Issuu

Vol. 29 No. 12

A FREE PUBLICATION FROM YOUR LOCAL RADIO STATIONS 3WM AND MIXXFM

Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Horsham District Premiers’ Posters!

SAINTS CELEBRATE: Edenhope-Apsley coach Lavinia Fox and goal shooter Dee Dee Lambert embrace after their Horsham District league A Grade grand final win. Full coverage, see pages 48-53. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

INSIDE TODAY

‘The gift of Zee’ A

BY LAUREN HENRY

n outpouring of love and sadness was evident in netball circles at the weekend as news of Zanaiya Bergen’s death filtered through the region.

The 23-year-old died following a crash near Navarre on Thursday night. Emergency services were called after reports that a car had crashed into a tree on Stawell-Avoca Road at about 8.30pm. Zanaiya, the driver and sole occupant of the vehicle, suffered lifethreatening upper and lower body injuries, and was taken by air ambulance to The Alfred hospital in Melbourne where she later died.

She was due to play for Navarre in Saturday’s Maryborough Castlemaine District Football Netball League A Grade netball grand final. Her teammates mustered all their resilience and courage to take to the court in her honour and in an emotion-charged win, defeated Carisbrook 58-51. Zanaiya was well-known in netball across the Wimmera, most recently playing in Rupanyup’s historic A Grade premiership team last year, where she was also Horsham District league’s leading goal-scorer. Prior to that she played for Stawell, Dimboola and Taylors Lake. Clubs and leagues joined together on the weekend to pay tribute to Za-

naiya, including a minute’s silence following the Wimmera league A Grade preliminary final. Zanaiya’s mother Leona Grant said she had been overwhelmed by the love and support from people across the region. “For me, I cannot express enough the overwhelming love, gratitude and support so many people, clubs, community groups and social media platforms that have expressed their own sincere and genuine sorrow, sense of loss and condolences for my beautiful girl of who to many was ‘Zee’, to me as mum, was ‘Gorgeous’,” she said. Ms Grant said Zanaiya had a love of netball from a young age, and her

father Jason Bergen knew she had something special when she was growing up in Horsham. “Zanaiya loved the game, her teammates and always played with a fierce determination, motivating and encouraging her teammates throughout a game,” she said. Ms Grant said Zanaiya’s off-court antics endeared her to teammates and colleagues. “She could be loud, she would be different, she would be random – all of this along with Zanaiya’s dazzling smile, infectious laugh, her bold dancing and singing, her zany jokes and amazing sense of humour,” she said. Continued page 7

IN THIS ISSUE • Roads in spotlight • Families stepping up • Yanac wins two of three grand finals Phone: 03 5382 1351 Read it online: www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

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Culpable driving trial starts BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

endouree man Bryce Dridan’s trial continues at Melbourne County Court this week, where he faces a charge of culpable driving of a motor vehicle and causing the death of Pimpinio man Trent DeZoete. On Wednesday last week the court heard Dridan, now 31, was a participant in Stawell Motorsports Club’s LOO5ENATS burnout competition on November 4, 2023, in a Holden VU Commodore utility. With a passenger, he entered the skid-pad and performed a burnout, leaving via a prescribed route through the cool-down area, across the arena and through a gate into a pedestrian-populated food and merchandise area. It was there Mr DeZoete was fatally struck. He was carried some distance on the utility’s exposed motor before falling forward and being run over by the utility. The utility’s front brakes were

Live music showcase Young bands and artists including Dan Inkster, Charlotte Dahl and headliners Senocide will perform at a free live-music event at Horsham’s May Park on Friday. Music @ May was created by Horsham Rural City Council’s Amplify committee, youth council and youth team to promote emerging performers. The bands, from Horsham, Hamilton and Kaniva, also include Sneeze, 8TheLemon, 345, ACD’Ceased, 20 Weeds Deep and The Crooked Footpath. Several of the artists have also participated in the council’s Jam Sandwich workshops, a program that has connected young musicians during the past two years, providing opportunities to collaborate, develop their skills and build confidence through music. Mayor Brian Klowss said the event highlighted the important role young people play in shaping a vibrant and connected community. “Music @ May is a fantastic example of young people creating opportunities that benefit the wider community,” he said. “The fact local young people have planned and delivered this event makes it even more special, showcasing incredible emerging talent while

found to have failed due to a ruptured line – it did not have rear brakes or an operational handbrake. The court heard burnout cars were not required to be roadworthy under Australian Auto Sport Alliance, AASA, regulations. Dridan was allegedly under the influence of methamphetamine when the incident occurred; AASA requires competitors to have zero alcohol and drug readings and are subject to random testing. On Wednesday last week, the court was shown muted footage of the collision, taken from a nearby vehicle’s dashcam recording. It showed Mr DeZoete, 18, walking into the food-truck area with a friend when he was struck from behind by Dridan’s vehicle. It also showed people in the vicinity rushing to Mr DeZoete’s aid, but he died at the scene. The jury travelled to Stawell Motorsports Club at Black Range for a site tour by a judge-appointed shower, who gave pre-approved infor-

mation before jury members freely explored, had extensive discussions and asked questions. Court proceedings resumed on Monday and included witness testimony from Motorsport Australia’s Scott McGrath and Stawell Motorsports Club president Russell Harris, the first of 28 civilian witnesses who are listed to give evidence. Four expert and seven police witnesses are also expected to give evidence in coming days. Mr McGrath explained the nature of the burnout competition, car specifications and safety measures, as well as limitations of vehicles and drivers. He also explained the competition’s scoring system. Mr Harris outlined his role at the club, the event’s months-long planning process and entrant and vehicle requirements. In his continued evidence yesterday the court heard official, rostered scrutineers, with the assistance of other club members, helped drivers self-scrutineer their vehicles before

competing. Competitors were also required to attend compulsory briefings, but no records were taken of who attended. Mr Harris said WorkSafe attended the scene on the evening of November 4, 2023, and an incident report was filed with AASA. He told the court he was not sure what actions were taken by either body following the incident. Mr Harris’s wife, Elise, also gave evidence yesterday; she had an administrative role in the LOO5ENATS events. She told the court that in order to speed up the entry process, she prefilled most details on competitors’ forms, which were packaged with identifying wristbands and scrutineering forms. When the packs were collected by entrants their names were marked off on a sheet with highlighter to keep track of who had arrived. When asked if that had been done with Dridan, Mrs Harris said it had not. The trial continues.

PREPARED: 8TheLemon band member Violet Hardman rehearses for Friday’s gig. Picture: BRONWYN HASTINGS

Premier seeks WRL costs Premier Ben Carroll has ordered an immediate, independent assessment into the costs of the Western Renewables Link. The assessment will be completed by the end of the year, and its findings will be made public. WRL is a proposed new 190-kilometre overhead high-voltage electricity transmission line that will carry renewable energy from Bulgana, near Stawell to Sydenham in Melbourne’s north-west. Mr Carroll announced yesterday that Energy Minister Jaclyn Symes had spoken with VicGrid and reassured the community that no compulsory acquisitions would occur while the approvals process played out. The assessment of Planning Minister Sonia Kilkenny and the conclusion of the Environmental Effects Statement process is one of several steps to go, including state and federal government agency approvals, before finally being signed off in parliament. Initially costed at between $370-million to $479-million, the project now has an estimated cost of $1.53-billion, but energy experts believe it could be as high as $4.2-billion. “I respect the public’s money. This project was planned almost 10 years ago and Victorian consumers deserve updated, transparent costings,” Mr Carroll said. “If we can save money on the costs of building, we can help reduce the cost-ofliving. “I thank Martha Haylett, Michaela Settle and Steve McGhie for their advocacy on behalf of locals on this issue. “They have made it crystal clear to me that locals want transparency on this project. I’ve heard that message – and this is my plan.”

Burglary arrests

demonstrating the positive contribution young people make to our community.” Cr Rebecca Sluggett said the event reflected the creativity, passion and leadership of local young people. “Our municipality has so many smart and talented young people,” she said. “Events like Music @ May give them valuable opportunities to share their talents with the community while building confidence and developing new skills. “Young people are too often underestimated and overlooked. They have so much to offer our community when they are supported to lead,

connect and contribute. Hopefully it’s not too cringe for me to say it, but seeing these young artists bring the energy is ‘gonna be so hype’.” Senocide, whose debut album drops on all streaming services on October 1, is a Horsham four-piece that has played widely this year. Singer and guitarist Sam Kamstra said the band formed about three years ago, and with the current lineup of guitarist Tom Koenig, bassist Paddy Dales and drummer Daniel Hastings, had this year ‘started taking it seriously’. “We’ve been playing more shows outside of Horsham and have recorded an album, so we actually started

taking it seriously and we’ve noticed significant growth because of that,” he said. Senocide’s energetic shows feature original songs with a feel of ’90s grunge with a punk twist, pop rock elements and goth inspiration. Kamstra said the band was looking forward to playing to an all-ages home crowd. “It’ll be fun to meet the other bands and watch them play too, it’s good to see them get opportunities as well,” he said. “All around, it’s a great idea.” Music @ May, from 4.30pm to 8.30pm, is a drug, vape and alcohol-free event.

Horsham Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged two men following an alleged burglary at a supermarket in Dimboola on Friday. It is alleged two men broke into the Lochiel Street business about 3.50am, allegedly stealing cigarettes before fleeing in a Toyota Rav4. Police were later called with reports of a vehicle driving erratically on Stawell-Warracknabeal Road near Rupanyup. Officers pursued the vehicle, which was intercepted on Grano Street in Ararat about 9.40am, where allegedly stolen items were located inside the vehicle. A 22-year-old Ballarat man and 25-yearold Lara man were arrested. The Ballarat man was remanded in custody to appear at Horsham Magistrates’ Court on October 2, while the Lara man was bailed to appear at Horsham Magistrates’ Court on October 16.

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Page 3

HRCC NEWS Public Notice Issued For Proposed Acquisition of The Wesley

CAREERS AT HRCC LEADING HAND LANDFILL Permanant Full Time Closes Sunday 27 September MECHANIC Permanant Full Time Closes Thursday 31 October

Council has issued a public notice regarding its intention to acquire the Wesley Performing Arts and Cultural Centre.

To apply for these jobs or to view casual and part-time positions, please visit the HRCC website or scan the QR code.

The notice forms part of the process being undertaken in accordance with section 112 of the Local Government Act 2020 and Council’s Community Engagement Policy and follows Council’s July 2026 resolution to continue progressing the acquisition and redevelopment of the building.

TENDERS AND RFQ

The public notice is now available and will remain open until 9am 24 September 2026.

26-017 THE WESLEY REDEVELOPMENT Closes Wednesday 14 October

The proposed acquisition forms part of Council's broader Wesley Redevelopment Project, which aims to secure the long-term future of the building as a performing arts and cultural facility for the Horsham community.

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

Council’s adopted 2026/27 Budget includes $2.28 million funding allocation over two years for the redevelopment of the Wesley, which will enhance the building's capacity to support cultural, artistic and community activities across the municipality. Any submissions received during the notice period will be considered before Council makes any final decision regarding the proposed acquisition.

Spring Clean-Up Weekend Encourages Residents to Get Ready for Summer

GRASS FLAT FIRE RECOVERY EVENTS Preparedness Expo

The public notice is available on Council's website.

The community is invited to come together for a day of connection, information, entertainment and family-friendly fun when Natimuk hosts the Preparedness Expo on Sunday 4 October 2026.

Horsham RegFest Tickets Available Now!

Everyone is welcome to attend. This free community event will run from 10am to 2pm at the Natimuk Showgrounds.

Free Green Waste Weekend

Local businesses, community groups and organisations that provide products, services, expertise or advice related to emergency preparedness, resilience and recovery are encouraged to register for a free stall site.

• Saturday 3 October and Sunday 4 October 2026

Reserve your site with the QR code.

• Horsham, Quantong and Mt Zero Transfer Stations

Preparedness Expo Personal Firefighting Unit Show 'n Shine

Council is encouraging residents to make the most of a free green waste disposal weekend this October as part of a community-wide Spring Clean-Up Weekend initiative.

Horsham will take centre stage this October as some of Australia's biggest country music names roll into town for a festival expected to draw music fans from across the state and beyond. Horsham Rural City Council, in partnership with promoter RegFest, has confirmed the event will take place on Saturday 24 October 2026 at the events stage at Horsham City Oval. Book your tickets with the QR code, or visit regfest.com.au

• Dispose of up to 1m³ of green waste free per visit (standard 6x4 trailer load) • No limit on the number of visits you can make during the weekend. • If your load is more than 1m³, you'll only pay for the amount over the free allowance. This applies to all loads, including trailers, tandem trailers and trucks. • Please check transfer station opening hours before you visit.

Check Your Mailbox - Rates Notices Mailed

Grow Your Social Media Skills

Rate notices for the 2026/2027 financial year have been posted or emailed.

Learn how to create engaging content, reach the right audience and strengthen your online presence at this free Business Victoria workshop.

If you wish to pay your rates by four instalments, please ensure your first instalment is paid by Wednesday 30 September 2026, as shown on your rate notice. Alternatively, you can pay your rates in full at any time before Monday 15 February 2027. Please note that interest will be charged on any unpaid rates from 16 February 2027. If you have not received your rate notice, require assistance with payment options, or would like to speak with a member of our Rates Team, please contact us on 03 5382 9777.

You will learn how to choose the right platforms, create content that connects with your audience and use Google Business Profile to help customers find you. • Monday 5 October • 5.30pm to 8.30pm • Wimmera Business Centre, Horsham • Free, with light refreshments provided Bookings are essential.

Do you own a fully equipped firefighting unit or trailer? Bring it along and enter the Preparedness Expo Show 'n Shine Competition. We are looking for a range of personal units to showcase what people will need to consider when setting up their own firefighting units. This is a great opportunity to showcase your setup, talk about how you built your unit, and go into the running for a prize. Entries close Wednesday 23 September. Register your spot with the QR code.

STAY UP TO DATE Know what's happening at HRCC. Subscribe to our weekly email newsletter.

Book your spot with the QR Code.

Next Council Meeting: Monday, September 28, 2026 - 5.30pm Horsham Rural City Council: 18 Roberts Avenue Horsham | Postal address: PO Box 511 Horsham VIC 3402 | Phone: (03) 5382 9777 | Email: council@hrcc.vic.gov.au | Web: www.hrcc.vic.gov.au HRCC News

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September 16, 2026 edition

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Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Short-term priorities put forward

he Western Highway Action Committee’s new advocacy prospectus continues to push for a fully duplicated freeway from Melbourne to the South Australian border, while outlining a list of short-term priorities.

The committee, representing 10 municipalities across Victoria’s west – including Ararat, Northern Grampians, Horsham, Yarriambiack, Hindmarsh and West Wimmera – has released its new shared vision and investment priorities for the highway, which includes prioritising immediate projects that address critical safety and capacity constraints. The priorities include duplication between Buangor and Ararat, construction of a Beaufort Bypass, upgrades between Melton and the M80, the Bacchus Marsh Eastern Link Road connections, duplication between Ar-

arat and Stawell, and an improved maintenance program. WHAC chair Rod Ward, a Moorabool Shire councillor, said the prospectus demonstrated the united commitment of western Victorian councils to improving one of the state’s most significant transport corridors. He said the prospectus identified key projects needed to improve safety, freight efficiency, regional connectivity and the long-term resilience of one of Australia’s most important interstate transport routes. Since its establishment in 1999, the committee has been a strong and consistent advocate for upgrades to the highway, helping secure significant infrastructure investments. Cr Ward said the committee’s latest prospectus built on that legacy by setting out a co-ordinated roadmap for future investment and collaboration between local government and all lev-

els of government. “This prospectus sets out a practical and considered roadmap for future investment,” he said. “Our priorities focus on improving safety, reducing travel delays, strengthening freight productivity and connecting regional communities with jobs, services and opportunities. “The Western Highway is not only the lifeblood of western Victoria, it is a nationally significant freight route connecting Melbourne with Adelaide and Perth. “Continued investment is essential to ensure it remains safe, efficient and fit for the future.” The committee formed in 1999 – coincidentally when the Western Ring Road was completed – and when the total population along the Western Highway was about 180,000. The population has now grown to 453,000 and is expected to exceed

750,000 by 2046. The only major infrastructure investment on the highway since 1999 has been the construction of the Deer Park Bypass. “Investment in the Western Highway has been neglected for too long and we call on the State Government to rectify this,” Cr Ward said. All mayors united in their sustained campaigning for upgrades along the highway. “Improved road safety, freight efficiency and network resilience are essential for communities across the Grampians region and the broader western corridor,” Northern Grampians Shire Mayor Karen Hyslop said. Horsham Mayor Brian Klowss said as a major regional centre, Horsham relied on ‘a safe and efficient highway network to connect businesses, freight operators and communities across western Victoria’.

Hindmarsh Shire Mayor Ron Ismay said Hindmarsh council supported the committee’s call for sustained investment to improve safety, reliability and network resilience to meet the needs of regional Victoria now and into the future. “For communities across Hindmarsh Shire, the Western Highway is far more than a road,” he said. “It is a critical freight route, a connection to essential services and a key driver of economic activity.” West Wimmera Shire Mayor Tim Meyer said the prospectus highlighted the importance of maintaining momentum on future upgrades. “Communities in Victoria’s far west depend on the Western Highway for safe and reliable access to services, freight networks and neighbouring regions,” he said.

Fatal crash

Police are investigating a fatal crash on the Western Highway at Trawalla on Sunday, where a motorcyclist hit a pothole and lost control. Emergency services responded to the crash, near Trawalla Road, just before 12.50pm. The rider, a 71-year-old Ballarat man, died at the scene. Member for Lowan Emma Kealy said the death had brought Victoria’s worsening road crisis into devastating focus, as thousands of people from across the region regularly travelled on the highway for work, health appointments, business and visiting family. Ms Kealy said every Victorian deserved a safe road network. “This is an absolute tragedy and my thoughts are with this man’s family and loved ones,” she said. “For people across western Victoria, this isn’t some distant stretch of highway – it’s the road we regularly travel to get to Melbourne. “Police must investigate the circumstances of this crash, but we cannot ignore the broader warning about the condition of Victoria’s roads. “Country Victorians have been telling Labor for years our roads are deteriorating and becoming increasingly dangerous. Now the Auditor-General has confirmed it. “Road safety is not optional. Victorians should be able to get in their car, get on their motorbike or put their family on the road knowing the road itself isn’t putting them at risk.” Police have appealed for anyone who witnessed the crash, has dashcam footage or information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an online confidential report at www. crimestoppersvic.com.au.

HOLISTIC WELLBEING: The Horsham community marked Thursday’s annual RUOK? Day with service providers sharing information to the public at Roberts Place, and Horsham College hosting a wellbeing expo. The expo featured exhibitors Headspace, Empire Youth, Horsham Rural City Council, River Youth and empowerment coach Sally Pymer with her Smile Project. The event aimed to include mental, physical, social, emotional and spiritual wellbeing. Students were invited to dress with a splash of yellow and enjoy the official food of the day – spaghetti jaffles, representing life is messy. Pictured above are Horsham College students Paddy Price and Arlow Thannhauser, above right, Rebekah Tucker, Amelia Podolski, Jordan Fleay, Harper King, Tara Crafter and Airlie Wilkinson, and right, service providers Stacey Clyne, David Healy, Carmel Harvey, Bianca Thurau, Jasmine Hicks and Laura Elliott. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

Wednesday, September 16, 2026

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Hits of the 60’s & 70’s by The 60 Four 20 September 2026 | 5pm

Queen Rocks: Royal Rhapsody Tour 07 November | 7.30pm

The Dancers Zone presents Jukebox 8 November 2026 | 2pm

Music Of The Night 14 November 2026 | 2pm

Ross Wilson & The Peaceniks 27 November 2026 | 8pm

Beatles Legacy with special guest Denis Walter 28 November 2026 | 2pm

The Eagles Greatest Hits 4 December 2026 | 7.30pm

Ovation 21 February 2027 | 1pm

Fleetwood Macs 25 June 2027 | 7.30pm

The Traveling Wilburys Collection 09 July 2027 | 7.30pm

Printing with Foliage and Colour 29 September 2026 | 10.30am

Colourful Clay 1 October 2026 | 10.30am

The Perfect School Holiday Activity! Framed in Footy: AFL Photography by Michael Willson Closes Sunday 4 October

Page 6

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Wednesday, September 16, 2026

King sisters’ journey

Horsham woman will stride for her sister this month, after a stroke at just 32 turned her family’s world upside down.

Brittany King remembers receiving a phone call telling her that her older sister, Alannah, had experienced a stroke during a CrossFit class. When Brittany got to Horsham’s Wimmera Base Hospital to visit Alannah, her condition deteriorated. “I was in the room with Alannah and her fiancé while the doctors were explaining that she’d had a stroke when she suddenly went into anaphylactic shock from the lifesaving clot-busting medication she’d received,” Brittany said. Alannah was placed in an induced coma and airlifted to Melbourne’s St Vincent’s Hospital. “For me, it was devastating. Alannah is my best friend and has been my entire life. I felt completely helpless,” Brittany said. After spending five days in intensive care and weeks undergoing rehabilitation, Alannah gradually learned to walk again before returning home to Horsham. Now, more than a year since her stroke, Alannah is back to doing the things she loves, including CrossFit. This month, Brittany will be taking on Stroke Foundation’s annual fundraising challenge, Stride4Stroke, to raise awareness that stroke can happen to anyone, at any time. “I’m aiming to complete 600 minutes of exercise by walking with family and friends,” Brittany said. “For me, it’s about getting moving, raising awareness and doing something meaningful for a cause that has become incredibly important to my family. “Before Alannah’s stroke, I thought stroke mainly affected older people. “Alannah was young, healthy and active, and there is no history of stroke in

STRIDE4STROKE: Brittany King, left, is participating in the Stroke Foundation’s Stride4Stroke in support of her sister Alannah, who suffered a stroke at the age of 32. our family. You never think stroke will affect someone you love until it does.” Stroke Foundation chief executive Lisa Murphy commended Brittany for turning Alannah’s stroke and recovery battle into positive action and an opportunity to educate and inspire others. “Alannah’s story is a powerful reminder that stroke can affect Australians of all ages, including young and otherwise healthy people,” Dr Murphy said. “An Australian has a stroke every 11 minutes. “By getting active through Stride4Stroke, Australians can help reduce their own stroke risk while raising vital funds to support stroke prevention, recovery, research and advocacy.

“For many people, strokes can be prevented. “One way of lowering your stroke risk is by getting regular check-ups with your GP, and making healthier changes such as exercising regularly, quitting smoking, eating a healthy balanced diet and reducing your alcohol intake. “Just 30 minutes of exercise five times a week can reduce your risk of stroke by 25 per cent, and every dollar raised goes towards vital stroke prevention, research, recovery programs and advocacy.”    To donate to Brittany, or find out more, people can visit www.stride4stroke.org. au/fundraisers/brittanyking.

Modified Aradale tours to open Melbourne Polytechnic has issued new licences to Aradale tour operators after a safety inspection in August prompted an immediate shut-down. Since then, Melbourne Polytechnic has worked with tour operators to identify potential external tour routes through the historic precinct and determine how it can safely provide public access. The new arrangements will allow guided tours to access designated external areas of Aradale; no buildings will be open to the public as part of the initial arrangement. Melbourne Polytechnic chief executive Frances Coppolillo said at this

stage Melbourne Polytechnic had not committed to any building remediation, scope of works or reopening timetable. He said any proposals or estimates about works required for individual buildings would be finalised once a specialist building-survey process was complete. “Some buildings may be identified as suitable for public access without further works, or with safety controls in place,” he said. “Where this occurs, Melbourne Polytechnic will work with site users to enable access as soon as it is safe and practicable to do so.”

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“We had to acknowledge that Friday night when we got the news of Zanaiya’s death, but we then had to process that and we set two hours aside on Saturday to just focus on netball and concentrated on how lucky we were to be out there still, playing, and just backed each other. “Zanaiya was just such a presence – she was full of life – so it’s definitely felt, and some of our girls were still close friends with her. “Just the fact, it could’ve been anyone’s girl. It could’ve been one of our girls driving home – it’s so relatable ... so it hit people pretty hard and it still will have an effect on many.” Rupanyup Football Netball Club remembered Zanaiya as a muchloved teammate, friend and one-ofa-kind personality. “On the netball court, Zanaiya was the sharp-shooter every team would love to have. She was dominant in the goal ring, confident with the ball in hand and always willing to play her role for the team,” the statement read. “She was a true team player, and her teammates loved taking the court alongside her. “But as talented as Zanaiya was on the court, it was the person she was away from it that made her so unforgettable. “Zanaiya had a presence ... She could light up a room with her humour and was so often the life of the party. “Above all, she was fiercely loyal to her friends. She loved her people deeply, and that love was returned by so many within our club and community.” Edenhope-Apsley A Grade coach Lavinia Fox paid tribute to Zanaiya – who she had played interleague netball in their junior years – following her side’s win in Horsham District league’s grand final on Saturday. “This time last year, she was up here winning a grand final with Rupanyup,” she said. “I think it just goes to show how this sport can really bring people together. It’s a reminder to make the most of the time with your teammates and also against your opposition.” Horsham Highway Patrol officers will investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash, and have urged anyone who witnessed the crash, has CCTV or dashcam footage or anyone with information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an online confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

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From page 1 Ms Grant said Zanaiya’s passion, zest for life to make others happy, along with a desire deeply love her family and friends was priceless. “All of these amazing and wonderful things, along with many others are what made my gorgeous girl – the beautiful, unapologetically, most unique version of herself that will never be forgotten and left a print on your heart even if it were just for a few seconds – my gorgeous girl had that amazing effect on people,” she said. Ms Grant said the lives of herself and Zanaiya’s loved ones, including partner Ned, had ‘changed forever’. “From all of my gorgeous girl’s family, her partner’s family and friends, I wish to extend my absolute gratitude, appreciation and love for all the wonderful tributes expressed for Zanaiya,” she said. “She would be ever so touched, humbled and gracious for the overwhelming amount of love and support shown in her tragic passing. “As Zanaiya’s best friend Jazz Warren said, she was ‘the gift of Zee’ and it’s very true. Share the gift of Zee – my gorgeous girl.” Zanaiya’s workplace of the past five years, Eventide Homes Stawell, also posted a statement, saying ‘Zee had already made an extraordinary impact on the lives of so many people around her’. “To our residents, Zee was so much more than a carer. She brought warmth, kindness, laughter and genuine connection to every interaction,” the statement read. “She knew our residents, she noticed the little things, and she had a beautiful way of making people feel valued, safe and cared for. “To her colleagues, Zee was the person you could rely on. She was loved not only for the wonderful carer she was, but for the beautiful person she was. “She welcomed new team members, shared her knowledge generously and was the person we trusted to teach others what it truly meant to care for our residents. “Her kindness, patience and infectious smile became part of the fabric of Eventide.” Dimboola coach Ant Toet said many of the Roos’ A Grade players who played in Saturday’s Wimmera league preliminary final had played with Zanaiya in her junior years at the club, where she played 15 and under and 17 and under, and won a premiership. “ It was a pretty trying day for us and our club, and many at the club,” she said.

Time to prepare for Summer

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Mr Coppolillo said opening selected external areas was an important step for the Ararat community and local tourism operators. “We know how important access to Aradale is for community groups, tourism operators and local businesses, and we recognise the impact the restrictions have had,” he said. “Since access was restricted, we have been working at pace to determine how safe access can be restored. “By working directly with tour operators, we have now identified a pathway for guided tours to access designated external areas of the precinct.”

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HAVE YOU SEEN THIS MOTH? This spring, keep an eye out for Bogong Moths in your daily life to help these endangered moths and the species that depend on them.

1. See a Bogong Moth Size of a 20c–50c coin Two spots on wing Dark stripe on wing

2. Take a photo

3. Upload to Moth Tracker zoo.org.au/moth-tracker

Photographed by Moth Tracker Marco

Page 8

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Wednesday, September 16, 2026

‘No surprises’ in roads report

he Grampians region was rated to have the third-worst road conditions in the state, a Victorian Auditor General’s Office report revealed.

sure maintenance meets quality standards. “The department has mostly met its publicly reported performance targets in recent years, but the targets give no meaningful insight into road condition or the effectiveness of road maintenance,” the report said. “Using data it already has, the department could do more to provide transparency about the condition of Victoria’s state roads.” The Victorian Farmers Federation, VFF, says the State Government must urgently lift road funding. VFF president and Minyip farmer Ryan Milgate said the findings further reinforced the fact the state of Victoria’s roads were in crisis. “This is a damning report, but it won’t come as a surprise to anyone living in regional Victoria,” he said. “We have been telling the government for years that our roads are crumbling and the current approach is simply not keeping up. “Farmers are driving these roads every day. We see the potholes, the crumbling road edges and the endless temporary patches. The road network is deteriorating faster than the government is repairing it.” The report also found a third of Victoria’s roads have just five years of usable life remaining and the Department of Transport has warned it needs at least $3-billion a year to maintain them. Mr Milgate said the upcoming election was an opportunity for all sides of politics to put forward their plan to fix Victoria’s roads mess. “Rural Victoria keeps this state moving and our roads deserve real investment. It’s at crisis point now and there’s now no option but to front up the investment and get our roads fixed,” he said.

In judging the remaining useful life of state roads, the Grampians has 39.22 per cent of roads in very poor condition; 32.19 per cent in very good; 12.24 per cent in poor; 10.34 per cent in good; and 6.02 per cent in fair. The Loddon-Mallee region had the highest number of roads in very poor condition, 54.28 per cent, with Hume second in 47.98 per cent. The Maintaining State Roads report, tabled in parliament last week, found the overall condition of Victoria’s state roads was deteriorating. In 2024, about 48 per cent of the network was in poor or very poor condition, compared to 39 per cent in 2021. Victoria has a large and growing road maintenance backlog, where the network is deteriorating faster than the pace of repairs. “Rising costs, increasing traffic and ageing roads make the backlog more challenging to address,” the report stated. “The Department of Transport has advised the government that funding is insufficient to maintain or improve the condition of state roads. “This has meant it focuses more on reactive and safety-critical repairs rather than preventative works.” The report found the department has opportunities to improve how it made use of available funding by addressing gaps in its asset information, reflecting unintegrated and poor-quality datasets; co-ordination between the teams responsible for planning and delivering maintenance; and processes for making

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tions manager Glenn Sharp said. “Suspicious activity, including firewood sellers unable to verify where their wood was sourced, can be reported anonymously to Crime Stoppers.” Firewood collection from public land for personal use is only permitted in designated areas during the autumn and spring firewood collection seasons. Authorised Officers can seize chainsaws, trailers, vehicles and other equipment used in relation to alleged firewood offences, with offenders facing maximum penalties of up to $10,455 and 12 months’ imprisonment if prosecuted and found guilty in court.

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The operation follows intelligence linking the illegal removal of timber from public land in the Grampians to the sale of firewood in the Dunkeld area. It forms part of Taskforce Ironbark, a state-wide operation led by the Conservation Regulator in partnership with Parks Victoria, targeting criminal groups removing commercial quantities of trees from state forests and national parks. The investigation is ongoing. “The community plays an important role in helping protect Victoria’s forests from illegal firewood collection,” Conservation Regulator regional opera-

An investigation into the illegal removal of river red gum trees from in and around the Grampians, Gariwerd, National Park has led to the seizure of $30,000 worth of vehicles and equipment. The Conservation Regulator, supported by Victoria Police, executed a search warrant at a Dunkeld property on September 1, seizing a utility vehicle, log splitter and chainsaw equipment. The warrant followed the interception of a male occupant of the property near the Grampians National Park, where Conservation Regulator authorised officers seized a trailer, two cubic metres of firewood and a chainsaw.

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UNITED: More than 100 people marched to Horsham’s Sawyer Park during a World Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness Walk on Thursday – World Suicide Prevention Day. Aiming to promote mental-wellbeing, the event, which started in Ward Street, included guest speakers, information, support and a memorial display of people who had lost their lives to suicide. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

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Wednesday, September 16, 2026

It’s years of neglect

hree stories in this week’s edition further highlight the poor state of our roads, particularly the Western Highway.

But this is not news to us, is it? The highway, if you could classify it as that, is the major route between two capital cities, carrying thousands of trucks each day, providing a key avenue to transport freight across Australia and to its overseas ports. But more importantly it carries the people of our region – our residents, our families, our friends, our neighbours and our children – whenever they need to travel within the major towns or further beyond. It’s a weekly, if not daily, occurrence to hear of people damaging their car while travelling on the highway – countless tyres blown, wrecked wheels and stuffed suspensions – and enough to prompt at least one Horsham-based government agency to order their staff to drive four-wheel drive vehicles if they are planning to use the Western Highway to travel to Melbourne. While we can all complain about the damage to our cars – and the Buckley’s chance of receiving any compensation from the government – it’s the danger to people’s lives that is a far scarier proposition. To read about the death of a motorcyclist at Trawalla on Sunday after he hit a pothole was both devastating and unsurprising. It has literally been an accident waiting to happen for years. Driving to Melbourne a few weeks ago, the road condition was visibly at its worst. Several sections where drivers were advised to slow down to 60 kilometres on what should be a 110 kmh dual-lane freeway. And there are plenty that don’t follow those reduced speed rules, putting not only themselves but others at risk. Those in the Wimmera are used to having to drive the dangerous section west of Ararat, but at least in the past, we had somewhat of a reprieve of reaching dual lanes on the freeway east of Ararat. Now that section is just as bad, in parts, as the rest of the highway.

EDITORIAL By Lauren Henry

The Auditor-General’s Maintaining State Roads report, tabled in parliament last week, told us nothing that regional Victorians didn’t already know. We drive on poor condition roads every single day, and have noticed the decline in the past 10 years. To hear several regional Labor MPs come out a few weeks ago and denounce the state of the roads was, to be honest, laughable. In a letter to the editor, Member for Ripon Martha Haylett said ‘the roads are not good enough’. “Roads are the number one issue people are raising with me right now, and after another wet winter, an already serious problem has become worse,” she wrote. “I drive these roads myself. I’ve hit the potholes, heard the frustration from local families, farmers, tradies and commuters, and I’ve taken those concerns directly to parliament.” Where have Labor MPs been in recent years? Obviously not driving the same roads as regional Victorians have. There has been years of neglect by the State Government – insufficient funding to properly fix roads, not just patching up potholes; doing away with maintenance crews to instead hire private contractors; and deprioritising basic maintenance to instead waste billions of dollars on the city-centre Big Build. And now we see a death directly linked to potholes creating a deadly road. Will the years of neglect, widespread poor conditions of roads as outlined in the Auditor-General report and the recent death on the Western Highway be a spark for change at the next election? Only time will tell, but my fear is that those Melbournians who rarely travel to the regions, have no idea just how neglected regional Victoria has been.

JAPAN BOUND: Fifteen students from Horsham’s St Brigid’s College travelled to Japan last night. Students have many cultural experiences to look forward to, including visiting the Matsudo Kokusai High School in Matsudo city. Yeareight student Harper Kelly, front right, said she hoped to experience a new culture on the trip. “I’m excited for the experience and heading overseas for the first time,” she said. Harper is pictured with fellow travellers, from left, Skyla McClure, Ted Johnson, Justin Leaver-Schwarz, Liam Carracher, Zachary Ruwoldt, Finn O’Loughlin, Riley O’Loughlin, James Burton, Coen Friend, Nate Curran, Christopher Burton and Charlie Wilson with teacher Yoko Cross, centre. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Stepping up for health More than $1-million was raised by CFA, VICSES, Forest Fire Management Victoria and interstate fire services’ personnel in the 13th annual Melbourne Firefighter Stair Climb on Saturday. Participants from across the state included volunteers from organisations at Ararat, Avoca, Beaufort, Grampians, Horsham, Stawell, St Arnaud and Warracknabeal.

Donning 25 kilograms of kit to climb Crown Metropol Hotel’s 28 flights of stairs, more than 1000 participants raised $1,078,715 for Lifeline, Peter MacCallum Cancer Foundation and 000Foundation. Individual and team results can be found at the stair climb website www.firefighter climb.org.au where donations can still be made.

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Surveillance regime starts H

indmarsh, Yarriambiack, West Wimmera and Buloke shires are among priority local government areas under surveillance for higher-than normal locust numbers this spring.

Agriculture Victoria has established an incident management team and spring surveillance has begun in the Mallee, initially to confirm the locations of egg beds where earlier egg laying activity was recorded. Surveillance is focusing on seven priority local government areas based on forecasts showing a moderate-to-high chance of high locust numbers in the Mallee and a low-to-moderate chance of high locust numbers in the Wimmera. Mildura, Swan Hill and Gannawarra are also among the seven prioritised municipalities. Incident controller Melissa Cann said priority areas were determined through surveys in May, following reports of high locust activity driven by favourable weather conditions for breeding. “The May surveillance, undertaken with the Australian Plague Locust Commission, provided the data to inform the likely spring risk and direct where response efforts should be focused,” she said. “Agriculture Victoria has established the incident management team as the co-ordinating agency to ensure information and support is provided to all land managers who are responsible

for surveying and spraying on their land.” Ms Cann said authorities were encouraging landholders and managers to join surveying efforts over the coming weeks and report sightings of locusts, which would refine priority areas and timing for spraying. “Spraying will be most effective about two weeks after hatching, when young locusts are on the ground and banding together but not yet flying,” she said. “It’s difficult to predict the exact hatching times, but based on forecasting data and surveys from earlier in the year, we expect it to start in the northern Mallee from mid to late this month and slightly later in the Wimmera.” Agriculture Victoria will support private landholders, councils and public land managers throughout September and October by conducting surveillance and collecting public reports and identifying when and where locust management activities such as ground spraying should be implemented. “Locusts can cause serious damage to pasture, crops and horticulture, also impacting road users, so effective treatment is essential,” Ms Cann said. “Early reporting helps support accurate advice to landholders and managers and leads to a reduced risk of widespread impacts.” People can report locust activity by visiting agriculture.vic.gov.au/locusts or by calling the customer service centre on 136 186.

ARTICULATED: Hopetoun College’s Darcy Milburn will compete at Legacy’s junior public speaking competition’s national finals after placing second to Portland’s Isaac Legg in the state final last week. For the competition’s prepared five-minute speech, Mr Milburn spoke about his gratitude for World War II veterans, farmers and truck drivers; he spoke to the topic ‘I wish…’ in the twominute impromptu speech. The national final competition is at Ballarat on November 15.

Flood consultation drop-in sessions Wimmera and North Central catchment management authorities will host community consultation sessions in Stawell, St Arnaud and Marnoo next week covering proposed changes to flood-related planning controls in the region. A draft Planning Scheme Amendment C72ngra would alter flood mapping and related planning controls set out in the Northern Grampians planning scheme. The draft amendment defines new land-subject-to-inundation, floodway and special-building overlays on land identified as liable to flooding across

the Stawell, St Arnaud and Marnoo townships. Victorian Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny is considering whether to adopt the amendment, with residents able to provide feedback on the proposal before October 6. Organisers said they were interested in local knowledge of each area, including flood history and information that could help improve accuracy of the mapping or planning controls. The CMAs will host drop-in consultation sessions at Stawell Town Hall from 10am to 7pm on Monday; St Arnaud Town Hall from 10am to

4pm and St Arnaud Library from 5pm to 7pm on Tuesday, September 22; and Marnoo Public Hall from 9am to 12pm on Wednesday, September 23. People can also find more information on the proposed changes, view flood maps and submit feedback online via engage.vic.gov.au/marnoostarnaud-stawell-flood-studies. People who provide contact details with their submission will be informed when a decision is made, and a copy of the decision will be available at planning.vic.gov.au/ amendments.

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SOL MISSION OF SUPPORT: Steph Lovel and Tayla Hateley will walk from Horsham to Natimuk next month to raise money for their father who is battling terminal bile duct cancer. Picture: BRONWYN HASTINGS

Natimuk sisters ‘doing it for dad’ N

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

atimuk sisters Steph Lovel and Tayla Hateley will walk from Horsham to Natimuk next month to raise money for their parents as their father battles terminal bile duct cancer.

Diagnosed about two months ago, David ‘Bones’ Hanson’s declining health forced him to stop working about two weeks ago. Mrs Lovel said she and her sister also hoped to raise awareness of the rare cancer with the 25-kilometre walk. “We’re going to be leaving the 80K sign at Horsham, and we’ll walk to the Natimuk skate park,” she said. “When we rang dad and told him we were doing it, he said he didn’t want the attention, but he appreciates it. “The support we’ve had already is insane – we did not expect it. “We have a few people who are keen to walk with us, some want to walk the whole way, some others are just going to do part. “We’ve had somebody wanting to sell raffle tickets, he’s going to donate some tools, we’ve had somebody that’s going to do up some hats for us so we can sell them. “We’ve also got some people who have offered to drive support vehicles, and others who have volunteered to cook a barbecue at the skate park when we finish.” Mrs Lovel said while her mother, Sue, was still working as much as she can, she has had to take time off work for Mr Hanson’s appointments and care. “He used to work hard, but his body just

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wouldn’t really let him anymore, that’s why he was driving for Clinical Labs, but he’s had to give that up too,” she said. “He didn’t want to, but he was just too sick and in too much pain.” Mr Hanson’s cancer cannot be removed surgically. “It’s wrapped around one of his main arteries,” Mrs Lovel said. “So, it’s just chemo and amino treatment. He had his first round of chemo, but then got pancreatitis and was too sick to go for his second round, so he had to start over again. “He can have the treatment in Horsham, and they’ve been great. The cancer centre is amazing – they’ve been so good. “But it’s just buying him more time.” Mrs Hateley said their father was putting on a brave face. “You ask him how he’s going and he says he’s all right, but he’s not, and he will never tell us if he’s not all right,” she said. “Even with strong pain relief, he just lays on the couch. It’s just not like him.” The sisters will leave Horsham’s outskirts at 6am on Saturday, October 10 and expect the walk will take between four and five hours. People can visit the ‘Doing it for Dad’ Facebook page for more information or to donate. Mrs Lovel said people could support the cause in many ways. “If people can’t donate or join us for the walk, there are other ways they can help – just sharing the post is good support, honestly,” she said. “The number of views our posts have had is unbelievable, they just went crazy. “It was really lovely, actually.”

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Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Mutual connection in care

avin and Jodie Morrow are not your average couple in their 50s.

While their friends and peers plan for a period of slowing down and embracing life as empty-nesters, the Morrows have instead opened their doors to young children in need. Gavin, 59, and Jodie, 53, have been emergency respite foster carers with Uniting VicTas since 2020. The children, aged between 18 months to 17 years, stay with the couple at their family home for one or two nights during a weekend. Admirably, the Morrows are both full-time workers, caring for children who need a safe home on their weekends off. Their experience offers an alternative to the long-term commitment stereotypical of foster-care. “We both work. Gavin has car dealerships, so we have a lot of things that we do on weekends and events,” Jodie said. “But I think it shows people, too, that you can still be busy and you can still do fostering because you don’t have to make some massive commitment. “You don’t have to foster children full-time to make a difference.” The couple had different motivations for becoming carers. Jodie, who never had children of her own, wanted to experience motherhood, while Gavin, whose three children from a previous relationship had grown up and left the family nest, was just happy to put his hand up. “Initially it was because I’d never had any of my own children,” Jodie said. “I just felt like I had something to offer.” Many of the children in their care initially arrive with a myriad of feelings, emotions and behaviours from households prior, requiring the Morrows to begin a meticulous yet necessary process of building trust and learning how best to care for the child. “We’ve had some challenging kids come through, but then on the other hand, we’ve also had some absolute rippers too,” Gavin said. “When they come in, we just make sure they know this is a safe house. Make them feel safe, make them feel welcome.” In a child’s first night at the house, they leave the lights on so that the child will not fear the darkness and can roam freely in the new space. “Sometimes kids in care with other people ... they just get put in their room, told to be quiet, come out

GUIDANCE: Gavin and Jodie Morrow provide respite care for children on weekends and are encouraging people to think about opening their homes to foster children. when it’s tea time,” Gavin said. “When tea’s finished, go back to your room.” The Morrows’ approach to care is steeped in kindness, routine, animal companionship and outdoor activities. They quickly discovered their pets, two dogs and a cat, became a great way to assuage the children’s unease at being in a new home and get them outdoors. “We use the animals as tools,” Gavin said. “Sometimes you’d find kids just sitting out on the lawn patting the dogs. “We’d say to the kids, ‘come on, let’s go for a walk’ and surprise, they’re doing exercise, which they didn’t even know they were doing.” They also try to keep the children off screens as much as possible. “We’d ride the bikes, we’d take a footy down to the oval, we’d go to the playground ... go to the Grampians, Halls Gap, and buy an ice-cream,” Gavin said. “Maybe give them the experiences they haven’t had an opportunity to do.” Some children are recurring visitors; their full-time foster carers needing a momentary reprieve from housing the children 24 hours a day, seven days a week. As the weekends progress, the Morrows have noticed slight changes in the children they foster – something they attribute to being a consistent adult presence in the child’s life,

providing guidance when needed. Gavin’s positive impact on a quiet girl in their care who was having issues with her friendship group is testament to the couple’s ability to adapt to each child and lend an ear during times of hardship. They have also formed a special bond with three brothers who stay with them one weekend a month, or as needed, to relieve their full-time career. When the boys first arrived, they bonded with Gavin over sport, discussing their love of soccer and kicking the footy around the local oval. After introducing them to AFL, Gavin gave the boys a Sherrin football to take home and encouraged them to practise more. Two of the boys now play in the local Wimmera Football Netball League. “We’ve had them for about three or four years. They’re part of the family now,” Jodie said. “Our families on both sides virtually just treat them as our own children.” Gavin said the relationship with the children was mutually beneficial. “I think we’ve been good for them, and they’ve also been good for us because they’re such good kids,” he said. “They just make us happy, and I think they keep us grounded too.” When asked if they would recommend emergency respite care to others, the couple immediately responded ‘absolutely’. Whether people can offer a week-

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end, a night, or occasional respite care, their support can provide stability, safety and connection for children who need it most. Uniting is currently seeking foster carers across the Wimmera and southern Mallee region. People who have considered opening their home to a child in need are encouraged to seek more information. To find out how to help, people can contact Uniting on 1800 929 181 or visit www.unitingvictas.org.au.

Foster Care Week

This week is Foster Care Week in Victoria – a time to celebrate foster carers and the important role they play in the lives of children and young people, while raising awareness of the growing need for more people to consider becoming foster carers. This year’s Foster Care Week theme of ‘Open Doors. Open Hearts. Open Opportunities.’ recognises the many ways people can support children and young people through foster care, and encourages them to explore how caring for a child could fit into their lives. Family-based care supports children’s wellbeing, education, development and connections to family, community and culture. Foster carers are an essential part of Victoria’s care system, helping provide support when it is needed most. More than 9100 Victorian children and young people are currently living in out-of-home care, with more than 7400 in kinship-care and more than 1200 in foster-care.

Nightworks in Horsham Fully controlled right-turn signals will be installed at the intersection of Firebrace Street and Wilson Street in Horsham. Transport Victoria is organising the works in a bid to increase safety for all road users, ease congestion and improve traffic flow. Nightworks between 8pm and 5am began on Sunday, and will continue for up to four weeks, weather permitting. Transport Victoria has advised that during construction, traffic changes will be in place for the safety of crews and road users. Firebrace Street, between Wilson and Hamilton streets, will be closed during the night works with detours in place from Sunday night until Thursday night. The same section of Firebrace Street will open during the day. Access to residential properties and businesses will be maintained throughout construction, with some lane closures and reduced speed limits expected. There will be on-street parking restrictions on Firebrace and Wilson streets.

Ararat upgrades Ararat Rural City Council workers are replacing damaged bluestone pavers at the top of Lannens Lane this week, with works due to finish on Friday. Workers will replace the pavers with heavy-duty concrete and to allow the concrete to cure. Lannens Lane will be closed between the south right-ofway intersection and Barkly Street for the duration of the works. Footpath access will remain open, and the council will attempt to minimise disruption to local businesses, pedestrians and nearby traffic. Council chief executive Tim Harrison encouraged pedestrians and motorists to take care near the work area and follow all traffic and pedestrian-management directions.

Intersection changes

Transport Victoria is planning to upgrade the intersection of Vincent and Barkly streets in Ararat. Works are planned to be completed this year, with project timelines still being finalised. Barkly Street, an extension of Ararat-Halls Gap Road, supports freight travelling through western Victoria and is used by 2600 vehicles daily. Vincent Street is the extension of the Pyrenees Highway, and carries 2000 vehicles a day. The busy intersection has also has high pedestrian traffic.

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Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Wesley acquisition first step in plan H

BY LAUREN HENRY

orsham Rural City Council is advertising a proposed acquisition of the Wesley Performing Arts and Cultural Centre for the cost of $1.

The council is planning to restore the building, at 17A Roberts Avenue, Horsham, opposite the council offices, having previously resolved to make a funding allocation of $2.28-million for the restoration, subject to the acquisition. In a public notice, advertised until September 24, pursuant to section 112 of the Local Government Act 2020, the council gives notice of its intention to purchase the Wesley Property from Wesley Performing Arts and Cultural Centre Incorporated for a purchase price of $1. The future of The Wesley has been informed through previous community-engagement activities, strategic planning processes, and council de-

cision-making. The proposed acquisition is consistent with a strategic direction previously identified, considered, and communicated to the community. At the council’s July meeting, councillors adopted a recommendation to undertake community engagement in relation to the proposed acquisition, noting that any decision regarding the transfer of title would be considered at a subsequent council meeting following the community engagement and that any transfer of title would be subject to the council’s consideration and approval of the terms and conditions in the proposed transfer agreement. The council will then call for tenders for the redevelopment works, noting that any decision to award a tender was contingent upon council approving the transfer of title. Cr Cameron McDonald, who moved the motion, said it was an important step in the process of redeveloping

The Wesley, and that he hoped the acquisition process would progress in a timely manner so the redevelopment could get underway. Cr Angela Munn said the push to redevelop The Wesley began a decade ago. “ It’s about turning commitment into action. Budget allocation is now upon us, and the processes we are now undertaking is about making that promise a reality for the community,” she said. “It’s an investment in people, not just the building. “The people who have worked tirelessly to achieve this goal – the donors, volunteers, performers and other community members in various ways. “ This redevelopment will create opportunities within schools, performing-arts groups, community organisations and audiences for generations to come. “It’ll be good to once again have this building open for use.”

The council adopted its 2026-27 budget at a special meeting in June, allocating $2.71-million over two years. The Wesley Redevelopment Project fundraising campaign raised $423,667 for the redevelopment project, including a contribution of $226,000 from its own funds. The redevelopment will have a flatfloor design to make the building more user-friendly and suitable to a variety of uses – a performing-arts venue as well as a meeting space. As part of the high-level terms of agreement between the Wesley Performing Arts and Cultural Centre, WPACC, and the council for the transfer of building ownership, the council will enter into a legally binding agreement that incorporates all remaining terms for the redevelopment project; and the council resolves to make a funding allocation of $2.28-million. The legally binding agreement will

Nature play building learning blocks A family session hosted by Green Park Kinder, Emerge Early Years Service and Nurture in Nature showcased nature play’s benefits at Horsham Police Paddock last week. Enabled by school readiness funding, early childhood teacher Alice Clarke said the session built connections and allowed for varied learning. “Nature play is good for wellbeing – you can do lots of learning out here – and we wanted to promote the beautiful places we have in our community,” she said. “We also wanted to share our philosophy with families and get them to value nature play as an experience. “Our staff have been doing professional development on it, and we do bush kinder once a week for a full session – we have such deep belief in the value of it.” Ms Clarke said nature play offered social-emotional learning, looseparts play, storytelling, creativity and numeracy learning among its informal lessons. “It’s just a calmer setting to learn in – they find their own space, they’ve got responsibility and they really step up to that ownership of caring for country.” Nurture in Nature’s Tania Moloney offers sessions across the country and has spoken at international conferences.

OUTDOOR FUN: Pippa Dean, James Phillips, Jess Phillips, Kiara Baker, Logan Baker and Bella Phillips enjoying a nature play session at Horsham Police Paddock. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER She works with families, communities and teachers in all weathers to realise the potential the outdoors offered children’s development. “We see from research and common sense as well the impact that technology or indoor lifestyles have for children,” she said. “When we see children who have regular and meaningful opportunities to connect with nature, we see improved physical health, improvement in mental health, and cross-curricular

experiences in science, math and literacy. “There’s so much research around giving children the chance to have these sorts of experiences, and families as well.” Ms Moloney said while most enjoyed the relaxed atmosphere, children were exploring their ‘rites of passage’ of grazed knees and measured risk-taking. “It’s also really important we help children get to know and fall in love

with nature from an early age, so they grow up wanting to protect it,” she said. “We tend to look after the things that we love, and if we don’t learn to love nature, we won’t have our environmental stewards of the future to care for it.” Ms Clarke is gauging interest for another session. Interested people can contact her via email greenpark. acacia@kindergarten.vic.gov.au. – Bronwyn Hastings

include the following key provisions: an agreement as to a timeline of commencement and completion of the project; an agreed timeline for the transfer of funds raised by WPACC towards the delivery of the project; and a commitment by the council to preserve and maintain the building as a performing-arts centre and other ancillary uses, the property and contents – specifically the Schimmel piano, the Brash Paling piano and the electric organ – the unique acoustic and architectural characteristics of the property, including the stain-glass windows, heritage organ pipes, an appropriate choice of seating and the use of the Jarrah flooring, where possible; and a donor board. The council will need to obtain WPACC’s agreement on dispersal of contents within the property, and agree that two members of WPACC remain as members of the project control group for the duration of the project.

Connect with councillors Ararat Rural City Council is inviting residents to meet with councillors and staff at a series of community drop-in sessions across the municipality this month. The sessions provide opportunities for community members to share ideas, ask questions, provide feedback and hear updates on council projects and initiatives. Mayor Bob Sanders said the sessions were a direct way for the council to connect with people in their own towns. “Councillors and staff are looking forward to getting out and having a chat with people about what is happening in their communities,” he said. “These sessions are a good opportunity to raise an idea, ask a question, or let us know what is on your mind. We want to hear directly from our residents, because local knowledge and feedback help council make better decisions.” Sessions will be – Today, September 16: Tatyoon Recreation Reserve, 3.30pm to 4.15pm; Buangor Cobb and Co, 5pm to 5.45pm; Elmhurst Hotel Hall, 6.30pm to 7.15pm. Friday, Pomonal Hall meeting room, 10am to 10.45 am; Moyston Hall, 11.15am to noon; Willaura Bakery, 12.30pm to 1.15pm; and Lake Bolac Memorial Hall, 1.45pm to 2.30pm.

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Reduce your energy costs Rapid rises in the cost of living are hitting communities hard — and Wade’s Horsham has a long-term solution to save money on both energy bills and running costs in a residential or commercial setting. A heat pump hot water system collects heat from the air surrounding the unit to use as energy to heat a pressurised refrigerant, which is ozone friendly CO2 — in turn, offering an energy-efficient and environmentally-friendly hot and cold water solution. It uses less energy, compared to conventional electric and gas systems, and can generate a higher thermal output, yearround. Australian designed, for our unique conditions, a range of heat pump hot water systems can also be customised to meet family needs and changing seasons, including built-in frost, freeze and legionella controls. A typical heat pump hot water system comprises a heat pump – that being, a compressor – and a storage tank. Wade’s offers multiple brand options including: Apricus and Reclaim. The Reclaim All-in-one system can reduce your energy costs by up to three times, compared to conventional options, and its dual heating technology with incorporated electric element provides hot water up to 70 degrees Celsius for six people. 8-year parts and labour warranty for the tank and refrigeration components, and a 1-year warrany for ancillary electrical and sensor parts. The Reclaim system is a top-down heat

pump, return heating design that ensures quick water recovery. It is whisper quiet and up to 200 percent more environmentally friendly than systems using stand refrigerants. A Reclaim CO2 heat pump system can save people an average running cost of $360 a year, based on individual circumstances — up to 80 percent off their existing hot water bill. Up to 15-year pro-rata or full parts warranty on stainless steel tanks, 10-year parts warranty on glass-lined tanks, up to 10year parts and labour warranty on wi-fi heat pump compressor and controller and 7-years on non-wifi-fi, 7-year parts and labour coverage on electrical components and PCBs.. Installation is simple and can be completed within a day, including electrical wiring works. As an added benefit and incentive to adopt the technology, people can access a range of rebate schemes, relative to their circumstances and the use of the system; terms and conditions apply. These include rebate schemes such as Small-scale Technology Certificates, STC, that can offset the initial cost of the system; Victorian Energy Efficiency Certificates, VEEC, awarded for installing a heat pump to replace less efficient systems; and Solar Victoria, which assists with rebates to help reduce the upfront costs of changing over your existing hot water service. People can contact Wade’s, in Pynsent Street, Horsham on 5382 3823 to discuss their options, or to find out how we can help you with the process of applying for your rebate.

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ST ARNAUD REVEAL: Members of the Queen Mary Gardens Advisory Group and Friends of the Queen Mary Gardens Committee celebrate the sculpture unveiling alongside Northern Grampians Shire councillors.

New ‘sculptural meeting point’ N

“The design brief was developed in collaboration with the advisory group, and the theme of the proposed sculpture was ‘of the natural world, relevant to regional Victoria’”

orthern Grampians Shire Council unveiled a new sculpture in St Arnaud’s Queen Mary Botanic Gardens last week.

The council and Queen Mary Botanic Garden Advisory Group presented the statue on Friday morning as the centrepiece of a new Buddleia Garden. Studio United Make designed the sculpture, titled ‘Where the Garden Gathers’, describing it as ‘a sculptural meeting point between flower, pollinator, light and landscape’. Mayor Karen Hyslop said the work reflected the quiet intelligence of nature, with many small structures coming together to create something larger, stronger and alive. In February and March this year the council sought quotes from qualified artists to deliver community engagement, design and installation of a public sculpture at Queen Mary Botanic Gardens. “The artwork was always intended to be the centrepiece of a new Buddleia Garden that the Queen Mary Botanic Garden Advisory Group was establishing with support from the Friends of the Queen Mary Gardens Committee,” Cr Hyslop said. “The design brief was developed in collaboration with the advisory group, and the theme of the proposed sculpture was ‘of the natural world, relevant to regional Victoria’.” Cr Hyslop said the council’s public art working group assessed 23 submissions in consultation with a representative of its public art reference group. “Ultimately, the tender was awarded to United

– Mayor Karen Hyslop

Make and we are excited to showcase the results to the community,” she said. The Buddleia Garden was planned as a habitat for butterfly species including yellow admirals, swallowtails, red-spotted jezebels and lesser wanderers, as well as bees, honeyeaters and other nectar-feeding birds. Jean and Ellen Reid of the St Arnaud Bible Museum and Butterfly Centre specially bred and donated several buddleias for the garden. “Congratulations to council’s parks and gardens team, who created the Buddleia Garden and do such a fantastic job keeping all of our green spaces looking amazing,” Cr Hyslop said. “The botanic gardens is such a wonderful asset for our community and visitors alike. “Council is pleased to work collaboratively with the gardens’ advisory group and Friends of the Queen Mary Gardens Committee to ensure this beautiful green space in the middle of our town continues to flourish.” People can visit www.ngshire.vic.gov.au/Community/Arts-and-culture/Public-Art/Where-theGarden-Gathers-Sculpture-St-Arnaud for more information about the project.

Vote for people’s choice award Ararat leaders are encouraging residents to throw their support behind their favourite businesses by casting votes in the East Grampians Business Awards’ People’s Choice Award. The people’s choice award is the only prize decided entirely by community votes, and is supported by Ararat Rural City Council in partnership with ACE Radio and The Weekly Advertiser. The winning business will receive an advertising package from ACE Radio and The Weekly Advertiser valued at $2000 for use across print and radio. Ararat Mayor Bob Sanders described the awards as a standout event on the local calendar, celebrating the region’s diverse business sector. “The people’s choice award is such a great way for everyone to get behind our local business owners by voting online for their top three favourites,” he said. Wednesday, September 16, 2026

“It really gives the winner a huge boost with a fantastic advertising package to help get their name out there. “Community participation really matters because when we support our local shops and services, we help to create jobs and keep our whole community thriving. “This is your chance to shout out the hard work, dedication and great service our local businesses bring to the municipality every day.” Community members can vote for any business, large or small operating within Ararat Rural City, whether in a rural area or the Ararat central business district. Voting closes on September 30. People can cast a vote for their favourite Ararat Rural City businesses by visiting www.ararat.vic.gov.au/ awards2026.

Terms & Conditions: Blackout Sale offer is valid from now until Saturday, 19 September 2026. Blackout Sale “50% off mattresses” and “30% off furniture” offer is subject to change at any time. Offer available in-store and online. Products available may differ between in-store and online. Exclusions apply. Offer excludes Sleep Savers range, Boori, and Harrison Spinks. For the full list of excluded products, please visit our website: https://www.fortywinks.com.au/terms-conditions/ Cannot be used in conjunction with any other offer. No rain checks. Delivery, installation, and additional costs may apply. Lay-buy not available at all stores, please contact your local store for availability. Blackout Sale offer is available at participating Forty Winks stores only. Prices, stock availability and products may vary from store to store.

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Page 19

Reduce your water use

An important update while improvement works are underway Central Highlands Water is investing in the future water supply of Landsborough and Navarre, upgrading Landsborough Water Treatment Plant.

To help meet everyone’s needs please reduce your water use where possible while works are completed. We expect to be back on line by the end of spring and will keep you informed.

We’re improving the treatment processes, enhancing ﬁltering and reducing ongoing maintenance – beneﬁting the whole community. While this is done, we’re tankering your water from the Avoca water system – so it may taste a little different.

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Wednesday, September 16, 2025

Ride contributes to purchase E

ast Grampians Health Service’s Murray to Moyne Cranks and Defibrillators team has raised $16,100 towards Victoria Police Blue Ribbon Foundation Ararat Branch’s $250,000 mammography unit project.

The team wrapped up its fundraising efforts for 2026 after completing the 525-kilometre Murray to Moyne Cycle Relay from Echuca to Port Fairy. The team of 14 riders, along with a support crew of four bus drivers, was thrilled to exceed its fundraising goal. Blue Ribbon Foundation Ararat Branch and EGHS’ board and executive staff acknowledged the work of this year’s Murray to Moyne team at a function last month. “Thank you to this year’s Murray to Moyne team for raising the significant amount of $16,100 towards the Blue Ribbon Foundation’s mammography unit project,” EGHS chief executive Nick Bush said. “Funds raised came through events such as the Ararat Market and popular trivia night, as well as two raffles and generous sponsorship from family, friends, work colleagues and of course our generous Ararat business community. “The Murray to Moyne team has been representing EGHS for around 25 years and in that time has raised about $250,000 for vital equipment and services for EGHS. “Not only that, but they ride 525 kilometres from the Murray in Echuca to the Moyne in Port Fairy, supporting each other with training and acting as great ambassadors for EGHS.” Mr Bush also thanked the businesses, organisations and individuals that

TARGET: Pictured, from left, are members of the East Grampians Health Service Murray to Moyne Cycle Relay team, Blue Ribbon Foundation Ararat Branch members and EGHS staff Graham Bull, Dianne Radford, Graeme Foster, Loretta Sanders, Garry Brumby, Erin Thomas, Kate Gleeson, Tessa Sargent, Andy Sanders, Roxane Moos, Sarah Woodburn and Jodie Holwell. provided sponsorship and donations to the team. “We are very grateful for the generosity of our community, who have provided valuable funds towards the Mammography Unit project, as well as in-kind donations that enable our team to run successful fundraisers,” he said. Blue Ribbon Foundation Ararat Branch president Dianne Radford commended the fundraising effort. “The mammography project is the largest project undertaken by the Ararat branch since we started in 2002,

and since announcing this project last November we have been overwhelmed with support from the Ararat and district community,” she said. “Murray to Moyne is a great example of community coming forward not only to do the cycling relay but to help raise the funds for this vital equipment which will be of benefit to East Grampians Health Service’s medical officers, staff and most importantly residents in our communities and beyond. “Pleasingly, recently at our gala night we handed over the first instal-

ment of $100,000 to the health service which included the team’s donation – a pretty good effort all round in just six months, and with our forthcoming fundraising events in next few months we are hoping we will reach the target much sooner than originally anticipated. “For all of us, we are so fortunate to be part of such an inclusive and generous community whose support for projects like the mammography unit is paramount, and to the Murray to Moyne team thank you, we are indebted to your wonderful contribution.”

Multicultural film festival at St Arnaud St Arnaud will showcase 10 short films chosen from nearly 800 submissions on Friday as it hosts the 2026 Victorian Multicultural Film Festival. Entry to the festival screening at St Arnaud Community Cinema from 4.30pm to 6.30pm is free. Northern Grampians Shire Council brought the festival to St Arnaud as part of a regional Victorian tour presented by the Victorian Multicultural Commission in partnership with Swinburne University of Technology and SBS. The regional tour also included a screening at Halls Gap in July. The St Arnaud event also includes complimentary cultural food provided by East Wimmera Health Service.

Free tickets are available online via the council’s website, www. n g s h i r e . v i c . g o v. a u / E v e n t s / Events-Calendar/Events-Directory/ Multicultural-Film-Festival-StArnaud. The festival debuted in Melbourne during Refugee Week and showcases multicultural experiences from Australia and throughout the world. The short films explore themes of migration, culture, identity and hope, and are made by emerging filmmakers from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, including refugee and migrant storytellers. Northern Grampians Mayor Karen Hyslop said the festival provided an opportunity to connect people across

cultures, languages and generations, and celebrated the diversity of communities. “The St Arnaud screening is part of a much larger statewide initiative that showcases stories from communities across Victoria and around the world,” she said. “For regional communities like ours, these opportunities are especially important. “Celebrating multiculturalism helps create a stronger sense of belonging for everyone and sends a clear message that Northern Grampians Shire is a place where diversity is welcomed and valued. “Come along to the festival and celebrate diversity with us.

Back Out & About. Spring is here. Time to get moving. Explore our range of scooters, rollators and walkers, available in-store or online, with expert advice, hire options and servicing all on hand.

“Everyone is welcome – bring your family, friends and neighbours.” The films include: Best Victorian Short Fiction Film, ‘Tabbeh’, winner, ‘The Sun Comes Up’, honourable mention; Best Victorian Short Non-Fiction Film, ‘Huí Jiā’, winner, ‘With Love, Nouria’, honourable mention and people’s choice winner; Best National Short Film, ‘20 Years Later’, winner, ‘Squata Locks’, honourable mention, ‘Everyone Gets Bored of Everything’, official selection; Chairperson’s Refugee Stories Award, ‘From No Voice to Big Voice’, winner, ‘Maksym and Milana’, honourable mention, ‘I came from there’, official selection.

Project votes Horsham Sports and Community Club has shortlisted three projects to be voted on by financial members as part of the club’s 2026 major community project. The major community project, one of the club’s most significant community investments, provides funding of up to $50,000 for a project that will deliver lasting benefits to the community. The projects are: Grampians Health rehabilitation equipment in the Wyuna inpatient ward and outpatient exercise programs, $38,000; Horsham Group Fire Brigades – forward command vehicle, $106,500; and Apex Adventure Island – three shade shelters with picnic tables, $43,505. Previous recipients include Christian Emergency Food Centre for their food transport van, Horsham Cemetery for their smart water project and Wimmera Health Care Group for lung testing machine. Voting is now open to the club’s financial members, either at the club or by visiting hscc.au/50k. The successful project will be announced at the club’s annual general meeting on October 5.

Textile exhibit A new exhibition of textile collages by artist Susan Wirth is now open at Ararat Gallery TAMA. Ms Wirth developed the exhibition, titled Sleeping, Dreaming, Waking, through research in and around the Ararat and Wimmera-Mallee regions. Using found textiles and secondhand woollen blankets, the work explores connections between place, visitor status, settler heritage, material history and contemporary textile practice. Ms Wirth’s practice spans sculpture, collage and video, often drawing on secondhand and found materials. Her low-relief textile works and site-responsive installations use layering, accumulation and reconfiguration to consider everyday experience, perception and the complex relationship between settler identity and place. For further information people can visit araratgallerytama.com.au.

Apprentice wins Horsham’s Kyle Burns is John Deere’s Australian and New Zealand service apprentice of the year. Announced as a finalist last month, Mr Burns underwent two days of rigorous testing before accepting his award at a ceremony in Brisbane. He started his Certificate III in Agricultural Mechanical Technology with Emmetts at Horsham after a two-decade career as an automotive electrician.

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Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Bypass group setting key direction H

BY LAUREN HENRY

orsham Rural City Council’s Horsham Bypass Community Reference Group has begun developing agreed criteria for how it will judge potential corridors for the route – a key step towards recommending a preferred corridor to move heavy traffic out of the city’s centre.

The group, which brings together residents, farmers and business owners from across Horsham, hosted its fourth meeting last month, focusing on how a bypass corridor should be chosen. Its task is to recommend the community’s preferred corridor for a bypass,

judged from a community perspective. Horsham Mayor Brian Klowss said the group was doing the groundwork that would make the eventual recommendation clear and fair. “Getting heavy through-traffic out of the centre of Horsham has been a goal of this community for a long time,” he said. “What is different this time is that the community itself is in the room, setting the rules for how corridors will be judged before any lines are drawn on a map. “Agreeing fair, evidence-based criteria first, is how we make sure every option is assessed the same way, and how the community can have confidence in the result.”

At the meeting, the group worked through the kinds of issues that could shape those criteria, including: That some options might be unsuitable from the outset because of environmental, cultural-heritage, or other legislative requirements. Current issues in town that each corridor would address in much the same way, such as safety, noise and pollution – reasons a bypass is needed, but do not help choosing between corridors. Issues that differ from corridor to corridor, such as impacts on homes, farms and businesses, the floodplain and river crossing, and making freight movement easier – issues that will do the most to separate the options. “Get-

ting trucks out of town is something every bypass option would achieve, so on its own it does not help us choose between different corridors,” Cr Klowss said. “The criteria that matter most are the things that genuinely differ from one corridor to the next.” The group is focused on moving large volumes of freight traffic out of Horsham’s centre while maintaining access for local businesses and freight operators. Cr Klowss said the group would continue to develop the criteria and how they should be weighted, and once that work was done, it would begin looking at where potential corridors might go.

Community reference group member Leoni Heard said the process had brought together a diverse range of perspectives in a respectful and constructive environment. “I have found the CRG members to be incredibly respectful, with each person bringing different experiences to the table,” she said. “We have had opportunities to provide comments at meetings and make suggestions on how we can achieve a successful outcome.” The group is supported by independent facilitators, Proud Mary Consulting. Progress updates and background information are available at hrcc.vic. gov.au/Our-Council/Projects-andWorks/Horsham-Bypass-Planning.

Improving 4G coverage Telstra will upgrade a mobile base station servicing Westmere, south of Ararat, to improve 4G network coverage in the area. The upgrades aim to improve the mobile site’s capacity, enabling faster downloads and less congestion. Upgrade works will start tomorrow and are set to last for eight days. The site will be switched off for periods of up to 12 hours each day in order for workers to safely complete the upgrade. Telstra mobile customers will receive an SMS advising of the upcoming work. The works will not affect NBN, satellite internet services, PSTN landline services or mobile coverage from other providers. If the Telstra mobile network is unavailable, compatible mobile phones

will automatically attempt to connect to Triple Zero, 000, via another available mobile network. If a Triple Zero call fails to connect within about five seconds, Telstra officials advise customers to hang up and try again immediately. Some medical and personal safety devices, including fall-detection systems, in-room monitors, alarm pendants and health-monitoring devices might be affected if they rely on the Telstra mobile network. Customers who use these devices can contact their service provider or manufacturer to understand potential impacts and whether alternative connectivity options, such as Wi‑Fi, are available. A Telstra spokesperson said people could keep up to date on outages via telstra.com.au/outages.

Hindmarsh level crossing plea GRATEFUL: East Grampians Health Service human resource director Ros Bloomfield, toy library secretary Di Pickering, president Eileen Brady and treasurer Mary Stapleton in the new EGHS parenting room.

Support for parenting room development The East Grampians Health Service Ark Toy and Activity Library has donated money towards the refurbishment of a new parenting room at EGHS. The toy library donated $3000 towards the room, which is in a centrally located, secure and private area of the Ararat campus, and can be used by staff or visitors to the health service. The space features comfortable furniture, a breastfeeding chair, change

table, kitchenette and a fridge for expressed milk, and is a calm and quiet space in which parents can relax with their children. For staff, it is a private space in which they can express milk, with the fridge available for storage. EGHS human resources director Ros Bloomfield said it was a requirement to provide a space for staff, which was private, to be able to express and store milk and breastfeed their babies.

“As well as providing a space for our staff, we also wanted to be able to have a quiet area for visitors to the health service to also be able to use to breastfeed their babies or use the changing facilities,” she said. “It has been wonderful to see the toy library’s support of, and interest in, this project and we thank them for their generosity in providing funding towards the refurbishment of the new parenting room.”

Hindmarsh Shire Council is taking action to improve conditions and accessibility of railway level crossings at Jeparit and Dimboola. Council chief executive Monica Revell said she was in continuing discussions with V/Line representatives and Rail Freight Alliance chief executive Reid Mather. “Anyone who has travelled between Rainbow and Dimboola recently would know the road is in such poor condition at the S-bends just out of Jeparit and at the level crossing at Jeparit,” she said. “Also, the pedestrian crossing in High Street, Dimboola, is not all-abilities friendly, so, I’ve had a number of meetings. “V/Line discussions have been in relation to the level crossing at Jeparit

and the S-bends, and then there’s been contact with ARTC around the pedestrian crossing at Dimboola.” Ms Revell and council’s infrastructure director Ram Upadhyaya met with Department of Transport representatives to discuss Jeparit’s level crossing. “The issue we have at Jeparit with the level crossing is the line responsible for three metres from the track out, and so there’s currently a yellow line that’s being marked on the pavement, and then the Department of Transport are responsible for the three-metreand-beyond mark,” Ms Revell said. “We’re trying to facilitate V/Line and the Department of Transport coming together to plan improvements. “They have put a temporary fix, they tell me, which is putting a sign up to say ‘traffic hazard’.”

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Page 23

Keeping pace with change

OPEN 7 DAYS

Horsham Ag Society

Welcome to the ninth article in the series celebrating 150 years of the Horsham Agricultural Society. Throughout the series, the people, milestones and stories that have shaped the society throughout the past 150 years are featured.

ooking back over 150 years of the Horsham Agricultural Society, change can be found in almost every part of the organisation, from the people running it to the way exhibitors enter its signature event, the Horsham Show.

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In the early years, membership subscriptions and gate takings on show day were the financial backbone of the society, supplemented by donations towards prizes. Today, membership and show attendance remain important but are no longer enough to sustain the organisation. Sponsorship, venue hire and events throughout the year at Maydale Reserve have become essential to remaining viable. What was once an organisation focused on delivering an annual show now operates yearround. Perhaps one of the clearest examples of change can be found in the show schedule. For generations, exhibitors studied the printed schedule, completed handwritten entry forms and returned them to the society. Volunteers then recorded every class, prepared exhibit cards and organised entries for judging. The printed schedule remains today, now an A4 colour publication, but it also lives online. Exhibitors can select classes, enter and pay online and print their own exhibit cards. Non-perishable exhibits can now be delivered and judged before show weekend, spreading a

150 YEARS by Andrea Cross

workload once concentrated into a few hectic hours. The people behind those competitions have changed too. Formed in 1936 and comprising mostly wives of agricultural society councillors, the Ladies’ Committee became an important part of running the show’s homecraft competitions. Just prior to COVID, the committee began struggling to attract support and during the following years its numbers declined. Its responsibilities were eventually absorbed into the society’s general council. Until 2000, the society’s council had been exclusively male. Today, active councillors are almost evenly represented by men and women, reflecting another significant change in the society’s history. The competitions themselves continue to evolve. For an event to remain an agricultural show, it must include at least three agricultural competitions. As some traditional sections decline, the society works hard to retain those that connect the show with its agricultural roots. Horses remain part of that tradition, now holding their own Horsham Horse Show two weeks after the main show. Shearing continues as a major agricultural competition, while the Makers Pavilion carries forward generations of competition in cookery, produce, craft, art and photography. Perhaps the society’s willingness to change, while knowing what is important to retain, is one reason it is still here 150 years later.

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VFF: needle has barely moved BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

he condition of rural roads and taxes are among the top concerns shared by respondents in a second annual Victorian Farmers Federation, VFF, State of the State survey.

VFF president and Minyip farmer Ryan Milgate said feedback from Victorian farmers was largely scathing when it came to the State Government’s performance, with only about one in 10 respondents feeling the government had a positive plan to grow the state’s agricultural sector. As well as roads and taxes, other concerns shared by farmers included issues about transmission and renewable-energy projects. Mr Milgate said the government’s

low-approval rating among farmers had not lifted since last year’s inaugural survey. “More than a year since we asked regional Victorians if they felt they mattered, the needle has barely moved,” he said. “Nine in 10 farmers still don’t believe the Victorian government understands local issues or has a positive plan to grow the industry. “With under 100 days until we head to the polls, that should set off alarm bells for the government and serve as a stark wake up call to all sides of politics.” Mr Milgate said the survey delivered ‘a blunt message’ to the government. “Our roads are stuffed, we’re sick of being ripped-off by grossly unfair tax-grabs, protecting irreplaceable farmland matters and surging energy

costs are making it harder and harder to make ends meet,” he said. “These findings highlight the simmering sentiment in the bush. “People don’t feel like they are being listened to or that they matter. “The biggest concern from farmers and regional Victorians is the absolute shocking state of our country roads. “Some of them are literally death traps. Of all of the issues facing regional Victorians, it’s a disgrace that road conditions have surged to be the biggest issue facing country Victorians.” Nationals Member for Lowan Emma Kealy said the Coalition would aim to give Victorian agriculture ‘a fresh start’ if elected in November. She said the opposition had committed $5-billion across four years to repair and rebuild Victoria’s road network, including fixing one million

potholes, and would ensure regional Victoria received 25 per cent of new infrastructure investment. “Farmers have told us what they need – decent roads, lower costs, less red tape, protection for productive farmland and a government that respects agriculture,” she said. “When only three per cent of farmers believe Labor understands the challenges they face, it is clear farmers are ready for change. “Agriculture is one of Victoria’s great economic strengths. “The Nationals will put farmers and regional communities back at the heart of government and deliver a fresh start for agriculture.” People can find more results from the VFF State of the State survey by visiting vff.org.au/vff-surveyreveals-simmering-farmer-frustration.

Student art on display A new exhibition in Ararat’s Barkly Street laneway featuring the work of local students and curated by Ararat Gallery TAMA is now open to the public. Ararat Rural City Council officials are inviting residents and visitors to view the free exhibition, which showcases landscape artworks created by Marian College year seven students as part of their art studies. Students explored aerial views of landscapes through block printing, using board and textured card to produce a series of black-and-white prints. Each work was then hand-finished with acrylic markers and soft pastels, creating an individual collection of designs. The exhibition also features watercolour paintings, with students continuing their exploration of landscape, colour, texture and perspective. Mayor Bob Sanders said the exhibition was an opportunity to celebrate the work of young artists in a public setting. “It’s fantastic to see the creativity and effort of Marian College students shared with the wider community,” he said. “The artworks show a great deal of imagination, and they give people passing through the Barkly Street area something interesting to stop and have a look at. “I encourage residents and visitors to come down to the laneway, take in the exhibition, and support these young artists.”

Wednesday, September 16, 2026

COLLABORATION: Sexual and reproductive health clinical nurse consultant Katie Lovett celebrates the new service with surgical liaison nurse Rachel Nicholls and perioperative nurse unit manager Sally Hamilton.

IUD insertion breakthrough for Stawell Stawell’s Sexual and Reproductive Health Hub has launched its new referral pathway for intrauterine contraceptive device insertions. Working in partnership with Stawell’s operating suite and visiting gynaecologists, the first referral list has now been successfully completed, improving access to timely, local reproductive healthcare for women. Grampians Health Sexual and Reproductive Health Stawell clinical nurse consultant Katie Lovett said each patient on the list was referred through the hub.

“This marks an exciting expansion of women’s health services available locally and demonstrates our commitment to providing specialised care closer to home,” she said. “The new weekly service means Stawell women will no longer have to travel to Ballarat for IUD insertions and that will be a big relief for many women in our region. “In delivering these procedures at our Stawell campus, patients are able to access high-quality, timely contraceptive care in their local community and free of charge.

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“This not only reduces barriers to care for women living in rural and regional areas but also helps decrease demand on our larger hubs, such as Ballarat. “That allows those services to focus on more complex cases and improving access across the wider Grampians Health network. “The successful use of our theatre facilities for these procedures also highlights the collaboration across Grampians Health teams to build local capability and expand the range of services available to our community.”

Program of holiday fun Ararat Rural City Council officials are inviting families to make the most of a school-holiday program during spring, with activities from late September to early October at the Ararat Library, Ararat Fitness Centre, Ararat Gallery TAMA and Ararat Town Hall. The program features Movie Monday sessions and extended Lego Club afternoons at Ararat Library. Ararat Gallery TAMA will host free loom-knitting and friendship-bracelet braiding workshops for ages eight and up, and an art drop-in session for ages three to 16. All sessions will be in the gallery studio and are aimed at encouraging young people to experiment with materials and explore their creativity in a relaxed studio setting. The gallery will also host a self-guided activity station in its foyer daily from 10am to 4pm, with families welcome to stay for as little or as long as they like, no bookings are required and all materials supplied. Families can also visit Ararat Fitness Centre for play-gym sessions, with programs for children aged from birth to four, and four to 12-year-olds. Aqua aerobics sessions for children will also run, with bookings essential for all sessions at Ararat Fitness Centre. At Ararat Town Hall, audiences can enjoy Mission To The Moon on Tuesday, September 29 – a show featuring three quirky, acrobatic astronauts, blending circus artistry, clowning and real science. The performance is from 1pm to 1.55pm, with tickets starting from $10 and group discounts available. For those seeking more circus-style fun, Gum San’s Great Hall will host two one-hour circus workshops on Tuesday, September 22, with workshops at 2pm and 3.30pm. “We want to help make the school holidays as easy and fun as possible for local parents and children,” Mayor Bob Sanders said. “You don’t need to pack up the car and drive hours away to find something great for the kids. Our council team has put together a really fantastic mix of free and low-cost activities close to home. I really hope everyone gets out there and enjoys what’s on offer.” A full spring school holiday activities program, including session times, ages, ticket information, and contact details for each venue is available on the council’s website.

Page 25

Yarriambiack election push BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

arriambiack Shire Council is pushing for increased State Government investment into rural communities and sustainability reforms ahead of the November state election.

Council is backing Rural Councils Victoria’s, RCV, official ‘Invest in Rural Victoria’ campaign, which pushes for increased government investment in roads, community infrastructure, economic development and housing, as well as broader reforms to make councils more financially sustainable. The campaign includes a proposed $1-billion Rural and Regional Victoria Productivity and Growth Fund to increase investment in pools, libraries, sporting facilities and housing infrastructure. Yarriambiack Mayor Andrew McLean said rural families deserved access to the same essential services as metropolitan communities. “Yarriambiack Shire Council’s sporting facility and housing infrastructure priority projects would benefit from the proposed fund,” he said. As part of this campaign, the council will install high-visibility signs across the shire, meeting with MPs and candidates, and asking the community to get involved by speaking directly with local MPs and candidates – people can contribute to the campaign at RuralCouncilsVictoria.org. au/invest.

“Rural areas power the Victorian economy, but many communities continue to face significant challenges including deteriorating roads, housing shortages and ageing infrastructure”

Amber Joy Poulton

Poulton back with band

– Rob Amos

RCV chair Cr Rob Amos said the ‘Invest in Rural Victoria’ campaign was ultimately about fairness and respect. “Rural areas power the Victorian economy, but many communities continue to face significant challenges including deteriorating roads, housing shortages and ageing infrastructure,” he said. “We deserve our fair share of investment in infrastructure, services and community facilities. “Local councils are on the frontline delivering services and infrastructure that communities rely on every day, but we can’t do it alone. “Whoever wins power in November must invest more in rural Victoria.” People can read the policy recommendations underpinning the ‘Invest in Rural Victoria’ campaign on the RCV website. “We want to work constructively with all political parties and candidates to deliver better outcomes for rural communities,” Cr Amos said.

Singer-songwriter Amber Joy Poulton and her band The Holy Two will be back in the Wimmera next month as she brings her new show, Honky Tonk Queens, to Warracknabeal Town Hall. Poulton has toured the region in recent years with shows including ‘Coal Miner’s Daughter’ and ‘Man, I Feel Like a Woman’, but said Honky Tonk Queens would give local audiences a ‘very different’ experience to her past visits. “Man, I Feel Like a Woman is a theatre production where lots of top-secret shenanigans go on and only people who come to the show know how that ends,” she said. “Honky Tonk Queens is a more traditional sentimental performance where we really rely on the songs from six of the best females in country music to take the audience back in time and reflect on moments

in their lives that these songs represent. “From the stage, we get to see those reactions on their faces. “Some are sentimental, some are endearing or funny, and there really is nothing like knowing that we can provide those moments.” The six women celebrated by Poulton’s new show include recently deceased legendary American singer-songwriter Dolly Parton, as well as Loretta Lynn, Tammy Wynette, Patsy Cline, Linda Ronstadt and June Carter Cash. Poulton labelled the sextet ‘unforgettable women who gave country music some of its greatest songs’. “We’ll be performing songs like Patsy Cline’s ‘Crazy’ and ‘I Fall To Pieces’, Dolly Parton’s ‘Coat of Many Colours’, Linda Ronstadt’s ‘Blue Bayou’, Tammy Wynette’s ‘Stand By Your Man’ and we’ll even

let Johnny Cash join June Carter for a duet,” she said. “For those who have seen me before, they can rest assured I will bring my cheeky sense of humour with me again. “For those who haven’t seen me perform before, I’d like them to know that I respect country music and these women just as much as they do, and when I sing their songs, I sing them as close as I can to the original. Why mess with perfection?” Honky Tonk Queens will be at Warracknabeal Town Hall on Friday, October 16 at 10am, with doors open from 9.30am. Tickets are $30 and include free tea and coffee. People can buy tickets online via www.amberjoypoulton.com.au or in person at Feet First Footwear, Warracknabeal.

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Building safe, equal and respectful communities Working together to prevent violence against women and gender diverse people

New reforms ‘a turning point’ N

ew law reforms aiming to protect all victim-survivors of family and sexual violence passed parliament last week.

Under the reforms, the State Government has passed law to make coercive control a criminal offence. Coercive control is a pattern of controlling and manipulative behaviours within a relationship, repeatedly hurting, scaring or isolating another person to control them. The government moved to pass the reforms to ensure victim-survivors were at the centre of the justice system. Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny said offenders would not be able to rely on good character references to lessen their sentence, and discrimination against victims of family violence would be unlawful. Victim-survivors will have broader access to relief when fines are weaponised against them by their perpetrator and grooming will be prohibited

under the Personal Safety Intervention Order framework. “We’ve turned victim-survivors’ voices into law – strengthening protections and closing loopholes to hold perpetrators to account,” Ms Kilkenny said. “Now we are bringing experts to the table to make sure we continue to change the law to ensure our justice system is protecting victim-survivors. “We will keep listening, keep acting and keep putting their safety first.” Other changes include imprisonment warrants for unpaid fines issued under now-repealed legislation will be voided; and begging being decriminalised. Ms Kilkenny will also establish a Victim Survivor Justice Advisory Group – a group of experts to drive further reforms to strengthen the justice system’s response to family and sexual violence. The first meeting will be convened later this month, and its first priority is to consult on and design reform to: strengthen protections to ensure

victim-survivors’ counselling records and health information cannot be used in court without their consent; and give victim-survivors of sexual violence the choice to pre-record their evidence. The reforms are set to be introduced in 2027. A Lived Experience Reference Group will work with the advisory group to shape its advice.

Significant step

Nationals Member for Mildura Jade Benham described the introduction of laws recognising coercive control as a significant step forward for survivors of family violence. When speaking in parliament on the Justice Legislation Amendment, Family Violence, Coercive Control, Good Character, Risk Assessment and Other Matters Bill 2026, Ms Benham said she was proud and relieved to finally see coercive control recognised in law. “I have been advocating for coercive-control laws for so long, and to

come so close only to be let down when Labor rejected the Nationals and Liberals’ bill last year was devastating,” she said. “To now see coercive control recognised in law is a monumental step forward. This is an incredibly important piece of legislation.” Ms Benham said the reforms would give people experiencing coercive control greater recognition of what they were experiencing, while providing a pathway to consequences for perpetrators. “These laws matter to people sitting at home who don’t yet realise that the gaslighting, manipulation, financial control and abuse they are experiencing is coercive control,” she said. “Knowing there is now a law that recognises this behaviour, and that there can be consequences, is incredibly important.” Ms Benham said the reforms were an important step to ensure survivors were protected outside the courtroom. “In regional communities, we are

witnessing convicted perpetrators being welcomed back into their local sporting clubs as though nothing has happened,” she said. “That is incredibly triggering and traumatic, not just for the survivor, but for every other woman who has not yet felt safe enough to speak out.” Ms Benham also pinpointed football clubs as needing to change how they treated perpetrators of family violence. “The AFL has the ability to take that decision out of the hands of individual clubs and judges,” she said. “If a footballer is convicted of a domestic-violence offence, they should not simply be able to return to an AFL-affiliated club. “The AFL needs to take this seriously. If they are going to stand for something, they should stand for this. “These laws are a turning point, but they are only the beginning. We need to keep working to make sure survivors are protected and perpetrators face consequences.”

Councillors win recognition Two Wimmera councillors were nominated for the 2026 Mary Rogers Award for Women in Local Government Emerging Woman Leader Award. Horsham Cr Rebecca Sluggett and Hindmarsh Cr Rosie Barker both won recognition for their contribution to local government and dedication to their communities. The award, presented by the Victorian Local Governance Association, highlights emerging leaders who are making a positive impact through service, advocacy and leadership. The winner of the award was Cr Rayane Hawli, of Hobsons Bay City Council. Mary Rogers was the first woman to be elected to a Victorian municipal council, and the annual awards celebrate and acknowledge the significant contributions and achievements of women councillors as civic leaders in local government. Other winners were Mary Rogers Award: Mayor Melina Sehr, City of Stonnington; Gender Equality Council Champion Award – Metropolitan:

Brimbank City Council and Gender Equality Council Champion Award – Regional/Rural: Mildura Rural City Council. Cr Sluggett was nominated by fellow councillors Todd Wilson and Angela Munn, who praised her commitment to community outcomes and collaborative approach to leadership. Cr Wilson said Cr Sluggett’s nomination reflected the qualities she brought to her role every day. “I nominated Rebecca because she consistently demonstrates the values that make a strong community leader,” he said. “She is passionate about representing our community, takes the time to listen to residents and is committed to achieving positive outcomes for Horsham Rural City.” Crs Sluggett, Wilson and Munn attended the awards celebration on September 3. While pleased to have been nominated, Cr Sluggett said she was equally pleased to see the award recognise another emerging leader in local government.

“I was honoured to be nominated and recognised alongside so many inspiring women in local government. Congratulations to Cr Rayane Hawli from Hobsons Bay on receiving the Emerging Woman Leader Award,” she said. Cr Barker and fellow Hindmarsh Cr Chan Uoy also attended the event at Queen’s Hall, Parliament House. Cr Barker said she was honoured to be nominated “It was inspiring to stand alongside fellow first‑term councillor and deputy Mayor Cr Rebecca Sluggett from Horsham City Council, who was also recognised at a state level as an emerging leader – a proud moment for women in the Wimmera,” she said. Cr Barker said a highlight of the afternoon was meeting the new Local Government Minister Tim Richardson, who agreed to meet with Hindmarsh Shire Council – hopefully before caretaker mode – to discuss its current challenges and priorities.

PASSIONATE: Horsham Cr Rebecca Sluggett was recognised for her contribution to local government and dedication to her community, alongside Hindmarsh Cr Rosie Barker.

CoRE Alliance members actively work to prevent sexism, discrimination and violence against all women in our workplaces and communities.

What is CoRE? CoRE is an alliance of organisations, businesses, clubs and groups that are committed to creating safe, equal and respectful communities in the Grampians region.

CoRE is based on the belief that the reach and influence across society of its wide and diverse partnership will help to drive cultural change, and reduce barriers to gender equality and re-frame cultural norms and acceptable behaviour – important steps in preventing violence against women and children.

Being a CoRE member is about committing to taking action. With the support of Women’s Health Grampians, members review, plan and take steps to promote gender equality within their organisations and through their spheres of influence. Find out more by visiting our website: whg.org.au

Wednesday, September 16, 2026

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Page 27

Delivering for long-term

entral Highlands Water will transition its Landsborough Water Treatment Plant from electrodialysis reversal treatment to reverse osmosis treatment in a bid to reduce water usage.

Central Highlands Water general manager of infrastructure operations and environment Paul Donohue said the $2.5-million project would change the way water was processed in the Landsborough and Navarre region north-east of Stawell. “As part of our future planning, we’ve identified opportunities for Landsborough and Navarre, which enhance how water is treated and reduce reliance on ongoing maintenance,” he said. “This upgrade will deliver long-term efficiencies in resource management.” Mr Donohue said a tanker would deliver water to Landsborough and Navarre from the Avoca water-supply system while works were underway. He encouraged local residents to conserve water until the project was complete, expected to be by the end of spring. “We’re asking the people of Landsborough and Navarre to work with us throughout the delivery of this project to reduce their water use where they can,” he said. “Our goal is to keep up with community water demand and minimise how much tankering is needed. “Some simple ways to save

LEADERS: Central Highlands Water water treatment plant operator Trent Barras and water treatment team leader Mathew Leehane at the Landsborough Water Treatment Plant, which is transitioning from electrodialysis reversal treatment to reverse osmosis treatment in a bid to reduce water usage. water every day include limiting showers to four minutes, checking for leaks, turning off the tap when brushing teeth and making sure you fill the washing machine or dishwasher before starting a cycle. “We understand change can be inconvenient and greatly appreciate the support and patience of the people of Landsborough and Navarre while we undertake this important water improvement.” Reverse osmosis is a wa-

ter-treatment process already used at the Avoca and Maryborough water-treatment plants to remove salt from water. The process pumps water through filters at high pressure, removing dissolved salts and other impurities. The salty water separated out is stored in onsite brine lagoons, while the treated water is blended to ensure it has the right mineral balance before being supplied to customers.

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Mr Donohue said the benefits of reverse osmosis included improved water quality through enhanced filtration, lower maintenance requirements and greater flexibility, allowing the plant to adapt to changing water conditions and support desalination when needed. People can view updates on the project’s progress online at chw.net.au/landsborough-watertreatment-plant.

Welcoming Week Ararat Rural City Council leaders are inviting community members to come together for a special Welcoming Week event to celebrate diversity, inclusion and belonging. The free community event will be on Sunday from 4pm to 6pm at Gordon Street Recreation Reserve, with afternoon tea provided. Hosted in partnership with Welcoming Australia, Ararat Neighbourhood House, Rural Australia for Refugees, and Wyndham Community and Education Centre, the event aims to create a place where people from all backgrounds feel respected, included and able to participate in community life. The celebration coincides with the council renewing its membership with Welcoming Cities for 2026-27. Welcoming Cities is a na-

tional network that supports local governments, organisations and communities to strengthen inclusion and belonging. Mayor Bob Sanders said the partnership provided access to practical resources, shared learning, professional development and connections with councils and organisations across Australia. “Welcoming Week is an opportunity to recognise the benefits of a diverse and inclusive community,” he said. “I encourage everyone to attend, build connections, learn from one another, and strengthen the bonds that make our municipality a resilient and wonderful place to live. Diversity is one of our greatest strengths, and migrants play an essential role in driving our region’s economic growth and longterm prosperity.”

Pop-up playgroup at Kaniva Dads, grandfathers, uncles and children’s special people are invited to a pop-up playgroup event at Kaniva on October 1. At Kaniva Wetlands and Fauna Park and hosted by West Wimmera Shire

Council, the session, from 11.30am on October 1, will include storytime, fruit and a barbecue lunch. Bookings are required for catering by September 30 to Vanessa on 0400 826 221 or via bit.ly/WWSCplaygroup.

Red Cross meeting invitation ed persons are invited to attend and encouraged to bring a plate of afternoon tea to share after the meeting. For more information people can call secretary Cheryl on 0458 911 514.

The Horsham branch of Red Cross will host its next meeting on Tuesday at 1.30pm in the Senior Citizen’s Building in Roberts Avenue, Horsham. All members and interest-

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‘Bold by Nature’

fficial specifications have been revealed for the Lepas L6 EV mid-sized SUV – the Chery-owned brand’s first Australian model – ahead of its public debut at the Everything Electric show in Sydney and its official launch next month.

While pricing has not been announced, the L6 is poised to do battle in the Australian market with the likes of the BYD Atto 3 EVO priced from $41,990 plus on-road costs, Geely EX5 from $41,990 plus on-road costs, and the BEV Leapmotor C10 variants from $45,888 plus on-road costs. The L6 EV rides on the LEX electrified vehicle platform – compatible with both BEV and PHEV powertrains – that has been developed specifically for the Lepas brand. Its powertrain comprises a frontmounted electric motor producing 160kW and 275Nm, while its 65kWh LFP battery – supporting 30 to 80 per cent DC charging times of about 22 minutes – is good for a 440km WLTP driving range, and a claimed energy consumption figure of 17.5kWh100km.

Exterior highlights include 19-inch alloy wheels, LED lights, a panoramic glass roof and a power tailgate. Inside, a 13.2-inch infotainment touchscreen compatible with wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity and voice command, an 8.88-inch digital instrument cluster, synthetic leather upholstery, heated and ventilated front seats, an eightspeaker Sony premium sound system, a 50W wireless phone charger, colourselectable ambient lighting, and puddle lights feature. Its suite of safety features includes seven airbags, autonomous emergency braking, adaptive cruise control, lane departure prevention, a 360-degree camera, automatic parking assist and remote parking assist. The Lepas L6 is currently unrated by ANCAP. Lepas Australia’s chief operating officer Lucas Harris says the L6 represents an important first step for the brand. “The L6 represents an exciting new chapter for our business and marks the arrival of Lepas in Australia,” he said. “Lepas has been developed around the concept of ‘Bold by Nature’ –

OFFICIAL: The Lepas L6 EV mid-sized SUV will launch in Australia next month. bringing together sophisticated design and colours, intelligent technology and advanced electrification in a way that is relevant to the everyday needs of Australian customers. “The L6 is an important first step for the brand, offering a compelling combination of style, technology, comfort and EV performance in one of

Australia’s most competitive vehicle segments.” Back in July, Lepas detailed the L6’s local validation program, which included vehicle refinement, software integration, ADAS fine-tuning, hot and cold weather testing, and testing in metropolitan, regional and rural areas.

Lepas’ arrival marks Chery’s fourth brand launch since the Chinese marque relaunched on Australian shores in 2023, with Jaecoo and Omoda launching as standalone brands in 2025. Another Chery brand, iCaur, has also been locked in for its Australian arrival in early 2027. – Jack Mackenzie

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2KA-2KD. 37,347km, 1.4L 4-cylinder, 4-spd sports auto, petrol

BJU-417. 42,691km, 2L, 4-Cylinders, 6-Spd Sports Automatic, Petrol

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One of Australia’s most loved SUVs just upped its game. Nex-Gen Mazda CX-5 has arrived. Take a closer look at Mazda.com.au/CX-5 and book a test drive today. 2022 Mazda CX-3 Akari FWD

2020 Nissan Navara D23 RX 4x2

CHL-275. 49,722km, 2L 4-cylinder, 6-spd sports auto, petrol

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2023 Toyota HiLux Workmate 4x2

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2023 Volkswagen Amarok TDI600

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2020 Volvo S60 Z Series AWD

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2023 Nissan Patrol Y62 TI-L Wagon

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2018 Nissan X-Trail Series II ST-L 2WD BAB-089. 122,846km, 2.5L 4-cyl, 7-spd constant variable, petrol

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Page 30

33 Dimboola Road, Horsham.

Ph 5382 6163. LMCT 8353 Craig Kemp

0418 504 987 Sales

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Tom Gallagher

Tyson Marshall

Steve Chamberlain

Sales

Business Manager

0456 744 014

0429 444 187

0438 592 788

Wednesday, September 16, 2026

www.morrowmotorgroup.com.au Open Saturday until noon Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Best Large Automotive Business: Regional VIC Proud supporter of

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Page 31

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CHL-675. 49,722km, 2L, 4-Cylinders, 6-Spd Sports Auto, Petrol

1CJ-8DE. 149,962km, 6L 8-cylinder, 6-spd sports auto, petrol

2KA-2KD. 37,347km, 1.4L 4-cylinder, 4-spd sports auto, petrol

BJU-417. 42,691km, 2L, 4-Cylinders, 6-Spd Sports Automatic, Petrol

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One of Australia’s most loved SUVs just upped its game. Nex-Gen Mazda CX-5 has arrived. Take a closer look at Mazda.com.au/CX-5 and book a test drive today. 2022 Mazda CX-3 Akari FWD

2020 Nissan Navara D23 RX 4x2

CHL-275. 49,722km, 2L 4-cylinder, 6-spd sports auto, petrol

1RL-8OT. 26,753km, 2.3L 4-cylinder, 6-spd manual, diesel

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2023 Toyota HiLux Workmate 4x2

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2023 Volkswagen Amarok TDI600

2023 Nissan Navara Pro-4X

CTU-178. 73,427km, 2.3L 4-Cyclinder, 7-Spd Sports Auto, Diesel

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BKQ-804. 28,504km, 2L 4-cylinder, 8-spd sports auto, petrol

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CIE-788. 188,015km, 3L 6-cylinders, 10-spd auto, diesel

29,990

89,990

2020 Volvo S60 Z Series AWD

1YJ-6PT. 10,870km, 2.7L 4-cylinder, 5-spd manual, petrol

2023 Nissan Patrol Y62 TI-L Wagon

CNR-596. 97,500km, 5.6L 8-cylinders, 7-spd sports auto, petrol

2018 Nissan X-Trail Series II ST-L 2WD BAB-089. 122,846km, 2.5L 4-cyl, 7-spd constant variable, petrol

23,990

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2020 MG HS Vibe

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MORROW MOTOR GROUP

Page 30

33 Dimboola Road, Horsham.

Ph 5382 6163. LMCT 8353 Craig Kemp

0418 504 987 Sales

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Tom Gallagher

Tyson Marshall

Steve Chamberlain

Sales

Business Manager

0456 744 014

0429 444 187

0438 592 788

Wednesday, September 16, 2026

www.morrowmotorgroup.com.au Open Saturday until noon Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Best Large Automotive Business: Regional VIC Proud supporter of

MORROW

Proud supporter of

MOTOR GROUP

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Page 31

Chinese-made duo joins Ford line-up

ord Australia will work to compete with a growing number of Chinese-made commercial vehicles and SUVs by introducing its own Chinese-made contemporaries to its line-up.

The Transit City battery-electric van and Bronco Basecamp range-extender SUV – both manufactured by longtime partner Jiangling Motors Corporation, JMC, in Nanchang, China – will join Ford’s Australian portfolio, giving the importer a foothold in segments it cannot otherwise compete in. And, if comments from Ford Australia and New Zealand president and chief executive Fadi Mawal are anything to go by, the pair will not be the last products sourced through the Blue Oval’s expanding Chinese partnerships. Mr Mawal said the company must move quickly to broaden its product offering as rising electrification, tougher emissions standards and an influx of new competitors reshape the Australian market. “We’re up to about 65 brands in Australia already, likely to be 70 brands soon and probably early next year,” he said. “We know the reality we are all facing. “Winning in this era requires real change. We are embracing it. We’re leveraging partners like we never

INTRODUCING: The Bronco Basecamp is included in Ford’s expansion plan.

have before to expand our portfolio at speed and refresh the portfolio with vehicles that complement our existing line-up.” Those partners increasingly include Chinese manufacturers. Ford owns about 32 per cent of JMC and has worked with the Nanchang-based vehicle maker for three decades, initially in commercial vehicles before broadening the partnership into passenger and SUV products. More recently, Ford and JMC have moved to use their Chinese engineering and manufacturing operations as an export base, allowing Ford to

access competitively priced electrified products without developing them independently for comparatively small markets such as Australia. Ford Australia has now made that sourcing strategy more explicit, saying its global footprint includes ‘new markets such as China’ as it seeks to bring customers greater choice and value at speed. Mr Mawal said Ford Australia’s ability to source models internationally would become increasingly important as it attempts to broaden a portfolio presently dominated by Ranger and Everest.

“As a global company, we can bring in the best products from around the world to look after our Aussie and Kiwi customers,” he said, while stressing that Australian engineering would continue to lead global Ranger and Everest development. “Our future direction is clear – greater choice for customers, deeper loyalty to the Ford brand, more foot traffic into our dealerships and a much more diverse line-up to sell. “We will keep designing and engineering vehicles right here that are made for Australian drivers and our tough conditions, while leveraging the

best of Ford’s global portfolio to move fast and stay affordable.” While that strategy will see more Ford-badged vehicles arriving from China, the company is equally keen to differentiate itself from newer importers on the strength of its established dealer and aftersales network. Ford customer service division director Greg Davidson made the point particularly bluntly. “That’s a century of trust earned one repair, one service, one honest conversation at a time,” he said. “You can’t ship trust in on the next container. You have to do the hard work to physically build that trust.” That broader sourcing strategy sits behind an ambitious expansion plan. Mr Mawal said Ford presently competes in about 30 per cent of Australia’s new-car market. “We know that’s not enough, and our ambition is to double that to more than 60 per cent in three years’ time,” he said. “We’re not just growing; we’re also renewing our existing portfolio as well. Our plan is that over 90 per cent of all of our volume sold will be either all-new or significantly refreshed by the end of 2030. “That’s a lot more choice without asking customers to compromise on capability or lifestyle.” – Matt Brogan

Stawell Toyota 72-76 Longﬁeld Street, Stawell, VIC, 3380 T: 03 5358 1555 LMCT 403 stawelltoyota.com.au

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Page 33

PUZZLEs

Brought to you by

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Sudoku

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

5 7 7

6 3 6

2 5 2 1

5 7

Quick Crossword 706 201017

GRID W

8 9 4 7 1 2 4

Quick Workout

Crossword

Fit the numbers 5 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 4 and 6 into the hexagons so 3 that where 5 the hexagons touch, the numbers will be the same. Note to Editor: 2 No number in QUARK is repeated in Created 6 any hexagon. XPRESS. VER.4.03 3 Items not needed for publication can be1erased as each is in a separate text 6 box. 2

No. 8494

14 17 20

32 35

39 42

Distributed by Knight Features

11 Sharp struggle 14 Water pitcher 16 Time of day 19 Vast age 20 Storms 22 Gain by effort 24 Public speaker 26 Broke out 27 Code inventor 31 Charge with gas 32 Be indebted 33 Being in direct line DOWN 34 Horned ruminant 1 Kick, as a gun 35 Incidental comments 2 Of a sickly hue 36 Hateful 3 Offer 37 Praises 4 Deals with successfully 40 Relating to people 5 Wear away 41 Jellied garnish 6 Summit 43 Docile 7 Wan 46 Employ 8 Thespians

Auspac Media

A E A F A R S P A C E P R O V E D D O N O R O I A D U A L R E A M S L A R D E R P E A R S P I E V E N T S E T H O S S P A D E S E L O O S E T V S I D E S S E A L E M B E R T E N E T S E R R S E D A N E O S A T E S I S T O L E N S I S A L C A R E E R A D S E V E R L E N T I L B E L I E D I R E A D R E P E E S S E T T L E U S U R Y D E N S E E

FOCUS: font foot FOOTPRINT fort front into intro nitro onto option pint pinto piton point port portion potion print profit pronto proton rift riot root tint tiro toot topi tori torn tort trio trip triton troop trot

Barbara Midgley

SPOT THE 5 DIFFERENCES: Extra hair to left of face, ear changed, eye crease missing, extra material on dress, crown missing spike Yesterday’s Solution

5 8 4 9 3 1 6 7 2

39 Practised prior to main event 42 Greek letter 44 Foolish person 45 Noted printing error 47 School of whales 48 Table-shaped hill 49 Evenly proportioned 50 Old stringed instrument 51 Decrees

3 2 6 7 1 8 9 4 5

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Spot the 5 Differences

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8 7 1 4 5 9 3 2 6

Excellent: 36 words

6 3 9 8 4 7 2 5 1

TODAY’S Good: 17 words FOCUS Very good: 25 words

1 5 7 6 2 3 4 9 8

2 4 8 1 9 5 7 6 3

DR S T I C K E T P U M A E V A D E O R O T A C C L N I P O P U L E N T O I L E D E D S E W O I O V E R S E E R S E A R L OW E R O A L E R T S R N M A N A G E R T S A R I O E U T A H T N A R R OW S P I L O D G E S W A T O N E I R E R E H E A R S E D X N E T A U S I D I O T E R R A T U M P O D O O A M E S A I E Q U A L L U T E E N A C T S S S

Word Game

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YESTERDAY’S LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION SOLUTION

Focus FOCUS An All Australian

1-6 once 13 Fit the numbers 12 into every hexagon so 15 16 that where the hexagons touch,18the numbers are 19the 23 24same. No number is single repeated in any 27 hexagon.

7 6 3 2 8 4 5 1 9

9 1 2 5 7 6 8 3 4

1 5 1 21 4 3 5 2 23664331 6 415 542245 3 6 426 613 365

3 15 523 31 4 6 24 425 562

3 54 53 2 21 6 625 4 1 6 614 4 1 3 SOLUTION

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TIME 42

Fit the numbers 1-6 once into every hexagon so that where the hexagons touch, the numbers are the same. No number is repeated in any single hexagon.

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On This Day

yOUR LUCKy sTaRs

From The Weekly Advertiser archives: September 14, 2006 – Musician Rick Price was a special guest at Horsham District Football Netball League’s grand final the previous weekend. In the seniors’ football match, Pimpinio won 18.7 (115) against Harrow-Balmoral 15.13 (103); Kalkee reserves beat Pimpinio 10.7 (67) to 4.5 (29); in the under-16s Kalkee 12.9 (81) defeated Laharum 2.3 (15); and in the under-13s, Harrow Balmoral won against Noradjuha-Quantong 8.10 (58) to 3.1 (19).

1. 2. 3.

English?

Five years ago: September 15, 2021

hich English explorer of rivers in Virginia and the W Chesapeake Bay was also known for his encounter with Pocahontas?

P is the abbreviation for which element?

T he Heidelberg School was Australia’s version of which art movement?

8. 9.

A cobbler does what in their occupation?

10. 11.

Planning for a $15-million first stage of a boutique holiday resort in the northern Grampians remained on schedule, with a possibility the project could be shovel-ready within the year. The project’s first stage involved 40 luxury accommodation villas, a function centre, spa and wellness facility, restaurant and café, car-parking and landscaping. Projections were that stage one of the resort would generate $26-million for the regional economy annually.

12.

One year ago: September 17, 2025

15.

13. 14.

FIVE-DAY forecast Friday

21° Sunny.

Saturday

25° Sunny.

M adonna and Robin Wright were the spouses of which celebrity? Madrid is the capital of which country? H enry Dunant and Gustave Moynier founded which organisation? W ho was the Australian comedian known for Dame Edna? C ar model Silver Shadow was produced by which manufacturer? ‘ It was the best of times, it was the worst of times’ is the first line from which book? D ying on this day in 2009 was which American folk singer, known for songs ‘Puff the Magic Dragon’ and ‘Leaving on a Jet Plane’, and a member of musical group Peter, Paul and Mary?

Answers: 1. David Copperfield. 2. Face. 3. 2560BC. 4. A poodle. 5. John Smith. 6. Phosphorus. 7. Impressionism. 8. Repairs shoes. 9. Sean Penn. 10. Spain. 11. Red Cross. 12. Barry Humphries. 13. Rolls-Royce. 14. A Tale of Two Cities. 15. Mary Travers.

Six councils from across the Wimmera and southern-Mallee explored forming an alliance to better advocate for issues affecting the region. Horsham, Yarriambiack, Hindmarsh, Buloke, West Wimmera and Northern Grampians councils were to make up the Wimmera Southern Mallee Councils’ Alliance. At an early meeting, issues discussed included renewable energy, mining and energy transmission proposals, a lack of consultation from the State Government, financial stability of councils, the Emergency Services and Volunteers Fund, and the decline of basic services such as healthcare, childcare, education and housing opportunities.

Frost, partly cloudy.

orn on this day in 1956 was which American magician B and illusionist, known for vanishing the Statue of Liberty? Roberta Flack sang about which body part – ‘First time I ever saw your …’? The construction of the Great Pyramid of Giza is believed to have been completed about which year – 560AD, 2560BC or 560BC?

4. The German ‘ein pudel’ translates to what kind of dog in

10 years ago: September 14, 2016

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VicRoads started fencing work in preparation for the duplication of the Western Highway between Buangor and Ararat. VicRoads had taken possession of the land required to build the 12.5-kilometre highway; construction was to begin in early 2017. Western Highway project director Mick McCarthy said it was a landmark for the duplication project, as work was being done to build a safer highway for a more reliable and safer journey.

Thursday

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Specialisingininhouse house restumping restumping & relevelling. Specialising & relevelling. Aaron & Brylee Pope Mobile:Pope 0429 008 507 Aaron & Brylee Ah: 03 5382 1585

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Email: abpope@bigpond.com Mobile: 0429 008Vic507 PO Box 615, Horsham 3402

Ah: 03 5382 1585 Email: abpope@bigpond.com

CALL BEAU DICKERSON: 04�� 628 284

Renovations | BBQ’s | Pizza Ovens Garden Features | Retaining Walls Letterboxes | Brick Fencing Horsham & Districts Garry 0427 054 461

HORSHAM Ph. 0428 820 175 STAWELL

www.rowesremovals.com.au

NEED MILK? WE DELIVER!

License No. CDB-U 52415

Dave Hayter’s HORSHAM

Free measure & quote! Call David - 0437 985 319

Taking New Clients

MILK RUN

www.jimsmowingwv.com.au

• Regular pool servicing • Maintenance checks • Equipment repair & replacement

Mob 0414 825 199 OVER 50 YEARS PLUMBING AND MAINTENANCE EXPERIENCE

P I N N AC L E

Horsham

Plumbing - Gas Fitting Roofing - General maintenance Gutter cleaning for residential & commercial properties.

Sales & Rentals

PLUMBING & MAINTENANCE

UNDER NEW MANAGEMENT

131 546

HORSHAM (03) 53 62 62 62

PINNACLE@PLUMBING-MAINTENANCE.COM

31 O’Callaghans Parade, Horsham Ph: 5381 1131

IN BUS I N E S

Hopper Electrics

> Roof Cleaning > Gutter Cleaning > General Roof Repairs

PTY w LTD

HORSHAM ELECTRICIAN

REC. 38099

Experienced in all types of electrical; new installs and repairs, offering 24 hour emergency maintenance!

REC. 11963

Celebrating 80 years!

PH: (03) 5382 3238

hopperelectrics.com.au

HORSHAM (03) 5381 0622

– Local, regional, Wimmera & Interstate

• Packing supplies

140 Golf Course Rd, Horsham Ph: 5382 5002 (Soil Yard) 5382 6230 (Nursery)

Restorations, rebedding & pointing, reroofs, extensions, repairs, painting for tile/tin & pressure cleaning Over 15 years in the roofing trade

Email slingshotremovals@gmail.com Web: www.sshotremovals.com.au

GOLF CART SALES, SERVICE & REPAIRS

Ph. 0476 125 232

Our mobile service unit comes to you! DEALER

PO BOX 214 NATIMUK VIC 3409 BENPERKINCARTS@GMAIL.COM

CALL BEN 0408 268 424

BUILDING RELOCATION RESTUMPING

HOUSE RELOCATION SPECIALISTS

Shanan 0448 387 167 Trevor 0418 504 401 bakerbuilders3@bigpond.com

T&B FLO O RI N G Carpet and Vinyl

Contact Travis 0419 707 196 No obligation quote

Travel charges apply outside of Horsham

5379 3827

Wednesday, September 16, 2026

0428 384 876 www.prestonbuilders.com.au admin@prestonbuilders.com.au

Got termites? Call SOlver.

Residential, Rural & Commercial

Contact Nathan on 0494 738 306

Furniture Removals • Freight • Pre-packing

Renovations - Bathrooms

That’s Steve Olver, The Termite Man

LIC: 41089

> Leak Detection > Flexible Pointing > Tile Change Outs > Roof Painting

new home BuildS

TANDBFLOORING1@GMAIL.COM

Hire a skip! þ 2m, 3m, 4m, 5m, 6m, 8m & 9m bins available 44 GOLF COURSE RD, HORSHAM. PH 0476 125 232 www.wastebusters.com.au

BEAUFORT NEWS & TATTS •NEWSPAPERS •MAGAZINES •STATIONARY •CARDS •PHOTOCOPYING •LAMINATING •PHONE/INTERNET RECHARGE •TOYS •SPORTING GOODS •GIFTS •ATM/EFTPOS

Call Steve: 53 822 993

Email: admin@termitesolver.com.au

www.termitesolver.com.au

TRADE

LOCAL

Work Covered: Commercial Projects, New Homes, Extensions, Renovations and Maintenance

DB-U 39486

COMMERCIAL & DOMESTIC REGISTERED BUILDER

DIRECTORY

We want you! Based on unprecedented reader and listener demand, we encourage regional tradebased businesses to become part of The Weekly Advertiserʼs Local Trade Directory. The Local Trade Directory offers the only true multi-media platform combining print, radio and online services for businesses to ʻspread the wordʼ in across the Wimmera, Mallee and Grampians.

It’s aﬀordable and eﬀective! For a small weekly investment you will receive an advertisement (as above) PLUS... Receive bonus radio credit mentions on MIXX FM and 3WM throughout your paper advertising period.

OPEN HOURS

Contact The Weekly Advertiser

MONDAY to FRIDAY 6am - 5pm SATURDAY 6am - 12:30 pm, SUNDAY Closed

Phone: 5382 1351

66 - 69 NEILL STREET, BEAUFORT PH 5349 2380, 0419 471 309

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

12 month: $45 • 6 month: $47 • 13 week: $50 (all prices ex. GST) Page 37

TRADE

LOCAL

Proudly sponsored by

Phone: 03 5382 3823 Email: info@wadesgp.com.au

DIRECTORY

Stockist of

passenger, commercial & Trojan golf cart batteries Contact Horsham Autoglass today to organise a prompt battery replacement for your vehicle.

60B Darlot St, Horsham (Next to Horsham Bearings) Ph 0427 977 336

Since 1985

> aluminium windows/doors > external/internal doors > door hardware > garage doors/openers > automatic doors > security doors > wardrobe doors > shower screens 34 Plumpton Rd, Horsham > shopfronts p • 03 5382 4999 > splashbacks e • info@horshamdg.com.au > balustrades/pool fences w • www.horshamdg.com.au > glass/perspex/mirrors 24/7 EMERGENCY GLAZING SERVICE

New Homes Renovations Units, Decks, Pergolas Property Maintenance Commercial & Residential

Contact: John 0418 823 224 Josh 0400 020 666 Email: noleen.mays@bigpond.com

Ser󰉏󰈎󰇸󰈏n󰈇 󰉄he G󰈸󰈀󰈛p󰈏a󰈝󰈼, Wes󰉃󰈩󰈹n 󰇽󰈝󰇶 Wim󰈚󰈩󰈹󰇽 di󰈻󰉄r󰈎󰇹󰉄s.

Individualising your pets’ care Phone us: 5381 1996 Visit our website: yourfamilyvet.com.au for more information or to request an appointment

admin@northwestplanning.com.au www.northwestplanning.com.au 0492 973 478

TRUCK HIRE

Plumbing, Electrical, Heating & Cooling

• Small, Big or Biggest Freight Truck Options • Up to 8.3t Capacity • Up to 12 pallet ﬂoor space

PH: 03 5382 1375

Starting at just $150 a day!

Rec No. 14579 ARC AU26861 24 HOUR SERVICE

www.wadesgp.com.au

Rural & Regional Planning Services

MORROWS

horsham@laserelectrical.com.au horsham.laserelectrical.com.au

Sales • Service • Installation

Ideal for anyone moving house or businesses moving stock.

Morrow Motor Group - 5382 6163

T.V. C��NEC��S H��n� �r��m� �i�� ...

• Digital TV • New house pre-wires • Phone point installations • Pay TV to all TV’s from one box

C�� M�� 0419 836 106

tvconnections1@bigpond.com Like us on Facebook d

licence no. CDB-U 75417

GALLAGHERS V&S SERVICES • INTERIOR • DUSTLESS SANDING • ACRYLIC TEXTURE COATING • EXTERIOR

0427 970 345

All automotive maintenance and servicing, air-conditioning, roadworthy, brakes and exhaust requirements. 45 DIMBOOLA ROAD, HORSHAM

Phone: 03 5382 2622

*New Homes *Renovations *Extensions *Patch-ups *Suspended Ceilings *Rendering *Foam Cladding *Ornate Cornices * All jobs Plaster & Rendering Qualified Tradesmen, Quality Work

AH 5382 3030

FREE QUOTES Call Daniel

AUTH No: AU00880

s • Shutter s s d g n li in B n • • Aw s • Curtain utters h • Roller S ORSHAM ST, H HERSON 62A McP 2 4219 8 PH. 03 53

• New homes • Sheds • Concreting

Professionals at: Cleaning: -

Supplying wood burning heater & stove parts ARARAT & STAWELL DISTRICT

Windows Commerical Industrial Builders Domestic Oﬃces Building Sites

Registered Building Practitioner

Sally: 0409 523 917 • sally@gallaghers.com.au

Matt Liston - 0417 544 614 liston.builders@gmail.com

www.gallaghers.com.au

DOMESTIC MAINTENANCE

My Care Crew is a local social enterprise offering reliable gardening, greenspace and home maintenance services, all while giving back to our Horsham community.

5382 5607

ABN 698 3206 7186

The One Cleaning Service Th e o n e

• Aluminium & Timber Windows & Doors • Commercial • Shopfronts • Glass • Perspex • Showers • Robes • Splashbacks • Garage Doors • And More 2 Ballinger Street, Horsham

5382 0885

www.glassworks.com.au

f o r a l l yo u r

c le a n i ng ne e ds !

• steam cleaning of carpets • upholstery • windows • tile & grout cleaning • stripping & sealing vinyl ﬂoors • commercial cleaning 54 McLachlan St, Horsham • Ph: 5382 2230

SPECIALISTS IN DESIGN

Ph: 5382 2387 NEW ADDRESS

4 Bradbury Lane, Horsham

Locally owned & operated since 1999

FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTES!

5382 5429 9 Madden St, Horsham www.bevanart.com.au

18-20 Pynsent Street Horsham Vic 3400 Phone: 03 5382 3823 Email: info@wadesgp.com.au facebook.com/wadeshorsham Licence # PIC 316600 AU29407 REC 31566

Since 1985 Page 38

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Sales • Service • Installation

www.wadesgp.com.au

Wednesday, September 16, 2026

MULTI MEDIA As part of an all-inclusive

Classifieds RUN IT TILL YOU SELL IT

With The Weekly Advertiser’s Run It Till You Sell It, your classified advertisement will run in the paper every week until you sell the item or six months have passed (conditions apply). Prices start at $33 for the first 12 words or less* *$6 per 4 words thereafter. *This offer is not applicable to businesses.

digital version of The Weekly Advertiser located at www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au which is promoted via Facebook on a weekly basis.

DISPLAY ADVERTISEMENTS: Prices start at $15.00 per single column cm. *Multiple week specials available. PERSONAL NOTICES: $12.50 per single column cm. GARAGE SALES: $52.25 inc GST includes a display advertisement in the paper and mentions on the radio.

EXTRA OPTIONS Photos $25, colour text $17.

package your advertisement will also appear on the

TERMS & CONDITIONS

Your classifieds team

Newspaper classifieds continue to be a trusted marketing tool and The Weekly Advertiser classified staff continue to give you the best customer service. Contact us today via online, phone or in person at our office.

ABN 16 064 882 042

Death Notices

death notices

Funeral Notices

Memorial Notices

CONNOR, Glenn Thomas

SHANAHAN, John Brian

CONNOR, Glen Thomas

SUTHERLAND, Coral Pauline

CASTLES, Cheryl

Passed away peacefully on September 5, 2026, aged 89 years. Dearly loved husband of Nola.

Dearly loved husband of Annette.

Loving father of Kim, Michael and Tim.

Cherished son of Marie & Leon (dec). Loving father and father-inlaw of Chelsea & Tom; Sophie & Ben. Adored Grandad to Finley and Sonny; Levi and Charlie. Forever In Our Hearts

FISCHER, Karl Cooper

4-12-1978 to 4-9-2026 Dad passed away tragically on of September 4. It brings us happiness knowing he was doing something he loved; yabbying and riding. Loved father of Imiggin, Jess & Jack. We love you to the moon and back. Fish on

Horsham & District Funerals Dylan & Amity Hartwich

5382 1149

MAGEE, John Leonard ‘Jack’ Jack entered into eternal life aged 92 years.

Dearly loved husband of Bev and father of Krissy, Jack, Mary, Oscar & Jo. Respected father-in-law of Nano, Garry & Davie. Adored poppy of all 11 Grandchildren & Great grandchildren. Jacks’ life was a blessing, His memory a treasure.

Horsham & District Funerals

Pop to his Adored grandchildren, great grandchildren and all their families. A service to celebrate John’s life will be held at St Joseph’s Catholic Church of Dimboola followed by internment at Dimboola Lawn Cemetery on Wednesday, September 16, 2026 at 1pm. Family and friends are warmly invited to attend. He is forever in our hearts, always loved, and dearly missed. Emiley & Mathew Bone Nhill, Dimboola & Kaniva District Funerals 0419 008 464

SUTHERLAND, (nee Smith) Coral Pauline Passed away peacefully at Yarriambiack Lodge, Warracknabeal.

Loved and loving wife of Len (dec), Cherished Mum and Nanna to: Jenny & Alan: Jason & Jess, Rebecca & Graham, Melanie & Steve, Amy & Daniel. Shirley & Kelvin: Simon & Kate, Narelle, Erin & Brock. John & Jennifer: Anna & Matt, Joseph & Maddie. Errol & Janelle: Angela & Stephen, Michael & Bianca, Hannah, Annelise & Alex, Emily & Emily. Sally & Pat: Sam & Steph, Jeremy & Gill, Jessica & Cooper.

Adored Great nanna to 37 great grandchildren & 2 great great grandchildren.

Passed away at home on September 7, 2026 aged 68 years. Dearly loved husband of Coral. Loving father and fatherin-law of Dean & Lauren; Jessica & Jordan. Adored Pa to Blake, Layla and Riley. Dearly loved and forever missed “We’ll talk”

2 years ago you departed from this world to another. You may be gone from our sight, but never from our hearts.

The service may also be viewed online at www.horsham. unitingchurch.org.au/watch

Always loved, always remembered. Love always, David, Fiona, David, Benjamin, Amy, Bronwyn & Lily.

Bereavement Thanks

The funeral service to farewell the late Karl Fischer will be held at Taylors Lake Hall on Thursday 17th of September 2026 commencing at 1pm.

Thank you

Cremation to follow.

Amity & Dylan Hartwich

5382 1149

MAGEE, John Leonard Jack A Requiem Mass will be oﬀered for the Repose of the soul of the late Mr. John “Jack” Magee at Ss Michael and John’s Catholic Church, Horsham Friday September 18th, 2026, commencing at 12 pm Interment to follow at Horsham Lawn Cemetery.

Amity & Dylan Hartwich

5382 1149

When mum said years ago she was going to make funeral arrangements, we were surprised... I guess when mum made the arrangements she was thinking of us as well as herself. Pre-arrange your wishes with Trevor Bysouth & Daughter of

5381 1444 (All Hours) www.wimmerafunerals. com.au

caravans

2 male Jack Russell’s 8wks old vaccinated vet checked microchipped $1200, microchip no 953010008081317, 953010008081295 Ph 0423182267

2009 Jayco Starcraft 20ft, ensuite, A/C, stove, TV, HWS, reg D39115D, $25,000 Ph 0417054706

Birds for sale, princess parrots and bourkes, all colours, call for prices Ph 0408535515 Stawell

Bristlenose catfish, great tank cleaners $5ea until sold out Ph 0474159010 after 6.30pm Budgies, assorted colours $10 each Ph 0417533579

Golden Retriever X Foxhound puppies, dob 12 July, black/ white markings tricolour, source# MB310162, microchip# 985141011652/003/001/002/000 651/999/998 $800 Ph 0429486058 Dimboola

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter

Ph 5381 1444 NFDA Member FISCHER, Karl Cooper

Animals & Accessories

accommodation

~KRUGER ~ Robert (Rob)

We would like to express our sincere thanks and appreciation to family and friends for the kindness and support shown to us at the diﬃcult time of Rob’s passing. This has included flowers, cards, baking, hampers, visits, prayers, phone calls, messages and attendance at Rob’s Memorial Service led by Pastor Hans Peethala. Your words of comfort and gestures of care have meant so much to us. Special thanks to the Wimmera Cancer Centre team and Dr Swe Htet from Ballarat Cancer Care and Haematology for their care and compassion. To the Wimmera Community Palliative Care Team in Horsham, our deepest gratitude for your support and guidance, which enabled us to care for Rob at home.

Port Fairy 4-bedroom getaway with ocean views, just $1400! Free $150 fuel card with special booking, call Langley’s now 03 5568 2899 to book, excluding school holidays

Pure bred Australian Kelpie, ‘Bailey’, beautiful natured working dog, great working dog lines, from Stuart Park Kelpies, very faithful, basic training, been around sheep but not working yet, needs training, DOB 27/7/2025, not desexed, selling due to cutting back sheep numbers, M/C 972274001675727 $1000 Ph 0419399684 REDUCED Eclectus parrots aviary birds only, 2 year olds and a pair ready to breed, three pairs $900 per pair Ph or text 0492486058 Dimboola

Port Fairy 4-bedroom getaway with pool table, just $1100! Free $150 fuel card with special booking, call Langley’s now 03 5568 2899 to book, excluding school holidays

A life well lived and forever in our hearts. Sally, Josh & Les, Matt, Talia & Aaron, and grandchildren Oliver, Violet and Maya

2012 Jayco Starcraft 22 ft, rarely used, ensuit, laundry etc, photos available, $28,000 ono call paul ph0438564345

Buying, Pigs, Goats and Poultry, Ph 0427361940 or Ph 0480137184.

Ph 5381 1444 NFDA Member

Funeral Directors

Wednesday, September 16, 2026

30 July 1950 - 15 Sept 2024

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter

Rest in Peace

5382 1149

A Memorial Service to Celebrate the Life of Coral Pauline Sutherland will be held at the St Andrew’s Uniting Church, Horsham on Friday, 18 September 2026 commencing at 11.30am.

The service may also be viewed online at https://livingitlive. com.au/glenn-connor

Tony & Debbie: Jack & Beth, Abbey, Meg & Elijah.

Dylan & Amity Hartwich

SPICER, Geoﬀrey William ‘Geoﬀ/Spice’

The Funeral of Glenn Thomas Connor will commence with burial at 1pm at the Rupanyup Lawn Cemetery on Wednesday, 16 September 2026 and will be followed by a Memorial Service at the Rupanyup Community Centre (Gibson St) commencing at 2pm.

DEADLINE 10am Tuesday before publication, this includes payment and advertisement details.

Run It Till You Sell It advertisements are subject to review after six months with a lowcost fee to continue. Only applicable for one item per advertisement. The publisher reserves the right to omit or alter any advertisement. It is the responsibility of the advertiser to notify the publisher of any errors on the first day of publication. Every care is taken to prevent errors and accidental omissions but no financial responsibility can be accepted for loss resulting from such an error or omission.

Phone 5382 1351 email: horsham@aceradio.com.au online: www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Passed away at home surrounded by family on September 8, 2026 aged 63 years.

PAYMENT: Mastercard or Visa card payments via phone or online. Alternatively, cash or eftpos available at 2 Stawell Road, Horsham.

Prime beachfront locations, $1200 - $1500 for 7 nights, limited availability, conditions apply Ph 03 5568 2899 to book

Funeral Directors

Our professional staff will ensure your family is provided with the highest level of care available.

Ph: 5382 1149 | Email: admin@hdf.com.au www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

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.

*The Weekly Advertiser reserves the right to accept or refuse advertisements.

2014 Supreme Executive Caravan, 21’ 6”, one owner, full ensuite, club lounge dining, full oven, hot plates, fridge, A/C, diesel heater, 2 solar panels, always shedded, excellent condition, regretful sale due to health, inspection welcome $47,000 Ph 0428133100

2023 Jayco Cross Trak, 4.2m 14’, Hybrid pop-top, off road suspension, solar, TV, external shower, diesel heater, generator, air con, 2 fridges, tare 1370, tows behind most vehicles, as new condition $38,000 Ph 0421511754

2023 Mystic 12’ Fantasy Caravan, only been used once, always shedded, $36,000 Ph 0427857354

JAYCO 19.6 StarCraft Outback 2012, dual axle, one owner, new full annexe & tyres, VGC, $39,500 Ph 0429092059

Jayco 2012 18’ 6” Expanda, 2 double beds, double single bunk, toilet ,shower, low kilometres, reserve cycle air cond, fridge, microwave & more $32,000 Ph 0408504076

Page 39

caravans

farm machinery

for sale

motorcycles

Motor Vehicles $10,000 - $20,000

PERSONALS

Wanted, 49+ year old lady for serious relationship with 49 year old True Romantic Gentleman from Horsham, interests are reading, Four arm walker, $150 music, occasionally going out for ph0437600095 dinner then the movies or watching Full lift electric chair, pure leather, movies at home, fishing and $350 Ph 0478254195 camping, walking and swimming Ph Stromberg Carlson Radio, ex cond Slasher Leith Rotary Mower 2/1997 Yamaha TRX 850 all 1980 Benz, 4 Cyl, petrol, RWC, 0491230835 Ph 53824316 or 0419115930 Orange model, 18ft, 1000rpm gear factory original 9600kms, 10 month BLS666 $13,500 Ph 0408144139 box, very good condition $38,500 rego, meets requirements for club 10am-7pm plus gst Ph 0428894258 plates, YB-122 $8,000 Ph or text real estate 0417561843 leave a message, St. Arnaud, all offers will be considered for sale Dunlite 7kw generator, brand new, aussie made, honda motor $1100 ono Ph 0458495475

Jayco Silverline 21’ 6” 2015, always shedded, slide out queen bed, ensuite, washing machine, many extras, excellent condition, $48,000 Ph 0408442497

Oaten hay and wheaten hay 8x4x3 bales, feedtests and delivery avail by single or b double load Ph Jayco Starcraft 2013, 21’, one 0429944146 Nhill Holden Eight Transistor Car Radio, owner, very little use, as new, His Masters Voice Press Buton Car always shedded, many added extras Radio, Astor Truck Radio on valves, Two antique rattan hand weaved $37,000 Ph 0427 909 230 wicker rocking chairs $600 for the Harley Davidson Fat Boy 2021, as Ph 53824316 or 0419115930 new condition, black, sissy bar, black Large amount split cane 3pce fly both together Ph 0428504301 rods, 2pc split cane rods, 1pc solid White outdoor lawn mower, needs rack and bag, cruise control, twin pipes, spare set of tyres, immaculate split cane rods with reels excellent starter, and Girntz tilter $600 Ph condition $30,000 Ph 0421511754 140 bottles of cellared Red Wine, condition, D.A.M Quicksilver fly 9.5ft 0427828420 some up to 20 years matured, $2500 with reel, custom built 8ft6” fishing rod with reel, lots of fishing flys Ph Ph 0427581825 53824316 2 beds, 1 single folds into chair, 1 household items Masport Chipper and Spreader, double folds into couch, steel frame, REDUCED 2018 Dingo Ultimate twin blades, never been used, $1000 Camper, heavy duty top of the line includes mattresses and cover $180 Ph 0456393984 ono. ph 0447660707 off-road trailer including boat rack, Meat Mincer, 4 inch throat, portable fully enclosed annexe including on stand, stainless tray, electric ensuite, lots of storage, built-in motor $300 Ph 0428944143 Yamaha XT600 1985, very good instant gas hot water to sink and condition, new tyres, low kms, can Multiple items - Swing saw, new shower, dual AGM batteries be registered $5000 Ph 0439377524 belts, 39” blade with bench, Kohler and built-in inverter and charger, motor rec, 2 old lawn mowers, good innerspring mattress and ability to goers, chainsaws all in good cond, motor vehicle accessories make up second double bed, two Black 6 piece dining setting in all makes, 10 speed mens bike, ex new off-road tyres, VGC, Y76535 good condition $200, large wooden cond, 80ltr car fridge, in cooler bag, $15,500ono Ph 040736021 2x 50T Ackland silos, buyer to new, never used, make an offer Ph rimmed mirror $85, a number of New TC Boxes 900mm tapered under tray alloy toolbox (pair) Ph REDUCED Toyota Coaster remove, Murtoa $4000 for both Ph 0429824055 pictures and painting ranging 0400387895 camper, 2 seater, diesel heater, 1hz 0429335706 New hand crocheted knee rugs, from $10-$30, open to offers Ph Roof rack Alloy Tradesman with motor, solar and 12v awning much 5 litre oxygen concentrator as new, approx 90cm square, all colours $20 0409312294 Ararat mesh floor $500 Ph 0418138329 more $27,500 Ph 0418325662 beige recliner rockers, blue 2 seater Ph 0402506858 Stawell Lift Bed, IC333 four function, used couch, kitchen table, colour tv Ph Nissan Forklift, very reliable $8500 0429821820 6 months, includes cool balance 10’ Motor Vehicles Ph 0429821541 8x4 trailer, deep sides, big wheels, mattress $3000 each 2 available Ph $3000 - $10,000 Oaten Balansa and Clover hay $1000 Ph 0478254195 rolls, feed test available $110 each 0417156434 Horsham Ford 2005 XR6, BA Falcon, Ph 0400603022 roadworthy, 2 month rego, 1HI7QS $4990 Ph 0422444750 Oaten hay rolls for sale,4’ 6 X MOBILITY AIDS 4, $75 p/roll Ph Terry Wardlaw Proton Jumbuck Ute 2011, REDUCED Vintage Skyline 60’s 0427105591 Balmoral unregistered 24,224ks Caravan, registered, useable $5000 ph0437600095 Pallet Jack crown, very little condition, 10ft, full annex, $2800 Ph PLIC97PNRAB016095 use from new, asking $400 Ph 0419778181 Jeparit 0421791492 Stawell Parsnip seed, professionally Aluminium Ute Tray, electric/ cleaned $200 per kg Ph Pat hydraulic tipper, ram overhauled 0427822455 $3200 Ph 0428944462 Portable air compressor, new, ARC Garden Fencing, 20 panels, very handy machine $1500 firm Ph $1000 Ph 0459027575 Stawell 0407340961 Reduced, J.B Dreamline 21’6-2014, As new LG refrigerator $500, REDUCED Beko dryer $200, Afikim S4 Mobility Scooter, hard always shedded, sirocco fans, diesel Panasonic colour TV to giveaway Ph entertainment unit $200, both top canopy, rain sides, new battery, 0475431668 in excellent condition Ph Jenny heater, greywater tank, fan force 9/10 condition, paid $10,000, sell 53836242 or 0429029215 oven, washing machine, full length $5000 Ph 0400609150 custom made annexe, great storage,

2014 Toyota Prado, GX 4x4, RWC, reg til Oct, 1BJ6BL $24,000 Ph 0409954335

Trades & Services Keyte’s mowing service, lawn mowing, block slashing Ph 0429309491 or 53826461 Rose Pruning, many years experience, call to book, can travel Ph Max 0417824141

A GREAT MASSAGE Male Masseur Horsham

Open Mon-Sat

0455 187 842 2015 Mazda BT-50 Extra Cab - 6 wanted Wheeler, with rear lazy axle, GVM upgrade to 4490kg, custom 3 metre tray with toolboxes, slide out Frontend Loader bucket, 1.5 cubic drawer, ladder rack, dual batteries, metre, to fit Victory 280E Ph 5385 electric brakes, snorkel, clearview 2628 after 7.30pm mirrors, quality canvas canopy, good condition, 104,200 kms, reg 1IX7PW, wanted to buy $42,000 Ph 0409820089 Kia Seltos 2020, sport auto 2wd, SUV, 1 owner, excellent condition, warranty and reg to may 2027, steel-gray with black interior, no accidents or damage, RWC supplied, RIT4GT, 39,100kms $23,750 Ph 0418541300

4WD

REDUCED Kirby Avalir 100th Anniversary, excellent condition, clean and functions perfectly, includes filter bags, brand new home care system, all attachments (some Sectorcare walker 8” wheels with brand new) $400 Ph 0429679481 cane holder brand only used once @theweeklyaddy Ride on Mower, 1978 Toro $100 Ph 0353 583206 Groundmaster 72 rebuilt/ reconditioned, reconditioned R4 engine renault petrol, new seals & garage sales bearings in deck, radiator cleaned, new belts, blades, brake cables, air cleaner element, seat, king pins redone & repainted Ph 0428501109 Second hand black steel star posts, $3 each Ph 0428944143 Seed wheat scepter 3 tonne grated and pickled, round bale carrier, cattle crush, 3 hydraulic cylinders 18”x2.5” Ph 0407911884

Goldacres Sprayer, 2300L, 58ft, foam marker, $2500 Ph 0419778181 Chook house, 1500mm wide 1400H Jeparit x 1200L, nest box attached, keep Krone 8’ Cut Disc Mower $9,000, your chooks safe from predators, Tonniti Hydraulic lift & fold 12 wheel $250 Ph 53583440 plus 2 splitter hay rake $8,000, Cool room drop-in unit, 1 New Holland 658 baler nett & twine horsepower, 10amp plug in, digital $14,000, all in excellent condition, control, other sizes available $1850 Sherwell PTO bin $1200 Ph Ph 0417101120 Ph 0429861729 0428857312

Page 40

Motor Vehicles over $20,000

1/4 acre block, fully fenced, ready to build, Jeparit Vic 3423 $37,500 Ph 0439581125

30 or 40 tonne vertical/horizontal wood splitter in good condition Ph 0429018879 Ararat Bellhousing from straight 6 Holdens HQ, HX, HZ Ph 0421791492 Stawell Caper trailer tent top, to fit 7ft x 5” Walkabout trailer Ph 53569340 or 0412482521 Landsborough

Chev truck rim 1925 - 1929 Ph Trailer 6x4 with cage. Registered 0427506552 till may 2027 No longer in use. $500 Gear box from a grain auger Ph Suzuki Grand Vitara Trekker ono. ph 0407 251 965 0421791492 Stawell JB 4D Wagon, RW N165534 Looking for a 2 bedroom small 11/7/25, speedo when purchased PERSONALS country home Ph 0411801581 202,549kms current 20,6528kms, LP Records, prefer 60’s, 70’s, 80’s has little use only 4079 kl, tow-bar, full service history, great car to Fiji-Indian woman, 50, caring, and rabbit traps Ph 0400017344 drive, reg Oct 26 1GO5JL $6850 Ph gentle, family-oriented and never Old bottles, marble bottles ginger, married, hopes to meet a sincere beer bottles, torpedo bottles, 0466641895 Australian man who is financially demijohns Ph 0448943498 secure, owns his home, and seeks a Wanted to buy, Amateur radio, CB genuine companion for marriage and Radio and related accessories, from shared care. She values kindness, single items to bulk estate sales, loyalty, and a peaceful home life. $$$ Cash Paid $$$ Please Ph Ready to provide care Ph +679 923 0407163900 or email fijirose1010@gmail. Wanted to buy, RC model aircraft, The Weekly Advertiser 2717 com, and PO BOx 5353 Lautoka Fiji Scooter, Reef Bikes, Fold up, Near new will buy collections if the price is right Ph 0435621004 $950 Ono Ph 0447660707

excellent condition $47,000 Ph 0439826442

Avery 6 inch Chrome and Wood, Avery 7 inch Chrome and Wood, Mitchell 3390, Ocean City 165 USA, Sentiveco daily/5th wheeler Penn Longreach 68 USA, Mitchell combo, set up for off grid, too many Garcia 386, Penn Senator Game, extras to list, was $102,000 now Dam Quick 22A Ph 53824316, 0419115930 $97,000 Ph 0438149265 Bicycles, Geeko boys bike 12” $10, Mens Trek mountain bike $50, farm machinery Ladies Avanti Discovery 27 Speed as new $300, Unisex Trek ‘Legal’ 1 Case tractor Model l, 1 McCormick E-Bike Bosch Electrics, hydraulic Deering Model W30 $2000 ono each disc brakes, as new, cost $4k + selling for $2900 Ph 0427617677 Ph 53844287 Horsham

2015 Mazda CX3 MAXX Sport, Selling due to upsizing,very reliable car and great on fuel economy. Petrol engine, Auto, Full service history, Rego, 227,000kms, Brand new tyres, Keyless Start, No dints in body work, 2 x Keys, Sat Nav, Bluetooth connectability + CD Player, Phone Charging Points, Never been in any accidents and clear tile, Recently had car polished and detailed. $15,000 located Horsham. Ph 0407046864

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marine

motor vehicles

The Weekly Advertiser welcomes your advertising. We are required strictly by law to include specific information on some items when publishing your advertisement. A snapshot of your obligations are as follows: BOATS All advertisements for boats must include: • Hull number or registration number of the boat If a trailer is included with the boat, the advertisement must also include: • Registration number or chassis number of the trailer.

The Weekly Advertiser welcomes your advertising. We are required strictly by law to include specific information on some items when publishing your advertisement. A snapshot of your obligations are as follows: ROAD VEHICLES All advertisements for road vehicles must include a price, as well as: • A registration number, if registered • Either an engine number, VIN or chassis number if the vehicle is not registered.

Wednesday, September 16, 2026

expressions of interest

Public Notices

Mental health contacts Lifeline 13 11 14 1800Respect 1800 737 732 MensLine 1300 789 978 Suicide Callback Service 1300 659 467 Beyond Blue 1300 224 636 Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800 Headspace 1800 650 890 Mental Health Access Line 1800 011 511 13YARN Crisis Line 13 96 76

Hindmarsh Shire Council invites Expressions of Interest (EOI) for the purchase and removal of surplus items from Council-owned sites, including four transfer stations and the Old Jeparit Mechanic’s Workshop.

EOI 2026-2027-11

SALE OF MISC. ITEMS FROM 4X TRANSFER STATIONS AND THE OLD JEPARIT MECHANIC’S WORKSHOP The specific details, including photos of items, are listed in the EOI documents which can be downloaded and viewed at www.haveyoursay.hindmarsh.vic.gov.au. Items are offered for sale on an “as is, where is” basis. Closing time for the above EOI is 5:00pm on Thursday 01 October 2026. All enquiries should be directed to Laura Sonnberger, Contracts & Procurement Officer, via email to info@ hindmarsh.vic.gov.au or telephone (03) 5391 4444. Monica Revell Chief Executive Ofﬁcer

The Orange Door, Horsham 1800 271 042

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Black Dog Institute www.blackdog institute.org.au Suicide & Mental Illness www.mindframe. org.au Indigenous supports www.wellmob. org.au

Public Notices

situation vacant

PART-TIME – MATERNITY LEAVE CONTRACT

TRAFFIC COORDINATOR Administration position

3WM, MIXX FM and The Weekly Advertiser is seeking a reliable and self-motivated person to join our administration team. Are you looking for a challenging administration role in a fun, team environment? Do you enjoy routine and have good attention to detail? This might be the next administration job for you! The Traffic Coordinator’s purpose is to accurately schedule commercial airtime and radio station promotions using the company’s online computerised advertising traffic control system. You will work closely with our sales marketing team and programming team to ensure that the radio station offers an efficient service for our radio clients and agencies. This role will also include some receptionist duties such as phone answering and general customer service. Ideally the successful applicant should possess the following attributes: • Willingness to learn and use relevant in-house traffic management software • Excellent administration, communication and organisational skills • Attention to detail • Ability to analyse and interpret data • Ability to work independently but also as part of a team • Self-motivated, ability to prioritise work and show problem solving skills • Ability to work effectively under pressure, react quickly and meet deadlines

This position is ideal for someone who has previous administration skills including accounts and someone with adequate IT skills.

To apply or for more information please phone Olivia 5382 1351 or email olenehan@aceradio.com.au ACE Radio Broadcasters is an equal-opportunity employer.

Situations Vacant

Wimmera Regional Sports Assembly

WE’RE HIRING Inclusion Development Lead

Inclusion Development Lead horsham@ontgroup.com.au

Working closely closely with with clubs, clubs, councils, and Working and community focuses on the the community groups, the role focuses delivery of funded projects that provide positive positive participation participation and volunteering outcomes and outcomes with with an emphasis on inclusion and accessibility accessibility for for participants participants of of all all abilities. abilities.

Full-time, 12 month fixed-term $36.22 per hour + super. Part-time available

Applications close 5pm Tuesday 22nd September

WALKERS WANTED www.ontgroup.com.au

We’re looking for people to deliver

IN HORSHAM & DIMBOOLA

Christian Devotion September 16

Susan Pearse - Southern Mallee Cooperative Parish

Wednesday, September 16, 2026

W co d

HR & FORKLIFT LICENCES REQUIRED

If you are reliable, prepared to work as part of a team and are committed to providing good customer service, please apply.

SEND YOUR RESUME TO:

Goolum Goolums Kindergarten 1 POSITION Barrp-iny Wirrindity-anak Activities & Events (To build children)

is seeking Co-ordinator expressions of interest for Early Childhood Teachers F/T and P/T and Diploma Qualified Educators, DO YOU HAVEplanned for its new kindergarten to open January 2027. • Demonstrated experience in community health promotion andWirrindityevents All positions at Barrp-iny coordination. anak Kindergarten require: • • Strong attention Currentcomputer VIT (Early skills, Childhood) or to detail. • Highly developedDiploma planning, • Current Early Childhood communication and time management qualifi cations skills. • First-Aid, CPR, Asthma and • A qualifi strongcations team ethic. Anaphylaxis • Child Safety training- Mandatory OFFER ReportingWE Certifi cate

It’s about having a peace and a joy in all circumstances. The knowledge that there is someone we can trust; someone we can rely on, who is with us no matter what. We can have this kind of peace and hope when we follow Jesus; when we put our trust in Him and when we can relax and let God be God.

Jesus said, “The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy; I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full.” John 10:10. Find full life in Jesus.

to deliver recycling services in our region.

out ac

During the school holidays, September 19-24 the Southern Mallee Cooperative Parish is hosting an Art Exhibition in Hopetoun called, “Life in All its Fullness.” What does this mean? How can we have life in all its fullness when there are so many challenges and so much suﬀering in life? Having life in all its fullness is not about owning possessions or getting more money. It’s not about ‘partying’ or doing whatever we want.

I am seeing this in young adults who have recently come into relationship with God through Jesus Christ, God’s Son; and while life still has its challenges, they aren’t carrying the load themselves. There is someone else to take it, to walk alongside them on life’s journey and who gives strength, confidence and hope. What about you? Where do you put your trust? Where does your hope come from? The Psalmist said, “Where does my help come from? My help comes from the Lord, the Maker of heaven and earth.”

TRUCK DRIVER / GENERAL LABOURER

Contact Mick 0409 340 981

NEWSPAPER

DUE TO COMPANY GROWTH WE HAVE MULTIPLE VACANCIES FOR HC & MC DRIVERS

FULL-TIME POSITION AVAILABLE

wastebusters1@bigpond.com

To apply, visit www.wrsa.org.au

horsham@ontgroup.com.au

Ph. 0476 125 232

Attractive Remuneration

Salary packaging is available and all Salary Packaging positionsFlexible will beHours paid as per Additional Leave the VECTEAPaid Award.

Earn some extra cash on Wednesdays with flexible runs available! TO FIND OUT MORE CONTACT SHANNON: email - horsham.distribution@gmail.com or phone/text - 0438 064 269

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Supportive Work Environment

For further information and position Get in touch for more descriptions, please emaildetails: michelle. ceo@goolumgoolum.org.au cameron@goolumgoolum.org.au. Closing date:17 April 2026

Page 41

situations vacant

JOIN OUR TEAM Join the Hindmarsh team and contribute to our beautiful Shire. We are currently accepting applications for the following positions:

People and Culture Officer – Parental Leave Position

Fixed Term Part Time (22 hours per week) Salary commencing at $40.23 per hour Applications close 12 noon on Wednesday 30 September 2026.

Plant Operator Labourers Nhill and Jeparit

Join our team Join a supportive, forward-thinking team and help shape water and wastewater services for our communities.

Permanent Full Time (9-day fortnight) Salary commencing at $69,718 per annum Applications close 12 noon on Wednesday 23 September 2026. Scan the QR code for details about these roles and how to apply, or visit our website: www.hindmarsh.vic.gov.au/ work-in-council

Water Treatment Plant Operator Mallee (2 positions available) Love problem-solving and making a real difference? As a Water Treatment Plant Operator, you'll help produce safe drinking water for our communities, maintain critical infrastructure, and work across a variety of treatment plants to keep our operations running smoothly and efficiently.

Truck Drivers / Plant Operators Inroads Pty Ltd has grown into one of the largest bituminous sealing companies in Victoria and South Australia with a proven track record of specialty work throughout Western Victoria and South Australia and is part of VSA Group. We are seeking Truck Drivers and Plant Operators to join our Spray Sealing team during peak summer season (September 2026-May 2027). Our depot is based in Horsham and requires frequent travel across Victoria and South Australia. Applicants will need to possess the following attributes:

Customer Service Officer (Fixed term 12 months)

Truck Drivers and Plant Operators • HR Licence (minimum) or preferred HC Licence • Construction Induction White Card • Current Traffic Control / Management Certificate (desired) • Willingness to travel and work away from Horsham • Safety is second nature to how you work • Able to work as an effective crew member and part of a team • Be able to travel away from home for up to 2 weeks at a time.

We are looking for a customer-focused, enthusiastic person to join our Customer Service team!

This role requires flexible individuals to meet company requirements; some weekend work will be required. An attractive casual hourly rate with overtime and allowances is offered for the right applicant.

If you have a friendly ‘can-doʼ approach to customer service, an eye for detail and a willingness to learn and adapt to changing task priorities, this is the job for you.

Successful applicants will be required to undergo prior to commencement:

Apply now Visit gwmwater.org.au/careers or scan the QR code to apply or sign up to job alerts.

Applications close: Friday 2 October GWMWater is committed to achieving ‘zero harmʼ across all operations. We prioritise a safe working environment, ensuring that everyone returns home safely every day. As an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, we are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. For confidential support throughout the application process, please contact our People, Culture and Legal division on 1300 659 961 to ensure a fair and inclusive experience. GWMWater acknowledges Traditional Owners as the custodians of the lands and waters across our region and is committed to Aboriginal self-determination and culturally safe engagement

Page 42

• Pre-employment medical assessment • Drug and Alcohol screening test • Company Induction For further information contact on 5382 4406, resume should be forwarded to either of the following:

• Horsham • Stawell • Ararat Weekly pay

DISPOSAL OF WWHS ASSETS West Wimmera Health Service has a range of assets currently for sale, including a tri-bike, cement pavers, kitchen range hood, relocatable building, shipping container, and more.

View assets and make a bid via the WWHS website: www.wwhs.net.au/assetdisposal Bidding closes Friday 30 October.

Contract C01563

Current vacancies

Catalogue distributors wanted

tenders

• Email: reception@inroads.com.au and hr@vsagroup.com.au • Post: P.O. Box 708, Horsham Vic 3402 • In person: 8 Bracken Street, Horsham Vic 3400

Design & Construction of Murrayville Chlorinator Upgrade Grampians Wimmera Mallee Water (GWMWater) is an innovative water corporation providing, managing, operating and protecting water supply and sewerage systems within the region. GWMWater invites suitably qualified and experienced contractors to submit tenders for the Design & Construction of a new sodium hypochlorite dosing system in Murrayville,Victoria. Contract scope includes: Design, supply and build a new insulated dosing shed (3.1 m x 3.1 m). Design, supply and install two dosing pumps and its associated pipework. Design, supply and install a 2000 L chemical storage tank under a Skillion roof. Design and construction of a new chemical delivery bund and a site access driveway. Design, supply and install a new SCADA cubicle including the electrical connections. Preparation of functional description & completion of SCADA programming. Complete connections and testing & commissioning of new dosing station. Preparation of new civil, mechanical and electrical drawings. Disconnection and disposal of old dosing shed and its components.

Looking for staff?

Tender documentation and further information is available on the Buying for Victoria website at tenders.vic.gov.au. Enquiries can be directed to Avin James, Project Engineer, on 0460 952 497 or avin.james@gwmwater.org.au

We can help!

A non-compulsory pre-tender site inspection will be held 11 am on Wednesday 30 September 2026 at 40 Reed Street, Murrayville VIC 3512.

Place your situation vacant advertisement in

Tenderers must contact the nominated Project Officer before COB Tuesday 29 September 2026 to notify GWMWater of Tendererʼs attendance and be informed of the meeting location details. Tenders close: 2 pm Wednesday 14 October 2026

– the largest circulating newspaper in the Wimmera, southern Mallee and Grampians. Telephone (03) 5382 1351 Email horshamreception@team.aceradio.com.au

...WE’RE THE RIGHT CHOICE FOR YOUR BUSINESS Smartphone required

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ivehub.com.au

GWMWater reserves the right to accept tenders in part. The lowest or any tender not necessarily accepted.

11 McLachlan Street, Horsham 1300 659 961 info@gwmwater.org.au | gwmwater.org.au

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Wednesday, September 16, 2026

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Golf entries open

MARATHON SUPPORT: Hundreds of athletes gathered at Hosham’s Sawyer Park on Sunday for the 2026 Horsham Running Festival. The day included a marathon, half marathon and quarter marathon for runners, a quarter marathon for walkers and a five kilometre event for runners and walkers, as well as a popular untimed two kilometre kids’ dash for participants aged 12 and under. Winner of the men’s 45-49 years marathon, Kaniva’s David Staehr, completes his first of four laps along a Wimmera River track. Staehr finished the marathon in 2:47:14. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Entries are open for a pair of major events on the Wimmera golfing calendar later this year. Horsham Golf Club is preparing to host the 20th annual Jimmy Bates Memorial four-person ambrose tournament on Sunday, November 1, while Warracknabeal Golf Club will play host to the Wimmera District Championships and Champion of Champions events on Saturday, November 21. Entries to the Jimmy Bates Memorial are $50 each and close on Friday, October 30, with money raised during the event to support junior golf programs in the district. The Wimmera District Championships will be played in a 36-hole stroke format, with multiple grades to cater for golfers of different skill levels and additional morning and afternoon 18-hole events. In the event of a tie for the 36-hole scratch event, players will undertake a sudden-death playoff on the 18th hole until achieving a result. Entries for the Wimmera District Championships and Champion of Champions events close on Thursday, November 19. Players can view more details and enter events via www.wimmeragolf.com.au/comp-entry. Wimmera District Golf Association officials said they would announce details of the Wimmera District Junior Championships, scheduled for November 29, in the coming weeks.

INTERSCHOOL ATHLETICS: School Sport Victoria’s Black Ranges secondary schools athletics competition was run in Stawell last week. Winners of events progress to the Greater Western region carnival, where they will be challenging for a spot at state competition. The Weekly Advertiser photographer PAUL CARRACHER caught some of the action at Stawell. Pictued are, clockwise from above: James Hemley, Murtoa College, throws the javelin; Blayze Kenny, Stawell College, clears the high jump; Elsa Drendel, Wimmera Lutheran College, contests long jump; and Steph Plazzer, St Brigid’s College, wins the 100m.

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Page 43

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OPEN: Yanac Tigers celebrate their premiership win.

WOMEN: Yanac claims its 11th premiership.

Pictures: RACHEL CLARK

Three thrilling hockey finales

n a fitting conclusion to the 2026 Wimmera Hockey Association season, three of the year’s best matches were played at Anzac Park in Warracknabeal on Saturday, with all decided by the narrowest of margins. Nhill and Warrack under-16s opened proceedings and set a high standard for the day in a prolific encounter where, despite seven goals being scored by full time, the margin between the two teams at the final whistle was just one goal. The Leopards found their rhythm early, and a field goal in the first quarter put them ahead. Warrack matched this soon after the start of the second quarter, but two more Nhill scores saw them go into half-time in control of the game with a comfortable two-goal lead. The Revengers fought back in the third quarter, dominating with seven attacking penalty corners and not conceding any, and levelled the scores at three-all at the last break, setting up a cracking last quarter. By the start of the fourth quarter, the momentum had fully swung in the Revengers’ favour, and they capitalised by taking the lead with a fourth goal with 13 minutes of play remaining. They looked to have clinched the match when they found the net again seven minutes later, but after a brief consultation between the umpires, the shot was ruled too high and dangerous, so the score was not registered. This kept the Leopards’ faint hopes of at least drawing the game alive, but they could not add to their score in the remaining two-and-a-half minutes,

UNDER-16: Warrack Revengers show off their premiership medals. and the final whistle cut short their attempt to equalise. The result denied the Leopards backto-back titles and secured the Revengers’ first premiership since 2017.

Women

Finishing the regular season 14 points apart on the ladder and Yanac having already secured three comfortable victories over Kaniva, the record suggested Yanac entered the women’s grand final as favourites. Kaniva obviously disagreed, coming out firing and registering the first score just four minutes into the match. After this, Yanac upped its game and earned five penalty corners before quarter time, and converted the last of these to go into the first break tied at one all. The nine-to-four penalty corner

SAVE THE DATE

count in the remaining 50 minutes of regular time suggested Yanac dominance, but Kaniva’s defence held firm against everything thrown at them. Their attackers looked threatening when they wrested control of the ball, but they, too, could not breach their opponents’ defence for a second time. With a one-all full-time scoreline, the game headed into a shootout where, taking alternate turns, each team had five opportunities to send a field player against the opposition goalkeeper in an eight-second one-on-one rush to score. Kaniva jumped to a one-goal lead after two attempts each, but Yanac held its composure to score with the next two, while Kaniva could only add one, leaving the shootout scores at two-all with one each remaining. Neither team scored from its next attempts, and the scores remained tied.

The next step in the tiebreaker was a sudden-death shootout, where teams continued to take turns until one team scored and the other did not from the same number of attempts. On this occasion, it took just one more each for Yanac to secure the advantage and claim its 11th premiership, six of which have come in the past 10 seasons.

Open

After two entertaining games, it was hard to imagine Yanac Tigers and Warrack Hoops could upstage either, but they did. The game hit off at a frenetic pace from the first whistle and did not slow down until the premiership had been decided. The Tigers had the best of the play in the first half, and a solid hit off their fourth penalty corner before half-

time found the back of the net, putting them ahead at the break. The play swung from one end of the ground to the other during a fastpaced second half, but neither team could score, and with just seconds left on the clock, it looked as if the Tigers had done enough to claim their 11th straight title with a one-goal victory. Then, a quick break out of defence saw the Hoops run the ball the length of the field and, with just 11 seconds remaining, earn a penalty stroke. After they converted it to level the scores, the game went to a penalty shootout. The Hoops led by a goal after two attempts each, but the Tigers fought back, scoring from their last three, while the Hoops were only able to get one of theirs. This gave the Yanac team another premiership, but they did have to hold their nerve and endure the shootout to confirm it. Grand final results –

Open: Yanac Tigers 1 (3) (goals, S. Alexander, B. Alexander, A. Zanker, K. Croot; best, T. Alexander, K. Croot, B. Alexander) d Warrack Hoops 1 (2) (S. Schultz, B. Williamson, C. Baldock; S. Schultz, C. Baldock, C. Bardell). Beston-ground: Life Members’ Medal, Sandon Schultz (Hoops). Women: Yanac 1 (2)(1) (A. Zanker 2, S. Hedt, H. Zanker; E. Alexander, A. Zanker, A. Farmers) d Kaniva 1 (2)(0) (L. Stimson, J. Beattie, O. Diment; O. Diment, H. Pearse, B. Knoll). Best- onground: Jane Gregson Memorial Medal, Briony Knoll (Kaniva). Under-16: Warrack Revengers 4 (H. Knoop 2, N. Eilola, S. Williamson; N. Eilola, M. Bentley, H. Knoop) d Nhill Leopards 3 (D. Bee 2, B. Clark; B. Clark, D. Bee, N. Krelle). Best-on-ground: Peter Colbert Medal, Hunter Knoop (Revengers).

OCTOBER 10 & 11, 2026 @ Horsham Botanic Gardens Featuring a vibrant display of blooming flowers, plants and outdoor living displays. Plus, learn more about living a sustainable lifestyle, enjoy the delicious food and get involved in activities. The festival also includes sustainable lifestyle focused exhibits, demonstrations, and presentations, promoting eco-friendly and sustainable gardening practices.

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Wednesday, September 16, 2026

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Baker wins top accolade V

BY DAVID BERRY

olleyball Horsham Heat’s Cleo Baker has been acknowledged as the most valuable player in the State League One women’s competition for season 2026.

Baker was crowned in front of her peers at a glittering awards ceremony where Volleyball Victoria acknowledged all winners across the premier and state league competitions. Upon accepting her award, Baker was full of praise for her teammates who made her team’s debut season such a memorable one. “To finish fourth in our first season was a great achievement, especially with such a young squad, but you could see their development as each week went by,” she said. “If they continue with that level of improvement, I can’t wait for next season to come around.” Baker’s award lifts her into rarified air as only the third Volleyball Horsham member to receive such an honour in the past 25 years. “To follow in the footsteps of David Abud in 2000 when playing for Heidelberg and Matthew Berry in 2012 for Phantoms, is quite humbling,” Baker said. Baker will now take a well-

Wednesday, September 16, 2026

earned break as she heads off on holiday, but cannot wait to get into training for the Horsham tournament in November. “I know Dave was working the room and received so many affirmative from clubs who can’t wait for the Horsham tournament, even from those players participating in superleague,” she said. “Clubs like Latrobe Uni, Renegades, Heidelberg and KVA all said they were coming, especially in the women’s premier division, so we certainly know that we are going to have some great competition at this year’s tournament. “I’ll have to make sure I don’t have too good a holiday, as when I return training will be full on.”

Heat club awards

Volleyball Horsham Heat hosted its presentation night with players acknowledged across both the men’s and women’s programs. Tyler Puls was the inaugural men’s most valuable player, defeating Noah Werry for the top award, while Haidyn Young was rewarded for his consistent season with the coach’s award. Baker took the women’s MVP honour, ahead of captain Laelah Robertson, with youngster Bonnie Grieger acknowledged for her improvement throughout the season with the coach’s award.

CROWNED: Cleo Baker was awarded the most valuable player award in the State League One women’s competition for season 2026. In a massive vote of confidence for the Heat program David and Emelia Johns announced their support for season 2027, to rapturous applause from those in attendance.

The club will host a review meeting on Sunday from 1pm at Horsham Cycling Clubrooms for those wishing to provide input on how the Heat program can improve going forward.

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sPORT Updated bylaws Horsham Cricket Association has updated its bylaws ahead of the 2026-27 season. During the upcoming season two-day cricket matches will see 80 overs of play per day in A Grade, with 70 in B Grade, and teams will be required to wear white tops and play with red balls. One-day games will be 40 overs a side in A Grade and 35 a side in B Grade with coloured tops and a white ball. The Duckworth-Lewis-Stern system will be in effect for all shortened one-day matches, regardless of grade. Other bylaw updates will see the association’s match-day committee empowered to handle key decisions including grading and permits, timeslot changes and weather-related determinations. The competition’s head policy will result in games being called off once the nearest Bureau of Meteorology station to the ground records a temperature of 40°C or more, with the match-day committee able to bring match-times forward if hot weather is forecast. A Grade fixtures will roll out in the first week of October, with B Grade fixtures due in either the first or second week, while C Grade and juniors fixtures will be finalised by October 17. For more information on the association’s bylaws, people can visit www.horshamcricketassociation.com. au/rules#by-laws.

Liddy wins croquet June Liddy won Horsham Golf Croquet’s events last week, taking sole division one honours on Saturday but declared joint winner with Shirley Price on Thursday. Greg Phillips won division two on Saturday and Joy Smith won division three. Marj Weidermann led Thursday’s division two competition, while Allan Meyer and Joy Smith led division three.

Page 45

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Youth awarded for sporting spirit Horsham District Football Netball League and Wimmera Football Netball League award one under-17 footballer and one 17-and-under netballer a Spirit of Sport award each playing round. The Spirit of Football and Spirit of Netball awards are presented by either Victoria Police officers or Blue Ribbon Foundation members.

Oliver Credlin – WFNL Southern Mallee Thunder footballer Oliver Credlin, pictured with Rainbow Leading Senior Constable Tony Clark, is a quiet leader and determined player who never gives up. Oli is a true team-first footballer – he goes about his game in a way that lifts those around him, remains inclusive and consistently shows excellent sportsmanship toward the opposition. His positive attitude, work ethic and ongoing development have seen him elevated to senior football on numerous occasions this season, where he has held his own with distinction.

Mason Notting – WFNL Stawell Warriors footballer Mason Notting has had a fantastic season of football and has really stepped up as a leader down forward. He has shown great footy smarts, always looking to bring his teammates into the game and share the ball rather than just taking it on himself. Mason’s ability to create opportunities for those around him has made him a valuable part of the team. His effort, leadership and team first attitude have been a big part of his great season. He is pictured with Stawell Constable Jeremy Turpin.

Lexi Goodem – WFNL Stawell Warriors netballer Lexi Goodem, pictured with Stawell Constable Jeremy Turpin, is in her first year of 17-and-under, has been ever reliable in defence. She is calm, strong and someone the team can always count on to do her job. Her confidence and skill have grown so much throughout the season, and it has been rewarding to watch her back herself more and more each week. Lexi is a quiet achiever who gets out there and gets the job done. The club is proud of how far she has come this year, and the asset she is to the 17-and-under team.

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Lara Webb – HDFNL Rupanyup netballer Lara Webb started her journey playing the defence end for most of her junior years. This year she marked her role as a key goal-shooter in the 17-and-under team, is a key shooter in the B Grade team, and also made her A Grade debut. Lara has developed in key club roles. She has picked up her whistle most games to umpire and is an all-round good example for all around the club. She is pictured with Horsham Blue Ribbon co-ordinator Les Power.

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Marli Arnold – WFNL Minyip-Murtoa netballer Marli Arnold, pictured with Blue Ribbon Foundation co-ordinator Les Power, is a strong, passionate defender, with an incredible ability to read and pick off plays. An asset to her team and club, Marli’s natural leadership and positive nature is recognised by her teammates, with her being selected as team captain for the 2026 season. Marli always brings a positive energy to every training and every game, whether playing or injured. She is an absolute delight to coach, and a pillar to her team.

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hORshaM DisTRiCT LEaGUE

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DETERMINED: Laharum prevailed against NoradjuhaQuantong in a fiercely fought senior grand final match at Horsham City Oval on Saturday. Pictured in action are, clockwise from above: Noradjuha-Quantong’s Lee Dale and Jason Kerr tackle Reuben Launder, Demons; Laharum coach Robbie Miller powers past James Hallett; Josh Hutchinson chases down Bombers’ Zach Kelly; Jack Vague and Shannon Argall in full flight; Brock Orval tackles Jarrod Kemp; Reuben Launder and Phil Butsch; and centre, Judah Hobbs and Jason Kerr celebrate a goal.

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HARD FOUGHT: Edenhope-Apsley defeated Laharum in the A Grade netball grand final on Saturday. Pictured during the hard-fought match are, clockwise from left: Laharum’s Caitlin Jones-Story; Edenhope-Apsley’s Hayley Campbell and Maddie Iredell, Laharum; Saints’ goalie Dee Dee Lambert; Lambert and coach Lavinia Fox; Maddie Iredell and Jasmine McIntyre battle for the ball; Ilze van Zyl and Danielle Grindlay; and centre, EdenhopeApsley’s Hannah Magasanik. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

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RESERVES: Noradjuha-Quantong 12.10 (89) defeated Pimpinio 3.12 (30). Best-on-ground, Darcy Hogan.

UNDER-17S: Kalkee 15.7 (97) defeated Edenhope-Apsley-KanivaLeeor United 3.5 (23). Best-onground, Jye Dolan.

UNDER-14S: Noradjuha-Quantong 12.10 (82) defeated Laharum 1.0 (6). Best-on-ground, Judd Oakley.

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13-AND-UNDER: Noradjuha-Quantong (20) d Kalkee (17). Best-on-court, Kensi Quick, NQ.

15-AND-UNDER: Laharum (50) d Kalkee (36). Best-on-court, Ivy Hofmaier, Laharum.

17-AND-UNDER: Laharum (48) d Kalkee (35). Best-on-court, Ilze van Zyl, Laharum.

C RESERVE: Kalkee (43) d Laharum (27). Best-on-court, Kira Hobbs, Kalkee.

C GRADE: Kalkee (40) d Natimuk United (37). Best-on-court, Aleece Beddison, Kalkee.

B GRADE: Harrow-Balmoral (38) d Kalkee (37). Best-on-court, Paige Murrell, Harrow-Balmoral.

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Built on pressure...

n a storied history that stretches back more than a century, Laharum Football Netball Club’s greatest achievement might have come on Saturday.

Only three years removed from a winless wooden-spoon season and a near merger with Taylors Lake, the Demons completed a remarkable turnaround by winning their 11th senior premiership, beating Noradjuha-Quantong 9.8 (62) to 7.8 (50) in front of a huge crowd at Horsham City Oval. Laharum won not with flashy football, but with traits that have become hallmarks of their game in the past three years – relentless defensive pressure and an appetite for the contest. They required every bit of that combativeness against an opposition desperate to win its first-ever senior football premiership following runner-up finishes in 2024 and 2025. Laharum’s intent was clear early, with the Demons dominating field position and recording the game’s first nine inside-50s. Backman Todd Heynen was a brick wall across the centre of the ground, recording four intercept possessions in the first seven minutes to turn defence into attack for Laharum. But while spearhead Jack Fenner set a tone by shrugging off opponent Dyson Parish for a pair of strong marks, his shots at goal were wayward. Despite the Demons’ dominance they could muster only four behinds, and the Bombers had too much talent to keep suppressed. Noradjuha-Quantong full-forward Judah Hobbs took a strong leading mark to kick the game’s first goal, and freshly minted Dellar medallist Declan Phyland produced some magic two minutes later with a snap from deep in the pocket to send his side nine points ahead. The Demons refused to panic however, with half-forward Josh Hutchinson taking a pack mark and hitting Fenner with a pinpoint pass to get the league-leading goal-kicker on the board. Laharum suffered a blow before

quarter time when Brodie Mines limped from the ground with a calf injury, leaving them a rotation short on a warm, sunny day. In the second term Fenner continued to exploit his match-up against Parish, setting up Heath MacInnes for an easy goal, while veteran Phil Butsch took advantage from a free kick to slot another and send Laharum ahead 22-13. Shannon Argall was ascendent both on the ball, where he consistently beat one of the league’s best ruckmen in Jack Vague, and behind the play, taking numerous relieving marks. Hutchinson also continued to work his way into the game, while Daniel Easson and Demon coach Robbie Miller thrived in the tight, contested conditions. With little space for either team to move the ball freely, rare moments of outside run became important, and Jarrod Kemp and Monty Wynne provided the necessary spark for their team. Phyland also continued to produce moments of brilliance for the Bombers, nailing a goal on the run from outside 50, while Shelley moved onto Fenner in an effort to quell the spearhead, who had an errant 1.4 in the first half. While Laharum seemingly dominated the opening half, only three points separated the sides at the long break. Miller implored his charges to stick to their system, while Noradjuha-Quantong coach Damian Cameron asked for a lift from some of his stars who had been held quiet – among them James Hallett, Lachlan Phyland and Lee Dale. With the margin still one straight kick 17 minutes into the third term, the Bombers squandered a golden opportunity when Riley Dunlop came streaming off half-back. Dunlop pinpointed James Gregg in the middle and Gregg chipped to captain Wade Francis alone at half-forward. Francis handballed over the top to Phyland, who handballed again to Brock Orval unmarked near goal, but Orval slammed his shot into the post at point-blank range. Hutchinson made the Bombers pay,

first with a beautiful goal on the run from the boundary and then with a leading mark and conversion a minute later to send Laharum up by 19 points in the blink of an eye. With their backs against the wall, the Bombers sent Shelley forward and he responded, getting on the end of a pass from Cameron to draw the margin back. But Hutchinson found Fenner again in the shadow of three-quarter time, and the full-forward converted to put Noradjuha-Quantong on its knees. Miller asked for one more quarter of all-out effort from his charges at the final change, promising them it would be worth it. The Bombers were far from finished however, with Shelley slotting another goal to narrow the gap to two straight kicks. Fenner again extended the lead after marking on the goal line, but Francis responded with a captain’s goal to keep his side alive. Early in time-on Shelley marked again with a chance to cut the margin to six points, but his kick drifted just left of the goal post for a behind. Fittingly, the final score of the day was a Fenner behind, giving him 3.6 for the afternoon. While the Bombers continued to press until the final siren, their lack of clean ball skills – often induced by Laharum’s pressure – hampered their efforts. Miller was elated despite being sent from the ground with a head-knock eight minutes from full-time. He said his side had achieved exactly what he asked of it. “It probably wasn’t the most pretty football to watch as a spectator, but most grand finals are built on pressure and that’s what we tried to bring – just pressure, pressure, pressure,” he said. “We’ve worked hard on our game plan over the last three or so years, particularly with our structure and our leading patterns.” Miller praised Hutchinson, who was named the game’s best player, but said the medal could have gone to any number of contributors. “I think this year the difference be-

CAUGHT: Laharum’s Brett Ervin tackles Jason Kerr, NoradjuhaQuantong. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER tween the previous years was that he’s actually taken that step in wanting to put the work in,” Miller said. “He’s always had that talent, but I think he’s realised how to tap it through sheer workrate at training. He’s been massive for us all year, not just today. “But the strength of this side is that we don’t want anyone to put the Superman cape on and carry us. “We rely heavily on contribution all over the ground and everyone playing their role, and I think if we execute that, we win premierships.” Miller also paid tribute to Noradjuha-Quantong, which remains in search of a breakthrough senior premiership. “They never laid down. You knew what it meant to them today as well, so I do feel for them, trust me,” he said. A shattered Cameron, who will step down as the Bombers’ coach, lamented his team’s missed opportunities. “It’s disappointing because we

played into what Laharam do well,” he said. “We kicked the ball long, they marked the footy; we tried to take on the tackles, they’re a good pressure team. “It’s so frustrating. It wasn’t a big margin and we didn’t get much right again. I think if we play our best game we win that game, and we haven’t, so that’s the difference.” Despite the loss, Cameron said the Bombers were well placed to continue challenging for an elusive flag. “Previously at my home club Tatyoon I had a guy tell me success is based on enjoyment,” he said. “We’re making grand finals and we’re enjoying ourselves, so it is a successful time for the club. “It’s just that if we miss this window without winning one, does anyone remember these times? We’ll go back to the drawing board and we will chase that silverware next year.”

Fitting chapter in Demons’ fairytale ending

PROUD: Russell and Shannon Argall with his boys following Saturday’s premiership win. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER Page 52

Laharum wrote a fitting final chapter to its very own football fairytale – literally – with Saturday’s senior grand final win. At three-quarter time of the Demons’ 12-point victory against Noradjuha-Quantong, coach Robbie Miller brandished a piece of paper in front of his players. “Who remembers this?” he asked. “This is our story. Who would’ve thought we would’ve been in this position three years ago? Everyone wrote this club off. “We have an opportunity now to do some hard work for 25 minutes and write a fairytale.” In 2023, Laharum was on the brink of oblivion following a winless football season, barely voting down a merger with Taylors Lake. The club has worked to rebuild itself in the three years since, enticing back former champions and targeting key www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

recruits in an effort to scale the mountaintop it once occupied. While Miller admitted he was ‘not real big’ on narratives, he said the players bought into the concept of authoring the club’s success story during the 2026 pre-season. “I think that really resonated with the group as a bit of a motivator,” he said. “I needed a bit of help with it. But it seemed to work, and who doesn’t love a good story?” Laharum president Vanessa Lenehan paid tribute to the club for rallying behind Miller. “They’ve bought into it and they have wanted to write that story. And they’ve got the fairytale ending today,” she said. “As everyone knows, three years ago we were in merger talks and now we’ve come and won the senior premiership.

“There’s a lot of hard work that goes on behind the scenes and credit needs to go where credit is due – Hamish Roberts was the one that stepped up and led the club out of that difficult period. “Today is all about the reward for him and for Robbie and the senior group that stuck by us. It’s just amazing.” Star ruckman and former premiership coach Shannon Argall admitted he thought the Demons had reached their final chapter in 2023. “I had photos at the last game with family – I honestly thought that would be it for our club and I would retire,” he wrote in a social media post following the grand final. But fairytales need a happy ending, and for Argall and the Demons it came in the form of the 2026 premiership cup. Wednesday, September 16, 2026

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with Colin MacGillivray

Clash of titans lives up to hype

denhope-Apsley’s A Grade netballers are back at the top of the Horsham District Football Netball League after a hardfought and physical grand final win against Laharum on Saturday.

What was billed as a clash of titans at Horsham City Oval – with each team having won two of the past five A Grade flags – lived up to the hype. Little separated the sides in the first half, with frenetic intensity and outstanding displays of skill across the court. Laharum goal keeper Jaspa Robinson and goal defence Ema Iredell got the Demons off to a dream start with early interceptions, igniting transition opportunities for goal shooter Caitlin Jones-Story at the other end. But the Saints held their nerve, with goal defence Olivia Spence and goal keeper Danielle Grindlay using their reach to harry the shots of Jones-Story and Laharum’s league-leading goal-scorer Ilze Van Zyl. At Edenhope-Apsley’s attacking end, goal shooter Dee Dee Lambert capitalised on most of her chances – if she missed both she and coach Lavinia Fox tracked down offensive rebounds to secure second-shot opportunities. With Spence and centre Hannah Magasanik beginning to generate turn-

overs of their own, the Saints turned an early deficit into a three-goal quarter-time lead. Turnovers continued to define the game in the second quarter, with Laharum’s Maddie Iredell working hard at wing attack to intercept passes in her team’s forward and middle thirds, while Grindlay batted away multiple Demon entry passes to give the ball back to the Saints. Laharum narrowed the margin to 2624 after a second-quarter arm wrestle, leaving the game up for grabs in the second half. As the teams continued to trade goals in the third term, back-to-back passes sailing out of bounds untouched – first by Lambert, then by Ema Iredell – were emblematic of the pressure on both sides. Late in the quarter the Saints sparked a run, with Spence forcing Laharum misses and grabbing rebounds to inspire her team. Edenhope-Apsley adjusted to the Demons picking off their long, looping passes in transition by focusing on shorter, safer options and moving the ball more methodically. With Lambert able to hold rear position against the shorter Robinson and receive entry passes over the top, Laharum altered its defensive setup in a bid to force her to catch the ball further from the ring.

But the Saints were able to change their angle of attack through Magasanik, Fox and wing attack Hayley Campbell around the circle, and even when made to shoot from further, Lambert was still deadly accurate. Edenhope-Apsley had a five-goal lead at the last change, but Laharum cut the margin to three when Van Zyl atoned for earlier misses with a pair of long-range goals and found Jones-Story under the ring with a deft pass to set up another score. Every time the Demons threatened to wrest control of the game away however, Edenhope-Apsley was able to find Lambert under the ring for a steadying goal. Fox turned the match in her team’s favour by racing in on a Laharum centre pass, tipping a ball and causing a contact call against Ema Iredell. The resulting score – and a conversion from the ensuing centre pass after multiple offensive rebounds – put the Saints up by six goals. Laharum continued to fight, again trimming the margin to three goals, but steadfast defence from Spence and Grindlay, along with repeated conversions from Lambert, saw the final score blow out to 53-46 in the Saints’ favour. The win gave Edenhope-Apsley its third A Grade premiership in five years, but with only Fox and Camp-

bell remaining from the team’s previous flag in 2023, Fox said hard work had gone into rebuilding the side. “We’ve brought in Dee Dee, Hannah, Olivia and Hayley and then we’ve got some great local talent too that balances out nicely,” she said. Fox said her players adapted and responded after a qualifying-final loss to Noradjuha-Quantong, and were prepared to change their approach at half-time in the grand final. “Ema Iredell does a fantastic job of reading the lateral ball, so it was a bit of a focus for us to try and keep it in the one channel and short, so that we didn’t turn it over quite as much,” she said. “I think that worked well for us in the second half.” Fox praised the effort of her entire team. “Dani Grindlay is an absolute rock star. Coming up from C Grade two years ago to now being our A Grade starting-seven goal keeper, she deserves all the success that’s coming her way,” she said. “And her partner in crime, Olivia Spence, was outstanding. Their combination I just watch in awe and I love it. “We’re very lucky to have them in our team.” Lambert received the best-on-court medal after scoring a game-high 42

goals at an 84 per cent conversion rate and Fox said she was thrilled for her star goalie. “I just love her to bits. She does such a mountain of work in the background, so I’m so happy for her to get all the rewards today,” Fox said. Laharum co-coach Brooke Taylor said she was proud of her team’s efforts despite coming up short in the grand final. “It is hard to take a loss like that in the grand final, but in finals everything’s different. There’s more pressure on the goalies and there’s more pressure on every pass all the way down the court,” she said. “We knew they were going to bring it and we’d have to be at our best. Unfortunately they were at their best and we weren’t at ours today. “They didn’t have their goal defence, Olivia Spence, last time we played them. “So there was definitely more physical pressure in the goal circle on us this time and a lot more hand over ball on our shots. “Defensively they really did a good job, because our goalies are phenomenal. “They needed to do a really good job defensively to get over the line, and they did.”

FULL TIME: Edenhope-Apsley’s Hannah Magasanik, centre, and Dee Dee Lambert and Hayley Campbell celebrate the team’s success at the final whistle. Picture: COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

Edenhope-Apsley’s premiership puzzle falls into place After the bulk of Edenhope-Apsley’s A Grade netball squad departed following a second successive premiership in 2023, a lengthy rebuild towards further finals success seemed likely. Stars such as Sacha McDonald and Hayley Campbell moved on in 2024, and with only goal attack Lavinia Fox remaining, the Saints were ousted in the first week of finals. But when Fox took over the coaching reins last year, she immediately began charting a course back towards the top of the league. Campbell returned to the fold after a one-year stint at Minyip-Murtoa in the Wimmera Football Netball League and Fox enticed two more players Wednesday, September 16, 2026

with Victorian Netball League, VNL, experience – defender Olivia Spence and goal shooter Dee Dee Lambert. The Saints also promoted emerging young gun Jasmine McIntyre to fulltime A Grade duties and called former C Grade goal keeper Danielle Grindlay up to play at the top level. The moves reshaped the team and nearly yielded a premiership in Fox’s first year as coach, with the Saints falling two goals short against Rupanyup in the 2025 grand final. The final piece of Edenhope-Apsley’s premiership puzzle came this season, with Hannah Magasanik – another VNL-listed player – filling out the team’s midcourt. With Lambert hitting her stride this

season after returning from a serious knee injury midway through 2025, the Saints had everything in place to challenge for the title once again. While the squad has trained separately throughout the year – with Fox, Magasanik, Lambert, Campbell and Spence based in Melbourne and travelling to play at weekends – the coach admitted it had been difficult. But with assistant coach Nashira Lees working with Fox to co-ordinate Edenhope-based training sessions, the team struck the right balance. “I couldn’t have done it without my assistant coach, Nashira,” Fox said. “She runs trainings on a Thursday night and I’m sort of coaching from afar and then take over on Saturdays. www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

“She’s coached the A and the B Grade really consistently throughout the year and I think that brought us all together and led to a really strong finals campaign.” Lambert, who was named best on court in Saturday’s grand final win, said she had never experienced a club like Edenhope-Apsley. “I’ve played netball for a few years now, and I honestly don’t think there’s a team out there like this team,” she said. “I love Edenhope as a community. They’re all so generous and so welcoming. From the first day I was there, I’ve been so welcomed with big, open arms.” Fox said Lambert’s words – and the

fact that so many Melbourne-based players were willing to travel to play for the Saints each week – were testament to the culture the club had built. “We have such a connected group,” she said. “I think I try to find girls who align with our values as a club, and once they’re in, they get hooked. I think that’s the fun part. They all want to keep coming back and want more of it. “That’s the joy of country netball and football, is that it’s just different. “It’s that community feel. We had our crowd right behind us and that was just awesome.” Page 53

WIMMErA LEAGUE

with Lauren Henry

TOP TIER: Ararat best-and-fairest runner-up Ben Taylor collects his award and Ararat coach Tom Williamson’s 2026 Toohey medal, alongside best under-21 player Tom Wheaton, of Nhill, and league goal-kicking recipient Paul Summers, Stawell, who kicked 63 goals during the home-and-away season. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

Ararat dominates football accolades

rarat cleaned up in the football accolades at the Wimmera Football Netball League awards night on Monday evening.

Senior playing coach Tom Williamson won the Wimmera league’s senior best-and-fairest award for 2026, polling 21 votes ahead of team-mate Ben Taylor, on 19 votes. Williamson, who was also awarded the senior football coach of the year, was absent from the celebration. It was Williamson’s second Toohey medal win in three years. Taylor, who won last year’s Toohey medal, said it was special to have two Ararat players win first and second. “It’s obviously pretty special to share that with not only my coach, but one of my best mates,” Taylor said. Williamson polled just eight votes last year, which was a surprise to many. “He’s just got that ultra consistency, and you just know that he’s going to come and give his best game every single week. “I think he was probably a bit hard on himself in the early to middle stages of the season. “But everyone who comes and watches him, everyone knows that he’s just obviously a class above out there, and it’s a pleasure to watch.” Taylor said he and Williamson bounced ideas off each other when it came to preparation for a game, training, nutrition and gym sessions.

“I probably didn’t think I would poll as well this year ... I try not to really focus too much about how many Toohey votes I’m getting, I just go out there and win the game for my team each week,” he said. The league awarded the best under-21 player to Tom Wheaton, of Nhill, and the league goal-kicking award went to Stawell’s Paul Summers who kicked 63 goals during the home-and-away season. Others to feature on the leaderboard were Stawell’s Josh Fowkes on 18 votes, Southern Mallee Thunder’s Matty Lloyd, 17 votes, Saints’ Reid Kuller, 15 votes, and Dimboola’s Andrew Moore on 13 votes. In Reserves football, the Hank Neil best-andfairest medal went to Ararat’s Alan Batchelor, who finished the season with 22 votes. Runner-up was Tim Bone, of Nhill, on 16 votes, while the goal-kicking award went to Ararat’s Jackson Bohner, with 48 goals. Winner of the senior women’s football best-andfairest was Natimuk United’s Emma Van Egmond, who polled seven votes in three games, with the runner-up Violet McGennisken, Laharum, finishing with six votes. The recipients of Wimmera league life memberships were Billie Barber, Dimboola, and Stawell Warriors stalwarts Jemma Clarkson and Tom Eckel. The Wimmera league club championship award went to Horsham Saints.

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RESERVES: Hank Neil best-and-fairest medallist Ararat’s Alan Batchelor, runner-up Tim Bone, Nhill, and goal-kicking award recipient Jackson Bohner, Ararat. WOMEN: Winner of the senior women’s football bestand-fairest Emma Van Egmond, Natimuk United, with runner-up Violet McGennisken, Laharum.

LIFE MEMBERS: Recipients of Wimmera league life memberships, from left, Billie Barber, Dimboola, and Stawell Warriors’ Jemma Clarkson and Tom Eckel.

NETBALL & FOOTBALL FINALS ARE HERE

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A GRADE: Best-and-fairest runner-up Steph Glover, Dimboola, Heather Hatcher medallist Ash Grace, Horsham Saints, and best under-21 player Jorja Clode, who also won the leading goal-scorer award, B GRADE: Best-and-fairest Tash Noble, Ararat, and runner-up Abby Hallam, shooting 945 goals during the home-and-away season. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER Horsham Saints. Hallam also won the leading goal-scorer award.

Three in a row for captain Grace

orsham Saints captain Ash Grace took home her third consecutive Wimmera league A Grade Heather Hatcher medal after another outstanding season.

Grace, who plays centre for the undefeated Saints, polled in every game except round 12 when she played while battling the flu. She accumulated 33 votes for the season to narrowly beat Dimboola defender Steph Glover, on 32 votes. In her acceptance speech at the awards’ night at Maydale Pavilion on Monday evening, Grace thanked her coach Vernetta Taylor and her teammates. “Thanks to Neet for coaching and continuing to push me to develop as a netballer – it’s showing the last few years, so thank you,” she said. “My team, I can’t do it without you, and you support me very well, and the club – it’s a fantastic club, I wouldn’t want to be anywhere else. “There’s a lot of blood, sweat and tears that goes into the club and it gives back twofold when we get to do this.” Grace also thanked the league and the many volunteers who helped with allowing everyone to play – from the players to the umpires to the scorers. She also thanked her family for their support and all A Grade players who had provided a competitive season this year. Afterwards, Grace told The Weekly Advertiser she was ‘still in a bit of shock’. “I didn’t expect that to happen, and to win three years in a row that’s something you dream of, but you never actually think that it’s going to happen – it’s pretty breathtaking, to be honest,” she said. “Our team is, well, you can’t really sum it up other than just to say so amazing. We’ve finetuned our game very well and to still poll so well

with such a great team around you is pretty good, but a credit to everyone else that they’re still getting votes as well.” Glover was recognised for her outstanding season with the runner-up award, which Dimboola coach Ant Toet described as ‘amazing’. “She is an athlete and a half – to combine her footy ability and her netball ability, her athleticism, it’s great, and she’s had a fantastic year, and whoever she works with in the defensive circle and then up the court, it’s been fantastic,” she said. The league also awarded the best under-21 player to Saints shooter Jorja Clode, who also won the leading goal-scorer award, shooting 945 goals during the home-and-away season. Clode polled 21 votes for the season, behind Horsham Demons coach Georgie Carberry, on 26 votes. Others to feature on the A Grade leaderboard were: Maddi Bethune, Saints, 17 votes; Laney McLoughlan, Ararat, 15 votes; and Jemma Clarkson, Stawell, 14 votes. The league also recognised the netball coach of the year as Sarah Spicer, of Warrack Eagles. Other netball grade winners were Ararat’s Tash Noble, who polled 29 votes to win the B Grade best-and-fairest. Two votes behind was runner-up Saints goaler Abby Hallam, who also won the leading goal-scorer award, with 700 goals for the home-and-away season. Warrack Eagles’ Deborah Templeton won the C-Reserve best-and-fairest with 27 votes, ahead of Cassie Dunlop, Horsham Saints, while the leading goal-scorer award went to Michelle Beaton, Stawell. In C Grade, there were joint winners – Nhill’s Aroha McKinnon and Southern Mallee Thunders’ Chantelle Fisher, who polled 20 votes, ahead of Sheridan Jones, Saints, on 19 votes.

Glyphosate 450

C GRADE: Joint best-and-fairest winners Aroha McKinnon, Nhill, and Chantelle Fisher, Southern Mallee Thunder, runner-up Sheridan Jones, Horsham Saints, and leading goalscorer Georgie Hobbs, Horsham.

C RESERVE: Best-and-fairest winner Deborah Templeton, Warrack Eagles, runner-up Cassie Dunlop, Horsham Saints, and leading goal-scorer Michelle Beaton, Stawell.

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T F HE YEA O S M A R TE

2026

FOOTBALL

The Wimmera Football Netball League has announced it’s football and netball teams of the year. Players must have played a minimum of 10 home-and-away games for season 2026 to be eligible, with selection based on performances throughout the year.

COACH:

Tom Williamson (Ararat)

CENTRE:

Ben Taylor

HALF BACK:

HALF FORWARD:

(Ararat)

Liam Albrecht

Jake McQueen

(Nhill)

BACK:

(Nhill)

James Jennings

FORWARD:

Cody Driscoll

(Ararat)

(Stawell)

BACK:

HALF BACK:

Baydn Cosgriff

Brayden Draffin

(Ararat)

CENTRE:

Reid Kuller

(Ararat)

HALF FORWARD:

FORWARD:

John Jorgensen

Paul Summers

(Horsham Saints)

(Warrack Eagles)

(Stawell)

BACK:

FORWARD:

Harry Ganley

Mitch Martin

(Ararat)

(Horsham Saints) HALF BACK:

HALF FORWARD:

Lachlan Gill

Tom Eckel

(Nhill)

CENTRE:

(Stawell)

Matty Lloyd (SM Thunder)

FOLLOWERS:

INTERCHANGE: Kieran Delahunty (SM Thunder) Andrew Moore (Dimboola) Oscar Gawith (Minyip-Murtoa)

Josh Fowkes (Stawell) Tom Williamson (Ararat) Billy Lloyd (c) (SM Thunder)

COACH:

Sarah Spicer

(Warrack Eagles) WING DEFENCE:

GOAL ATTACK:

Lisa Considine

GOAL KEEPER: (Ararat)

GOAL SHOOTER:

Ash Grace

Jorja Clode

(Horsham Saints)

GOAL DEFENCE:

WING ATTACK:

Maddi Bethune

Jessica Taylor

(Horsham Saints)

Page 56

(Horsham Demons)

CENTRE:

Faith Biddle (c)

NETBALL

Zarli Knight

(Stawell)

(Ararat)

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INTERCHANGE: Steph Glover (Dimboola) Megan Byrne (Horsham Saints) Georgie Carberry (Horsham Demons)

Wednesday, September 16, 2026

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‘All guns blazing’ for final Umpires selected

n epic Wimmera league senior football preliminary final gave Nhill a three-point win over Horsham Saints thanks to a kick after the siren from Peter Politis.

The Tigers’ 11.13 (78) to 12.3 (75) win at Minyip earnt them the right to take on the highly fancied Ararat in this Saturday’s grand final at Horsham City Oval. The first quarter saw the Saints open their account early with two quick goals, but Nhill replied through Josh Ryan and Frazer Driscoll before the Saints hit back with two more to take an 11-point lead into quarter time. An injury to Rory Taggert threw the Saints out of whack and allowed the Tigers to dominate the second term, but inefficiency in front of goal proved costly. The Saints scored just the one goal for the term, through Judd Wright, and Nhill was deadly in cutting off the Saints’ attack as they tried to move the ball out of defence. But while inefficient kicking for goal was their downfall, the Tigers knew how to run in straight lines and attack hard, resulting in goals to Driscoll and Ryan and Nhill hitting the lead by six points at half-time. Nhill’s possession game continued in the third term, but the Saints were more efficient. Three goals straight – two to Mitch Martin and one to Tom Vincent – reduced the margin to just three points, setting up a thrilling last quarter. And what a last quarter it was. The Saints looked in control early and hit the front, but with the Tigers’ never-say-die attitude, they replied with two quick goals to be back in front by one point eight minutes into the quarter. However, the determined Saints were coming home strong, as a Codi Kenny goal allowed Horsham to reclaim the lead by four points. A goal to Bailey Brennan gave the Saints a 10-pont buffer and the game’s momentum was swinging the way of the side that had finished second on the ladder.

UP FOR GRABS: Ben Taylor, Ararat, Tom Wheaton, Nhill, Ashlee Grace, Horsham Saints, and Steph Glover, Dimboola, with the Wimmera Football Netball League premiership cups. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER But with Driscoll popping up everywhere and asserting his dominance, Nhill kicked another through Drew Schneider to put the margin at four points. Another point to Nhill had many thinking: would their errant kicking for goal cost them a grand final berth? Enter Peter Politis. The Darwin-based gun marked and as he lined up for goal, the final siren sounded. A goal would see the Tigers in their first grand final since 2010. And the forward did not let his side down, not only has he made a home for himself at Nhill, but on Saturday, he became their hero. It felt like half of Nhill’s township ran onto the ground at Minyip to congratulate their team, as on the other side of the ledger, the Saints players slumped to the ground. Nhill senior co-coach Jake McQueen said the win was ‘too close for comfort’ but he was thrilled to be leading his team into a grand final. “ I don’t know if I’ll ever want to do it again because my heart was in my bloody throat, that’s for sure,” he said. McQueen said Politis was stoked after the match. “Funnily enough, one of his mates

actually said to him when he was coming in ‘I reckon you’ll kick the goal after the siren to win today’, and I was just like ‘what the hell?’ What are the chances of that happening?,” he said. McQueen said the scenes of jubilation by Tigers’ supporters after the win showed how much it meant to Nhill. “It’d be huge if we could get over the line, not just for all the players, but the whole town – it’s buzzing at the moment so hopefully we can get the win,” he said. “We’re trying to keep calm and work out how the whole day’s going to fall because it’s obviously different – a grand final. It’s not an ordinary week so we’re just trying to prepare as best as we can.” While Ararat, which finished atop of the ladder and has won the past two premierships, go into the match as favourite, Nhill did score a four-point win over the Rats in round 16. “We realise they had a few out that game and I understand they’ve got probably four or five to come in from the team we played, but we’re expecting it to still be a pretty good contest,” McQueen said.

“We’re primed and ready to go. It’s now going to be our 12th game in a row, so we’re match-hardened, that’s for sure. But in terms of everyone’s body and how they’re feeling, actually everyone’s pulled up pretty well, which is good. “It means so much to every single lad that’s playing out there, so I know they’ll lift to another level.” It is a different lead-up for the Rats, who had a week off in round one of the finals series, and then scored an eight-point win over the Saints to progress straight to the grand final, meaning they could enjoy another week off. Ararat’s key midfielder Ben Taylor said the Rats were pumped for this weekend’s grand finals. “It’s really buzzing now – I think this is the first time ever in history we’ve had all four grades of football,” he said. “We had a really good hit-out Saturday morning before we went up and watched Nhill and Horsham Saints. “So we’ll get stuck into it real hard Tuesday night, and then we’ll taper off a bit Thursday night, have a bit of fun with it, and then it’s all guns blazing on Saturday.”

Roos ready to seize opportunities from Saints It has been 55 years since Dimboola last played in a Wimmera league A Grade grand final and – despite going in as underdogs against the undefeated Horsham Saints – the Roos will attempt to seize the opportunity. A 42-33 win over Horsham Demons in the preliminary final at Minyip on Saturday has given Dimboola its first grand final berth since 1971. Roos A Grade coach Ant Toet said it had been even longer since Dimboola had won an A Grade premiership, with the last in 1964. “We’ve still got people from the ’64 A Grade premiership side who come and serve in the canteen or come and lend a hand, so it’s pretty special,” she said. Such is the way of the club – one of the smaller in the league – which often lacks the numbers to field netball teams in all grades. They rely heavily on their juniors progressing through the ranks and this year’s A Grade team is brimming Wednesday, September 16, 2026

with local talent. That talent now faces a monumental task of tackling the classy Saints who, after not dropping a game this season, are favourites to win back-to-back premierships. “We know they’re a slick side, a well-oiled machine, and they’re with 30-odd straight wins,” Toet said. “We know our score-lines, what they were during the year and what it was in the semi-final, but just as we’ve done all year, we want to better our past performance, so we’re going to go into that final with absolutely nothing to lose, and show up and give it our all. “They move the ball very quickly, they move it very decisively, so we need to be accountable, and we’ve got to make use of turnovers that we can create and that we do create – that’s part of our game plan, that’s no secret.” After bowing out in the previous three preliminary finals, the Roos had set themselves a goal of making

a grand final. Toet said to reverse the previous preliminary final losses was ‘a dream come true for us’. “A lot of these girls haven’t even played in a grand final,” she said. “Grand finals don’t come along often for us smaller clubs.” After an emotional lead-up to the preliminary final following the death of former player Zanaiya Bergen in a car crash on Thursday night, the Roos regrouped but were slow to start in the first quarter against the Demons, who jumped out of the blocks early to lead 6-1. Dimboola clawed its way back into the match, trailing 7-10 at quarter-time, before coming out in the second quarter to outscore the Demons 17-5. “That set us up and gave us a buffer because I think there was only a goal difference in the second half, so everyone just came to play, backed each other, and that second quarter really showed that,” Toet said. www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

“There were so many turnovers and tips and conversions, and I think we only had two more attempts than Demons for the whole day.” Saints captain Ash Grace said her team was coming off a week’s rest after a 78-35 win over Dimboola in the second semi-final. “We’re feeling good. The team’s coming off a rest, which is nice to get our bodies right and we’re excited to have one more big game,” she said. Grace said a relatively stable team line-up with a mix of experience and young guns was key to the Saints’ success. “Even Maddi (Bethune) and Jorja (Clode), they’re not juniors anymore but they’re still very young, and it’s the fifth grand final they’re playing in, so to have that experience at such a young age is pretty amazing. And our midcourt, we’re all pretty experienced now, so we are the glue to keep it together.”

Wimmera Mallee Umpires Association has announced the three umpires for this Saturday’s Wimmera league senior football match. Angus King, Jamie Shevlin and Pat Van Dyk will officiate the game at Horsham City Oval. It is King’s first Wimmera league grand final – but he umpired last year’s Horsham District league grand final. The 17-year-old is part of the AFL Victoria Youth Development Program, having trained with AFL and VFL development umpires throughout the season, which included officiating a Herald-Sun Shield game. Shevlin, a veteran of 500 games umpired, will officiate his third consecutive Wimmera league grand final. The current WMUA vice-president is known to be a steady hand, who loves to fly under the radar and ‘let the players play’. Van Dyk also comes with plenty of experience, having umpired with four different associations across 20 years. He returned to the Wimmera in 2023 after starting his umpire journey as a club boundary umpire, and Saturday will be his fifth WFNL senior grand final. In the A Grade netball grand final, three experienced umpires have been named to officiate – Alex Neale and Jacinta Hanson, with the reserve being Anissa Mackley.

Stawell’s Meka suspended Stawell senior football co-coach Perry Meka has been suspended for four weeks for using abusive, insulting or obscene language towards an umpire. Meka was reported in the Warriors’ 39-point first semi-final loss to Nhill at Dimboola on September 6. The Warriors were knocked out the finals in straight sets after finishing third on the ladder. It is the third time that Meka has been suspended in his past two seasons at Stawell. Last year he served eight weeks’ suspension for two separate incidents. Meka has told the Warriors he would not be coaching at Stawell in 2027.

Grand final times Horsham City Oval FOOTBALL – 8.30am: Under-14, Nhill v Ararat 10am: Under-17, Ararat v Horsham Demons 12pm: Reserves, Ararat v Horsham Saints 2.40pm: Seniors, Ararat v Nhill NETBALL – 8.20am: 13-and-under, Horsham Saints v Minyip-Murtoa 9.25am: 15-and-under, Horsham Demons v Stawell 10.30am: 17-and-under, Horsham Saints v Horsham Demons 11.55am: A Grade, Horsham Saints v Dimboola 1.15pm: B Grade, Horsham Saints v Horsham Demons 2.40pm: C Grade, Horsham Demons v Horsham Saints 3.45pm: C Reserve, Stawell v Horsham Demons Page 57

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Elliott wins recognition

WINNERS: Horsham City Bowling Club 2026 Five-a-Side Medley winners, from left, John Williams, Shane Maklin, John Moore, Zac Stephen and Peter Cooper.

Richard Smith, Edenhope

Season starts U

nder ideal conditions on Thursday, 80 bowlers from across the Wimmera and southern-Mallee regions competed in a Five-a-Side Medley Tournament at Horsham City Bowling Club.

The event was won by a composite team of Shane Maklin, of Hopetoun, John Moore, Beulah, Zac Stephen, Coughlin Park, and John Williams and Peter Cooper, Horsham City. Runners-up for the day were Coughlin Park’s team of Allan Leyonhjelm, Mick Ellis, Vince Antonucci, Dennis and Nola Wade. The third-placed team consisted of Ross Williams, Debbie Barling, Jeff Roll, Deb Treadwell and Allan Edmonds from Beulah Bowling Club.

Horsham footballer Archie Elliott capped a stellar 2026 season with a runner-up finish in the Greater Western Victoria Rebels best-and-fairest count at the weekend. Elliott, 18, this year represented Victoria Country at the AFL National Championships, kicking seven goals in four games. He is currently projected as a second-round pick in November’s AFL national draft by website Rookie Me Central. The forward finished runner-up to Ethan Drever in the Rebels’ best-and-fairest count, with the club praising him in a social media post. “What a stellar year Archie has had. A sharp-shooter in front of goal, who loves a celebration,” the post read. “An outstanding footballer and person. Congratulations Archie. A true GWV Rebel.” Another Horsham Demons product, Oakley Farr, 17, also won a Rebels award at the weekend, receiving a coaches award. “Congratulations to Oakley on an excellent year at the Rebels,” the team said in a social media post. “Whenever the coaches give him a game-day task he tries his hardest and has defended on some of the most dangerous forwards in the talent league. He is always asking for feedback on how he can improve. Oakley has had an excellent year with the Rebels.”

Back-to-back for Demons

FOCUS: Joel Lowe, Goroke, sends down a bowl during the five-a-side medley tournament. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

Lismore-Derrinallum is officially a back-to-back Mininera and District Football League senior premier after putting the finishing touches on an undefeated season at the weekend. The Demons topped Woorndoo-Mortlake 10.12 (72) to 5.7 (37) in Saturday’s grand final at Lake Bolac to secure the silverware, with ruckman Henry Walsh named best afield. Other top players for Lismore-Derrinallum included Tommy Walsh, Zack Mongelli, Blake Scott, Jack Mccallum and Will Langley, with forward Lachie Constable kicking a game-high four goals. The Tigers were outclassed but could hold their heads high after being one of only two sides to come within six goals of beating the Demons this year. Their best players included Edward Gubbins, Simon Atkinson and Hugh Fleming.

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Page 58

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Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Sport Vol. 29 No. 12 Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Back from the brink

DEMONS GLORY: Laharum has made the ultimate return to premiership glory, three years on from being on the brink of a merger after a disastrous 2023 season where the senior team went winless and finished at the bottom of the league ladder. The Demons kept three-time runner-up Noradjuha-Quantong at bay during Saturday’s grand final at Horsham City Oval. Captain Reuben Launder and coach Robbie Miller raise the cup and the team, inset, begin celebrations. It was Laharum’s first senior flag since 2015. Stories, photos, football and netball posters inside. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

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Wednesday, September 16, 2026

Hannah Magasanik

EDENHOPE-APSLEY

A GRADE

Premiership team: back, from left, Nashira Lees (assistant coach), Holly Whitehead, Mereana Crawford, Alexandra Grant, Dee Dee Lambert, Patria Lees, Hannah Magasanik, Olivia Spence and Carolyn Middleton; centre, Danielle Grindlay, Hayley Campbell, Lavinia Fox (coach) and Jasmine McIntyre; and front, Jess McIntyre.

best-on-court: dee dee lambert

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2026

LAHARUM

Goals: Edenhope-Apsley, Dee Dee Lambert 42, Lavinia Fox 11; Laharum, Ilze Van Zyl 27, Caitlin Jones-Story 19. Best-on-court: Dee Dee Lambert, Edenhope-Apsley.

Lavinia Fox

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Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER. Graphics: KELLY LAIRD and KARL REITER.

Danielle Grindlay

Hannah Magasanik

EDENHOPE-APSLEY

A GRADE

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8 Hamilton Road, Horsham 3400 Phone: (03) 5382 6103 www.wimmeramalleeag.com.au

2026

LAHARUM

Goals: Edenhope-Apsley, Dee Dee Lambert 42, Lavinia Fox 11; Laharum, Ilze Van Zyl 27, Caitlin Jones-Story 19. Best-on-court: Dee Dee Lambert, Edenhope-Apsley.

Lavinia Fox

Quality Products & Service – Expect more!

Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER. Graphics: KELLY LAIRD and KARL REITER.

Danielle Grindlay

Monty Wynne and Jack Fenner

LAHARUM Daniel Easson

1.4

4.5

8.6

9.8

(62)

SENIORS

Premiership team: Back, from left, Shannon Argall, Josh Hutchinson, Alec McCallum, Monty Wynne, Jarrod Kemp, Patrick MacDonough, Lewis Hofmaier, Sean Wouters, Harry Miller, Daniel Easson, Heath MacInnes and Robbie Miller (coach); centre, Ryan Thomas, Brett Ervin, Phil Butsch, Todd Heynen, Pat Lattanzio, Reuben Launder (captain) and Connor Walsh; and front, Jack Fenner and Brodie Mines.

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2026

2.1

4.2

5.6

7.8

(50)

NORADJUHA-QUANTONG

Goals: Laharum, Jack Fenner 3, Josh Hutchinson 2, Heath MacInnes 2, Phil Butsch, Monty Wynne. Noradjuha-Quantong, Dylan Shelley 3, Declan Phyland 2, Leigh Stewart 2. Best: Laharum, Josh Hutchinson, Todd Heynen, Shannon Argall, Daniel Easson, Jarrod Kemp, Robbie Miller. Noradjuha-Quantong, Dylan Shelley, Declan Phyland, Wade Francis, Zach Kelly, Nigel Kelly, Declan Bushby. Best-on-ground medal: Josh Hutchinson.

best-on-ground: josh hutchinson

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Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER, COLIN MacGILLIVRAY. Graphics: KELLY LAIRD and KARL REITER.

shannon argall

Monty Wynne and Jack Fenner

LAHARUM Daniel Easson

1.4

4.5

8.6

9.8

(62)

SENIORS

The region’s one-stop-shop for all popular farm sprayer parts and accessories

8 Hamilton Road, Horsham 3400 Phone: (03) 5382 6103 www.wimmeramalleeag.com.au

2026

2.1

4.2

5.6

7.8

(50)

NORADJUHA-QUANTONG

best-on-ground: josh hutchinson

Quality Products & Service – Expect more!

Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER, COLIN MacGILLIVRAY. Graphics: KELLY LAIRD and KARL REITER.

shannon argall