Firebirds in Brisbane on March 15.

Wednesday, October 29, 2025

St Mary’s captain Daniel Westerland drives the ball through cover during the Saints’ first venture to Central Park in Stawell, to take on Swifts-Great Western in a Horsham Cricket Association A Grade game on Saturday. Westerland top-scored with 39 runs but SGW won the game with seven wickets in hand. Story, page 68.

Historic meeting

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER