The Weekly Advertiser – Wednesday, October 8, 2025

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

Adesire to ‘control the uncontrollables’ is behind a Wimmera Southern Mallee Development move to establish a food-security resilience think-tank in the region.

The advocacy group received $20,000 to create a food-security lab through the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal’s, FRRR, Community Led Climate Solutions program, which provides grants to community initiatives addressing climate change at a local level.

Wimmera Southern Mallee Development, WSMD, chief executive Chris Sounness said while climate change was an obvious factor threatening

food security in the region, it was far from the only challenge.

He said the lab would bring together regional leaders in the fields of agriculture, freight, emergency management and water, along with other community partners, to identify risks and potential responses.

“We have a great ability to grow lots of ingredients and food for Australia and the world, but we want to be able to do it no matter what the conditions, and obviously there are some challenges in doing that if things don’t quite go according to plan,” he said.

“It’s going to be a bit learn-bydoing. We’re going to try to identify what we think are the biggest risks in the area.

“I think they’re going to be around

climate, and floods in particular, or things that might disrupt supply chains.

“If we can’t get herbicides into the region or our diesel supply was interrupted, how exposed is our region to that and what can we do to be prepared so that we can keep producing food, which drives our agriculture and more importantly drives our economy?”

Mr Sounness said WSMD brought food-security policy specialist Andrew Henderson – a co-author of the Australian Strategic Policy Institute’s National Food Security Preparedness Green Paper – to the region in May, hosting meetings with industry leaders as well as council and State Government officials.

SPINNING: Warracknabeal, Kaniva and Rainbow continue the run of agricultural and pastoral shows across the region, bringing their communities together for a mix of traditional and unique celebrations in the next week. Nate and Piper Lawrence are pictured enjoying a ride at the Goroke Show on Saturday. For more on the region’s upcoming events and fun from past shows, see pages 22 and 23.

Mr Sounness said attendees identified energy and fuel, inputs and freight logistics as the biggest risks to the region’s $1.4-billion annual agricultural output, highlighting a reliance on imports and a vulnerability to international supply-chain disruptions.

“Things like wars disrupting global supply chains we can’t control in any way, but we know they’re on the horizon and they may occur at any time,” he said.

“You can have an understanding of what impacts they might have and how we can lessen those impacts.

“In 2009 if you’d said we were going to have floods in January 2011, most people would have said ‘oh no, you’d never get floods at that time of year’.

“But we had them, and they had a lot of impact on the ability of people like farmers to move grain out of the region.

“Likewise, if we had interruptions at a port, we might not be able to get herbicides and fertilisers into the region.

“These are all big-picture things, but they actually impact individuals locally.”

Mr Sounness said WSMD also contributed a submission to the Federal Government’s National Food Security Discussion Paper last month. He said it was important to raise awareness of food security as both a local and national issue, and for all levels of government to co-operate.

Continued page 3

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

HRCC NEWS

Stepping Up for the Community: Klowss in the Mayor’s Chair

With Mayor Cr Ian Ross on extended leave due to illness, Cr Brian Klowss has stepped up to fill some very big shoes. He has taken on the role of Acting Mayor—and he’s doing it with heart, humility, and a strong connection to our region that’s driven by his roots in local farming.

“I’m happy to step in to help Cr Ross during this tough time,” said Cr Klowss. “It’s really made me realise just how much time the Mayor’s role takes.”

“It’s a big job, and I’m glad to be able to be able to keep things running while Cr Ross focuses on what matters most right now” said Cr Klowss.

He added, “It’s been a valuable experience, and I’m determined to do everything I can to keep things moving forward for our community while Cr Ross is away” said Cr Klowss.

A fifth-generation farmer from Natimuk, Cr Klowss has lived in the region his entire life. Speaking on his family’s mixed farm, he said “I left school at 15 and have been working on the land ever since,” Cr Klowss said.

The Klowss family farm runs crops and Merino sheep, and Cr Klowss also helps his son with a contract harvesting business in northern New South Wales.

Cr Klowss is deeply committed to improving our region as a great place to live and work. He places a strong emphasis on local infrastructure that helps keep our communities connected.

Though he’s taken on a big responsibility, Cr Klowss remains embedded in community life. He’s currently Treasurer of the Natimuk and District Field and Game Club, and in his downtime, he enjoys field and game shooting and staying active in local events and causes.

Cr Klowss may not have planned to take on the Mayor’s duties, but he is more than ready to represent and support our local community— because it’s always been his home.

Free transfer station load - green waste

Did you know that Horsham homeowners are entitled to one free load of waste per valid rates notice at any of HRCC’s transfer stations? This can be a car boot, ute or standard 6x4 trailer load (without a cage).

With spring in full swing and fire season approaching, now’s the perfect time to tidy up your yard — and yes, green waste is included in this free load!

Removing excess green waste like long grass, weeds, undergrowth, and overgrown hedges not only makes your property look better — it also reduces fire risk for you and your neighbours.

Take the time to get fire ready and avoid the possibility of receiving a Fire Danger Notice.

Let’s all do our part for a safer summer.

HORSHAM REGIONAL LIVESTOCK EXCHANGE CHANGE OF HOURS

With the end of the winter season, the HRLE will resume its normal starting hours.

From Wednesday 8 October, the starting time will be 9.30am.

Council is inviting the community to provide feedback on one of the key pillars of its long-term planning — the Draft Asset Plan 2025–35.

This 10-year plan outlines Council’s strategic and operational approach to managing community assets in a financially sustainable way. It details the investment required over the life of each major asset class to ensure these facilities continue to support essential services across the municipality.

Included in the Asset Plan are projections for managing and maintaining:

• Roads

• Kerbs and channels

• Bridges and major culverts

• Buildings and other structures

• Footpaths and pathways

• Stormwater drainage

• Recreation and open space

Public consultation is open from Monday 6 October until 20 October 2025, and all residents are encouraged to have their say on how Council maintains and improves key infrastructure over the next decade.

Together, the Community Vision, Council Plan, and Asset Plan form the roadmap for delivering sustainable infrastructure and services well into the future.

Visit the QR code to have your say.

Get fire ready with Laharum Fire Brigade

Join Laharum Fire Brigade for an informative evening - and get ready for the fire season over a sausage sizzle.

Local experts will provide tips on planning and preparing your property and tailored advice on local fire risk, using local maps, with useful materials to take home.

They can help you download and navigate the VicEmergency app, include setting your watch zones.

All are welcome.

The event will kick off at 7pm on Friday 10 October at the Cameron Oval Football Rooms, at 1473 Northern Grampians Road, Laharum.

Kalkee Road overpass closure this month

Following an inspection of the Kalkee Road overpass, the Department of Transport and Planning (DTP) have scheduled repair works for the area.

From mid-October, DTP will be performing footpath works and pavement depression repairs on the overpass. These works will require a single-lane closure on the inbound side of the overpass for an expected period of 10 days.

Commuters may expect delays during this period. Signage will be placed seven days prior to the beginning of construction.

Next Council Meeting: Monday, October 27, 2025 - 5.30pm Horsham Rural City Council: 18 Roberts Avenue Horsham | Postal

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

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HAVE YOUR SAY

DOMESTIC ANIMAL MANAGEMENT PLAN

Council is updating its Domestic Animal Management Plan (DAMP) for 2026–2029.

This plan guides how we manage dogs and cats across the municipality, with a focus on responsible pet ownership, community safety, and animal welfare.

The draft DAMP was assisted by public feedback collected from 19 May - 16 June, and will be further assisted with another round of public feedback before the plan is presented.

The public are invited to read the current draft on Engage Horsham and provide feedback directly at the Horsham Plaza on:

• Saturday 18 October - 10am - 4pm

• Sunday 19 October - 10am - 4pm

You can also email council@hrcc.vic.gov.au

Feedback closes 5pm, Thursday 23 October. ASSET PLAN 2025-35

This Asset Plan outlines Council’s broad approach to investment in asset renewal, and strategies to improve the effectiveness of this investment, along with developing an overall understanding of the level of investment required to ensure ongoing provision of asset-related services to the community.

Feedback on the draft Asset Plan closes at 5pm on Monday 20 October.

For details visit the Engage Horsham section of HRCC's website

Q05-2026

OUTDOOR POOL FILTER MEDIA REPLACEMENT Closes Friday 10 October 26-008

CONSTRUCTION

WIMMERA LIBRARY 24 HOUR ACCESS PROJECT DESIGN AND INSTALLATION Closes Monday 27 October

Changes to precinct plan

BY LAUREN HENRY

Horsham Rural City Coun-

cil has allayed community concerns about a new kindergarten near Horsham College impacting plans for a proposed multi-precinct sporting development.

The council announced plans in 2023 for a $56-million Wimmera Regional Multi-Sport Precinct in Dimboola Road, on land next to Horsham College and Horsham Special School.

The project – which includes an indoor stadium, hockey pitch and outdoor netball courts – is dependent on attracting state and federal government funding, with the council hoping for it to be completed in four to seven years’ time.

But the State Government announced last year it was planning to build a kindergarten next to the college, and with construction now underway it is expected to open in term one, 2026.

The kindergarten will have two kindergarten rooms for up to 66

“It was determined that both facilities could operate on the same site with some adjustments made to the overall layout”

– Kevin O’Brien,

right

children. An approved provider will be appointed and announced in late 2025.

Council communities and place director Kevin O’Brien said council had been forced to rework its plans to ensure the proposed regional sports stadium could proceed.

“Late last year we had HB Arch – who developed the layout designs for the regional sports feasibility study – rework the Dimboola Road regional sports stadium concept layout when the kindergarten proposal was put forward by the State Government School Building Authority, to ascertain if the kindergarten could be located on the site without impacting on the proposed regional sports stadium,” she said.

“It was determined that both fa-

cilities could operate on the same site with some adjustments made to the overall layout.”

The council’s plan also includes developing Dudley Cornell Park in Horsham North to include a municipal athletics facility and local cricket ovals with additional car parking.

Additional tennis courts at Haven will also create a regionally-significant facility, with concept plans

including municipal-level soccer pitches, a local cricket oval, community hub and open space.

When council voted 4-3 to endorse the feasibility study in 2023, Horsham sporting club representatives called it a ‘red-letter day’ that had been 35 years in the making.

Seven project briefing meetings with 16 Wimmera clubs and associations informed the feasibility study. The council also engaged 13 state sporting associations.

The feasibility study considered population and participation trends for the next 10 to 20 years and deemed a single precinct was not financially viable, nor possible due to land availability.

Instead, the study identified that a mix of regional, municipal and local facilities would best cater for current and emerging needs – classified in accordance with participation numbers and population. A distributed model provided affordable upgrade options that could be implemented as funding became available.

PAINT WHAT YOU HEAR: Children were immersed in a live music messy play ‘Paint What You Hear’ event at Horsham last week, led by musician Erica Rasmussen and visual artist Zakiya Kurdi. Run by Supported Play Group, public art and programs officer Larissa Riddell said two sessions catered to children aged up to five years, and five to 10 years. “We had live musicians playing different styles and genres of music, and the kids got to creatively express through painting and crayons what they heard,” she said. At Dudley Cornell Park, the sessions incorporated classical and contemporary music while participants explored lines, shape, colour and their own imagination, learning about the elements of music and how to represent sound through artistic expression. Oscar March is pictured adding his handprints to a mural.

Wilson contests fraud charge

A WIM Resource employee will appear at Horsham Magistrates Court next month to contest a charge of making a false document.

Murray Wilson, 55, of Horsham, was charged in July following allegations that documents were fraudulently prepared and submitted as part of the public submission process for the Avonbank mineral sands mine at Dooen.

Horsham Crime Investigation Unit detectives executed a warrant at a Horsham home in February as part of the investigation, where Wilson was arrested at the scene.

Digital examination of a mobile phone and laptop seized by Victoria Police’s forensic experts is underway.

Wilson appeared via video link at the court yesterday. He is scheduled to appear again on November 10, and is understood to intend on contesting the charge.

Wilson has been suspended by WIM Resource, pending the outcome of the case.

Resilience lab

From page 1

“It’s great having a strategy, but what that strategy actually means on the ground when it’s in place is what it’s all about,” Mr Souness said.

“Some of these things you have to do locally to really look at where the risks are and what we can do to control the uncontrollables.”

Mr Sounness thanked FRRR for the grant to help establish the lab.

“It is just a starting point – $20,000 isn’t going to solve our food-security-preparedness challenges – but it just gives us a chance to start working down that pathway and build it,” he said.

FRRR chief executive Natalie Egleton said it was important to invest in projects that tackled big-picture issues at a local level.

“The projects we’re funding present a range of climate solutions that showcase future-focused community-led responses,” she said.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Rupanyup’s

David Matthews is among three new members announced for Regional Development Australia’s Grampians committee.

Mr Matthews joins the committee along with new members Howard Wilbury and Peter Downs, and returning Horsham-based Linda Kwok and Wimmera Mallee Waste general manager Paul Atherton.

Justin Gilbert, Christine Ferguson, and Zoe Allan also return to RDA Grampians, this year chaired by Michael Tudball with Jessica Kelly announced as deputy chair.

Regional Development Australia announced earlier this week the full list of 58 new and reappointed committee members and the return of deputy chairs.

The new appointments will help Victoria’s six RDA committees with their aim to grow strong and confident regions, driving economic success that links government, businesses and communities together.

Committee members were selected for their business expertise and understanding of their respective regions, bringing experience from local government, private businesses, local communities and not-for-profit sectors. New deputy chairs were selected for their knowledge, expertise and leadership and will join the RDA chairs to deliver positive change across the state.

Each RDA committee is set to deliver a 20252026 Business Plan to help diversify and grow its regional economy. The plans are tailored to each region, including collaboration to support industries such as agribusiness and tourism.

Mr Matthews’ core business is farming – he was an early adopter of pulses such as chick peas, lentils and faba beans into crop rotations. He established a pulse processing and export

New committee to develop region

business The Wimmera Grain Company, growing to export in excess of 100,000 tonnes of pulse grains to the Indian subcontinent, Middle East and North and South Asia in 2024.

Mr Matthews was chair of Rupanyup Minyip Finance Group in 1998 when the entity opened the first two community bank branches in Australia, and later went on to join the board of Bendigo and Adelaide Bank.

He has a strong interest in agribusiness, and particularly how this plays into the social and economic prosperity of regional Australia.

Ms Kwok, a director of LHLK Architects and a member of the Victoria Building Appeals Board, has held directorships in health, water, early years learning and sports sectors. She has also taught at universities in architecture, environments and business faculties.

Mr Atherton brings extensive leadership and management experience across the forestry, environmental services, utilities, and mining sectors. He previously served as the environment and community officer for Donald Mineral Sands, and worked at Horsham Rural City Council and GWMWater.

The new committees will build on previous RDA work, including supporting regional communities to transition to renewable energy, grow skilled workforces and advocate for improved digital connectivity in regional Victoria.

The RDA program, a Federal Government Initiative, includes more than 50 committees across the country with the Victorian RDA committees in partnership the State Government, supported by Regional Development Victoria.

Other committees are Barwon South West, Gippsland, Hume, Loddon Mallee and Melbourne.

To find out more, people can visit www.rdv. vic.gov.au/regional-development-australia.

ORGANISERS: From left, Geoff Baker, Linda Wundke and Leonie Marchman are ready for this year’s Operation 19:14 at Sawyer Park, Horsham. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Free family fun day returns

Free family event Operation 19:14 will feature music, activities and food at its annual gathering on Sunday. At Horsham’s Sawyer Park between 3pm and 6pm, fun bags will be available at the event’s first stop, which include passes to all the activities and an entry to the major draw, to be drawn at the con-

clusion of the event. Prizes include toys, vouchers and more, but ticket-holders must be at the draw to be eligible to win.

Voices of the Wimmera, local talent and Freestyle Dance Ministry will entertain on centre stage, and carnival games, facepainting, train rides, a photo booth, craft and food will be available.

The Willaura and District Community Development Group, in partnership with Ararat Town Hall, is excited to present comedian and television host Brian Nankervis at Willaura Memorial Hall on Saturday. Nankervis, co-host of Australian music quiz show RocKwiz,

Operation 19:14 – named from the Bible verse Matthew 19:14, ‘Let the little children come to me …’ – aims to provide a time of fun, games, laughter and memories in a space where God’s love is celebrated. Organised by Horsham’s church groups, last year’s event attracted about 500 children.

RocKwiz co-host to entertain Willaura

is set to bring his signature wit and energy to Willaura, promising plenty of laughs, music and fast-paced music trivia from the renowned poet, performer, writer, producer, and master of ceremonies.

People are invited to dress as their favourite rock legend,

pop sensation, or music icon for the event, which includes a two-course meal prepared by Paula Symons, with drinks at bar prices provided by Willaura Hall Committee.

Tickets, at $70, are available at www.trybooking.com/events/ landing/1441287.

Are your kids living in a world revolving around their passions? That’s a good thing.

It’s why the VCE’s new Vocational Major creates worlds where passions can be explored.

From agriculture to construction, health to renewable energy. Whatever world our kids are into, there’s a VCE program to help develop the skills they’ll need to land a job in Australia’s most in-demand industries.

Candidates push for preselection

More than one year until the State Election and competition among candidates for the seat of Ripon is already heating up.

Currently held by Labor’s Martha Haylett, who narrowly won the seat in the 2022 election from Liberal Louise Staley, Ripon’s 2025 election is again set to be hotly-contested by candidates.

The Nationals are also set to stand a candidate in Ripon – with Ararat Mayor Jo Armstrong touted as the likely contender.

Ms Armstrong was elected president of the Victorian National Party last year, and is expected to put her hand

up when the Nationals preselect its candidate early next year.

The preselection process for a Liberal candidate has begun with at least five contenders.

The Ararat Advocate reported last week that former Ballarat Mayor Samantha McIntosh and Central Goldfields Shire councillor Ben Green will vie for Liberal preselection, along with Learmonth farmer Suzie Morro, former police prosecutor Serge Petrovich and Denis Napthine electorate officer Nathan Anderson.

Mr Petrovich previously stood as the Liberal candidate for Mallee in the 2019 federal election.

Mr Anderson, a Lucas resident and

Triple Zero Victoria call-taker, confirmed he was seeking Liberal Party preselection for Ripon.

The father of four is also secretary of the Liberal Party’s Ripon State Electorate Conference.

Mr Anderson said Ripon was being ignored by the city-centric Labor Government.

“Our communities have borne the brunt of this government’s poor decisions – from the emergency services tax to services being stripped from our towns to massive powerlines being forced onto farms while landowners are threatened with jail,” he said.

A former journalist, Mr Anderson has been a Scout leader for many

Friendly showdown

Members of Victoria Police joined the Wimmera Whippets all-abilities sports team for a casual afternoon of fun at Horsham’s Sunnyside Bowling Club last week.

Sergeant Tianne Harris, the Horsham police service area disability liaison officer, said she organised the friendly sporting event in conjunction with the Wimmera Regional Sports Assembly.

She said it was a bonding experience for the Whippets members and police alike.

“It’s basically just an opportunity for the police members

in Horsham to come down and interact with the all-abilities teams,” she said.

“We want to get out there and really positively meet people, engage and have fun.

“Everyone was having heaps of fun. There was lots of laughter and lots of balls going in the gutters – it was good.”

Sgt Harris said police enjoyed themselves as much as the Whippets players.

“It’s probably one of the best days at work a lot of the officers have had, so it’s a really positive day for everyone,” she said.

years and serves on the Ballarat High School Council, Alfredton-Lucas Lions Club, Avoca Market Committee and other community groups.

“Ripon is my home. My family’s future is here, and I am ready to fight every day to bring this seat back to the Liberal Party,” Mr Anderson said.

“As someone active across the electorate, I know the issues our community faces.

“I also had the privilege of working for former Premier Denis Napthine, where I saw firsthand how strong local representation can deliver real outcomes for regional communities.”

Mr Anderson, who was a candidate in the Ballarat City Council election

last year, said Ripon needed a representative who would stand up for the whole electorate – from farming districts to regional centres.

“Families and farmers are doing it tough. The emergency services tax is putting pressure on households and small businesses, services are being cut from our towns and farmers face having high-voltage powerlines pushed through their land with the threat of criminalisation for protecting their properties and biosecurity,” he said.

“These are the real issues people are talking about – and they deserve to be front and centre in the State Parliament.”

Tribute to past mayor

Ararat Rural City Council has paid tribute to former mayor Edward ‘Ted’ Millear as a respected community leader following Mr Milliear’s death at the age of 93 on September 25.

Mr Millear was from Barton, Moyston and Barwon Heads and served the region as both mayor and councillor at Ararat Rural City Council, as well as holding roles with the previous Shire of Ararat.

He was first elected to the council in March 1996, re-elected in 1999, and remained a councillor until March 2002. He served as mayor from 1997 to 1998, guiding the community through a period of local development and transition.

In a statement, the council said Mr Millear was known for his commitment to public service, collaborative leadership and genuine care for Ararat and its people.

“Over six years, he devoted his energy and vision to advancing local priorities and representing residents’ interests with integrity and humility,” the statement read.

“Council honours Ted’s significant contributions, which have left a lasting legacy for future generations.”

A funeral service for Mr Millear will be at Kings Funeral Chapel, 130 Bellarine Highway, Newcomb, on Friday, at 2pm.

Horsham Historical Society will host an open day on Sunday in conjunction with History Month.

The society, at 33 Pynsent Street, will open from 1.30pm to 4.30pm, and showcase artefacts and the library. Historic Horsham film reels will be shown, and an afternoon tea available. Historical open day

Get Fire Ready this October

October is Get Fire Ready month, and CFA brigades around the state are opening their doors to help Victorians prepare for the upcoming fire season.

If you live near bush or grassland, taking the time to tidy up around your property can improve the chance of your home surviving a fire.

To keep yourself and your loved ones safe, it's essential to have a plan in place. Make sure you’ve downloaded the VicEmergency App and set your Watch Zone correctly.

Talk to your local brigade or visit cfa.vic.gov.au/getfireready for more information.

SUPPORTERS: Josh Barry, Lauren Barton and Romano Gallana, right, watch Senior Constable Ethan Schilling in action. KEEN: Amy Benbow ready to bowl. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

UNITED: Police Clayton Brown and Brandon McDonough, Garth McKenzie, Lance Rosello and Vedang Ovalekar at the Horsham Police and Wimmera Whippets lawn bowling afternoon.

Kaniva reserve under spotlight

Relocation of netball courts and lighting upgrades, new shelters, change facilities and hockey change rooms, and improved turf surfaces form part of a new draft masterplan for Kaniva Recreation Reserve

The draft masterplan plan proposes improved irrigation and lighting, developing a two-bay cricket practice net with a storage shed, installing solar panels on the Kaniva Community Hub building, upgrading drainage across the site and improving accessibility.

A new toilet block is also recommended, along with a wheeled park that would combine the existing skate park, a pump track, a bike education course and a central gathering space with barbecue and picnic facilities.

Other features include enhanced play spaces, nature-based play opportunities, and formalised roads, parking, pathways and entrances to make the reserve safer and easier to use.

West Wimmera Shire Council has released the draft master plan for the community to provide feedback before Monday.

The plan sets out a vision for the reserve for the next 10 years, covering key facilities including the oval, netball and hockey courts, skate park, showground buildings, Kaniva Community Hub, Kaniva Sporting Complex and playgrounds.

Council chief executive David Bezuidenhout said the draft plan had been shaped by community feedback, along with input from reserve user groups and state sporting organisations.

“Community ideas have played an important role in developing this draft,” he said.

“We have also taken into account the multiple

“It’s important to understand that this plan is a guide. Not every project will happen straight away, or even within 10 years, and council will not deliver them all on its own.”

– David Bezuidenhout

uses of the reserve, the ongoing costs of maintaining facilities, and the standards set by state sporting organisations, which are essential to secure external funding.

“It’s important to understand that this plan is a guide.

“Not every project will happen straight away, or even within 10 years, and council will not deliver them all on its own.

“The master plan will help the council, user groups and the community work together to prioritise investment and make sure improvements benefit all users.”

The draft master plan and supporting plans for each section of the reserve are now available to view on the council’s website and at the council’s customer service centres in Kaniva and Edenhope.

Community members are encouraged to review the draft and provide feedback via the online survey, and hard copy surveys are also available at council’s customer service centres.

For more information, to view detailed plans and complete the survey, people can go to www.westwimmera.vic.gov.au/Have-Your-Say/ Kaniva-Recreation-Reserve-Master-Plan.

VIBRANT: Stephen Stebbings of Orchids on Newbold headlined Horsham and District Orchid Society’s two-day spring show at Maydale Reserve at the weekend. Mr Stebbings led an informative workshop on how to pot orchids. Visitors, including Maralyn Thornley and Barb Blake, pictured, browsed a wide range of orchids on display. Stawell’s John Welsh won grand champion orchid of the show and Ian Notting, also of Stawell, was reserve champion. The Horsham-based, not-for-profit group meets monthly, with guest speakers and tours, as well as organising the annual showcase. Picture: PAUL

Uniting passionate musicians

The Itet Horsham Gariwerd String Ensemble will take to the stage at Horsham Uniting Church on Sunday evening.

The ensemble will be joined by mentor John Noble and artistic patrons Flinders Quartet, who will feature a special solo performance to close the first half.

After the interval, Horsham Rural City Band will take to the stage.

The ensemble, launched in

2023, continues to grow in both talent and community, with the concert set to mark another milestone in its journey.

Mr Noble founded Itet in 2011, allowing access to worldclass string chamber music across regional and rural Victoria.

He said the program broke down the barriers of distance and limited professional mentorship to create an inspiring platform where string players

could flourish. “Itet is more than music, it is a lifeline for connection,” he said.

“By uniting passionate musicians from remote and regional communities, Itet nurtures artistry while building social bonds, a sense of belonging and last friendships.”

Tickets, costing $10 for 16 and older with under 16s free, to the 5.30pm performance, will be available at the door.

CARRACHER

Praise for ‘fantastic course’

Cyclists came from across Victoria and South Aus-

tralia to enjoy the 2025 Arapiles Cycling Event on Saturday.

The event raised more than $2000 from rider fees and donations to support Wimmera Against Cancer in Kids and Natimuk Lions Club.

A total of 118 riders took part with 52 completing the 105-kilometre circuit and 50 completing the 77-kilometre loop from Natimuk to Mount Arapiles and return.

Nine riders achieved the 45km route and another seven took on the shorter 20km option.

Rest stops along the way, staffed by volunteers, provided refreshments and an opportunity to take a break and have a chat.

For many of the cyclists, the event is something they plan and

train for, with their chosen distance a goal to be achieved.

While not being a race, most riders time themselves, with the quickest 105km riders returning to Natimuk in just over three hours.

Participants commended the event, thanking organisers for their work in putting on the day.

Comments such as ‘fabulous scenery and friendly people’, ‘one of the best events I have ever ridden in’, and ‘fantastic course and a great bunch of riders’ were a common theme of the feedback.

The ACE Ride Committee acknowledges the volunteer team and support of Horsham Rural City Council, St John Ambulance, Department of Transport, AusCycling and Horsham businesses who assist to make it happen.

Uniting event

Horsham’s Uniting Church will host a free community support day on Tuesday, after Uniting Church members in outer Melbourne became aware of the drought affecting rural areas.

Congregations in the area banded together to provide the Horsham church with a ‘dollop of hope’ donation from op shop proceeds.

With this new-found money, the Horsham congregation provided care packages to rural families, including coffee sachets, teabags and mentos, as well as a message encouraging recipients to invite a neighbour for a cuppa and a chat and pamphlets for mental-health support organisations such as Beyond Blue and Headspace.

Now, the church is hosting the community support day, from 10am to 2pm, where people can gather and interact with support services such as Are-able and Catholic Care. There will be stalls hosted by local community groups in the church hall and foyer, with various prayer stations and a free sausage sizzle.

For more information, people can call 5382 4380.

Temporary closures

Roads in Ararat Rural City will be temporarily closed during the day as part of Mitchell Water’s works on the East Grampians Rural Pipeline Project.

Council officials said Denicull Creek Road would be closed to through traffic until Friday, while a short section of nearby Philip Flat Road, between Denicull Creek Road and Rocky Point Road, would be closed for two days. A further temporary daytime closure will be on Tatyoon North Road from October 14 to 23.

Council chief executive Tim Harrison said works across all locations would occur between 7am and 5.30pm daily, with roads reopening each evening and with detours to be signposted.

READY TO RIDE: Ron Goudie is ready to start the 45 and 77 kilometre rides from Natimuk on Saturday.

Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

OUTING: From left, Trevor McClure, Leanne Meyer and Steven Meyer.

Show some respect

Mad Mondays are a fun way for sports people of any code to celebrate their seasons, but are they now too risky for clubs to allow their players to participate in?

Geelong’s Mad Monday – usually a highlight of end-of-season celebrations as their players go to the next level with their costumes – came crashing down post its AFL grand final loss after star Bailey Smith posted photos with inappropriate captions on his Instagram account.

The Cats later issued a statement, saying ‘future post-season events will not continue in this current form, and we will take this moment to further educate our people on expectations and club and community standards’.

So in 2025 – when there is more scrutiny of professional sports people than ever before – is it time to give away the Mad Mondays?

I would like to think the answer is ‘no’, but the fact is it comes down to player behaviour, and in the case of Smith, that is sometimes difficult to manage at times.

He not only offended leading football journalist Caroline Wilson with his comments of a sexual nature under a picture of himself with teammate Max Holmes, who had dressed as Wilson, but it is probably his photo with captain Patrick Dangerfield that highlights a more prevalent issue in the AFL.

The photograph of Dangerfield cuddling Smith was accompanied by a caption referring to the movie Brokeback Mountain – the story of two gay cowboys – and inferring the Cats’ loss in the grand final had led to him and Dangerfield being gay.

While many have written off Smith’s behaviour as ‘harmless’ and it may be that he is not homophobic, the type of language and innunendo used is unacceptable.

Mitch Brown, a former West Coast Eagles footballer who came out as bisexual just weeks ago, called out Smith’s behaviour and the fact he linked the grand final loss to being gay.

Brown was then bombarded with public criticism and death threats, which in itself is a poor reflection on society.

In 2025, should we even need to call out homophobic behaviour, particularly by high-profile sports stars?

After the many indiscretions by AFL players

EDITORIAL

By Lauren Henry

using homophobic slurs in the past year, it is clear more education is needed.

Whether they like it or not, AFL players are influential role models and need to lead by example with their behaviour on and off the field.

The use of casual homophobic language or jokes filters down to the broader community and, most importantly, young people.

Geelong’s dismissal of the incident by way of a public statement was simply not good enough.

But it is the AFL who needs to step in, and step up, to make real change among its clubs and players. The millions of AFL fans not only include many from the LGBTQIA+ community but also their allies – it is well overdue for the AFL, clubs, players and staff to show more respect and care.

How sports people behave and what language they use can have such an influence on how young people feel about themselves and if they feel accepted in the AFL community.

It may seem a harmless comment to many, but the words and language people choose to use matters – it is exactly where homophobia and unacceptance starts, and it can be so damaging.

Having uncomfortable conversations about this topic and educating people to understand their words and actions matter is not only needed in the AFL, but the community in general.

The next time people make a homophobic joke, laugh at it, or ignore someone acting inappropriately, have a think about if your son or daughter, relative or friend were gay and how it would make them feel.

The heartbreaking reality is that LGBTQIA+ young people are six times at high risk of suicide than their straight peers – and how they are treated by society plays a significant role in that.

• Anyone experiencing mental health issues can call Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636, Lifeline, 131 114, Kids Helpline, 1800 551 800, or visit headspace.org.au.

Rural women’s wellness day

Rural women across the region are invited to take part in a special event designed to promote relaxation, connection and wellbeing.

The Let it Breathe – Rural Women’s Wellness Day on Sunday, October 19 at Barangaroo Boutique Wines, at Lower Norton, will feature a full program of activities where nature, wellness, and community flow together.

The day will begin with an outdoor yoga session with Michelle Hubble from Fulham Yoga and Pilates.

West Wimmera Shire Council, Wimmera Catchment Management Authority and Landcare are jointly organising the event as part of the Look Over the Farm Gate community grants initiative.

Council Landcare facilitator, and co-host of the event, Bindy Lees said the day was timed to honour Rural Women’s Day.

“The aim of this gathering is to recognise and celebrate the contributions of women in agriculture, conservation and leadership across the region, while also helping them learn skills to practise self-care, particularly during stressful times such as prolonged drought,” she said.

Guests will then enjoy a shared lunch of grazing boards,

Wednesday, October 8, 2025

Standing up?

The National Party’s Anne Webster recently said: “I’ve listened to and supported communities across Mallee about Labor’s botched rollout of renewables. People feel ignored and left to deal with the fallout. I am not opposed to renewables, but I reject Labor’s reckless obsession with ‘net zero’ and 100 per cent renewables. The Coalition remains technology-agnostic with a priority to deliver affordable, reliable energy.”

She claims she is ‘standing up’ for locals, but standing up for what? Not for solutions. Not for the future. Just for politics.

She has become the leader of an anti-renewables cult, with many farming communities following her like sheep. Here’s what that leadership looks like in practice.

Language of protection: She tells farmers she’s ‘listening’ and ‘standing up against Labor’s obsession’ – which flatters them and makes them feel defended.

Scapegoating: The blame is put entirely on Labor and city-based decision makers, which keeps locals angry at outsiders instead of questioning whether she’s offering them anything concrete.

No alternative plan: By being ‘technologyagnostic’ she avoids committing to any real transition pathway – which sounds safe but actually leaves communities unprepared as coal exits.

Cult-style loyalty: Because she echoes frustrations without challenging them, farmers feel validated. That loyalty can be so strong that anyone who raises pro-renewables arguments gets painted as a threat or ‘against farmers’.

While other regions grab lease payments, cheaper power and new jobs, Webster keeps communities angry and divided. She stirs resentment, rather than demanding fair consultation, proper compensation, and real community benefits. Saying ‘no’ doesn’t stop renewables.

Veronica Monaghan, Stawell

Where did the hut go?

Arapiles Historical Society is seeking public help to solve a local mystery – the fate of a once-famous shepherd’s hut dismantled nearly 60 years ago.

In December 1967, The Horsham Times reported the Thiele family of Remlaw had offered their old two-room buloke slab cabin to the Horsham Historical Society for preservation.

The hut is believed to have been built by Albert Houston in the 1870s or 1880s as part of

the Walmer Station, as an outlying shepherd’s hut which had been standing for more than 90 years. It was dismantled carefully, with each piece numbered and moved to a site known as Jardwa Park near the Horsham Showgrounds for planned reconstruction.

Former resident Merv Thiele, who helped with the dismantling as a boy, recalls unloading the parts into a heap in 1968 – but after that, the cabin vanished from public record.

The hut was a rare link to our pastoral past, made of compacted earth floors, hand-cut buloke slab walls and an iron roof. We want to know what became of it: was it ever rebuilt, stored away, or sadly lost? So far, I have contacted the following without success: property owners in the Remlaw area, Horsham Historical Society, Wimmera Association for Genealogy, Maydale Reserve Horsham Showgrounds, former Apex Club members, Horsham Rural City Council, Kurrajong Lodge at Jardwa Park and Grampians Health.

The society is calling on anyone with information, photographs, or memories relating to the hut to come forward. Please contact: arapileshistoricalsociety@gmail.com

Gianna Sudholz, research officer, Arapiles Historical Society

Time to manage crime

Safer streets and stronger laws – it’s time to turn the page on the crime crisis in Victoria.

That’s why The Nationals have announced a new $100-million Safer Communities Plan. Our new policy builds on our ‘Break Bail, Face Jail’ policy, which ensures consequences for repeat offenders.

The Safer Communities Plan includes: Jack’s Law for Victoria – giving police the power to remove weapons from our streets; Restart – a Victorian-first residential responsibility and discipline program for serious and repeat offenders; Youthstart – co-ordinated community-based interventions to help at-risk young people make better choices.

This commonsense approach combines consequences for offenders, but is also about giving young people the support, discipline and hope they need to turn their lives around.

Every Victorian deserves to feel safe – at home, at work, at the shops and on our streets. Labor can’t manage crime and regional Victorians are paying the price.

Danny O’Brien, Leader of The Nationals

canapés, and desserts. The afternoon session will feature guest speaker Dr Kathleen Bagot, environmental psychologist and Forest Therapy guide, who will explore how connecting with nature can restore wellbeing and joy.

Participants will then be guided through a nature journaling workshop, learning how to capture the beauty of the

natural world in creative and mindful ways.

The day offers an opportunity for rural women to prioritise self-care while connecting with others. Places are limited and bookings essential by Monday. For bookings, people can contact Ms Lees on 0427 886 308 or Yarrilinks Landcare facilitator Marney Durie on 0455 166 445.

SELF CARE: Michelle Hubble from Fulham Yoga and Pilates will offer gentle movement to relax the body and calm the mind at the Let it Breathe – Rural Women’s Wellness Day on October 19 at Barangaroo Boutique Wines.

White Suffolk Ram Sale

Friday,

DOORS

BURSITIS

You will either have experienced one yourself or know someone who has. What is it? How did it happen?

rsitis is an inflammation of a bursa. So, what’s a bursa? A bursa is like a little cushion which is in-between the muscle layers and allows them to slide easily over each other. They can become inflamed through a sudden injury, overuse of the muscle, or poor posture of the body. They can come and go like any inflammation and how you look after them can influence if they return or not. common place for the bursitis is the hip or the shoulder or the elbow. They can be cripplingly painful, especially in the hip and it’s painful to sit, stand or walk. If it’s in the shoulder, you have trouble lifting your arm above 90D, even if someone does it for you.

o what can a Chiropractor do?

A chiropractor can evaluate the affected area to see if it fits the signs and symptoms of a bursitis. A person may need a referral for an ultrasound which is the most effective way of identifying the issue. Importantly a chiropractor can assess the affected area and determine what chiropractic care and exercises would work best. It’s all about getting the best results for the patient.

Pauline Walsh

Heritage overlay on housing site

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

Anew heritage overlay covering part of a large Ararat block slated for housing development is unlikely to affect the project, according to Ararat Rural City Council officials.

Chief executive Tim Harrison last week updated the council on the progress of a $7.3-million project to enable the development of up to 90 new dwellings on a block bounded by Queen, McNeill, Basham and Lowe streets.

The block of about 4.8 hectares was the site of the historic Prestige Fabrics weaving mill, which was partially demolished in 2021.

Earlier this year the council announced it had received money through the Federal Government’s Housing Support Program to prime the site for development by facilitating planning and design; constructing roads, footpaths, kerb and channel, and drainage; and connecting utilities including power, water, sewerage and the National Broadband Network.

Dr Harrison said demolition of the mill, including works to remove asbestos from the site, was complete.

But he said in the course of planning the project, council officers discovered the Victorian Heritage Registry had ‘very limited’ detail about the Hospital Hill Cemetery Reserve on the northwest corner of the block.

Dr Harrison’s report to the council said a lack of information about the reserve ‘created risks for the project’.

“We’ve worked with Heritage Victoria and some heritage specialists to clearly identify the old cemetery site,” he said.

“That’s a fairly contentious site. We’ve now had that identified and that site will be protected at this point in time by Heritage Victoria overlays.

“We’ve made that really clear now and we’re able to work around the rest of the site.”

A report on Heritage Victoria’s website said the site was ‘of historical and archaeological significance at a local level’.

“The site is historically significant due to its association with the burial and funeral practices of the occupants of the early settlement of Ararat during the gold rush period of the 1850s and 1860s, and due to its potential to exhibit the burial practices of different migrant communities to the region,” the report read.

“The site has … potential to contain historical archaeological features, deposits and artefacts associated with the utilisation of the site as a cemetery during the period of 1856 to about 1865 in a period of rapid influx of population to the township of Ararat.”

But Dr Harrison said planning for the project had been unaffected despite the heritage overlay taking up about a quarter of the block.

“We’d always planned not to develop most of that site, so we haven’t lost any housing blocks at all,” he said.

Dr Harrison said the development was vital as the council sought to address a housing shortage in the region.

Of the 90 planned dwellings at the site, more than 60 will be allocated for social, community and affordable housing.

“Our region is facing a persistent housing shortage that needs action to ensure the longevity of our local economy and the sustainability of our community,” Dr Harrison said.

“Council is focused on the future. We’re actively working to attract development that will create jobs and drive investment in our region, benefiting our local businesses, industries and our residents.”

BUBBLES: Murtoa Show committee is counting sleeps until its 140th annual event next year, following an ‘amazing’ showcase at the weekend that featured more than 1000 entries in its pavilion, a plethora of free activities for children, new attractions and tried and tested favourites. Above, Lucy Rethus enjoys some bubble fun. The show is a feature of Murtoa’s BIG Weekend. See page 21 for more. Picture: PAUL

CARRACHER

Murtoa school closure confirmed

Diocese of Ballarat Catholic Education Limited, DOBCEL, chief executive Tom Sexton has confirmed Murtoa’s Our Lady Help of Christians school will close at the end of this year.

He said new enrolments were not being taken for the new school year.

“The decision to close the school at the end of 2025 is final, and enrolments are not being taken for 2026 and beyond,” he said.

“We are concerned that misinformation that was published may add to the distress already being felt by families, staff and the wider Murtoa community.

“Despite these efforts, enrolments have not materialised as hoped, and the school is no longer sustainable.”

Mr Sexton said DOBCEL remained committed to supporting families to ensure students can continue their high-quality Catholic education at another Catholic school in the region.

“Staff at the school are also being supported, with opportunities available to continue their employment at another DOBCEL school if they wish to do so,” he said.

“This outcome was not reached lightly. Over the past four years, DOBCEL and our school have left no stone unturned in efforts to improve enrolments and strengthen the school’s longterm viability.

Sheriff’s drive to help others shine

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

Margaret Sheriff’s advocacy for her life-loves have led to world-first achievements – she coached a basketball team to win Australia’s first Olympic and Paralympic gold medal at the 1992 ‘Paralympic Games for Persons with a Mental Handicap’.

Once a state-level basketballer, Victorian board member and first female president of Coburg Basketball Association, Mrs Sheriff – now living in Horsham – involved her daughters in the sport too.

Both were successful in their own rights – youngest daughter Carolyn with the Melbourne Tigers, and eldest daughter Leanne with the Special Olympics.

Mrs Sheriff worked in disability for 30 years, starting at a time when children with disabilities did not attend mainstream primary schools.

“Leanne was born with cerebral palsy and went to the Spastic Society in Pascoe Vale where they had programs for the little ones, because she was classified as ‘not educable’,” she said.

“I was quite involved with the Northwest Special Olympics Committee, and I was in charge of athletics when we took a team to Tasmania for our first games. We also had gymnastics and swimming as part of the games.

“But being a basketballer, I wanted to see more developed in basketball, so I started a program just over weekends, teaching people with intellectual disabilities how to play basketball.”

Mrs Sheriff contacted other centres to gauge interest in developing a Wednesday sports program at

TRUE BELIEVER:

Margaret Sheriff coached a basketball team to Australia’s first gold Olympic and Paralympic medal in 1992. She has been widely recognised for her advocacy work in disability and basketball, including being awarded the Australian Sports Medal.

Picture: BRONWYN HASTINGS

Coburg’s basketball stadium.

“And we did that. That was how they learned to play basketball,” she said.

“But they wanted to have competitions and everything, so I went to Basketball Victoria and asked if we could look at running a program. It has continued and is now called the Ivor Burge Program.”

Mrs Sheriff’s groundbreaking efforts continued; as the 1992 Paralympic Games approached, she campaigned other basketball associations to include their potential competitors.

“It was more or less getting the other basketball associations that had players, that could be selected, and getting the associations to support them,” she said.

“They started running programs all around Australia then, for people with

disabilities, which was something that was really outstanding. Then Basketball Australia got on board, and they flew me to every state. There were weekend camps where I ran the training sessions, selected players, worked with the people there, spoke to coaches – it was full on.

“After that, they came into this one big week of training, and the final team was selected from that.”

Mrs Sheriff’s team – the Pearls – entered the games as a trial, competing against teams who were better established. The women ranged in age, up to their mid-40s.

Assisted by team manager Robyn Smith, Mrs Sheriff coached Donna Burns – who averaged 25 points a game, Lorraine Archer, Tanya Atcheson, Gladys Delaney, Melissa

Gallacher, Fiona Hinds, Annette Kelly, Tina Kenna, Christine Humphries and Alice Toogood.

“The girls were good players, but you don’t know where you’re going to stand on a world scale,” Mrs Sheriff said.

“But, we were undefeated. We played in front of 20,000 people at Palais de Sports. We defeated France 48-27; we defeated Greece 42-32 –Donna scored 31 points in that game; we defeated Brazil 65-14; and we defeated Great Britain 60-19.

“In the final, we defeated Greece 53-21.”

The team returned home to a tickertape parade in Sydney with the whole Australian Paralympic team.

“It was absolutely beautiful. I’d never been involved in anything like

that,” Mrs Sheriff said.

“It was just wonderful, the girls were rapt.

“Those girls got an OAM from the government because they were the first team that had ever won a medal in Olympic or Paralympic basketball.”

Once Mrs Sheriff stopped coaching, she delivered workshops Australiawide to basketball training coaches on how to coach a person with a disability.

“I used to go around talking about how people with disabilities can be involved in sport and everything, because I believe in it so much,” she said.

“Don’t ever say they can’t do anything. Don’t ever say no to them. Try. Adjust. Work out a program. It can be done.”

Mrs Sheriff was awarded service medals from Special Olympics and Victorian Basketball, is part of Coburg Basketball Association’s Wall of Fame, and was awarded the Australian Sports Medal for her work with disability and basketball.

“I was very proud of that medal, and my family was proud of it,” she said.

Mrs Sheriff said while she still loved the sport, she had stepped back from any involvement.

“I see Rebecca McIntyre is running an all-abilities competition now, which is good,” she said.

Mrs Sheriff has maintained contact with her team, through visits, letterwriting and phone calls.

“It always was my love that we actually made it, and that the girls won gold,” she said.

Commitment to transparency Leading change at Harrow

BY COLIN MACGILLIVRAY

Promoting transparency and increasing community trust were stated goals behind the passage of Ararat Rural City Council motions last week.

At its September 30 meeting the council voted to adopt an updated public transparency policy, as well as a new councillor gift policy.

The eight-page public transparency document sets out goals for bringing greater clarity to the council’s decision-making processes, both at council meetings and in information disclosed through the Freedom of information Act.

It also stipulates what information the council will decline to make public, including business information that would prejudice the council’s position in commercial negotiations, as well as legal, law-enforcement, security and personal information.

Meanwhile the gifts policy updates the requirements of councillors and delegated council staff in relation to receiving gifts, favours or hospitality in their official roles.

Under the policy councillors may receive gifts of ‘token value’ – defined as less than $50 – provided they advise the mayor of the gift, while gifts of $50 or more must be assessed according to a series of criteria.

Councillors will be allowed to retain gifts, benefits, awards and prizes between $50 and $100 in value provided they declare them on a council gift register, while they are required to report and surrender anything greater than $100 in value.

Councillors are not allowed to accept cash or gift cards of any value in relation to their role.

Cr Peter Joyce said he hoped the policies

would help increase public trust in the council, and encouraged residents to read both documents.

“It’s particularly important at this time when people are making unfounded claims on social media that the council and councillors are in this to feather their own pockets or are corrupt,” he said.

“Documents like this protect us and protect our community. It’s important that we maintain these to the highest standard possible to govern our own behaviour.”

Council governance co-ordinator Chandra Wilmott said both policies represented an upgrade on the previous iterations of the documents that they replaced.

“The main changes to the gift policy are administrative and to use some everyday language,” she said.

“The last policy that we had did reference the Local Government Act quite a bit, so this is a bit more of a user-friendly policy.”

Mayor Jo Armstrong said she was proud of the council’s commitment to transparency.

“Local government is the most accountable and transparent form of government that our ratepayers can recognise, I think, in all the levels of government that people are subject to,” she said.

“I’m very pleased that we’re going through these policies on such a regular basis to keep them refreshed and applicable.”

People can view both documents on the council’s website at www.ararat.vic.gov.au/ council-meeting-30-september-2025 as attachments 3.1 and 3.2.

A full list of council policies is at www. ararat.vic.gov.au/council/council-documents/ policies.

A powerful, straight-down-theline message of social inclusion, mateship, choice and respect: that it’s okay to say no thanks –or not today – to booze will be delivered by Order of Australia recipient Shanna Whan at Harrow on Sunday. A rural woman advocate and national keynote speaker, Ms Whan is presenting at a series of regional events a mixture of education, motivation, and a fair dose of her trademark irreverent bush humour.

She was the recipient of the second-highest Order of Australia medal for her significant contributions to rural health in more than a decade through grassroots charity Sober in the Country, which she founded in 2019 after almost losing her own life to alcohol addiction that began off the back of severe trauma experienced in her gap year as a jillaroo.

Neither Ms Whan nor the Sober in the Country organisation are ‘preachers of prohibition’ and know full well that lots of people can and do enjoy a few quiet drinks socially or in moderation.

Ms Whan said the message was more about powerful leadership through creating a healthier community narrative and showing people across rural Australia – from pubs, clubs, sporting committees and various events – how social inclusion such as thoughtful catering options beyond just booze or sugary soft drinks, was helping

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Back to His Passion - SOlving Termites, Protecting Homes

Award-winning pest controller Steve Olver is back in business, doing what he does best –termite control.

For almost two decades, Steve eradicated a range of pests from people’s homes in a business he started, BugRO Pest Busters.

He le the industry about two years ago, but has come back with a fresh approach, new look, and a de ned goal.

Termite SOlver is the area’s only termite-speci c pest controller.

He and wife Rebekah are launching Termite SOlver, a er working in the industry for other companies.

“I missed it, so I’m coming back to do what I’m passionate about - termites,” he said.

“We want to make sure we o er the best

treatment for people to get termites out of their homes.”

Steve and Rebekah o er preventative prepurchase and annual inspections for all homes, from weatherboard to brick, stumps to slabs, in a 150-kilometre radius of Horsham.

“We can put together a plan for preventative treatments, or more remedial issues if termites are there, whether it’s baiting or chemical,” Steve said.

“We’re coming back with the same care and same value for dollar for our clients.”

Steve and Rebekah were named Australian Pest Manager of the Year in 2020 and 2021, and won Wimmera Business of the Year in 2021.

Termite Solver

“I’m just returning to something I love, something I have a passion for,” Steve said.

to save and change lives. “After travelling Australia for 11 years and evolving our message along with my own lived experience, what I know to be true is this: while lots of people, like my own lovely husband, can enjoy a beer or two, there is also a very real group of people we love who struggle silently with booze and have possibly fallen into addiction – just as I once did,” she said.

“And they’re either too worried about stigma to seek help or reach out, or they’re staying at home, isolated, because most bush events simply don’t take the time to cater thoughtfully for or even include non-drinkers.

“That is what worries me the most. Given the known and clear links between big issues like isolation, suicide, farm accidents, declining health, mental health and alcohol – we’re bringing this into the light in a super user-friendly way that everyone can learn something from – whether we’re drinkers or non-drinkers.

“We spend a lot of time in the bush speaking of awareness and mental health – and frankly, I reckon a lot of us are probably a bit tired of the word awareness and want to see serious change happen, and that’s what we’ve been successfully and quietly achieving, by helping communities shift to action and equipping people with practical ways to be part of easy changes and solutions.”

Event MC and Harrow Balmoral Football Netball Club member Nick Pekin said it was not weak to not drink.

“With the pressures of life, we all need to be there for each other, checking in and putting the welfare of our mates before what’s in their glass,” he said. People can find more information and book tickets at www.trybooking.com/events/ landing/1444916.

• Anyone experiencing mental health issues can call Beyond Blue on 1300 224 636, Lifeline, 131 114, Kids Helpline, 1800 551 800, or visit headspace.org.au.

Steve and Rebekah Olver from Termite SOlver.

Picture - Paul Caracher

Sober in the Country founder

Shanna Whan is guest speaker at an event in Harrow on Sunday.

The idea of downsizing can be very appealing to emptynesters.

Downsizing pros, cons FINANCE focus

There will be less cleaning, gardening and maintenance, more time for hobbies and travel, and the icing on the cake comes if you can use the cash surplus you created to give your super a significant tax-effective boost.

But is the picture totally rosy, or are there some drawbacks to downsizing?

Advantages

Boost your super: Since January 2023 it has been possible for both members of a downsizing couple to contribute, from the proceeds of the sale of their home, up to $300,000 each into their superannuation accounts, and therefore $600,000 for a couple. But there are some eligibility requirements:

• You must be aged 55 or older.

• You or your spouse must have owned the home for 10 years or more.

• The sale must be wholly or partially exempt from Capital Gains Tax – generally speaking, this means you must have lived in it as your main residence and not used it to earn income for some of those 10 years.

• You must make the contribution within 90 days of the sale, unless you’ve been granted an extension.

• You cannot have previously made any downsizer contributions.

• You must provide a downsizer contribution into superannuation form to your super fund.

Contributions cap not affected: Downsizer contributions do not count towards your concessional or

with Robert Goudie CFP GradDipFP

non-concessional super contribution caps. You can make a downsizer contribution regardless of your total super balance.

Age limit does not apply: Ordinarily, you cannot make voluntary super contributions after you turn 75, but downsizer contributions are exempt from this rule.

Tax advantage: You may choose to put your downsizer funds into super, rather than in a savings account or share investment portfolio, because superannuation is the most taxeffective place for your retirement savings. In the accumulation phase – pre-retirement and pre-pension – a super fund’s earnings are taxed at only 15 per cent, and both the fund’s earnings and your withdrawals are likely to be tax-free once you retire and start taking a pension.

Disadvantages

Impact on age pension: Once you reach retirement age, Centrelink will assess your income and assets in order to determine whether you qualify for a full or part age pension. Your family home is exempt from the Centrelink assets test, but once you sell it and put all or part of the proceeds into super, the proceeds will count towards both the assets and income test. You may receive a lower age pension as a result. You may have to wait a while: In order to access your super you must

reach preservation age and retire, or turn 65. So, if you’re under preservation age, or under 65 and not retired, your downsizer funds may be locked away for a few years.

Investment risk: Superannuation funds typically invest in the share market and are subject to market volatility. If you’re totally risk averse, and are prepared to miss out on the tax advantages, you may prefer to put your downsizer funds into a high interest savings account.

Cost to your estate: Your beneficiaries can usually inherit your home tax-free after your death, but tax is payable on superannuation death benefits, at a rate of up to 17 per cent, including Medicare levy, on the taxed element of your super, and up to 32 per cent on any untaxed element.

Weigh the pros and cons and get professional advice.

Downsizing will not automatically generate a cash bonanza, since you may decide to move to an area where the real estate is more expensive, or choose a more upmarket property.

A smaller residence may mean less work, but it’s also possible that your family will not be able to visit you comfortably, and you may lose access to a garden or your former community.

When it comes to the question of superannuation contributions and taxation, downsizing has many benefits, but also complexities, which have only been discussed in a general way in this article.

Before you act, seeking financial advice applicable to your particular circumstances is highly recommended.

INVESTIGATION: Ararat West Primary School students explored the concept of a circular economy at a tour of the rural city’s transfer station.

Students get hands-on

A group of Ararat West Primary School students received a hands-on lesson in recycling and sustainable living at Ararat Transfer Station last month.

The tour, supported by Ararat Rural City Council, showcased how each area of the transfer station operated, guiding students through the steps involved in sorting and handling different types of waste.

During the tour, students explored the concept of a circular economy and were asked to consider how it improved on traditional models by reducing waste and making better use of resources.

Deputy Mayor Bob Sanders said the fashion industry was used as a key example, prompting discussion on the environmental impact of fast

fashion, textile waste and overuse of raw materials.

He said through group activities and conversation, students investigated solutions such as recycling textiles, repairing clothing and supporting sustainable brands, as well as learning about local action led by the council to reduce landfill, promote recycling and encourage sustainable behaviour in the community.

“The students asked terrific questions and showed a real understanding of how global issues connect with our local efforts,” he said.

“By learning how council approaches waste management and sustainability, they are helping build a future that values responsibility and respect for the environment.”

Tradies’ breakfast set for Horsham

WorkSafe is hosting a series of free tradies’ breakfasts across the state, including in Horsham, during Health and Safety Month this October.

Employers and employees are encouraged to attend, to share their stories and find out the latest in construction industry safety while enjoying a free meal.

Experts will cover key safety topics such as fall prevention, including timber guardrails and scaffold industry standards, safe work method statements and crystalline silica exposure, while WorkSafe inspectors will provide insights on local trends.

Attendees will also have an opportunity to have any health and safety questions answered before each event wraps up with a networking session.

WorkSafe chief health and safety officer Sam Jenkin said the free events gave tradies a chance to hear valuable expert advice while sharing their own stories and lessons learned.

“Construction remains one of the most hazardous industries in Victoria with a significant number of incidents each year, which is why we have developed a tailored approach to focus on the key hazards to reduce harm,” he said.

“These breakfasts are a great way for tradies to boost their knowledge in key areas while sharing their own experiences to help create an ongoing culture of health and safety on site.”

Construction is among the five priority industries being targeted by WorkSafe during the next 12 months as part of a strategic approach to reducing workplace harm.

Over the past five years, there have been 67 confirmed workplace fatalities in construction, more than any other industry.

Long-term contact with chemicals or substances, 19, and falls from height, 17, were the top causes of death.

For 2024-25, WorkSafe has accepted 3294 injury claims from workers in the industry, with muscular stress due to manual handling the largest contributor.

WorkSafe’s roadshow of events across regional Victoria and Melbourne will be followed by a week-long series of Health and Safety Month webinars towards the end of October.

For more information or to register for the tradies’ breakfast at Horsham’s Coughlin Park on Thursday, October 23, people can visit worksafe.vic.gov.au/events.

Warracknabeal monster fair

A collection of old and specialised books from the library of Fr Charles Helms will be sold at the Anglican Parish of Warracknabeal’s 140th Year Monster Book Fair this weekend.

Priced from $1 per book, with several rare and precious books for sale at bargain prices, fair co-ordinator Gaye Golder said she was in awe of Fr Charles’ collection.

“We are very keen for them to reside in a new home, and I think there will be a book for everyone,” she said.

Fr Charles curated a book collection with themes of African, Islander and Australian, art and architecture, theological and spirituality, as well as

children’s books. The extensive collection gathered over Fr Charles’ 65 years in ministry is a testament to intellect, inclusion and the search for meaning and understanding.

Ms Golder said that within the collection, there were some rare and specialised books that may interest the discerning collector.

“They will be available for negotiated prices,” she said.

“Our research to date suggests they are of significant value and would enhance any bookshelf in someone’s home.”

Reverend James Wood said it was a privilege and an honour to be able to offer the books to collectors and read-

ers alike. “There is absolutely nothing like holding a piece of history in your hand – with the scent of time and understanding permeating the senses in this collection,” he said.

“We are delighted to be able to welcome people over the Monster Book Fair weekend to our Parish Centre – and trust that we can pass on these collected treasures to more households within our town and region.”

The fair, from 10am to 4pm Saturday and Sunday, is part of a series of events that celebrate the parish’s 140 years in the region.

Heart health research presentation

Information on a pioneering heart failure research project at Horsham’s Lister House Clinic will be presented to the public by Professor Simon Stewart later this month.

A University of Notre Dame Australia researcher, Prof Stewart has dedicated his career to better-understanding and responding to the

needs of people most affected by poor heart heath. He will discuss the project and its benefits at Horsham Golf Club on October 15 in a Rotary Club of Horsham East-hosted dinner event, starting at 6pm.

Tickets are cash-only and available from Horsham Plaza centre management.

Industrial Land For Sale

1189 Brimpaen-Laharum Road, Brimpaen

952.05ha / 2352.56 acres

Southern Wimmera Cropping/Grazing – Great opp. to secure reliable farming land all in one location in 6 titles. Well-drained with brown loam soil types & a good clover history. Exc. water assets & fencing, good 3BR home, 3-stand shearing shed, sheep yards. 40kms south of Horsham with Grampians views.

PRICED @ $4800 per acre – $11,292,288

Mark Clyne M 0417 568 200

6080 Western Highway, Dadswells Bridge 129.42ha / 319.80 acres

Looking for a scenic income producing block with some lifestyle benefits along with great mountain views. Loamy soil types suitable for grazing or opportunity cropping. Divided into 5 paddocks, well-watered with several dams, solar bore & troughs. Over 1.0 km of frontage to Mt William Creek.

NEW PRICE @ $2500 per acre – $799,500

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HISTORY IN YOUR HAND: Warracknabeal Anglican Church priest Reverend James Wood and fair co-ordinator Gaye Golder promote this weekend’s monster fair.

Halls Gap Community Update

Interruption to water supply - Halls Gap 11.30 pm Thursday 9 October to 1.30 am Friday 10 October 2025

GWMWater contractors, HGP Civil, will be undertaking proactive renewals and maintenance works in Halls Gap. The works will be completed overnight to minimise disruption to businesses and customers.

Traffic management will be in place near the work site and we ask drivers in the area to observe traffic management signage.

Our contractors will make every effort to minimise noise levels throughout the works and to restore water supply as quickly as possible.

To keep up-to-date with this and other service interruptions, visit our website at gwmwater.org.au/service-disruptions or contact our Customer Call Centre on 1300 659 961 during business hours. To report service difficulties or faults ring 1800 188 586 any time.

Mark Williams Managing Director

gwmwater.org.au

1300 659 961 (general enquiries)

CFA events to get fire ready

Country Fire Authority, CFA, has launched Get Fire Ready – its largest initiative yet, with more than 530 events scheduled across Victoria in anticipation of a potentially challenging fire season.

Designed to engage residents directly, the sessions offer practical advice and resources to help people understand their fire risk, develop a fire plan, and know where to access emergency information.

CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said preparedness saved lives.

“By getting fire ready now, communities can reduce their risk and respond quickly if fire threatens,” he said.

“Our most recent bushfire survey shows that an alarming number of Victorians living in high-risk bushfire prone areas do not perceive bushfire to be a threat.

“Many still believe leaving early is not the best option, and would instead stay and protect their property, or wait until they feel threatened or receive advice.

“Get Fire Ready is just that – getting communities ready for fire season, knowing what their risks are and how they can prepare.”

CFA is urging all Victorians, especially those in high-risk areas, to attend Get Fire Ready events.

Mr Heffernan said preparation does not need to be complicated.

“Clearing gutters, mowing lawns, trimming branches, knowing where you’ll go if a fire breaks out, and setting a watch zone in the VicEmergency app can make a real difference in an emergency,” he said.

Dimboola will host an information evening, including a sausage sizzle, planning tips and resources tomorrow, Thursday, from 7pm to 8.30pm at Dimboola Community Hub.

Laharum will host a similar event from 7pm to 8.30pm at Cameron Oval football rooms on Friday.

Stuart Mill’s Sunday session is from 11.30am to 1.30pm at its fire station,

offering safety tips for the home and family, and an opportunity to meet firefighters.

Ararat’s event, from 10am to 2pm also on Sunday, will feature Marshall from Paw Patrol as well as a sausage sizzle to support its junior brigade, and other emergency services.

Sunday, October 19 will see events at Barkly and Frenchman’s fire station, from 1.30pm to 4pm, and at Mirranatwa from 2pm to 4pm. People can meet crews and learn safety tips at both, and enjoy a barbecue lunch at Barkly and Frenchman’s events.

Halls Gap’s event is from 5.30pm to 7.30pm on October 20 at the town’s recreation reserve.

Litchfield will host an event is from 5pm to 8pm at its fire station on October 24, and Laen East’s forum is from 5.30pm to 9.30pm on October 24 at its fire station.

Horsham’s November 16 event, from 10am to 2pm, will include a sausage sizzle, activities, facepainting, tours and an historical display.

Sessions have already taken place at Kadnook, Patyah, Goroke, Nhill and St Arnaud.

People can find a complete list of Get Fire Ready sessions at website www.cfa. vic.gov.au/getfireready.

DRAWCARD: A container cube complete with ‘Murtoa’ in flashing lights was a spectacular entrance to the lighting trail at Rabl Park.

Delighted crowds at big weekend

A Wimmera-first container cube lit the night landscape at Murtoa’s BIG Weekend, an attraction among many that brought hundreds of people to the town during the twoday event.

Event organiser Natasha Pietsch said the town’s community groups were thrilled by attendees’ feedback.

“We had the incredible IBC container cube complete with ‘Murtoa’ in flashing lights, which was a spectacular entrance to the lighting trail at Rabl Park,” she said.

“Shannons Show’n’Shine drew an incredible number of cars and motorbikes, much to the delight of a large crowd admiring the vast assortment of vehicles.”

Ms Pietsch said Murtoa Cup Day was packed to capacity with great vibes, and youth were treated to a UV-themed DJ disco, while ‘Sing’ was screened for the younger ones.

“The art exhibition and sale drew many quality entries, with sales that assist with fundraising for Murtoa Historical Society. We also

“We also had talented musicians at Murtoa Music, and Lake Market was successful.

had a piece of art donated by Peter Hill that was silent auctioned during the exhibition,” she said. There were tours of the Stick Shed, while the Wimmera Inland Freezing Works Historic Engine Rally entertained large crowds over the two-day rally.

“Murtoa community groups are genuinely excited with the attendance for Murtoa’s Big Weekend and the quality feedback received,” Ms Pietsch said.

“They thank everyone for coming to Murtoa to share in the event experiences.”

Stawell auxiliary fashion showcase

Stawell Hospital Auxiliary will host a fashion parade on Friday evening, showcasing fashion, friendship and community spirit.

The event, at the Powerhouse building, 42 Sloane Street, starting

at 7pm, will raise money for equipment for the Stawell hospital.

There will be local stores showcasing their spring and summer collections for women, men and children, modelled by Stawell residents.

People are encouraged to take cash to purchase raffle tickets for a major raffle draw on the night. Tickets, costing $20, including supper, can be purchased at the door or by calling Pam Byron 0428 598 272.

CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan

EAST GRAMPIANS HEALTH SERVICE HOME SUPPORT

Celebrations of community spirit

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

Warracknabeal, Kaniva and Rainbow

continue the run of agricultural and pastoral shows across the region, with events in the next week, bringing their communities together for a mix of traditional and unique celebrations.

Tomorrow’s Warracknabeal Show will feature vintage cars, an animal nursery, shearing displays, a sheaf toss, Apex pick-a-box, Warracknabeal and District Band, and pavilion entries.

Horse events commence at 9am, with the official opening at 2pm and grand parade at 3pm.

At 2.30pm show girl and show boy competitions will take place, and young lady, young man, and lady of the day will be announced.

The Junior Show Ambassador and Rural Ambassador awards will also be presented.

Kaniva’s show on Saturday will feature Muster Dogs champion Kim Dodson and her dog Banjo opening the event at 1.30pm.

Ms Dodson and Banjo will also entertain the crowd with a demonstration, and puppies will be on show for families to meet.

Children will be entertained with hands-on activities, including a new sandpit dig, where children can uncover numbers to claim prizes.

Kaniva Playgroup will bring kids’ pedal tractors to the showgrounds, as well as generously funding Wozza and the Animals of Magic Mountain, a lively performance full of singing, dancing and adventure.

Sideshow Alley will be packed with attractions, including a big ride guaranteed to thrill showgoers of all ages.

Car and bike enthusiasts will enjoy the car and bike show, now under the direction of new organisers, with plenty of categories and prizes up for grabs. For those looking for a challenge, the Farmers’ Challenge is back.

As always, the showgrounds will be buzzing with exhibits and displays, from the sheep, wool and grain to the dog and horse sections. The LEGO Masters competition is back bigger and better this year, now moved into the complex with more space for entries and displays.

EGHS@Home provides community based aged care and HACC services to people living in Ararat Rural City.

These services include personal care, domestic assistance, shopping assistance, exible respite, home maintenance, home modi cation and meals on wheels.

These services play a vital role in improving the health and wellbeing of our community and enable people to stay in their own homes safely and well for longer.

Services operate Monday to Friday 8am-5pm.

For further information, please call Janelle Smith, Manager EGHS@Home 5352 9556.

The poultry shed also makes its return to the show this year, sure to be a favourite for both exhibitors and visitors.

Visitors can also enjoy market stalls, live demonstrations of spinning, weaving, mosaics and painting, and there will be plenty of animals to see in the nursery.

Once inside the gates, there is a huge range of attractions, displays and activities to enjoy at no extra cost.

Evening entertainment includes sheep races at 5.30pm, followed by musical act The Austins returning by popular demand, performing live from 6.30pm. A fireworks display at about 8.30pm will close the evening.

Kaniva A and P Society president Jim Alexander said the committee was proud of the program on offer.

“This year’s show has something for everyone, from animals to attractions, competitions to live music,” he said.

“It’s a true community celebration, and we’re so excited to welcome everyone through the gates.”

On Tuesday, the Rainbow Show will feature a huge range of pavilion entries, from home industries and home-grown vegetables, fodder, fruit and vegetables. Cut flowers, floral art, sewing and student sections add interest, and the photography section is shaping up to have an impressive number of entries.

A students’ section caters to pre-school children, who can enter chocolate crackles, honey crackles, decorated biscuits and truffles, while primary and secondary students can enter items such as slices, cupcakes, bread and muffins. Tractors are returning after several years to be part of the grand parade, with prizes awarded in several sections.

The show circuit continues with Nhill’s event on October 16, Dimboola’s on October 18, Jeparit’s is October 19, Stawell’s October 25 and Ararat’s on October 26.

For more information, people can check the shows’ respective Facebook pages or contact organising groups.

FAMILY FUN: Eugenie Clark and her children Sunday and Leo Looker enjoy Murtoa Show.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

GOROKE SHOW: Goroke Agricultural and Pastoral Society offered a plethora of activities for patrons of all ages to celebrate its 135 years – with ribbons, stirrups and shears.

Pictured enjoying the annual event are, clockwise from left: Georgia Hahn with a Brummy’s Blacks sheep; Mick Foster watches his son Tyson; Joy Wheaton judging flowers; Stewards Louise Gabbe and Michele Mulraney inspect cakes; Max Carter; Tiffany Walton on ‘Big Red’ during the stockman’s time trial; and centre, Tilly East.

Free Community Support Day

This Day is designed to;

* Provide the community an opportunity engage with support services within Horsham such as Uniting, Areable, Catholic Care and more.

* An informative time to interact with support services

* Free to the public and local secondary school groups.

* Various forms of prayer stations will be available

* Church open for prayer or quiet time

We will also be providing a free sausage sizzle lunch for those who attend The Horsham Uniting Church is holding a

When: Tuesday 14th October, 10am – 2pm

Where: Horsham Uniting Church, 10 Pynsent Street

Off street is parking available

Who: Members of the public and school groups

JOIN THE CELEBRATION: Horsham Arts Council invites people to join an inspiring evening of music, movement and meaning as it presents Godspell to audiences at Horsham Town Hall, starting Friday. Godspell is a vibrant and uplifting retelling of the Gospel according to Matthew, brought to life through an eclectic blend of musical styles, heartfelt storytelling, and joyful celebration. Pictured during a dress rehearsal are, clockwise from left, Jed Prouse; Noah Mibus, Harriet Overman and Jorja Polglase; Mibus and Jess Wilson; Mibus; Polglase, Larson Versteegen and Lily Risson; Eashaan Dassanayaka and Cella Atherton; and the entire Godspell cast. People can purchase tickets for the seven-show run, from Friday to Sunday, October 19, via Horsham Town Hall website or box office.

TaKe a BReaK

on

day

From The Weekly Advertiser archives: October 6, 2005 –Ararat paramedic Andrew Semmens instructs Ararat Ambulance Auxiliary president Gwenda Allgood on the correct use of a new training mannequin. Ararat Rural City Council’s community grants project enabled the purchase of the $5000 mannequin. The auxiliary was fundraising to prepare for the opening of the town’s new ambulance station – opposite J Ward – in November.

10 years ago: October 7, 2015

Horsham’s scheduled attempt to set a Guinness World Record of people dancing the ‘Nutbush’ won a tick of approval from the London-based Guinness organisation. To create a new world record, the project had to involve a minimum of 400 dancers doing the ‘Nutbush’ for five minutes and 15 seconds. Organisers won permission to use Horsham City Oval for their official attempt.

Five years ago: October 7, 2020

Horsham and District Relay for Life organisers confirmed the event raised about $49,600 for the fight against cancer, despite not going ahead amid COVID-19 restrictions. The highest moneyraisers were Team Marco’s Family and Friends, raising more than $20,000, and Horsham Primary School with $7000.

One year ago: October 9, 2024

Murtoa BIG Weekend organisers were thrilled by the quality of events offered to attendees – from the Agricultural and Pastoral Show to the Murtoa Cup. Natasha Pietsch said attractions and fine weather drew big crowds across the three-day event, entertained by light displays, market stall, live music and more.

1. Born on this day in 1949 was which American actress, who played the movie roles of Dian Fossey, Dana Barrett, Ripley and Chaffee Bicknell?

2. Name one landlocked country in Europe?

3. Which character did Guy Pearce play on television soap opera Neighbours – Des Clarke, Billy Kennedy, Joel Samuels or Mike Young?

4. Who succeeded Neville Chamberlain as Prime Minister in 1940?

5. What common plant has the scientific name ‘zea mays’?

6. In what year were the dances ‘Mashed Potato’, ‘The LocoMotion’, the ‘Frug’, the ‘Monkey’ and the ‘Funky Chicken’ popular – 1943, 1953, 1963 or 1973?

7. Who said, ‘I’m not offended by blonde jokes because I know I’m not dumb … and I also know that I’m not blonde’?

8. Which is the largest desert in Australia – Gibson, Great Sandy, Great Victoria or Simpson?

9. Former Australian Democrats leader Janet Powell, during her childhood and later during her teaching career, called what Wimmera centre home?

10. On this day in 1978, which American Formula 1 driver finished 10th in a Lotus in the season-ending Canadian Grand Prix at Ile Notre-Dame Circuit, but won his first Formula 1 World Drivers’ Championship by 13 points from Ronnie Peterson?

FOR THE WEEK OCTOBER 12 TO OCTOBER 18

ARIES (March 21 - April 20)

Lucky Colour: Cream

Lucky Day: Monday

Racing Numbers: 9, 6, 2, 3

Lotto Numbers: 9, 12, 23, 36, 34, 45

2. There are 14 – Andorra, Austria, Belarus, Czech Republic, Hungary, Liechtenstein, Luxembourg, Macedonia, Moldova, San Marino, Serbia, Slovakia, Switzerland, and Vatican City. 3. Mike Young. Pearce was 18 when he joined the show in 1986. He stayed for three years. 4. Winston Churchill. 5. Maize, also known as corn. 6. 1963. 7. Dolly Parton. 8.

Answers: 1. Sigourney Weaver. The characters were in the movies Gorillas in the Mist, Ghostbusters, Aliens and Baby Mama, respectively.

Great Victoria Desert. It covers about 348,750 square kilometers and spans across both Western Australia and South Australia. This vast arid wilderness features red sand dunes, stony plains, and dry salt lakes, and it is the seventh-largest subtropical desert in the world. 9. Nhill. 10. Mario Andretti. Getting in

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

This week, long-distance communication, whether by mail or phone, is prominent. Your workload may increase significantly. Take time to reassess your spending habits for better financial management.

TAURUS (April 21 - May 20)

Lucky Colour: Peach

Lucky Day: Tuesday

Racing Numbers: 5, 6, 2, 3

Lotto Numbers: 5, 12, 24, 40, 26, 33

People may discuss your actions, and you might find yourself at the centre of a public issue. Your response now could significantly impact your career prospects in the long term.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 21)

Lucky Colour: Yellow

Lucky Day: Wednesday

Racing Numbers: 9, 6, 5, 3

Lotto Numbers: 9, 15, 26, 35, 36, 3

Troubles in your love life may spill over into your work. Don’t let others upset you unnecessarily. You might receive financial rewards from past efforts.

CANCER (June 22 - July 22)

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Thursday

Racing Numbers: 4, 6, 2, 5

Lotto Numbers: 4, 12, 25, 29, 8, 4

Positive changes are on the horizon, including improvements in your health and financial situation. You’ll feel more energetic and open to new ideas, possibly leading to an increase in income.

LEO (July 23 - August 22)

Lucky Colour: Violet

Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 4, 6, 5, 2

Lotto Numbers: 4, 7, 12, 26, 35, 36

Stick to your ideas and trust your instincts. This is not the time to let others sway you. Social activities and growing interest in your personality will keep you in the spotlight.

VIRGO (August 23 - September 23)

Lucky Colour: Orange

Lucky Day: Sunday Racing Numbers: 3, 6, 9, 5

Lotto Numbers: 9, 5, 12, 24, 45, 40

Keep a tight grip on your finances and avoid splurging on unnecessary items. You might reconnect with people you haven’t seen in years, which can bring nostalgia and new opportunities.

LIBRA (September 24 - October 23)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Tuesday

Racing Numbers: 8, 6, 5, 2

Lotto Numbers: 8, 12, 26, 35, 40, 22

Don’t overextend yourself by cleaning up others’ messes. Your workload may be heavier than usual, requiring you to be assertive about your needs.

SCORPIO (October 24 - November 22)

Lucky Colour: Mauve

Lucky Day: Wednesday

Racing Numbers: 5, 2, 3, 1

Lotto Numbers: 5, 12, 23, 32, 20, 3

Expect plenty of travel, and your communication skills will help you navigate tricky situations. Be ready to adapt to unexpected changes in your schedule.

SAGITTARIUS (November 23 - December 20)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Saturday

Racing Numbers: 5, 6, 2, 1

Lotto Numbers: 5, 12, 45, 40, 9, 7

Seek expert advice for complex issues to avoid missteps. Patience and cooperation with others will help you navigate the coming weeks without incident.

CAPRICORN (December 21 - January 19)

Lucky Colour: Dark Blue

Lucky Day: Wednesday

Racing Numbers: 1, 3, 2, 5

Lotto Numbers: 1, 12, 15, 26, 36, 37

Home and family life will be peaceful, and you’ll feel content romantically. Be prepared for unexpected visitors from afar, who will add excitement to your routine.

AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 19)

Lucky Colour: Silver

Lucky Day: Thursday

Racing Numbers: 4, 6, 5, 2

Lotto Numbers: 4, 12, 26, 35, 5, 1

Luck could come through real estate ventures. Although your social life may be bustling, take some time for yourself and express love to those who matter most.

PISCES (February 20 - March 20)

Lucky Colour: Red

Lucky Day: Monday

Racing Numbers: 4, 6, 8, 9

Lotto Numbers: 4, 12, 26, 39, 8, 33

Double-check travel plans before departure, and bring hidden business ideas into the open. Romantic opportunities are in the cards, adding excitement to your week. yoUR lUCKy STaRS wiTh SaRah KUlKenS Australia’s Trusted

October 8-12, 2025

House beneficiary of raffle proceeds

Horsham’s Rotary House is this year’s beneficiary of Rotary Club of Horsham East Art Fair’s raffle proceeds.

The 20-year-old house, which has five separate bedrooms with ensuites, houses people whose family members have extended hospital stays.

Club member Pam Clarke said money raised at the fair would go towards ongoing maintenance costs at the house, which featured a lowmaintenance yard.

“We’ve put artificial grass in, and most recently have taken out some trees, trimmed others, and cleaned the concrete paths,” she said.

“It was a bit overgrown and looking shabby, so a lot of work had to be done.”

The house was built after a similar house was established at Ballarat for people and their partners or families travelling for medical appointments.

Mrs Clarke said Horsham and district clubs contributed to Ballarat’s Rotary House.

“All the clubs here actually donated to the one in Ballarat, but there was also a need for one here to support this hospital and all our surrounding areas,” she said.

“When the Horsham house was built, all the tradies gave their time, and a lot of the businesses around Horsham and surrounding areas donated items for the house, too.

“It was a real community effort, and all of the Rotary clubs in this whole region put in for this. Members from each club were a part of the building committee.”

Mrs Clarke said although Horsham volunteers maintain the Horsham house, they do not use it.

“Horsham doesn’t benefit from this, it’s the outlying areas. But when people from Horsham need somewhere to go to in Ballarat, they use that one – we have used the Ballarat one ourselves,” she said.

“While I’ve been selling raffle tickets at the plaza, I’ve had three people say that they’ve used it a few times, another bloke who had a lot of tests done stayed here, and another lady said she stayed for a month while her husband was in intensive care, so it’s used a lot for all different families.”

Mrs Clarke said the house and its bookings were managed by the hospital.

“It’s a great facility, they’ve got individual rooms, and common kitchen and living areas where people can find others to talk to or rest,” she said. The art fair has supported a different cause each year. In the past it has contributed to projects including Wimmera Cancer Centre, facilities at Horsham Aerodrome, and The Wesley.

Artists prepare fair entries

H

orsham hobby watercolourist Di Dale is among the district’s artists and photographers preparing for the weekend’s Rotary Club of Horsham East Art Fair.

Ms Dale, secretary of Horsham Artists’ Society, said the fair was the biggest of its kind in Horsham.

“It’s a very good show, it’s very supportive of all the artists in the area,” she said.

“We’re always keen to support it because it’s the biggest for Horsham. If we didn’t have it, we wouldn’t have anything.”

Ms Dale said her late mother was her inspiration to paint.

“My mother, Gwendda Smith, was a very good watercolourist, I’m nowhere close to her,” she said.

“I enjoy the process. I tend to go around and

take photos of scenes that I like and then paint. Good drawing is the basis of any watercolour, but you’ve got to be prepared. It’s only a sheet of paper and water-based paint, but you’ve just got to be prepared to go through a lot of paper to get one that you’re satisfied with.”

Ms Dale paints each Saturday morning with the artists’ society, part of Horsham’s Makers’ Gallery and Studio, where new members are welcome.

Her displayed works at the fair will be for sale, including the pictured canola and garden scenes.

“These are two completely different ones – I like the freshness of the sky with the canola,” she said.

“I have sold one or two at other fairs, I don’t put much on them, it’s just something that I like to do.”

SELECTED: Horsham artist Di Dale has selected 12 of her landscapes to enter in this year’s Rotary fair.

FOR A CAUSE: Rotary Club of Horsham East members, from left, Michael Clarke, Rick Hopper and Chas McDonald at Horsham Rotary House. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

• The Grampians – lawn area under the umbrellas • The Arapiles Deck • The indoor lounge areas Christmas parties, Hens parties, Baby showers and Birthday Parties, we can help you out and help plan your event.

Cellar Door / Vineyard: 758 Plush Hannans Road, Lower Norton, Victoria, 3401 For bookings phone 0417 532 145 | Email: wines@nortonestate.com.au Web: www.nortonestate.com.au | fb: Norton Estate Wines

Spring Garden & Lifestyle Festival

All in place for growing festival

ENTERTAINMENT: Country music artist Leah Briggs will perform both days of the festival.

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

Plants, giftware, live music, food, activities, displays and lifestyle features will be on show at Horsham Spring Garden and Lifestyle Festival’s 35th annual event at the weekend.

Organiser Graham Gerlach said the event, suitably located at Horsham Botanic Gardens, would feature the favourites of past years, as well as some new exhibitors and performers.

“Musician Leah Briggs is set to perform at times between 11am and 3pm both days,” he said.

“And Blossum Blend Nursery, who is new to our festival, will be doing a children’s activity during the weekend.

“We’ve also got nurseries and plant suppliers including Plant Passion, Wimmera Aquatrail’s nursery, Unbeleafable, and Wail nursery Dalki Garringa – whose Elizabeth Mace will

“We feel so blessed that we can run this at the botanic gardens, it certainly adds to the atmosphere of the event”

– Graham Gerlach

speak. That’s a bit of a coup, she’s going to take people around the gardens and talk about the native garden that’s there.”

Mr Gerlach said other exhibitors include Mt Stapylton Wines, Lop the Top, Blue Dragon Crystals, and Cluck n Go chickens.

“We’ve also got Warracknabeal Pottery, Wimmera Mallee Ag, and Ambulance Victoria promoting Shocktober – they had a great response to their campaign last year,” he said.

“Horsham Rotary is doing coffee, Timboon Ice-cream will be there, as well as Spuddy Good, and Horsham Motor Sports Club is doing a barbecue

with an extended menu, to give people more choices.”

Mr Gerlach said Horsham’s pipe band would appear at about lunchtime on Sunday, and the weekendlong photograph exhibition would add some interest.

“Hundred-year-old photos in the lifestyle section will be interesting,” he said.

“They date back to the early 1900s and feature all kinds of places around Horsham.”

Mr Gerlach said there would also be a raffle, supported by the event’s sponsors. The festival will run from 9am to 4pm both days and costs $6 to enter. Children under the age of 16 can attend free of charge.

“We feel so blessed that we can run this at the botanic gardens, it certainly adds to the atmosphere of the event,” he said.

Showcase of times past

Adisplay of historical photographs by Horsham photographers will feature at the Horsham Spring Garden and Lifestyle Festival this weekend.

Festival organiser Graham Gerlach said the photographs were taken of well-known landmarks in the Horsham area by SG Cahill and Hugh Jenkins.

“SG Cahill was a photographer very early in Horsham, and after the First World War, Hugh Jenkins took over from Mr Cahill – so they’re very old, more than 100 years, ” he said.

“Hugh Jenkins was my wife Bronwyn’s father, so she has two suit-

cases full of photographs in beautiful mounts that he used to display regularly.

“There was a worry that they would be spoiled or damaged, but Bronwyn said they sit in a case at home and noone sees them – and Hugh had given the negatives to the historical society anyway, these are just our copies.”

Mr Gerlach said about 94 A4-sized photographs would be displayed in the rotunda at the gardens during the festival.

The photographs include scenes of hotels, streets, events, people and industry.

Spring Garden & Lifestyle Festival

Mealworm frass magic runs deep

Narrow Road Living’s mealworm frass can be used as part of a natural loop to grow strong, resilient plants – and it will be available to buy at this weekend’s Horsham Spring Garden and Lifestyle Festival.

Narrow Road Living owner Kate Morgan said the loop started with food scraps feeding insects, the insects then leaving behind frass, and that frass going back into the soil to grow more healthy plants.

“It looks a bit like dry soil, but don’t be fooled,” she said.

“This humble by-product is brimming with life. Gardeners are beginning to recognise mealworm frass as more than waste. It is a gentle, slowrelease fertiliser that feeds both plants and the living soil beneath them.”

Mrs Morgan said that frass carried a modest balance of nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium, enough to give seedlings and vegetables a steady start.

“But the magic runs deeper,” she said.

“Inside every handful are traces of chitin, the same substance that makes up insect shells. When plants sense chitin in the soil, they respond as if a challenge is near.

“They strengthen their defences and call on beneficial microbes to lend a hand. It is like giv-

“We will also have the full range of our natural homestead products, including beeswax candles, lip balm, Manuka honey moisturiser, magnesium recovery balm, magnesium oil spray, and more”

– Kate Morgan

ing your garden a quiet nudge to toughen up.”

Researchers have shown that frass does not just deliver nutrients – it also wakes up the soil food web.

Frass helps roots dig deeper, leaves shine greener, and soils stay richer.

Mrs Morgan said a little goes a long way, making frass an easy and sustainable addition to any garden.

“If people would like to try it for themselves, they can come to our stand at the festival, where I will have a special on bags of mealworm frass organic plant fertiliser,” she said.

“We will also have the full range of our natural homestead products, including beeswax candles, lip balm, Manuka honey moisturiser, magnesium recovery balm, magnesium oil spray, and more.

“If people mention this article on the day, they will receive 10 per cent off their purchase.”

ON THE ROAD: Narrow Road Living owner Kate Morgan will share details of mealworm

35th Annual Horsham

Spring Garden & Lifestyle Festival

Opportunity to learn CPR

Ambulance Victoria will offer people the opportunity to learn cardiopulmonary resuscitation, CPR, at Horsham’s Spring Garden and Lifestyle Festival at the weekend, as part of its annual Shocktober ‘Call Push Shock’ campaign.

Statistics show more people in Victoria are suffering cardiac arrests than ever before, so Ambulance Victoria is encouraging people to learn or refresh their CPR skills and sign up to be a GoodSAM responder.

A cardiac arrest occurs when a person’s heart suddenly stops pumping blood effectively around the body.

Last year, Ambulance Victoria paramedics and first responders were called to 7545 cardiac arrest patients.

Ambulance Victoria Grampians regional director Steve Doyle said he encouraged people to also learn how to use an automated external defibrillator, AED, and to know where their closest AED is located.

“Our message is simple. You don’t need to be a paramedic to save a life, just remember to ‘Call, Push, Shock’ –call 000, perform CPR, and shock – use an AED,” he said.

“Shocktober is about giving Victorians who have a cardiac arrest a better chance of returning to their loved ones.”

Victoria has the best cardiac survival

Lking

“Shocktober is about giving Victorians who have a cardiac arrest a better chance of returning to their loved ones”

– Steve Doyle

rates in Australia and the third best anywhere in the world, but survival rates are low.

“CPR and defibrillation are critical,” Mr Doyle said.

“Every day, about 21 Victorians suffer the medical emergency, but only one in 10 survives.

“For every minute CPR is delayed, survival decreases by 10 per cent.

“Cardiac arrest can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere, at any age, health or fitness level, and often without symptoms.”

Mr Doyle said he would encourage people to sign up to be a GoodSAM responder; GoodSAM is a mobile app that connects patients in cardiac arrest with a nearby volunteer who is willing to start hands-only CPR while paramedics are on their way.

There are currently more than 17,300

GoodSAM responders across Victoria –but more are needed.

For information about Shocktober, the GoodSAM app and how to learn CPR and use an AED, people can visit ambulance.vic.gov.au/shocktober.

SHOWCASE: Brian Steff shows off some seedlings at Wail’s Dalki Garringa Native Nursery. The nursery will showcase a range of bush foods and water-wise plants at this weekend’s Spring Garden and Lifestyle Festival.

Nursery range and planting advice

Wail’s Dalki Garringa Native Nursery’s range of bush foods and water-wise plants will be on show at the weekend’s Horsham Spring Garden and Lifestyle Festival, with staff on-hand to offer planting advice.

Nursery operations manager Elizabeth Mace said Barengi Gadjin Land Council-owned Dalki Garringa was named from the Wergaia word for good growing, and continued the nursery’s decades-old tradition to produce native plants.

“Our nursery is located at the old Wail Nursery site, which was established in 1946 by the Forestry Commission and has traded continuously ever since,” she said.

“As well as producing thousands of native plants each year and sup-

y r spring

porting a staff of 10, the nursery is culturally significant.

“Our goals include educating people on traditional ecological knowledge – by doing this, we are able to remain on Country and care for Country.”

Ms Mace said nursery staff grow all stock, from start to finish.

“We harvest the seed, we process the seed, we grow and care for the seedlings and then we mainly put out to large revegetation work,” she said.

“We also cater to people who are planting domestically, and for a variety of purposes.

“We’ve got a massive range and we can cater for all the soil types you find across the Wimmera.

“Whether people want to attract

birds or butterflies, if they’re looking at fire recovery, if they want to plant water-wise natives or bush foods, we can help.

“We’re really keen to work with farmers too, to help them build shelter belts and farm trees.”

Ms Mace said along with a range of plants, the nursery’s festival stand would also feature unique furniture, made from locally sourced wood.

“We’re also bringing some plant furniture that’s been made on-site from reclaimed timber,” she said.

“The timber is from the pine forest that’s fallen down at the back of the nursery.”

Ms Mace said people were welcome to visit the Dalki Garringa stand to see some of the nursery’s range or seek planting advice.

35th Annual Horsham

Spring Garden & Lifestyle Festival

A bit of everything

Wimmera Aquatrail will showcase a small proportion of what is available at its Horsham store during the Horsham Spring Garden and Lifestyle Festival at the weekend.

Nursery staff member Cathie Robertson said people would have a large range to choose from at the festival.

“A lot of fresh stock has arrived in time for the festival, both indoor and outdoor plants,” she said.

“From natives to vegetable seed-

lings, tomato seedlings and flowering shrubs, we have a bit of everything –and it can all be planted now.

“It’s a great opportunity to freshen up your garden.”

Mrs Robertson said the nursery also offered indoor and outdoor plants.

“We have palm trees, fruit trees, Vegepods and water features,” she said.

“Iola and I have both worked in the industry for a long time – we are experts in our field.

“We welcome people to call in and

see us at the festival for some advice. “We can help you out with specific plants, fertilisers, soils and chemicals – just ask and we can help you.”

Mrs Robertson said people who made a purchase at the Wimmera Aquatrail site would receive a voucher.

“People will be able to redeem five per cent off their next purchase at Wimmera Aquatrail’s nursery, when they buy from us at the Horsham Spring Garden and Living Festival,” she said.

Unique and practical

Blossom Blend nursery and creative nature studio will bring plants, décor and a children’s activity to the Horsham Spring Garden and Lifestyle Festival.

Owner Morgan Ninnes said the Jeparit-based nursery, which is open by appointment, travels to markets and events across the Wimmera.

“We will bring our curated range of organically-grown plants and flowers, which are suited to the Wimmera/ Mallee/Grampians climate, to the festival,” she said.

“We will also have a range of artisan macramé hangers, bird feeders and

Wimm a Mallee Ag have y c

SMALL Sprayers

décor, as well as our children’s ‘plant a friend’ seedling potting activity.”

Ms Ninnes said the boutique, community-rooted nursery wares bring natural beauty and creativity into people’s homes and gardens.

“We blend gardening with artisan craftsmanship, offering something unique for both practical gardeners and lovers of botanical art,” she said.

“We are proud, official Flemings stockists, bringing high-quality trees and plants to the Wimmera, Mallee, and Grampians.

“And we are committed to sustainability, with our pot recycling program to reduce waste.”

Offer the same beloved spraying opportunities and vital features as our larger spraying range. Suited for gardens and paddocks of all shapes and sizes.

GROUNDED: Morgan Ninnes at Jeparit-based Blossom Blend nursery.

READY TO ASSIST: Wimmera Aquatrail nursery staff Cathie Robertson and Iola Mitchell are offering festival-goers plants, advice, and the opportunity for nursery discounts. Picture: BRONWYN HASTINGS

Dalki Garringa Native Nursery

Dalki Garringa Native Nursery

Dalki Garringa Native Nursery

Owned and operated by Barengi Gadjin Land Council , Dalki Garringa Native Nursery continues the proud legacy of the historic Wail Nursery and the thousands of years of caring for Country by Wotjobaluk Nations Peoples

Whether you’re starting a new garden bed, adding habitat for wildlife, or looking for hardy, low-maintenance plants, our team can help you choose the right natives for your home. Find us at the Spring Garden & Lifestyle Festival and discover how easy it is to grow a garden that looks stunning, while caring for Country

Slice of the action

Australia

is one of the most diverse and brand-heavy newvehicle markets in the world, but despite 68 brands and about 380 models vying for a slice of the action, a distinct trend in buyer preference means just 10 vehicle segments take a whopping 91.7 per cent of the overall market.

This leaves models within the remaining 11 segment types fighting over an 8.3 per cent share.

Based on VFACTS sales figures supplied by the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, FCAI, the medium SUV segment reigns as Australia’s most popular, with 186,313 deliveries to the end of August.

Although down 0.7 per cent yearon-year – albeit against an overall market down 2.1 per cent in the same timeframe – medium SUVs command 22.9 per cent of the overall market, or close to one-in-four new vehicles sold.

Unsurprisingly, four-wheel drive utes take second place on the yearto-date leaderboard with cumulative sales of 143,985 units. Up 2.1 per cent on the same time last year, models within this expanding segment often place first or second on the monthly

sales chart, giving the category an overall market share of 17.7 per cent.

The small SUV segment places third in the current standings with year-todate sales of 137,553 units.

Up an impressive 12.3 per cent on last year’s figures, the category holds a significant 16.9 per cent of Australian new car sales – and rising.

In fourth place to the end of August is the large SUV segment – the final segment to achieve a six-figure sales total so far this year.

Total large SUV segment sales tally 112,645 units year-to-date, up an incredible 14.2 per cent on the same time last year – the highest of any segment in the top 10. Overall, large SUVs account for 13.9 per cent of all vehicle types sold in Australia.

In a considerable step down from fourth to fifth place, the small passenger car segment amassed just 49,576 sales in the reporting period – a decline of 23.4 per cent on the same time last year.

Small cars once ruled the roost behind large sedans and wagons, but now hold just 6.1 per cent of the overall market.

Interestingly, the light SUV segment fares little better, with 35,897 year-to-

date sales giving it a 4.4 per cent slice of the pie. Unlike small passenger car sales, however, light SUV sales are on the increase, rising a modest 0.4 per cent on August 2024.

With Australia heavily reliant on heavy commercial vehicles to sustain our way of life, it is perhaps no surprise that trucks take a hefty share of the top 10 tally.

New heavy commercial sales totalled 29,909 units to the end of August, meaning 3.7 per cent of the newvehicle market is a large van or truck.

Telling, however, is that sales of this segment are down 11.2 per cent – a concern considering the average age of a heavy commercial vehicle on Australian roads is 14.8 years, against 11.4 years for cars and SUVs, which raises significant safety and environmental concerns for all road users.

Light passenger cars fall next on our list with 17,751 sales, down 14 per cent, and with 2.2 per cent of the market overall. These rank just ahead of upper large SUVs with 16,371 YTD sales, down 17.9 per cent, and with

two per cent of the overall field. Finally, and in stark contrast to their fourwheel drive siblings, is the two-wheel drive ute segment in 10th place. With 15,721 sales to the end of August, this segment represents just over a tenth of the vehicles sold on the four-wheel side of the coin – and is one that continues to fall.

Two-wheel drive ute sales are down 13.5 per cent on the same time last year to now hold just 1.9 per cent of the new-vehicle market overall.

– Matt Brogan

CO-DEVELOPED: The next generation GR86 and MX-5 sports car is reported to be a collaboration between Toyota and Mazda.

Toyota, Mazda to collaborate

Japanese car magazine Best Car has reported there is ‘significant potential’ that Toyota and Mazda are co-developing the next generation GR86 and MX-5 sports car together.

According to the outlet, Toyota and Mazda signed a memorandum of understanding on a partnership in 2015, which developed into a capital alliance with cross-shareholding in 2017, with Mazda dispatching several engineers to Toyota City to work on the project.

Toyota has reportedly outlaid significant funds to review the current MX-5 platform to make it compatible with both the next generation GR86 and MX-5 – both of which will retain their rearwheel drive configuration.

It is understood Toyota has cut ties with Subaru – with which it developed the first two generations of GR86 and BRZ – meaning the latter may become extinct come 2028.

Production of the next GR86 and MX-5 is expected to take place at Mazda’s Hiroshima facility, which Forbes magazine suggests will be extensively upgraded to handle the increase in production.

The outlet suggests the model will be built in two guises, with the Mazda MX-5 retaining its two-seat convertible body style and the Toyota

GR86 being ‘stretched’ to again accommodate a 2+2 arrangement beneath a hard roof.

Importantly for fans of the GR86 and MX-5 it is likely the duo will not share drivelines.

Toyota aims to fit the next generation GR86 with a hybridised 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol with upwards of 150kW while Mazda will likely shift to a 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol with leanburn – Skyactiv-Z – technology.

That shift means the ‘MX-5’ platform will again be offered with a choice of two engines, depending on brand, in much the same way it did when paired with Abarth a decade ago.

Then, Mazda offered a 2.0-litre four-cylinder petrol engine in its MX-5 while Abarth sold its 124 Spider with a Fiat-sourced turbocharged 1.4-litre four-cylinder petrol.

As with Abarth, it seems collaboration between manufacturers is the best way forward in ensuring low-volume petrol-powered sports cars survive in modern times.

As Forbes puts it: ‘What Toyota and Mazda are doing is the best and smartest way to keep their roadsters alive’. We couldn’t agree more.

Look forward to more information on the thirdgeneration Toyota GR86 and NE-series Mazda MX-5 ahead of their debut in mid-2028.

– Matt Brogan

Jaguar Land Rover in recovery mode

Following a cyberattack last month, Jaguar Land Rover has said it will resume phased manufacturing operations in the coming days after financial support in the form of a £1.5-billion – Australian $3-billion – loan guarantee to secure funding was promised by the British Government.

The new funding will initially support JLR’s supply chain crippled in the wake of the production shutdown precipitated by the hack.

Following the loan guarantee announcement, shares in JLR’s owner, Tata Motors – which is part of Indian conglomerate Tata Group – rose by nearly two per cent. But it is not known if Tata Motors has contributed to JLR’s cyberattack financial support.

Before the attack JLR had outsourced a large portion of its IT and cybersecurity to Tata IT arm, Tata Consultancy Services, TCS.

TCS run many of JLR’s key computer systems and according to some sources were the point of intrusion for the breach.

Ironically, now TCS is a major part of the response, with its employees working to address the intrusion that crippled JLR’s production.

JLR has informed suppliers some systems were back online including those that control the global supply of parts and the financial system that manages wholesale vehicle sales. It also said its capacity to process invoices had increased.

The iconic British manufacturer had already struggled in 2025 under the weight of US tariffs and other issues that, according to publication Automotive News Europe, resulted in ratings agency Moody’s affirming the automaker’s Ba1 corporate family rating but revised its outlook to negative from positive.

“The Ba1 rating reflects that it will likely withstand the impact of the cyber incident,” Moody assistant vice-president and analyst Sweta Patodia said.

“The outlook-change to negative from positive reflects our view that a full recovery in credit metrics will likely take several months.”

Automotive News Europe reported the breach was the latest in a string of cyber and ransomware attacks targeting companies around the world.

New Renault-sourced Mitsubishi

Mitsubishi

Motors Australia Limited has slapped a $13,250 premium onto the starting price of its new generation ASX small segment SUV, now comprising just three variants instead of the previous generation’s seven.

The Renault-sourced, Spanish-made entry LS grade lists from $37,740 plus on-road costs, rising to the Aspire from $42,690 plus on-road costs and topping out with the Exceed from $46,490 plus on-road costs.

Unusually, the new entry level model is pricier than the top-of-therange outgoing ASX Exceed that was $35,240 plus on-road costs. The former entry-grade GS – previously from $24,490 plus on-road costs – is now cut from the line-up.

The 2026 Mitsubishi ASX is essentially a rebadged Renault Captur with Mitsubishi’s Dynamic Shield visual identity and will be available soon with, from launch, all three grades sharing the same turbocharged 1.3litre four-cylinder petrol engine rated at 113kW/270Nm driving the front wheels via a seven-speed dual-clutch transmission.

Following in the 15-year-old steps of the hugely popular superseded model, the new ASX will compete against a swag of brands in the hotly-contested small SUV segment. Those include the Chery C5 from $29,990, GWM

PRICE HIKE: The new Renault-sourced Mitsubishi ASX costs more in base format than the outgoing flagship.

Haval Jolion from $26,990, Honda HR-V from $34,900, Hyundai Kona from $32,700, Subaru Crosstrek from $35,990, and Toyota Corolla Cross from $37,440.

Understandably, Mitsubishi Motors Australia Limited, MMAL, is talkingup the new model as it has big shoes to fill, calling attention to a number of key factors including that it is a completely new generation model with all that brings not only to styling but also the tech offering and its ‘sporty

dynamics to elevate the driving experience’.

Of critical importance, and addressing a cause of the previous model’s demise, is the new model’s combined ADR 81/02 fuel efficiency figure that improves by about 16 per cent with a 19 per cent emissions improvement over previous 2.0-litre ASX variants. In hard numbers, combined fuel consumption is now a claimed 6.4 litre per 100km, with carbon emissions of 142g/km.

The new model is built on the Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance CMF-B platform, with a ‘uniquely’ Mitsubishi visual identity.

The front fascia is underscored by a blacked-out bumper section contrasting with a distinctive grille that features three-dimensional silver fillets and a prominent Three Diamond badge, creating what Mitsubishi says is a ‘dynamic presence’.

Wheel sizes are 17 and 18-inch alloys, depending on variant.

All models feature gloss black door mirrors, climate control, paddle shifters, an electric parking brake with auto hold, dusk-sensing headlights, rain-sensing wipers, a rear-view camera, and an extensive safety and ADAS suite.

Across the line-up, the Mitsubishi ASX LS offers 17-inch alloy wheels, a seven-inch digital instrument display, a 10.4-inch infotainment touchscreen, cloth upholstery, soft-touch steering wheel rim and rear parking sensors.

The mid-tier Aspire ups the ante with 18-inch alloys, a 10-inch driver instrument display, Google built-in infotainment and connectivity, rear privacy glass, a floating style centre control, LED ambient cabin lighting, electrochromatic rear-view mirror, heated steering wheel, and a wireless device charging pad to name a few.

In the flagship exceed, a panoramic sunroof, two-tone paint, leather upholstery with front seat heating, and a power adjustable driver’s seat feature.

MMAL general manager of product strategy Bruce Hampel said the latest generation shifts ASX to the cuttingedge of sophisticated styling, with modern connectivity and a smooth, efficient driving experience.

Exterior lighting is by LED with the rear lighting sweeping in an elongated c-shape, on either side of the wide Mitsubishi rear lettering.

MORROW

– Peter Barnwell

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.

Classifieds

TORI, Kenneth Charles (Ken)

14-1-1938 to 6-10-2025

Passed away peacefully after a short illness

Dearly loved father of Tracey and Graeme.

Much loved Pa Ken of: Matt and Melissa, Aleece, Jasper and Lottie; Josh and Amy, Maggie and Cooper; Jeremy and Brianna, Lenny and Charlee.

Reunited with Mum. Ken will be farewelled privately.

TORI, Kenneth Charles

Passed away peacefully on October 6, 2025

GASCOYNE, Ron

We are devastated to announce Ron passed away peacfully at the Gold Coast Hospital 6-10-2025.

Dearly loved father to Robbie & Di.

Loved Pop to Jayden, Teesh, Corb, Krystal, Kirsty and Kourtney.

Poppy of 13 great grandchildren.

Memoriam service to be advised at a later date.

MONAGHAN, Verna Joan

Passed away peacefully in Mildura on 1st of October 2025, in her 90th year.

Though you have gone from sight & sound, in every heartbeat, you are found.

Dearly loved Mum of Brett, mother-in-law of Lauren, Grandma of Beau, Carter and Jimmy.

xx

of

Adored Papa of Angus, Seumas, Sarah, Olivia, William (Dec), Charlie, Harry, Scarlett & David Jnr.

“So Mote it be”

Horsham & District Funerals

Dylan & Amity Hartwich 5382 1149

Aged 87 years.

Loving father of Robyn and Phillip.

Cherished grandfather of Jacqueline and Simon, Nicole and Leigh and Ashely and Emily.

Treasured Great Grandfather of Aiden, Ava, Hazel, Eden, Layne, Nora and Rudy. Rest in Peace Dad.

TORI, Kenneth Charles (Ken)

14-1-1938 to 6-10-2025

Loved brother of Rob and Gwen (dec).

R.I.P.

Horsham & District Funerals

Dylan & Amity Hartwich 5382 1149

BALL, Basil ‘Wog’

The Funeral of Basil ‘Wog’ Ball will take place at St John’s Anglican Church, Horsham on Friday, 10 October 2025 commencing at 1pm. Private cremation.

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

JONES, Sandra Ellen

The funeral service for the late Ms. Sandra Jones will be held at Horsham & District Funerals chapel located at 23 Pynsent street, on Thursday 9th of October 2025 commencing at 1pm.

Sandra will be privately cremated.

Amity & Dylan Hartwich 5382 1149

MCFARLANE, David John

The celebration of life to farewell the late Mr. David McFarlane will be held at St Andrew’s Uniting Church, Horsham Monday 13th of October 2025 commencing at 11am.

David will be sent for a private cremation.

The service will be live streamed please use this link to view: horsham. unitingchurch.org.au/watch now

Amity & Dylan Hartwich 5382 1149

VEREY, Gilbert (Gil)

25-9-1946 to 11-9-2025

The funeral service to celebrate the life of Gil Verey will be held at White Lady Kew Chapel, 741 High St East Kew on Monday, October 13, 2025 commencing at 2pm

A private cremation will follow. No flowers by request. White Lady Funerals Heidelberg 03 9457 5111

SOUTTER, Brian

11.10.2018

Seven years on and my life goes on with your love and memories in my heart. Forever by my side. Jeanette xoxo

Port Fairy 4-bedroom off-peak escape, ocean views, just $1140! Call Langley’s now to book 0355682899

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

The Weekly Advertiser welcomes your advertising.

We are required strictly by law to include specific information on some items when publishing your adv your obligations are as follows:

ANIMALS -

*All “for sale” or “to give away” advertisements, for either cats or dogs must include one of the following:

• Individual microchip numbers

• Vet certificate to exclude individual animals from needing microchips

• Domestic animal-business number

PLUS a source number from the Pet Exchange Register

LIVESTOCK

*Selling, giving away or bartering of all livestock must include a Property Identification Code (PIC number) in the advertisement.

Budgies, assorted colours $10 each Ph 0417533579

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

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

Stawell area

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

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

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 stored undercover $5000ono Ph 0439553575

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

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

2019 Ezy Trail Stirling GT Mark 2 camper, EC, full annex, used 4 times, full rego $14,999 ono Ph 0428820446 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

Cruiser

Death Notices

Funeral Directors accommodation

Animals & Accessories

antiques

caravans caravans

Funeral Notices

Animals & Accessories

Slingshot campervan , light weight, easy to tow and setup, annexe, two single beds, EC $13,900 Ph 0429585845

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 Caravan 2015 Jayco starcraft, 16ft, queen sized bed, tv, full sized fridge freezer, microwave, gas electric hotplates and oven, toilet and shower, full annex, sway bars $32,000 ono Ph 0417573022

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

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

Champion 9G 61 model, linkage belt pullie, roll cab, new core radiator, 1800 hrs since motor rebuild $6000 Ph 0429857207

Expression of interest , for sale, Lowan round bale carrier Ph 0407911884 evenings

Ferguson Grey Tea 20 , egnine rebuild, trans resealed, new steering wheel and dash, brake recline, good tyres, good HYD system, new paint, POA, inspection invited Ph 0429491426

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

20ft shipping container, $3500 ono Ph 0407285097

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

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

Electric trike , GC, new tyres, new batteries $750ono Ph 0407302144

Flat deck tandem trailer, 4.2m x 2.3m, $4500 onoPh 0407285097

Folding bike with training stand $350, Snow sled 1050x500 $45 Ph 0418992631

Galvanised trailer , 5x5 $800 Ph 53522691

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

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

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

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

Round bale hay ring $350 Ph 0429200566

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

Strongberg Carlson Console Radio, ex condition Ph 53824316

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

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

Lost, Prescription Sunglasses in Horsham Woolworths or Aldi car park on 24/8, if found please Ph 0429861917

15' fibreglass clinker inboard boat , no motor, make an offer Ph 0407179433

Extreme Motorboat , low hours, well maintained, $45,000 Ph 0428788212

Stacer Aluminium fishing boat , 25 horsepower Yamaha outboard motor, trailer & boat registered, VGC $6000 Ph 0498549832

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

Quickie electric wheelchair, hardly used, EC $16,000 neg

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

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

Landcruiser Prado 150 alloy nudge bar series 31/8/90, PZQ2960420, serial# 0110 $155 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

2004 Mitsubishi Magna, all wheel drive, not going, vin# 6MMTL9F424T024238, 320,000km $800 Ph 0419303839

$5500 Ph 0409423541

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

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

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

2013 XLT Ranger, 3.3ltr, 6spd manual, towbar, bullbar, pedal torque, dual battery system, light bar, fridge slide, clearview mirrors, snorkel, excellent condition $19,000ono Ph 0428848203

Commodore VS Series 2 Ute, auto, very good order, 139,000kms, OFF349

$10,500 Ph 0427894200

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

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

2019 Mercedes Benz GLC

250 diesel auto, immaculate condition, Obsidian black with black leather interior, 1PA2OF, 91,*** kms $40,000 neg Ph 0488131206

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

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

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

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

Stawell Lady recently moved to Stawell, interests include art, camping, ukulele, singing, bushwalking, dancing, looking for a respectable man for possible relationship aged between 60 -70yrs Ph 0413375338 3 bedroom house to

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

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

Funeral 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

Massage 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

Wanted, Billy Goat service for 2 milking goats Ph 53840253

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

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

Spring/

House cleaning, located in Warracknabeal, price and time negotiable Ph

Get

AGM

FRIDAY, OCTOBER 10 @ 2pm in the Lutheran Education Centre, 22 McPherson St, Horsham All welcome

POSITION

HR Officer Part-time Negotiable DO YOU HAVE

• Demonstrated experience in HR/Admin.

• HR admin/HRIS system experience.

• Diploma in HR/Business Admin desirable.

• Knowledge of HR compliance legislation and policy.

• Highly developed writing and editorial skills.

• Ability to meet deadlines and attention to detail and accuracy. WE OFFER

Mental health contacts

Project Administration & Procurement Officer

Immediate Start | Applications close 17/10/2025 (or earlier if filled)

Are you organised, detail-driven and ready to step into a career that keeps local projects moving?

We’re a thriving, locally-owned business with a team of 85+ people — and growing — and we’re looking for someone with strong administration or procurement skills! Why join us?

• Full training provided

• Work directly with senior management and project teams

• Immediate start available

• Supportive, friendly team culture that values accuracy, growth and reliability

• Clear career pathway into construction project estimating What you’ll do:

• Assist with preparing and reviewing supplier quotes and pricing

• Liaise with suppliers and subcontractors to source the right products and services

• Accurately enter and manage data for project costing

• Support project managers with administration and reporting

What we need from you:

• Strong attention to detail and accuracy – a MUST

• Administration, procurement, or office experience highly regarded

• A can-do attitude and willingness to learn new systems and processes

• Confidence using computers and spreadsheets Ready to apply?

Don’t wait! This is your chance to step into a long-term, secure career in a business that values its people.

To apply, email your resume to: hrwhs.horsham@laserelectrical.com.au

Confidentiality will be assured

Plumbing, Electrical, Heating

EEYS

and awareness, including those with a disability, aboriginal children and/or communities and children from cultural and/or linguistically diverse backgrounds.

KINDERGARTEN

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETINGS

Hopetoun Kindergarten

Monday 27th October at 6.00pm

Dimboola Kindergarten & Early Learning Centre

Enrolment Information Session

Monday 5th November at 7.00pm

Stawell Kindergartens

(Cooinda Kindergarten & Marrang Kindergarten & Early Learning Centres)

Tuesday 11th November at 7.00pm

Cooinda Kindergarten

Jeparit Kindergarten

Tuesday 11th November at 2.30pm

Nhill Kindergarten & Early Learning Centre

Enrolment Information Session

Tuesday 11th November at 7.00pm

Bani Manya Kindergarten

Enrolment Information Session

Wednesday 12th November at 7.00pm

Rainbow Kindergarten

Wednesday 12th November at 7.30pm

Bennett Road Kindergarten

Monday 10th November at 6.00pm

Natimuk Preschool

Enrolment Information Session

Monday 17th November at 7.00pm

Natimuk Road Kindergarten

Wednesday 19th November at 7.00pm

Green Park Kindergarten

Enrolment Information Session

Monday 24th November at 7.30pm

Emerge Early Years Services. 5382 7997

Early Years Manager for the above sites www.eeys.com.au

If you want to join the HRCC team and serve our diverse, close-knit, and engaged local community, check out the roles below!

Public Art & Creative Programs Officer

• Band 5 (commencing at $60K, per annum)

• Permanent part-time position (0.8EFT)

• Flexible working arrangements available

Events Officer

• Band 5 (commencing at $73K, per annum)

• Temporary Full-time (6 months)

• Flexible working arrangements available

Leading Hand Streetscapes

• Band 4 (Commencing at $69K, per annum, plus allowances)

• Permanent full-time

• 8 day working fortnight

Signage & Trades Maintenance Worker

• Band 3 (Commencing at $66K per annum, plus allowances)

• Permanent full-time

• 8 day working fortnight

Nurse Immunisers

Laser Horsham

89 Plumpton Road, Horsham Phone: 03 5382 1375 horsham@laserelectrical.com.au

Plumbing Lic: 23112 REC: 14579 ARC: 26861

• Casual Engagement (no set hours)

• Need to be a Registered Nurse with a Nurse Immuniser qualification and Working with Children Check.

Need

At the Exchange Hotel Horsham, we believe a great team makes great food. We're on the lookout for a passionate Chef who thrives in a supportive, upbeat environment where teamwork is everything. Here, you won't just be cooking - you'll be part of a crew that has each other's backs, celebrates the wins, and makes even the busiest shifts enjoyable. We pride ourselves on creating delicious, high-quality meals while keeping a fun, positive vibe in the kitchen.

What we offer:

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

Manager Project Delivery

Position number VG/4301C

- A friendly, supportive team where your ideas matter

- A chance to cook quality food with fresh ingredients

- A dynamic, energetic workplace - no two days are the same

- Management that values balance and backs you all the way

What we're looking for:

- A Chef with passion, creativity, and drive

- Someone who works well with others and enjoys being part of a team

- Reliability, pride in your work, and a positive attitude If you're looking for more than just a job - if you want a kitchen where you feel supported, valued, and part of something great - we'd love to hear from you.

Apply now to exchangehotel@live.com.au and join the Exchange Hotel family!

NEWSPAPER DELIVERY POSITIONS

Do you excel at leadership, collaboration and strategic thinking?

We’re on the lookout for a Manager Project Delivery who will lead the delivery of vital infrastructure projects that shape our communities and support sustainable growth.

Be part of a forward-thinking team and:

> Oversee project delivery, permits, contracts and project management systems.

> Lead a skilled team of engineers and project officers.

> Ensure contractor safety and OHS compliance.

> Drive excellence in infrastructure delivery and corporate reporting.

If you’re ready to lead our capital works programs and make a difference, we want to hear from you!

Applications close: Friday 24 October 2025

GWMWater contact:

Nick Mumford, Executive Manager Infrastructure on 1300 659 961

Water Service Operators

Horsham (2 positions) Position number VG/5213A

Charlton, St Arnaud or Donald area (1 position) Position number VG/5119A

Do you enjoy working outdoors?

We’re hiring Water Services Operators to help keep essential water and wastewater services flowing across the Grampians and Wimmera regions. These hands-on roles are perfect for those who enjoy working outdoors, solving problems and making a difference in their community.

As a Water Service Operator, you’ll respond to service faults, maintain infrastructure and be part of a supportive, fast-paced team.

> Full training provided.

> Gain a nationally recognised Certificate III in Water Operations.

> On-call roster participation.

> Great team culture and employee benefits.

Apply now and start your career with us!

Applications close: Friday 24 October 2025

For enquiries, please contact:

Horsham based roles:

Damien Crouch, Wimmera Operations Manager on 1300 659 961 North-Grampians based role: Chris Folkes, Grampians Operations Manager on 1300 659 961

As

For

Hornets set to rebound

BY LAUREN HENRY

Both Horsham Hornets’ men’s and women’s teams suffered losses in the opening round of the Country Basketball League’s South West competitions at the weekend.

With the reigning premiers a newlook team with plenty of changes to playing personnel, Horsham men’s coach Scott Benbow said it would take a couple of games to gel as a team.

Despite losing some experienced and taller players from last year’s squad, the Hornets still give themselves a chance of back-to-back success – particularly with the inclusion of talents Horsham juniors Levi Munyard and Micah Livingstone, both of whom played in the national under 18 championships earlier this year.

But the season-opener did not go to plan, going down to Terang Tornadoes 87-75 on Saturday night.

“We played some really good basketball and patches – we just weren’t able to finish off when we needed to, and the other teams just made the shots when it counted,” Benbow said.

“We just missed a few get-able shots and Terang shot well, it was a credit to them – they deserved the win. They shot really well.

“Their defence was really, really good on us too. We played a certain way and they just took our space

away a bit, so we had to force some shots and we just missed a lot of freethrows on Saturday night too, as a team and we’re normally a bit better than that, so that cost us a bit as well.”

The Hornets started well, 19-13 in the first quarter, and finished with a strong 23-17 fourth quarter, but the middle stages of the game proved costly.

Munyard scored 23 points, including five three-pointers, while others to hit double digits were Mitch Martin, 14, Judd Wright, 10, and Cody Bryan, 10.

Sunday’s game against Warrnambool Seahawks saw another loss – this time with a closer scoreline of 106-95.

There was not much in it at quarter time, with the Seahawks out to a 2824 lead, but the home side again held strong in the second to skip out to a 49-40 lead by halftime.

It was a relatively even second half but the Hornets couldn’t come back on the scoreboard, falling short by 11 points.

Livingstone – who did not play against Terang the day prior due to state team try-outs – was the leading scorer for the Hornets with 27 points, while Munyard shot 19, Bryan 16 and Martin 11.

Benbow said Livingstone was a focal point for the Hornets but the Seahawks adjusted their defence to combat him.

“They made it really, really tough on him – every time we got the ball, there

was two or three sort of crowding him and we just didn’t make good decisions with the ball, like to get it out of his hands and take better shots, so that’s on us – Warrnambool  forced us to play one way and we didn’t adapt like we normally do,” he said.

Women

After a year in recess, the Hornet women returned to the court but suffered a heavy 47-point loss to Warrnambool Mermaids on Sunday.

Horsham went into the game missing several key players due to unavailability and injury.

They were blown away by the Mermaids in the first quarter, outscored 32-9, but rallied in the second term to score 20 points to the Mermaids’ 17.

With the scoreline 49-29 at halftime, the Hornets were outplayed in the second half as the Mermaids dominated the scoreboard, particularly the fourth quarter 28-9.

Despite the 49-96 loss, shining lights were Jorja Clode, who scored 24 points, while Hannah Plazzer also hit double figures with 10 points.

Both Horsham men’s and women’s teams have byes this weekend, while Ararat men’s team, coming off a round one bye, will play its first games of the season with a triple-header.

The Redbacks will travel to Hamilton on Friday night, followed by Portland on Saturday night before hosting Terang on Sunday.

Juniors gain state experience

Several junior Horsham Amateur Basketball Association members took part in state-level competitions last month as part of Basketball Victoria’s junior high-performance pathway program.

Luella Burke, Aleah Elliot, Stephanie Plazzer, Henry Taylor, Tex Askew, Noah Cook and Lenny Bacon were among 223 under-14 players from across the state selected to participate in the Gold Nugget Camp in Ballarat.

The players were selected to participate from Basketball Victoria’s regional under-14 academy program, with the camp also serving as a stepping stone towards selection in interstate events such as the Australian Country Junior Basketball Cup, ACJBC, and Southern Cross Challenge, SCC.

Three Horsham juniors – April Hobbs, Georgia Skurrie and Penny

Webb – also took part in the under-12 Country Jamboree in Echuca. The four-day Jamboree is an entry point to Basketball Victoria’s high-performance pathway, with 120 boys and 120 girls picked to participate from country Victoria each year.

Other Horsham officials also received development opportunities through the programs, with Cam Bruce serving as a coach at the Gold Nugget Camp while Tim Webb was a head coach, Kerryn Healy was an assistant coach and Jon Gardiner was a referee at the Jamboree.

Horsham Amateur Basketball Association congratulated all the participating players and officials in a post on social media following the camps, saying they ‘represented Horsham Basketball with pride’.

STEP-UP: From left, Aleah Elliot, Luella Burke and Stephanie Plazzer at the Basketball Victoria Gold Nugget Camp in Ballarat last month.

Country week squads enjoy success

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

Wimmera District Golf Asso-

ciation men’s and women’s squads each had successful outings at the annual Country Week competition in Mildura, but ultimately fell short of winning their divisions.

The competition, from September 28 to October 1, saw the Wimmera men finish second in the bowl division, while the women’s squad was third in division three.

The match-play tournament saw the Wimmera men meet East Gippsland in the first round, with Lewis Gebert dominating his match-up to win six and five, while mixed results in the other pairings saw the final team scores tied at 3.5 apiece.

A tough second-round meeting with the Victorian Golf League saw the Wimmera narrowly lose 4.5 to 2.5, with Gebert again providing a highlight with his four-and-three win over VGL number one Trevor Scheppers.

The Wimmera recorded two strong 7-0 wins in its final two matches –both against Kara Kara – as Gebert, Brett Cookson, Jeremy Schmidt, Matthew Morrison, Jack Flavel, Caleb Bretherton and Matthew Jakobi each convincingly won their match-ups.

But the team finished in second place overall despite recording the best score differential in the division

REPRESENTATIVES: Wimmera Country Week players enjoyed competition in Mildura.

at 20-8 – finishing just 0.5 match points behind winner VGL.

The Wimmera women also came away with two wins from their four outings.

A tough first-round meeting with Dalhousie saw the Wimmera team lose 6-1, with Wendy Hewitt’s threeand-two win the sole highlight.

The Wimmera women were also unsuccessful in round two against VGL, although number one Ashleigh Hall won her match-up with VGL’s Aisha Ryan six and four, while Lisa Jakobi and Annabelle Plowright halved their contests.

Like the men, the women finished their week strongly with two dominant wins over Kara Kara.

They won their round-three match 6.5-0.5 before whitewashing the same opponents the following day in a 7-0 result.

The Wimmera women finished third, with VGL topping the division, Dalhousie second and Kara Kara in last place.

Other golf news

Wimmera District Veteran Golfers Association hosted a Stableford competition at Natimuk last month, with a strong field of 48 competitors including 10 women.

The A Grade section was tightly contested, with a three-way countback to crown Rainbow’s Marc Edelsten the winner from runner-up Greg Proud, of

Dimboola, and Minyip’s Janice Midgley – all on 35 points.

Horsham’s Erin Schultz was the B Grade winner with 38 points, ahead of runner-up Peter Hammond, Horsham, on 37 and third-placed John Peters, of Warracknabeal, with 36 on a countback.

Nearest-the-pin winners were: third, Elaine Oakley and Steve Harris; ninth, Sandra Decker and Ron Thoulis; 13th, Heather and Bob Richards; 16th, Val Scott and Greg Proud; and 18th, Paula Clark and David Baker.

Upcoming tournaments and events include:

Warracknabeal Golf Club will host its Rocktober women’s event on Friday, where teams of three compete in

a Texan Stableford, with an entry cost of $75 per team including afternoon tea. Entries close today. People can call club women’s captain Julie Bayles on 0428 342 455 or email julie@ powerandbennett.com.au for more information or to enter.

Warracknabeal will also host a fourball best-ball competition on October 13 followed by the club’s annual general meeting. Players should assemble at 9am for a 9.30am start, with an entry cost of $20 per person covering afternoon tea.

People can call president Ian Hair on 0409 384 580, secretary Jo Donnelly on 0408 018 862, or captain David Baker on 0417 868 467 for more information or to enter.

Horsham Golf Club will host its Trish Mills Blue Wren Memorial Trophy event – a three-person Texas Stableford – on October 30, with its annual three-person Stableford Nell Smithett Memorial Trophy on October 31.

Entries close on October 24. People can call 5382 3312, email proshop@ horshamgolfclub.com or contact captain Lisa Jakobi on 0411 950 275 for more information or to enter.

Horsham will also host a Golf Victoria seniors tournament on October 16 and 17, with Nhill Golf Club to host its spring tournament on October 18 and 19.

Hat-trick for Meech

Stawell-based

trainer Andrew Bobbin and jockey Linda Meech teamed up to win the $60,000 Murtoa Cup on Saturday with Rich Champagne.

The $2.50 favourite was at or near the front of the field of seven for most of the 2050-metre race to beat home Sirius Black, trained by Horsham’s Paul Preusker and ridden by Dean Yendall, and Mickio, third.

Rich Champagne’s cup win comes after a series of placings, including

two thirds at Sandown and second at St Arnaud in August.

Murtoa Racing Club’s eight-race card also included Heat Two of the Melbourne Cup Carnival Country Series.

First-placed Meh Keffi – another winner for Meech – and Fearless Writer, second, have now scored direct entry and ballot exemption to the $500,000 final, to be run at Flemington on VRC Oaks Day on November 6.

Meech also rode a winner earlier in the day – with Talent Scout in race three – making it three wins for the meeting.

Other race days coming up across the region include: Manangatang and Hamilton on Saturday; Horsham, Sunday October 19; St Arnaud, Saturday October 25; Wycheproof, Saturday November 1; Ararat, Sunday, November 9; and Dunkeld, Saturday November 15.

Memorial races in Charlton

The Charlton club kicked off harness action last week with a strong, eight event card including memorials in honour of the late Matt Donaldson and Jeff Gadsden.

Stawell trainer Jason Ainsworth’s eight-year-old gelding Hanover Jack, with James Herbertson aboard, took out the Charlton Caravan Park Pace.

Ainsworth had two runners in the contest and finished fourth, 5.6m behind the winner with his drive Optimal.

In the following race, Ainsworth drove five-year-old mare Paris Jamilla for his Moyreisk based brother-trainer Ashley and owner Lyndon Turner to an upset victory in the Vale Matt Donaldson Trot.

Trainer Michael Gadsden combined with Horsham reinsman Ryan Backhouse for an emotional home-track victory with the Gadsden family’s three-year-old gelding To The Nines in the Welcome Probus Members Pace.

Gadsden’s father Jeff sustained spinal injuries in a fall while jogging a horse at his Merbein property in mid-August and died in hospital 10 days later.

Charlton duo, trainer Leon Fanning and driver Luke Dunne, were successful with the very honest fiver-year-old mare Fair Chance in the Ames Australasia Pace Final for horses which had qualified in heats at Maryborough and Stawell.

day last week was the return to the winners’ circle by one of Victoria’s most gifted reinsmen, Daryl Douglas.

Douglas suffered a severe foot injury in 2024 and only made a return to race driving recently.

Bendigo saw him post his first winner since December 2023 when successful at Stawell with trotter Abitofadreamer for trainer Kim Procter.

at home kept the winners rolling in.

Three-year-old trotting gelding Artigas posted his second win from six starts with a bold front running display at Melton.

The son of Father Patrick (USA) never missed a beat for driver Michael Bellman and scored by six metres in a rate of 2:01.1 for the 2240m journey. Later in the night Dunn’s three-yearold Poster Boy gelding made it five in a row with driver Michael Bellman taking advantage of the sprint lane to score by a length in 1:56.4.

Despite being forced to race in the death seat throughout, Fair Chance proved too tough at the finish, scoring by 2.2m in a mile rate of 1:59.2.

Douglas returns

A highlight at Bendigo on Wednes-

Showing he has lost none of his talent with the reins, Douglas saluted with three-year-old filly Emily Jazz for his sister-in-law, trainer Julie Douglas.

Winners rolling in

Horsham trainer Aaron Dunn took the family for a well deserved break in the school holidays while the team

Forward to the Charlton meet where two-year-old Art Major (USA) colt Out To Stay, with Jackie Barker in the sulky proved too good for his older rivals in the Heenan’s Newsagency Maiden Pace over 2100m.

SUCCESS: Trainer Michael Gadsden with three-year-old gelding To The Nines after an emotional victory at Charlton last week.

Linda Meech and Andrew Bobbin

READY TO ROLL: Sunnyside, 72 shots, defeated Dimboola, 52 shots, in the opening round of Bowls Wimmera weekend pennant division one competition on Saturday. Summer sports are back in action, with bowling greens filling up across the region. Pictured is Sunnyside bowler Gavin Walter. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

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Barry prepares for nationals

Warracknabeal bowler Josh Barry is gearing up for November’s Bowls Australia Nationals championships in Tasmania after returning from a $150,000 international tournament in New South Wales.

Barry, one of the Wimmera’s most decorated para-athletes, competed in a team with three New South Wales bowlers, each of whom also has a disability, at the City of Dubbo International Fours Tournament – billed as the richest fours bowling tournament in the world.

Despite the tournament being open to all bowlers – not specifically athletes with a disability – Barry said his team performed strongly.

“It’s an open tournament but I was part of a disabled team,” he said.

“There’s a New South Wales group called MRH Disability Services that paid our entry fee and accommodation, and they supported us while we were over there. We came 27th out of 44 teams, which we didn’t think was bad for a disabled side in an open tournament.

“We played against players from Fiji and some other international teams. It was a good experience.”

Barry, who was in 2019 named Bowls Australia’s Bowler with a

Disability of the Year and has won the Wimmera Regional Sports Assembly’s Access for All Abilities

National Athlete of the Year on multiple occasions, said he was now preparing for the Australian Para Nationals at Tasmania’s Burnie Bowls Club from November 11-15.

The 44-year-old said he would keep his skills sharp by competing for both his home club of Warracknabeal and Melbourne-based club Clayton in the next month.

“The Melbourne competition doesn’t start until three weeks

after the Wimmera, so I’ll play three weeks at home and then start down in Melbourne,” he said.

“Then I’ve only got to play one more game for Warracknabeal to qualify for finals.

“It’s a pretty good competition in Melbourne. We’re in the premier reserve. We got relegated last year and we’re trying to get back in the premier division.”

Barry said he would compete at the Para Nationals alongside other Victorian bowlers with whom he played during the Victoria v NSW Para Bowls Test Series in August.

New, evolving cricket season

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

Reigning Horsham Cricket Association A Grade two-day premier Homers will not field a team in the new-look 2025-26 season,

After undergoing one of the largest facelifts in its history in the off-season with the inclusion of several clubs from surrounding competitions, the A Grade will now include Warracknabeal-based St Mary’s, Donald-Jeffcott and Swifts-Great Western.

Horsham Saints have also withdrawn from A Grade.

As well as the three new teams, A Grade will include Colts, Laharum, Horsham Tigers, Lubeck-Murtoa, Noradjuha-Toolondo Bullants, Brim-Kellalac-Sheep Hills, and West Wimmera.

The change in teams has meant HCA has pushed the A Grade season start date from this weekend until October 18, in line with other grades. The extra week allows HCA to redo the draw, which will no longer require teams to have a bye.

HCA president Justtin Combe said the new and remaining clubs were excited for the new-look 10-team competition.

“The feedback I’ve had is that all the new clubs are absolutely excited,” he said.

“And not only the new clubs, but the existing clubs in our competition are excited

for a new challenge and new competition. They’ll be playing against some different faces, at different grounds and in different conditions.”

Combe said intrigue about the potential strength of the competition newcomers was high, and that he expected them to perform strongly.

“West Wimmera will still be a yardstick for the competition I would say, and I expect Donald-Jeffcott to be right up there with Brim-Kellalac-Sheep Hills,” he said.

“I think Swifts-Great Western could be battling it out to play finals as well.

“We’ve worked through a lot to get to this stage, and come Saturday we’ll get our games underway and it’ll be good.”

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ON A ROLL: Warracknabeal lawn bowler Josh Barry is preparing for Bowls Australia Nationals championships in Tasmania next month.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

HCA president Justtin Combe Carpentry Apprenticeship

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Race for volleyball finals heating up

BY DAVID BERRY

With three rounds remaining, the race for positions in the Volleyball Horsham winter season competitions is on in earnest.

In A Grade, Hellenic Nuggets finally got a much sought after win, beating Tsunami in a classic encounter which catapulted the reigning premiers into the top four, albeit only percentage ahead of the vanquished.

The win was built on a complete change of line up, which saw Oliver Garth-Lindsay turn back the clock, as the middle blocked everything that came his way, while the move of Lloyd Baker to pass-hitter proved to be a masterstroke, as the youngster hit plenty of winners.

Thiago de Lima Franca was unstoppable at opposite in his Phantoms team’s win over Heidelberg to con-

solidate top spot on the ladder. Franca was set well by Noah Werry, with the two starting to build a promising connection.

In A Reserve, the top four teams all have four wins separated by percentage, with Von Steiger Bloods heading the table from Stars, then CHS Group and Heidelberg.

The dangerous Waterhammers sit six points adrift in fifth position and would need to beat Von Steiger Bloods in its next game to have any chance of making the finals.

In B Grade, Filos are leading the table with six wins, clear of Wilson and Crusaders who both have five wins and are separated by one premiership point as the race for the double chance heats up.

In C Grade, Hurricanes and WLC Sloths have the top two positions to themselves, as they both are well clear

of third placed Stars. If their last meeting is any indication, where the crowd was on the edge of their seats for most of the match, it will be an entertaining finals series in this grade.

The women’s A Grade has seen a separation between the top and bottom four, with the most interest set on the jockeying for the top two positions and the double chance.

Lakers are on top, one point clear of Tsunami, with Phantoms a further five points adrift in third place.

Reigning premiers Nuggets are in fourth and if they are to challenge will have to repeat their summer season effort, where they won all three finals to take the title.

In women’s B Grade, Power Divas and Von Steiger Sisters have cleared out from the chasing Magnificent Medicos and Von Steiger Shadows.

The juniors competition has now

Close matches in opening round

Horsham Lawn and Central Park posted wins in round one of the Central Wimmera Tennis Association’s pennant competition on Saturday.

Horsham Lawn and Kalkee played a close match, winning seven sets each with Lawn ahead on games 82-71.

Meanwhile Central Park was too strong for St Michaels, winning 8-6 sets, 87-67 games.

The pennant competition consists of just four teams this season, and will play an extra round of the home-andaway season with the minor premier to advance directly to the grand final, while second and third place will play off in a preliminary final.

St Michaels had the upper hand in the men’s doubles before the Central Park women hit back to score big wins in the doubles.

In the singles matches, Central Park’s Harry Allan and St Michaels’ Mitchell Fromm scored wins, before Central Park’s Willow Sainsbury and Adele Joseph were big winners in their singles matches.

St Michaels’ Nick Robertson and Chris Ellis paired to score an 8-3 win over Central Park’s Fraser Shurdington and Yassasri Sumanapala, while Central Park women’s pair Sharon Clough and Willow Sainsbury won 8-2.

While Robertson and Fromm con-

tinued with their success in the later doubles match, Adele Joseph and Tara McIntyre won 8-4 to secure Central Park’s round one success.

In the other match, Kalkee won two men’s doubles sets, and Meaghan Pohlner and Anna Exell also notched up a win for the Kees.

Horsham Lawn hit back through Emma Streeter and Sienna Wood winning a women’s doubles set 8-1, before Streeter and Ella Thompson won their singles’ sets.

Horsham Lawn won two out of three men’s doubles later in the day, while Kalkee scored a similar result in the women’s doubles.

In the end, the match came down to games, with results such as Thompson and Wood’s 8-0 significant.

Saturday’s play also featured round one of A Special, A Grade and B Special, with Horsham Lawn O’Connor scoring a big win over Drung South and a thrilling match playing out between Homers and Natimuk in A Special.

In A Grade, it was a round of onesided matches, while the match of the round was in B Grade with Horsham Lawn Savage drawing with Central Park, eight sets, 69 games-all. Junior tennis starts on Saturday, consisting of an open competition, plus

been split into two groups, Junior A and Junior B, following every team playing each other once.

The top four will now play each other in the final three weeks, with WLC Nuggets, Von Steiger Kids, WLC Tigers and WLC Thorns all vying for the Junior A title, while WLC Cubs, Stars, WLC Baddies and Murtoa will battle for the Junior B title.

Pressed For Time

Volleyball Horsham appreciates the support of Pressed For Time in sponsoring the inaugural ‘Big Smash’ by providing playing tops for the teams.

Registrations are rolling in nicely for the junior showcase event, on Sunday, October 19 at St Brigid’s College stadium.

The event is open to all juniors under 17 with all registrations going into a draft where the teams will be selected.

The day will be played under Lightning Spike rules, which ensures fastpaced action all day.

Members interested in participating have until Friday to submit their registrations before the draft is conducted next week.

Junior presentation night

To recognise the efforts of members at the Junior Country Championships, a dedicated presentation night will be held.

The Big Smash teams will be announced on the night, as well as MVP and coach award winners for each team, on Friday, October 17 at Horsham Cycling clubrooms. For catering purposes, people are asked to register for the night by visiting the Volleyball Horsham socials for the registration link.

six other sections of three boys-only and three girls-only competitions.

Roadshow visit

Tennis Victoria’s Sustainable Regional Tennis Roadshow will visit Horsham this Friday, from 4pm to 8pm, at Horsham Lawn Tennis Club.

Australian tennis legend John Fitzgerald will be in attendance, with

Australian Open trophies, providing information and upskilling sessions; and an opportunity for first-year registration fees to be covered, and an entry into the draw to win two tickets to the Australian Open 2026 women’s semi-final.

Ararat will host the roadshow on Thursday night.

FOCUS: Natimuk’s Carl Sudholz won two of his three doubles matches against Homers in A Special competition on Saturday.

FORM: Homers’ Sarah Miller won her singles and one doubles match against Natimuk in A Special competition. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER