The Weekly Advertiser – Wednesday, September 2, 2026 by The Weekly Advertiser

Vol. 29 No. 10

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

Wednesday, September 2, 2026

THE MIGHTY WEST: With the Western Bulldogs to play the Adelaide Crows in an elimination final on Saturday night, towns across the region are set to become stop-off points for thousands of AFL fans driving to and from South Australia. Horsham – the home town of Bulldogs star Joel Freijah – is encouraging travellers to stop, rest and support businesses in the rural city. Pictured are Western Bulldogs fans Horsham Councillor Dean O’Loughlin, ACE Radio’s Kayla Wilson and Joel Freijah’s dad Gabi getting in the red, white and blue spirit. Story, page 3. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Mayor: Time to deliver BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

arriambiack Shire Mayor Andrew McLean and Member for Mildura Jade Benham are demanding the State Government deliver a solution to Hopetoun’s early years services’ ‘crisis’.

Following the closure of the Hopetoun childcare service in April 2024 due to provider Uniting Vic Tas’ workforce shortages, the council worked with Emerge Early Years Services to establish a sustainable integrated model that would deliver both kindergarten and long daycare services from the one facility. Kindergarten services transitioned to Emerge by 2025, with staff successfully recruited to restart childcare in 2026. But the centre closed after a burst water pipe caused structural

damage and mould, discovered in May last year. Cr McLean said the situation was ‘completely unacceptable’ and a failure of government to properly support rural communities. “For more than two years, Hopetoun families have been without a childcare service, and now they are being told they could wait another two years before a permanent early years’ facility is available. That is simply unacceptable,” he said. “Rural families deserve access to the same essential services as metropolitan communities. The Victorian government cannot continue to talk about supporting regional Victoria while allowing communities like Hopetoun to go without the basic infrastructure needed to support children and working families.”

Engineering assessments confirmed the site required extensive remediation and stabilisation works. While kindergarten programs have temporarily relocated to Hopetoun Senior Citizens Building, Cr McLean said the shared arrangement was far from ideal, and still left the town without a childcare service. He said the council was deeply disappointed to learn the Department of Education had advised there were no relocatable facilities available and that investment in an alternative solution was not currently under consideration. “Frankly, I am outraged that a rural community can be left in this position,” he said. “It is unacceptable that our children, teachers and educators are expected to operate a kindergarten program from the senior citizens’ building for

up to two years. While the Department of Education may see this as a temporary solution, it simply shifts the problem onto another valued community group. “Our senior citizens also deserve better than having their facility used as a long-term substitute for proper early years infrastructure. “The Victorian government’s Best Start, Best Life reforms promise better access to early childhood education and care, yet our families are being told to wait years for a solution. That is not equity, and it is not good enough.” Ms Benham, whose electorate extends south to Hopetoun, raised the matter in Parliament last week, asking Children’s Minister Lizzie Blandthorn for a solution to the escalating early years crisis facing Hopetoun families.

“Twenty-seven children are enrolled in kindergarten this year, while 15 families have expressed interest in childcare,” she said. “Kindergarten is now operating from the senior citizens building, which is not fit for purpose, not safe and displaces older residents as well. “This temporary arrangement cannot accommodate the childcare. The Department of Education has advised that no relocatable building is available and that a $2.5-million rebuild is just not justified – because country kids do not matter. “Well, they do. They have offered funding to make the seniors’ building suitable for kindergarten services, but that displaces our seniors – it is robbing Peter to pay Paul.” Continued page 3

IN THIS ISSUE • Support for renewable transition • One Nation draws crowd • HDFNL juniors awarded Phone: 03 5382 1351 Read it online: www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

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HRCC NEWS Children’s Book Week at Horsham Library

CAREERS AT HRCC CIVIL INFRASTRUCTURE ENGINEER Permanant Full Time Closes Tuesday 8 September

Horsham-born Western Bulldogs star Joel Freijah will take on the Crows this weekend. Photo credit: AFL.

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

Horsham Welcomes Footy Fans This Weekend

Children’s Book Week is coming up, and we want to see your favourite book characters come to life! To celebrate this year’s Symphony of Stories, Horsham Library is inviting children in Grade 6 and below to enter our Children’s Book Week Drawing Competition. Simply grab some paper and draw your favourite book character doing something you love to do! Maybe your favourite character is reading, dancing, playing sport, baking, gaming, exploring—or something completely silly. Let your imagination take over! There are prizes to be won, and winning entries, runners-up and honourable mentions will be proudly displayed at the library. How to enter: • Draw your favourite book character doing something you love. • Include your name and age/grade. • Add a parent or carer’s contact details. • Drop your entry into Horsham Library (please hand it to staff rather than putting it through the returns chute!). Entries are open until Sunday 6 September 2026. So sharpen those pencils, grab your crayons and get drawing! We can’t wait to see which book characters make an appearance.

Horsham RegFest Tickets Available Now!

Football fans travelling to Adelaide for the Western Bulldogs' AFL clash with the Adelaide Crows this weekend are encouraged to stop, rest and explore Horsham along the way. With increased traffic expected on the Western Highway, Council is inviting visitors to support local cafes, restaurants, retailers and accommodation providers while enjoying the region's hospitality. Travellers can also visit the Framed in Footy: AFL Photography by Michael Willson exhibition at Horsham Town Hall, on display until 4 October. Cr Dean O'Loughlin left no questions about where his football allegiance lies. "It's no secret I'm a one-eyed Bulldogs supporter, and I'll be cheering on Horsham's own Joel Freijah. It's fantastic to see a local football player representing the Western Bulldogs and giving our community another reason to tune in," Cr O'Loughlin said.

TENDERS AND RFQ Q01/2027 SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OF ONE (1) NEW HEAVY DUTY TANDEM TRAILER WITH HYDRAULIC CRANE Closes Thursday 10 September Q04-2027 WIMMERA LIBRARIES STRATEGIC PLAN Closes Friday 11 September

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

To round out a footy filled weekend, the Horsham District Football Netball League will play its preliminary final at the Horsham City Oval this Saturday.

GRASS FLAT FIRE RECOVERY EVENTS

Community Walk Offers Space For Connection, Remembrance and Hope

Social Media Made Simple Workshops 15 September - 6.30pm-10.30pm NC2 Building, 62 Main St Natimuk

As the community prepares to mark World Suicide Prevention Day on 10 September, residents are invited to take part in the annual Community Suicide Prevention Walk, a meaningful event that brings people together to support one another and raise awareness of mental health and wellbeing.

Want to improve your social media presence but don't know where to start? Learn the strategies and techniques behind what makes a strong and engaging social media presence!

Beginning at 5.15pm, participants will walk from Coles to Sawyer Park, where the community will gather for a series of reflections and speeches. Council is proud to support this important initiative, recognising that strong communities are built on kindness, connection and looking out for one another. Everyone is welcome to participate in the walk and stand together in support of mental health awareness and suicide prevention. Event details - Community Suicide Prevention Walk

The sessions cover improving your photography and videography with hands-on content creation exercises. Bookings are essential, register with the QR code. Healthy Aging Hubs Wednesday 2 September - 10am-4pm Wednesday 23 September - 10am-4pm NC2 Building, 62 Main St Natimuk Free and confidential health checks with a Community Paramedic to help identify potential health concerns early. No appointment is required.

• Thursday 10 September 2026 • Commencing at 5.15pm • Walk from Coles to Sawyer Park • Reflections and speeches at Sawyer Park after the walk.

Small Business Support Coming To Horsham

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

We’re pleased to share that the Business Victoria Small Business Bus (SBB) will be visiting Horsham on Tuesday 22 September. • 62 Darlot Street, Horsham Wimmera Business Centre. • 45-minute sessions • FREE & confidential

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

Page 2

September 2, 2026 edition

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Wednesday, September 2, 2026

Support in transition plan T

BY LAUREN HENRY

he State Government is providing a $1.3-million support package for nine north-west Victorian councils to help communities prepare for the unprecedented growth, investment, challenges and opportunities being driven by renewable energy, mining and major infrastructure projects across the region. The councils campaigned the government to respond to priorities identified through the Resource Ready: North-Western Victoria Energy and Mining Impact and Readiness Strategy. As part of the package, the Department of Transport and Planning will deliver support through the Regional Planning Hub program, helping councils manage planning workloads associated with major transmission, renewable energy and mining projects. Support could include specialist planning expertise, assistance with

strategic and statutory planning work, advice on major project assessments, environmental assessment processes, and planning for housing, transport and infrastructure needs arising from major developments. The Northwest 9 council alliance has worked collectively since early this year to ensure governments understand both the challenges and opportunities facing communities at the centre of Victoria’s renewable energy transition and critical minerals development. The strategy identified growing pressure on housing, transport networks, workforce accommodation, local infrastructure and council planning resources, and called for a co-ordinated government response to help communities navigate the changes and ensure councils are not left to manage the impacts alone. The government has also committed to progressing studies that will determine the transport and road network impacts associated with major projects and workforce accommoda-

tion and related regional infrastructure requirements. Horsham Mayor Brian Klowss thanked the government for listening to the region’s challenges and providing some financial support, but said while it was a significant step forward, it was not the end of the journey. “Resource Ready outlined 44 actions needed to help our region prepare for a once-in-a-generation economic transition. This announcement delivers progress on several of those priorities and gives us a strong foundation to continue advocating for the support our communities need to thrive,” he said. Northern Grampians deputy mayor Justine Hyde said the challenges and opportunities facing north-west Victoria did not stop at municipal boundaries. “Our communities are experiencing the impacts of major energy, mining and infrastructure projects right now, and by advocating together we’ve been able to make a strong case for

the support our region needs,” she said. The funding package was developed by the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, Department of Transport and Planning, Regional Development Victoria and VicGrid in response to priorities identified through the Resource Ready Strategy. A State Government spokesperson said Labor was ensuring councils had the planning resources to support new housing, transport and infrastructure in their communities. “Through the Regional Planning Hub program, we’re giving regional councils access to additional planning expertise and support so they can assess new projects and plan for future growth,” he said. “The faster we can build new transmission lines, the faster we can connect renewable energy to the grid and the cheaper our energy prices will be, this support will enable the communities to benefit more from the renewable transition.”

Time to deliver From page 1 Cr McLean said the ongoing absence of childcare would have far-reaching consequences for workforce participation, local business attraction and retention, and the longterm sustainability of the community. “When parents can’t access childcare, they can’t participate fully in the workforce,” he said. “Employers struggle to recruit and retain staff, and when substandard kindergarten facilities are on offer, young families begin looking elsewhere. The ripple effects from these situations are profound. “We are not asking for special treatment. We are asking for fair treatment and the same level of commitment that has been shown to other regional communities.” Cr McLean said the council was calling on the government to urgently commit to delivering a new integrated early years’ facility, with kindergarten and long daycare for Hopetoun, either through the development of a facility on Hopetoun P-12 College site or by funding the demolition and reconstruction of an early years’ facility on council-owned land, supplemented by council’s insurance proceeds. “Our children cannot wait another two years,” he said. “The government must step up, honour its commitment, and deliver the modern early years’ facility that Hopetoun families deserve.”

WALKIES: Claire James with Gypsy, Brandi Galpin with Arthur and Dottie, and Karen James with Ruby. On Sunday, September 27, sighthounds and their owners will unite again around the globe.

Join the Great Global Greyhound Walk Wimmera sighthounds and their owners are invited to join Horsham’s first Great Global Greyhound Walk on September 27. Starting in the United Kingdom to raise awareness of retired greyhounds as family pets, last year 16,562 sighthounds took part across 659 walks in 47 countries. Horsham event organiser Brandi Galpin said she was ‘obsessed’ with sighthounds. “I just think they’re the best dog ever because they’re clean, they’re funny, they’re cute, and they have

very good manners,” she said. “I reckon I’ve met about 20 sighthounds around Horsham. Sighthounds seem to like other sighthounds – it’s like a private club.” ‘Sighthound’ includes breeds of Greyhounds, Lurchers, Deerhounds, Salukis, Afghan Hounds, Italian Greyhounds, Ibizan Hounds, Podencos, Galgos, Whippets, Borzois and Sloughis. Ms Galpin said she had previously participated in greyhound walks. “This walk is about raising awareness about how great, particularly

greyhounds, are as pets, and because there are so many of them that need homes,” she said. “People can go onto the GRV website to find out more about adopting. I’m also very excited by a morning filled with greyhounds and whippets and other sighthounds.” Starting at Sawyer Park, the 9am on-lead walk will follow a circuit along the Wimmera River. “It’s a good way to meet other people like you,” Ms Galpin said. “If anyone has a sighthound and I haven’t met it yet, I want to, please.”

Bulldogs fans most welcome Towns along the Western Highway in the Wimmera and Grampians regions are expecting an influx of red, white and blue this week as Western Bulldogs supporters make their way to Adelaide to take on the Crows. With the second elimination final on Saturday night at Adelaide Oval, thousands of Bulldogs fans will drive from Victoria to Adelaide, and local businesses – particularly hospitality and accommodation – are set to benefit. Horsham, in particular, where Bulldogs star Joel Freijah was raised, is rolling out the welcome mat. Joel’s dad Gabi said he would be driving to Adelaide on Saturday to watch his son play and encouraged fellow Bulldogs supporters to stop in the Freijah’s home town. “I’d encourage all the Bulldog supporters as they drive from Melbourne or Victoria across the South Australian border into Adelaide to stop over in Horsham and support the local community, the restaurants, cafes, motels and other establishments – that would be great if they could,” he said. Mr Freijah said he went to the AFL Wildcard round on Friday night, where the Bulldogs defeated Collingwood by three points. “The whole family went last weekend. It was a great experience and opportunity to be part of,” he said. “Joel played finals in his first year against Hawthorn at the MCG. That was another really massive crowd and terrific opportunity for him, and exposure to finals and the experience that brings, so he has been part of it before, but we’re very excited again for this weekend coming up.” Horsham Rural City Council is also encouraging people to stop, rest and explore the city, with travellers able to visit the Framed in Footy: AFL Photography by Michael Willson exhibition at Horsham Regional Art Gallery, until October 4. Cr Dean O’Loughlin, a Western Bulldogs fan, said Horsham was the perfect place for Bulldogs fans to stop. “It’s no secret I’m a one-eyed Bulldogs supporter, and I’ll be cheering on Horsham’s own Joel Freijah. It’s fantastic to see a local football player representing the Western Bulldogs and giving our community another reason to tune in,” he said. “We have a great business district with plenty of pubs, cafes and shops for travellers to enjoy, and I hope local businesses will be rolling out the red, white and blue carpet for Bulldogs supporters and all visitors this weekend.” Sporting finals feature across the region this month, with Horsham City Oval hosting the district league preliminary final on Saturday, and Stawell and Dimboola hosting Wimmera league semi-finals over the weekend.

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Page 3

AVONBANK AVONBANK PROJECT PROJECT NEWSLETTER NEWSLETTER ISSUE 24 – AUGUST 2026 ISSUE 24 – AUGUST 2026

Rehabilitated Avonbank Test Pit Site: WIM Resource’s Kevin and Emily inspecting 2026’s wheat crop Rehabilitated Rehabilitated Avonbank Avonbank Test Test Pit Pit Site: Site: WIM WIM Resource’s Resource’s Kevin Kevin and and Emily Emily inspecting inspecting 2026’s 2026’s wheat wheat crop crop

A A MESSAGE MESSAGE FROM FROM OUR OUR TEAM TEAM WIM Resource recently announced the establishment WIM Resource recently announced the establishment of the Avonbank Community and Coexistence of the Avonbank Community and Coexistence Reference Group (CCRG). Reference Group (CCRG). It will ensure that community voices help shape our It will ensure that community voices help shape our long-term Community Benefits Fund and Support long-term Community Benefits Fund and Support Program during both the pre-operational and Program during both the pre-operational and operational stages of the Avonbank Mine. operational stages of the Avonbank Mine.

While the CCRG is being established, our Community While the CCRG is being established, our Community Grants Program remains open for small and large grants, Grants Program remains open for small and large grants, and we welcome enquiries from the community. and we welcome enquiries from the community. Our community engagement team remains active Our community engagement team remains active across the region. We were pleased to participate in across the region. We were pleased to participate in and support a number of events – and look forward to and support a number of events – and look forward to a busy second half of the year. a busy second half of the year.

We welcome community members to visit our We welcome community members to visit our Community Information Hub or visit our online Community Information Hub or visit our online Information Hub to learn more about the Information Hub to learn more about the Avonbank Project. Avonbank Project. Kevin O’Brien, Director of Community and Landholder Kevin O’Brien, Director of Community and Landholder Relations Relations

PROJECT PROJECT UPDATE UPDATE

REHABILITATED REHABILITATED TEST TEST PIT PIT & & CROP CROP UPDATE UPDATE

WIM WIM IN IN THE THE COMMUNITY COMMUNITY

Mining Mining Licence Licence Update Update

This growing season marks our sixth consecutive This growing season marks our sixth consecutive season over the rehabilitated Avonbank test pit. In season over the rehabilitated Avonbank test pit. In 2026, wheat has been sown. Following good rainfall 2026, wheat has been sown. Following good rainfall the crop is now well established. the crop is now well established.

The Avonbank mining licence application continues The Avonbank mining licence application continues to be assessed by Resources Victoria. A related to be assessed by Resources Victoria. A related Commonwealth approval process is also underway, Commonwealth approval process is also underway, which is required for the assessment to be finalised. which is required for the assessment to be finalised.

Additional Additional Safeguards Safeguards

In response to feedback from the Horsham In response to feedback from the Horsham Rural City Council and the community regarding Rural City Council and the community regarding dust generation, WIM has announced additional dust generation, WIM has announced additional safeguards and will strengthen community safeguards and will strengthen community involvement in the Avonbank mine rehabilitation. involvement in the Avonbank mine rehabilitation. This includes covering the heavy mineral concentrate This includes covering the heavy mineral concentrate stored in the Wimmera Intermodal Freight Terminal stored in the Wimmera Intermodal Freight Terminal (WIFT) Precinct with storage sheds. (WIFT) Precinct with storage sheds.

Longerenong College Rehabilitation Research Project Longerenong College Rehabilitation Research Project WIM’s partnership with Longerenong College WIM’s partnership with Longerenong College continues, as a new group of first-year Diploma of continues, as a new group of first-year Diploma of Agriculture students undertake their research project Agriculture students undertake their research project at the rehabilitated Avonbank test pit site. at the rehabilitated Avonbank test pit site.

Variety Variety Victoria Victoria Bash Bash –– Car Car Sponsor Sponsor

WIM is proud to come on board as a key sponsor of WIM is proud to come on board as a key sponsor of the 2026 Horsham local team car entry. the 2026 Horsham local team car entry.

CAREERS CAREERS & & BUSINESS BUSINESS OPPORTUNITIES OPPORTUNITIES WIM spoke to 300-plus attendees at the Wimmera WIM spoke to 300-plus attendees at the Wimmera Mallee Mining Ready event in Horsham in June, Mallee Mining Ready event in Horsham in June, where our team outlined upcoming procurement where our team outlined upcoming procurement opportunities. To submit an Expression of Interest for opportunities. To submit an Expression of Interest for business and career opportunities, visit business and career opportunities, visit www.wimresource.com.au/3281-2/. www.wimresource.com.au/3281-2/.

Wimmera Wimmera Schools Schools Science Science & & Engineering Engineering Challenge Challenge

This year’s Challenge, held in March, brought This year’s Challenge, held in March, brought together over 400 primary and secondary students together over 400 primary and secondary students from across the region for a series of STEM team from across the region for a series of STEM team challenges. Wimmera Lutheran College Horsham challenges. Wimmera Lutheran College Horsham won the award for primary schools, whilst St Brigids won the award for primary schools, whilst St Brigids College Horsham took home the award for secondary College Horsham took home the award for secondary schools. schools.

COMMUNITY COMMUNITY BENEFITS BENEFITS & & SUPPORT SUPPORT PROGRAM (CCRG) PROGRAM (CCRG) The recently announced Avonbank CCRG will ensure The recently announced Avonbank CCRG will ensure that community voices will help shape our long-term that community voices will help shape our long-term Community Benefits Fund and Support Program Community Benefits Fund and Support Program during both the pre-operational and operational during both the pre-operational and operational stages of the Avonbank Mine. stages of the Avonbank Mine.

Apply Apply now now for for aa Community Community Grant Grant WIM WIM Mining Mining Careers Careers Guide Guide

A Mining Careers Guide was launched in June by A Mining Careers Guide was launched in June by WIM to provide students, job seekers and community WIM to provide students, job seekers and community members with information on career pathways. Visit members with information on career pathways. Visit our website to view the Careers Guide. our website to view the Careers Guide.

Work Work Experience Experience with with WIM WIM –– Apply Apply Now Now WIM welcomed our first local work experience WIM welcomed our first local work experience student, an aspiring geologist, who experienced a student, an aspiring geologist, who experienced a range of activities and learnt about the diverse work. range of activities and learnt about the diverse work. Interested students or schools are encouraged to Interested students or schools are encouraged to apply for work experience programs at any time. apply for work experience programs at any time. www.wimresource.com.au www.wimresource.com.au www.wimresource.com.au Page 4

While the CCRG is being established, our Community While the CCRG is being established, our Community Grants Program remains open for small and Grants Program remains open for small and large grants, and we welcome enquiries from the large grants, and we welcome enquiries from the community. Use the contact details below to make an community. Use the contact details below to make an application or enquiry about a grant application. application or enquiry about a grant application.

GET GET IN IN TOUCH TOUCH For project related enquiries please email: For project related enquiries please email: admin@wimresource.com.au admin@wimresource.com.au Community Information Hub: Community Information Hub: 83 Firebrace Street, Horsham VIC 3400 83 Firebrace Street, Horsham VIC 3400 Open Monday to Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm Open Monday to Friday, 9:00 am – 5:00 pm

Mallee Mallee Machinery Machinery Field Field Days Days

WIM attended the Mallee Machinery Field Days WIM attended the Mallee Machinery Field Days held at Speed, providing the community project and held at Speed, providing the community project and general information about mineral sands. general information about mineral sands.

MCA MCA Victorian Victorian Women Women in in Mining Mining Awards Awards

In June, WIM attended the Minerals Council of In June, WIM attended the Minerals Council of Australia Women in Resources Awards at Parliament Australia Women in Resources Awards at Parliament House in Melbourne and was a proud sponsor of an House in Melbourne and was a proud sponsor of an award at the event. award at the event.

Western Western Victorian Victorian Careers Careers Expo Expo

The Western Victorian Careers Expo attracted The Western Victorian Careers Expo attracted approximately 2,000 students from secondary schools approximately 2,000 students from secondary schools across ten local government regions. WIM is a major across ten local government regions. WIM is a major sponsor of the Western Victorian Careers Expo. sponsor of the Western Victorian Careers Expo.

Upcoming Upcoming Sponsorships Sponsorships & & Partnerships Partnerships

♦ ♦ ♦ ♦

Defying the Drift: 21–23 September 2026 Defying the Drift: 21–23 September 2026 Wimmera Art Fair: 7–11 October 2026 Wimmera Art Fair: 7–11 October 2026

Abridged from Issue 24 of the Avonbank Newsletter Abridged Abridged from from Issue Issue 24 24 of of the the Avonbank Avonbank Newsletter Newsletter

@WIMResource @WIMResource @WIMResource www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Wednesday, September 2, 2026

One Nation draws large crowd A

BY LAUREN HENRY

Charlton speech pathologist will stand as the One Nation candidate for the Ripon electorate, announced at a Farmers Fightback event in Marnoo on Saturday night.

One Nation federal leader Pauline Hanson and deputy leader Barnaby Joyce, along with several Victorian candidates who plan to stand at the state election in November, attended the event, which attracted about 1000 people. Donna Buxton will contest Ripon in what is tipped to be a hotly-contested seat, with six others already confirming their candidature – Labor’s Martha Haylett, Liberal Megan Read, Nationals Jo Armstrong, Greens Tim Dryly and independents Bernard Quince and Trevor Andrei. Born and raised in Traralgon, Ms Buxton worked as a teacher in government and independent schools before moving into speech pathology, and now runs her own practice, providing services to children and adults in rural communities. Through her work in education and health and her lived experience of dis-

ability, Ms Buxton said she understood the importance of accessible health, disability and community services. Ms Buxton said she was particularly concerned about the cost of living, access to health and essential services, Victoria’s growing debt and the impact of government policy on farmers and regional communities. She said she believed farmers and landholders deserved a genuine voice when major infrastructure projects affect productive farmland, livelihoods and communities. Ms Buxton said she was standing as One Nation’s candidate for Ripon because regional Victorians needed a stronger voice in Parliament and practical, common-sense representation focused on the issues affecting everyday people. “Standing for Parliament is not about building a political career – it is about stepping forward, having a voice and helping to create a better future for regional Victorians,” she said. At Saturday night’s event, Ms Hanson participated in activities such as hammering a nail into a coffin that had ‘net-zero’ written on it, and also helped set alight a tower replicating the VNI West project.

Landowners in the Marnoo district were among those objectors to the Victoria-New South Wales Interconnector project, which will enable renewable energy to be transmitted from Bulgana, near Stawell, to across the border near Kerang. Ms Hanson told an adoring crowd that One Nation leaders had travelled from across Australia to ‘ try and get more members elected to parliament to represent you for common sense’. “ This net zero rubbish has been forced down Australians’ throats and should never have happened,” she said. “ The only barrier from stopping it from happening, I’m telling you, is One Nation. We have been fighting against this right from the very beginning. It was common sense that told me this is not good for Australia.” Ms Hanson said One Nation would not support the VNI West project. “If we have the balance of power in the parliament here, I will be advising, and I’m sure our leader here in Victoria has also stated, you will not be paying your fines. That will all be wiped. Stand your ground. Do not give up,” she said. Event organiser and Farmers Fight-

back founder Ben Duxson, a farmer at Wallaloo, near Marnoo, said objectors to VNI West and the Western Renewable Link, WRL, projects were seeking politicians to support them. “The way One Nation’s policies are going, they’re going to scrap net-zero, which gets rid of our transmission lines ... and to be honest, it’ll get rid of an energy policy that’s going to be the biggest monumental mistake in history in Australia,” he said. “ People have had enough of career politicians. People have had enough of being dictated to. People have had enough of interference in our life. “As a farmer, that’s all we ever get from Labor governments, is interference in our life. We will produce the food, the fibre, and the agricultural products for the rest of Australia and the rest of the world. “Government needs to get out of our backyard and actually allow us to do it, and that’s the biggest thing.” Mr Duxson said the Victorian Coalition’s recent commitment to scrap the VNI West project if they were elected was only ‘one-third of the way there’. “They need to get rid of WRL, and they need to drop net-zero, and then we can actually have a sensible debate

over where energy takes us into the next 100, 200 years. At the moment, it’s not sensible,” he said. Wallaloo East farmer Mark Reading told 3WM’s Country Today that he was once a Nationals voter but would be voting for One Nation at the state election. “ One Nation’s saying all the right things. The Coalition says they’re with us, but they just haven’t been. They’ve been neglecting us for far too long. So we’ve actually got an alternative now that we’ve never had before,” he said. “We’ve talked to all the politicians, and the loud and clear message we’ve had is they’re not interested in what we do.” Mr Reading said 1.5 kilometres of the transmission lines were planned to go on his property. “ We’ve probably never been more worried about what governments can do, but the local community’s alive and well now,” he said. “They’ve actually turned us around. We’ve been losing people for a long time, and now we’re all coming together in a common cause. “They’re actually uniting farmers, which I’ve never seen before.”

Aradale tours to resume Aradale’s night-time tours will resume in a modified format in coming weeks, after leaseholders Melbourne Polytechnic and Eerie Tours owner Nathaniel Buchanan met on Friday. “It is good news,” Mr Buchanan said. “We will resume in a few weeks with a modified route that will, as they work through the maintenance, slowly advance with more and more buildings until we are back where we were at the time of the closure. “Hopefully it will be a shorter rather than longer amount of time.” Mr Buchanan said it was a step in the right direction. “They were apologetic, and they could see the complications of the issue,” he said. “They were very friendly and their motive was to get it open and running

again in whatever capacity we could get in the short term, with the intention of getting it sorted out. “We gave them a list of buildings that we prioritise, and they’ll work on that according to budget, timeline and how severe the damage is.” Mr Buchanan said he was contacting booking-holders week by week, offering gift vouchers and the new, reduced tours. “We’ll grow it back from there over the next period of time as they reopen the buildings,” he said. “We’ll be putting a brief disclaimer up on social media explaining the situation, but when we reopen, we’ll be hitting it hard for sure.” People can check Eerie Tours Facebook page www.facebook.com/ AradaleGhostTours for more information and updates.

Exploration licence applications SUPPORTING FAMILIES: Volunteers are collecting donations and raising money with merchandise sales to support veterans’ families this Legacy Week. Until Saturday, September 5, people can donate or buy a badge or bear at participating Bunnings stores and at community stalls across the state, or donate online at melbournelegacy.com.au. Melbourne Legacy provides tailored, life-changing support to the families of veterans – from education and mental health support to social connection programs and advocacy at the highest levels. Pictured are Wimmera Legacy volunteers Lois Baker and Neville Smith selling Legacy badges, pens and bears at Horsham Plaza. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

World Minerals and Resources, WMR, has applied for two exploration licences for land at Murtoa and near Warracknabeal for desktop studies, landowner consultation, geological modelling and drilling programs. Murtoa’s approximate 732km2 parcel is 23km northeast of Horsham, 18.5km south of Warracknabeal and

includes the town of Murtoa. Warracknabeal’s parcel, about 873km2, is two kilometres south of Warracknabeal and 36km northeast of Horsham. For more information, people can visit www.amets.com.au/victoriatenements/ and resources.vic.gov.au/ licensing-approvals/have-your-say.

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Wednesday, September 2, 2026

Allowing greater approval capacity BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

rarat Rural City Council has granted outgoing chief executive Tim Harrison temporary authority to award contracts of up to $3-million as the council works to progress its Queen Street Housing Support Project.

The site of Ararat’s former Prestige Mill at 87 Queen Street is earmarked for housing development, with the council receiving a $7.3-million grant through the Federal Government’s Housing Support Program to complete enabling infrastructure for up to 90 new dwellings, including roads, drainage, footpaths, power, water, sewerage and telecommunication services. The grant will not cover the cost of constructing dwellings at the site, but aims to remove barriers to private investment. A council report predicted some contracts associated with the works would exceed the chief executive’s delegation to directly approve works up to

$300,000 without a need for councillor approval, set out in the council’s procurement policy. It recommended councillors temporarily grant Dr Harrison capacity to approve up to $3-million per contract for works associated with the project. Cr Jo Armstrong noted the procurement policy allowed changes to the chief executive’s delegation if approved by the council or in emergency circumstances, and asked Dr Harrison to explain why increasing his delegation was necessary. “I’m seeking assurance that probity is being properly followed and that we are very public about asking these questions because that’s our responsibility as councillors – to make sure that you know we’re acting in the best interest of ratepayers and making sure that money is being allocated following the proper procurement steps,” she said. “I understand we’ve put a lot of effort into making sure that procurement process is followed very clearly ... so

I’d appreciate just a little more detail around how those processes unfold and how the reporting is going to be undertaken back to council.” Dr Harrison said it was ‘an unusual circumstance’ but timelines for securing the federal funding made it necessary to fast-track the project. “We ordinarily wouldn’t ask for this, apart from the fact that this is a commonwealth-funded project. There have been tight timeframes around a contractor issue we’ve had previously,” he said. “It means that if we were to bring the one or two contracts of this size under this delegation, it starts with a council meeting and then we would notify the contractors, and that would potentially add another month or a month and a half to the process. So there’s an imperative around time. “All of our usual probity measures around contracting will be applied to this. It won’t be a single-contractor request. “We’ll go to market and there will

still be a normal tendering process around this. “We’ll be able to expedite it because we are able to decide on some of the delegation rather than council making the decision.”

Safeguard

Dr Harrison said Mayor Bob Sanders would also be required to sign off on any contract exceeding the chief executive’s usual delegation limit as a safeguard. “We will be reporting to the very next council meeting the details of that contract in full to the council,” he said. “As far as possible we’ll be using our normal contracting processes which meet probity.” Cr Luke Preston voiced his support for the move. “(There have been) setbacks that we’ve had around this project that we definitely weren’t expecting to happen,” he said. “I think it’s a great move to keep the

project moving and meet the deadlines that we need to meet, so I think it’s a must, and I trust the process will be carried out right.” Cr Rob Armstrong noted the move would allow the project to advance within its allocated budget. Deputy chief executive Phuong Au, who is due to succeed Dr Harrison when he steps down from his role in October, said works were progressing well at the site. “The demolition and site-clearing works are continuing to make good progress despite some disruption due to heavy rain in this past month,” she said. “People will be able to see piles of building rubble and materials. This is part of the process of sorting the different materials before they are taken off site. “As materials are progressively removed, I think the community will start to see a significant transformation over the site over the next month or so, which is pretty exciting.”

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HOLY PAGES: Barry Ladlow is hosting an historic bible and artifacts exhibition in Horsham.

Historic bible exhibition A bible history exhibition will visit Horsham to celebrate 500 years of William Tyndale’s English Bible, bringing original bible leaves and several artefacts. Curated by Luis Bermudez, curatorial assistant Barry Ladlow said the exhibition brought items to the public, which would ordinarily only be found in art galleries and museums. “It’s an experience – people get to see real tangible artefacts from centuries ago,” he said. “We’ve got a 2000-year-old lamp, handwritten scrolls, an original leaf from the Tyndale Bible, and we have a King James leaf from 1611.

“King James had a story, which will be explained in the exhibition – he didn’t like some of the writing because it said you shouldn’t obey the King you should obey God only, so that’s where it all came from, he actually wrote his own Bible, the King James version.” Mr Ladlow said Horsham’s exhibited items represented about a seventh of the complete collection. Bermudez will speak at the September 20 free, all-ages event, from 2pm at the Seventh Day Adventist Hall in Wilson Street, Horsham. Refreshments will be supplied.

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Detective Sergeant Mark James, from Hamilton Crime Investigation Unit, said Victoria Police and the NDIA were committed to identifying and holding accountable anyone who sought to profit through dishonest NDIS claims. “Our team worked extensively on this investigation to stop this person from allegedly defrauding a scheme designed to support some of the most vulnerable members of our community for his own financial gain.” A NDIA spokesperson said the vast majority of NDIS participants and providers used the scheme funding appropriately. “We will continue to use intelligence, data analytics and joint investigations to identify, detect and disrupt fraud, so NDIS funding is protected for the Australians who rely on it,” they said. Anyone with information about fraudulent activity is urged to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or at www.crimestoppersvic. com.au.

Entries extended for business awards Ararat Rural City Council has extended the closing date for entries to the 2026 East Grampians Business Awards by one week following interest from businesses across the municipality. Businesses now have until 5pm on Friday to submit their entries. The awards recognise businesses of all sizes across the Ararat region, providing an opportunity for operators to celebrate their achievements, showcase their work and gain feedback from an independent judging panel.

Categories include a Future-Ready Business Award, Experience Creator Award, Bold Move Award, Made Here Award, and Outstanding Customer Service Award, alongside Business of the Year and People’s Choice awards. Businesses can enter more than one category, with winners to be announced at the East Grampians Business Awards gala celebration at Ararat Town Hall on October 28. For more information, people can visit www. ararat.vic.gov.au/awards2026.

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A man, 48, has been arrested in the Horsham area after he allegedly defrauded the National Disability Insurance Scheme, NDIS, of about $700,000 over a two-year period. A joint investigation run by Hamilton Crime Investigation Unit detectives and the National Disability Insurance Agency, NDIA, commenced after the man allegedly defrauded his own NDIS plan between June 28, 2024 and June 30, 2026. Investigators allege the man, who is an NDIS participant, established two businesses for the purpose of defrauding the NDIS. It’s alleged the man submitted false invoices for services he claimed to receive and distributed the funds into his bank accounts. Detectives will also allege that the man dealt with property reasonably suspected of being proceeds of crime. A search warrant was executed at a residential property in the Horsham area on Thursday, where the man was taken into custody. He will be interviewed in relation to the incidents.

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Heritage overlay division A

BY LAUREN HENRY

State Government-appointed independent planning panel will consider 10 unresolved submissions to an amendment that will place a heritage overlay over 574 properties in Horsham.

Amendment C85 to the Horsham Planning Scheme proposes to apply heritage controls to 574 properties across 10 heritage precincts, 31 individually listed properties, and six silos forming a serial heritage listing owing to their shared history and similar heritage characteristics. In March last year, Horsham Rural City Council authorised community consultation for the amendment, which will include 10 heritage precincts: Firebrace Street Commercial Precinct; and six Horsham residential areas in specific areas of Dooen Road, Natimuk Road; Albert Street; Bowen Street; Bowden and Searle streets; Edward Street; and Railway Avenue; as well as Natimuk Township Precinct along Main Street and a Natimuk Residential Precinct, running west along Lake Avenue. The council received 25 submissions, with 10 remaining unresolved, when the amendment was publicly exhibited for six weeks in November and December last year. The amendment aims to protect significant heritage places from demolition or inappropriate development or alteration that could adversely affect the cultural significance of the heritage place or precinct, ensuring a planning permit is required. At last week’s council meeting, Cr Dean O’Loughlin moved that council receives and considers all submissions, including the outcomes of further engagement undertaken, and requests Planning Minister Sonia Kilkenny to appoint an independent planning panel pursuant to consider unresolved submissions. While referring all relevant information received through the engagement process to the panel, the council will continue to engage with submitters where opportunities remain to resolve or narrow issues before a panel hearing. Following the panel’s recommendation the matter will return to the council for a decision. But two councillors voted against the motion, with Cr Angela Munn saying ‘natural justice hasn’t been done for unresolved submissions’ who were entitled to be judged case-by-case. She questioned whether council officers had sought independent legal advice about available options, and questioned the cost of lumping in 500 properties in a heritage overlay.

Community and liveability director Justine Kingan said the council had not sought legal advice, only expert heritage advice, and the council had allocated $30,000 for a panel hearing, with exact cost dependent on how many days the hearing lasted. Ongoing costs could not be forecast because it depended on the number of planning permits triggered under heritage overlay. Cr Munn said she felt the council had failed to complete a step before ‘sending it off to the minister or to a panel’. “Things like the property’s heritage contribution, its physical relationship with surrounding properties, its importance to the collective significance of the precinct, the effect of its exclusion upon the remaining precinct, the property’s existing use, the practical implications of a proposed control, and the social and economic consequences of imposing that control, even the financial consequences – noting that is not in itself a reason for exclusion – but it is a reason for assessment, a partial reason for assessment,” she said. “If this was my property, your mum’s property, or whoever it is, I’m sure we would be taking perhaps a little bit more consideration about how this is going to affect people going forward and with what’s happening now. I absolutely do not support it, and once the vote is taken, I would like names recorded about how people voted.” Cr McDonald said he had ‘reservations right from the start’ about the amendment. He said he believed the 15-year process had cost the council more than $100,000. Cr McDonald said if the original consultants had consulted individual property owners initially, the council would not be in the position it was in. He questioned whether Horsham’s ‘plethora of California bungalow-style buildings’ built between 1915 and 1940, should be included in the heritage overlay. “The Act does state the buildings listed must actually be significant and rare, and I would argue the majority of these aren’t,” he said. Cr McDonald said he had spoken to Horsham real estate agent Wes Davidson about the heritage overlay proposal. “His observations were, and I will quote: “A heritage listing will generally detract from a sale price. It has caused a lot of anxiety in our community over recent years. Overall, there are not many significant heritage buildings in Horsham, and this amendment is inappropriate’,” Cr McDonald said.

Cr Angela Munn “I would argue it’s actually discriminatory because the bulk of them are in Horsham North, Natimuk Road and out to Natimuk, and if you are unlucky to live there and a consultant has cherry-picked these buildings to go to this report – you’re suddenly lumped with something you’re then going to try and argue your way out of.” But Cr O’Loughlin said the decision was not about whether the council ultimately supported or endorsed the amendment but to decide if unresolved submissions should be reviewed independently and heard through a planning panel process. “Referral to a panel provides submitters with the opportunity to have their concerns heard and considered by an independent body,” he said. “This provides council with the benefit of the panel’s findings and recommendations before making a final decision. Importantly, council retains its decision-making role. “Once the panel process is complete and its report has been received, the amendment will return to council for further consideration. “It is at a later meeting the council will need to determine whether it wishes to adopt the amendment and/or changes, so in supporting the referral to the panel, we are allowing the statutory process to continue and ensuring the unresolved submissions receive proper independent consideration.” Cr O’Loughlin acknowledged concerns about potential financial impact. “I applaud the council for looking at the practical financial support to any affected property owners if this goes ahead, plus any permit costs triggered by heritage overlay,” he said. Cr Ian Ross seconded the motion and asked his fellow councillors to support what he described as the ‘next step’. “There’s been a large body of work that started last council term. It’s about protecting our heritage in Horsham, and this is the next step to

ensure there’s a fair process for those 10 people who are left who have objections,” he said. “Ten out of 500 is a very small amount and a really amazing outcome thanks to the work of the staff in negotiating with most people.” Cr Rebecca Sluggett said referring to the panel did not mean council was adopting the amendment. “After reading the unresolved submissions, I understand and share community concerns around planning permit requirements, cost to individual landowners, concerns around changes to usability of some of the proposed sites, and the confusion and hassle this process and the overlay can create for individual landowners,” she said. “ I would like to ensure if the heritage overlay is put in place, it is done in a way where landowners are supported by council as much as possible, so they are not disadvantaged by an overlay, which provides benefit to a wider community.” The amendment dates back to 2013 when the Horsham Heritage Study was commissioned to identify the key historical themes associated with Horsham’s growth and development that tell the story of Horsham’s history and identity. The Heritage Study Review, undertaken in 2022, followed to ensure heritage citations and recommendations remained accurate and consistent with current guidelines and practices, where engagement was undertaken with landowners to confirm the information reflected the current condition of each place. In May, the council committed to undertaking further consultation with affected landholders before making a decision regarding referral to an independent panel. More than 800 property owners and occupiers were notified during the formal exhibition process, which also included public notices, information sessions, online resources and individual discussions with landholders. Mayor Brian Klowss said the council had invested considerable time and effort in ensuring affected property owners had opportunities to ask questions and understand the proposed heritage controls. “We have listened carefully to community feedback throughout this process and provided multiple opportunities for people to discuss their concerns directly with council officers,” he said. “Where issues can be resolved, we want to resolve them. Where concerns remain, the planning panel process provides an independent and transparent forum for those matters to be considered.”

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Community walk A Horsham community walk will bring awareness to mental-health on World Suicide Prevention Day – Thursday, September 10. Leaving from the corner of Roberts Avenue and Ward Street at 5.15pm, the walk will end at Sawyer Park, where there will be a sausage sizzle, guest speakers and mental-health information and support. People are welcome to carry photographs of loved ones and display them at the Sawyer Park soundshell; the photographs can also be included in the memorial slideshow by sending them to ‘Horsham World Suicide Prevention & Mental Health Awareness Walk’ via Facebook Messenger.

Wetland meeting Wimmera Growers of Australian Plants will host international speaker Damien Cook at tomorrow’s open monthly meeting. Mr Cook, the Wetland Revival Trust director and senior restoration ecologist, is a 35-year naturalist and expert in wetland, riparian and terrestrial ecology. People are welcome to attend the meeting, this month at Horsham’s CWA Hall at 7.30pm, and can follow the group’s website for more information and updates on its meetings.

Just a Farmer event A free community event at Dimboola next week will feature a screening of ‘Just A Farmer’, a movie that highlights the struggles farmers can face. Starting at 6pm with a barbecue dinner, a post-movie question-and-answer session and guest speakers Rural Outreach’s Mal Coutts, Justin Knorpp and Councillor Rosie Barker will also feature. On September 12 at Dimboola Recreation Reserve, people are asked to register for catering by phoning 0427 975 397.

Nature play session Horsham’s Green Park Kindergarten is hosting a families’ community nature play session at Police Paddock Nature Reserve from 3.30pm tomorrow. The school readiness-funded session will be facilitated by Nurture in Nature’s Tania Moloney. Children of all ages are welcome to attend the free event, registration is not required.

Grampians rescue A man in his 70s was airlifted to The Alfred after an incident at Goat Track, Glenisla on Saturday morning. The man sustained upper-body injuries when a boulder fell on his chest. He was assessed and treated at the scene by air, mobile and advanced life support paramedics, then transported to hospital in a stable condition.

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New council CEO

VOLUNTEER VALUED: Wimmera SES operations manager Ryan Leffler presents an appreciation award to Nola Smith. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

rarat Rural City Council has appointed Phuong Au as its new chief executive for a four-year term, commencing October 1.

Councillors endorsed the appointment at last week’s council meeting, following the resignation of Tim Harrison. Dr Harrison advised council he would step away from council on September 30, bringing forward his planned retirement. Ms Au brings almost 20 years’ experience across public administration, funding, project delivery and executive leadership to the role. She first joined Ararat Rural City Council in 2023 as strategic project lead, before being appointed deputy chief executive in September, 2025. In these roles, Ms Au has contributed strategic leadership, cross-organisational project delivery and a strong understanding of the opportunities and challenges facing regional communities. She has been instrumental in securing tens of millions of dollars of major grants for the Ararat region in her role, directly contributing to roads infrastructure and maintenance, sporting venues, and community facilities. She has also been central to the development of many major strategic pieces of work including budget and annual planning, municipal public health and wellbeing plan, sport and active recreation strategy, disability action plan, and driving the council’s advocacy programs for the past two years. “It’s a privilege to be appointed to lead Ararat Rural City Council, and I thank the councillors for the confidence they have placed in me,” Ms Au said. “I’d also like to thank Dr Tim Harrison, the outgoing CEO, for his tremendous work over his term in the position. It’s put council in very a strong position to continue to drive growth, support the community and residents, and embrace the opportunities ahead. “I look forward to building on council’s strong

Phuong Au performance under Dr Tim’s leadership, while bringing fresh energy to the role. “My priority will be to build on the momentum already underway, while ensuring council continues to strengthen our region and deliver meaningful outcomes for the community.” Ms Au said her and her family had called Ararat home for more than 10 years, and had been warmly embraced by the community. “It is a wonderful place to live, work and raise a family, and I am genuinely excited about the future we can create together,” she said. Before joining Ararat Rural City Council, Ms Au spent almost six years at Northern Grampians Shire Council, progressing through funding, project management and strategic funding roles. Her earlier career included roles across Federal Government and higher education, building strong foundations in public administration, stakeholder engagement and service delivery. Ararat Mayor Bob Sanders said he was pleased with the appointment. “I’m looking forward to working with Phuong in the coming months as we firm up our future plans for the municipality,” he said. “I’d like to thank the other councillors for working together and coming to a unanimous decision about Phuong’s appointment – she was a standout candidate.”

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controller in Edenhope, eventually becoming unit controller. Ms Smith became an SES life member in 2017 and said her time with the service had been rewarding. She encouraged others to consider joining to make a difference in their communities. “It’s not all road crashes. There’s a lot of other stuff you can do. You can help people out,” she said. “I started off doing catering. We catered for the Police and Fire Games golf day. There’s always something to do, and I’ve done it all. “There’s lots of things you can do – if you don’t want to go out to a crash, you don’t have to.” Ms Smith said her children had all joined SES when they grew up, with two of her grandchildren now also in the service. “My youngest grand-daughter sees a rescue truck in Shepparton and goes, ‘grammy’s driving the truck again’,” she said. “It’s very rewarding and I think it’s giving back to people who helped me over the years. I’ve done a fair bit.”

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Victoria State Emergency Service, VICSES, last week honoured Wimmera volunteer Nola Smith for her decades of dedication and contribution to the community. Wimmera operations manager Ryan Leffler presented Ms Smith with a certificate of appreciation for her contributions across decades of service as an SES volunteer, including as unit controller at Edenhope. Ms Smith, who joined VICSES more than 30 years ago, said she only became a member after being talked into it. “I drove taxis and Don Kuhne was the controller at Horsham, and he said ‘have you thought of SES?’” she said. “I said ‘no, not really’, and he said ‘come down – we need a communications officer’. “I started off as a communications officer, still driving taxis. My pager would go off and he’d say ‘go for it’.” After joining as a communications officer, Ms Smith eventually held roles including deputy unit controller and finance officer. While she had lived in Horsham all her life, Ms Smith accepted a position as deputy unit

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Northern Grampians Shire Council COMMUNITY UPDATES

MOVING OUTSIDE THE LINES PROJECT

YOU’RE INVITED TO A FREE FILM FESTIVAL

Council's new youth engagement program, Moving Outside the Lines, will kick off from September. The project will enable young people to co-design and deliver activities in local spaces such as parks, libraries and sporting facilities, as well as strengthen the voices of youth in decision-making. Funded by VicHealth, the 18-month project is aimed at young people aged 12 to 18. Following information sessions in Stawell and St Arnaud, council will form a working group with interested youth. For more information, scan the QR code above.

Following the success of the Multicultural Film Festival event in Halls Gap in July, the festival comes to St Arnaud on Friday, September 18! The event celebrates diversity and advocates for inclusion through a series of award-winning short films. The films - which explore migration, culture, identity and hope - were made by emerging filmmakers from culturally and linguistically diverse backgrounds, including refugee and migrant storytellers sharing their own lived experience. The St Arnaud screening, from 4.30pm to 6.30pm, will also include complimentary cultural food courtesy of East Wimmera Health Service. For more information, including how to get your free tickets, please scan the QR code above.

OPPORTUNITIES TO WORK FOR COUNCIL Are you a qualified mechanic who enjoys variety and getting stuck into a good mechanical challenge? We are looking for a Plant Mechanic to join our team in Stawell. The role involves working across a diverse range of council vehicles, plant and equipment, keeping our fleet safe, reliable and ready for work. We are also looking for a Maintenance Employee/Plant Operator to join our Works team in St Arnaud. This is a handson role with plenty of variety, helping keep our roads, footpaths, drainage and community infrastructure safe and well maintained. For more information, scan the QR code.

ST ARNAUD SCULPTURE UNVEILING Council will host the official unveiling of a new sculpture in Queen Mary Botanic Gardens on Friday, September 11. The sculpture, titled ‘Where the Garden Gathers’, is the centrepiece of the new Buddleia Garden. It was created in collaboration with the Queen Mary Botanic Gardens Advisory Group and United Make. The community is invited to attend the opening, at 1.30pm.

New pool hoist: Stawell Sports and Aquatic Centre has a new pool hoist. If you need assistance entering and/or exiting the pool, please speak to one of our friendly staff members to help with the hoist. Ensuring the pool is accessible to people of all abilities is paramount and we are thrilled to have this essential piece of equipment back available for people to use. Next council meeting: There is an unscheduled meeting on Tuesday, September 15, in the Council Chamber, Pleasant Creek Historic Precinct, Stawell, at 12.30pm. The meeting is to consider: The preparation of the Annual Report 2025/26; S11A Instrument of Appointment and Authorisation; C25-004 Provision of Plumbing Trade Services; C25-005 Provision of Electrical Trade Services; and C25-003 External Plant and Equipment Hire for Civil Works. The next scheduled meeting is on Tuesday, October 6 in the Perry Room, St Arnaud Town Hall, St Arnaud at 12.30pm. Meetings are open to the public and livestreamed via YouTube.

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A toast to dads

his Sunday we celebrate the dads in our world with Father’s Day creating an occasion for families to come together and recognise the influence that our papas have played in our lives.

Father’s Day can sometimes be a sad occasion for some, particularly if your dad has died or was absent in your life – and I fully recognise that many are not as lucky as me – but in my world, good men probably don’t get as much credit as they deserve. It can be easy to see or hear the negative stories in the world when it comes to men, especially around family violence, crime and gender-bias, and for many readers of this column, some may accuse me of a bias. But I have been blessed with great men in my life. I idolised my dad from a young age, and would often be his shadow around the home and sporting fields. The fact that I learnt how to operate a cricket wicket roller from a young age was a tell-tale sign that I spent far too much time at the local cricket club due to dad’s involvement. I reckon I was the only teenage girl in the district who could fill out a manual cricket scoresheet, as dad played cricket in C-grade until as long as he could roll over his arm. Dad’s love of cricket, AFL and horse racing was passed onto all four of his children, and we have him to blame for being long-suffering Collingwood supporters. But, for me, the highlight of being his child was having my own daughter and watching him as a grandfather. His face lights up every time he sees her, and it’s been a delight to witness their relationship first-hand. As a grandfather, dad is very active in how he interacts with his granddaughter, often participating in playing, games, and drawing with her. It aligns with new findings from the 2026 LEGO ‘Little Years, Big Impact’ Report show-

EDITORIAL By Lauren Henry

ing that Australian fathers are more involved than ever before, despite increasing pressures on their time. While the study focused on dads, rather than grandparents, it showed 60 per cent of parents say dads are more involved in play than previous generations; and 62 per cent of fathers play with their children several times a week. Dad often says he has more time now to be more active with the children in his life, but I also think he has softened in his old age. It is also a reflection on society – a sign of the shift in the sharing of primary care and the expectation of families. Speaking of good men, my husband takes on a lot more of the caring of our children and household duties than I ever saw my dad do when I was younger. He was very hands-on since the day our children were born, and we definitely take a 50-50 responsibility in parenting. It’s funny to think that many current-day dads are taking their cues from the cartoon show Bluey, where the dad Bandit is one of the all-time great models when it comes to play. He is always playing with his two daughters Bluey and Bingo, and to be honest, looks like he is having just as much fun. So, let’s all take a leaf out of Bandit’s book and be more active, present and enjoy the time we have with our children and grandchildren. Happy Father’s Day to all our readers who have, or still do, play such an important role in our lives – may we appreciate and celebrate them.

RAFFLE TIME: The Blue Ribbon Foundation Horsham branch’s major raffle is raising money for Wimmera Base Hospital, with tickets currently on sale at Woolworths Horsham. Pictured are, from left, Blue Ribbon Foundation members Sam Foster, Laura Russell, Dale Russell, John Barber, Woolworth staff member Brad Jarred and Blue Ribbon Foundation member Les Power.  Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Annual car show for a cause Wimmera Against Cancer in Kids, WACK, volunteers are hosting a car show at Horsham Plaza on Sunday to raise money to support Wimmera families dealing with childhood cancer. The sixth annual car show, coinciding with Father’s Day, will be from 9am to noon. Cars and motorbikes are welcome as well as trade stands. WACK volunteer Simon Clark said he was excited to run the car show featuring car and bike enthusiasts showing off their vehicles and talking with like-minded owners. Vehicle owners are welcome to set up their ve-

hicles in the plaza’s west carpark before 8.30am on Sunday and remove after noon. Vehicles can simply turn up on the day and pay a $10 donation. The public is invited to attend by gold-coin donation. Trade stands are also welcome by donation. No bookings are necessary. Rotary Club of Horsham will also operate a barbecue on the day. The show has raised more than $15,000 in the past five years. Enquires can be made to Mr Clark on 0429 941 241.

Flood mapping feedback sought West Wimmera Shire Council is seeking community feedback on proposed changes to flood-related planning controls in Harrow and Chetwynd. Draft Amendment C38wwim proposes updated flood mapping and planning controls to better reflect the risk of flooding in the two townships. Shire chief executive David Bezuidenhout said the proposed changes would provide clearer information about flood risk when decisions are made about future development. “Understanding where flooding can occur is an important part of planning for the future of our communities,” he said. “We encourage affected landowners and community members to look at the proposed mapping and have their say.” The proposed changes are based on flood investigations undertaken for Harrow and Chetwynd; the amendment also includes changes to the way existing flood information is shown in Dergholm and Connewirricoo. The changes are administrative and will not change the existing flood rules that apply to properties in the areas.

“Council understands changes to planning rules can raise questions for affected landowners,” Mr Bezuidenhout said. “We are providing information online and hosting information sessions so people can better understand what is proposed and ask questions.” Information sessions are planned for Chetwynd and Harrow tomorrow, September 3, run jointly by the council and Glenelg Hopkins Catchment Management Authority. The Chetwynd session is from 10.30am to 12.30pm at Chetwynd Hall, with the Harrow session from 2pm to 5pm at Harrow Hall. People are encouraged to review the proposed changes and make a written submission, explaining whether they support or oppose the proposed amendment, and outline any changes they would like to see. Submissions close at 5pm on September 28 and can be made online through the council’s website or by post to West Wimmera Shire Council, Planning, PO Box 201, Edenhope, 3318. More details are available atwestwimmera. vic.gov.au/Have-Your-Say/DraftAmendmentC38wwim-Flood-Studies.

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I agree wholeheartedly with the independent not-for-profit RE-Alliance, The Weekly Advertiser, August 26, 2026, that cancelling the VNI West by the Coalition tears up years of planning by farmers and local communities to diversify farm income. It loses work for regional contractors and there are fewer opportunities for local communities to negotiate lasting regional benefits. I agree that more than 200 wind turbines proposed by farmers around Kerang, Quambatook and Meering will be lost. I agree that farmers who choose to host wind and solar should not have that choice taken from them by a change in government. We don’t need more gas, which can take up to 10 years, adds to global warming and is more expensive than renewables. Wednesday, September 2, 2026

Some farmers are complaining about more poles and wires under the VNI West. What will they say when gas companies start sinking gas shafts on their properties? Furthermore, we don’t need nuclear, which is the most expensive option, would not be available until the mid 2040s, and doesn’t make enough power. Apart from the cost and security of storage of nuclear waste. These Coalition policies are a recipe for higher energy prices in the future. We need a strong grid which supports the transition to clean energy. I exhort farmers to get with the clean energy program. Do the naysayers seriously think in 20 years’ time farming equipment, heavy industry and most cars will still be powered by fossil fuels and not electrics? Robert Blakeley, Horsham

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Page 11

Women’s health in focus Funding for

active youth

‘D

o it anyway’ is the theme of this year’s Women’s Health Week, encouraging women to take small, realistic steps towards personal wellbeing and health priorities despite busy schedules.

Women’s Health Week, from September 7 to 11, is one of the nation’s largest events for women’s health, and with the expansion of East Grampians Health Service’s new Women’s Health Clinic, clinicians are now available to help women achieve their health goals. The EGHS Women’s Health Clinic, which also encompasses the Sexual and Reproductive Hub, is expanding and offering new services, operating from the EGHS Community Health Centre. “With a caring multidisciplinary team providing quality care all in the one place, the clinic enables women to access services and gain the advice they need to live a long and healthy life,” women’s health manager Tracey Walters said. “At the clinic, women can access specialised women’s health physiotherapists, GP obstetricians and a women’s health nurse to provide these services. “Women also have access to a dietician, social worker and a breast care nurse and in future we are aiming to have more specialists join the team and expand our services even more.” The women’s health physiotherapy team provides assessment, treatment and support for a wide range of pelvic health concerns across

MULTIDISCIPLINARY: East Grampians Health Service’s new Women’s Health Clinic is marking Women’s Health Week next week. Pictured, from left, are women’s health physiotherapist Caroline Hamilton, women’s health manager Tracey Walters, community services director Sarah Woodburn, and women’s health physiotherapist Ellen Harland. all stages of a woman’s life, particularly during times of hormonal shifts such as the childbearing years and menopause. The physiotherapists are experienced in managing bladder and bowel dysfunction, including incontinence, urinary urgency and chronic constipation, as well as pelvic organ prolapse symptoms. The team also supports women during pregnancy and after birth, providing pelvic floor screening and rehabilitation to promote recovery and a safe return to everyday activities and their chosen level of exercise. The clinicians also support women experiencing pelvic pain, including painful intercourse and symptoms associated with conditions such as endometriosis.

“Women’s Health Week will be celebrated by the staff at the clinic with the aim to get the word out to women of all ages that we are expanding our services for women in the Ararat region and beyond, and providing specialist services closer to home,” Ms Walters said. “The clinic is for all women and women assigned female at birth who are going/gone through puberty through to and during/after the menopause years. “No referral is required and we will assist you to work through your health needs in a supportive and confidential environment.” The Women’s Health Clinic provides services in: sexual health: STI testing and treatment; pelvic pain: comprehensive care for per-

sistent pelvic discomfort; menopause and perimenopause: support for navigating hormonal changes and the symptoms that affect daily life; menstrual issues: diagnosis and treatment of menstrual pain and heavy bleeding; continence: management of pelvic floor health and continence support; contraception: including the insertion of IUD and Implanon in the clinic; and pregnancy counselling. To book an appointment people do not need a referral, and the clinic offers most services at nocost or low-cost. Women who would like to attend for an appointment in a confidential and caring environment, can call 5352 9430 to book an appointment or email womenshealth@ eghs.net.au.

West Wimmera Shire Council has secured funding to improve active recreation opportunities for people aged less than 25 years across the municipality. The council received $200,000 from VicHealth’s Partners in Place program to deliver the Close to Home – Reimagining Rural Recreation in West Wimmera project. The project will begin with research, community engagement and early activation trials. The findings will help shape a long-term strategy to embed successful approaches into the council’s future planning and improve opportunities for young people to be active close to home. Existing community assets, including halls, ovals, courts and playgrounds, will be used to deliver activities closer to where young people live, recognising that long travel distances and limited transport options can be a prevention to participating in sport and recreation across rural communities. Council chief executive David Bezuidenhout said the project would help make recreation more accessible across the shire. “This is a genuinely different approach to rural sport and recreation,” he said. “Instead of asking young people to travel long distances to a central facility, we want to bring activity to where they already are, supported by local volunteers, coordinated professional staff and the voices of young people themselves.” Under the proposal, day-to-day co-ordination would be led by the Wimmera Regional Sports Assembly, working alongside a cross-council Close to Home Working Group and partners including By Five and the Future Regions Research Centre at Federation University. The initiative supports communities to address local priorities through partnerships, evidence and practical approaches that improve health and wellbeing.

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Festival finalist in state awards

arengi Gadjin Land Council Aboriginal Corporation, BGLC, is a finalist in the Tidy Towns and Cities sustainability awards for its Wotjobaluk Nations Festival and the ‘Our Place Our Story’ projection experience.

The festival showcased BGLC’s leadership in cultural revitalisation, storytelling and community celebration and acknowledged the 20-year celebration of Native Title recognition for the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagulk people and the extensive cultural program BGLC delivered on Country in December, 2025. The festival brought together thousands of community members, families, elders, cultural leaders and partners at Dimboola’s Horseshoe Bend with a day of cultural workshops, dance, ceremony, language, art, storytelling and evening light projections. ‘Our Place Our Story’, an

immersive, multi-site projection and light experience, was created in collaboration with Pink Lake Creative, Dalki Murrup Ceremonial Performance Group, The Dreaming Project, The Little Projector Company and Outlook Communications. The project illuminated the site with elders’ portraits, creation stories, dreaming patterns, possum skin cloak animations, interviews and artworks from Wotjobaluk Nations artists. BGLC was also recognised for ‘Our Place Our Story’ at the AITSIS Summit Awards earlier this year. The experience showcased the reclamation of Ebenezer Mission, celebrating the return of sacred land to traditional owners and the revival of cultural practice on Country. BGLC chief executive Chris Santagiuliana said the nomination reflected the strength and leadership of the Wotjobaluk Nations mob. “This recognition belongs to our elders, our families, our dancers, artists, storytellers and

cultural leaders,” he said. “The Wotjobaluk Nations Festival and ‘Our Place Our Story’ projection experience were created by community, for community, but they also showcased the living culture, resilience and pride of the Wotjobaluk Nations to everyone who attended. “Being named a finalist in the Indigenous Culture category acknowledges the importance of celebrating stories, protecting cultural landscapes and ensuring young people see themselves reflected in the strength of their ancestors.” The Tidy Towns and Cities – Sustainability Awards recognise, celebrate and share environmental achievements and strong community spirit among a range of applicants including community groups, education institutions, businesses and councils across Victoria. Winners will be announced later this month.

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Wheatland museum site gifted Ownership of Wheatlands Agricultural Museum’s site has been transferred from Yarriambiack Shire Council to Warracknabeal and District Historical Society. The transfer of 34 Henty Highway, Warracknabeal marks a years-long process and recognises the society’s longstanding stewardship of one of the region’s most significant heritage and tourism assets. Since assuming responsibility for the museum in 1981, which was established in the early 1970s, the society’s volunteers have managed, maintained and developed the site. The transfer of the 15.9 hectares of land was formally endorsed by the council following community consultation and has now been completed, with the titles transferred to the Historical Society on August 21. As part of the transfer, a Section 173 Agreement, in accordance with the Planning and Environment Act 1987, has been registered on the title of the three parcels to ensure the land continues to be used for its intended purpose as an agricultural museum and to protect the community’s long-term interests. Mayor Andrew McLean said the transfer was Wednesday, September 2, 2026

a well-deserved recognition of the society’s dedication and commitment over many decades. “This decision recognises the extraordinary contribution made by the Warracknabeal and District Historical Society and its volunteers, who have proudly cared for and developed the Wheatlands site for more than 40 years,” he said. “The museum is much more than a collection of agricultural machinery. “It is a significant part of our region’s story and a key tourism attraction that showcases the innovation, resilience and heritage of our farming communities. “Council’s decision to gift the land acknowledges the historical society’s longstanding custodianship of the site while providing certainty for its future management and development. “Importantly, safeguards have been put in place through the Section 173 Agreement to ensure the land continues to serve the community and remains dedicated to its historical and educational purpose. “We thank the many volunteers, past and present, whose passion and hard work have helped make Wheatlands the valued community asset it is today.”

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Works to begin at Willaura

illaura Health Care will mark a milestone in its history, with work set to commence on stage one of a redevelopment of its acute area.

East Grampians Health Service, EGHS, invited Willaura community members to visit the hospital and hear about the project from staff including chief executive Nick Bush, support services director Scott Wilson, Willaura Health Care manager Liz Atkinson and project clinical lead Leeanne Atkinson. The $3.425-million project includes five new acute-care beds, each incorporating a modern hospital room and private ensuite facilities. The redevelopment will also provide a dedicated quiet area for inpatients, aiming to create a more comfortable and welcoming environment for patients and their families. Mr Bush said the redevelopment marked a significant chapter in the 90year history of healthcare in Willaura following the opening of the Willaura Bush Nursing Hospital in 1935. Mr Wilson said the stage-one redevelopment was an investment in the future of local healthcare and would ensure Willaura continued to provide contemporary, high-quality facilities for patients, staff and the community. “As part of the stage-one redevelopment, the existing doctor’s clinic located beside the Willaura Hospital will need to be removed to make way for the new front entrance to the hospital,” he said. “The clinic holds an important place in the history of the Willaura community, having been donated by Nellie May Morton.

RECOGNITION: Shirley and John Walter, from Willaura Historical Society, receive plaques from the doctor’s clinic, Nellie May Morton House, from Willaura Health Care manager Liz Atkinson.

“While the building will no longer remain on the Willaura Healthcare site, every effort will be made to ensure it is given a new purpose. “A specialist removals company will relocate the building from the site, with members of the community having the opportunity to contact the company and explore the possibility of purchasing the building for future use.” Mr Wilson said any money EGHS received from the removal and sale of the building would be reinvested into capital works at the site. He said the doctor’s clinic would relocate to the community health building, with a dedicated waiting room and doctors’ consulting rooms. “This relocation will allow the existing clinic site to be cleared for the new front entrance to the redeveloped hospital, while ensuring patients con-

tinue to have access to local medical services,” he said. EGHS engaged POP Architecture to design the new building and surrounding areas, with a directive of creating a warm, welcoming and comfortable environment for patients, visitors and staff. A tender process for the stage-one redevelopment is now closed and EGHS will evaluate submitted tenders, appoint a builder and establish detailed construction timeframes. Mr Wilson said he anticipated construction would commence in late October or early November, subject to the completion of the tender evaluation. He said stages two and three of the redevelopment were currently pending funding. Stage two includes improvements to aged-care centre Parkland House,

with EGHS hoping to secure money from the Federal Government to fund works. Plans include the development of two additional resident rooms, each with a private ensuite, along with a reconfigured common room area. Stage three will focus on the development of a three-bed sub-acute area, providing additional capacity for patients requiring sub-acute care, as well as providing a dedicated living and lounge space. “Together, these future stages will build on the stage-one acute redevelopment and continue the long-term transformation of Willaura Health Care, providing contemporary facilities across acute, sub-acute and aged care services while maintaining the strong connection to the local community,” Mr Wilson said.

Truck stop accessibility Upgrades to the Nhill trailer exchange facilities on the Western Highway are now complete, with the State Government claiming the works will make trips towards Adelaide safer and more comfortable for truck drivers. The upgrades included two new accessible female toilets in addition to existing male and unisex facilities. Minister for Ports and Freight Melissa Horne said the Nhill trailer exchange accommodates more than 1500 trucks daily, with the Western Highway serving as the primary interstate route between Melbourne and Adelaide. The trailer exchange was established to allow truck drivers to efficiently exchange trailers and return to their home city, and Ms Horne said the facility played an important role in freight logistics across southern Australia. She said expanding the existing facilities with dedicated female toilets would support safer and more comfortable journeys for female drivers, who make up about 16 per cent of the road-freight industry workforce in Victoria. “Accessible facilities throughout the state are essential to creating an inclusive and comfortable environment for all of our truck drivers in Victoria or passing through Victoria,” she said. The $530,000 project was jointly funded by the state and federal governments through a Heavy Vehicle Rest Area initiative. The program is part of a 2030 Road Safety Strategy, which aims to halve road deaths by 2030.

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Wednesday, September 2, 2026

Kaniva crossing safety on radar

he Department of Transport and Planning has confirmed it is investigating Kaniva community’s concerns for pedestrian safety on the Western Highway.

West Wimmera Shire Council has welcomed the investigation, which will determine what interim measures might be appropriate while more permanent repairs are considered. Mayor Tim Meyer said council appreciated the department response but said the community needed to see progress on the ground. “Council and the Western Highway Action Committee have been raising these concerns because we want to see something done,” he said. “Rutting and uneven surface across the highway are making it difficult for pedestrians to safely cross between the businesses and footpaths in the centre of Kaniva. “We have had concerns raised about people tripping as they cross the road, and this is exactly the sort of issue that needs a practical response. “We welcome the fact the department is investigating the site and looking at possible interim measures, but the community has been very clear that it wants to see action.” Cr Meyer said council would continue to advocate for the necessary works to be prioritised. “We understand the department has a significant road network to manage, but that doesn’t lessen the importance of addressing a known safety concern in Kaniva,” he said. “We will continue to follow this up with the

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“We welcome the fact the department is investigating the site and looking at possible interim measures, but the community has been very clear that it wants to see action.” – West Wimmera Mayor Tim Meyer department and push for a practical solution and a clear timeframe for the works.” The department has advised its crews monitor and inspect the Western Highway weekly in accordance with its road management plan, with routine maintenance activities planned and prioritised to support the safety of all road-users. The department will investigate the Kaniva site and has also advised experts are finalising the 2026-27 planned maintenance program and the Western Highway at Kaniva would be considered as part of that program. Cr Meyer said while the investigation and consideration of interim measures were welcomed, council would continue to press the department for action rather than simply an acknowledgement of the problem. The council encourages community members to continue reporting urgent road issues that pose an immediate safety risk through the Department of Transport and Planning’s hotline on 13 11 70, and non-urgent matters through the department’s online reporting system.

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FLAMING GOOD TIME: Damon Henricksen, of Flame Brothers Smokehouse, Kate Kirkpatrick from Grampians Events and Adrian Manikas, of Absolute Outdoors, prepare for the inaugural Grampians Barbecue Festival.

Barbecue festival heats up The smell of smoke, sound of live blues and pull of a slow-cooked barbecue will take over Halls Gap this Father’s Day weekend, as the inaugural Grampians Barbecue Festival makes its debut from Friday to Sunday. Designed as a new regional tradition for dads, families and friends, the three-day event will bring together leading pitmasters, live fire cooking, regional food and drink, live blues and roots music, family entertainment and immersive barbecue experiences, set against the backdrop of the Grampians National Park. The three creators of the event, Adrian Manikas of Absolute Outdoors, Damon Henricksen of Flame Brothers Smokehouse and Kate Kirkpatrick from Grampians Events, are aiming to celebrate the region while encouraging visitors to explore more of the area. The festival will also host the Black Opal Wagyu Pitmaster Challenge, with an Australian Barbecue Alliance-sanctioned competition featuring more than 10 teams battling it out across brisket, pork, lamb and ribs for a $10,000 prize pool. The Steak Cookoff Association will host its own competition, with teams competing across same day double steak and dessert categories for Wednesday, September 2, 2026

$3000 in prizemoney. Grampians resident Tom Ballinger, of Coal Catering, will also feature throughout the weekend, hosting live-fire cooking demonstrations and hands-on sessions. There will also be food vendors, artisan stalls and barbecue-inspired dishes, along with craft beer, regional wine and small-batch spirits from some of the Grampians’ and western Victoria’s best producers. Live blues and roots music will feature throughout the weekend including Smoke Stack Rhino, Mitch King, Bill Barber and The Holding Cell, Mike Elrington, Matt Katsis, Grim Fawkner, Anna Scionti, Sunday Lemonade, The Mojo Corner and more. Family-friendly entertainment including barbecues and Father’s Day-themed craft activities, mini golf, a golf simulator, make-your-own s’mores, plus a dad joke competition and beard and moustache competition. Organisers encourage the region’s residents to make the most of the festival and use it as a Father’s Day celebration. For tickets and program information people can visit www.grampiansbbqfestival.com.au. www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

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Wednesday, September 2, 2026

Call to inform disability plan

rarat Rural City residents will help shape a new council disability action plan, with consultation on the plan now open to everyone in the region.

The plan will guide how the council improves accessibility and inclusion across its services, facilities, programs and workplaces, aiming to remove barriers for people with disabilities. The council will host a series of community consultation workshops from August 24 to September 14 at localities across the municipality, with additional phone and online appointments also available during the consultation period. Mayor Bob Sanders encouraged people with lived experience of disability, as well as carers, families, support networks and community members to share their feedback and help inform the plan. A working group comprising council representatives, community members with lived experience and organisations with expertise in inclusive practice has already provided input on the plan. Cr Sanders said the consultation process was an opportunity for the wider community to help shape a plan that reflected local needs, priorities and experiences, and was about listening carefully to the people who best understood barriers to participation in the community. “Getting this plan right has started with listening to people who live with disability every day, and to the people around them who help navigate those experiences,” he said. “This next stage is about broadening that

conversation, hearing from more people across the municipality, and making sure the final plan is practical, honest and useful.” “We want this to be a plan that leads to real improvements in how people access council services, move through our public spaces, take part in community life, and consider council as a workplace. “If we do that well, it will be a plan the community can have confidence in for the long term.” Council community workshops during the consultation period will be in Ararat, Elmhurst, Willaura, Moyston, Pomonal, Streatham, Lake Bolac and Wickliffe. Some sessions will be tailored to particular groups, including children and carers, young people, people with physical disabilities, people with non-physical disabilities, carers, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, older residents, support-sector workers, women and girls, men and boys, and non-carer friends and family members. Anyone is welcome to attend a session, with registrations encouraged so the council can arrange appropriate accessibility supports. People can also complete an online survey, with a Word document version of the survey for people preferring to provide written feedback. Submissions close on Friday, September 18 at 5pm, with feedback able to be provided through Engage Ararat at engage.ararat. vic.gov.au/disability-action-plan, by email, by post, or in person using available survey options and consultation sessions. All session dates and times are also available on the Engage Ararat website.

UNITED: Wimmera Base Hospital Ladies Auxiliary executive members from left, Gay Baker, Gail Cramer, Robyn Phillips, Anne Stevens, Dianne Lewis, Annie Potter, Elaine Morrison and Maureen Lewis at the annual general meeting.

New leaders for hospital auxiliary Wimmera Base Hospital Ladies Auxiliary welcomed two new leaders to its executive during its annual general meeting last month. Committee members Gail Cramer and Maureen Lewis are the new president and senior vice-president, while former president Anne Stevens has accepted a junior vice-president role after resigning from the top position. Gay Baker and Robyn Phillips will serve further terms as honorary secretary and treasurer. Annie Potter is honorary assistant secretary and former

treasurer Elaine Morrison will assist Ms Phillips. Dianne Lewis will continue in her long-term role as the manager of the group’s opportunity shop, which, with its 25 volunteers, raised $110,000 in the past financial year. Donations to Grampians Health in the financial year included a telehealth unit and a ventilator for the intensive care unit, a sagittal saw for the operating theatre, probes and washers for the midwifery team, clothing for emergency patients and a ventilator and ring cutter and eye-dust remover for

the emergency department. Grampians Health Horsham volunteers co-ordinator Kellie McMaster thanked the auxiliary members for their work and congratulated them on the success of the opportunity shop. The auxiliary also donated to the Christian Emergency Food Centre, Royal Flying Doctor Service and Wimmera Health Care Group Foundation. The auxiliary is in its 102nd year of supporting the hospital and is looking for more volunteers to join the committee or help out at the opportunity shop.

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Page 17

Fined for cruelty A

Wimmera sheep farmer has been fined $15,000 without conviction at Horsham Magistrate’s Court in relation to four animal cruelty charges.

Adrian Schwarz, of Wallup, was also ordered to pay $301.53 in costs after he was prosecuted in relation to 11 individual sheep and a flock of 691 sheep. Investigations at Mr Schwarz’s property commenced in March 2024 following an animal welfare complaint where officers found sheep in long wool, in a bare paddock with no supplementary feed. Officers witnessed sheep with visible dags, stained wool and suffering from flystrike without treatment during visits. The officers also conducted body condition scores, hay

quality tests and worm burden tests which confirmed mistreatment. Mr Schwarz was issued with notices to comply under the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Act 1986 and provided with information to help him find a shearer. Mr Schwarz’s charges included aggravated cruelty of three sheep resulting in serious disablement or death; failing to provide appropriate treatment for four sheep suffering from flystrike and infection; and failing to provide proper and sufficient food to four individual sheep and to a mob of about 691 sheep. In imposing the fine, Magistrate Timothy Hoare said farmers could often foresee conditions and needed to ‘deal with poor conditions when they come around and destock if necessary’.

INVITE: Inventi Ensemble will present 1001 Nights at Ararat Gallery TAMA this month.

Bringing music to Ararat

Council addresses data-centre Horsham Rural City Council says it is not aware of any active planning permit applications for a data-centre in Horsham and has not had any discussions with the State Government or any proponents regarding such developments in the municipality. Council can confirm a planning permit relating to a previous proposal was issued several years ago, but that de-

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velopment did not proceed and the permit has since expired. Mayor Brian Klowss said the council understood community interest in the issue and wanted to clarify the current situation. He said council acknowledged community interest in the potential impacts of large-scale developments and had consistently advised the government that meaningful

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community engagement was essential for any significant proposed projects. “Council’s position is that communities should be appropriately informed and engaged whenever major developments are being considered,” he said. “Open and transparent communication is critical to maintaining community confidence in planning processes.”

Inventi Ensemble will visit Ararat Gallery TAMA for an instalment of Ararat Rural City Council’s Music in the Gallery series. Inventi Ensemble will present 1001 Nights, a one-hour performance inspired by an ancient collection of Middle Eastern folk tales also known as One Thousand and One Nights, weaving together stories of adventure, romance, humour, courage, faraway places and mythical creatures. The program draws on the imagination and storytelling tradition of the tales, bringing together music that evokes shifting moods and worlds. The afternoon concert will be in the gallery, offering audiences an opportunity to experience live classical music surrounded by the gallery’s collection and exhibitions. Council chief executive Tim Harrison said the council’s public venues played an important role in expanding the range of experiences available to local residents. “Our public venues are committed to bringing new experiences to our residents, whether

that is live music, theatre, visual arts, learning opportunities, or community events,” he said. “Music in the Gallery offers something distinct. It brings high-quality performance into a relaxed and accessible setting, while also giving people another reason to spend time in one of our important cultural spaces. “Inventi Ensemble has developed a thoughtful program that will appeal to regular classical music audiences and people who are simply looking to enjoy something different on a Sunday afternoon.” Inventi Ensemble is led by artistic directors Ben Opie and Melissa Doecke. The Music in the Gallery performance will be at Ararat Gallery TAMA on Sunday, September 20, with a pop-up bar in the gallery foyer open from 3.30pm and the house open at 3.45pm, while the performance will be from 4pm to 5pm with no interval. Tickets are $79 full price and $66 concession. People can book tickets and find further information at www.araratgallerytama.com. au/event/music-in-the-gallery-inventi.

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Agriculture Victoria compliance manager Daniel Bode said livestock owners have a moral and legal responsibility to care for animals under their control. “Victorians have a reasonable expectation that livestock will be cared for by those in charge of them,” he said. “Sheep require specific treatment to remain healthy and to protect them from pain, injury and disease. “Shearing your sheep is critical to reduce the risk of dags forming, which can build up and accelerate the rate of flystrike.” Anyone wishing to make a specific complaint in regard to livestock welfare can contact Agriculture Victoria on 136 186 or email aw.complaint@ agriculture.vic.gov.au.

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A roadmap for the decade ahead Horsham resident Arun Thomas, a registered nurse leader and board director, shares his insights on how Australia’s first National Nursing Workforce Strategy aims to address nursing retention, training pipelines, and workforce pressures across regional communities.

hen Health Minister Mark Butler unveiled Australia’s first National Nursing Workforce Strategy in Melbourne, I was sitting among more than a thousand delegates at the Australian College of Nursing National Nursing Forum.

Having a single national framework after decades of fragmented state policies felt like a long-overdue milestone. But as I listened to the discussions across those two days, one reality kept coming back to me: the hardest part of any strategy isn’t writing the policy; it is ensuring it actually creates a sustainable workforce and genuine clinical capacity on the ground. It is a unified blueprint shaped by the collective wisdom of nearly 6000 stakeholders, including clinicians, academics, peak bodies, and sector leaders. It is a landmark achievement, signalling a long-overdue transition from eight fragmented state-based planning models to a single, shared national compass. Structured around four essential pillars – workforce planning and education, elevating the profession, innovation, and long-term sustainability – it gives our healthcare system a clear roadmap for the decade ahead.

For generations, nursing has been expected to adapt to health systems designed by others. To me, this national framework marks a fundamental pivot from adaptation to architecture. We are no longer merely reacting to system pressures; we finally have the structural backing to work to our full scope and actively lead workforce reform. Yet behind the optimistic announcements sits a stark demographic reality. Baseline government modelling projects a national deficit of nearly 79,000 nurses by 2035. Even more alarming is the rapid loss of our newest talent: data published by the Australian College of Nursing reveals that between 20 and 30 per cent of early-career nurses leave the profession altogether within their first five years, a rate two to three times higher than mid-career clinicians. It isn’t just about hiring more nurses; it’s about how we support them once they start. We educate bright, ambitious professionals, then drop them into environments with heavy paperwork, limited clinical supervision, and unclear career pathways that wear them down before their careers even take off. If we are serious about addressing this shortfall, one of our most potent levers is expanding nurse-led models of care. In primary healthcare and chronic disease management, nurse-led clinics have proved time and again that when registered nurses are trusted to practice to the full extent of their scope, patient outcomes improve, hospital admissions drop, and career satis-

Arun Thomas

faction rises. The structural friction is something I see felt most acutely outside our capital cities. In regional, rural and remote Australia, nurses are not just part of the healthcare team; they are often the entire health safety net for local families. Yet regional health services consistently bear the brunt of workforce isolation and fragmented funding. While the new workforce strategy rightly promises place-based training and rural transition pathways, national intent must match local reality. A strategy succeeds in regional communities only if it delivers sustainable local staffing models, robust clinical supervision, and targeted government

funding where geographical isolation is most acute. The true test of this workforce strategy will not unfold in Canberra. It will happen across state health departments, local health districts, primary health networks, and the executive leadership of our public hospitals, aged-care facilities, and community health providers. Translating a national workforce strategy into sustainable care capacity requires our health leaders to ask hard, reflective questions. What is one outmoded rule or administrative barrier we can stop doing today to give this strategy room to work?

Are our digital tools giving precious time back to care delivery, or just adding administrative friction that keeps clinicians tied to screens? Are our capital investments being evaluated by actual clinical hours returned to person centred care? Nurses are the ultimate force multiplier of Australian healthcare, but even the strongest multiplier breaks under unmanaged weight. Five years from now, the success of this strategy comes down to retention and working conditions, not the announcement in Melbourne. The real test is whether those four pillars deliver true workforce sustainability across every care sector. It means education and training pathways that genuinely protect and mentor our new graduates through their toughest first years, rather than leaving them to sink or swim. It means elevating the profession by giving registered nurses the authority, trust, and career structures to lead care at their full scope of practice. It means deploying digital innovation that strips away administrative clutter and returns hours to person-centred care. And above all, it means creating long-term sustainability where regional services are equitably funded and clinicians are supported to stay and excel. If we get this right, we won’t just fill a workforce deficit. We will reinforce and strengthen pride, safety, and longevity to Australian nursing, ensuring clinicians in every sector can deliver high-quality care while building sustainable, longterm careers.

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NEW SYSTEM: Edenhope campus engineering department acting leading hand Chad Eastwood shows the control panel of the swipe security system.

A swipe for staff safety A new control-swipe system at Grampians Health’s Edenhope campus will help keep nurses and acute ward team members feeling safe and secure. Grampians Health purchased the $12,000 system with money raised by the Edenhope campus’ Murray to Moyne cycle relay team. The nurses’ station features a new enclosed room with shatter-proof windows and swipe-access doors. Grampians Health occupational health and safety advisor Peter Hutchinson identified a need for improved security during a visit to the Edenhope campus. He said while the hospital was secured in the evenings and at night, anyone could walk through the building and access the nurses’ station during the day. Edenhope campus engineering department acting leading hand Chad Eastwood, who was also the Murray to Moyne team captain, said Armour Wednesday, September 2, 2026

Lock and Alarm supplied and installed the swipe security system. “The Murray to Moyne team provided the funding for the swipe system while the money for the shatter proof doors and windows, which were provided and installed by Horsham Doors and Glass, came from Grampians Health,” Mr Eastwood said. Grampians Health director of engagement and acting chief people officer Tamara Reynolds said the new secured station was a wonderful outcome. “This project began with one of our Horsham team members wanting to support the safety, health and wellbeing of our people and grew to completion through collaborative engagement with Edenhope’s community fundraisers,” she said. “Grampians Health will continue to ensure money raised in the Edenhope community will be spent on Edenhope campus projects.”

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Wednesday, September 2, 2025

Building on life lessons

rampians Health’s new palliative care manager is carrying a valuable life lesson into her role.

Larna Woodyatt has worked in the critical care areas of intensive care and organ donation for the past two decades. Early in her career, Ms Woodyatt remembers working with an emergency department physician who told her ‘you only get one chance to give someone a good death’. The profound guidance has been a lingering constant throughout Ms Woodyatt’s career and remains just as significant today. While intensive care nursing was the forefront of Ms Woodyatt’s career, she has spent the past 10 years working as an organ donor co-ordinator for Grampians Health and DonateLife Victoria, supporting organ donors and their families through some of the most difficult and emotional moments of their lives. Ms Woodyatt said her previous role had provided important preparation for working with the palliative care team. “While I have been a specialist in end-of-life care through my role as an organ donation specialist, I have never worked specifically in palliative care,” she said. “Being a manager is more about supporting the people who provide the clinical care and understanding the operational and strategic side of things. “I feel it can be helpful as a manager, not being a specialist or expert in the area, as I don’t already have pre-conceived ideas or opinions of

Wednesday, September 2, 2026

NEW MANAGER: Grampians Health new palliative care manager Larna Woodyatt, centre, with Wimmera Hospice Care Auxiliary members Maureen Webb, left, and Lesley Lane. what palliative care is and isn’t. I can ask lots of curious questions seeking to understand and learn from the team. What I do know is that it is such a privilege to be part of the end of someone’s life.” Ms Woodyatt said she believed palliative care was a nursing speciality that particularly attracted a special type of person who could consistently be part of providing end-of-life care. “That’s what attracted me to this role, getting to play a part in supporting the people who care for those who are at end-of-life,” she said. “For the nurses who do this work every day, while it can be burdensome sometimes to carry the load, it absolutely is a privilege and palliative care nurses are the epitome of that.”

Ms Woodyatt said the message from the ED physician that continued to resonate for her was that health professionals were not able to repeat the process if it did not go well. “As health care professionals I hope every staff member does all they can to make sure that when the time comes, patients can die well and in the way they would have liked,” she said. Grampians Health provides three streams of palliative care services that Ms Woodyatt oversees. Gandarra Palliative Care Unit is an 11-bed palliative care in-patient service in Ballarat; Grampians Palliative Care Consultancy, also based in Ballarat; and Grampians Palliative Care Community in Horsham. The teams care for and support

patients and families through the entire Grampians region. Ms Woodyatt, who has also worked in governance and risk management, has a team of about 16 under her supervision across the three teams. She said she was enjoying the challenge of working in a different space, with different people. “I am a clinician at heart and still very patient-focused and I want to understand the patient journey and what that means for the staff as well,” she said. “I hope that makes me an approachable and relatable manager. “I’ve loved meeting a whole range of different people while I’ve been navigating and learning about completely different areas of the organisation.”

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Grants support Ararat Rural City has announced the latest recipients of its community grants program. Council awarded 10 projects with grants totalling $31,218.90 in the latest round. Recipients include Ararat Golden Gateway Festival; Ararat Motorcycle Club’s Scramble Track Upgrade; a new digital target scoring system for Ararat Rifle Club; improved fencing for Ararat Show Society; a new quilting sewing machine for Ararat Women’s Shed; Buangor Events Committee for the upcoming Buangor Motor Show; Elmhurst Bush Market; Friends of Gum San Inc to improve visitor safety; Grampians Gariwerd Rural Australians for Refugees for new catering equipment; and Lake Bolac and District Little Athletics Centre’s Elite Coaching Clinic. The program delivers financial support for projects that strengthen community connections. Community groups are encouraged to apply for grants of up to $5000 on a two-for-one basis, available in four categories: sports and recreation/health and wellbeing; culture and arts; environment and sustainability; and events. Ararat Mayor Bob Sanders said the program proudly championed community-led endeavours, providing financial support to amplify engagement across sports and recreation, cultural events, arts accessibility, and sustainability initiatives. “Investing in these 10 projects directly reflects our commitment to building a stronger, more connected community,” he said. “From upgraded sporting technology and essential facility repairs to major cultural festivals, these grants put funding right where it makes the biggest difference, and into the hands of our passionate community groups.” Applications for the community grants program open four times each year and are advertised across all council media channels and directly to local organisations. For further information or inquiries regarding the program, people can contact Candice O’Brien on 5355 0239.

Page 21

PUZZLEs

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

2 9

8 9 1

3 5 6 5 2 5 4 9 3 6 7

Quick Crossword 704 201003

Quick Workout

Fit the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 4 5 and 6 into the hexagons so 5 that where the hexagons 6 touch, the numbers will be the same. Note 1 to Editor: 3 No number is repeated in Created in QUARK any hexagon. XPRESS. VER.4.03 Items 6 not3needed for publication can be erased as each 2 is in a separate text 1 box. 2

8 4

No. 8492

Crossword 1

13 17

25 27

Fit the numbers 11 121-6 once into every hexagon so 14 15 16 that where the hexagons 20 touch, the numbers are21the same.23No24number is in any single repeated 26 hexagon.

1 4

Distributed by Knight Features 51

29 Protuberance 31 Ova 154 46 214 2 32 Smoothly polite 36Solutions Added clause 251135 513 38Puzzles Stagger and pagination The Features People supplied by Auspac Media 39 Luxury 364 432264 PO Box 8271 41 Mature Bundall Qld 42 Elevate 6 5 Australia 4217 1 43 Facial features Telephone: (07) 5553 3200 46 Thrusts in fencToll Free: 1 800 652 284 Barbara Midgley ing Fax: (07) 5553 3201 48 Enigma Email: 50 Stirred violently auspac@auspacmedia.com.au 51 Sheeplike Visit our site: 52 Showing www.auspacmedia.com.au

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image

19 Library user 24 Golf club Yesterday’s Solution C C E N D O R S E M E N T I S L A M A A N X R R U B A T O N T P E C O M P E T E D R A G O O N U P R O S E N S D S A S H N R U G G E D C A V E R S E L A D E N R V A S E A B E T B R I P E N A L L U D E U D E N I E R T S E T S R G S C A T S Q T A B A S H E D L E T T U C E B S I A F I R E I A I U N T B R A P I D D E S I G N A T I O N S Y

Yesterday’s Solution

2 421 162 623 365 563

2 9 7 6 5 8 3 1 4

What is this? Find out by joining 6 the4dots.

5 1 3 7 4 9 2 6 8

Join the Dots 1 3 5 5 2 3 3 5 4

8 6 4 3 2 1 9 7 5

Focus No. 4032

4 2 9 5 8 7 6 3 1

1 2 1 3 1 6 3 4 416 6 54

Reference: Macquarie Concise Dictionary

16 25 Library users on Called 18 26 Not More legally binding than one 19 Required 28 Site of the Taj 24 Lairs Mahal 25 Encourages Ridiculing 26 30 Tantalised 28 33 Repose Normal 30 34 LaidWas waste there 33 Divers 35 Allure 34 Ova Noble 35 37 Anxious Irish republic 37 40 Church recess 40 42 Be adjacent Limb to 42 44 Border Let in 44 Top room 45 Put apart 45 Groom the feathers 47 47 FruitOpenings Worshipped 49 49 Camera part

5 Pouring edge

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3 8 1 2 6 4 5 9 7

Spot the 5 Differences

6 7 5 1 9 3 8 4 2

Excellent: 35 words

42 Period of time esteem 43 Coarse file 46 Scatter Down 48 Northern Ireland Thong 501Make lean by wasting 2away Put away 513Clamour Prayer ending 524Gives up Ordained

7 4 2 8 3 6 1 5 9

TODAY’S Good: 11 words FOCUS Very good: 19 words

ACROSS Across 3 Worked together 39 Flood Increase speed 9 Tribal 10 Mature symbol 10Find Noout score 11 14 11Worshipped Wild prank 17 team 14Cricket Downright 20 Solitary 17Dutch Maker of earth21 cheese enware rock 22 Metal-bearing 20Make Jetty 23 suitable 25 21Numeral Examine 26 22Barter United 27 Worn away 23 Scorch 29 Finishes 25Lyric Passport 31 poems endorsement 32 Opposed 36 26Place Man's name 38 27Droops Detected and 39 Egg-shaped exposed (coll) 41 Work unit

9 3 8 4 1 5 7 2 6

1 5 6 9 7 2 4 8 3

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RU B C O O P E R A T E D S P A T E A G E I E U T D I S C O V E R S A D O R E D K E L E V E N L O N E E E D A M O R E U A D A P T L F I V E T R A D E S E R O D E D E E N D S O D E S E A V E R S E W S T E A D S A G S S O V A T E P E R G H O U R B R A S P D I S P E L R U L S T E R O E M A C I A T E T E U A T E N O I S E S U R R E N D E R S C N

* Each word must contain the centre ‘Focus’ letter and each letter may be used only once * Each word must be four letters or more * Find at least one nine letter word * No swear words * No verb forms or plurals ending in ‘s’ * No proper nouns and no hyphenated words

SPOT THE 5 DIFFERENCES: Extra nub on branch, left eye’s reflection reversed, hand missing, extra bump on back, leg missing,

Word Game

YESTERDAY’S LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION SOLUTION

FOCUS: ABSTINENT anise anti bait basin batiste bias bite bitten inane innate insane inset instant intent nine nite saint satin sienna sine site snib snit stain stannite stein stint taint tennis tine tinea tint tisane titan

Focus FOCUS An All Australian

Barbara Midgley

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135 523 354 6 24 421 162 465 15 2 21 3 321 6 3 4 416 6 54 SOLUTION

2 3

48 46 43

3 4

3 5

Distributed by Knight Features

2 1 4

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.

704

41 6

37 32

1 50

201003

33 29

27 22 17

15 11

Wednesday, September 2, 2026 10

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Page 22

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orn on this day in 1964, was which Canadian actor who B played a time-traveller, a Los Angeles police officer, a computer hacker, and ex-hitman?

2. What is the main currency of France? 3.

hich artist participated in the Eurovision Song Contest W with ‘Power to All Our Friends’ in 1973 – Cliff Richard, Engelbert Humperdinck or Rod Stewart?

4. Which Mongol Chinese empire was established by Kublai Khan in 1271 and lasted until 1368?

10 years ago: August 31, 2016

The town of Brim was set to host a Rock Out for RARE concert featuring Adam Brand and The Outlaws. The event was to celebrate rural communities and provide a launching pad for Yarriambiack Shire’s $300,000-silo art trail inspired by Guido Van Helten’s original mural at Brim. Funding for the Rural and Remote Engagement, RARE, program meant 3000 Wimmera and southern-Mallee people could attend the event free of charge. Support acts included The Lazy Farmer’s Sons, The Stumps and All We Need. Five years ago: September 1, 2021

Northern Grampians Shire Council completed a formal process to name a Maud Street dam site in Stawell to Norman Castle Reserve. Norman Castle was a revered and respected community leader and former Stawell doctor. He spent more than 50 years practicing medicine and was a trustee of Stawell Hospital Foundation for 30 years, as well as a board member. His wife, Noelene, said the family was extremely proud, and that the park had a view of the hospital. One year ago: September 3, 2025

The largest hotel in the Grampians region was set to be built at Stawell – a $16-million, 77-room, four-star hotel on Horsham Road, which would boost tourism, jobs and the economy. It was estimated the hotel would inject $150-million economic value locally across the following decade.

ho wrote and sang the lyrics, ‘If I should stay, I would W only be in your way’?

T he character Annie Wilkes appears in which Stephen King novel?

W hat does the car-related acronym HEV stand for?

Which Australian swimmer is the most decorated Olym-

C avendish, Grand Nain and Lady Fingers are what type of fruit?

10. W ho created the character Flash Gordon? 11. W hat effect is described as the tendency of any medi-

cation or treatment, even an ineffective one, to exhibit results simply because the recipient believes it will work?

12. T wo women sharing a name, who was William Shakespeare’s wife and an American actress?

13. D ying on this day in 2005, was which American actor

known for ‘Gilligan’s Island’ and ‘The Many Loves of Dobie Gillis’?

FIVE-DAY forecast Thursday

16°

Shower or two.

Friday

17°

Showers Increasing.

Saturday

16°

Showers.

pian of all time?

Answers: 1. Keanu Reeves, in Bill and Ted’s Excellent Adventure, Speed, The Matrix and in the John Wick franchise. 2. Euro. 3. Cliff Richard. 4. Yuan dynasty. 5. Dolly Parton. 6. Misery. 7. Hybrid electric vehicle. 8. Emma McKeon, winning 14 career medals. 9. Banana. 10. Alex Raymond. 11. Placebo effect. 12. Anne Hathaway. 13. Bob Denver.

From The Weekly Advertiser archives: August 31, 2006 – Ararat 800 Primary School celebrated literacy and numeracy week and invited students to dress up as their favourite book character. Among the costumed characters were Harry Curran, Larna McDonnell and Connor Sheffield, front, with teacher Claire Sullivan.

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Sales • Service • Installation

www.wadesgp.com.au

Meet Your Cleaner: Aaron Jennings of Klean Azz If you’ve ever admired a spotless carpet or sparkling window in the Wimmera, you’ve likely encountered Aaron Jennings, the mastermind behind Klean Azz. With over 18 years of experience, he and his full-time employee, Heath Kinnersly, are committed to keeping your spaces immaculate. Klean Azz is the professional choice for carpet cleaning, leaving your carpets feeling and smelling revitalised. The best part? You can walk on them dry within just one hour! Aaron’s team also offers upholstery cleaning, window cleaning, and lounge suite cleaning. Wondering how to make your home shine just in time for Christmas? Book your cleaning today to get your carpets and fabric upholstery ready for the festive season! With Aaron’s hands-on approach and strong work ethic, you can trust that your home is in great hands. When he’s not busy making your home sparkle, you might find Aaron enjoying the great outdoors with his two whippets, Selsy and Scarlo, watching his favourite AFL Team; Geelong, or teeing up a hit on the golf course.

Carpet, Upholstery, Window, Tile & Grout Cleaning

Book in with the professionals – just don’t call him Monday if the Cats lose!

Call Aaron Jennings 0488 110 715

B D CONCRETING & BUILDING

Across town or interstate

SERVICES

Sheds Silos Weighbridges Entertaining Areas Footpaths Garden Edging Exposed Agg

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

DB-L37993

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

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

CALL BEAU DICKERSON: 0419 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

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

Free measure & quote! Call David - 0437 985 319

Taking New Clients

DB-U 39486

COMMERCIAL & DOMESTIC REGISTERED BUILDER

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

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

Got termites? Call SOlver.

Residential, Rural & Commercial 31 O’Callaghans Parade, Horsham Ph: 5381 1131

Contact Nathan on 0494 738 306

Hopper Electrics

S IN BUS I N E S

> Roof Cleaning > Gutter Cleaning > General Roof Repairs

That’s Steve Olver, The Termite Man

PTY w LTD

HORSHAM ELECTRICIAN

REC. 38099

Call Steve: 53 822 993

Email: admin@termitesolver.com.au

www.termitesolver.com.au

BEAUFORT NEWS & TATTS

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

REC. 11963

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

OPEN HOURS

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

Celebrating 80 years!

PH: (03) 5382 3238

Wednesday, September 2, 2026

Renovations - Bathrooms

LIC: 41089

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

new home BuildS

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

hopperelectrics.com.au

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

Page 29

TRADE

LOCAL

Proudly sponsored by

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

DIRECTORY

Since 1985

HORSHAM (03) 5381 0622

– Local, regional, Wimmera & Interstate

• Packing supplies

Ph. 0476 125 232

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

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

þ 2m, 3m, 4m, 5m, 6m, 8m & 9m bins available

BUILDING RELOCATION RESTUMPING

HOUSE RELOCATION SPECIALISTS

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

Restorations, rebedding & pointing, reroofs, extensions, repairs, painting for tile/tin & pressure cleaning

C�� M�� 0419 836 106

Over 15 years in the roofing trade

tvconnections1@bigpond.com Like us on Facebook d

Advertise your business here!

licence no. CDB-U 75417

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.

Contact The Weekly Advertiser

Phone: 5382 1351 No obligation quote

Travel charges apply outside of Horsham

5379 3827

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

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

• INTERIOR • DUSTLESS SANDING • ACRYLIC TEXTURE COATING • EXTERIOR

0427 970 345

> 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

GALLAGHERS V&S SERVICES Supplying wood burning heater & stove parts

ARARAT & STAWELL DISTRICT

Windows Commerical Industrial Builders Domestic Oﬃces Building Sites

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

www.gallaghers.com.au

AH 5382 3030

Registered Building Practitioner

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

MORROWS TRUCK HIRE

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

Starting at just $150 a day! Ideal for anyone moving house or businesses moving stock.

Morrow Motor Group - 5382 6163

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

Individualising your pets’ care All automotive maintenance and servicing, air-conditioning, roadworthy, brakes and exhaust requirements.

Phone: 03 5382 2622

FREE QUOTES Call Daniel

• New homes • Sheds • Concreting

Professionals at: Cleaning: -

45 DIMBOOLA ROAD, HORSHAM

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

Page 30

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

24/7 EMERGENCY GLAZING SERVICE

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

Rec No. 14579 ARC AU26861 24 HOUR SERVICE

H��n� �r��m� �i�� ...

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

Our mobile service unit comes to you!

CALL BEN 0408 268 424

PH: 03 5382 1375 horsham@laserelectrical.com.au horsham.laserelectrical.com.au

T.V. C��NEC��S

GOLF CART SALES, SERVICE & REPAIRS

DEALER

Plumbing, Electrical, Heating & Cooling

Hire a skip! 44 GOLF COURSE RD, HORSHAM. PH 0476 125 232 www.wastebusters.com.au

PO BOX 214 NATIMUK VIC 3409 BENPERKINCARTS@GMAIL.COM

www.wadesgp.com.au

AUTH No: AU00880

s • Shutter s s d g n li in •B • Awn s in a t r u C • hutters • Roller S RSHAM ST, HO HERSON 62A McP 2 4219 8 PH. 03 53

Phone us: 5381 1996 Visit our website: yourfamilyvet.com.au for more information or to request an appointment Follow us on socials!

DOMESTIC MAINTENANCE

ABN 698 3206 7186 www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

T&B FLOOR I NG Carpet and Vinyl

Contact Travis 0419 707 196 TANDBFLOORING1@GMAIL.COM

TRADE

LOCAL

Furniture Removals • Freight • Pre-packing

Sales • Service • Installation

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. Contact The Weekly Advertiser

Phone: 5382 1351 12 month: $45 • 6 month: $47 • 13 week: $50 (all prices ex. GST) Wednesday, September 2, 2026

TRADE

LOCAL

Proudly sponsored by

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

DIRECTORY

Since 1985

2 Ballinger Street, Horsham

5382 0885

www.glassworks.com.au

www.wadesgp.com.au

The One Cleaning Service Th e o n e

• Aluminium & Timber Windows & Doors • Commercial • Shopfronts • Glass • Perspex • Showers • Robes • Splashbacks • Garage Doors • And More

Sales • Service • Installation

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

SERVICING WHITE GOODS

FREE NO OBLIGATION QUOTES!

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

P&S

Cross Builders

Stumps Removed Quickly & Permanently ~ Clean & Inexpensive • FRIDGES • FREEZERS • DISHWASHERS • WASHING MACHINES • AND MORE!

PH: 0448 540 449

HORSHAM BETTA ELECTRICAL 156 Firebrace Street, Horsham Phone 5381 2207

Need more space?

grantthegravedigger@gmail.com

ELECTRICIAN

Uniforms • Apparel Pens • Hats • Key Rings • Stubby Holders • Marquees Flags and much more! Nathan Henry

MINING INDUSTRIAL FAULTS COMMERCIAL DOMESTIC

We store anything!

Horsham Self Storage

5382 0000

Managed by Wes Davidson Real Estate Horsham for over 10 years!

REC 38215

45 Golf Course Road, Horsham

ABN: 88 588 471 350

• Interior / Exterior Painting • Residential or Commercial • New Homes or Renovations Phone: 0409 158 679 Email: wrbsonspainters@gmail.com

Carpet, Upholstery & Window Cleaning

Sheep, cattle & pigs can be killed, cut, and packed to your individual needs...

Call Aaron Jennings 0488 110 715

For more information & prices call

EDENHOPE

For all your sewer blockages, maintenance and general plumbing needs call the friendly team at Exells

NEED A SKIP?

• Front Lift Bins • Skips • Hook Bins • Wheelie Bins

Also specialising in: Document destruction, sanitary/ washroom services, liquid waste and clinical waste

8 Turnbull DrIVE, Horsham Ph: 03 5381 1300

BUTCHERS

5585 1597

W: www.jjrichards.com.au

WATER CARTAGE Clean drinking water delivery 13,000 Litre capacity

43 GOLF COURSE ROAD • PO BOX 943 • HORSHAM 3400

03 5381 2434

Peter - 0418 524 879

NOW OPEN AT 50 Darlot St, Horsham

Horsham CAR SPARES & REPAIRS • Used car sales and servicing LMCT 10773 • Buying and wrecking most makes and models • Mechanical repairs • Pre-roadworthy work • New non-genuine parts and panels

Phone - 5382 2817

sales@ppandu.com.au www.ppandu.com.au

ATTENTION FARMERS!

WRB & SONS PAINTERS

• New homes • Renovations • Pergolas & Decking

0418 657 247

CONTACT PH - 0400 779 915 SHERRYPOWER.COM.AU

• Family run business • Extensions • Concreting

Stawell & surrounding areas

your plumbing & electrical specialists

We can solve all your auto-electrical and air-conditioner issues!

Servicing the Ararat and Stawell areas daily

• TRUCKS • TRACTORS • CARS • HEADERS

Paul Clementson 0493 912 201

phone | (03) 5382 3810 70 McPherson St, Horsham VIC 3400

clemoscartage@ gmail.com

Ph: 5382 3823 • www.wadesgp.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 Wednesday, September 2, 2026

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Sales • Service • Installation

www.wadesgp.com.au

Page 31

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. EXTRA OPTIONS Photos $25, colour text $17.

package your advertisement will also appear on the 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.

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.

Your classifieds team

GARAGE SALES: $52.25 inc GST includes a display advertisement in the paper and mentions on the radio.

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.

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

ABN 16 064 882 042

wedding anniversary

death notices

Funeral Notices

40th Wedding Anniversary

LEITH, Donna Allison

FLEMING (nee Langlands), Helen Mary

SLEEP, Athol Lachlan

BELL, Greta Lynette

HATELEY, Graeme Reginald

Jeﬀ & Christine Umbers

September 6, 1986 Congratulations mum & dad on your 40th Ruby Wedding Anniversary. Love from your boys, Tyler, Ryan & Jarrod. xxx Psalm 100:5

Death Notices BELL (nee Kydd), Greta Lynette Passed away on August 31, 2026 aged 77 years. Dearly loved partner of Don. Loving mother and motherin-law of Tim; Nat & Dan. Adored Nana to Jack, Lily and Tom; Ebony and James. Now At Peace

BLEAKLEY, (nee Speakman) Cheryl Margaret Passed away peacefully at home surrounded by family on August 26, 2026. Aged 79 years. Dearly loved wife of Roger. Loving mother and motherin-law of Kelly & Steve; Kate; Sam & Pippa; Andrew & Marion. Adored Gran to Rory and Liam; Isabella and Imogen; Madeline and Mae; William and Patrick. Dearly loved and forever missed

CINCOTTA (nee Turnbull), Gloria Gladys

Passed away after a long illness on August 28, 2026 aged 72 years. Dearly loved wife of Tony. Loving sister and sisterin-law to Barry (dec), Peter, Mark & Kim; Peter, Michael, Amelia, Garry, Andrew (dec), Paul, Gary (dec), and Kevin. Adored by all her nieces and nephews. Resting peacefully Page 32

LEITH, Donna Allison

30-6-1969 to 22-8-2026 Donna was a deeply loved Daughter, Sister, Aunty and Friend. And will be greatly missed by her family, and all those whose lives she touched. Creative and artistic she saw and impressed the world in her own unique way. She will be remembered for her strength and character, her humour and for simply being Donna completely and unapologetically herself. Her passing leaves an enormous void in our family but also a lifetime of memories, stories and moments that will remain with us always. “Death ends a life not a relationship” Love from your brothers James and Garry

LEITH, Donna Allison

30-6-1969 to 22-8-2026 Our hearts are completely broken as we say goodbye to our beautiful Donna who grew her wings. Donna was a truly happy and joyful soul who brought endless laughter and light into our lives. We will forever miss her infectious smile, her warm heart and that cheeky spark that made her so wonderfully unique. You were truly one of a kind. The world feels a little darker without your bright smile but the beautiful echo of your laughter will remain in our hearts forever. You will be deeply missed and loved always, Donna. Love always your brother Lee, sister-in-law Jenelle and your nieces Romy , Jaya and Myah. xoxo

Passed away on August 31, 2026 aged 81 years. Dearly loved Gordon (dec).

wife

Cherished by all her friends and family. Reunited with Gordon

HATELEY, Graeme Reginald

30-1-1938 to 29-8-2026 Dealy loved husband of Allison. Loving brother to Neil (dec), Lois (dec), Ilsma (dec) and Aline. Adored Uncle to all of his nieces and nephews. In God’s Care

MITCHELL, Don

Passed away August 17, 2026 A special person in our lives for many years. Treasured memories with regular visits over recent decades. Many lifetime stories, from East Cannum School to times on the farm, some hilarious with plenty of laughter and joy. A dedicated gardener, your pride and joy. Now reunited with Val, the love of your life We were that shoulder to lean on after Val’s passing as you endured so much, you always asked “How are you and your family going.” Will cherish your last words. Thanks for everything you have done Raymond, you have been a very good long friend, good luck forever, bye for now. R.I.P. Raymond & Brenda Sleep, Lucy, Abby and Rose.

Bali family, Ayu Malik, Aditiya Idam, Alby Ketut, Risata Resort Family Gala More Family. Thanking Donny for looking after our Aussie Mom for 20 years. For our Aussie Dad, Richard R.I.P. Don

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter

Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member BLEAKLEY, Cheryl Margaret

As was her wish, Cheryl Margaret Bleakley will be farewelled at a private family gathering.

The funeral of Graeme Reginald Hateley will commence with burial at 1pm at the Natimuk Cemetery next Friday, September 11, 2026 and will be followed by a memorial service at St Andrew’s Uniting Church, Horsham commencing at 2.30pm.

Ph 5381 1444

AFDA Member

CINCOTTA (nee Turnbull) Gloria Gladys

The funeral of Gloria Gladys Cincotta will leave Ss Michael & John’s Catholic Church, Horsham on Thursday, September 10, 2026 after a service commencing at 1.30pm for the Horsham Lawn Cemetery.

Bereavement Thanks

Thank you

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

~ WIRTH ~ Robert Ernest (Bob) Trevor Bysouth & Daughter

Ph 5381 1444 Trevor Bysouth & Daughter

~ Thank you ~ I wish to express a warm, heartfelt thank you to all persons for their tokens. Marlene

AFDA Member

LEITH, Donna Allison

The funeral service for the late Donna Allison Leith will be held at St Andrew’s Uniting Church, Horsham, on Monday, September 7, 2026 commencing at 1pm. Interment will follow at Horsham Cemetery. Live Stream Link:- https:// www.horsham.unitingchurch. org.au/watch

The family would like to express our thanks to our relatives, family & friends for their support with messages of sympathy on the passing of Bob. We would like to thank Lutheran Trinity Manor for the care they gave dad while he was a resident. Thanks to Horsham & District Funerals for your care & kindness. Colin, Brian & Families

accommodation 5382 1149

ROSS (ROSCO) WARRICK

The Lowan-Wimmera Branch extends its sincere condolences to the family and friends of Richard Opie, Member #42088. Richard was the branch’s longest-serving member and gave 19 years of dedicated service, including as President, Secretary and Treasurer. His commitment reflected Victorian Labor’s enduring values of social justice, fairness, inclusion and equality.

As was her wish, Greta Lynette Bell will be farewelled at a private family gathering.

thank you

Dylan & Amity Hartwich

In loving memory of

OPIE, Richard

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

TERMS & CONDITIONS

PERSONAL NOTICES: $12.50 per single column cm.

30-6-1969 to 22-8-2026 If flowers grow in heaven Lord, Please pick a bunch for me. Place them in my daughter’s arms And tell her they’re from me. Tell her that I love her and miss her, And when she turns to smile, Place a kiss upon her cheek and hold her for a while. Because remembering her is easy, I do it every day, But there’s an ache within my heart That will never go away. Love always and forever your Mum xoxo

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

Passed away on Tuesday, August 18, 2026, aged 82 years. Devoted husband of Denise, cherished father of Nathan & Heather, Morgan, Elaine & Carey, Byndie, Paula, Nathan & Tsu, Dayna & Dave. Adored Grandfather of Daniel, Reyne, Syra, Bodhi, Holli, Tayah, Mali, Jay, Kyle. As per Ross’ wishes, a private family Memorial will take place. He is forever in our hearts, always loved, and dearly missed.

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter

Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member FLEMING, Helen Mary

As was her wish, Helen May Fleming will be privately cremated. Details regarding a celebration of her life will be advised as soon as possible.

Port Fairy 4-bedroom getaway with

Memorial Notices

ocean views, just $1400! Free $150 fuel card with special booking, call Langley’s now 03 5568 2899 to book,

BLAKE, Dulcie Ruth

excluding school holidays

One year has passed and the loss still hurts. Trevor Bysouth & Daughter

Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

Your loving husband, Trevor

Funeral Directors Port Fairy 4-bedroom getaway with

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

Would you prefer your footy team’s theme song to be played at your funeral?

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

Deal with people who understand... Not everybody wants the same thing. Pre-arrange your wishes with Trevor Bysouth & Daughter of

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

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

Wednesday, September 2, 2026

Animals & Accessories

caravans

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

for sale

Oaten hay and wheaten hay 8x4x3 bales, feedtests and delivery avail by single or b double load Ph 0429944146 Nhill

Bicycles, Geeko boys bike 12” $10, Mens Trek mountain bike $50, Ladies Avanti Discovery 27 Speed as new $300, Unisex Trek ‘Legal’ E-Bike Bosch Electrics, hydraulic disc brakes, as new, cost $4k + selling for $2900 Ph 0427617677 Horsham

Birds for sale, princess parrots and bourkes, all colours, call for prices Ph 0408535515 Stawell 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, 140 bottles of cellared Red Wine, Bristlenose catfish, great tank as new condition $38,000 Ph some up to 20 years matured, $2500 cleaners $5ea until sold out Ph 0421511754 Ph 0427581825 0474159010 after 6.30pm 2 beds, 1 single folds into chair, 1 Budgies, assorted colours $10 each double folds into couch, steel frame, Ph 0417533579 includes mattresses and cover $180 Buying, Pigs, Goats and Poultry, Ph ono. ph 0447660707 0427361940 or Ph 0480137184. Gorgeous Cavoodle puppies, 2 Ruby Red boys, 2 Black girls and 1 black boy, 8 weeks old, looking 2023 Mystic 12’ Fantasy Caravan, for their forever home, located in Stawell, MC 978142001434621, only been used once, always 9 7 8 1 4 2 0 0 1 4 3 4 6 4 5 , shedded, $36,000 Ph 0427857354 9 7 8 1 4 2 0 0 1 4 3 4 2 9 0 , 9 7 8 1 4 2 0 0 1 4 3 4 7 9 5 , 978142001434633 $1800 per puppy Ph 0407665755 2x 50T Ackland silos, buyer to remove, Murtoa $4000 for both Ph 0429335706

for sale

Chook house, 1500mm wide 1400H x 1200L, nest box attached, keep your chooks safe from predators, $250 Ph 53583440

REDUCED 2018 Dingo Ultimate Camper, heavy duty top of the line off-road trailer including boat rack, fully enclosed annexe including ensuite, lots of storage, built-in instant gas hot water to sink and shower, dual REDUCED Eclectus parrots aviary AGM batteries and built-in inverter birds only, 2 year olds and a pair and charger, innerspring mattress and ready to breed, three pairs $900 per ability to make up second double bed, pair Ph or text 0492486058 Dimboola two new off-road tyres, VGC, Y76535 $15,500ono Ph 0407360212

caravans

REDUCED Toyota Coaster camper, 2 seater, diesel heater, 1hz motor, solar and 12v awning much more $27,500 Ph 0418325662

2012 Jayco Starcraft 22 ft, rarely used, ensuit, laundry etc, photos available, $28,000 ono call paul REDUCED Vintage Skyline 60’s Caravan, registered, useable ph0438564345 condition, 10ft, full annex, $2800 Ph 0419778181 Jeparit

Animals & Accessories

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.

walker,

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

Roof rack Alloy Tradesman with mesh floor $500 Ph 0418138329 Stawell

mattress $3000 each 2 available Ph 0417156434 Horsham

Motor Vehicles $3000 - $10,000

MOBILITY AIDS

Ford 2005 XR6, BA Falcon, roadworthy, 2 month rego, 1HI7QS $4990 Ph 0422444750

Ride on Mower, 1978 Toro Groundmaster 72 rebuilt/ reconditioned, reconditioned R4 3 in 1 Rollator powered wheelchair, engine renault petrol, new seals & puchased this year, in new condition, bearings in deck, radiator cleaned, new belts, blades, brake cables, hardly used $1800 Ph 0427347967 air cleaner element, seat, king pins redone & repainted Ph 0428501109 Second hand black steel star posts, $3 each Ph 0428944143

Multiple items - Swing saw, new belts, 39” blade with bench, Kohler motor rec, 2 old lawn mowers, good goers, chainsaws all in good cond, all makes, 10 speed mens bike, ex cond, 80ltr car fridge, in cooler bag, new, never used, make an offer Ph 0429824055

garage sales

4/8 McLachlan Street, Horsham

36 Churchill Rd, Horsham (back entrance)

Saturday, September 12 7am to noon

Dyna Link bench drill bits, 170 stick welder with helmet, electric chainsaw, plus more work tools, kitchen utensils. Moving house, everything must go.

HERE!

Only $52.25 Includes a notice like this PLUS mentions on the radio!

Suzuki Grand Vitara Trekker JB 4D Wagon, RW N165534 11/7/25, speedo when purchased 202,549kms current 20,6528kms, has little use only 4079 kl, tow-bar, full service history, great car to drive, reg Oct 26 1GO5JL $6850 Ph 0466641895

Motor Vehicles $10,000 - $20,000

Seed wheat scepter 3 tonne grated and pickled, round bale carrier, cattle crush, 3 hydraulic cylinders 18”x2.5” Ph 0407911884

Afikim S4 Mobility Scooter, hard top canopy, rain sides, new battery, 9/10 condition, paid $10,000, sell $5000 1980 Benz, 4 Cyl, petrol, RWC, Ph 0400609150 BLS666 $13,500 Ph 0408144139 10am-7pm

Meat Mincer, 4 inch throat, portable on stand, stainless tray, electric motor $300 Ph 0428944143

PROMOTE YOUR

Wednesday, September 2, 2026

New TC Boxes 900mm tapered under tray alloy toolbox (pair) Ph 0400387895

Proton Jumbuck Ute 2011, unregistered 24,224ks $5000 ph0437600095 PLIC97PNRAB016095

Masport Chipper and Spreader, twin blades, never been used, $1000 Ph 0456393984

farm machinery

Krone 8’ Cut Disc Mower $9,000, Tonniti Hydraulic lift & fold 12 wheel plus 2 splitter hay rake $8,000, New Holland 658 baler nett & twine $14,000, all in excellent condition, Ph 0429861729

motor vehicle accessories

REDUCED Kirby Avalir 100th Anniversary, excellent condition, clean and functions perfectly, includes filter bags, brand new home care system, all attachments (some brand new) $400 Ph 0429679481

House items garage sale.

Goldacres Sprayer, 2300L, 58ft, foam marker, $2500 Ph 0419778181 Jeparit

Parsnip seed, professionally cleaned $200 per kg Ph Pat 0427822455

Full lift electric chair, pure leather, $350 Ph 0478254195

9am to noon

1 Case tractor Model l, 1 McCormick Deering Model W30 $2000 ono each Ph 53844287

Yamaha XT600 1985, very good condition, new tyres, low kms, can be registered $5000 Ph 0439377524

$150

Holden Eight Transistor Car Radio, His Masters Voice Press Button Car Radio, Astor Truck Radio on valves, Ph Aldo Panozzo 53824316 or Aluminium Ute Tray, electric/ 0419115930 hydraulic tipper, ram overhauled Large amount split cane 3pce fly $3200 Ph 0428944462 rods, 2pc split cane rods, 1pc solid As new LG refrigerator $500, split cane rods with reels excellent Panasonic colour TV to giveaway Ph condition, D.A.M Quicksilver fly 9.5ft 0475431668 with reel, custom built 8ft6” fishing rod with reel, lots of fishing flys Ph 53824316

Avery 6 inch Chrome and Wood, Avery 7 inch Chrome and Wood, Mitchell 3390, Ocean City 165 USA, Penn Longreach 68 USA, Mitchell Garcia 386, Penn Senator Game, Dam Quick 22A Ph 53824316, 0419115930

household items

Pallet Jack crown, very little use from new, asking $400 Ph 0421791492 Stawell

Dunlite 7kw generator, brand new, aussie made, honda motor $1100 ono Ph 0458495475

Saturday, September 5

Sentiveco daily/5th wheeler combo, set up for off grid, too many extras to list, was $102,000 now $97,000 Ph 0438149265

Oaten Balansa and Clover hay rolls, feed test available $110 each Ph 0400603022

Portable air compressor, new, Black 6 piece dining setting in good very handy machine $1500 firm Ph condition $200, large wooden rimmed mirror $85, a number of pictures and 0407340961 Cool room drop-in unit, 1 REDUCED Beko dryer $200, painting ranging from $10-$30, open horsepower, 10amp plug in, digital entertainment unit $200, both to offers Ph 0409312294 Ararat control, other sizes available $1850 in excellent condition Ph Jenny Lift Bed, IC333 four function, used Ph 0417101120 53836242 or 0429029215 6 months, includes cool balance 10’

Four arm ph0437600095

motorcycles

New hand crocheted knee rugs, White outdoor lawn mower, needs approx 90cm square, all colours $20 starter, and Girntz tilter $600 Ph Ph 0402506858 0427828420 Nissan Forklift, very reliable $8500 Ph 0429821541

Oaten hay rolls for sale,4’ 6 X 4, $75 p/roll Ph Terry Wardlaw 0427105591 Balmoral

5 litre oxygen concentrator as new, beige recliner rockers, blue 2 seater couch, kitchen table, colour tv Ph JAYCO 19.6 StarCraft Outback 0429821820 2012, dual axle, one owner, new full 8x4 trailer, deep sides, big wheels, annexe & tyres, VGC, $39,500 Ph $1000 Ph 0478254195 0429092059

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

for sale

Sherwell PTO bin $1200 Ph 0428857312 Stromberg Carlson Radio, ex cond Ph Aldo Panozzo 53824316 or 0419115930

2015 Mazda CX3 MAXX Sport, Scooter, Reef Bikes, Fold up, Near new Selling due to upsizing,very reliable car and great on fuel economy. Petrol $950 Ono Ph 0447660707 engine, Auto, Full service history, Sectorcare walker 8” wheels with Rego, 227,000kms, Brand new cane holder brand only used once tyres, Keyless Start, No dints in body $100 Ph 0353 583206 work, 2 x Keys, Sat Nav, Bluetooth connectability + CD Player, Phone Charging Points, Never been in any accidents and clear tile, Recently had motorcycles Two antique rattan hand weaved car polished and detailed. $15,000 wicker rocking chairs $600 for the located Horsham. Ph 0407046864 both together Ph 0428504301 2017 Holden Trailblazer LTZ Auto, full service history, RWC supplied, excellent condition, roobar, towbar, marine roof racks, 227,000km $19,300 Ph 0409559364

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.

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

2/1997 Yamaha TRX 850 all factory original 9600kms, 10 month rego, meets requirements for club plates, YB-122 $8,000 Ph or text 0417561843 leave a message, St. Arnaud, all offers will be considered

Harley Davidson Fat Boy 2021, as new condition, black, sissy bar, black rack and bag, cruise control, twin pipes, spare set of tyres, immaculate condition $30,000 Ph 0421511754

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.

Page 33

Motor Vehicles over $20,000 2014 Toyota Prado, GX 4x4, RWC, reg til Oct, 1BJ6BL $24,000 Ph 0409954335

wanted to buy

Trades & Services

Old bottles, marble bottles ginger,

Wanted to buy, Amateur radio, CB Radio and related accessories, from single items to bulk estate sales, $$$ Cash Paid $$$ Please Ph 0407163900

Wanted to buy, RC model aircraft,

A GREAT MASSAGE

beer

bottles,

torpedo

bottles,

demijohns Ph 0448943498

Public Notices 2015 Mazda BT-50 Extra Cab - 6 Wheeler, with rear lazy axle, GVM upgrade to 4490kg, custom 3 metre tray with toolboxes, slide out drawer, ladder rack, dual batteries, electric brakes, snorkel, clearview mirrors, quality canvas canopy, good condition, 104,200 kms, reg 1IX7PW, $42,000 Ph 0409820089 2019 Jaguar 25 F Pace R Sport sedan, R/W, gen reason for sale, EC, AWP498, $26,000 Ph 0428382790 2019 XL Ford Ranger, white 4x4, ute/ steel tray and locked undertray boxes, RWC, bull bar, tow bar, snorkel, rear camera, gen reason for sale, EC, 89,761kms, 1RO-7EC $42,000 Ph 0428382790

Ph 0435621004

Male Masseur $70 ph Horsham Open Mon-Sat

Public Notices

0455 187 842 No Texts/Blocked Numbers

Dimboola Natimuk Lutheran Parish Sunday 6th September Goroke 10am LR Natimuk 10am LR Vectis 10am HC Dimboola 10am LR

Spring Fashion Parade Wednesday 7th October from 2-4pm at Horsham City Bowling Club.

Tickets $20 Phone Lesley: 0409 954 684 Ford Escape Trend ST Line 2022 97,000km One owner, full service history, RWC, Tow Bar, Rego til June 2026 $26,000 Ph 0427343783

will buy collections if the price is right

Includes afternoon tea by Marchesini sisters. Wimmera Hospice Care Aux fundraiser.

Thursday, October 1, 2026 6.30pm – AGM 7.30pm – Casual Dinner and Beverages

Grampians Community Health Board Director Opportunities Bring your experience to a Board that makes a difference in our community

The agenda will include nomination of committee members and receival of the financial statements & annual report for 2025/2026.

Grampians Community Health (GCH) is seeking people to join our Board of Directors following our November 2026 AGM

Eligible members are invited to nominate for election onto the Committee. These nominations must be made in writing, signed by two voting members and be received by the Club Manager by 9am Monday, September 28, 2026.

GCH is a leading community health organisation supporting communities across the Grampians and Wimmera through a diverse range of health and community services We are particularly interested in people who can bring experience in one or more of the following areas:

For nomination forms and RSVP’s contact Club Manager, Charmayne Parry on 0417 404 185 or email c.parry@countryracing.com.au

• •

•

• •

Fiji-Indian woman, 50, caring, gentle, family-oriented and never married, hopes to meet a sincere Australian man who is financially secure, owns his home, and seeks a genuine companion for marriage and shared care. She values kindness, loyalty, and a peaceful home life. Ready to provide care Ph +679 923 2717 or email fijirose1010@gmail.com, and PO BOx 5353 Lautoka Fiji

You don’t need experience in every area. If your skills, experience or perspective could add value to GCH we encourage you to apply or have a confidential discussion. GCH welcomes applicants from diverse backgrounds and communities. Board Director positions are remunerated.

Nominations close 16 September 2026 For more information or to receive a Board nomination pack please contact: • Board Chair: Philip Sabien on 0418 504 080 or Board.Chair@gch.org.au •

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.

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

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!

Trades & Services

wanted to buy 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

horsham@ontgroup.com.au

www.ontgroup.com.au

DUE TO COMPANY GROWTH WE HAVE MULTIPLE VACANCIES FOR HC & MC DRIVERS Christian Devotion SEPTEMBER 2 Winter has ended; the fog, frost, rain, wind, clouds and sunshine that we’ve had remind me of life. Sometimes the weather is stormy and tensions rise; sometimes there are clouds as moods darken. There are unexpected storms. Winds blow, waters rise. Sometimes there is so much going on we feel like we are drowning. The Bible tells a story of Jesus coming to his friends one night; they were trying to cross a lake in a boat, struggling

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

Jesus he started to sink and called on Jesus to save him. Jesus reached out his hand, caught him and together they got

ACE Radio Broadcasters is an equal-opportunity employer.

into the boat. Suddenly the wind and waves died down. Life can get overwhelming; storms of life knock us round. We can call to Jesus to help us. Put our faith in him and

Gear box from a grain auger Ph 0421791492 Stawell

if it continues, Jesus’ presence with us can give us peace no matter what is going on around. Come and join others in

Page 34

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.

Peter, asked to go to him, so Jesus said, “Come.” Peter did, and walked on water, too. But when he took his eyes oﬀ

in the midst of a storm. He came walking across the water and they were terrified. Realising it was Him, one friend,

Chev truck rim 1925 - 1929 Ph 0427506552

LP Records, prefer 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and rabbit traps Ph 0400017344

Executive Assistant: Tyler Olver on 03 5358 7400 or Tyler.Olver@gch.org.au

horsham@ontgroup.com.au

real estate

Frontend Loader bucket, 1.5 cubic metre, to fit Victory 280E Ph 5385 2628 after 7.30pm

Corporate governance and strategic leadership Financial oversight and community sector funding Clinical governance, quality and continuous improvement Aged care governance and regulatory requirements NDIS and disability sector governance Legal, regulatory, compliance and enterprise risk Are passionate about community health and wellbeing

We are looking for Directors who are values-driven, curious and prepared to ask questions, contribute ideas and provide constructive challenge as GCH responds to the opportunities and challenges facing regional health and community services.

PERSONALS

wanted

NEW MEMBERS WELCOME

of the HORSHAM & DISTRICT RACING CLUB will be held in the Committee Room at Horsham Racecourse, Bennett Rd, Horsham on

Trailer 6x4 with cage. Registered till may 2027 No longer in use. $500 ono. ph 0407 251 965

Rose Pruning, many years experience, call to book, can travel Ph Max 0417824141

SUNDAY, SEPTEMBER 6 Leave your old newspapers and catalogues out for residential kerbside pick-up within the Horsham township.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING

•

Keyte’s mowing service, lawn mowing, block slashing Ph 0429309491 or 53826461

MONTHLY PAPER DRIVE IS ON THIS WEEKEND

situations vacant

Notice is given that the

4WD

Wanted, 49+ year old lady for serious relationship with 49 year old True Romantic Gentleman from Horsham, interests are reading, music, occasionally going out for dinner then the movies or watching movies at home, fishing and camping, walking and swimming Ph 0491230835

Public Notices

he will save us. We need to keep our eyes on him and not get distracted. Trust him. The storm might calm, but even the boat (a local church) and navigate the journey together and see what happens.

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Susan Pearse - Southern Mallee Cooperative Parish www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Wednesday, September 2, 2026

situations vacant WEST WIMMERA HEALTH SERVICE

situations vacant

We are a proudly inclusive employer, embracing diversity and opportunity for all.

COME JOIN US

Operating Room - Scrub/Scout Nurse (Part Time - Nhill) Closing date 11 September 2026

Director of Nursing (Full Time - Natimuk) Closing date 18 September 2026 Chef in Charge (Full Time - Rainbow) Closing date 25 September 2026

Clinical Support Nurse (Clinical Teacher) (Part Time - Various sites) Closing date 11 September 2026

Cook/Chef (Part Time - Kaniva) Closing date 16 September 2026

Ward Clerk (Part Time - Iona Digby Harris Home - Nhill) Closing date 11 September 2026

Leisure & Lifestyle Assistant (Part Time - Iona Digby Harris Home - Nhill) Closing date 4 September 2026

Wound Care Nurse (Part Time - Nhill) Closing date 9 September 2026

Leisure & Lifestyle Coordinator (Part Time - Iona Digby Harris Home - Nhill) Closing date 21 September 2026

Support Worker (Part Time/Casual - Various Sites) Ongoing

Registered Nurses, Enrolled Nurses & Health Care Workers (casual only for Health Care Workers) (Full Time, Part Time or Casual - various sites) Ongoing

Horsham West and Haven Primary School’s vision is to empower all students to achieve their personal best. Our mission is to maintain a community of learners who are happy and confident in their ability to learn, grow and succeed.

Weekly pay

• Full time or part time • Truck & quad dog combination

We are looking for

2027 Gap Year - Hospitality & Environmental Services Assistant (12 months) (Part Time - various sites) Closing date 30 October 2026

• Horsham • Stawell • Ararat

TRUCK DRIVER

• HC licence required

GRADUATE AND EXPERIENCED CLASSROOM TEACHERS

• Experience preferred

to join our dedicated team in 2027

Full-time & part-time positions available.

For more information or to apply, visit www.wwhs.net.au/careers

Catalogue distributors wanted

situations vacant

ivehub.com.au

Customer Support Ofﬁcer – Stawell Part-time, three days per week, temporary until Classified June 30, 2027 Advertisement

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR AN EXPLORATION LICENCE

Are you passionate about helping people and delivering great customer experiences? We are looking for an enthusiastic Customer Support Ofﬁcer to join our team and be a friendly ﬁrst point of contact for our community.

Remember a Local – Help Name a Road or a Place

Council currently has a road that needs naming, and we are calling on the community to help commemorate a In this varied role, you will: local hero.

• StateProvide friendly, professional customer service As part of the Victorian Government’s Remember a Local initiative to name places, we are inviting you to nominate someone who has made a lasting impact on our community. This is a special opportunity to honour • Respond to enquiries in person, over the phone and electronically individuals who have helped shape our lives, especially those from under-represented groups including women, First Peoples communities.with the right council services and information • and multicultural Connect customers

Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990 – Section 15(5)

• the Learn and use a range of systems and technology To be commemorated, person will: • be deceased • Solve problems and help create positive customer experiences • have left a lasting legacy Build knowledge across • have a long•association with the nominated area. different areas of council About Contributions might includeyou: work in community service, healthcare, science, sport, architecture, military service, the arts or volunteering.

Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) (Mineral Industries) Regulations 2019 – Regulation 22(1) and Schedule 1

We are looking for someone who is an excellent communicator, organ-

Your nomination could help name the new road. All submissions will be added to council’s official Name Bank ised, adaptable and confident working with a wide range of people. You to be considered for future naming opportunities.

will bring empathy, patience, initiative and a genuine willingness to help.

Find out more and submit your nomination today at engage.vic.gov.au/name-a-place

Previous customer service experience in a busy environment is highly regarded, but most importantly, we are looking for someone who is eager to learn and committed to providing excellent service.

If you have a nomination for our road naming, please contact ngshire@ngshire.vic.gov.au (Map below of unnamed road)

1. Name and address of applicant(s): World Minerals and Resources Pty Ltd

Why join us? • • • Ad type • Ad size • Name of Publication •

C/-PO Box 563, East Maitland NSW 2323

Date

BRENT MCALISTER CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

3. Applicant’s Website: Further information about this application is available: www.amets.com.au/ victoria-tenements/ and https:// resources.vic.gov.au/licensingapprovals/have-your-say

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.

4. Details of the application: A person who objects or comments must:

ObjectionSubmission timely consideration.

a. put the objection or comment in writing; and

Enquiries can be made by writing to the Manager Licensing at the above address or by phone to RVRO 136 186.

Approximate area of the application (Graticular Sections): 291

b. include the grounds on which it is made.

Date of the application: 20 August 2026

All objections or comments must be lodged within 21 days after the latest date on which the application was advertised and can be lodged online or posted to:

Outline of the proposed programs of work: Desktop studies, landowner consultation, geological modelling, drilling 5. Objections and Comments: Any person may object or comment to a licence being granted. (Sections 24 and 24A, Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990). Wednesday, September 2, 2026

4/6/2025 or 6/6/2025

If you are ready to make a positive impact and be part of a team that values professionalism, respect and continuous improvement, we would Logo per template love to hear from you. Visit ourAswebsite, www.ngshire.vic.gov.au/Careers Council Purchasefor Order Number TBC by 5pm, Sunday, September 6, 2026. more information and to apply

Emer Maher. Ph: 0418 954 963 E: vic@amets.com.au

Term the licences are applied for: 5 years

Supportive and collaborative team Variety in your day-to-day work Opportunities to developPublic newNotice skills Exposure to different areas of council 2 Column Potential pathways to future career opportunities Stawell Times News, The Weekly Advertiser Make a meaningful difference to our community

Format

2. Contact details of applicant (for map and other information requests):

Locality of the land to which the application relates: 2km south of Warrackanbeal, 36km northeast of Horsham

geconcreting@yahoo.com

lee.mckenzie@education.vic.gov.au

Smartphone required

Public Notices

Application number: EL008999

GREG: 0419 353 828

If you would like to discuss this opportunity further please contact Lee McKenzie 0438 824 580 or email your resume to:

The Minister Resources

for

Energy

and

c/- Manager Licensing, Resources Victoria, PO Box 500, East Melbourne Victoria 8002 It is recommended that objections or comments are lodged online at https://rram-vic-gov.my.site.com/

ensure

6. Other Statutory Requirements Subject to other requirements being satisfied, an exploration licence, if granted, entitles the holder of the licence to explore and search for minerals in the relevant land, but does not entitle the holder to undertake mining. Further information regarding the requirements that must be complied with prior to work being undertaken on a licence, including landowner and occupier consent requirements, is available at: https://resources.vic. gov.au/community-and-land-use.

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

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: 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. 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. Successful applicants will be required to undergo prior to commencement: • 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: • 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

Page 35

situations vacant

NEWSPAPER WALKERS

WANTED

Maternal and Child Health Nurse – Stawell Full-time, permanent

Classified MAKE A DIFFERENCE TO LOCAL FAMILIES Are you a passionate Maternal and Child Health Nurse looking for a role Advertisement where your work genuinely matters?

Our regional community looking for a MCH nurse to join our dedicated Remember a Local – Help Name a Roadisor a Place team and support local families from pregnancy through to school age.

Council currently has a road that needs naming, and we are calling on the community to help commemorate a local hero. • Build meaningful relationships with families. As part of the Victorian State Government’s Remember a Local initiative to name places, we are inviting you to Support children to on achieve the best possible start in life.to honour nominate someone•who has made a lasting impact our community. This is a special opportunity individuals who have helped shape our lives, especially those from under-represented groups including • and multicultural Work alongside a supportive community services team. women, First Peoples communities.

• the Enjoy the lifestyle and strong sense of community that regional To be commemorated, person will: • be deceased living offers. • have left a lasting legacy • have a long association with the nominated area.

This is more than a nursing role — it is an opportunity to become a valued

Contributions might include work in community service, healthcare, science, sport, architecture, military part of the community and make a lasting difference to local children service, the arts or volunteering.

and families.

We’re looking for people to deliver

Your nomination could help name the new road. All submissions will be added to council’s official Name Bank to be considered for opportunities. about child health, family wellbeing and If future you naming are passionate

IN HORSHAM

connection, would love to hear from you. Find out more andcommunity submit your nomination today atwe engage.vic.gov.au/name-a-place If you have a nomination our road naming, please ngshire@ngshire.vic.gov.au Hours:forMonday, Tuesday andcontact Thursday, 8.30am to 5pm.

Salary: $63.88 per hour plus superannuation. (Map below of unnamed road) For a full position description and to apply by Sunday, September 20, 2026 please visit www.ngshire.vic.gov.au/careers. Ad type

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

BRENT MCALISTER CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Public Notice

Ad size

2 Column

Name of Publication

Stawell Times News, The Weekly Advertiser

Date

4/6/2025 or 6/6/2025

Format

Public Notices

(Full Time – Horsham)

Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) (Mineral Industries) Regulations 2019 – Regulation 22(1) and Schedule 1 1. Name and address of applicant(s): World Minerals and Resources Pty Ltd C/-PO Box 563, East Maitland NSW 2323

2. Contact details of applicant (for map and other information requests): Emer Maher. Ph: 0418 954 963 E: vic@amets.com.au 3. Applicant’s Website: Further information about this application is available: www.amets.com.au/ victoria-tenements/ and https:// resources.vic.gov.au/licensingapprovals/have-your-say

Plant Mechanic – Stawell Are you a qualified mechanic who enjoys variety and getting stuck into a Classified good mechanical challenge? Northern Grampians Shire Council is looking for a Plant Mechanic to join Advertisement our team in Stawell.

4. Details of the application:

Approximate area of the application (Graticular Sections): 244 Date of the application: 20 August 2026 Term the licences are applied for: 5 years Outline of the proposed programs of work: Desktop studies, landowner consultation, geological modelling, drilling 5. Objections and Comments: Any person may object or comment to a licence being granted. (Sections 24 and 24A, Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990). Page 36

TBC

Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990 – Section 15(5)

Locality of the land to which the application relates: 23 km northeast of Horsham, 18.5 km south of Warracknabeal, including the town of Murtoa

As per template

Council Purchase Order Number

Clinical Care Partner (Aged Care) / Registered Nurse

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR AN EXPLORATION LICENCE

Application number: EL008999

Logo

You will workName across a diverse range of council vehicles, plant and equipRemember a Local – Help a Road or a Place ment, keeping our ﬂeet safe, reliable and ready for work.

A person who objects or comments must:

ObjectionSubmission timely consideration.

a. put the objection or comment in writing; and

Enquiries can be made by writing to • the Be partwill:of a practical and supportive team To be commemorated, person the Manager Licensing at the above • be deceased you legacy are a skilled mechanic who takes pride in quality workmanship and • have left a If lasting address or by phone to RVRO 136 186. • have a longenjoys association with the nominated having a job wherearea. no two days are exactly the same, we would

b. include the grounds on which it is made. All objections or comments must be lodged within 21 days after the latest date on which the application was advertised and can be lodged online or posted to: The Minister Resources

for

Energy

and

6. Other Statutory Requirements

Council currently has a road that needs naming, and we are calling on the community to help commemorate a ensure local hero.

•

love to hear you! service, healthcare, science, sport, architecture, military Contributions might include work infrom community service, the arts or volunteering.

For a full position description and to apply by Sunday, September 20, 2026

Your nomination could help name the new road. All submissions will be added to council’s official Name Bank please visit www.ngshire.vic.gov.au/careers. to be considered for future naming opportunities.

Find out more and submit your nomination today at engage.vic.gov.au/name-a-place Subject to other requirements being Maintenance Employee/Plant Operator – If you have a nomination for our road naming, please contact ngshire@ngshire.vic.gov.au satisfied, an exploration licence, St Arnaud (Map below of unnamed road) if granted, entitles the holder of Do you enjoy working outdoors, operating machinery and seeing the results of a job well done? the licence to explore and search Northern Grampians Shire Council is looking for a Maintenance Employee/ for minerals in the relevant land, Plant Operator to join our Works team in St Arnaud. but does not entitle the holder to Ad type PublicofNotice This is a hands-on role with plenty variety, helping keep our roads, footpaths, drainage and community infrastructure safe and well maintained. Ad size 2 Column undertake mining. Name of Publication •

c/- Manager Licensing, Resources Victoria, PO Box 500, East Melbourne Victoria 8002 It is recommended that objections or comments are lodged online at https://rram-vic-gov.my.site.com/

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• StateServicing, maintenance, repairs and tofault As part of the Victorian Government’s Remember a Local initiative namediagnosis places, we are inviting you to nominate someone who has made a lasting impact on our community. This is a special opportunity to honour • Preventative maintenance and ﬂeet management individuals who have helped shape our lives, especially those from under-represented groups including women, First Peoples and multicultural communities. • Work that directly supports our local community

Times News, The Weekly Advertiser Operate a range of plantStawell and equipment

• Undertake road and infrastructure maintenance Date 4/6/2025 or 6/6/2025 Further information regarding the • Work outdoors across St Arnaud and the surrounding area Format requirements that must be complied • Be part of a practical, hardworking team Logo As per template • Make a visible difference to your local community with prior to work being undertaken Council Purchase Order Number TBC If you are reliable, practical and ready to get stuck into work that matters, on a licence, including landowner this could be the role for you! and occupier consent requirements, For a full position description and to apply by Sunday, September 20, 2026 please visit www.ngshire.vic.gov.au/careers. is available at: https://resources.vic. BRENT MCALISTER gov.au/community-and-land-use.

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ACROSS THE GROUNDS: Photographer KAREN REES caught some of the Wimmera League’s first round of finals action between A Grade netballers Ararat and Stawell and senior footballers Nhill and Southern Mallee Thunder. Ararat won the elimination final 40-37, while Nhill was victorious in the elimination final 11.11 (77) to 10.9 (69). Pictured are, clockwise from above: Ararat’s Bridie Price defending Jemma Clarkson, Stawell; Southern Mallee Thunder’s Jai Kennealy is tackled by Nhill’s Frazer Driscoll; Thunder’s Edward Lindon tackles Nhill’s Xavier Bone; Stawell goal shooter Ayva Mitchell; Thunder’s Matty Lloyd; Ararat goalie Laney McLoughlan; Nhill’s Daniel Batson; Ararat’s Monique Scott in front of Stawell’s Jessie Newton; Nhill’s Xavier Bone and Thunder’s Billy Lloyd; and centre, Thunder’s Dylan Mutu is tackled by Nhill’s Jobe Dickinson. Wednesday, September 2, 2026

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Competition continues H

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

orsham Calisthenics College’s intermediate group won the reserve aggregate in the college’s annual fourday competition last week.

The Thursday-to-Sunday event attracted competitors from across western Victoria and South Australia, with about 400 entrants from the age of four years taking to the Horsham Town Hall stage across sub-junior, junior, intermediate and senior teams and solo sections. College principal coach Kylie Hermans said the intermediate group would continue its competition season in Melbourne on Friday. “It will only be five days between when they competed and when they have to compete again, but they are on a high at the moment, so it’s a good place to be going into the next competition,” she said. “Overall, Horsham did quite well.” The college’s youngest students showcased their skills on stage during a display with the competitive sub-junior teams. The college also had a junior team and soloists in graceful and calisthenic sections. Mrs Hermans thanked the college community for executing the event, which is the club’s major fundraiser. “Di Walter and myself co-ordinated the weekend – it takes months and months to organise, so I want to recognise Di, as well as our volunteers and sponsors,” she said. The college will host a come-and-try night for all its sections in term four; people can follow the college’s Facebook page for updates and more information.

SIDE STAGE: Horsham Calisthenics College coach Caitlin Devlin reassures Horsham subbies Winnie Durack and Grace Roberts. TECHNIQUE: Horsham’s Elina Hay shows her rods technique during her Tinies team display.

REWARD: Horsham Calisthenics College’s intermediate team won the reserve aggregate at Sunday’s competition. Pictured are, back row from left, Tiffany Petering, Violet Mason and Lilly Nuske, middle, assistant coach Ebonie Janetzki, Stella Schnaars, Amy Bolwell and coach Kylie Hermans, and front, Ella Bailey, Stephanie Wundke and Kelsey Schnaars.

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IN THE SPOTLIGHT: About 400 competitors graced the Horsham Town Hall stage across four days for Horsham Calisthenics College’s annual competition. Teams travelled from across the state and South Australia to compete. Pictured are, clockwise from left, Horsham sub-junior competitors Winnie Durack and Aubree Schnaars; Horsham tinies Ruby Witmitz and Thea Reddie during their rods display item; Horsham’s Senezelo Sibiya; Celeste Corcilius of Mt Gambier Calisthenics College; and Horsham sub-juniors Chloe Begg and Olivia Schneider. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

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Future bright for Heat team V

BY DAVID BERRY

olleyball Horsham Heat’s women’s team has finished fourth in the state league one competition following a straightsets bronze medal match loss to Monash Uni.

When the team got its final off to the perfect start, leading 7-1 on the back of some Molly Carter spike success and brilliant serving from teenage middle blocker Bonnie Grieger, it looked like a bronze medal win was in the offing. But to Monash Uni’s credit, it polished up its service reception, which enabled its setter to have more options in attack and before long that ascendancy was wiped away and the game became a point-for-point contest. The Heat team showed great resilience in defence, often running balls down and keeping its chances alive in the rally, but could not land the winner needed to score points, and Monash took the first set 25-23. Monash carried that momentum into the second set and soon established a four point lead that the Horsham team could not bridge. Monash established its middle attackers early and was able to keep the Heat team’s defences guessing as they continually hit deep to corners, resulting in a mid-game change

FOCUS: Hannah Whyte sets to Cleo Baker, while Sophie Quick watches on in Volleyball Horsham Heat women’s bronze medal match at the weekend. by the Heat team. While the team worked hard in defence, keeping the ball alive and staying in the rally, it could not land the telling blow in offence. Monash took the second set 25-21, but given the history between the two teams, the Heat team knew it had been there and done that before, so the mood in the huddle at the end of the second set was one of optimism. A change in line-up saw Molly Carter start with the serve and Cleo Baker onto the front line, to see if the team could arrest the momentum from the other side of the court and

get off to a start. Monash continued with its relentless attack and by the mid-point of the set, the Heat team had fired all its bullets and could not get a winner no matter what it threw at the opposition, as the score ballooned out to 19-11. The end came quickly with Monash powering away to win 25-14 and taking a well deserved bronze medal. For the Heat team, a season that promised so much came to a crashing end and ironically their worst result – a three-set loss – came in the match that mattered the most. Twenty-eight teams started the state

league one season, and for Volleyball Horsham Heat to finish top-four in its first season, can be given a huge pass mark. The result should spur the team on for next season and give the girls the fire in the belly to come back hard and strong. Fifteen wins and four losses in the team’s first season shows it can compete at the level, and ironically, the competition winners were Dandenong Red – the team that beat the Heat girls in four-sets in their semi-final.

Sport Final call for junior golfers Wimmera District Golf Association, WDGA, has put out a final call for junior golfers interested in representing the Wimmera region at the Golf Australia Junior Country Regions tournament. The competition will be at Terang Golf Club on October 17 and 18, with competitors playing 18 holes each day, beginning at noon on the Saturday and 9am on the Sunday. There will be team winners for both gross and net scores. WDGA will enter a team of 11 boys and girls, who must be aged at least 12 and under 18 at the time of the competition. Players selected to represent the region will receive a hat and shirt, as well as a subsidy to assist with travel and accommodation for the tournament. Players should have a handicap or be willing to obtain a handicap prior to the tournament, with WDGA officials able to assist players in obtaining a handicap. Players and parents will be subject to the WDGA code of conduct during the tournament. Players will be selected based on a combination of talent, attitude, potential, commitment, temperament, technique and Golf Australia handicap. Interested players can submit an expression of interest on the WDGA website or contact junior co-ordinator Tom Huf at juniors@wimmeragolf.com.au or 0427 620 422.

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Grand final teams await opponent A

BY SIMON KING

fter six exciting semi-final matches played at Kaniva on Saturday, one team in each of the Wimmera Hockey Association’s divisions has confirmed a place in its respective grand final.

Two others are still in the premiership race and must face-off on Saturday at Dimboola to stake their claim for the title, and one more from each has dropped out of contention. In open division, the Yanac Tigers-Warrack Hoops match started at the usual frenetic pace that is regularly witnessed when these two teams meet, but with the added intensity of a final, it only got livelier as the game progressed. The game was in the balance until well into the last quarter, which started with a scoreline of two-all. During some very intense hockey, some undisciplined play saw a regular parade of players to the penalty box with temporary suspensions from yellow cards. This increased the pressure as the Hoops spent more of the closing stages of the game one or two players short on the field, which opened the door to the Tigers drawing ahead with two more goals to seal the win and qualify for an impressive 20th consecutive grand final. Nhill Rangers’ juggernaut continues to roll on after a comfortable four-goal win in the elimination semi-final to keep alive their ambitions of contest-

Semi-final results – Open, first semi-final: Nhill Rangers 4 (goals, L. Mills, O. Bone, S. Bone, R. Reichelt; best, A. Zanker, J. Knoll, L. Mills) d Kaniva Cobras 0 (C. Beattie, N. Krelle, T. Jorgensen). Second semi-final: Yanac Tigers 4 (B. Alexander 2, K. Croot, T. Alexander; B. Alexander, T. Alexander, H. Pedie) d Warrack Hoops 2 (H. Knoop, S. Schultz; C. Bardell, H. Johns, R. Brown). Women, first semi-final: Kaniva 1 (O. Diment; N. Hutchins, I. Dickinson, L. Stimson) d Nhill Thunderbirds 0 (C. Rowe, C. Zanker, N. Gill). Second semi-final: Yanac 4 (E. Alexander, S. Hedt, C. Alexander, A. Farmers; E. Alexander, C. Alexander, S. Hedt) d Dimboola Roos 1 (T. Clark; J. Hauselberger, A. Rintoule, T. Clark). Under-16, first semi-final: Nhill Leopards 1 (3) (D. Bee 2, B. Clark, A. Albrecht; J. Cannell, B. Clark, B. Cannell, D. Bee) d Yanac Warriors 1 (1) (H. Zanker, A. Zanker; L. Dickinson, H. Zanker, A. Zanker, I. Hedt). Second semi-final: Warrack Revengers 2 (H. Knoop, S. Williamson; H. Knoop, S. Williamson, R. Bish) d Kaniva Raiders 1 (R. Williams; L. Williams, F. Dodson, D. Stimson).

ATTACK: Kaniva Cobras’ Tim Jorgensen launches the ball into attack ahead of Nhill Rangers’ Rodney Reichelt.

ing a season decider for the first time in 30 years. After a very even, scoreless first quarter, the Rangers picked up the pace and set up the win with a threegoal second quarter, and maintained this pressure right to the end, not allowing the Kaniva Cobras to recover. Yanac took full advantage of a Dimboola Roos’ team missing several key players and recorded a four-goal-toone win to advance to the women’s grand final. Scoring two goals in the first quarter, the Roos clawed one back in the second to still be in touch at half-time, but Yanac’s pressure yielded another two successful scores after half-time while preventing the Roos from adding any more. While Yanac will now enjoys a week

off before the season decider, the Roos will front up again on Saturday to play Kaniva, who had to fight hard to overcome a determined Nhill Thunderbirds in the other semi-final. The only thing separating the two was a Kaniva field goal towards the end of the second quarter in an otherwise very even contest. In the only match decided by a shootout, Nhill Leopards and Yanac Warriors were tied on one-all at fulltime, with the Leopards holding their nerve in the shootout to outscore their opponents by three goals to one. The Leopards now advance to the preliminary final against Kaniva Raiders, who lost a very close semi-final to Warrack Revengers, who are now bound for the grand final.

Preliminary finals

Attention now moves to Dimboola on Saturday when teams gather to do battle in the preliminary finals for the remaining places in the three grand finals, and all matches could go either way. Open, Warrack Hoops v Nhill Rangers: Although Warrack Hoops finished in second place on the ladder, two games ahead of the Rangers, the Nhill team has defeated their higher-ranked opponents twice out of their three meetings so far in 2026, including their only meeting at the venue where they will play on Saturday. The Hoops have a wealth of finals experience in their squad and will welcome back several key players who were missing from their semi-final loss to the Tigers, but the Rangers

come into the game with the momentum of what is already their best season in over a decade and have a real chance of qualifying for their first season decider since 1997. Women, Dimboola Roos v Kaniva: The Dimboola Roos have been the dominant team in the competition this season and will want to convert that into a premiership. With the return of a couple of key position players who were unavailable last Saturday, they should earn a spot in the grand final alongside Yanac, but Kaniva will be a worthy adversary. Kaniva was the only team to defeat the Roos during the regular season and has the depth to seriously challenge them again this week, but even at their best, particularly on the Roos’ home turf, they might still come up just short of another victory. Under-16, Kaniva Raiders v Nhill Leopards: This is one game that could easily go either way. Kaniva Raiders made a slow start to their season, only breaking into the top four in round five, but by the end of 15 rounds they had claimed the minor premiership. The Leopards have shown more consistency across the whole season, and when playing at their best they would deserve a place in the grand final. Either result would not be an upset, as the Raiders have won both times they have met on the turf at Dimboola, but the experience of Nhill’s top-age players will probably give them the edge in this one.

Quick recovery with our help Early diagnosis & management to get you back into action Over 70 years combined experie nce Shaun Casey, Sandra Casey, Erin Wallace IN CONTROL: Yanac’s Erin Alexander takes control of the ball ahead of Dimboola’s Victoria Ward. Pictures: SIMON KING

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Nhill keeps dream alive N

hill turned around a 27-point half-time deficit to score a win for the ages over Southern Mallee Thunder on Sunday, keeping its premiership dream alive.

The Tigers’ elimination final win at Warracknabeal on Sunday sets up a semi-final against Stawell, who went down to Horsham Saints in a qualifying final on Saturday. After an even first term with just one point separating the two sides, the Thunder impressed in the second quarter, outscoring Nhill 4.4 to two points. But after halftime, the Tigers, led by Nhill co-coach Jake McQueen and star utility Frazer Driscoll, mounted a comeback, and despite errant kicking in the final term – kicking two goals, six points – were able to claw back to win 77-69. A few positional changes at halftime, including some big-bodied midfielders in the centre, and a will to win sparked the second-half performance, which finished with an unexpected highlight. Matt Kennedy, who had not kicked a goal all year, found himself in the goal square, where his first goal for the year sealed the win. McQueen said Thunder had been winning the outside game in the first

half, which was preventing the Tigers from providing opportunities to their forwards. “That was the message at halftime, to try and make sure that we don’t get sucked into contest and we can actually own the outside and I feel like we got some good looks going forward when we did that,” he said. McQueen himself, who has spent much of this season in the forward line, moved into the centre, having an immediate impact alongside Driscoll and Lucas Dahlenburg. Driscoll’s silky skills and attack on the contest is always a highlight, but from the start of the game on Sunday, he crashed and bashed through packs to win the footy, breaking away to kick the ball forward. Despite an injury-riddled year where he played only nine games, Driscoll told 3WM’s Local Football Live that finals were ‘a clean slate’. “When finals start, for me, that’s when footy starts,” he said. Down 27-54 at halftime, and struggling to hit the front despite winning the ball in the second half, Driscoll said he had thought a loss was on the cards. “But the way every single bloke out there just went contest after contest and if we kicked a point, they were just like... ‘We need to kick another

ON THE RUN: Southern Mallee Thunder’s Kieran Delahunty gets a kick away. goal. We need to win the game’,” he said. “When you have 21 blokes out there doing that, you’re generally going to get the result.” Driscoll said he revelled in returning to play footy at his home club because of the community. “Playing at the higher level, I’ve never felt the connection with the blokes next to you. They’re always striving for something else,” he said. “When you come back to your hometown, all the supporters and playing footy with your best mates, there’s nothing that gets me up more for a game of footy.”

But it is not all good news for Nhill, with Josh Ryan – who kicked three goals on Sunday – injuring his hamstring, potentially missing this week’s final at Dimboola on Sunday. For the Thunder, key midfielders Jai Kennealy and Bailey Edwards, along with Matty Lloyd, who booted six goals, were the best. In the qualifying final at Beulah, Saints stormed home to a 109-92 win despite the Warriors, led by Josh Fowkes and Tom Eckel, challenging strongly in the final quarter. The Saints led at every change, 3214 at quarter-time, 63-39 at the main break and then 80-59 before a tense

Picture: KAREN REES

last term, where Stawell kicked 5.3 to the Saints’ 4.6. Returning from a hamstring injury, Rory Taggert was best with six goals, while Max Bryan and Will Tickner were impressive for the Saints. The win progresses the Saints through to a second semi-final against ladder leaders Ararat, who are aiming for their fourth consecutive premiership. The winner of that match, at Stawell on Saturday, will progress directly to the grand final, while the loser will play the winner of Nhill versus Stawell in a preliminary final at Minyip the following weekend.

Dimboola nets upset win, ready for next challenge Dimboola caused an upset in Wimmera league A Grade finals with a last-quarter comeback over Horsham Demons. Both finals at the weekend were decided by a margin of three goals, as Ararat knocked out Stawell in the elimination final. In the qualifying final on Saturday, the Demons, who finished second on the ladder, were favourites to win but Dimboola’s never-say-die attitude saw a thrilling match take place in warm conditions at Beulah. The Roos led by three goals at quarter-time in the battle of goal-shooters, as Dimboola’s Nicole Polycarpou and Demon Imogen Worthy dominated under the ring. Horsham coach Georgie Carberry started in goal-attack before the Demons swung their first change, moving Zarli Knight into goals while Carberry went into wing attack. The Demons gained the ascendency in the second term to take a two-goal lead into the main break, 25-23, and were able to maintain that margin until three-quarter-time. The stage was set for a thrilling last quarter and it did not disappoint, as the Demons led by three goals early before the Roos scored three goals in succession to level the scores, 39-apiece with 10 minutes remaining. From there, the scores see-sawed between level and the Demons leading by one, until at about the four-minutemark, when the Roos were able to scrape ahead. Four successive goals gave them Page 44

STRONG: Stawell’s Erin Freeland and Ararat’s Laney McLoughlan reach for the ball. Picture: KAREN REES a 47-43 lead, and with one minute remaining Dimboola was four goals ahead before Worthy added an extra goal for the Demons to take the score 49-46, the Roos’ way. Dimboola’s attacking end gelled well, capitalising on the opportunities provided by their defence, led by Bridget Dorrington. Roos coach Ant Toet said Polycarpou, with 29 goals, was particularly impressive, as was captain Rianna Kuhne in centre. “ Giselle Clugston, who played a

full game at wing attack, also played really well. She had three or four opponents, and she’s just turned 15 and doesn’t usually play wing attack, but with Billie (Barber) out injured, she just soaked everything up and listened ... and just kept going and kept trying to create something for us up forward, which was great,” Toet said. “It’s crazy how proud I am of them – they’ve worked hard, they’ve come together at the right time of the year, and finals is anyone’s game.” The Roos now have an ever greater www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

challenge ahead of them – taking on Horsham Saints in a second semi-final at Stawell on Saturday. “We know they’re the ladder-leaders. We know they’re a level ahead for a reason. We need to be realistic, but also its finals and anything can happen,” Toet said. “They’re top for a reason. They can make changes in their team and don’t seem to drop in intensity. “We’ve got some little goals and things we want to achieve. We stuck to that last time we played them, which

was only a few weeks ago, so we’ll go into it again positive and knowing we’ve got a second chance, which will also help us.” For the Demons, while Worthy finished with 30 goals, it was Knight who was outstanding at goal attack. The Demons now turn their attention to a semi-final clash against Ararat, where the loser will be bundled out of finals. On the two occasions they played each other this season, the Demons were victorious, and will no doubt be favourites to win this Sunday at Dimboola. But the Rats could produce the goods, and will be hopeful of continuing their finals form, which netted a 40-37 win over Stawell in the elimination final at Warracknabeal on Sunday. Ararat started well, out to a five-goal lead by quarter time, as Rats goalers Laney McLoughlan and Michayla McRae paired well. The Rats had a strong second quarter, leading by as much as eight at one stage, before the Warriors pared back the margin to 22-16. Stawell again mounted a comeback and levelled the scores at 26-all in the third term, with goal shooter Ayva Mitchell providing a key target. But the Rats were able to pull ahead on the scoreboard, leading by four goals, before the Warriors again came back – three goals in succession to Mitchell had the scoreline at 32-31. Ararat regained composure, scoring through McLoughlan, who piled on five goals late in the game, allowing the Rats to proceed to next final. Wednesday, September 2, 2026

HorSHAM DIStrICt LEAGUE

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Tumultuous round builds anticipation

he prevailing power structure of the Horsham District league was upended in a tumultuous pair of senior football finals at the weekend.

Three-time reigning premier Harrow-Balmoral’s title defence came to an abrupt end with a defeat at the hands of Kaniva-Leeor United, while Laharum is into the grand final after a hard-fought win against minor premier Noradjuha-Quantong. The Cougars’ victory against the Roos marked the end of one of the most dominant three-year runs in league history. The reigning premiers entered Sunday’s first semi-final at Edenhope undermanned, with key forwards Michael Close and Cody Deutscher both sidelined, but leaned on their small forwards early. After Mitch Grant kicked the first goal of the game for the Roos following a holding-the-ball free kick, the Cougars controlled most of the play, but were unable to capitalise on the scoreboard, kicking 1.7 in the first term.

The match remained close throughout the next two quarters, with Kaniva-Leeor United’s backline, led by the intercept marking of swingman Blake Dodson, offering the Roos few avenues to goal. The Cougars’ star midfield trio of Josh Clayton, Mike Manteit and Tyler Roos also pushed deep into defence to help win the ball, but the team struggled to generate scores of its own. “It was a really tight game. They came out and kicked the first and then we had a lot of opportunities and just couldn’t convert,” Cougars co-coach Jonno Hicks said. “I was a bit nervous about giving Harrow-Balmoral a chance – they obviously know how to play finals football and when you don’t convert your opportunities it can come back to bite you. “But we were lucky enough that it stayed tight until three-quarter time, and then the ball bounced our way a couple of times in the last quarter and we managed to get a few more forward entries and get on top right at the end of the game.” Kaniva-Leeor’s spread in attack paid

dividends in the last quarter, as cocoach Jacob Eats struck twice while Patrick Munn and James Gurney-Wellington added singles to break the game open in an eight-minute burst. The Roos fought on until the final siren, but were unable to get themselves back in the match, eventually losing 11.11 (77) to 6.10 (46). Hicks paid tribute to the reigning premiers after the match. “They’ve got a seriously quality onball brigade. They’re a good contested team and they win the footy,” he said. “They know what to do to get the job done and obviously they’ve been premiers for the last few years for a reason. “So we just had to make sure we competed across the ground. It was great to have our midfield be able to compete with theirs and our back line stood up really well. “To Harrow’s credit, they really slowed us down. “We were hoping we’d get more run and drive through the middle of the ground, but they hemmed us in really well. “We couldn’t break the game open

TUSSLE: Noradjuha-Quantong’s Rachel Leader and Caitlin Story, Laharum, battle for the ball. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

and it made it really tough for our forwards. “I know they were a bit undermanned. They had some of their topend stars out, especially in the forward half, so the effort from them was really impressive.” The Cougars will now turn their attention to a preliminary final against minor premier Noradjuha-Quantong, after the Bombers lost their second semi-final to Laharum at Rupanyup on Saturday. While Demon key forward Jack Fenner once again stuffed the stat sheet with eight goals, it was the work of Laharum’s defenders that was most impressive in the 10.9 (69) to 7.9 (51) win. The Bombers had plenty of forward entries, but Todd Heynen and Patrick MacDonough took numerous relieving marks in defence for the Demons. Laharum coach Robbie Miller credited his entire team’s willingness to apply defensive pressure for helping to slow down the high-scoring Bombers. “It was a bit of a grind of a game. I think our pressure slowly wore them

down during the game and came up trumps in the end, so it was good to get the reward,” he said. “We like to pride ourselves on being an extremely difficult side to score against. “Our backs are so well structured and probably don’t get the recognition they deserve. They battle week in, week out.” Miller said his team would benefit from a week off before the grand final, with the Demons’ self-belief at an alltime high. “We know our football and our game plan stacks up against the best sides, and that if we stick to what we’re trying to do and not alter too much, that it will click at some stage,” he said. “There’s a lot to go into between now and the grand final, so we’ll make sure everyone’s got the right approach and their bodies are right. “We’re being very diligent with our recovery, all going together and making sure we’re enjoying each other’s company and the camaraderie of the fortnight leading into it. “We’ll make sure we’re all right and ready to rock and roll.”

CONTROL: Maddie Iredell, Laharum, is quick to pass in front of Noradjuha-Quantong’s Jane Tucker.

Laharum stamps its authority Laharum is one win away from its second Horsham District league A Grade netball premiership in three years after sending a statement with a dominant win against Noradjuha-Quantong at the weekend. The Demons wasted no time establishing their superiority in a 62-37 semi-final victory over the Bombers, jumping out to a 17-10 lead at quarter time and extending their advantage at every change. While the Bombers’ positional versatility has been one of their strengths this season, they were unable to find a good match-up for young Laharum goalie Ilze Van Zyl, who scored a game-high 42 goals against opponents Leah Mirtschin and Brooke Pay. The Demons were aggressive when not in possession, with goal defence Ema Iredell and wing defence Rylee Hateley breaking hard on the ball to create intercepts or deflections, and goal keeper Jaspa Robinson doing her best to combat the height of Noradjuha-Quantong shooter Shannon Couch. Couch had eight goals in the first quarter but finished with only 12 for the match as the Bombers reshuffled their attacking setup in the second Wednesday, September 2, 2026

half, playing Ash Morrish, 12 goals, and coach Taylor Shelley, 13, in the goal ring. Mirtschin was named the Bombers’ best player after switching from goal defence to goal keeper and then wing defence after quarter time, but her team’s numerous positional changes were unable to stop a steady flow of Laharum goals. But while Noradjuha-Quantong struggled at the weekend, it remains alive in the finals race and is set to face a team it beat less than two weeks ago – Edenhope-Apsley – for a spot in the grand final. The Saints bounced back from their loss to the Bombers to outpace Kalkee in a 54-30 win at Edenhope on Sunday. While the Saints extended their lead at every change, they only put the result beyond all doubt with a 17-5 final quarter. Coach Lavinia Fox said she was impressed with the way her team bounced back following its qualifying final loss to the Bombers. “We were super pleased to walk away with a win, but then to walk away with a 24-goal win I think

definitely instilled some belief in the group moving forward,” she said. “We respect Kalkee a lot. Obviously they were the only side to beat Laharum throughout the home-andaway rounds, so we knew they were certainly capable of beating anyone in the five. “We finished the game quite strong, and I think that’s a testament to the fitness of the group as well, to be able to run out a full four quarters. “We also utilised some good depth off our bench on the weekend. It was a bit of a hotter day so we used 10 of our 11 players.” Saint goal shooter Dee Dee Lambert found her touch on Sunday a week after being well held by Noradjuha-Quantong, while Olivia Spence at goal defence and Hannah Magasanik at centre were also impressive. The Kees’ top players were midcourters Tamika Mentha and coach Millie McRae. Fox said her team would need to remain composed and execute well to reverse the result of its previous match against the Bombers. “We reflected on needing to continue to work on our connections in our www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

STRETCH: Laharum’s Rylee Hateley and Holly Nuske, NoradjuhaQuantong reach for the ball. attacking end, just to create safer decisions and keep ourselves in possession of the ball a little bit longer,” she said. “I think at times we caused a few too many costly turnovers in that game a fortnight ago, and given it was only a five-goal margin in the end, that’s only three turnovers.

“Obviously it’s hard to remain composed in a final, but I think we did a good job against Kalkee of making better decisions and having better shot selection too. “Hopefully that instills some belief in our group and gets us across the line on Saturday.” Page 45

Sport 17-ANDUNDER NETBALL: Ruby Williams of Pimpinio was awarded the Horsham District Football Netball League best-andfairest award, with Emma Uebergang of Natimuk the runnerup.

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UNDER-17 FOOTY: Joshua Taylor, Natimuk, is the under-17 league best-and-fairest, and runner-up Patrick Price, Pimpinio.

League crowns top juniors Topping the under-17 football vote count was Natimuk United’s Joshua Taylor, narrowly edging out runner-up Patrick Price from Pimpinio. As the nine-team competition saw teams play an uneven number of games, the best-and-fairest vote count was decided by the number of votes a player received per game. Taylor played in all 12 of the Rams’ homeand-away games, receiving 18 votes at an average of 1.5 per game, while Price’s 19 votes in 13 games resulted in an average of 1.46 per contest. Taylor, 16, said it was the biggest award he had won in his football career. He said he hoped to begin making appearanc-

es in Natimuk United’s senior team next season as a top-age under-17 player. “It feels pretty good,” he said. “The year has gone pretty well. We’re not the best team and we didn’t make finals, but it was definitely good to get a few wins and grow together as a team.” One year after topping the 15-and-under netball vote count, Pimpinio’s Ruby Williams snagged the 17-and-under trophy with another stellar season. Despite turning 16 only last week and having another season of junior eligibility remaining, Williams cemented herself as the competition’s best player with 31 votes at an average of 2.38 per game, comfortably ahead of Natimuk United’s Emma Uebergang, who polled 24 at an average of two a game. Williams, who also played every game in the Tigers’ A Grade side this season, said she was enjoying her netball at the club.

“We had a pretty good year. We’ve got a prelim final on the weekend and if we win we’re in the grand final. “I’m friends with all of my team-mates, so it’s fun to play with them every week. “I just want to keep enjoying it and see where it takes me.” Topping the 15-and-under netball count was Kalkee’s Ella Schultz with 23 votes at a 1.92-per-game average, edging out Laharum’s Ivy Hoffmaier by 0.01 of a vote per game. Laharum junior footballer Angus Crute topped the under-14 count with 28 votes, good for 2.55 a game, while runner-up Judd Oakley of Noradjuha-Quantong had 29 votes at an average of 2.42. With all 13-and-under netball teams playing an equal number of games, the count was decided by straight vote totals, with Kalkee’s Isla Brown polling 30 to win from runner-up Blayze Kenny of Swifts on 26.

13-AND-UNDER NETBALL: Winner Isla Brown, Kalkee, and runner-up Blayze Kenny, Swifts.

UNDER-14 FOOTBALL: Winner Angus Crute, Laharum, and runner-up Judd Oakley, Noradjuha-Quantong.

15-AND-UNDER NETBALL: Winner Ella Schultz, Kalkee, and runner-up Ivy Hofmaier, Laharum.

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

orsham District Football Netball League celebrated its top young players on Monday night with best-and-fairest vote counts across all junior football and netball competitions.

Horsham Racing Pigeon Club’s Sunday race from Hatfield, NSW, saw 13 members enter 414 pigeons for the 356-airline-kilometre journey back to Horsham. Excellent weather conditions and light winds produced some good times, with the leading pigeons averaging close to 1200 metres a minute – about 72kmh. John Muszkieta took the honours – his winning pigeon completing the journey in four hours, 57 minutes, averaging 71.7kmh, or 1194m/m. Muszkieta’s winner had a clear advantage, arriving one minute, 44 seconds ahead of Terry Brauer’s first entry, which averaged 71.3kmh, or 1187m/m. Third place went to John Aisbett’s first entry, which arrived a further two minutes, 32 seconds later, averaging 70.6 kmh, or 1177.4m/m. Apart from Muszkieta’s winner, which led the field home on its own, the next small group of about 10 pigeons all arrived within six minutes. Many other leading pigeons followed about four minutes later, making for a closely contested finish. The wind conditions for Sunday’s Hatfield race were favourable, with southwest winds of around 8kmh for most of the flight path. This helped the leading pigeons maintain speeds approaching 1200m/m for the entire 356-kilometre journey. The club’s next race to be from Broken Hill has been brought forward to Thursday September 3 due to the forecast of strong winds and wintry conditions for the weekend.

Demons unstoppable Reigning premier Lismore-Derrinallum stands on the cusp of back-to-back Mininera and District Football League senior premierships after throttling Woorndoo-Mortlake by 84 points in a second semi-final at Dunkeld on Saturday. The Demons, who are yet to lose in 2026, showed a gulf remains between themselves and the second-placed Tigers, winning 18.10 (118) to 5.4 (34) to advance directly to the grand final. Lachie Constable was unstoppable with nine goals in the Demons’ forward line, while other top contributors were Henry and Tommy Walsh, Bailey Austin, Jack McCallum and Lleyton Woolley. The Tigers remain alive, and will face Hawkesdale-Macarthur in this weekend’s preliminary final after the Eagles beat Caramut 12.10 (82) to 7.10 (52) in the first semi-final at Ararat’s Alexandra Oval on Sunday. Hawkesdale-Macarthur led at every change, with Patrick Anderson kicking six goals to lead the way and the likes of Ben Reid, Louis Kew and Zane Boekhout played supporting roles. The preliminary final will be at Tatyoon from 2.30pm on Saturday, with the winner to challenge Lismore-Derrinallum in the grand final at Lake Bolac.

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Page 46

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Day out for Meech

tawell-based jockey Linda Meech had a day out at the Sheep Hills Cup at Warracknabeal on Saturday, posting three wins including the $30,000 feature race.

Meech guided seven-year-old gelding Tykemison to victory by three quarters of a length in the 2000m cup race, edging out Nicoffhome and Dartboard, with pre-race favourite Aristonous finishing fifth. Tykemison settled near the rear of the 10-horse field for much of the running and was eighth at both the 800m and 400m marks. But the gelding found a lane along the rail upon turning for home, charging up the inside in the final 200 metres to overtake leader Nicoffhome about 70 metres before the line. It was the second of two wins for Meech, who also took out the Bentley Group Maiden Plate in race one aboard five-year-old gelding Habitual. Meech finished with a third triumph in the last of the afternoon’s seven races – the Taylors Palace Hotel After The Last Handicap – guiding seven-year-old gelding Surfy Pete, trained by Horsham’s Paul Preusker, to a one-length victory. Warracknabeal Racing Club chairman Mark

Linda Meech Phelan said pleasant weather had helped draw a healthy crowd. “It was a beautiful day, so we had probably between 300 and 350 people there,” he said. “It all went well. Everything ran right and went smoothly.” In addition to the on-track action, the cup featured live music, a fashions-on-the-field competition, food and drinks, and children’s entertainment. The club’s next major meeting is the Warracknabeal Cup, scheduled for March 27 next year.

Junior squash come-and-try session Horsham Squash Club will host a free juniors’ come-andtry session before its term four program begins. The October 14 come-andtry session, from 5.15pm, is a program warm-up for children

aged from five to 16 years. No experience is needed and equipment is supplied. The term four, eight-week program starts on October 21, with hour-long sessions starting at 5.15pm each week.

Registrations for the term close on October 21. For more information, people can email the club at horshamsquashclub@hotmail com.

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Horsham Sharks swimmers Matilda Delahunty, Abel Neumann and Grace Sansom competed in the 2026 South Australian Short Course State Championships at the weekend. The trio achieved multiple personal-best times, with Sansom finishing in the top-10 in all three of her events. Earlier this month the three swimmers, along with Kaeden Beaton, competed in the 2026 Victorian Short Course Country Championships at Traral-

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a club are very proud of our swimmers and appreciate the time parents spend in the car and sitting on the pool deck supporting these young athletes,” she said. The Horsham Sharks will host their third mini meet for the year on Friday next week at Horsham Aquatic Centre. People interested in joining the Sharks can contact the club at horshamsharksswimming @gmail.com for more information.

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gon. The four swam in the 13-and-under medley and freestyle relay events. It was the first time in at least 10 years the club has entered relays at a championship event. Coach Jasmine Neumann said the club was proud of the swimmers who had trained hard and travelled to many meets across western Victoria to obtain qualifying times. “They all swam amazingly and achieved some great personal best times – we as

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Page 47

Sport Vol. 29 No. 10 Wednesday, September 2, 2026

Tigers punch on FINALS FIGHT: Nhill’s Lachlan Ryan punches the ball clear of the pack in the Tigers’ eight-point win over Southern Mallee Thunder, booking themselves a first semi-final appointment with Stawell at Dimboola on Sunday. Nhill turned around a 27-point half-time deficit to run out winners at Warracknabeal on Sunday. Horsham Saints secured a second semi-final match-up against flag-favourite Ararat at Stawell on Saturday after overcoming the Warriors by 17 points at Beulah. Story, page 44. Picture: KAREN REES

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