The Weekly Advertiser – Wednesday, September 30, 2026 by The Weekly Advertiser

Vol. 29 No. 14

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

I N S I D E Police Remembrance Day

DAYLIGHT SAVING Begins Sunday, October 4 Grampians Wine Festival

Workforce limitations W

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

immera health leaders have called for the state and federal governments to invest in local housing and avoid further immigration cuts following a report detailing challenges facing Victoria’s rural health workforce.

Rural Workforce Agency Victoria, RWAV, last month released its Victorian Rural Health Workforce Census 2025-26, an annual snapshot of health workers across the state’s regions. More than 700 health and allied-health professions completed the census, which showed shortages across general practice, nursing and midwifery, mental health, allied health and specialist roles statewide. The report identified 16 priority locations experiencing ‘significant workforce pressures’, including Ararat, Stawell, Nhill and St Arnaud. It showed the most pressing shortages in the Western Victoria region were in the fields of allied health, mental health, nursing and specialist services. Nick Bush, the chief executive of Ararat-based East Grampians Health Service, EGHS, said the service had a ‘grow-your-own’ strategy of training nurses locally, but that it needed to recruit from further afield in other areas. He said finding appropriate housing was one of the biggest challenges for EGHS when it came to recruiting staff from outside the region. “We lease around 29 houses in the local community to house our professional staff,” he said. “We’re aiming to build purpose-built accommodation for staff.

Wednesday, September 30, 2026

“Ultimately we’d like them to own and live in our community or rent long-term in our community, but we are aware of the reality that some people will be building their skills and careers to move elsewhere.” Mr Bush said EGHS had purchased two properties that were earmarked for future housing builds and had plans to acquire another. He said the service would require government funding to build the accommodation, but that the project would ease pressure on the local rental market once complete. “It’s a longer-term view. We can then release those 29 houses back into the local community and help other businesses and other community members,” he said. “We would stage it as we got grants and funds. So in the first stage we’d like to build six selfcontained units, then build on and get to 12, and then get to 18. “By the time we’ve got to 18, we think our workforce strategies will be at a level that we’ll have more people who are professionals in our area and we won’t have such a reliance on accommodation like we do today, because our work with the universities is really starting to pay off. “With the Deakin Medical School in our area there’s 15 people studying, and half of those are from the Wimmera. “We’re hoping those doctors will land in our rural communities and we won’t need to provide them with housing because they will be local residents.” RWAV last month announced a project, in partnership with Monash University, to map housing shortages affecting Victoria’s rural health workforce. Continued page 3

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Move your clock forward one hour at 2am

EYE OF THE TIGER: Family-friendly fun was a feature at the Horsham Show at the weekend. Families poured into Maydale Reserve on Saturday evening and Sunday to experience the animals, exhibits, demonstrations, amusements and rides. Pictured is Ned Appleton, of Balmoral, enjoying the show. More pictures, page 17. Picture: KAREN REES

IN THIS ISSUE • Ledcourt triple fatal • Seppelt sold • Monthly AgLife • Volleyballers win gold Phone: 03 5382 1351 Read it online: www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

21,505 COPIES DISTRIBUTED EACH WEEK (average)

School Holiday FUN $4 craft - Monday to Friday, Sept 28 to Oct 2 Monday—White board

Thursday— Solar Cars

Tuesday—Build a Bag

Friday— Wood Butterflies

Wednesday— Colour Canvas

11am to 3pm daily

KMART l SPOTLIGHT l REJECT SHOP l BEST & LESS l WIDE RANGE OF SPECIALTY STORES l WWW.HORSHAMPLAZA.COM.AU

HRCC NEWS Nominate Now for the 2027 Australia Day Awards

CAREERS AT HRCC LEADING HAND GRADER TEAM Permanant Full Time Closes Sunday 4 October TOWN HALL TECHNICIAN Permanant Full Time Closes Sunday 4 October

Free Green Waste Disposal This Weekend Got some garden work you’ve been putting off for a while? Horsham Rural City Council is inviting the community to take part in this year’s Australia Day Awards by nominating a standout citizen, young achiever, or event that deserves recognition. The Australia Day Awards honour individuals and groups who have made a meaningful and lasting impact on the Horsham region. Nominations are now open in the following categories: • Citizen of the Year (25 years or older as of 26 January 2027) • Young Citizen of the Year (Under 25 years as of 26 January 2027) • Community Event of the Year

Council is holding a free green waste disposal event this weekend at the Horsham, Quantong and Mt Zero Transfer Stations. This is the perfect opportunity to tackle those general maintenance tasks like clearing your footpaths, trimming overgrowth and getting your yard ready for the upcoming fire season. Free Green Waste Weekend • Saturday 3 October and Sunday 4 October 2026 • Horsham, Quantong and Mt Zero Transfer Stations • Dispose of up to 1m³ of green waste free per visit (standard 6x4 trailer load)

Nomination forms are available online or in hard copy at the Civic Centre.

• No limit on the number of visits you can make during the weekend.

Submissions close: Friday 16 October, 2026.

• If your load is more than 1m³, you'll only pay for the amount over the free allowance. This applies to all loads, including trailers, tandem trailers and trucks.

Horsham RegFest Tickets Available Now!

• Please check transfer station opening hours before you visit. Along with Council's regular FOGO bin service, Free Green Waste Weekend is a great opportunity to tidy your garden, get ready for spring growth and prepare your yard for summer.

2026 Seniors Festival Events Announced

RATES ADMINISTRATION OFFICER Fixed Term Full Time Closes Sunday 4 October FIRE RECOVERY PROJECT OFFICER Fixed Term Full/Part Time Closes Saturday 10 October VICHEALTH PARTNERS IN PLACE PROJECT OFFICER Fixed Term Part Time Closes Sunday 11 October MECHANIC Permanant Full Time Closes Thursday 31 October To apply for these jobs or to view casual and part-time positions, please visit the HRCC website or scan the QR code.

TENDERS AND RFQ 08-2027 ENGAGEMENT OF A CONSULTANT - MAJOR PROJECTS DEVELOPMENT & DELIVERY SERVICES Closes Monday 5 October 26-017 THE WESLEY REDEVELOPMENT Closes Wednesday 14 October

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

CELEBRATE SENIORS FESITVAL IN HORSHAM!

27-004 PROVISION OF ADVERTISING SERVICES Closes Wednesday 21 October

SUN 04/10 2PM

Come and Try Croquet with Afternoon Tea

FRI 09/10 1PM - 3PM

Seniors Concert: Frankly Sinatra - A Tribute to Ol’ Blue Eyes, presented by Horsham Rural City Council Horsham Church of Christ, 91 River Road Stay for a cuppa from 2pm to connect with local services.

SUN 11/10 1:30PM - 4PM

Horsham Historical Society Open Day

TUE 13/10 2PM - 4PM

High Tea for Seniors

GRASS FLAT FIRE RECOVERY EVENTS

WED 14/10 8:50AM FOR A 9AM START

Riverside Walk

Preparedness Expo

WED 14/10 2PM - 4PM

Horsham and District U3A

FRI 16/10 9AM - 11AM

Come and Try Table Tennis with Morning Tea

Horsham Croquet Club, Botanical Gardens, Guilfoyle Drive

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

Horsham Historical Society, 33 Pynsent Street

Horsham Neighbourhood House, 13–15 Robin Street

Horsham Angling Club car park, Dixon Drive

Join Horsham and District U3A for their regular Wednesday afternoon classes and activities, followed by a healthy afternoon tea. Horsham Table Tennis Association, 11 Harriett Street

TUE 27/10 2:30PM - 5PM

Silver Strings

Live performance and sing-along. Horsham Neighbourhood House

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

The community is invited to come together for a day of connection, information, entertainment and family-friendly fun when Natimuk hosts the Preparedness Expo on Sunday 4 October 2026. Everyone is welcome to attend. This free community event will run from 10am to 2pm at the Natimuk Showgrounds. Local businesses, community groups and organisations that provide products, services, expertise or advice related to emergency preparedness, resilience and recovery are encouraged to register for a free stall site. Reserve your site with the QR code.

Next Council Meeting: Monday, October 26, 2026 - 5.30pm Horsham Rural City Council: 18 Roberts Avenue Horsham | Postal address: PO Box 511 Horsham VIC 3402 | Phone: (03) 5382 9777 | Email: council@hrcc.vic.gov.au | Web: www.hrcc.vic.gov.au HRCC News

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September 30, 2026 edition

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Wednesday, September 30, 2026

Deaths mourned by communities BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

hree people have died as a result of a three-vehicle collision at Ledcourt on Sunday, including a 14-year-old girl who competed at Horsham’s weekend volleyball tournament. Tenesha Fieldsend was one of four occupants travelling in a Mitsubishi Triton, driven by a 17-year-old male learner driver, when it collided with an MG ZS and a truck near Mount Drummond Road on the Western Highway at about 6.40pm. Both occupants of the MG ZS died at the scene. Ms Fieldsend sustained upper-body injuries and was airlifted to hospital, where she later died. The 17-year-old driver was airlifted to hospital with minor injuries and in a stable condition, an 11-year-old female passenger was airlifted to The Royal Children’s Hospital with up-

per-body injuries. A 43-year-old female passenger was transported by road ambulance to The Royal Children’s Hospital for observation, while the 29-year-old truck driver was not injured. The highway was closed in both directions for about 12 hours while police worked at the scene. CFA and VICSES volunteer crews also attended. Ms Fieldsend, a member of Latrobe Valley Volleyball, had earlier competed in Volleyball Victoria’s Junior Country Championships at Horsham, winning bronze with her team. Volleyball Horsham president David Berry said the sporting body would dedicate its Big Smash ’26 tournament on October 18 to Ms Fieldsend in support of her family. “Volleyball Horsham passes on to Tenesha’s family – mother Desiree, brother Djay and little sister, our deepest sympathies on the passing of Te-

“The greatest memory we will have is of how happy Tenesha’s team was when they won their bronze medal and we offer her family, friends and the Latrobe Valley volleyball community our deepest condolences at this difficult time” – David Berry, Volleyball Horsham president nesha. The greatest memory we will have is of how happy Tenesha’s team was when they won their bronze medal and we offer her family, friends and the Latrobe Valley volleyball community our deepest condolences at this difficult time,” he said. Latrobe Valley Volleyball, in an online statement, said its members were

deeply saddened by Ms Fieldsend’s death. “More affectionately known as ‘T’, Tenesha was a much-loved part of our sporting community and will be sadly missed by her team-mates, coaches, friends and our wider volleyball members,” it said. “It feels extra special that she was part of our bronze medal-winning team at the Volleyball Victoria Junior Country Championships in Horsham, over the weekend. “What a wonderful achievement to have shared with her team-mates, and a memory for them to treasure. “Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with her family, friends and all those who had the privilege of knowing her. “She will be greatly missed and fondly remembered by our sporting community.” Volleyball Victoria also extended its sympathies to Ms Fieldsend’s fami-

ly, friends, team-mates and coaches. “Volleyball Victoria is deeply saddened by the sudden and tragic loss of Tenesha Fieldsend,” the statement said. “This tragic loss has sent shockwaves through the tightknit volleyball community here in Victoria, particularly the members of Latrobe Valley Volleyball Association who Tenesha represented over the weekend. “Volleyball Victoria’s thoughts and support are with Tenesha’s family, friends, team-mates and coaches at this extremely difficult time.” Major Collision Investigation Unit detectives continue to investigate the circumstances surrounding the crash. Detectives ask anyone who witnessed the collision, has dashcam footage, or information to contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an online confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Housing key in attracting workforce POISE: Marong’s Aurora O’Neill achieved an honourable mention in the 12 and under 14 years neo classical solo open section of the Ararat Eisteddfod last week. The eightday competition brings hundreds of people from across the state to the district each year. Picture: BRONWYN HASTINGS

From page 1 RWAV chief executive Lauren Cordwell said housing was ‘becoming an increasingly important factor in whether health professionals choose to live and work in rural communities’. “Health services regularly tell us that accommodation challenges can make it difficult to recruit and retain the workforce they need,” she said. “This partnership with Monash University School of Rural Health will provide critical evidence about the nature and scale of the supply and demand of housing across rural Victoria.” Rural Northwest Health, RNH, interim chief executive Lois O’Callaghan echoed the sentiment that housing was a barrier to recruiting rural health workers. The service last year completed four new houses for workers at its Hopetoun campus using money from the State Government’s Regional Worker Accommodation Fund. “At Rural Northwest Health we’ve been on a big recruitment drive over a number of years now, trying to stabilise our workforce,” Ms O’Callaghan said. “Probably the biggest barrier has always been the capital infrastructure that you need – so where you house people. “We rent and own about 35 properties around the region that we work in. We rent about 18 of those and own the rest. So we’re basically a real-estate

agent in the scheme of things.” Ms O’Callaghan said competing interests in the region placed even greater pressure on housing. “There’s a mineral sands mine down near Donald and Minyip where they’re going to be housing staff not just in that area, but going out a bit more broadly looking for housing,” she said. “WestWind has got a big wind development happening around this part of the region that will employ a lot of staff during the build. “Then we also have a local hay-processing facility where there will be about 30 staff that they’re on the hunt for in terms of housing. “So despite our best efforts to try and be a preferred tenant for rental properties, we’re in a pretty tight market. Then it becomes an expensive market as well, because we’re competing against corporate tenants.” With RNH receiving no subsidies to help pay for worker rental accommodation, Ms O’Callaghan said housing put a dent in the health service’s annual budget. “If we’re renting 18 properties at, say, $400 a week, multiply that by 52 and you’d get nearly $375,000 a year,” she said. “It would be helpful if we had ongoing investment around this issue, because it becomes tighter and tighter and tighter. “As an example, we’ve got five families who we’ve sponsored to come and work here at Rural Northwest

Health. We’re not actually sure where we’re going to house them just yet, but they will arrive soon. “We’re under pressure all the time to make sure we’ve physically got somewhere we can house people so they can come and work here, so we can then have the flow-on effect of service delivery within the community.” Both Ms O’Callaghan and Mr Bush said they were monitoring the Federal Government’s efforts to lower Australia’s migration intake. Ms O’Callaghan said she was yet to observe negative effects from changes Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke had already made, but she viewed migration as a positive for Australia in general and regional communities in particular. “In terms of our international recruitment, we’ve had pretty good success on that front, so we wouldn’t want that pipeline to stop,” she said. “It’s made our workforce very diverse, and that’s had a fabulous flowon effect in terms of not just what we learn from other people that we work with who are from diverse backgrounds, but then it stabilises your local economy too. “I don’t think the value of that can be oversold. Anyone who thinks rural communities are a bit closed-minded about that stuff, I would challenge that and say, ‘no, that’s actually not the case’.”

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Mini Makers – Term 4 Starts Monday 12 October for 6 weeks 12 October 2026 | 10am 16 October 2026 | 11am

National Photographic Portrait Prize 2025 Exhibition Opening 16 October 2026 | 5.30pm

Horsham School Of Dance Presents Fairy Tales 25 October 2026 | 11am

Queen Rocks: Royal Rhapsody Tour 07 November | 7.30pm

The Dancers Zone presents Jukebox 08 November 2026 | 2pm

The Eagles Greatest Hits 04 December 2026 | 7.30pm

Ovation 21 February 2027 | 1pm

Studio 64 By The 60 Four 16 September 2027 | 7.30pm

SPECIAL GUEST

DENIS WALTER Ross Wilson & The Peaceniks 27 November 2026 | 8pm

Page 4

Beatles Legacy with Special Guest Denis Walter 28 November 2026 | 2pm

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Wednesday, September 30, 2026

‘Bright orange bollards’ on move H

BY LAUREN HENRY

orsham Rural City Council will move a shared bicycle-pedestrian path off the side of Natimuk Road service lane to underneath the trees, at a cost of about $100,000 to ratepayers.

At Monday night’s council meeting, councillors voted 4-3 in favour to move the path, which was lined with bright orange bollards, causing nearby residents to object. Mayor Brian Klowss and Crs Cameron McDonald, Ian Ross and Dean O’Loughlin voted in favour, while Crs Rebecca Sluggett, Todd Wilson and Angela Munn voted against the move. The councillors against the recommended motion cited the cost and setting a precedent to reverse decisions despite people having an opportunity early in the process to object. Residents say they were not made fully aware of what the path would look like, particularly the bollards, during the early consultation process. Once the bollards were installed, council received 19 objections to the path – not only citing the unattractive orange bollards in a proposed heritage-listed street but also interfering with parking and the ability to reverse into driveways.

The works are estimated to cost $93,357, excluding GST, which will be funded by a transfer from the council’s bridge renewals budget for this financial year. Cr McDonald, who moved the recommended motion, said the Natimuk Road bollards would go down in history as ‘one of those things we didn’t get quite right’. But he said it was ‘nobody’s real fault’, rather blaming a contractor. “I note the pathway east and west is under the trees. This motion would make that now consistent right through,” he said. “Also noting that Natimuk Road is one of the entrances to Horsham, and it would be nice to have that looking neat and tidy. “It makes a bigger separation from both bicycles, pedestrians and even gophers, away from the road altogether ... and it makes it more consistent.” Cr McDonald said Natimuk Road Bike Path Residents Advocacy Group was unanimous in wanting the path moved beneath the trees between Natimuk Road and the service road. However, Cr Sluggett said while she agreed with what councillors for the motion had said, she was unable to support it – which she expected to not

be a popular decision. “There was a time for community to provide feedback on this project over the course of a month prior to any undertaking, and none was received,” she said. “While I would support a motion to do something about the bollards to ensure they’re more in keeping with the amenity of the area, which I do agree looks horrible at the moment, I do not feel it would be responsible to spend so much money on making such a big change to a decision that was made in good faith and with good planning processes. “ This is money we decided earlier should be going into the significant amount of work that is required to maintain our bridges and therefore our road network, rather than redoing a project with changes that could have been made earlier and before money had already been spent, if we’d had the feedback that was called for.” Cr Munn said her concern was not with council’s infrastructure team, who she said had done ‘exactly what council had asked them to do’. “The concerns came once the works became visible on the ground. People absolutely have the right to raise concerns, and council should listen,” she said.

“What has emerged here is a very strong preference for a different solution, and preference and necessity are not quite the same thing. “We are now being asked to spend almost $94,000 of public money to change course. “So for me, the question isn’t whether residents prefer the alternative. We know they do. “The question is whether preference is sufficient reason to spend another $94,000 changing a project that has already been consulted on, designed, funded, and then taken into delivery. “I don’t want the unintended lesson from this to be that the most effective time to influence a project is after construction has begun – that isn’t fair to people who engage when consultation is open, to officers who need to deliver on the decisions that we make, or to the broader community whose money we are responsible for.” Cr Wilson said he was voting against the motion because he could not find a reason to justify spending $100,000 for 19 people. He said in the two blocks of houses affected, there was 41 houses – meaning ‘less than half of the street is pushing every ratepayer in the council to pay between $5 to $10 each’ to move

the path. “We put these plans out for the community for consultation before it proceeded, not only did we receive no objections, but no feedback at all, not even questions,” he said. Cr Wilson suggested leaving the path where it was and allowing minor safety improvements in its current location. Cr Ross said the crux of the issue was that it was never explained what type of bollards would be installed, which had blind-sided councillors and the community. “There’s room in the budget – there’s no extra cost – it does come against another area, but no other extra money is needed,” he said. “I think it’s only fair we work with the community on this one.” Cr Klowss said he did not like the idea of spending $94,000, but as it was an entrance into Horsham it was important to ‘make it right’. “It doesn’t matter whether it’s day or night, the bright orange bollards during the day or the silver shadow at night, it’s not a great look and it doesn’t show consistency with the rest of the street,” he said. “I don’t know whether any of us realised they were going to be bright orange – I certainly didn’t.”

‘Build for the Future’ forum

GREAT COMPANY: Wimmera sighthounds and their owners were invited to Horsham’s first Great Global Greyhound Walk on Sunday, promoting the adoption of retired greyhounds while offering a social gathering for both dogs and owners. Horsham’s Kellie Mann and Tilly are pictured during the walk. People can find more information on adoption at www.grv.org.au/ greyhounds-aspets. Picture: KAREN REES

Grampians Wimmera Mallee Tourism will host an industry forum ‘Build for the Future’ at Ararat on Thursday, October 8. As one of four industry forums hosted by GWMT throughout the year, the forum brings industry partners together to explore practical ways to strengthen business capability, build resilience and prepare for the opportunities ahead. The forum, from 10am to 5pm, will be at Alexandra Oval, with a strong line-up of contributors speaking across the day. The forum will explore smarter business, stronger investment and greater resilience, with sessions designed to provide practical insights for people to take back to their business.

There will be opportunities throughout the day to ask questions, hear directly from industry experts and connect with fellow tourism operators from across the region. Speakers include Despina Karatzias from the Institute of Excellence, exploring AI and digital transformation; Malcolm Rowe from Rural Financial Counselling Service; Nick Byrne from the Department of Jobs, Skills, Industry and Regions; David Hoskings, from Grampians Insurance Brokers; and Gerard Ballantyne from Stawell’s new LOAM Hotel. Tickets and more information is available at eventbrite.com.au/e/gwmtourism-build-for-the-future-industryforum-tickets-1999338850322.

Driver caught 80kmh over limit Police detected a woman, 23, allegedly driving at almost 80kmh over the speed limit on the Western Highway at Drung, near Horsham, on Friday. Officers spotted a Mercedes SUV being driven erratically eastbound along the highway at about 1am. There were three passengers on board. The officers intercepted the Melbourne-bound vehicle after register-

ing an alleged speed of 178kmh in a 100kmh zone. The South Australian woman’s car was impounded for 30 days at a cost of $1580. She is expected to be charged on summons with traffic offences. The intercept was part of Operation Scoreboard, a statewide road policing operation coinciding with the AFL Grand Final long weekend in Victoria.

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Wednesday, September 30, 2026

Rejuvenation plan for Seppelt brand T

reasury Wine Estates has sold Seppelt at Great Western to Aaron Drummond, who also co-owns Halls Gap winery Fallen Giants.

Mr Drummond, who also owns Stonier Wines on the Mornington Peninsula, and partners have struck a deal with Treasury Wine Estates, TWE, that includes the Seppelt brand, the Great Western winery and the Drumborg vineyard near Portland. In a statement released last week, TWE said the sale – the financial details of which were not disclosed – was expected to be completed mid-October. About 12 current employees at Seppelt are likely to be affected by the sale. But Mr Drummond and partners have longterm plans to recommission the Great Western winery, upgrade the cellars and cellar door and rejuvenate the vineyards – a move that could renew the wine industry and tourism in the Northern Grampians. “Seppelt has produced some of the greatest wines in this country. It possesses such important vineyards and an incredible history,” Mr Drummond said. “To be able to build on that tradition and reputation as a pioneer and leader for Australian sparkling and fine wine is an absolute privilege.” The Seppelt vineyards include about 740 acres in Victoria and South Australia, with the core at Great Western covering 290 acres and another 94 acres at Drumborg under vine. Seppelt is best known for its cool-climate wines and sparkling shiraz – which Mr Drummond plans to take full advantage of by focusing on Seppelt’s shiraz and sparkling shiraz. Angus Lilley, TWE’s managing director of operations in Australia, New Zealand and Europe,

said the sale would keep Seppelt’s winemaking operations under Victorian ownership. “Seppelt holds a distinctive place in Australian wine, with a proud history shaped by generations of winemakers, viticulturists and people across the business and its local communities,” he said. “For the people who know and love Seppelt, it’s a positive move that keeps the brand in Victorian hands. “Its wines, heritage and place in the history of Australian wine are at the heart of what makes Seppelt special, and Aaron and his team are well placed to carry that forward.” At an investor day in June, TWE announced plans to restructure its global wine business, cutting its brand portfolio from 76 to 30. It is the second winery that Mr Drummond has rescued – he was among a group to purchase Stonier Wines in 2022. Seppelt’s roots date to 1851 when Joseph Seppelt established Seppeltsfield in the Barossa Valley. The Great Western winery was founded in 1865 and became part of Seppelt in 1918. The site is renowned for its historic underground cellars, known as The Drives, which, at three kilometres, are the largest underground cellars in Australia and were first excavated by gold miners in 1868. Seppelt has been part of TWE’s portfolio since 2011, following the corporate demerger of Foster’s Group. TWE announced in 2015 that Seppelt’s cellar door would close, but local businessman Daniel Ahchow signed a leasing agreement to maintain the Seppelt brand at the cellar door despite the fact there wine production no longer existed on site.

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Community rallies in support Tickets for a Nepal flood disaster fundraising dinner organised by Ararat’s Sede Café owner Bishal Khanal sold out in just two days. Part of the Ararat community for seven years, Mr Khanal said he organised the event for the benefit of people in his home country. “Myself, my partner, a few other girls who work here, and some others here are all from Nepal, and being away from our home, we felt for our home,” he said. “One of my friends here has lost three family members. “So, we thought we would do a little fundraising dinner and we have sold 160 tickets already, which is capacity, so we’re also doing a raffle.” With tickets available at

the café, the raffle of donated items will be drawn at tomorrow’s dinner. “All the prizes have been donated by local wineries, businesses, individual people, and families – there have been heaps of donations,” Mr Khanal said. “We’re also doing a silent auction on the night. “All the funds collected will go to the disaster relief fund. We’re expecting about $20,000 will be raised.” Mr Khanal said several Nepalese people from the Ararat and Stawell area were helping him organise the event. “There’ll be fundraising, a Nepalese dinner, music, some Nepalese cultural performance – we’re all going to be dressed up in Nepalese

dress,” he said. “My town has been incredibly great – the donations, the tickets were sold in less than two days, we didn’t even have a chance to advertise. “This money will go to the families, and some clean water, medical supplies and that sort of thing. “It’s not a big event, but at least there will be something. “There are 5300 people still missing, more than 1400 have lost their lives, more than 450 houses have gone and there’s more coming. “It’s a really sad thing, but we thought we’ll get together, make it a fun night, sell some raffle tickets and hopefully we’ll put some families on their feet again.”

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FUNDRAISING: Ararat’s Sede Cafe owner Bishal Khanal is calling for support to raise money for Nepalise flood victims. Picture: BRONWYN HASTINGS

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Wednesday, September 30, 2026

Milestone week for Farm Frites

he Farm Frites development at Dooen has reached a major construction milestone, with the completion of the facility’s main building structure.

“When Farm Frites chose Dooen for its first processing facility in the southern hemisphere, it was a major vote of confidence in our region. Seeing the construction progress now makes that investment feel very real,” he said. “This project is building on the strengths we’ve had here for generations, our farming industry, our skilled workforce and our position as an important food-producing region.” Cr Klowss said the project would deliver lasting benefits for the region, creating opportunities that extended well beyond the boundaries of the site. “The benefits of this development will be felt well beyond the site itself. It will create jobs, support local businesses and provide new opportunities for people who want to build their careers right here in the Wimmera,” he said. “That’s important because it helps ensure the next generation can continue to live, work and raise their families in the Wimmera.” Cr Klowss said the council had worked closely with stakeholders throughout the development process and remained committed to supporting investment that created jobs, encouraged economic growth and strengthened the future of the region. “We want Horsham Rural City to be a place where businesses have the confidence to invest, grow and create jobs, and Farm Frites is a great example of what’s possible when that happens,” he said. “What we’re seeing today is more than a construction milestone. “It’s the emergence of a major new manufacturing facility that will help drive jobs, investment and opportunity across the Wimmera for decades to come.”

The potato-processing factory, at the Wimmera Agriculture and Logistics Hub, supplies frozen potato products to more than 100 countries. The Dooen facility will support Australian growers while expanding domestic food manufacturing capacity. The $300-million investment is expected to process up to 250,000 tonnes of Australian-grown potatoes annually and create about 250 local jobs. Farm Frites announced in 2025 it intended to establish its first southern hemisphere processing facility at Dooen, recognising the region’s strong agricultural base and strategic transport connections. Horsham Mayor Brian Klowss said the visible progress on site was an exciting sign of the project’s momentum and the confidence being shown in the region. He said it further strengthened Horsham’s position as a leading centre for agriculture, food production, and value-added manufacturing. “For a long time people have heard about the opportunities this project will bring. Now they can see the scale of that investment taking shape in front of them,” he said. “This milestone highlights the scale of investment being made in Horsham and the opportunities it will create across the Wimmera.” Cr Klowss said the progress being made on site reinforced the significance of the Dutch company’s decision to establish a base in Australia.

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UNITED: Blue Ribbon Foundation’s Mat Olston, Paul Margetts, Les Power, David Castles, Sam Foster, Nicole Pinny, Dale Russell and Jo Foster. Picture: BRONWYN HASTINGS

Honouring lives lost V

ictoria Police recognised its 178 officers who lost their lives in the line of duty with annual remembrance day services statewide yesterday.

At Horsham, Acting Inspector Cameron Ross lit the police candle during the service and addressed the gathering. “Law enforcement is a unique profession that should promote pride in service and dedication to duty, fostering a sense of comradery among police officers throughout Australasia, the South Pacific and beyond,” he said. “The national remembrance day for police officers, killed on duty, encourages police officers and their families to honour the memory of comrades who have given their lives in the service of the community. “It focuses our attention on the men and women of police forces throughout Australia, whose re-

sponsibilities are to ensure public peace and good order.” Acting Inspector Ross said the day’s commemorations reminded everyone of the difficulties police members faced in bearing their responsibilities. “This day honours the dedicated police officers who have died serving their community,” he said. “It also allows Victoria police and the community to pay their respects to Victoria Police employees, and people who have lost their lives over the last 12 months, through illness or other circumstances. “I would like to thank those who are currently serving, those who have served, and importantly, the family members and loved ones who support all police officers during their service.” Deputy Commissioner Bob Hill said every day officers deployed knowing they could be required

to put themselves in harm’s way to protect the community. “This is a noble and honourable profession, and our members and veterans should be very proud of their service as members of Victoria Police,” he said. “Today, and every day, Victoria Police honours the officers who made the ultimate sacrifice in service of the community. “The murders of Detective Leading Senior Constable Neal Thompson and Senior Constable Vadim de Waart-Hottart just over a year ago remain deeply felt across our organisation. Their sacrifice, and that of the 176 fallen officers before them, will never be forgotten.” The names of all police officers who have been killed while serving since the force was established in 1853 have been etched into an honour wall at the Victoria Police Memorial.

ANNIVERSARY: Horsham East Ladies Probus Club celebrated it 50th anniversary with a lunch at West Side Horsham. Retired journalist Faye Smith was guest speaker at the lunch, which attracted about 60 people. Pictured is member Dawn Hutchinson showing the anniversary balloons.

Chunky Move youth dance program Barengi Gadjin Land Council is partnering with Melbourne-based contemporary dance company Chunky Move and Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Co-operative to host the 2026 Chunky Move First Nations youth dance program in Horsham tomorrow. Chunky Move First Peoples project lead Ngioka Bunda-Heath, a Wakka Wakka, Ngugi and Birrpai woman from Melbourne, said the program was an important opportunity for young Indigenous dancers to gain valuable professional experience and mentorship

while celebrating First Nations stories and culture with a wider audience. Program participants will perform an original dance performance, choreographed by Chunky Move, will be accompanied by original music in Wergaia language composed by Wergaia and Wemba Wemba woman Alice Skye and Jaadwa man James Howard. The performance is at Horsham Town Hall from 5pm to 6pm, open to the community and is free to attend.

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SOL CELEBRATION: Birchip community members, project supporters and visitors gather to celebrate the official opening of GrainCorp’s Birchip mural, coinciding with the Melbourne Cup visiting the town.

Neville, Rimfire honoured on silo

irchip has the latest silo mural art, featuring a painting of local jockey Ray Neville’s remarkable 1948 Melbourne Cup victory aboard the horse Rimfire.

St Arnaud artist Kyle Torney painted the mural across five GrainCorp silos, honouring one of the community’s most celebrated stories. Neville, born in Birchip, was just 15 years old, with only a handful of race rides to his name, when he secured a last-minute opportunity to ride Rimfire in the 1948 Melbourne Cup. With Rimfire starting at odds of 80-1, he was given little chance against a field of seasoned jockeys, but riding with composure beyond his years, Neville positioned Rimfire perfectly before surging down the straight to claim victory in a dramatic finish. Back in Birchip, locals gathered around radios to listen as the race unfolded. When news broke that a local boy had won the nation’s biggest race, the town erupted in celebration – and the ride became etched in the history of Birchip. Earlier this month, community members, project supporters and visitors gathered to celebrate the official opening of GrainCorp’s Birchip mural – the 20th artwork in the company’s silo art trail – coinciding with the Melbourne Cup visiting the town. Members of Birchip Community Forum were joined by Buloke Shire Mayor Graeme Milne and guest speaker, journalist and author Andrew Rule and artist Kyle Torney to celebrate the people, stories and history that have shaped the community. Rule, well known as a crime journalist and co-author of the Underbelly books, has a strong connection to racing, having written extensively on the sport, including a biography of champion racehorse Winx. He recalled some fascinating stories about Neville from interviews he did many years ago. The unveiling marked a significant milestone

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not only for Birchip, but also for GrainCorp’s ongoing contribution to Australia’s renowned silo art trail, which this year celebrates its 10th anniversary. GrainCorp’s community engagement manager Kyle Docherty said the Birchip artwork reinforced the role silo art continued to play in drawing visitors to regional communities and preserving local stories. “Over the past decade, silo art has breathed new life and purpose into rural and regional towns, transforming disused grain silos into landmarks that symbolise resilience, creativity and regional pride,” he said. “Now, the movement is helping shine a spotlight on the town of Birchip, giving visitors another reason to stop, stay and experience all it has to offer, and GrainCorp is incredibly proud to be a part of that.” The Birchip opening also provided an opportunity to recognise the dedication of local champions, particularly the late Joan and Rod Glen, whose passion and commitment were instrumental in making the project a reality. “I’ve been involved with the project from the very beginning and so for me personally, the Birchip mural is one that has been especially close to my heart,” Mr Docherty said. “Joan first championed the idea of the mural back in 2020 because she believed so strongly in the town and its history. “After Joan’s passing, Rod continued to advocate tirelessly for the project, helping carry it through to completion, until his own passing just a few weeks ago. “I know they would have been incredibly proud to see the Melbourne Cup roll into town for this unveiling and to see Ray Neville’s story celebrated in such a meaningful way. “It was a privilege to work with the Glen family and the wider community to bring one of Birchip’s most inspirational stories to life, and to see that shared vision realised has made this a truly special occasion.”

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Artists prepare for annual fair Rotary Club of Horsham East’s annual fundraising art fair will showcase work from the region’s artists at Horsham Town Hall from October 7 to 11. Featuring a range of mediums, including photography, sketches, pottery, watercolour and oil

paintings, the works will be judged by Horsham Regional Art Gallery curator Lauren van Katwyk. Visitors to the exhibition can also vote for their favourite pieces to contribute to the people’s award.

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Northern Grampians Shire Council Community Updates

CELEBRATING OUR COMMUNITY IN ACTION

APPLY FOR FUNDING FOR EVENTS, SUPPORT

Council will recognise some of the people, projects and ideas making a difference in our community at special Celebrating Community in Action events in Stawell and St Arnaud. The events will showcase projects and initiatives supported through council funding, provide opportunities to share knowledge and expertise through engaging panel discussions, and feature inspiring guest speakers. The events also offer an opportunity to come together, meet new people, share ideas and build connections. The Stawell get-together is at Stawell Railway Station Gallery on Tuesday, October 13 from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. Council staff will host the St Arnaud event at St Arnaud Band Hall on Thursday, October 22 from 6.30pm to 8.30pm. Entry is free but RSVPs are essential. Scan the QR code above for more details.

Council has four funding streams open for applications for eligible community, sporting and not-for-profit groups with suitable event, initiative or project ideas. Community Events Grant: Eligible groups can apply for up to $1500 to support smaller local events with under 500 attendees, with the primary purpose of celebrating and connecting the local community. Community Events Sponsorship: Eligible groups can apply for up to $3000 to support events that deliver significant community, economic and tourism benefits. Minor Support Grant: Eligible groups can apply for up to $700 help fund one-off activities or initiatives that are simple, practical and quick to implement. Community Sponsorship: Eligible groups can apply for up to $3000 to support ideas or initiatives that help make Northern Grampians Shire a better place to live, work and visit. For more information about grants and sponsorships, including how to apply, scan the QR code.

OPPORTUNITIES TO JOIN ST ARNAUD TEAM Love working with people, staying active and making a difference in your community? We are looking for enthusiastic people to join our team at St Arnaud Swimming Pool for the upcoming season. We have four exciting opportunities: Lifeguard (casual) Leisure Assistant (Duty Manager, casual) Swim Teacher (casual) Leisure and Recreation Officer (part-time) The Leisure and Recreation Officer will complete a Pool Operators Course, with intensive training provided ahead of the upcoming season. Council will also support the Swim Teacher to gain their qualification and undertake their training hours. Whether you are an experienced aquatic professional or looking to develop your skills and take the next step, we would love to hear from you. Scan the QR code for more.

COUNCIL HOSTING CONCERTS FOR SENIORS To coincide with the Victorian Seniors Festival this month, council will host concerts in Stawell and St Arnaud. The Stawell event, featuring Rhiz and the Sugarplums, will be at Stawell Entertainment Centre on Wednesday, October 7. The St Arnaud show, presented by Honky Tonk Queens featuring Amber Joy Poulton, will be at St Arnaud Town Hall on Thursday, October 15. Both events start at 11.30am, include a light lunch and are free of charge. For more information and to book, you can scan the QR code, call (03) 5358 8700 or email community.care@ngshire.vic.gov.au.

Next council meeting: Tuesday, October 6 in the Perry Room, St Arnaud Town Hall, St Arnaud at 12.30pm. The meeting is open to the public and will be livestreamed via our YouTube channel. The agenda will be available on our website.

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facebook.com/ngshire Wednesday, September 30, 2026

Celebration of all things Grampians

month-long celebration of local winemakers, chefs, cellar doors and other producers will return to the Grampians region next month.

The Grampians Wine Festival from October 1 to 25 is set to feature tastings, masterclasses, lunches, dinners and other community activities across the region, including in Ararat, Pomonal and Great Western. The festival will kick off on Thursday at Ararat Town Hall with regional wine tastings, food trucks and live entertainment. The Grampians is regarded as one of Australia’s oldest wine regions, with winemaking in the area dating back to the 1860s. Key events on the festival program will include a three-course dinner in the historic Drives at Seppelt Great Western – a network of hand-dug cellars dating to the earliest days of winemaking in the region – from 6pm on Saturday, October 17. Black and Ginger, Pomonal Estate and Fallen Giants will combine to host a progressive lunch along Route 222, with a course and matched wine at each winery. Clayfield Wines will open its museum collection for a tasting of Grampians Shiraz vintages from 1999 to the present day, while Grampians Estate will mark 100 years since artist Arthur Streeton painted the landscape surrounding its Mafeking vineyard with a four-course wine lunch. Other experiences include a five-course dinner at IRIS by Block and Cleaver; three vintages of Seppelt St Peter’s Shiraz served side-by-side; a Pizza and Pinot event at Salingers; an Australian grenache tasting at Black and Ginger; a decade of

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DRAWCARD: Chef Dean Sibthorp will prepare a five-course dinner at IRIS by Block and Cleaver during Grampians Wine Festival next month. nebbiolo at Mountainside Wines; and an inaugural OktoberBEST community festival at Best’s Wines. Grampians Wimmera Mallee Tourism chief executive Marc Sleeman said the festival was a drawcard for visitors and a reason for locals to celebrate. “The Grampians has more than 160 years of winemaking history, and Grampians Wine Festival is an opportunity to celebrate the region, its wines and the extraordinary people producing them,” he said. “It’s a great reason to explore the region,

spend time at the cellar doors and discover the range of wines being produced in our own backyard.” Grampians Wine is giving away an opening-weekend package for two people valued at more than $580, including two tickets to the festival as well as dining at the Grampians Uncorked dinner IRIS by Block and Cleaver, a premium tasting and lunch at Best’s Great Western and two bottles of Grampians Estate Mafeking Shiraz. People can view a full festival program and find more information at grampians wine.com.au/grampians-wine-festival.

Native flower show, market at Pomonal Volunteers are preparing for this weekend’s Pomonal Native Flower Show at Pomonal Hall, with the event set to celebrate its 42nd anniversary with a theme of grevilleas. The show is hosted each year by the Australian Plants Society’s Grampians group and is dedicated to educating growers with an interest in Australian plants. Event convenor Jocelyn King said by attending the show, visitors would be exposed to a variety of Australian flowers and plants grown by the group’s members, with a table dedicated to exhibiting plants endemic to the Grampians region. Ms King described grevilleas as a wonderful addition to any garden, and essential in a garden aiming to create a haven for wildlife. “They are a diverse genus, with more than 500 species in the Proteaceae family, as well as many hybrids and cultivars,” she said. “Ranging from prostrate groundcovers to tall trees, and with flowers in a multitude

Wednesday, September 30, 2026

of colours that attract many birds, particularly honeyeaters, grevilleas are the perfect addition to any garden.” The show will feature two grevillea experts as keynote speakers – Neil Marriott, a nationally recognised conservationist and horticulturist, and Peter Olde, the leader of the Grevillea Study Group. Together the pair wrote a complete compilation of grevilleas in three volumes, titled The Grevillea Book. Other speakers will include horticulturist David Binch, who will give a grafting demonstration and speak about how to plant grevilleas to create a wildlife haven. Ms King said the Grampians group had joined with Halls Gap’s WAMA Foundation to offer a show entry price that included access to WAMA’s endemic botanical garden, as well as entry to its latest exhibition, titled Garden Sanctuary: Visions of Australian Flora. Grampians group president Neil Marriott said the two-day event was for everyone, from people starting to familiarise them-

selves with Australian plants to established gardeners who wanted more advice from experts. While the feature genus is grevilleas, visitors will be able to view many varieties of Australian plants grown by members and will have a chance to learn to appreciate the beauty and diversity of Australian plants suitable for gardens. Other attractions at the two-day event will include stall holders specialising in either native plants or plant-focused items such as books, cut flowers and art and craft items. The town will also host the Pomonal Market concurrently with the show at Pomonal Recreation Reserve, with about 1500 visitors expected across the weekend. The Pomonal Native Flower Show will be on Saturday and Sunday from 9am to 4pm each day at Pomonal Hall, 3360 Ararat-Halls Gap Road. For further information about the event or membership, people can phone 0414 933 603.

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Fighting for Mallee I recently shared on social media a video of the shocking condition of the Calder Highway near Berriwillock which attracted over four million views. Victorians shared the video because the horror is real. Potholes have become the evidence of a state in tragic decline — a daily, unavoidable reminder that Labor federal and state governments neglect regional Victorians and let our roads, our services and our sense of safety fall apart. When a pothole opens up, a road edge crumbles or a dangerous depression develops in the highway surface, the Victorian Government is responsible for the repairs. While Canberra does not dispatch crews to repair road surfaces in Horsham, Nhill or Dimboola, recent Federal Budget ﬁgures show Victoria’s share of the Commonwealth’s $120 billion infrastructure pipeline has fallen from 17.4 per cent to 16.4 per cent. The Albanese Labor Government cut federal funding for Victorian road projects by $113.5 million in the most recent Federal Budget. Federal Labor’s road investment in Victoria is projected to plummet from

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$2.6 billion in 2026-27 to $1.9 billion in 2027/8, then just $1.0 billion in 2028/9 and a paltry $701.9 million by 2029-30. Billions of federal taxpayer dollars are instead being directed towards the Suburban Rail Loop while country communities suffer on dangerous and deadly roads. Victorians are justiﬁably angry. 74 per cent of Victorians are pessimistic about the direction our state is heading, and 65 per cent say our roads and potholes need repair. The National Transport Research Organisation rates 91 per cent of Victoria’s state roads as in poor or very poor condition, and the remaining 9 per cent as only ‘fair’. Nothing good. That’s a huge increase from the Auditor-General’s 2024 ﬁndings that 48 per cent were in poor or very poor condition. Thankfully, a change of government in November would see The Nationals in Coalition deliver $5 billion in road maintenance over 4 years – a 24 per cent uplift – and eliminate 1 million potholes. Labor plays politics with regional Victorians’ lives while The Nationals know you deserve safety, respect and investment.

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Horsham show

Pictures: KAREN REES

ALL SMILES: Plenty of families experienced the Horsham Show at the weekend – despite rain on Saturday, the fireworks were a highlight of the twilight session, while clear skies on Sunday encouraged a large turnout. The animal nursery proved popular, as did the shearing demonstration, and magic and science shows. As well as the heart-stopping rides, there were camel rides and sideshows to keep the whole family entertained. Another new feature at this year’s show was the Nutbush group dance event, which attracted 279 dancers at the show, while others took part online. Channel Seven television program Sunrise hosted a live-cross from Horsham Show to promote the event early in the day. The fundraiser made more than $10,000 for the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute – a Ballarat-based centre that helps people across the region. Online donations are still being received – people can donate at nutbushchallenge.gofundraise.com. au. Pictured on Sunday are, clockwise from left: Isabella Mellington, 7, and Carley Rutland of Gladston at the end of their camel ride; Hettie George, 8 and Miah Pulham, 9, both of Hopetoun, enjoying the Cha Cha; participants during the Nutbush for Hope; Chris Morant of Comedy Magic Circus with Zella Diamond, 7, of Horsham; Romy, 10, Kelsey, 4 and Halle, 8, Olston all of Horsham with their mum Jemima; Isaac Barnes, 11, of Horsham in the water ball; and Heather Parker, left, and Gayle Anson of Horsham browse the cooking and produce section.

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Resourced by the LLEN itself, the program “supports early literacy and builds a foundation for children zero to ﬁve years old.”

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“All of the sponsorship that we get goes straight into Let’s Read, which buys books and provides tools to help parents establish early learning interventions for kids throughout the Wimmera Southern Mallee region.” “We love what we do, and we love seeing our young people in the region succeed. With the Let’s Read program, we can build those foundational skills that kids need for school and for life.”

HSCC – “Working for the community with pride” Horsham Sports & Community Club 177-181 Baillie St, Horsham | Ph 5382 6262

Page 18

Since the club’s inception our overall community contribution totals $4,007,114 in cash sponsorship

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Wednesday, September 30, 2026

Photography challenge brings light M

ore than 300 images created by six Wimmera women will feature in an exhibition at the Murtoa Railway Station Museum as part of the Murtoa’s Big Weekend, from Friday to Sunday.

Taken with mobile phones during a busy eight-week Mindful Mobile Photo-making course, the images shine a light on the everyday through people, buildings, communities, landscapes and nature. Named ‘Where Light Finds Us’, the exhibition includes works from Claire Morgan, Helen Stachan, Joan Velthuis, Joanna Judd, Kerryn Batson and Sharon Crawford. Course creator and facilitator Simone Dalton said the hundreds of images visually documented the outcomes of being challenged to produce one photo daily based on changing weekly themes. “Working to topics of home, community, meaning, change, nature, portraits, streets and black and white, the women have transformed things like the dishwasher, barbed wire, roadworks and letter boxes into spectacular imagery,” she said.

FEATURED: Photographers, from left, Joan Velthuis, Kerryn Batson, Joanna Judd, Claire Morgan, Helen Strachan and Sharon Crawford will have their work featured at an exhibition in Murtoa. “Most did not consider themselves photographers but quickly discovered the joy of both capturing and editing images and taking time for daily creativity and observation. “They also engaged in mindfulness activities and honed their digital skills through a social media platform to share and discuss their works.” Judd said she now saw the world with new eyes. “I am noticing small moments, light, colour, texture and unexpected beauty in familiar places and have discovered new possibilities in myself, made new friends, and found a renewed sense of curiosity,” she said.

Crawford said her daily commute to Murtoa had taken on a whole new purpose. “My drive to work takes longer as I stop to capture birds, crops and sunrises. I see beauty in everything,” she said. Velthuis developed new skills and friendships. “I have made a big leap forward. Not only in building skills but finding new friends who also marvel at things like sunsets and barbed wire on the fence,” she said. Batson said she enjoyed the ease of phone photography. “I get into a zone as taking the pho-

tos really does just take my mind off other things,” she said. Strachan re-discovered a past passion for photography and learned to slow down. “I’ve taken ‘me’ time, to be present and appreciate my everyday surroundings and enjoyed seeing how dramatically an image can change through editing,” she said. Morgan said she had found joy in everyday subjects. “I’ve learned to look at the world with fresh eyes and discovered that is not about having the best equipment, but about really seeing what is in front of you and finding a way to

capture it,” she said. Funded by Horsham Neighbourhood House, HNH, the project is the fifth course run in the Wimmera since 2023. HNH manager Charlie Helyar said the course was a popular event in their calendar, and one he hoped to offer again in 2027. “People learn so much and make lasting friendships through this program run in a safe and inclusive setting,” he said. Where Light Finds Us is on show at the old Railway Station Museum, Murtoa until the end of October. People can hear from the photographers at the official opening on Saturday.

Region’s run of agricultural and pastoral shows underway The district’s annual run of agricultural and pastoral shows has begun, giving communities social opportunities while showcasing a range of home-produced goods. Murtoa Agriculture and Pastoral Society’s 140th annual show, part of Murtoa’s Big Weekend event, is on Friday at the Lake Street showgrounds. It will feature live music, fireworks,

laser tag, a photo booth, smoothie bike and Madstylemoto stunt show. The wider Big Weekend, from Friday to Sunday, includes a book fair, big bird project, show ’n shine, engine rally, colour run and Murtoa Cup race day. Goroke show on Saturday will feature traditional displays and competitions, along with a stockman’s

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challenge, junior agricultural competitions, a car show, petting zoo and live music from Leah Briggs and Scott Finck. A section for best privately-owned fire unit – including trucks, utes, trailers or other fire response units – has a combined $1000 prizemoney for the top three on offer. The St Arnaud Show, on Saturday

and Sunday, lists a petting zoo, mini explorers’ sensory play, horse events and a health and wellbeing display among its attractions. There will also be a truck display, rides, livestock, wrestling, market stalls, shearing competition, puppet show and live music. Warracknabeal’s 138th annual show, on October 8, boasts Professor Wal-

lace’s puppet show, horse events and scarecrow and colouring competitions. People can also enter or watch the Australian Sheaf Tossing Championship, rural ambassador competition, and the showgirl, showboy and lady of the day events. People can find more information about each show on their respective Facebook pages or websites.

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

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Supporting Our Community West Side Horsham proudly sponsors local community groups through it’s Community Grant Program. Horsham M en’s Shed

HARROW CONNECTION: Royal Flying Doctor Service Victoria chief executive Michael Ben-Meir is proud to pilot new models of navigating health care, including the Flying Doctor Care Pod at Harrow Bush Nursing Centre.

Care pod pilot

arrow residents will have 24-hour access to an emergency-trained doctor through advanced virtual emergency care thanks to an industry-leading partnership between the Royal Flying Doctor Service and Harrow Bush Nursing Centre.

Horsham Men’s Shed members have bought shirts with money granted by West Side Horsham – learning a lot about styles, fabrics and colours in the process – and included West Side Horsham’s logo on the shirts in appreciation. Established in 2014 under auspice of Wimmera PCP, Horsham Men’s Shed became a self-funded incorporation last year. Part of its mandate is the welfare and wellbeing of the members, which are increasing statewide at twice the rate since taking on its new entity. Members bring many, varied skills to the group, and resolve most of the world’s problems over a cuppa and a biscuit. At Horsham, the group is currently restoring furniture, making items from wood or steel for the community, and selling recycled wood for kindling. It has expanded its hours from two days to three, opening from 9am until 4pm Monday, Tuesday and Wednesday.

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The Flying Doctor Care Pod pilot is expanding to Harrow this month in a bid to address significant gaps in health care, including a lack of access to general practitioners and urgent care clinics. Flying Doctor Care Pods enable patients to meet via video link with a doctor from the Virtual Emergency Department, undertake common diagnostic checks, including heart rate, oxygen levels, blood pressure and temperature, before receiving medical advice, a treatment plan and, if needed, a prescription. Delivered in partnership with local bush nursing centres and health services, the pilot started in early 2026 at Swifts Creek in Gippsland. Harrow residents had a chance to inspect and learn more about the pod at a ‘sandwich party’ last week. RFDS Victoria chief executive Michael BenMeir said the service was listening to the communities it served and collaborating with organisations to connect people with the services they need, when and where they need them. “Regional Victoria is the backbone of our state, contributing about $120-billion to the economy, yet too many communities do not have the same access to doctors and health services that those of us in the city often take for granted,” Dr BenMeir said. “When local medical centres are booked out for weeks, if not months, and essential services like pharmacies close, small towns are often left without anywhere to go for timely advice and treatment. “By providing 24-7 access to an emergency doctor and basic diagnostic checks close to home, the Flying Doctor Care Pod helps people get the right care at the right time, while also preventing avoidable travel to hospital emergency departments for issues that can be safely managed in the community.”

Emma KEALY MP

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Harrow, like many remote parts of the state, has high rates of chronic illness, while the nearest general practitioner has a six-to-eight week wait for appointments and is not currently taking new patients. The nearest urgent care clinic is 30 kilometres away at Edenhope and emergency departments in Horsham and Hamilton are 100 kilometres away. The pod is designed for care that is timely but not life-threatening. It sits alongside the local bush nursing centre, extending care for after-hours and urgent, non-emergency needs. For serious or life-threatening concerns, people should call triple zero first. Harrow Bush Nursing Centre manager Ann Vaughan said the region was experiencing increasing demand for health care services, forcing many people to delay care or travel long distances to hospital emergency departments. “For cases that are not life-threatening, it is almost always preferable for a patient to be seen by a doctor close to home,” she said. “Harrow Bush Nursing Centre is pleased to work with the Flying Doctor in piloting the care pod to help fill the gap when services are stretched, not available or simply too far away.” Dr Ben-Meir said the Flying Doctor was committed to piloting new models of navigating health care that complemented existing services while also addressing the access gap that contributes to significantly reduced life expectancy for people living in rural and remote Victoria. “Many people know the Flying Doctor for our planes, and we’re still proud to fly them,” he said. “Increasingly, though, our job is about finding new ways to bring quality health care to people, wherever they live. “Innovation has always been part of our DNA, and Flying Doctor Care Pods are just the latest example of combining technology with our vision to overcome distance as a barrier to care, helping create healthier, more connected and thriving communities, no matter how remote. “It’s another way we prove that the sky is not the limit when it comes to caring for Victorians.”

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emma.kealy@parliament.vic.gov.au Wednesday, September 30, 2025

School safety plan

ore than $1-million in road-safety improvements will soon be delivered throughout the Warracknabeal education precinct, creating safer conditions for students, families, staff and the wider community.

The Warracknabeal Education Precinct was officially completed in 2023 following a State Government investment of more than $27-million, bringing Warracknabeal Primary School, Warracknabeal Secondary College and Warracknabeal Special Developmental School together on a single campus with shared administration, gymnasium and community facilities. While the project upgraded educational facilities, it did not include sufficient parking and broader traffic-management infrastructure to accommodate the precinct’s increased movement of students, staff, families and school buses. Yarriambiack Shire Council secured Transport Accident Commission, TAC, funding to undertake a comprehensive road-safety assessment of the school precinct. The assessment examined traffic movements and safety concerns affecting the Warracknabeal Education Precinct, Warracknabeal Kindergarten, early years services and St Mary’s Primary School. The assessment identified several opportunities to improve pedestrian safety, traffic flow and vehicle movements throughout

the precinct. The council has now secured funding through Victoria’s Safe Local Roads and Streets Program to deliver more than $1-million in safety improvements, including raised pedestrian crossings, trafficcalming measures, street lighting, footpaths and enhanced signage along Werrigar and Anderson streets and sections of Campbell Street. Construction is expected to start early next year. Council chief executive Tammy Smith said the project represented a significant investment in community safety. “The consolidation of our schools onto one site has created tremendous educational opportunities for local students, but it has also increased traffic volumes and congestion throughout the surrounding streets,” she said. “These infrastructure improvements will make it safer for children, parents, teachers and motorists moving through the precinct every day.” However, Ms Smith said additional improvements were still required along Campbell Street and would require further funding support. She said school principals had raised traffic safety concerns for St Mary’s Primary School, particularly along Campbell Street, as well as broader issues affecting the Warracknabeal Kindergarten and Warracknabeal Education Precinct. Key concerns included traffic

congestion, pedestrian safety, vehicle movements and conflicts between buses, cars and pedestrians during peak school periods. To address the issues and support future funding applications, the council proposes making Campbell Street one-way between King and Lyle streets. “Council is committed to pursuing long-term solutions that improve safety across the entire education precinct,” Ms Smith said. “Making Campbell Street oneway would provide additional space for pedestrian infrastructure, improve traffic flow and strengthen our ability to secure future funding for further upgrades. “The safety of our students, families and school communities must remain our highest priority, and it is vital we continue working collaboratively to address these issues as soon as possible.” Councils invites the Warracknabeal community to provide feedback on the proposed Campbell Street change through a 28day ‘Have Your Say’ process, beginning tomorrow, in line with council’s Community Engagement Policy and Procedure. Submissions will close at noon on October 22. People can make submissions on the council’s website or by writing to the chief executive by emailing info@yarriambiack.vic. gov.au or posting submissions to PO Box 243, Warracknabeal VIC 3393.

READY TO RELAY: Rural Northwest Health’s Hopetoun campus relay team, from left, Lizzie Peters, Kat Landrigan, Hayley Smith, Allison Fischer and Hopetoun campus manager Leah Franklin.

Community spirit alive Workers from Rural Northwest Health’s, RNH, Hopetoun campus joined Hopetoun P-12 College students this month for a special motor neurone disease, MND, fundraiser. Enrolled nurse Hayley Smith organisead RNH’s team to host the event in partnership with the Hopetoun P-12 College community, supporting FightMND’s Big Freeze campaign. The event saw relay teams go head-tohead, with the losing team receiving a punishment of being drenched in ice water, and teams raising money and awareness for FightMND. Hopetoun nurse unit manager Allison Fischer said RNH’s Hopetoun team was proud to help raise money for an important cause. “Our team is incredibly passionate about supporting the community beyond providing care to the people inside our wards and facilities,” she said. “The recent MND fundraiser was another opportunity for our team to give back and

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show that support in a really tangible way, and it was wonderful to see so many people get involved.” Hopetoun residents Betty Turnbull and Frank White attended the event, cheering on Hopetoun staff as they took part in the relay, supported by RNH lifestyle team members Jodie Malcolm and Norma Decker. “There’s something special about this tradition of inviting our residents along, it’s a reminder of how connected this community really is,” Ms Fischer said. RNH acting chief executive Lois O’Callaghan said the collaboration between RNH and Hopetoun P-12 reflected the strength of the community. “It’s wonderful to see our residents, staff and students come together for a cause like this. It’s this kind of community spirit that makes Hopetoun such a special place to work and live,” she said. Money raised from the event will go directly to supporting research and services for people living with MND.

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TAMA secures AusArt Day grant Ararat Gallery TAMA has boosted its fundraising campaign ahead of next month’s national AusArt Day, receiving a dollar-for-dollar matching grant through Creative Australia. Money raised through the gallery’s AusArt Day campaign will go directly towards acquiring new artworks for the TAMA collection. AusArt Day is a national initiative that brings artists and arts organisations together to fundraise with an aim of increasing the visibility of arts philanthropy and encouraging greater generosity toward the arts Australia-wide. Creative Australia will match every donation made during TAMA’s AusArt Day campaign up to the value of $5000. Ararat Gallery TAMA is renowned for its nationally significant collection of textile and fibre art, with artworks regularly exhibited in Ararat and loaned to public galleries across Australia. Ararat Mayor Bob Sanders said acquiring new artworks provided direct financial support to living artists and helped TAMA grow its reputation as a custodian of significant work, while building a legacy collection that future generations of Ararat residents could enjoy. Cr Sanders said regional galleries that built strong collections drew more visitors to their regions, supporting cafes, accommodation providers and other small businesses in the process.

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He said the council was proud of Ararat Gallery TAMA’s success in securing the grant and encouraged the community and businesses to get behind the campaign. “This is a great win for our gallery and a great win for the artists whose work will one day hang on its walls,” he said. “Every dollar donated between now and October 22 will be matched, so your support will go twice as far in helping us grow a collection that belongs to the whole community, not just for today, but for the people who’ll walk through those doors in 50 years’ time. “I’d encourage everyone, whether you’re a long-time supporter of the gallery or you’ve just discovered it, to get behind this campaign and make a donation. “It’s a small ask with a big payoff, for our artists, our gallery, and our town.” Ararat Gallery TAMA’s AusArt Day campaign is now live, continuing until October 22. People can make donations via the Australian Cultural Fund online at artists.australian culturalfund.org.au/s/project/a2EMn00000jg VDZ/grow-the-tama-collection or in person at Ararat Gallery TAMA. People can also view a promotional video for the campaign at www.youtube.com/ watch?v=7m_YpJ4DSms.

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Wednesday, September 30, 2026

ARE YOU FIRE READY?

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Bolstering fire preparedness BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

ommunities are preparing for the approaching fire season – yard preparation encouraged by councils’ free waste disposal programs, businesses bolstering fire prevention and response options, and volunteer firefighters preparing themselves and their equipment.

Get Fire Ready sessions will be hosted in many towns across the state, offering advice to community members about how to prepare for, and what to do during, emergencies. Facing one of its warmest and driest spring outlooks in some time, with elevated fire-danger forecast across large parts of the state, Forest Fire Management Victoria, FFMVic, is continuing its management and preparation programs. Work includes fuel management programs, preparedness activities and maintaining the capability to respond rapidly to bushfires when they occur. Throughout spring, crews will continue monitoring conditions and carrying out important fuel management and preparedness works across Victoria’s parks and forests to help reduce risk ahead of summer. FFMVic chief fire officer Chris Hardman said the seasonal outlook highlighted the importance of ongoing investment in bushfire-risk reduction. “The outlook reinforces the importance of the year-round work we do to reduce bushfire risk across Victoria’s parks and forests,” he said. “With warmer and drier conditions forecast for spring, we will continue working with our emergency management partners to monitor conditions and undertake fuel management and preparedness works in the lead-up to summer.” Mr Hardman said FFMVic was well prepared for the season ahead, with more than 1800 frontline personnel supported by specialist emergency management staff, a large fleet of firefighting vehicles and heavy machinery, and a world-class aerial firefighting fleet. “Our focus is on being ready to detect, respond and contain bushfires as quickly as possible to minimise impacts and keep communities safe,” he said. People who live, work or visit areas at risk of bushfires can also take practical steps to prepare, including having a bushfire plan, downloading the

NEW OUTLOOK: CFA District 17 acting assistant chief fire officer Mal Hayes and West Region deputy chief officer Scott Turner. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER VicEmergency app and keeping up to date with fire danger ratings. “Victorians can help by taking extra care with campfires and always know and follow the rules when visiting parks and state forests,” Mr Hardman said. On the back of a challenging fire season that saw major fires burning across the state, the CFA is encouraging people to prepare and be informed. CFA acting assistant chief fire officer Mal Hayes said learnings from last season’s incidents were being used in planning for the coming fire season. “Obviously, we had a fair bit of fire in the landscape last season, and the way things are shaping up, we might have the same events this season as well,” he said. “We are working through the recommendations from January’s Grass Flat fire and our pre-season briefings now.” Mr Hayes said the Get Fire Ready program, which was delivered by individual brigades in a variety of ways last year, was set to launch next month. “I think generally people are a lot wiser now – we saw the effects of the Grass Flat fire, and with the Vic Emergency app, we put the warnings out early, which people are generally applying to,” he said. “People generally are a lot more prepared, and we certainly provide enough information for them to have the information to do all the things they need to

do. Our fire services will also be out there, they’ll be ready to go – we have all got a role to play there.” CFA’s volunteer firefighters must complete burn-over drills and hazardous tree awareness training before each fire season, but have the option of additional training, dependant on area demand and individual interest pathways.

Training

CFA’s Longerenong training campus, one of eight purpose-built facilities in the state, offers training and skills maintenance in a variety of classroom and driving and firefighting scenarios. Since the start of August, more than 260 people have trained at the campus, more than double the intake for the same period last year. Campus practical area drill, PAD, operator and Nhill Fire Brigade volunteer Brendan Moylan said the increase was an encouraging sign. “It’s great to see more people coming through, and we want to keep that momentum going,” he said. “As the only CFA training campus in far-west Victoria, Longerenong plays a vital role in preparing our brigades, while also supporting emergency services personnel and other organisations that use the facility. “The more opportunities our members have to practise their skills in a realistic and controlled environment, the

better prepared they are when they’re called on in the community.” Fellow PAD operator Mathew Walsh said the range of facilities meant training could be tailored to what individual brigades and members wanted to achieve. “We can support live fire training, breathing apparatus search and rescue, gas firefighting, hazardous material, working at heights, forcible entry and salvage operations,” he said. “We’ve also got training props for vehicle, aircraft, service station and industrial fires, as well as flammable liquids, extinguishers and an off-road driver training area. “A brigade might want to refresh a core skill or run members through a more complex scenario.” Mr Walsh said volunteers could request specific skills training, which campus staff could cater to. “They can tell instructors what they want to work on, and we can help build the training around that,” he said. “We want brigades to feel comfortable coming here and using the campus regularly. “It’s their training facility, and our job is to help them get as much as they can out of it. “Every member who builds or maintains their skills here takes that capability back to their brigade, and ultimately that helps our communities across the region.”

Emma KEALY MP

Heightened risk forecast Bureau of Meteorology weather predictions show Victoria can expect a drier few months in the leadup to summer, with the chance of a ‘cranking doozy’ of an El Niño. Agriculture Victoria seasonal risk agronomist Dale Gray said predictor models showed the temperature in the middle of the Pacific Ocean continuing to rise. “But the important thing to remember is that how warm it gets out there does not necessarily dictate what happens in eastern Australia,” he said. “There’s a lot of talk at the moment about how bad the summer might be, but the good news is that El Niño, historically, has been all over the shop over summer. “We’ve had just as many wet El Niño as we’ve had dry El Niño. And if you look at the model, they’re going that way too. “At the moment, you can look at all the indicators and we’ve got an absolute cranking doozy of an El Niño up there, but you can’t really say if that will have any effect on Victoria.” The Australian and New Zealand Council for fire and emergency services, AFAC, outlined a heightened fire risk across several parts of the country. AFAC chief executive Rob Webb said the risk was driven by a combination of dry conditions and increased fuel loads. “The variety of risk factors across different regions reinforces the need for communities to understand their local conditions and prepare early,” he said. “While some areas are facing an elevated risk of fire this spring, bushfires can still occur in regions with a normal seasonal outlook. “Communities are encouraged to stay informed, monitor conditions, and follow advice from their fire and emergency services as the season unfolds.” People can visit the CFA website for preparation tips and keep informed of emergencies with the VicEmergency app, website and Facebook page. Information on FFM Vic planned burns can also be found on the VicEmergency app or FFMVic website. People can also tune into emergency broadcasting radio stations, such as 3WM, for information during emergencies.

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Fire can spread quickly, so it’s important to e prepared e ore a ire starts. Take the time now to prepare your property, talk with your amily a out your ire plan and make sure you know where to ind the latest warnings and in ormation. little preparation now can make a ig di erence later.

Get ready now for the fire season ahead.

5382 0097 Wednesday, September 30, 2026

emma.kealy@parliament.vic.gov.au www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

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ARE YOU FIRE READY?

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ARE YOU FIRE READY?

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Building prepared communities H

undreds of volunteer-hosted CFA Get Fire Ready events across the state aim to encourage people to prepare for the coming fire season, while showcasing each community’s volunteers and resources.

CFA deputy chief officer Trevor Owen said while people knew what to do when threatened by bushfire, only about 13 per cent of annual bushfire survey respondents had written a formal plan. “CFA has been running an annual bushfire survey for the past 16 years, since the Black Saturday fire, to determine what the public is thinking and what they will do in the event of a bushfire,” he said. “The survey points out quite clearly to us that 88 per cent of the respondents agreed very strongly that they would leave early, as their safest option, but 81 per cent indicated they were unlikely to leave until they were actually threatened by fire. “We know on particularly extreme and catastrophic days, that fires move very quickly through the landscape and they are unpredictable, so we encourage people ahead of time, particularly on those extreme and catastrophic days, to leave early.”

INVITATION: Horsham Fire Brigade community engagement officer Curtis Vanstan encourages people to attend a Get Fire Ready session. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER Mr Owen said CFA’s Get Fire Ready events gave people the opportunity to engage with their local brigades and build a bushfire plan.

“They can also ask any questions of their brigades in regard to preparation for the bushfire season,” he said. “They can ask what they need to do

in the event of a bushfire, what the fire-danger ratings mean, what a total fire ban means, and if they want to, like we’re seeing at the moment really encouragingly, many people are also asking how they can join the CFA as well.” CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan encouraged people to attend Get Fire Ready events with the prediction of a warmer, drier spring. “Get Fire Ready events are all about helping communities understand local fire risk, how they can prepare property and create a fire plan, and know where to access emergency information,” Mr Heffernan said. “I know many communities are still reeling from last summer’s fires, but we are heading towards summer and it’s more important than ever to ensure communities are prepared. “At its heart Get Fire Ready is about meeting communities where they are at – the local shopping centre, local community events, community meetings. The message is the same, Get Fire Ready.” Get Fire Ready events are scheduled across the state from October 1 to November 3 and are listed at www. cfa.vic.gov.au/about-us/cfa-events/ whats-on.

Events include, but are not limited to: October 1, Kaniva session with VICSES, West Wimmera Shire Council and Emergency Management Team; October 2, Kadnook and Clear Lake sessions; October 4, Horsham open day with information and volunteer meet-and-greet; October 8, Warracknabeal at Warracknabeal Show; October 10, Donald, session at 45 Hammill Street; Barkly and Frenchmans event at Barkly; October 15, Nhill, information at Nhill Show; October 16, planning for seniors at Edenhope with VICSES, West Wimmera Shire Council and Emergency Management Team; October 17, Dimboola, information at Dimboola Show; October 18, Sandsmere session; October 22, Edenhope session with VICSES, West Wimmera Shire Council and Emergency Management Team; October 23, Moyston open day with information on preparation and resources; October 24, Stawell, Captain Koala and display at agricultural show; October 25, Stuart Mill information session and volunteer meetand-greet; and October 31, Balmoral session.

Ordering a clean-up People who are tackling summer safety clean-up projects or doing spring cleans can hire skip bins in a variety of sizes from Horsham Wastebusters. Servicing a 100-kilometre radius around Horsham, people can use the skip bins to dispose of a range of household rubbish and green waste. Wastebusters’ Mick Morris said loads were sorted and disposed of correctly after being picked up from customers. “We do household clean-ups, farm clean-ups – if someone’s cleaning a shed, we drop a bin out the front and they just walk out and throw it in,” he said. “It’s great for yards, cleaning up areas where snakes and lizards can hide. “It’s a quick, simple exercise. We then bring it back here, sort it out and recycle what we can and get rid of the rest to landfill.

“It’s just a nice, easy option, rather than doing eight to 10 trailer-loads to and from the tip. “We can drop off a skip, people fill it up and we cart it away.” Mr Morris said skip bins were available in sizes from two metres to 12 metres – the larger ones with dropdown doors for ease of filling. He said people could dispose of waste such as timber, plasterboard and electrical goods, including fridges, washing machines, microwaves, however some items required special treatment. “We say ‘no’ to asbestos, but we have avenues to be able to handle that as well, just give us a ring and we can have a chat,” he said. “If people are getting rid of batteries or paint, we ask they just let us know and sit them at the top of the bin, and we can also dispose of car tyres and mattresses.”

DELIVERED: Wastebusters’ Mick Morris offers a range of skip bins to assist people in their spring clean-ups. Picture: BRONWYN HASTINGS Wastebusters also offers discounted rates for steel-only loads. “We deliver bins across to Kaniva, Ararat, Hopetoun, Edenhope and Bal-

moral – about a 100-kilometre radius from Horsham,” Mr Morris said. “It’s a five-day hire, so people can work out what rubbish they want to

get rid of, order the bin, we drop it off and we’re back five days later to pick it up and get it out of their lives.” – Bronwyn Hastings

Anne WEBSTER MP FEDERAL MEMBER FOR MALLEE Fire season is just around the corner. Now is the time to prepare your property and review your fire safe plan. For more information visit: https://www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare (03) 5021 5987

anne.webster.mp@aph.gov.au

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‘You don’t have to struggle alone’ BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

FA’s volunteer firefighters receive calls for emergencies at any time of the day and night, including structure fires, road crashes, gas leaks, and for some brigades, fire medical response.

To assist firefighters in coping with the degree and build-up of incidents they attend in their own communities, CFA has implemented a peer-support program, a free service always available to its members and their families. Peer supporter Trevor Schwarz said all emergency organisations have support services in place. “It’s really interesting with incidents, and I struggle to call things emergencies or disasters, which it is for the people involved, but from the point of view of me supporting, I need to help members normalise incidents,” he said. “We talk about what they tried to do, what they did, that they did the best they could, and that the outcome is variable, always. “Then they go home and recharge and go and do it again tomorrow, but sometimes that’s not always possible.” Mr Schwarz said first-responders sometimes talked about their days with their families, but sometimes they protected their families from how their days had been. “But generally, families know if it’s

a good day or a bad day,” he said. Mr Schwarz said members were encouraged to maintain their self-care and be aware of their limits. “Members are encouraged to step out if there’s an incident they don’t want to do,” he said. “That can be a very personal thing – it can be a structural fire, a motor accident, it can be a person lost, it could be a job that involves children if they’ve got young family themselves. “The whole reason that they need to protect themselves, to know their boundaries, is so they can still respond as first-responders.” Mr Schwarz said trauma from incidents – known as vicarious trauma – could add to members’ personal traumas. “Everybody has a slightly different understanding of it, because it’s an individual effect, but it accumulates,” he said. “There are a whole lot of things in there, and a large part of that is vicarious – trauma from other people, other events, other situations, and just talking to someone who is traumatised. “Trauma is classed as anything that has been overwhelming, and it can be different things for different people. “It doesn’t have to be a fatality, it can be injury, the loss of stock, your favourite new car you’ve had for two days.

HERE TO HELP: CFA wellbeing staff Trevor Schwarz and Marieke Dam. “It can be just the last little bit on top of your own, and your world’s just fallen apart.” Mr Schwarz said members were also warned against reading social media posts following major incidents. “It’s going to know more than you ever saw or did, rightly or wrongly, and it’s going to add to any trauma that members have taken home from that,” he said. Member wellbeing advisor Marieke Dam said self-care and the peer support program were promoted as part

of each fire season’s briefings to members. “We speak about what it looks like when people are not doing well, so people start recognising it,” she said. “We want people to be aware of what’s happening for them so they can say, ‘I want to step out,’ or ‘how can I get support to step out?’” Ms Dam said support was delivered to members at varying levels, from individual to group or crew sessions. “We can do something straight after an incident for when people come back to station, or after a couple

of days,” she said. “People realise they’re not sleeping, they’re not eating, they keep rethinking the events and they then realise they’re actually not going very well, and then call all the supports that they know. “From our perspective, it is important people know who we are, they know who they can contact, and they feel comfortable with that.” Ms Dam said District 17 had vacancies for people to take up a peer-support role, starting with an expression of interest process and training. “There’s quite a lot in that training, but in the end, there’ll be a very skilled peer that will be highly utilised within the services that we provide,” she said. Mr Schwarz said he recommended first-responders, in the first instance, return to normal life following incidents. “Get the yellow, the green, the blue or the orange gear off and go home and restart your normal life,” he said. “But know your limitations and look at self-care and support – we all have trauma, and any fire weather day could bring it back. “You don’t have to struggle alone.” CFA members and their families can call the 24-hour wellbeing support line for free and confidential support on 1800 959 232.

Cutting the risk of fire

RESOURCES: Total Tools Horsham owner Stuart Hobbs with some of the store’s fireready resources. Picture: BRONWYN HASTINGS

People can be ready for more than just bushfires this summer, with a range of resources available from Total Tools Horsham. Store owner Stuart Hobbs said a range of fire extinguishers and blankets could assist in a variety of applications. “We have different-sized extinguishers in powder and pump-up water that people can put in a vehicle or on the back of a ute,” he said. “Along with fire blankets, they can also be used in the case of fires at home.” Total Tools has a range of first-aid kits, for home and work places. “Our first-aid kits are for anywhere, from farming to construction, to workplace, or the kitchen bench,” he said.

“There’s a cabinet kit for the wall or bench, soft-case kits you can put in your ute, cars, or even tractor or combine.” Mr Hobbs said cordless blowers also sold well this time of year. “Something we sell a lot of around harvest time, believe it or not, are things like blowers,” he said. “Farmers can have a lot of trouble with farm equipment catching alight, so every time they unload, they’ll clear the radiator and the engine and blow the machine down. “They usually use a cordless blower to do that, so we have them in various sizes, and they sell very well for that sort of thing, to help prevent fires.” Mr Hobbs said most cordless

tools have interchangeable batteries within their brands, for ease of use. “You can blow your tyres up in the morning, use your grease gun and then whack it onto the blower – the same battery goes all day and does all different things,” he said. “They can also be used for clearing debris around the home, along with cordless whipper snippers, chainsaws, lawnmowers, all things that can knock things into shape around the yard.” People can visit the Wilson Street store for more information, and products are also available to view and order on the Total Tools website.

Be fire ready General enquiries 1300 659 961 difficulties and faults 1800 188 586 (24hrs) info@gwmwater.org.au www.gwmwater.org.au

If you’re a rural customer supplied by a GWMWater pipeline, make sure you have your required three-day water supply stored and ready. During a fire event, GWMWater’s ability to maintain water supply may be impacted by other events such as power outages. This may involve a drop in pressure or a total loss of supply. For more info on being fire ready, visit cfa.vic.gov.au

Have your three-day water supply ready. Be prepared. Be fire ready. Wednesday, September 30, 2026

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New on-demand meals

Anyﬁna cialsup ortwouldbegreatlyap reciated.

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

pre-packaged, self-heating meal option is now available to CFA volunteers on-site during lengthy incidents.

While volunteers will continue to carry standard ration packs – with a variety of biscuits, bars and other non-perishables – in their vehicles, the new packs feature more options and will be delivered on demand. CFA District 17 acting assistant chief fire officer Mal Hayes said 400 meals had been ordered for the approaching fire season. “While we primarily will deliver a hot meal to our people, sometimes it’s just logistically not possible,” he said. “So, if it’s three o’clock in the morning, such as a truck rollover in the middle of the highway, and people are getting hungry, they need to be fed. “It’s not easy to find 30 meals in the middle of the night – we can roll these packs out really rapidly.” Mr Hayes said the new packs gave responders more options for fireground catering, with early inhouse reviews revealing they ‘aren’t too bad’. “I’m hoping we don’t use them at all, of course, but it really gives us another option for meals on the fireground,” he said. “If we can get meals from a local supplier, we 100 per cent will do that, but if we can’t do that, then

FIREGROUND READY: District 17 acting assistant chief fire officer Mal Hayes with new self-heating meal packs available for volunteers at extended incidents. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER this will be the fail-safe. It’s a really good option for us and gives us more flexibility, so I think it’s a plus.” Mr Hayes said fireground catering – along with communications –

was one of the first logistical issues to organise on a fireground. “That has been going back since the history of time,” he said. “These are a really good stop-gap measure – you just add water and

they’re ready in about 10 minutes.” The new packs include two self-heating meals along with a variety of biscuits, confectionary, tea and coffee sachets, powdered milk and muesli bars.

Donationsaretax-deductiblethroughtheAustrali nSportsFoundation.

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Councils support green clean-up West Wimmera, Hindmarsh and Horsham councils are offering free green waste disposal for residents at their respective transfer stations in the lead-up to the fire season. West Wimmera Shire’s free disposal runs until Sunday, October 11, while Hindmarsh’s is for the month of October. The program helps residents manage excess vegetation growth following wet seasons, reduces potential fire hazards, diverts green waste from landfill, and discourages illegal roadside dumping. Since its introduction in West Wimmera Shire in 2022, the free green waste fortnight has been well received by the community and continues to deliver environmental and safety benefits. Chief executive David Bezuidenhout highlighted the program’s importance in light of the upcoming summer period. “Any excessive vegetation could be a potential fire hazard as the weather warms up,” he said. “This is a great opportunity for residents to take action, clean up their properties and get rid of any unwanted green waste.” Horsham Rural City Council’s Horsham, Quantong and Mt Zero transfer stations will accept green waste during the weekend of October 3 and 4, where people can dispose of up to 1m3 of green waste per unlimited visit. Mayor Brian Klowss said spring was the ideal time for residents to tackle outdoor maintenance projects and prepare their properties for the warmer months ahead. “Well-maintained properties help create safer, more attractive neighbourhoods and support preparation for the fire season. This initiative makes it easier for residents to undertake important maintenance while disposing of green waste responsibly,” Cr Klowss said. People can visit their respective council’s websites for more information about transfer station locations and operating hours.

Support from RFCS Victoria West Before, during and after fire events

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The power is out...

It’s essential to be prepared for severe weather.

he summer season can bring extreme weather events such as floods and winds that cause the loss of infrastructure and services.

Electricity distributor Powercor is reminding households and business owners to plan ahead and know what to do if extreme weather affects the power supply this summer. Powercor’s customer, community and communication head Adam Nason said now was the time for everybody to refresh their plans. “Extreme weather can happen at any time of the year, but is more common during summer,” he said. “Power outages impact everyone differently. For some, losing power may mean it’s hard to get their car out of the garage. For others, not being able to charge devices makes it harder to entertain the kids.” He said it was easier to respond quickly to a power outage if people were well-prepared and familiar with their plans. “We’re asking everybody to be safe, be smart and be ready this summer,” he said. “That means making health and safety the priority, consider how to stay connected if the power goes out and have a plan in place to power essential devices. “People can be safe by creating a backup plan if they rely on electricity to power life support devices. “Keep plenty of drinking water on hand and set your fridge at five degrees or less, which will keep food cool for about four hours.” Mr Nason said people should familiarise themselves with how to open garage doors and gates if the power went out. “Know how to connect laptops and tablets to your mobile phone hotspot and register for power outage notifications on the Powercor website,” he said.

Storms, floods, fires or high heat can damage the electricity network and affect your power. So, it’s important to prepare for power outages as part of your emergency plan.

Scan the QR code for advice on how to stay safe and ready this summer.

“Know how to connect laptops and tablets to your mobile phone hotspot and register for power outage notifications on the Powercor website”

– Adam Nason

“Be ready by charging phones, laptops and back-up batteries and making sure your solar system can operate in a power outage, if you have one. If you use a generator, make sure it is fuelled and working. Have a battery-powered radio and torches handy.” Mr Nason said Powercor’s summer preparation included electricity network asset inspections and the removal of vegetation that could damage the network. “Every year, Powercor crews inspect more than 171,000 power poles and use a combination of helicopter and ground-based LiDAR inspections to monitor vegetation growth,” he said. “We prepare for severe weather by mobilising additional crews and resources so we can respond quickly and minimise the time customers are without supply. “We always have extra resources and strike teams on call during the busy Christmas, New Year and Australia Day period. “We operate our safety devices on more sensitive settings during summer and on total fire ban days to minimise fire starts and this can lead to outages.” Outages on hot days can take longer to restore, as field crews are required to patrol the lines to make sure it is safe to restore power after each fault. Mr Nason also urged everybody to be aware of fallen powerlines. “You always assume fallen powerlines are live, stay 20 metres away and report them to Powercor immediately on 13 24 12,” he said.

Be prepared for bushfire Wimmera’s FFMVic crews work year-round to reduce bushfire risk. This year we are facing one of warmest and driest seasons in some time. There is an increased risk of an earlier and more active fire season. Our full-time and seasonal firefighters are prepared for the season ahead.

Know what to do if you have a campfire 2583

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Listening, learning BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

FA West Region’s newly appointed deputy chief officer Scott Turner is fast learning the lay of the land – geographically and colloquially.

Hailing from South Australia, he has spent his career in emergency management and has been part of VICSES and Forest Fire Management Victoria. “I’ve got to learn all these Victorian things – it’s a parma, not a parmi, and everyone reminds me I barrack for an AFL team, not a VFL team,” he said. Mr Turner volunteered for South Australia’s Country Fire Service, starting at 18 years of age, more than 35 years ago. “I was in the Country Fire Service, as staff and as a volunteer, which was unique and a privilege,” he said. “Coming into West Region is a great opportunity for me to keep stretching the brain – when chief officer Heffernan phoned and said, ‘Look, I’ve got some deputy chief jobs going, please apply,’ it was a no-brainer. “I’m extremely pleased to be back in a volunteer fire agency.” Mr Turner said apart from his own learning, he was looking forward to building a greater connection between frontline volunteers, brigade groups, districts, regions and the state. “It’s also about celebrating what

CFA deputy chief officer Scott Turner we’ve got – things like brigade administration support officers in districts, which is unique to Victoria, is a huge initiative,” he said. “It’s also celebrating our community being part of CFA, and CFA being part of the community. “We’ve got our Get Fire Ready coming up next month, which shows how our brigade members are partners with the community, but it’s also reminding the community that they have responsibilities. “That’s a big one for me.” Mr Turner has worked in emergency management across Australia and internationally in many roles, for fires, floods, cyclones and the pandemic. “The one thing I’ve learned is partnership; if we don’t have other agencies with us or we don’t have community with us, then it’s a lot of work for emergency responders,” he said. “We still have lots of risk across

the landscape, and many of our community members think the CFA or the government should do something about it, but Get Fire Ready is about everyone having responsibility for readiness.” Mr Turner said there was huge community uptake for assistance following last season’s major fires, and he was keen to continue the partnership. “But also looking at our brigades in West Region backing what happens in CFA, and bringing back to CFA, from what I remember as a young volunteer living across the border and looking into Victoria, a united CFA,” he said. “It’s a really exciting time to be in Victoria – there are a lot of things happening, lots of new initiatives. “In the four weeks I’ve been here, talking to brigade members and group officers, I think people are excited whilst they’re challenged by some of the changes coming.” Mr Turner said among the changes was new personal protective equipment and planning decisions. “We’re starting to be serious about respiratory protection,” he said. “We’ve listened to people about the old strike team ‘hurry up and wait’ in how we’re doing our strike team planning and meals. “It’s important the voice of the frontline volunteer, who’s giving their time, isn’t lost when we make big policy decisions for CFA, and ultimately for Victoria.”

PREPARED: Mobile driving simulators will play a vital role in preparing volunteers for high-risk driving.

CFA accelerates driving training CFA has accelerated driver training innovation with the implementation of the first of five mobile driving simulators. Made by Motum Simulation in partnership with CFA to develop environments and hazards to create realistic and immersive scenarios, the virtual training aims to improve crew safety. CFA operational doctrine and training deputy chief officer Rohan Luke said the mobile simulators played a vital role in preparing volunteers for high-risk driving. “These include emergency response driving, navigating firegrounds and managing potential rollovers in challenging off-road conditions,” he said. The simulators are equipped with virtual reality headsets and eye-tracking technology, helping drivers sharpen critical skills like spatial awareness, mirror checking and hazard perception. The six degrees of freedom motion technology allows the driver to move forwards and backwards, up and down, left and right, and pitch, yaw and roll.

Mr Luke said the first completed simulator was showcased at the AFAC26 conference last month and will be placed at CFA’s Central Highlands training campus for testing. “The second simulator will be delivered to CFA by the end of this month, which will be utilised for training across the state,” he said. “The final three simulators are scheduled for delivery by the end of this year. “Once delivered, the simulators will be fully mobile and travel across the state, providing access to volunteers in both urban and rural locations.” CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said it was great to see the innovative project come to fruition. “CFA is always looking at new technologies and ways to improve our volunteer training and experience,” he said. “These state-of-the-art driving simulators will be an incredible asset to CFA and will further boost our driver training capability.”

Fire season is approaching ... is your home and yard ready? As temperatures rise and the dry season hits, it’s not just wildfires we need to worry about – snakes are on the move too! Preparing your home or farmyard now can help you keep both fire hazards and unwelcome slithery visitors at bay.

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bumper grain harvest is expected in 2026, but could be affected by labour shortages and rising diesel prices.

With harvest set to start in coming weeks – for some areas a fortnight earlier than usual – farmers are concerned visa hold-ups for overseas workers, skilled in the operation of harvest machinery, will slow down work, and place extra pressure on existing workers. The National Farmers Federation and Victorian Farmers Federation have spent the past month lobbying Federal Government departments about hundreds of cases where visas have been delayed or rejected. Immigration Minister Tony Burke then announced a new policy two weeks ago with plans to permanently tighten visas for working holidaymakers, with processing times set to extend to about three months. On Thursday, the NFF announced it was working with the Department of Home Affairs to establish a process for identifying workers whose visa applications may be considered for priority processing. However the process was only for

genuine, urgent cases where the worker had already applied for a working holiday maker visa; been identified for agricultural work on a specific farm; and their timely arrival was critical to business operations. But the current backlog might still cause issues with labour for the harvest, with Wimmera farmers anxious that workers – some who return each year to work during harvest – will not arrive in time. Banyena farmer David Schuckar told ACE Radio’s Country Today farmers he had spoken to had indicated visa wait times of between three and six weeks were common for visas that used to be approved within days. Mr Schuckar said it was likely Victoria was going to have a great harvest – pending weather to finish off the season – so many farms were requiring extra workers compared to usual. “Everyone’s coming to the realisation now that we need an extra staff member to run this machine longer into the night, or we’re definitely going to need the chaser bin operator,” he said. Mr Schuckar said it was a challenge to recruit casual employees because the exact start times of harvest were unknown until closer to the date.

He said the workers who came from overseas were ‘young people passionate about ag’. “They’ve been driving machinery for multiple years back home – five years plus usually – so straight away we’ve really got a small recruiting pool, because we really need these skilled staff on these machines to do our operations safely,” he said. “They actually understand what we’re trying to achieve. It just makes everything a lot safer. “We are doing big hours – we’re working at night, we’re working in the dark – there are a lot of challenges that come with it.” Member for Mallee Anne Webster said she knew of more than 50 cases in her electorate where farmers were being inconvenienced by delayed visas and that number was growing daily. “We, in The Nationals, told the government their go-slow approach to 417 working-holiday maker visas was economically damaging at harvest and unsafe for the farmers left to bring the crop in,” she said. “Labor thought it was being clever with net overseas migration by fiddling about with processing timelines on visas for harvest workers. “Minister Burke has decided to co-

opt the National Farmers Federation and its member bodies into a process for which, as best I can tell, farming bodies will not be paid for the processing effort. “I am told that come 3pm each working day, peak bodies will submit 417 visa applicants from their membership.” The other challenge for harvest operations is the rising cost of diesel, with prices up to $2.97 a litre. The Liberals and Nationals are calling on the State Government to immediately publish its plan for activating and distributing Victoria’s 10-million litre agricultural diesel reserve as farmers head into the harvest period. The government announced the reserve in May, after fuel prices surged and supply was at risk, promising it would give Victorian farmers confidence that fuel would be available when they needed it most and help protect the state’s food security. But Member for Lowan and shadow agriculture minister Emma Kealy said farmers deserved answers about fuel reserves before the headers started rolling. “There is no food security without fuel security, you can’t harvest a crop without diesel,” she said.

“Labor bought 10-million litres of diesel and told farmers it would protect them at harvest, but where is the plan to actually get that fuel to farmers if they need it?” Ms Kealy said the reserve could only be released if level four of the National Fuel Security Plan was activated, despite the government saying the fuel was secured specifically to protect Victorian agriculture. “Farmers are already trying to work out whether they’ll have enough skilled workers to get their crops off, and now they’re facing uncertainty about fuel supply and rapidly rising diesel costs,” she said. “Labor governments should be making it easier for farmers to produce our food, not putting more obstacles in their way.” Ms Kealy called on Agriculture Minister Michaela Settle to publish the operational plan for the reserve, including where it was held, who would receive priority, how it would be distributed, how quickly it could reach farms and whether Victoria had any capacity to respond to serious regional shortages before a level four national emergency was declared.

Olive growers awarded national golds

PROUD: Greg, Susan and Andrew Mathews of Grampians Olive Co won three gold medals at the Australian Golden Olive Awards.

Olive producer Grampians Olive Co was a big winner at this month’s Australian Golden Olive Awards, with three of its certified-organic, estategrown extra virgin olive oils awarded gold medals. The annual awards, hosted by Olive Producers North East Victoria Inc, are open to olive groves across Australia, allowing participants from every state and territory to benchmark their products against the best. Grampians Olive Co’s Olio Nuovo, a limited-release first-harvest organic extra virgin olive oil, pressed from green olives at the start of each harvest, won both a gold medal and the distinction of best in class. Judges praised the oil’s quality. “Vibrant green aromas with green apple, green pear, green bean, orange juice and meadow aromas,” the judging notes read. “Good transfer with additional notes of iceberg lettuce, fresh green herbs and orange zest. Elegant building heat and balanced bitterness, clean mouthfeel.” Hopetoun

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The grove’s original and most popular organic extra virgin olive oil, Signature, also received a gold medal. “Fresh pronounced aromas of fresh tomato sugo, sweet green grass, lemon pith and fresh herb,” the judge’s comments read. “Palate matches with fresh tomato notes, green olives, endive and iceberg, hints of cacao. Balanced bitterness and white pepper heat that increases and expands with a clean lean mouthfeel.” Grampians Olive Co’s late-harvest organic extra virgin olive oil Delicate, which is pressed from riper purple olives, received a gold medal for its ‘soft fragrant aromas of almond, spice, malt and hints of sweet lemon … with traces of nutmeg and cinnamon, creamy mouthfeel, with a late fine pepperiness and bitterness’. Grampians Olive Co also won a silver for its Robust Extra Virgin Olive Oil, which was cold pressed from Australian olives sourced from other growers in response to drought and heatwave conditions that affected

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recent crops. Grampians Olive Co owner-operator Greg Mathews said he was thrilled with the wins. “Olio Nuovo, Signature and Delicate are all produced from olives grown on our certified-organic dryland family grove in the foothills of the Grampians,” he said. “Each oil represents a different expression of our 2026 harvest, from the vibrant early-harvest character of Olio Nuovo through to the softer, fruitier style of Delicate. “Dryland olive growing means every season brings its own challenges. “To have all three of our certifiedorganic, estate-grown oils awarded gold at the 2026 Australian Golden Olive Awards is a result my parents and I are particularly proud of. “It reflects what we focus on each harvest: growing quality fruit, harvesting at the right time and milling carefully on-farm to produce fresh Australian extra virgin olive oil with genuine flavour.”

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As farmers and rural businesses continue to navigate rising costs, seasonal pressures and economic uncertainty, having dependable local partners has never been more important. At Endeavour Energy Fuels, we understand these challenges because we are a family-owned business built on regional values, long-term relationships and a commitment to the communities we serve. For more than 34 years, Endeavour Energy Fuels has been supplying fuel to regional Victoria and South Australia. Founded by Jeff and Carol Griffiths, the business has grown into a network of 34 fuel sites, four bulk fuel depots, 11 fuel tankers and more than 285 employees, while remaining firmly focused on supporting regional customers and communities. Today, the next generation of the Griffiths family is helping lead that growth, with their daughter, Megan Kostiuk, continuing the family’s commitment to service, reliability and investment in country Australia. The latest step in that journey is the opening of our new Donald site in October 2026. Purposebuilt to service trucks, cars and commercial vehicles, the site

will also operate as a strategic bulk fuel depot supporting our fuel delivery fleet throughout the region. This significant investment strengthens our presence across the Western District, Wimmera and Mallee, ensuring farmers, transport operators and rural businesses have greater access to reliable fuel supply and local support. The facility will feature two 100,000-litre storage tanks, 24hour diesel and AdBlue access, modern monitoring systems and dedicated tanker loading infrastructure to support efficient bulk fuel deliveries across the

district. As demand for reliable fuel supply continues to grow across regional Australia, developments such as Donald demonstrate Endeavour’s long-term confidence in the future of farming and regional enterprise. Agriculture runs on fuel, and downtime is costly. Whether it is seeding, spraying, harvest or day-to-day farm operations, reliable access to fuel is essential. That is why Endeavour continues to invest in infrastructure, transport capability and regional service. Our dedicated tanker fleet allows us to deliver fuel directly to farms

and commercial operations, helping customers minimise disruption and keep machinery operating when it matters most. Supporting this service is a dedicated team of five Business Development Managers focused on helping customers find the right fuel solutions for their operations. Importantly, three of these team members live and work in Western Victoria, providing local knowledge, fast response times and a genuine understanding of the challenges facing farmers and regional businesses. This local presence ensures customers have

access to experienced people who understand the industries, seasons and communities they support. We also recognise that regional communities thrive when local businesses support one another. Endeavour works with local contractors and suppliers wherever possible, supports sporting clubs and community initiatives, and contributes resources during emergencies such as fires, floods and other natural disasters. Supporting regional Australia is not simply part of our business strategy; it is part of who we are. With locations across Stawell, Horsham, Dimboola, Warracknabeal, Ouyen, Kerang and Balmoral, and with Donald opening this October and St Arnaud planned as our next development, Endeavour Energy Fuels continues to grow alongside the communities we serve. As a family-owned business now entering its next generation of leadership, we remain committed to delivering reliable fuel solutions, personalised service and genuine local support for farmers, landowners and small businesses throughout Western Victoria.

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eading soil experts Susan Orgill and Joel Williams will bring science, practical experience and fresh thinking to farmers at this year’s Chatsworth House Field Day.

The 2026 Chatsworth House Field Day, on October 7 and 8, will bring together farmers, researchers, advisors and industry leaders to the property at Chatsworth, southwest of Lake Bolac, to explore the role of natural capital in productive, profitable and resilient agricultural businesses. Dr Orgill and Mr Williams will share their knowledge on building healthier soils and more resilient farming systems. Dr Orgill is an applied soil scientist with more than 20 years’ experience working with farming businesses to understand soils as living, dynamic systems. As chief scientist at Impact Ag Australia, she works across soil health, carbon farming and climate smart agriculture, with a focus on practical, science-backed approaches that deliver value on farm. A recipient of the 2024 LJH Teakle Medal from Soil Science Australia for her outstanding contribution to promoting and raising awareness of soil science, Dr Orgill was also awarded Landcare Australia’s 2025 General Jeffery Soil Health Award. She will share practical insights from both soil science and real-world farming, showing how a better under-

standing of what is happening under foot can unlock opportunities for improved productivity, profitability and resilience. “The most profitable and resilient farms aren’t always those with the best soils, they’re often the ones that understand their soils best,” Dr Orgill said. “Knowing what your soil can and can’t do is the first step to making every dollar and every drop of rain work harder.” Dr Orgill will also lead a hands-on soil pit session during the second day of the event, giving participants the opportunity to take their learning from the conference into the paddock and explore soil structure, function and health in a practical setting. Joining her on the program is Mr Williams, an independent plant and soil health educator and consultant who has worked extensively across Australia, Europe and North America and is currently based in Canada. Mr Williams has a Bachelor of Agricultural Science specialising in plant and soil dynamics and an MSc in Food Policy, where he explored agroecology and the motivations and barriers to intercropping adoption. Widely respected for his ability to translate complex scientific research into practical, accessible knowledge, he has a particular interest in soil biology, plant nutrition and plant soil interactions, and how they can contribute to sustainable and resilient production systems.

HOSTS: Chatsworth House owners Tom and Sarah Whinney invite people to learn from industry experts at their upcoming field day. In his session, Mr Williams will take attendees on a journey to understand how and why liquid fertilisers work – starting with an understanding of plant physiology before building into the practical detail of liquid fertilisers, including why nitrogen management is so central to getting them right and how other key minerals fit into the picture. The session aims to translate the science of what’s happening below and above ground into guidance farmers can apply directly to their own liquid fertiliser programs. For Chatsworth House owners Tom and Sarah Whinney, bringing speakers such as Dr Orgill and Mr Williams to the region is central to the purpose of the event, creating an opportunity for

farmers to access high-quality knowledge and explore ideas that can be applied directly to their own businesses. “There is something really powerful about bringing people together to learn from exceptional industry experts and from each other,” Mrs Whinney said. “It builds momentum, opens minds and creates the space for farmers to discover something new – whether that’s a practice they could adopt, a market they hadn’t considered, or simply a different way of thinking about their land.” Day one will feature a conferencestyle program, with agricultural communicator, farmer, podcaster and former ABC journalist Kirsten Diprose serving as master of ceremonies.

The evening program will continue with drinks and dinner, followed by a keynote presentation from environmental scientist, author and adventurer Tim Jarvis. Day two will move towards practical on-farm applications, with presentations and discussions covering agtech, foliar applications, soil health and examples from producers already implementing new approaches in their businesses. The program will conclude with practical sessions in the paddock, including the soil pit session led by Dr Orgill, and an interactive grazing management workshop delivered by RCS and AgriWebb. Event organisers say the combination of scientific expertise, farmer experience and practical demonstrations is intended to give attendees more than just new information – it is designed to help farmers identify ideas they can take home and put into practice. “Events like the Chatsworth House Field Day create a space where practical knowledge is shared, new ideas are explored and farmers leave feeling genuinely equipped and inspired,” Upper Hopkins Land Management Group president Jack Tucker said. Farmers, advisors and industry stakeholders are encouraged to secure their tickets and join the conversation. For more information and tickets, visit www.chatsworthhouse.com.au.

Addressing workforce challenges As workforce challenges continue across the agriculture sector, Skillinvest is encouraging employers to consider both their immediate staffing needs and their long-term workforce development. Through its agriculture labour hire and traineeship services, Skillinvest supports farming businesses and agriculture employers to access reliable workers immediately while developing the next generation of industry talent for the future. Agriculture businesses often face changing workforce demands throughout the year, with seasonal peaks, staff shortages and increasing pressure to attract and retain skilled workers. Skillinvest works alongside employers to provide practical workforce solutions tailored to the needs of regional businesses. Skillinvest Labour Hire provides access to pre-screened, job-ready workers for short-term, seasonal and longer-term placements, helping employers respond quickly when additional support is needed. At the same time, agricultural traineeships offer employers an opportunity to

develop future talent through structured workplace learning combined with nationally recognised training. Traineeships can support workforce planning, succession planning and the long-term growth of agriculture businesses. Skillinvest operations manager Jodi Bigmore said attracting and developing skilled workers remained one of the biggest challenges facing the agriculture sector. “Agriculture businesses need workforce solutions that help them today, while also preparing for the future,” she said. “Some employers need additional workers during busy periods, while others are looking at how they can develop the next generation of skilled people for their business. “Through our labour hire and traineeship services, we’re able to support employers at both ends of that workforce journey.” Ms Bigmore said traineeships continued to play an important role in providing practical career pathways into agriculture.

“Traineeships give people the opportunity to gain hands-on industry experience while completing a nationally recognised qualification,” she said. “They’re a great option for family businesses developing future talent, existing employees looking to build their skills, or people entering the agriculture industry for the first time. “Now is the time to get the ball rolling if you wish to put a trainee on in 2027. “We want to help agriculture businesses access the people they need to succeed, whether that’s filling an immediate workforce gap or investing in the future of their business through workforce development.” Employers in the agriculture industry interested in learning more about labour hire or agricultural traineeships can contact Skillinvest on 1300 135 008 or visit skillinvest.com.au.

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Changing worlds, changing seasons 95 Nelson Street, Nhill CALL 03 5391 2106

“I used to live in Barranquilla, and that was about two-million people, so moving to Melbourne was okay, but moving from Melbourne to Rupanyup where it’s a small community of 500 including surrounding farms, was different.”

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

ongerenong agronomist Guillermo Sierra has come a long way in his career.

He started his working life as a veterinarian in his birth country, Columbia. Moving to Australia with his wife Magda and children in 2012 to learn the language and expand their veterinary business, the couple found difficulty in converting their trades to their new home country. “When we knew that it was not possible for us to be qualified vets, we reinvented ourselves,” Mr Sierra said. “I went to uni in Melbourne and I studied my Bachelor in Agriculture.” During his studies, Mr Sierra interviewed Wimmera Grain Company’s David Matthews at Rupanyup. “As I was interviewing him, he flipped the conversation and started interviewing me... ‘who are you? why are you here?’ and he got interested and offered me a job,” he said. “So we moved to Rupanyup, where we lived for 10 years. It’s the place I have lived the most in my whole life – that’s why we call Rupanyup home.” About five years ago, after nine years of cropping, Mr Sierra decided to apply for something new, starting as an animal production and skills trainer at Longerenong College. Magda now works as a nurse at Wimmera Base Hospital’s emergency department. “I had two options – Wimmera De-

velopment Association or Longerenong College,” he said. “At the time, the college was in a transition between John Goldsmith and Avril Hogan. “During COVID-19 the crop manager resigned, then in 2022 I took on livestock, so I was managing the whole farm.” Mr Sierra streamlined the college’s mob of cows to just Hereford, Shorthorn and Red Angus, which he said was successful in the on-site programs and in their showing at Melbourne.

“The Red Angus are more docile and easy to work with, and we have been having really good gains of weight in the containment area,” he said. “We average 1.8 to 1.9 kilos of weight gain a day. It’s spectacular to see how, in just one year, we get to 550 kilos – last year we won the carcass competition at the Melbourne Show. “It’s been rewarding for us as a team.” Mr Sierra said he also enjoyed making connections with suppliers for the

– Guillermo Sierra, left

ing and living, the Sierra family has moved to Horsham. They have taken up netball, basketball and the arts, differing from Columbia’s typical soccer, baseball, volleyball and gymnastics. They have adjusted to smaller towns and workforces. “You would work with 50 people to put the crops in in Colombia because labour is cheaper than here, and here you have myself, a farmhand and an apprentice working a 3200-acres farm,” he said. “I used to live in Barranquilla, and that was about two-million people, so moving to Melbourne was okay, but moving from Melbourne to Rupanyup where it’s a small community of 500 including surrounding farms, was different. “But it was nine years where we were raising our children, it was really good for them growing up, and now we are close to many activities.”

college’s cropping trials, as well as teaching students all aspects of crop farming. “I take students individually with me in the equipment and show them how all the theory they learn in class about precision agriculture is put into practice, in the equipment,” he said. “Some of them have never been sitting in the $1-million machines before; they have to drive, they need to learn about how to use it, because that’s the skill they need to get out and make a living.” Now settled into Australian farm-

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Decisions...

95 Nelson Street, Nhill CALL 03 5391 2106

hat has seemed like a little bit of a winter malaise, the 2026 season has given way to a drier spell that has quickly progressed things along to come into line with normal expectations for this time of year – if not a little further advanced due to the early start.

Dare it be said, with washed out areas unable to be any more washed out, some further rain would not be unwelcome, to keep heavy crops topped up and to encourage them over the finish line so they may fulfil their potential, as well as keeping pastures fresh that have really started to kick into gear of late. With the sunshine comes a raft of decisions that growers need to make. Should I spray that big crop one more time for protection? Should I sell sheep and lambs now or hold for later? Is cutting hay too risky in a wet season? What should I get my wife for her birthday? On top of this is the realisation that an awful lot needs to get done in a short space of time. On the livestock front, there is no shortage of such decisions and they take on a particular gravitas at this time of year and especially in the current elevated environment. Buying decisions require a large financial commitment and selling decisions require a big judgement call with the best information that is on hand at the time. Sometimes it is an easy call, sometimes it is not, and it is the same for market participants on all sides of the fence. The sourest thing that can happen in this

type of scenario is going down a particular path knowing it is the wrong or less than ideal thing to do, but being forced to do it anyway. For example, with a later drop of 2026 season lambs combined with the forecast potential for a cut off in the season as well as quality feed running its course, a shortterm glut, or bottleneck, of second tier and store lambs currently presents a heightened risk than in perhaps a normal year. Being forced to sell into such a market knowing that the fundamentals should, in theory, have you achieving more out of your stock can be a frustrating place to linger. Like on-farm storage for grain, having the ability, or at the very least the option to move, hold, pause or spread out the marketing of your produce, even for a short time, can provide peace of mind as well as the opportunity for significant financial benefit. With much of the same overtones present during recent drier times, many strategies and infrastructure was put into place to manage this time accordingly. With a lot of this infrastructure and knowledge now in place permanently, 2026-27 may be a year where everything is used in exactly the same way, but for an entirely different purpose.

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FIELD DAY: BCG’s Main Field Day at Curyo attracted more than 500 people.

Strong season sparks resilience More than 500 farmers attended BCG’s Main Field Day at Curyo on September 9, with discussions focusing on an unusually wet season. The annual field day brought farmers, researchers and industry together to compare local research with experience from their own paddocks. With full soil profiles and crops carrying strong yield potential, much discussion centred on making the most of this season. But questions extended beyond the harvest, with attendees considering which varieties and sowing strategies offered flexibility, how to use available moisture efficiently, and what a good year could teach them about preparing for a dry one. Meteorologist Jane Bunn opened the field day by discussing the weather and climate pat-

terns shaping 2026. She explored a gap between forecasts and what growers had experienced in their paddocks, then looked ahead to the risks that could still affect the season’s finish, including frost, heat and a possible turn to drier conditions. Across 28 trials, growers and researchers examined crop varieties, soils, nutrition, weed control, yield potential and farming systems. Soil-pit sessions gave attendees a closer look at the soil profile beneath this year’s crops and prompted discussion about the role of soil resources in managing seasonal variability. Cereal sessions explored how variety choice and sowing time influence flowering. Crops that flower too early can face greater frost risk, while those that flower too late could en-

counter heat and moisture stress. BCG chief executive Fiona Best said understanding that balance helped growers make decisions before they knew whether a season would be wet, dry or somewhere in between. “With some variety trials up to our hips in height, reflecting significant yield potential, the mood was one of optimism, which added to the great discussion throughout the day,” she said. Ms Best said the strong season gave growers a chance to examine both opportunity and risk. “A year like this shows what our farming systems can achieve when moisture is available. It also gives us a chance to ask what we can learn from the trials now, that will help growers make sound decisions when rainfall is less reliable,” she said.

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Inquiry ‘frustrating’

he announcement of a senate inquiry into the Australian chemical regulator’s decision to allow continued use of the controversial herbicide paraquat has drawn mixed responses from scientists and agriculture leaders.

In June the Australian Pesticides and Veterinary Medicines Authority, APVMA, completed a 30-year review into weed killers paraquat and diquat, allowing farmers to continue using both but restricting application rates. Paraquat, a toxic substance, is banned in more than 70 countries worldwide because of health concerns, including a potential link to Parkinson’s disease. Last week independent senator David Pocock referred the APVMA’s decision to the senate’s Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport References Committee, with support from Greens and Coalition members. “I have had so many experts in this space raise concerns about the way that the APVMA looked at evidence, the weighting they gave to different studies, and that’s really concerning,” Mr Pocock said. “The APVMA concluded the available evidence did not convincingly demonstrate a direct causal link. That seems counter to what the scientific consensus is.” Wimmera farmer and Grain Producers Australia southern region director Andrew Weidemann said a senate inquiry would be ‘absolutely for nothing’. “We’ve got a science-based regulator that’s in charge of looking after new

products that are coming into Australia, but also existing products that go through the cycle of being reassessed,” he said. “There was a major review of paraquat. There was an opportunity for all sides of the argument to put their case to the regulator in terms of how much we really need the product, including people saying there was some science … that was leading towards Parkinson’s. “The reality is we are in an industry where we use chemicals on a regular basis. People who are actually using them are trained. “What we’ve been able to do with products like paraquat and glyphosate and other things is turn around the face of agriculture in Australia to be one that actually works more with the environment than has ever been the case previously.” Mr Weidemann said he was frustrated the Coalition had backed the inquiry. “I find it quite absurd. I’ve put a call into the Coalition to answer the question. I think they need to be quite clear about what their objectives are in this process,” he said. “The reality is the Labor government voted against it for the very reasons we’re talking about – we’ve got a regulator in place. It’s been through a process, independently assessed. “You’ll get groups from all around the world trying to force their hand on not just paraquat, but all other products that we’ll be using before long. “And so do all these products go through a senate inquiry when we’ve got a regulatory process in place?

“There’s a lot of questions to be asked by a lot of people here, and I’m certainly fielding a lot of calls from a lot of farmers absolutely ropeable with this decision by the Coalition to form with the Greens and others to put this senate inquiry in place.” Advocacy group Parkinson’s Australia welcomed the senate inquiry’s announcement. Chief executive Olivia Nassaris said there was growing evidence linking paraquat with Parkinson’s disease. “We cannot bury our heads in the sand about the use of paraquat and the evidence that shows its toxicity in neurons,” she said. “Why else have about 70 countries so far, including the UK, the European Union, China – and just in July, India – all banned the use of the chemical? “The incidence of Parkinson’s is projected to triple by 2050, putting pressure on the health system and economy. We have to do something to stop it.” Member for Mallee Anne Webster called the APVMA’s June decision to continue allowing paraquat and diquat use as ‘a win for common sense’. “Policymakers must listen to the voices of farmers who responsibly rely upon paraquat and diquat to control weeds, avoid heavy‑tillage farming and retain soil and moisture in their cropping lands and listen to the science,” she said. “Farmers and their communities deserve a regulatory system that respects both the science and the importance of keeping Australian agriculture productive, sustainable and globally competitive.”

ADVICE: Agriculture Victoria hosted a free webinar for landholders and managers in the Wimmera-Mallee on locust risk and management on Thursday, and a recording is available on the Agriculture Victoria Facebook page.

95 Nelson Street, Nhill CALL 03 5391 2106

Ramp up surveillance With locust egg hatching beginning in parts of the northern Mallee, Agriculture Victoria is encouraging landholders and managers to ramp up their surveillance efforts. Agriculture Victoria’s incident management team incident controller Alex Perera said now that young locusts have been detected, it was important for landholders and managers to conduct surveillance of their properties to understand their specific situation. “Where land managers see hatching has occurred, they should begin preparing to treat using registered chemicals that suit their specific needs,” she said. “Spraying will be most effective around two weeks after hatching, when young locusts are on the ground and banding together but not yet flying. “Ground spraying with an approved insecticide is the most effective way to manage locusts and protect crops and pastures.” Ms Perera said the hatching of locust eggs in the north of the Mallee

was not unexpected. Seven priority local government areas, determined through surveys in May to establish areas with a heightened risk, included Buloke, West Wimmera, Yarriambiack and Hindmarsh. The areas had forecasts showing a moderate to high chance of high locust numbers in the Mallee and a low to moderate chance of high locust numbers in the Wimmera. Agriculture Victoria will support private landholders, councils and public land managers throughout October by conducting surveillance, collecting public reports and identifying when and where locust management activities, such as ground spraying, should be implemented. “Early reporting helps support accurate advice to landholders and managers and leads to a reduced risk of widespread impacts,” Ms Perera said. To report locust activity, people can visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/ locusts or call the customer service centre on 136 186.

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A new era in farming

griculture has always evolved. New technologies emerge, markets change, seasons turn and farm businesses adapt.

But the scale and pace of change now confronting the sector feel different. Farmers and rural communities are not dealing with one isolated challenge. They are navigating multiple pressures at the same time – and the way we support them must evolve as well. Workforce shortages, rising production costs, climate variability, biosecurity risks and increasing regulation are reshaping the operating environment. Farm businesses are also managing succession, generational transition, changing community expectations and the rapid development of automation, artificial intelligence and other technologies. Alongside those industry-wide issues are the personal realities of running a farm business: making decisions under pressure, leading employees, supporting family members, managing risk and finding the time and headspace to plan for the future. None of those challenges exist independently. Workforce availability affects productivity and safety. Business profitability influences succession and investment. Community resilience depends on viable farms, strong local leadership and access to services. Decisions made in Canberra or in corporate offices can have very different consequences when they reach the farm gate. This is a new era for Australian agriculture, and it requires us to think care-

AgVocate with Paula Doran

fully about whether the support structures surrounding the sector remain fit for purpose. For Partners in Ag, that means taking the time to reassess our role. Our organisation has always been grounded in connection, education, leadership and the belief people are agriculture’s greatest strength. We have brought people together to learn, share experiences, build confidence and strengthen their businesses and communities. Those foundations remain important, but we also recognise the needs of the sector are changing. The question for us is not simply how we continue what we have always done. It is how we pivot so that our work remains practical, relevant and capable of helping people meet the challenges in front of them. Do farmers need different leadership and business-development opportunities? How can we better support the next generation entering agriculture? What skills will people need to manage increasingly complex businesses? How do we help agricultural leaders communicate with the public, influence policy and advocate for their industries? What role should Partners in Ag play in strengthening workforce capability, innovation, wellbeing and regional communities?

We have ideas, but we do not want to make assumptions. The people living and working across agriculture are best placed to tell us where the gaps are, which pressures are most significant and what forms of support would make a genuine difference. That is why Partners in Ag is inviting farmers, employees, agricultural professionals, advisers, industry representatives and rural community members to complete our new survey. We want to understand what people are experiencing now, what they believe is coming next and where an organisation such as Partners in Ag can add the greatest value. The survey will help us identify priorities, test potential directions and shape programs and partnerships that respond to real needs rather than perceived ones. This is not consultation for the sake of consultation. The feedback will directly inform the next phase of Partners in Ag and help determine where we focus our time, resources and relationships. Agriculture’s future will depend not only on technology, investment or policy, but on capable people who can adapt, lead, communicate and work together. Our role is to consider how we can best support those people – and how we can help create the conditions in which farm businesses and rural communities can thrive. A changing industry requires organisations to change with it. Partners in Ag is ready to listen, learn and evolve, but we need the sector to help shape what comes next. People can complete the Partners in Ag survey at bit.ly/3VtP3fs.

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WINNER: Philip Down’s winning photograph captures a Speed fire brigade truck facing a major fire.

Spirit of the bush shines Philip Down, of Speed, is one of 12 winners of Rural Aid’s 2026 Spirit of the Bush photography competition, celebrating the people, landscapes, resilience and everyday moments that capture the true spirit of rural and regional Australia. Since launching in 2020, the competition has built a powerful visual archive of rural life, capturing the resilience, humour, hardship, pride and beauty that define the bush. This year, photographers were encouraged to share images reflecting the challenges, determination, people and natural beauty of rural and regional Australia, helping bring the country to the city through the power of photography.

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Cat among the pigeons

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While she thinks migrants are destroying the ‘Australian way of life’, someone has pointed out to her that regional Australia still needs workers from overseas to fill labor shortages. She won’t be stopping any migrant workers from working on farms. So why hasn’t that message got through to former Agriculture Minister and now Minister for Immigration Tony Burke? The Albanese government has been in a quandary as to how to respond. Burke was going to announce his revised migration policy to the National Press Club in Canberra on August 6, but embarrassingly pulled out the day before. He then surreptitiously advised the Department of Home Affairs to advise visa applicants to hold off on travel commitments, to not book flights, travel, or make binding work commitments until their visa was officially granted. What used to take less than 24 hours for visa approvals is now said to be weeks or months. Burke finally made his migration policy speech to the National Press Club six weeks later, on September 16. He confirmed what all rural advocacy groups had feared: a crack down on working holiday visas. Surely the government must know the impact it will have on farmers’ ability to harvest grain and horticulture crops? Speaking to Country Today, National Farmers Federation president Hamish McIntyre was at a loss to explain why the government had not listened to his warnings. “We just do not understand why you would try and make something that’s been working so well – and it’s also such a key part of our production system in Australia right across regional Australia, but not just farmers, it’s in our towns, our pubs, shops and cafes, and our medical facilities

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– it just doesn’t make any sense to cut the labour off that we need,” Mr McIntyre said. Ironically, the backpacker workers usually come from countries like the United Kingdom and Europe and are often highly-skilled heavy machinery operators who come back several years running and have no intention of overstaying their welcome and trying to permanently migrate. So, it begs the question, why are they being targeted? The response of Grain Producers Australia was to return to the COVID plan Operation Grain Harvest Assist again, placing former Australian Defence Force members into grain harvest jobs. But that only provided about 300 workers all those years ago and cannot possibly fill the void. Time is fast running out with what is expected to be a great grain harvest in southern Australia. Mr McIntyre told Country Today the NFF was demanding answers, but getting silence. “It’s just crazy ... we just really hope that does not apply to those people sitting there waiting for visas as we speak … we calculate we need 180,000 to 200,000 a year in total across all our industries,” he said. “So, look, the government’s just got to find a way to make this work for us, otherwise it will be to their detriment and to the detriment of all Australians.” • Editor’s note: The NFF announced on Thursday it was working with the Department of Home Affairs to establish a process to identify specific, urgent workers for priority processing.

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Appetite for conversations evident 95 Nelson Street, Nhill CALL 03 5391 2106

ore than 300 growers and industry representatives gathered at Wilkur earlier this month for agricultural businesses Boolah’s trial farm field day.

Boolah established its Wilkur site, south-west of Birchip, as part of a national trial-farm expansion, and opened the gates to the public for the first time on September 10. The field day gave growers and industry officials a look at Boolah’s commercial-scale trials, which test sustainable products, practices and technologies under farming conditions. With a theme of ‘Margin Matters’, the field day examined how growers could practically and commercially achieve sustainability targets. Boolah group founder Stuart Tighe said the purpose of the field day was to bring the entire grain supply chain together – from input and machinery suppliers through to agronomists, growers, maltsters, brewers and other end users – to consider where attendees could create value. “What can we do better? What can we measure? Where does that create value? And how do we make sure that some of the value stays and comes back to the grower? That’s really what it was about,” Mr Tighe said. He said the field day presented an opportunity to look beyond individual sustainability measures and consider farm business and supply chains as a whole.

WELL ATTENDED: Attendees at Boolah’s trial farm field day move through the paddocks. Boolah head of research, development and sustainability Brooke Sauer said the trial farm provided a practical testing ground needed to turn sustainability ambition into something growers could implement. She said a challenge was to establish a transition pathway by testing what growers could reduce or replace, what factors could improve nutrient cycling, and which combinations of products and practices could help achieve sustainability goals while protecting crop performance. “The trial farm is really that great

demonstration of asking: what particular products, what practices, what can we switch out in lieu of synthetic fertiliser? What can we add in to boost nutrient cycling that will allow us to get there while still maintaining our quality and yield?” she said. Ms Sauer said bringing growers together with maltsters, brewers and other end users was important, helping those further along the supply chain understand on-farm transition. The field day also included discussion of commercial-scale trials at the Wilkur site.

Attendees heard from trial-farm participant groups including Omnia, Corteva, KIVAS, Loam Bio, IntraCrop and Loveland about products and technologies being tested under farming conditions. Mr Tighe said rather than using small demonstration plots, Boolah’s trial-farm model allowed for testing products and practices using commercial equipment at a scale that reflected the realities of broadacre farming. At each trial site, attendees could view crops and question trial operators about what each treatment was

designed to achieve, what they were measuring and whether the potential agronomic benefit could translate into an improved profit margin. Among the trials are systems using 30 per cent less urea, giving growers an opportunity to assess whether reduced synthetic fertiliser use, combined with alternative products and practices, can maintain crop health and performance. Agripath’s Simon Fritsch gave a presentation challenging a tendency to focus on production or gross income, rather than the money retained by a farm business after accounting for the cost required to generate it. “We can’t change the asset base, but we can influence income and influence what we spend to get it,” he said. Mr Tighe said margin squeeze was becoming increasingly difficult for growers to ignore. “In 2025, we were spending what we grossed in 2016. Up our way, 2016 was our second-largest yielding year ever, and we’re now actually spending more than what we grossed in that year. I reckon that’s just a bloody scary thought,” he said. Mr Tighe said the strong turnout demonstrated an appetite for conversations reaching beyond any one paddock or section of the supply chain. He said decisions that influenced margins were increasingly connected to input efficiency, soil performance, technology, data, finance, as well as customer expectations further along the supply chain.

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Australia’s cheapest new car

YD has slashed the price of its entry-level Atto 1 Essential to $19,990 driveaway nationally, making the electric hatchback not just Australia’s cheapest EV but the cheapest new car on sale in the country, full stop.

The Atto 1 Essential normally lists at $23,990 plus on-road costs, working out to between $25,762 and $27,060 driveaway depending on the state or territory of registration. The new pricing represents a saving of between $5772 and $7070, as much as 26 per cent off the regular price. That undercuts the previous benchmark, Kia’s Picanto, comfortably. The manual Picanto Sport lists from $19,190 plus on-road costs, with the auto from $20,790 and the GT-Line auto from $22,590. Once government and other charges are added, even the cheapest Picanto clears $22,000 driveaway in several jurisdictions. The only other car in the same territory is MG’s petrol-powered MG3 Vibe, also offered at $19,990 driveaway, though that deal is due to expire today, while BYD’s offer currently has no confirmed end date. BYD Australia chief operating of-

ficer Stephen Collins framed the move as a response to cost-of-living pressure on Australian households. “At a time when Australian families are carefully considering every household expense, we’re committed to making vehicle ownership more attainable,” he said. “The BYD Atto 1 at $19,990 driveaway demonstrates our commitment to delivering outstanding value without compromising on technology, safety or quality.” The pricing move does not touch the car itself. The Atto 1 Essential continues with a 30kWh lithium iron phosphate, LFP, Blade battery without dedicated cooling, driving the front wheels through a 65kW-175Nm electric motor, good for a claimed 220km WLTP range. DC charging tops out at 65kW, with 11kW available on AC power. Standard equipment includes 15inch steel wheels with covers, a 10.1-inch touchscreen with wired and wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a seven-inch digital instrument cluster, dusk-sensing halogen headlights, a four-speaker stereo, synthetic leather-look upholstery, USB-A and USB-C ports, FM/DAB+

radio, a rear-view camera, rear privacy glass, rear parking sensors, and tilt-only steering adjustment. Metallic paint remains a $500 option. Safety equipment includes adaptive cruise control, autonomous emergency braking and lane-keep assist, and the Atto 1 carries a five-star ANCAP rating from 2025 testing. The pricier Atto 1 premium, meanwhile, is not included in the offer and stays at $27,990 plus on-road costs. Measuring 3990mm long, 1720mm wide and 1590mm tall on a 2500mm

wheelbase, the four-seat-only Atto 1 sits roughly in Toyota Yaris and Mazda 2 territory for size. It launched in Australia at the start of 2026 and has sold 3838 examples year-to-date, making it the third-bestselling model in the combined micro and light car segments behind the MG3 with 5518 units sold, and Kia Picanto, 4172, but ahead of the Geely EX2 with 1753 sales, Mazda 2 with 2352, Suzuki Swift, 2015, and Toyota Yaris, 1477. The discount lands alongside a

broader growth push for BYD in Australia. After entering the market in 2022, the brand has introduced eight new models or major variants since October last year, a tally set to reach 10 next month with the arrival of a plugin hybrid version of the Atto 2 small SUV and the M9, BYD’s first premium people-mover aimed at families and fleets. – Peter Barnwell

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INCOMING: Pre-orders are open for the L03, with XPeng yet to formally announce customer delivery timing.

New competitor

Peng has priced its incoming L03 from $41,900 plus on-road costs, pitching the coupe-style medium SUV directly against the BYD Atto 3 Evo and Geely EX5 while offering buyers the unusual choice of battery-electric, BEV, or range-extended electric, REV, propulsion for exactly the same money.

Pre-orders for the four-variant L03 range are open, with pricing spanning $41,900 to $53,900 plus on-road costs. Significantly, the entry rear-wheel-drive standard range battery-electric model and new PowerX long range range-extender are both priced at $41,900 plus on-road costs, effectively leaving buyers to choose between pure-electric operation or considerably greater long-distance flexibility without paying a premium for either powertrain. The remaining battery-electric variants comprise the $46,900 plus on-road costs rear-wheeldrive long range and $53,900 plus on-road costs all-wheel-drive performance ultra. The pricing puts XPeng immediately into one of Australia’s most competitive EV battlegrounds. BYD’s recently updated Atto 3 Evo Dynamic starts at $41,990 plus on-road costs, only $90 more than the entry XPeng, with the Atto 3 Evo premium priced from $46,990 plus on-road costs – again just $90 above the equivalent L03 long range. Geely’s EX5 sits in much the same territory, with the extended-range Complete listed at $41,990 plus on-road costs and upper variants extending into the mid-$40,000 bracket, while GAC’s Aion V starts from $44,990 plus on-road costs. The Chery E5 provides a cheaper alternative at $37,990 driveaway under its current MY26 offer, although it does not match the XPeng’s breadth of powertrain choice. At 4650mm long, 1920mm wide and 1600mm high, with a 2850mm wheelbase, the L03 is physically substantial for the money and sits below XPeng’s larger G6, which currently starts from $51,800 plus on-road costs. That makes the new model almost $10,000 cheaper at entry level and gives the Chinese manufacturer a much stronger presence in the increasingly crowded sub-$50,000 electric SUV market. The standard range uses a 58.3kWh lithiumiron phosphate battery and 180kW rear-mounted electric motor, delivering up to 445km of WLTP range. The $5000 step to long range brings a larger 71.2kWh battery while retaining the 180kW rear-drive layout, extending claimed WLTP range to 520km. At the top of the range, the $53,900 plus onroad costs performance ultra adds a second motor for combined output of about 285kW, cutting the 0-100kmh time to 4.5 seconds, while its larger battery provides a claimed 440km WLTP range. That makes the flagship particularly ag-

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gressive on price given its dual-motor performance, while still sitting only $2100 above the entry-level XPeng G6. But the most interesting member of the range is arguably not the fastest. The PowerX long range introduces XPeng’s Kunpeng Super Electric System to Australia for the first time. Unlike a conventional plug-in hybrid, its petrol engine never mechanically drives the wheels. Instead, propulsion remains entirely electric, while a 1.5-litre petrol engine operates as a generator to recharge the 37.2kWh battery when required. The rear electric motor produces about 180kW, with the system providing about 215km of electric-only range and up to 1017km combined, based on international specification. That gives XPeng a potentially important point of difference against the Atto 3 Evo, EX5 and Aion V, all of which are sold exclusively as battery-electric vehicles. More unusually, XPeng is asking nothing extra for the range-extender compared with its entry BEV. That positions the PowerX as an alternative for buyers who want electric propulsion for normal commuting, but remain concerned about charging availability or long-distance touring – without forcing them into a larger or more expensive model. XPeng says its AI-based energy management system co-ordinates battery and generator operation across urban, highway and climbing conditions, automatically managing energy use according to the circumstances. The brand has increasingly embraced rangeextender technology internationally after previously concentrating almost exclusively on battery-electric vehicles. The L03 also becomes the first XPeng model in Australia to introduce its latest XOS 6 operating system. The software brings navigation, vehicle controls, voice functions and connectivity into a single interface centred on a 15.6-inch touchscreen, with over-the-air updates allowing the system to be progressively upgraded. Google Maps is integrated directly into the vehicle rather than operating solely through smartphone mirroring, with navigation information able to flow across the centre display, instrument cluster and head-up display. Wireless Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity are also included. XPeng’s XPilot assistance suite incorporates adaptive cruise control, lane centring, lanechange assistance, autonomous emergency braking, blind-spot monitoring, and intelligent parking functions, while the L03 also receives a driver-monitoring system, cross-traffic alerts, door-opening warning, 360-degree cameras and parking sensors. XPeng plans to progressively introduce its latest NGP assisted-driving technology in Australia from 2027. – Matt Brogan Wednesday, September 30, 2026

Mahindra price cuts continue

ahindra Australia has slashed up to $1500 from driveaway pricing across its XUV3XO small SUV range, bringing the entry-level model level with the Chery Tiggo 4 as one of the cheapest new SUVs on sale.

Under the offer, the XUV3XO AX5L drops from $23,990 to $22,490 driveaway, while the flagship AX7L falls from $26,990 to $25,490 – a $1500 reduction. The XUV3XO black anniversary edition, based on the AX7L, also gets a smaller $1000 cut, bringing it down to $27,485 driveaway. The discounts apply only to 2025-build stock and are scheduled to run until October 31. The timing lines up neatly with a current Chery Australia promotion offering a $1500 factory bonus on 2025-build, non-hybrid Tiggo 4 models, due to run until today. That leaves the two rivals priced identically under their respective campaigns – the Tiggo 4 Urban at $22,490 driveaway and the Tiggo 4 Ultimate at $25,490 driveaway, matching the AX5L and AX7L exactly. Chery’s hybrid Tiggo 4 sits above both, from $29,990 driveaway. All Mahindra XUV3XO variants use the same turbocharged 1.2-litre three-cylinder petrol engine, producing 82kW and 200Nm through a

DEALS: Mahindra Australia’s current campaign applies only to 2025-build stock and is scheduled to run until October 31.

six-speed automatic driving the front wheels, with Mahindra claiming combined fuel use of 6.5L per 100km. By comparison, the petrol Tiggo 4 runs a larger turbocharged 1.5-litre four cylinder making 108kW and 210Nm driving through a CVT. Standard equipment across the Mahindra XUV3XO range includes level two driver assistance – autonomous emergency braking, forward collision warning, adaptive cruise with stopand-go, and traffic sign recognition, a 10.25-inch touchscreen with wire-

less Apple CarPlay and Android Auto connectivity, a matching 10.25-inch digital instrument cluster, a Harman Kardon sound system, wireless phone charging and three drive modes named Zip, Zap and Zoom. Stepping up to the AX7L and anniversary edition adds a skyroof, front parking sensors, an auto-dimming rear-view mirror, LED front fog lights, a cooled and illuminated glovebox, and 65-watt USB-C charging. The anniversary edition is further set apart by blacked-out badging, gloss-

black wheels, dark scuff plates, a bonus parcel tray and metallic paint at no extra cost. The XUV3XO is covered by Mahindra’s seven-year-150,000km warranty. Launched in Australia in July 2025, the model is not included in official VFACTS sales data as Mahindra does not report sales figures to the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, but sales in its segment are strong exemplified in the Tiggo 4 ranking as Australia’s seventh-best-selling vehicle overall in August.

Meanwhile, the XUV3XO discount comes hot on the heels of a much larger price cut to Mahindra’s seven-seat XUV700, revealed by GoAuto on September 2. That campaign, described by Mahindra as its largest instant retail offer to date, slashed up to $10,000 from the mid-size SUV, dropping the entry AX7 from $39,990 to $29,990 driveaway and the better-equipped AX7L from $42,990 to $33,990 driveaway, undercutting the Chery Tiggo 8 Pro Max Urban by as much as $9000. That XUV700 offer itself followed an earlier repositioning in July, when Mahindra had already dropped the AX7L to $37,990 driveaway to reclaim the title of the country’s cheapest seven-seater – a title the brand widened considerably just six weeks later with the September cuts. It is also a reversal of sorts. The XUV700 had its price increased by $3000 in March 2025 to $39,990 and $42,990 respectively, alongside equipment and interior upgrades, meaning the current AX7 pricing now sits $7000 below the model’s original 2023 Australian launch price of $36,990 driveaway, despite the intervening spec’ bump. Both XUV700 variants run turbocharged 2.0-litre four-cylinder engines with a six-speed automatic. Equipment levels are unchanged despite the lower pricing. – Peter Barnwell

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Electric hot hatch breaks tradition V

olkswagen has unveiled the ID.3 GTI, an electric hot hatch that breaks with 50 years of GTI tradition in the most fundamental way possible – it sends its power to the rear wheels, not the front.

Built on the heavily updated ID.3 Neo and sharing its drivetrain with the outgoing ID.3 GTX Performance, the new GTI produces 240kW and 545Nm from a rear-mounted electric motor, sufficient to edge out the 239kW Golf GTI Edition 50 as the most powerful series-production GTI Volkswagen has ever built. Volkswagen claims a zero to 100kmh time of 5.6 seconds, identical to the GTX Performance it replaces, with top speed electronically capped at 200kmh. A 79kWh usable battery feeds the motor, with a claimed WLTP range of up to 601km and DC fast-charging peaking at 183kW for a 10-80 per cent top-up in about 29 minutes. Where the outgoing GTX kept a relatively low profile, the new GTI is not shy about announcing itself. A red horizontal stripe runs across the nose, a head nod to the red grille surround of the original 1976 Golf GTI, sitting above a glossy black honeycomb lower grille and more aggressive bumper sculpting. New vertical LED elements in the

Page 52

POWER: The ID.3 GTI electric hot hatch sends its power to the rear wheels, not the front. outer bumper sections mark it out as the electric GTI specifically, while a splitter-style front spoiler and red vertical trim pieces add a motorsport touch. Standard 20-inch alloy wheels carry the Wörthersee name, a nod to the Austrian GTI meet the badge has been associated with for decades, and the mirror caps, side sills and rear honeycomb insert are all finished in gloss black. Volkswagen has also dropped the GTX’s black roof, spoiler and boot lid in favour of body-colour finishes,

giving the GTI a longer, sleeker silhouette than its predecessor. Braking hardware carries over largely unchanged. Inside, the GTI borrows the ID.3 Neo’s substantially revised cabin, including a 12.9-inch touchscreen, a newly designed digital instrument cluster, and a welcome return of physical switchgear with dedicated buttons for climate control sitting below the screen, alongside a rotary volumetrack-skip dial on the centre console. GTI-specific touches include red stitching throughout, a red 12 o’clock

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marker on the sports steering wheel, and a reinterpretation of the classic tartan-check seat pattern first seen on the 1976 Golf GTI. A dedicated GTI button on the steering wheel activates a new driving mode that firms up the adaptive DCC chassis, sharpens throttle response and steering, enables launch control, switches ambient lighting to red, and, somewhat surprisingly for an EV, pipes in synthetic combustion-engine noise through the cabin speakers. Notably absent, though, is anything more theatrical – there is no multi-

mode fake engine soundtrack with pops and crackles like some rivals offer, no simulated gearbox shifts, and no drift mode. Volkswagen appears to have drawn the line at a sporty hatch rather than a gimmicky one, though buyers do get 30 ambient lighting colours to play with instead. Vehicle-to-load functionality is available via an optional PowerSocket adapter on the charging port, letting owners run or charge external equipment that Volkswagen suggests is, among other things, for topping up e-bikes on a weekend trip when paired with the optional bike-carrier bracket. Options shared with the ID.3 Neo include a panoramic sunroof, massaging and memory-function front seats, a 480-watt Harman Kardon sound system, an augmented-reality headup display, memory-equipped park assist pro, and an updated travel assist system that can bring the car to a stop automatically at a detected red light. European pre-sales for the ID.3 GTI open in early 2027, but there’s no indication an Australian launch is on the cards. The regular ID.3 has never been sold locally despite once being earmarked for Australia, and Volkswagen Australia has increasingly focused its EV passenger-car range on SUVs, currently limited to the ID.4 and ID.5. – Peter Barnwell

Wednesday, September 30, 2026

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ARIES (21 March – 20 April) Lucky Colour: Red Lucky Day: Sunday Racing Numbers: 9-3-4-2 Lotto Numbers: 10-13-23-37-39-42 Unexpected travel plans could lead to increased income or even a financial windfall. Your love life is also receiving a welcome boost, with romantic moments bringing happiness and renewed closeness. Embrace new opportunities with confidence. TAURUS (21 April – 20 May) Lucky Colour: Pink Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 4-3-2-5 Lotto Numbers: 2-5-6-9-15-38 Avoid trying to match the spending habits of wealthier friends if it places unnecessary pressure on your finances. Be prepared to rely on your own abilities, as someone may let you down at the last moment. Your determination will see you through. GEMINI (21 May – 21 June) Lucky Colour: Yellow Lucky Day: Saturday Racing Numbers: 4-7-2-1 Lotto Numbers: 1-7-27-31-35-41 You may be expecting more from someone than they are willing or able to give. Keep your distance from difficult people in the workplace, as unnecessary conﬂict will only slow your progress. A little extra attention to loved ones will strengthen important relationships. CANCER (22 June – 22 July) Lucky Colour: Orange Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 8-5-2-3 Lotto Numbers: 3-4-18-24-44-45 This is a period of heightened emotions. You may fall deeply in love or find yourself reacting strongly to those closest to you. Take extra care when travelling and avoid unnecessary risks in the workplace by staying focused and alert. LEO (23 July – 22 August) Lucky Colour: Green Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 3-6-7-5 Lotto Numbers: 2-15-18-20-31-43 Your words may carry more weight than your actions, so choose them carefully. Family tensions could arise if misunderstandings are allowed to grow. Stay within your budget and make sure everyone contributes fairly to shared expenses. VIRGO (23 August – 23 September) Lucky Colour: Silver Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 4-5-1-3 Lotto Numbers: 3-4-5-16-26-40 Your love life should become happier, and social activities will keep you pleasantly occupied. Health matters continue to improve, while your finances show encouraging signs. Be prepared, however, for someone to claim ownership of something you believe is yours. LIBRA (24 September – 23 October) Lucky Colour: Lilac Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 7-4-5-2 Lotto Numbers: 1-6-18-24-33-31 The changes taking place around you may occasionally feel overwhelming. This is the time to draw upon your inner courage and face new challenges with confidence. Your strength will become more apparent than you realise. SCORPIO (24 October – 22 November) Lucky Colour: Silver Lucky Day: Saturday Racing Numbers: 7-8-4-5 Lotto Numbers: 16-19-24-25-34-45 Work commitments may place pressure on your home life if you try to carry every responsibility alone. Asking for assistance is a sign of wisdom, not weakness. Sharing the workload will help you achieve far better results. SAGITTARIUS (23 November – 20 December) Lucky Colour: White Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 1-8-5-3 Lotto Numbers: 17-27-34-41-22-6 Romance is strongly favoured, although you may find yourself daydreaming more than usual. While it is wonderful to enjoy the moment, make sure you remain organised by checking travel plans, bookings and important arrangements carefully. CAPRICORN (21 December – 19 January) Lucky Colour: Green Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 7-4-5-2 Lotto Numbers: 1-7-3-45-43-21 If pleasing everyone becomes impossible, it is time to focus on your own happiness for a change. Others are likely to come around to your way of thinking in time. A Taurus person may also bring unexpected good fortune or support. AQUARIUS (20 January – 19 February) Lucky Colour: Mauve Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 7-5-3-2 Lotto Numbers: 1-8-23-27-45-33 There is plenty to accomplish and not nearly enough time, which could leave you feeling frustrated. Taking time out to relax and enjoy the company of your family will restore your energy and improve your outlook.

Getting in touch with The Weekly Advertiser Our office is at 2 Stawell Road, Horsham. Mail: PO Box 606, Horsham 3402. Telephone: 5382 1351. Website: www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au Email: weeklyadvertiser@team.aceradio.com.au For classified advertisements: 5382 1351 – email: horsham@aceradio.com.au Advertising: Mark Sulic: 0407 313 456, marks@team.aceradio.com.au; Lee Meadows: 0407 046 864, leem@team.aceradio.com.au; Kelly Schilling: 0437 894 257, kschilling@aceradio.com.au; Lily Olver: 0411 784 001, lolver@aceradio.com.au; James Davidson: 0439 820 014, jdavidson@aceradio.com.au; Deanna Rice: 0448 696 165, drice@aceradio.com.au; Michelle Reid: 0428 870 199, mreid@aceradio.com.au Newsroom 5382 1351: Lauren Henry: lhenry@aceradio.com.au; Bronwyn Hastings: bhastings@aceradio.com.au; Colin MacGillivray: cmacgillivray@aceradio.com.au; Georgia Bailey: georgiab@team.aceradio.com.au The publisher and general manager is Brendan O’Loughlin, C/- 2 Stawell Road, Horsham, for Ace Radio Broadcasters Pty Ltd, ACN 064 882 042. The Weekly Advertiser is a free paper printed by Newsprinters Pty Ltd, 1 McKoy Street, West Wodonga, and distributed by regional distributors and Australia Post.

Wednesday, September 30, 2026

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PISCES (20 February – 30 March) Lucky Colour: Grey Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 7-8-5-6 Lotto Numbers: 8-5-32-22-18-1 This is a favourable period for financial matters, with good luck surrounding money and investments. Even so, avoid careless spending and make sure every bargain is genuinely worthwhile before committing your hard-earned money. Your future security matters more.

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Death Notices

death notices

Funeral Notices

Bereavement Thanks

BENNETT, Wilma

HANNA (nee Entwisle), Val

MENTHA, Lewis Gordon

MERRETT, Timothy Wayne

CRAFTER Glenda Elizabeth

MACFIE, Barbara Lynette

Thank you

Gone from our sight but never from our hearts. Our deepest sympathy to Ron. Rest in peace Love Max, Lorraine and family.

CRAFTER (nee Wirth), Glenda Elizabeth Passed away on September 18, 2026 aged 97 years. Dearly loved wife of Charlie (dec). Loving mother of Barbara (dec), Margaret (dec) and Rhonda. Cherished Nanna to Sheryl (dec) and David. Dearly missed by all her extended family. Reunited with her loved ones

FEERY, Bernice Margaret 17/10/1928 - 21/09/2026 Died peacefully at Dimboola. Much loved daughter of Mick & Margaret (both Dec) and sister of Noel (Dec) and sister-in-law of Gwen (Dec). Treasured aunty of Michael & Claire, Camille & Nathan, Gabrielle & Andrew, Bridget & Patrick, Rosie & Harriet, Cooper, Maddi & Margot. Bernice was the last of her generation of the Feerys & the Lloyds “Well done, good and faithful servant.”

FEERY, Bernice Margaret 17.10.1928 - 21.09.2026

Dearly loved aunt of Anne & husband, Bernie. Cherished great-aunt of (dec), Daniel, Matthew Caitlin, Luke and their families. A strong and independent woman of faith and history who cared deeply for her family, friends and garden. She will be fondly missed and remembered always. R.l.P. To be privately farewelled

FEERY, Bernice Margaret

17-10-28 to 21-9-26 A humble lady dedicated to caring for others. Cherished Auntie and garden gnome to Genevieve, Tim and families. Forever in our hearts

Page 58

Passed away on September 20, 2026 aged 88 years. Dearly loved wife of Ron.

Born in Horsham September 17, 1940. Passed at Deborah Cheetham Village, Ocean Grove on Sunday September 27, 2026. Aged 86 years.

Loving mother and motherin-law to Maxine & Peter; Geoﬀ & Melissa; Paul (dec).

Cherished husband of almost 64 years of Lorraine.

Adored Granny to Sam & Yulanda; Caitlin & Olivia.

Loved and loving father of Shelley, Marisa and Alastair.

Great Granny to Oscar and Evelyn.

Father-in-law to Stuart, Chris and Scoot.

Forever in our hearts

Poppa Lew to Romy and Jack, Angus and Caeli, Hamish, Sam, Henry and Zara, Taylor and Harrison, Jack and Rachael, Tamika and Jye.

MARSHALL (née Munro), Margaret Jean

27.01.1941 – 26.09.2026 Passed away peacefully. Beloved wife of Frank.

Dearly loved son of Heather and Wayne. Loved brother of Jade and friend to Cassie. Loved father of Taleany, Gemma and Georgia. Sleeping peacefully in God’s care

The Funeral of Glenda Elizabeth Crafter will commence with burial at the Horsham Lawn Cemetery at 1.30pm on Wednesday, 30 September 2026 and will be immediately followed by a memorial Service at St John’s Anglican Church, Horsham. The service may also be viewed online at livingitlive. com.au/glenda-crafter

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter

Ph 5381 1444 NFDA Member

Great Poppa Lew to Thea, Rhett, Sullivan and Archie. Son of Agnes (dec) and Vic (dec).

Loved mother of Les, Sandra, Rosie & Frankie.

Loved brother of Kay (dec) and brother-in-law to Paul.

Nan to 13 Grandchildren & 15 Great Grandchildren

Rest Peacefully

Loved and remembered always.

Passed away on September 22, 2026.

For funeral details, please see our website www.jhfunerals.com.au

Horsham & District Funerals

WALKER, Phil

Passed away on September 17, 2026 aged 71 years. Dearly loved husband of Sue. Loving father to Pippa, Lillie and George. Adored Poppy to Oakley. Best mate to Fergus. Loved by all

Dylan & Amity Hartwich

5382 1149

FEERY, Bernice Margaret

17.10.1928 - 21.09.2026 A celebration of Bernice’s life will be held at 2.00pm on Wednesday 7th October, at St Joseph’s Catholic Church, Dimboola. Emiley & Mathew Bone Nhill, Dimboola & Kaniva District Funerals 0419 008 464

NETHERWAY, Lance The Noradjuha-Quantong Football Netball Club mourns the loss of Lance Netherway who left us on 14-9-2026. Lance began his football career at the age of 14 for Quantong Football Club in the mid-1950s, a born and bred local, playing with his Netherway cousins. Lance played 330 games in the black guernsey with the red vee. Although not tall, he held down either fullback or centre half back with tenacious endeavour and natural ability. His stock in trade was to grab the footy and when an opponent went to tackle him, he would push them in the chest, backpedal a couple of steps, and run around them to drive the footy as long as he could into the forward line, as was the job of the backman in those times. As Lance was a successful farmer and dairy farmer, he would get to training late on a Tuesday and Thursday, run two laps at breakneck speed, and then join in the rest of training with his footy mates. Of course this also meant that after a Saturday game, it was straight into the car or ute and head for the dairy to milk the cows, although more often than not, Sandra would have already gone home and started that never ending job. Lance won QFC’s best and fairest in 1964, and played in premierships in 1960, 61, 72 and 73. He never shirked a contest or put in a bad game, giving his all for his local footy club. In the late 60s when the future of the QFC was in the balance, Lance was one of those key club people who no club can do without, making sure that the wheel turned again to secure the future of his local footy club. After Lance finished playing, he continued his support on the committee and being elected President in 1979 and 80. He continued to support the club in one form or another throughout his whole life. He was awarded life membership of QFC in 1993, and also life membership of Horsham District Football Netball League in 1999. Lance loved his footy club as he knew that without local sport, the local community fragments very quickly. Vale Lance Netherway OAM, the NQFNC and the wider Quantong community salutes you. Lance leaves behind his devoted wife Sandra, and children Kevin (dec), Brendan, Jacqui, and Dean and families.

A Memorial Service to Celebrate the Life of Barbara Lynette Macfie will take place at the Horsham Golf Club on Monday, 5 October 2026 commencing at 2.30pm. Privately interred.

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter

Ph 5381 1444 NFDA Member

MARSHALL The funeral service to farewell the late Mrs. Margaret Marshal will be held at St. Andrews Uniting Church Horsham. The service will be held on Friday the 9th of October commencing at 11am. Interment will follow at the Horsham Cemetery (Kalkee Road Entrance).

Amity & Dylan Hartwich

5382 1149

MERRETT, Timothy Wayne Timothy Wayne Merrett will be farewelled at a private family gathering.

Funeral Directors Trevor Bysouth & Daughter

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

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

How are you expected to deal with the loss of someone you love? It’s a tough time and there’s so much to organise. Choose the right people to take care of it all. Pre-arrange your wishes with Trevor Bysouth & Daughter of

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

Ph 5381 1444 NFDA Member

WALKER, Phil

The Funeral of Phil Walker will take place at the Goroke Memorial Hall next Friday, 9 October 2026 commencing at 1pm and will be followed by burial at the Goroke Cemetery

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter

Ph 5381 1444 NFDA Member

~ MAGEE ~ John Leonard ‘Jack’ We sincerely thank relatives, friends, neighbours and the community for their support on the passing of our dearly loved husband, father, poppy and great poppy. Heartfelt thanks also to Dr Gerard O’Brien, Grampians Health Horsham staﬀ, Monsignor Murphy and Horsham & District Funerals for your care and kindness. The Magee Family

Thank you

~ MITCHELL ~ Don

I would like to express my sincere thanks and appreciation to family and friends for their kindness and support shown to me at the challenging time of Don’s poor health and passing. This included flowers, food, visits, phone calls and cards. Thanks to all those who attended Don’s memorial service and to the 800 live streams, led by my great friend, Fran Robinson. Your words of love and care meant so much to me. Special thanks must go to the Sunnyside Lutheran Aged Care facility for their love and care of Don and understanding of dementia. I also appreciated the respect shown to me during my visits and many phone calls. To the Horsham Uniting Church team, right there with everything that was needed throughout Don’s poor health and passing, my heartfelt thanks go to each of you. Finally thank you to Suzanne Bysouth at Wimmera Funerals for your care and professionalism. Please accept this as my personal thanks. God bless you all, Jan Morris and family

Thank you

~ SCHULTZ ~ Julet

We would like to express our sincere thanks to relatives and friends for their support and messages of sympathy on the passing of Julet. A thank you to medical people and a special thank you to Kylie for taking such good care of Julet at home. Trish and Don

Wednesday, September 30, 2026

accommodation

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

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

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

Animals & Accessories

caravans

farm machinery

Bristlenose catfish, great tank cleaners $5ea until sold out Ph 0474159010 after 6.30pm Gorgeous Cavoodle puppies, 2 Ruby Red boys, 2 Black girls and 1 black boy, 8 weeks old, looking for their forever home, located in Stawell, MC 978142001434621, 978142001434645, 978142001434290, 978142001434795, 978142001434633 $1800 per puppy Ph 0407665755 The Weekly Advertiser welcomes your advertising. We are required strictly by law to include specific information on some items when publishing your adv your obligations are as follows: ANIMALS *All “for sale” or “to give away” advertisements, for either cats or dogs must include one of the following: • Individual microchip numbers • Vet certificate to exclude individual animals from needing microchips • Domestic animal-business number PLUS a source number from the Pet Exchange Register LIVESTOCK *Selling, giving away or bartering of all livestock must include a Property Identification Code (PIC number) in the advertisement.

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

for sale

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 Chook house, 1500mm wide 0429824055 1400H x 1200L, nest box attached, keep your chooks New hand crocheted knee safe from predators, $250 Ph rugs, approx 90cm square, all colours $20 Ph 0402506858 53583440 New TTI diesel tank 100L Cool room drop-in unit, 1 plus $300 of diesel free $1300 horsepower, 10amp plug in, 0429388438 digital control, other sizes available $1850 Ph 0417101120 Nissan Forklift, very reliable $8500 Ph 0429821541 Coolroom and drop in unit, 2.4m x 2.4m x 2.4m, 240 volt plug Oaten hay rolls for sale,4’ 6 X in, sliding door, flat pack, $3600 4, $75 p/roll Ph Terry Wardlaw 0427105591 Balmoral Ph 0417101120

Compass Caravan 200/14 19’6”, a/c, toilet/shower, inverter, solar panel, 4 burner stove/oven Goldacres Sprayer, 2300L, 58ft, foam marker, $2500 Ph Pure bred Australian Kelpie, $20,500 ono Ph 0476601705 0419778181 Jeparit ‘Bailey’, beautiful natured Krone 8’ Cut Disc Mower working dog, great working dog $9,000, Tonniti Hydraulic lift lines, from Stuart Park Kelpies, & fold 12 wheel plus 2 splitter very faithful, basic training, been hay rake $8,000, New Holland around sheep but not working yet, 658 baler nett & twine $14,000, needs training, DOB 27/7/2025, Jayco 2012 18’ 6” Expanda, 2 all in excellent condition, Ph not desexed, selling due to double beds, double single bunk, 0429861729 cutting back sheep numbers, toilet ,shower, low kilometres, M/C 972274001675727 $1000 reserve cycle air cond, fridge, microwave & more $32,000 Ph Ph 0419399684 0408504076 REDUCED Eclectus parrots aviary birds only, 2 year olds Filtrite RC 4500 robotic pool Pallet Jack crown, very little and a pair ready to breed, three use from new, asking $400 Ph cleaner, cleans walls, 18m power pairs $900 per pair Ph or text 0421791492 Stawell Slasher Leith Rotary Mower cable $200 Ph 0427852270 0492486058 Dimboola Orange model, 18ft, 1000rpm Parsnip seed, professionally gear box, very good condition Four arm walker, $150 REDUCED Golden Retriever X cleaned $200 per kg Ph Pat $38,500 plus gst Ph 0428894258 ph0437600095 Foxhound puppies, dob 12 July, 0427822455 Jayco Journey Tourer, pop-top black/ white markings tricolour, Full lift electric chair, pure Portable air compressor, new, 17.55.8 2023 model, duel axle, for sale source# MB310162, microchip# full ensuite, solar, large fridge, leather, $350 Ph 0478254195 very handy machine $1500 firm 985141011652/003/001/002/000 hot and cold water, double bed, Ph 0407340961 Oaten hay and wheaten hay 651/999/998 $500 Ph 0429486058 awning, ac, excellent condition 8x4x3 bales, feedtests and Dimboola $45,000 Ph 0466237445 delivery avail by single or b double load Ph 0429944146 Nhill

for sale Ride on Mower 42” cut Zero Turn Cub Cadet, 2.5 hrs, 5L of oil and spare blades $8990 Ph Evan to inspect 0427740155 Ride on Mower, 1978 Toro Groundmaster 72 rebuilt/ reconditioned, reconditioned R4 engine renault petrol, new seals & bearings in deck, radiator cleaned, new belts, blades, brake cables, air cleaner element, seat, king pins redone & repainted Ph 0428501109 Second hand black steel star posts, $3 each Ph 0428944143 Seed wheat scepter 3 tonne grated and pickled, round bale carrier, cattle crush, 3 hydraulic cylinders 18”x2.5” Ph 0407911884

Sherwell PTO bin $1200 Ph 0428857312

caravans

2006 Jayco Dove Outback Camper, rarely used, always Animals & Accessories garaged, I.S. mattress, annexe, Jayco Starcraft 2013, 21’, one flys, good condition $14,000 Ph owner, very little use, as new, 2 male Jack Russell’s, 8wks 0428535646 always shedded, many added old vaccinated vet checked extras $37,000 Ph 0427 909 230 microchipped $1200, microchip 2009 Jayco Starcraft 20ft, no 953010008081317, ensuite, A/C, stove, TV, HWS, 953010008081295 Ph reg D39115D, $25,000 Ph 0423182267 0417054706 Birds for sale, princess parrots and bourkes, all colours, call for prices Ph 0408535515 Stawell

for sale

REDUCED 2018 Dingo Ultimate Camper, heavy duty top of the line off-road trailer including boat rack, fully enclosed annexe 2012 Jayco Starcraft 22 ft, including ensuite, lots of storage, rarely used, ensuit, laundry etc, built-in instant gas hot water photos available, $28,000 ono to sink and shower, dual AGM batteries and built-in inverter and call paul ph 0438564345 charger, innerspring mattress and ability to make up second double bed, two new off-road tyres, VGC, Y76535 $15,500ono Ph 0407360212 2014 Supreme Executive Caravan, 21’ 6”, one owner, full ensuite, club lounge dining, full oven, hot plates, fridge, A/C, diesel heater, 2 solar panels, always shedded, excellent condition, regretful sale due to health, inspection welcome $47,000 Ph 0428133100

140 bottles of cellared Red Wine, some up to 20 years matured, $2500 Ph 0427581825 2 beds, 1 single folds into chair, 1 double folds into couch, steel frame, includes mattresses and cover $180 ono. ph 0447660707

2x 50T Ackland silos, buyer to remove, Murtoa $4000 for both Ph 0429335706 5 litre oxygen concentrator as new, beige recliner rockers, blue 2 seater couch, kitchen table, colour tv Ph 0429821820

REDUCED Aluminium Ute Stromberg Carlson Radio, Tray, electric/hydraulic tipper, ex cond Ph 53824316 or 0419115930 Holden Eight Transistor Car ram overhauled $1800 Ph 0428944462 Radio, His Masters Voice Press Buton Car Radio, Astor Truck REDUCED Beko dryer $200, Radio on valves, Ph 53824316 or entertainment unit $200, both 0419115930 in excellent condition Ph Jenny 53836242 or 0429029215 Large amount split cane 3pce fly rods, 2pc split cane rods, 1pc solid split cane rods with reels excellent condition, D.A.M Quicksilver fly 9.5ft with reel, custom built 8ft6” fishing rod Two antique rattan hand weaved wicker rocking chairs with reel, lots of fishing flys Ph $600 for the both together Ph 53824316 0428504301 Masport Chipper and Spreader, Kirby Avalir White outdoor lawn mower, twin blades, never been used, REDUCED 100th Anniversary, excellent needs starter, and Girntz tilter $1000 Ph 0456393984 condition, clean and functions $600 Ph 0427828420 Meat Mincer, 4 inch throat, perfectly, includes filter bags, portable on stand, stainless brand new home care system, all household items tray, electric motor $300 Ph attachments (some brand new) $400 Ph 0429679481 0428944143

60+ 78 inch Gramophone records, country and western Ph 0402506858

garage sales

8x4 trailer, deep sides, big wheels, $1000 Ph 0478254195

4 Winnifred Street, Stawell

REDUCED Jayco Silverline 21’ 6” 2015, always shedded, ARC Garden Fencing, 20 slide out queen bed, ensuite, panels, $1000 Ph 0459027575 washing machine, many extras, Stawell excellent condition $43,000 Ph 0408442497 REDUCED Toyota Coaster camper, 2 seater, diesel heater, 1hz motor, solar and 12v awning much more $27,500 Ph 0418325662

2023 Jayco Cross Trak, 4.2m 14’, Hybrid pop-top, off road suspension, solar, TV, external shower, diesel heater, generator, air con, 2 fridges, tare 1370, tows behind most vehicles, as new condition $38,000 Ph Reduced, J.B Dreamline 0421511754 21’6-2014, always shedded, sirocco fans, diesel heater, greywater tank, fan force oven, washing machine, full length custom made annexe, great storage, excellent condition $47,000 Ph 0439826442

8am to 4.30pm

Shed equipment, tools, engines etc. and household goods – CASH ONLY

44 Rose Street, Horsham

Saturday, October 3 8am to 2pm

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 Balansa and Clover and oats hay rolls, ME 8.8, protien 6.3 and DND 60.8, feed test available $77 inc each Ph 0400603022

Bicycles, Geeko boys bike 12” $10, Mens Trek mountain bike $50, Ladies Avanti Discovery 27 farm machinery Speed as new $300, Unisex Trek 2023 Mystic 12’ Fantasy ‘Legal’ E-Bike Bosch Electrics, Caravan, only been used once, 1 Case tractor Model l, 1 hydraulic disc brakes, as new, always shedded, $36,000 Ph McCormick Deering Model W30 cost $4k + selling for $2900 Ph 0427617677 Horsham $2000 ono each Ph 53844287 0427857354

Wednesday, September 30, 2026

SATURDAY, OCTOBER 3

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Tools, pot plants, caravan items and more

PROMOTE YOUR

Black 6 piece dining setting in good condition $200, large wooden rimmed mirror $85, a number of pictures and painting ranging from $10-$30, open to offers Ph 0409312294 Ararat Lift Bed, IC333 four function, used 6 months, includes cool balance 10’ mattress $3000 each 2 available Ph 0417156434 Horsham

MOBILITY AIDS

HERE!

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

Scooter, Reef Bikes, Fold up, Near new $950 Ono Ph 0447660707 Sectorcare walker 8” wheels with cane holder brand only used once $100 Ph 0353 583206 Page 59

motorcycles

Motor Vehicles $10,000 - $20,000

4WD

wanted to buy

Trades & Services

Trailer 6x4 with cage. Registered 30 or 40 tonne vertical/ till may 2027 No longer in use. horizontal wood splitter in good $500 ono. ph 0407 251 965 condition Ph 0429018879 Ararat

Personals 1980 Benz, 4 Cyl, petrol, RWC, Wanted, 49+ year old lady for 2/1997 Yamaha TRX 850 all BLS666 $13,500 Ph 0408144139 serious relationship with 49 year factory original 9600kms, 10 10am-7pm old True Romantic Gentleman month rego, meets requirements from Horsham, interests are for club plates, YB-122 $8,000 reading, music, occasionally Ph or text 0417561843 leave a going out for dinner then the message, St. Arnaud, all offers movies or watching movies at will be considered home, fishing and camping, walking and swimming Ph 0491230835

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

2015 Mazda CX3 MAXX Sport, Selling due to upsizing,very reliable car and great on fuel economy, petrol engine, auto, full service history, rego, brand new tyres, keyless start, no dints in body work, 2 keys, sat nav, bluetooth connectability + CD player, phone charging points, never been in any accidents and clear tile, recently had car polished and detailed, 227,000kms $13,500 Ph 0407046864 Horsham

Yamaha XT600 1985, very good condition, new tyres, low kms, can be registered $5000 Ph 0439377524 2018 Holden Equinox, 4 brand new tyres, one elderly owner, excellent condition, towbar fitted New TC Boxes 900mm tapered and never used, new battery, under tray alloy toolbox (pair) Ph will come with RWC, 55,000kms 0400387895 $19,500 ono Ph 0428573808

Motor Vehicles over $20,000

Ford 2005 XR6, BA Falcon, 2014 Toyota Prado, GX 4x4, roadworthy, 2 month rego, RWC, reg til Oct, 1BJ6BL 1HI7QS $4990 Ph 0422444750 $24,000 Ph 0409954335 Proton Jumbuck Ute 2011, unregistered 24,224ks $5000 ph0437600095 PLIC97PNRAB016095

2024 Mazda CX-5 Akera Turbo (AWD) black, top of the range model, 4 cyl 2.5L petrol, immaculate condition inside & out, one owner and bought new, full service history, very lows kms, always shedded, rego until April 2027, selling due to upsizing, 22,000kms, CJD990 $44,000 0428173144

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 Kia Seltos 2020, sport auto 2wd, car to drive, reg Oct 26, 1GO5JL SUV, 1 owner, excellent condition, $6850 Ph 0466641895 warranty and reg to may 2027, steel-gray with black interior, no accidents or damage, RWC marine supplied, RIT4GT, 39,100kms $23,750 Ph 0418541300 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.

Male Masseur Horsham

Open Mon-Sat

0455 187 842

Caper trailer tent top, to fit 7ft x 5” Walkabout trailer Ph 53569340 or 0412482521 Landsborough

No Texts

Chev truck rim 1925 - 1929 Ph 0427506552

SUNDAY, OCTOBER 4 Leave your old newspapers and catalogues out for residential kerbside pick-up within the Horsham township. NEW MEMBERS WELCOME

Public Notices

Gear box from a grain auger Ph 0421791492 Stawell

Subscribe for

Free!

Dimboola Natimuk Lutheran Parish

Looking for a 2 bedroom small country home Ph 0411801581

Sunday, 4th October Goroke 10am LR Natimuk 10am LR Vectis 10am LR Dimboola No Service (Join Anglican Church 11.15am)

Keyte’s mowing service, lawn LP Records, prefer 60’s, mowing, block slashing Ph 70’s, 80’s and rabbit traps Ph 0429309491 or 53826461 0400017344

READ

Rose Pruning, many years Old bottles, marble bottles experience, call to book, can ginger, beer bottles, torpedo travel Ph Max 0417824141 bottles, demijohns Ph 0448943498

ONLINE AT

wanted

Wanted to buy, Amateur radio, CB Radio and related Frontend Loader bucket, 1.5 accessories, from single items to cubic metre, to fit Victory 280E bulk estate sales, $$$ Cash Paid $$$ Please Ph 0407163900 Ph 5385 2628 after 7.30pm

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au/readonline

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.

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

horsham@ontgroup.com.au

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

horsham@ontgroup.com.au

www.ontgroup.com.au

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

“ I NEVER THOUGHT I’D BE HOMELESS.” That’s the unimaginable reality Megan* and countless other Aussies are living right now. In fact, for every person experiencing homelessness you can see, there are 13 more you can’t. Together we can help stop the rise in homelessness.

Visit salvationarmy.org.au or scan the QR code

*Name changed for privacy

Page 60

Bellhousing from straight 6 Holdens HQ, HX, HZ Ph 0421791492 Stawell

MONTHLY PAPER DRIVE IS ON THIS WEEKEND

Public Notices

motor vehicle accessories

Motor Vehicles $3000 - $10,000

A GREAT MASSAGE

Louver cabin to suit early 60’s model International tractor Ph 0428483286

Trades & Services

Public Notices

Christian Devotion September 30 Some people have no hope or vision. They are disenchanted with life, mental health is challenged, identity questioned and goals keep shifting; relationships are diﬀerent from what is presented online and disillusionment, despair and despondence are prevalent, new life is being found. What we thought was reliable is no longer; even Sports Institutions have been challenged as we see in the recent actions of some Sydney Swans Footballers. Heartbreak and hurt compound disappointment. Where do we find Love, Acceptance, Hope, Security, Stability, Love? There is a Quiet Revival happening around parts of the world, including the area of the Weekly Advertiser Readership. This Quiet Revival is seeing many young men coming to faith in Jesus Christ in whom they are finding new meaning and direction, and returning to church. The Psalms in the Bible were written by those searching for the things we seek. Psalm 18:2 says, “The Lord is my rock, my fortress, and my Saviour; my God is my rock, in whom I find protection. He is my shield, the power that saves me, and my place of safety.” In preparing his friends for the devastation of his death, Jesus said, “I am the way and the truth and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me. (John 14:6) And, “Peace I leave with you; my peace I give you. I do not give to you as the world gives. Do not let your hearts be troubled and do not be afraid.” Wondering? Seek Jesus. Find a Bible and Church and discover life. Susan Pearse - Southern Mallee Cooperative Parish

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Wednesday, September 30, 2026

situations vacant

situations vacant PART-TIME – MATERNITY LEAVE CONTRACT

JOIN OUR TEAM

General Factory Hand & Machinist Assistant Smallaire PTY LTD is seeking a reliable and motivated General Factory Hand & Machinist Assistant to join our locally-owned and operated manufacturing team in Horsham. With over 50 years in business, Smallaire is a wellestablished Australian manufacturer offering long-term stability and a supporting working environment. This is a hands-on role supporting general factory operations and assisting our machinists as required. No previous experience is necessary – full on-the-job training will be provided. A positive attitude, strong work ethic, and willingness to learn are essential. This role offers genuine opportunities for progression and promotion within the business for the right candidate. To apply: Please submit your CV/Resume along with a cover letter outlining your interest in the role. Applications should be addressed to: HR Officer – Robbie Fischer by October �9� 2026. Email: hr@smallaire.com.au Position descriptions are available upon request. Join an Australian manufacturer proud to support local jobs and industry.

Part Time Driver/Wool Presser AWN Wimmera are seeking a casual or permanent part-time Driver/Wool Presser to join the team out of the Horsham Wool Store AWN are a privately owned Australian business committed to delivering the highest level of service to our clients across wool, livestock and property

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

Team Leader Works - East

Based at Jeparit Permanent Full Time (9-day fortnight) Salary commencing at $82,093 per annum Applications close 12 noon on Wednesday 7 October 2026.

Cleaner - Nhill Holiday Park

Permanent Part Time (30 hours per fortnight) Salary commencing at $31.23 per hour Applications close 12 noon on Wednesday 7 October 2026. Scan the QR code for details about these roles and how to apply, or visit our website: www.hindmarsh.vic.gov.au/ work-in-council

Catalogue distributors wanted

Are you looking for a challenging administration role in a fun, team environment? Do you enjoy routine and have good attention to detail? This might be the next administration job for you!

The role will include accurately scheduling commercial airtime and radio station promotions using the company’s online computerised advertising traffic control system. You will work closely with our sales marketing team and programming team to ensure that the radio station offers an efficient service for our radio clients and agencies. This role will also include some receptionist duties such as phone answering and general customer service. Ideally the successful applicant should possess the following attributes: • Willingness to learn and use relevant in-house traffic management software • Excellent administration, communication and organisational skills • Attention to detail • Ability to analyse and interpret data • Ability to work independently but also as part of a team • Self-motivated, ability to prioritise work and show problem solving skills • Ability to work effectively under pressure, react quickly and meet deadlines This position is ideal for someone who has previous administration skills including accounts and someone with adequate IT skills. To apply or for more information please phone Olivia 5382 1351 or email olenehan@aceradio.com.au ACE Radio Broadcasters is an equal-opportunity employer.

CASUAL LABOURER

Have a current car license with a minimum of a medium rigid truck classification preferred Be physically fit and able to manoeuvre large wool bales Have a base knowledge of agriculture and more specifically, wool production A current forklift license is preferred but not essential The ability to identify differing wool types is preferred

01608T-2408

3WM, MIXX FM and The Weekly Advertiser is seeking a reliable and self-motivated person to join our administration team.

• Horsham • Stawell • Ararat

Applicants should ideally possess the following attributes

Applications should be sent to mphelan@awn.net accompanied by a cover letter and resume, closing Friday the 9th October For further information please contact Wimmera Area Manager Michael Phelan 0427 987 001

ADMINISTRATION POSITION

Concreting & Landscaping Weekly pay Smartphone required ivehub.com.au

NEWSPAPER WALKERS

WANTED We’re looking for people to deliver

IN HORSHAM & DIMBOOLA

KLM Concreting & Soil Yard – Horsham Join the team at KLM Concreting & Soil Yard! We are currently seeking a reliable and hardworking labourers for casual concreting and landscaping work across local projects. What We’re Looking For: • A strong work ethic • Reliability and a practical, hands-on approach • Experience in concreting or landscaping a bonus • Current car licence is required , truck licence preferred Position Details: Type: Wages: Start Date: Location:

Casual Paid per experience Immediate start available Horsham & surrounding areas

Ph Kev 0438 820 269 or drop resume into the yard at 140 Golf Course Rd, Horsham

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 Wednesday, September 30, 2026

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@theweeklyaddy

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Hornets back in action In the spotlight BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

orsham Hornets leaders believe continuity will aid the men’s and women’s teams in the upcoming Country Basketball League, CBL, season starting this weekend.

The Hornets announced their CBL squads at the weekend, with the women naming a virtually unchanged line-up from 2025. Jess Cannane, Jorja Clode, Shannon Cross, Jayde Ellis, Georgia Hiscock, Tayla Hudson, Hannah Plazzer, Jemma Thomas, Ilze Van Zyl and Indy Webb are all set to return under continuing head coach Jordyn Burke, with Luella Burke, Kirily Dandy and Olivia Taylor joining Lucy Holland as development players. The Hornets’ men’s team will also look similar to last season, with Tarkyn Benbow, Cody Bryan, Micah Livingstone, Mitch Martin, Tim McCormick, Levi Munyard, Ryan Pfitzner, Jeremy Williamson and Judd Wright returning, while 2024 grand final MVP Austin ‘Aussie’ McKenzie will return after a year away from the team, joined by brothers Jermiah and Elijah. With head coach Scott Benbow also returning to helm the men’s side, Horsham Amateur Basketball Association president Matt Lovel said both teams would benefit from strong continuity.

Try badminton Horsham Badminton Association is hosting a free come-and-try night on Monday. The session will be at Horsham College gymnasium, on Baillie Street, beginning at 7pm. Beginners are welcome and racquets are available. The weekly spring competition begins the following week on Monday, October 12. Association president Caitlin Sawyer said the competition would be played in a round-robin format, where people have the flexibility to ‘turn up and just play’ on the nights that suit them. “We cater for all abilities and have a vast array of ages among our members,” she said. “This is a great opportunity for anyone considering badminton as a sport to ‘come and try’ in a fun and enjoyable atmosphere.”

RETURNING: Jorja Clode will run out with the Hornets this season. “That’s something we wanted to instill in the program, that continuity with our coaches. That way the players know what to expect when they come into the season,” he said. “We got our tryouts done a little bit earlier this year, and I think we had record numbers for tryouts, which was pleasing. “The women’s team is pretty much exactly the same as last season, which is good, because you obviously want players returning. “They’re a good, young group, and that’s

Jasmine McIntyre – HDFNL Edenhope-Apsley netballer Jasmine McIntyre makes a positive contribution to her team and the wider sporting community. She consistently demonstrates respect towards her team-mates, opponents, coaches and officials, on and off the court. Jasmine understands team sport is about more than individual performance and always encourages those around her to do their best. She displays excellent sportsmanship, remaining positive and respectful regardless of the outcome of a game. Jasmine leads by example and understands the importance of fair play and demonstrates integrity in the way she approaches competition. She embodies the Spirit of Sport values and is an excellent example of a person who uses sport to build strong relationships, demonstrate respect and contribute positively to her community. She is pictured with Edenhope police officer Sergeant Andrew North.

Berry wins premiership A year after a shoulder injury denied him a second AFL premiership medal, Horsham’s Jarrod Berry is back on top of the football world. The Brisbane Lions won a third successive AFL premiership by defeating Fremantle on Saturday, while Berry made it a second in three years. The tough midfielder played in the Lions’ 2024 premiership but ruled himself out of last season’s decider after dislocating his shoulder in the team’s preliminary final win. In Saturday’s 14.12 (96) to 12.17 (89) grand final win against the Dockers, Berry had 17 disposals, five tackles and two inside 50s. The Horsham Saints product was involved in a critical passage of play late in the game for the Lions, marking an inboard kick from team-mate Darcy Wilmott deep in defence before finding Lachie Neale with a pinpoint kick.

DROP EVERYTHING* IT’S DOMINO’S. *EXCEPT YOUR PHONE. YOU’LL NEED IT TO ORDER.

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

a focus of both the teams – making sure we’re getting those younger players through the ranks. “The girls finished off really strong last year and they’ve been training really, really well – all the coaches are pretty happy with how we’re tracking at this point in time.” Lovel said adding the McKenzie brothers to a men’s team that narrowly lost a semi-final to Mount Gambier last season would put the Hornets firmly in the premiership mix. “It’ll be handy to have them in the side. They’ve got a fair bit of height – they’re all at about that six-foot-four or six-footfive sort of size,” he said. “Ararat and Millicent aren’t playing in the men’s competition this year, but Mount Gambier is always pretty strong and Portland should be making a run in the finals as well. “Warrnambool has always got a lot of good young players and Terang made the grand final last year. “It should be a pretty competitive season all around. We’re excited to see where both teams go.” Draws for the CBL south-west conference were yet to be finalised when The Weekly Advertiser went to print yesterday. Lovel said the men’s team was due to play an away game in Hamilton to start the season this weekend.

Neale’s subsequent kick went to Hugh McCluggage in the middle, and McCluggage sent a long kick to a one-on-one contest where Brisbane forward Logan Morris marked and converted to put the Lions ahead with little over a minute remaining. While the result was a dream come true for Berry and the Lions, it was a hard luck story for another Wimmera footballer – Edenhope’s Oscar McDonald. McDonald shouldered a heavy load in Fremantle’s defence after Docker captain Alex Pearce left the game with an achilles injury. Playing for his third AFL club after being delisted at Melbourne and Carlton, McDonald had a game-high four intercept marks and lost only one of his contested defensive one-on-one battles for the afternoon. Unfortunately for the 30-year-old, his one loss was to Morris late in the game.

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Cricket officials build momentum BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

orsham Cricket Association, HCA, officials are keen to build on the success of last season as the 2026-27 competition kicks off this weekend.

The association’s A and B Grade competitions commence on Saturday, with C Grade and junior seasons due to start two weeks later. New HCA president Tony Caccaviello said after a successful 2025-26 season, which saw the association named Cricket Victoria’s Community Cricket Association of the Year, officials were keen to build on the momentum.

He said while the competition had a relatively quiet off-season compared to the previous year – when Donald-Jeffcott, St Mary’s, Swifts-Great Western, Rhymney-Moyston and Halls Gap all joined the association – there had been plenty of positive progress. “In review, last year was probably one of the better years yet for the Horsham Cricket Association,” he said. “There was lots of change in a very short period of time, but the outcomes were really strong. “It’s now just about building upon that really strong base and keeping a great sport thriving. “We’ve had just a few little tweaks

to some bylaws and how we approach cricket, but no major upheaval. “From a league perspective we’re just trying to communicate well, communicate in advance and trying to be as collaborative and open as possible. Hopefully that leads to continued improvement.” The A Grade competition will look much the same as last season, with 10 teams including the new-look Southern Mallee Eagles, formed from the union of Brim-Kellalac-Sheep Hills with Beulah and Hopetoun. The competition will commence with a round of one-day games on Saturday, with reigning premier West Wimmera hosting Lubeck-Murtoa at

Davis Park, Nhill, while 2025-26 oneday premier Noradjuha-Toolondo will play Southern Mallee Eagles at Noradjuha Recreation Reserve. Other matches will see Horsham Tigers host Laharum at Horsham’s Dimboola Road Oval, Colts on the road against Swifts-Great Western at Stawell’s Central Park and Homers welcoming Donald-Jeffcott to Sunnyside Recreation Reserve. Rounds two through seven will feature two-day matches, with three more one-day games in January following the Christmas-New Year break and three further two-day matches in rounds 11, 12 and 13 to close the home-and-away season.

Mentha to coach Roos

TITLE AWAITS: Chris Smith, Noel’s son, presents the Noel Smith memorial shield to the 2025 invitation champion Jordan Leedham in front of, from left, Michael Stanley, Kerryn Manning, Jackie Barker and Jason Lee. The 35th edition, on Monday, will bring together 10 leading Victorian drivers for a six-heat battle at the Horsham track.

Star-studded drivers in Horsham tradition Some of Victoria’s finest reinsmen and women will converge on Horsham on Monday for a harness racing tradition stretching back more than three decades. The Noel Smith Memorial Horsham Invitational Drivers Championship returns for its 35th edition, bringing together 10 leading Victorian drivers for a six-heat battle at the Horsham track. And while the national spotlight will be on Globe Derby Park just two days earlier for the Australian Drivers Championship, Horsham’s time-honoured event has assembled an impressive line-up of its own. Reigning champion Jordan Leedham will return to defend his title alongside James Herbertson, Kate Gath, Jason Lee, Chris Alford, Ryan Sanderson, Ellen Tormey, Taylor

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Youl, Jackie Barker and Michael Bellman. Herbertson faces a particularly busy few days, with the star reinsman heading to South Australia to represent Victoria on Saturday night before heading to Horsham Monday. The Horsham Invitational has built an extraordinary honour roll since Gaita Pullicino won the inaugural series in 1990. The late Gavin Lang and Daryl Douglas top the board with four victories apiece, while Alford has three titles to his name and the opportunity to join them on Monday afternoon. Among this year’s list of invitees, Gath, Lee, Tormey, Herbertson and Leedham have also previously taken out the championship. The series has attracted some of Australasia’s biggest names during

its history, including champion New Zealand reinsman Dexter Dunn, who won back-to-back editions in 2012 and 2013. Tasmanian Ricky Duggan’s victory in 2016 demonstrated the reach of the event, with that year’s field including representatives from across Australia and New Zealand. The championship honours the late Noel Smith, a long-serving Horsham and District Harness Racing Club committee member, past president and delegate who made an enormous contribution to harness racing across Victoria. Smith was awarded a Harness Racing Victoria Distinguished Service Medal in March 1994 just three months before he passed away. The invitational has endured as one of the Horsham club’s signature

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events, with only two interruptions across its history – the Equine Influenza period and COVID. Long-time sponsor Carbine Chemicals has supported the championship since its inception, initially with the late Ray ‘Rocky’ Baker and today with his son Jensen, maintaining an association stretching back to that first night at the Horsham Showground in 1990. This year’s meeting will feature six ratings-exempt championship events, along with four support races, providing a bumper program for the club’s feature day. Nominations for the program close with HRV at noon today. – Terry Grange, Harnesslink

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Dimboola has announced a new senior football coach with Jack Mentha set to take the reins. Mentha, 28, started his senior football at Horsham Demons when he was 16, and went on to play for Frankston in the VFL. Mentha has played for Navarre for the past two seasons, and prior to that played in various competitions in Queensland and the Northern Territory. The Roos also announced a new assistant coach, Elliot Chalmers – a former SANFL player with Glenelg and North Adelaide. Chalmers has also played footy in the Northern Territory, with Pint Football Club, where he was also vice-captain for two years and earnt an NT representative guernsey. He comes to Dimboola after having played for Kybybolite this year. The Roos’ senior football team did not win a game this season and finished bottom of the Wimmera league ladder after losing several recruits from their 2025 team, which finished fifth.

Junior squash Horsham Squash Club will host a free juniors’ come-and-try session before its term four program begins. The October 14, 5.15pm come-andtry session is a program warm-up for children aged from five to 16 years. No experience is needed and equipment is supplied for both. 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 horshamsquashclub@hotmail. com.

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Caccaviello said the biggest changes would be in junior grades, with three new teams joining. “We still have the three junior competitions – under-16.5, under-14 and under-12,” he said. “We’ve got a couple of additional teams, which is great. “We’re welcoming a Swifts-Great Western team into the under-16.5 draw, a Southern Mallee Eagles team to the under-14 draw and a St Mary’s team to the under-12 draw. “We had the senior integration of those teams last year and now we’re starting to get that junior integration, so it’s superb news.”

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Intrigue in new-look competition BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

he addition of two extra pennant teams and strong junior numbers have Central Wimmera Tennis Association, CWTA, officials excited ahead of the 2026-27 season, which starts this weekend.

Senior grades, including pennant, A Special, A Grade and B Special, commence on Saturday, with two new Central Park and Horsham Lawn sides boosting the pennant competition from four teams to six. In a return to a previous format, pennant teams will consist of three male and three female players, with all members playing one singles and two doubles rubbers.

CWTA president Rod Shurdington said the change of format and additional sides had created plenty of intrigue in the association’s top-level competition. “The two larger clubs, Central Park and Horsham Lawn, have put an extra team up each,” he said. “That’s on the basis that both those clubs have done well in A Special as well in the past couple of years. “I think Central Park won the grand final in A Special the past two seasons and Horsham Lawn have been runner-up the past two years, as well as having a second team in the top four. “So instead of having four and four in pennant, by going back to three and

three it means that we’ve got enough depth to have two pennant teams each from those clubs, plus Kalkee and St Michaels, which is good.” Mr Shurdington said A Special, which now includes five teams, would feature four players a side with the number one and two male and female players each playing a singles rubber, while the numbers three and four will play an extra doubles rubber. He said the association’s junior competition, which commences with match-play sections five and six on Friday, October 9, followed by the remaining junior divisions the following day, was looking strong. “Overall the competition looks pret-

ty healthy,” he said. “We’re getting plenty of numbers through our lower juniors in the match-play five and six grades, which is good. “All the junior co-ordinators are doing a great job there. “The beauty of the competition is that we’ve got players coming from Nhill, from Hamilton, from Stawell, from Donald, from Warracknabeal, from Dimboola. “So even though it’s a Central Wimmera competition and most of the players are from predominantly Horsham, there’s all points of the compass represented. “That’s really pleasing and certainly keeps the competition quite vibrant.”

Mr Shurdington said bird damage at some of Central Park’s tennis courts would prevent their use early in the season. “There are still eight or nine courts usable, so there is a little bit of damage, but it doesn’t knock the whole facility out,” he said. “Central Park is working closely with the council to try and get a solution to that as quickly as possible.” Pennant competition commences on Saturday with Central Park Blue playing Horsham Lawn O’Connor at Haven, Central Park White playing Horsham Lawn Savage at Haven and Kalkee hosting St Michaels at Kalkee.

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BOWLING TOUR: Lawn bowling clubs in the Wimmera hosted 35 bowlers from 12 clubs in the Geelong Playing Area, who spent five nights in Horsham last week. During their visit, they competed at Murtoa, Warracknabeal and Dimboola before concluding the tour at Horsham City Bowling Club. On Thursday, the Geelong group joined Horsham City bowlers for a social bowls event. Pictured are winners, left, Joe Pellizzeri, Wayne Gray and Peter Fisk; and runners-up Colin Morrell, Betty Cozens, and Peter Wells.

People can launch into spring racing and the Wimmera country cups season at the Murtoa Cup on Saturday. Coinciding with the Murtoa Big Weekend, the Follio Property Podcast Murtoa Cup will offer everything that country racing is renowned for – the Exquisit Fashions on the Field, live music, children’s activities including a jumping castle and face-painting and food trucks. Cup meetings to follow after Murtoa are Hamilton and Manangatang on October 10; Avoca on October 17; Horsham on October 18; St Arnaud on October 24; Wycheproof on October 31; and Ararat on November 8. Regional racing clubs throughout western Victoria have received a financial boost through the Victorian Racing Industry Fund. Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora announced the following clubs have received the grants to support upcoming race meetings: $20,000 for the 2026 Hamilton Cup; $17,000 for the 2026 Horsham Cup; and $7000 for the 2026 Horsham Pacing Cup at Horsham and District Harness Racing Club on November 22. Racing Minister Anthony Carbines announced a total of more than $668,000 from the fund to support 47 regional race day events through spring. “Labor is proud to be backing regional racing clubs to put on some of Victoria’s biggest and best race meetings this spring, driving growth and tourism in regional areas,” Mr Carbines said. “These racing events will bring in thousands of fans from all over the state, putting money straight into the pockets of regional Victorians through local businesses and communities.” Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora said country racing brought communities together and provided an important boost for hotels, restaurants and retail businesses. “Country racing is about so much more than what happens on the track,” she said. “It brings people together, supports local businesses and creates a real buzz in our regional towns.”

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LOCKED IN: Horsham’s basketball stadium and St Brigid’s College were buzzing with activity for three days of volleyball junior country championships. Photographer KAREN REES caught some of the action on Sunday. Pictured are, clockwise from above: Geelong under-15 representative So A Foti; Horsham under-17’s Lachlan Engert; Horsham under-17 representative Kai Holland; Horsham under-15 player Allira Coller; and centre, Horsham under-15’s Tamika Foster.

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Horsham girls’ team scores gold T

BY DAVID BERRY

he medal collection is now complete for Volleyball Horsham’s under-17 girls’ team, after claiming gold at the Junior Country Championships in Horsham at the weekend.

The team has been most consistent over the past three years, taking silver in 2024 and bronze in 2025. That elusive gold came in nail-biting circumstances against a Sunraysia team that refused to yield, pushing the final to five sets, despite dropping the first two. Coach Molly Carter was ecstatic after the win. “There was no specific instruction to the team in the break between the fourth and fifth sets, just to reset and start again,” she said. “Then Amelia Van Buuren put her Supergirl cape on and said ‘leave it to me girls’ as she reeled off her best 10 serves to blow the Sunraysia team off the court, setting up a 10-point lead that her opposition couldn’t bridge.” The team has established itself as one of the best junior teams in Victorian volleyball, as apart from three successive country championship medals, they have also claimed a silver and gold at the Volleyball Victorian Junior Open and qualified for state finals at SSV level. The medal haul for Volleyball Horsham totalled three with an under-15 girls’ team taking a silver, when they went down to Geelong in their gold medal match, and an under-17 boys’ team who also took a silver after proving no match for Sunraysia in their gold medal match. To top off a great weekend, Under-17 All Star Seven honours were awarded to Amelia Van Buuren as best setter and Drew Armstrong best libero, with Bonnie Grieger and Victoria Brown included in the seven. James Johns made it three successive All-Star selections when he was included in the under-19 boys seven, Kyle Van As and Bentley Pendlebury in the under-17 and Charlotte Kelly in the under-15 girls. The tournament bought 10 of the 17 regional associations together to showcase the development each had put into their juniors, at under 19, 17 and 15 level.

ALL SMILES: Volleyball Horsham’s under-17 girls’ team, from left, Drew Armstrong, Charlize Van Zyl, Amelia Van Buuren, Victoria Brown, Bonnie Grieger, Hannah Gabbe, Molly Gawith, Serena Johns and coach Molly Carter after winning gold at the junior country championships. Horsham’s basketball stadium and St Brigid’s College were buzzing with activity for three days, with rivalries on display inside the court, but more importantly great friendships and camaraderie off the court as teams got around each other, cheering them on and barracking hard for their association. Volleyball Horsham vice-president Laelah Robertson said she had never seen such an amazing show of team spirit. “The boys’ under-19 gold medal match had the basketball stadium grandstand full with standing room only around it,” she said. “The atmosphere was out of this world, and it made us so proud to see our sport so well supported. “We can’t wait for next year when we host this event, because we know it can get bigger.” Despite all the scenes of happiness and joy emanating throughout the stadium, everything was put back into perspective within 24 hours, as sadness enveloped the volleyball community when a family travelling home was involved in a fatal car accident. Latrobe Valley lost one of their own when Tenesha Fieldsend succumbed to her injuries sustained in the acci-

dent and passed away, surrounded by her family. In a show of how strong the bond is within country volleyball, Horsham team captain Serena Johns reached out to the captain of the Latrobe Valley under-17 team offering her condolences and receiving the following response: “Thank you for your heartfelt message and Tenesha loved playing against Horsham and appreciated the friendly faces.” Robertson offered kind words to the family and Latrobe Valley volleyball community. “To have shared our courts, our community and our weekend with Tenesha is something we will remember, and our thoughts are with everyone who had the privilege of knowing her,” she said. “We hope the memories shared through volleyball and the time spent together on and off the court bring some comfort to those who knew and loved her.” Volleyball Horsham will dedicate the Big Smash ’26 on Sunday, October 18 to Tenesha as the association does its bit to support her family.

RISING STAR: Horsham’s Charlotte Kelly won All Star Seven honours in the girls’ under-15 team.

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Sport Vol. 29 No. 14 Wednesday, September 30, 2026

Aiming High Horsham under-17’s player Henry Taylor is backed up by Patrick Lynch at the Volleyball Victoria Junior Country Championships on Sunday. Volleyball Horsham hosted the championships across three days, with Horsham’s under-17 girls’ team winning gold. Ten of Victoria’s 17 regional associations came together to showcase the development of their juniors at under 19, 17 and 15 levels. Story and more pictures, pages 66 and 67. Picture: KAREN REES

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Fireﬁghting Pump

• Heavy duty construction • 30 metres of 3/4” delivery hose • Manual rewind reel with hose guide rollers and stopper

• Australian made heavy-duty poly hose reel • 30m x 3/4” I.D. firefighting hose • Stainless steel swivel with buffer lock • Fits 400L, 600L & 800L Squatpak tanks

4 Stroke Selecta Power 6.5HP engine direct driven with a Selecta Power twin alloy impeller pump with oil alert. Max. 250 L/min open flow, max. 100psi pressure. Maximuk suction lift 3.5 metres.

Deck Width: 52” Kawasaki engine Forward Speed: 12.8km/hr Cutting Height: 38mm - 121mm Reverse Speed: 5.6km/hr

Horsepower: 22hp Machine Weight: 343-370kg Fuel Capacity: 14.3L Length: 1,930mm

$14,920

$700 REBATE

incl. GST

• Applies to current stock in-store only. Visit us in-store or give the team at Wimmera Mallee Ag a call before the rebate ends!

21 with S42” deck NEW New catalogue out now – scan here to view →

1,125 JA-1402021

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

1,235 185FPR03019E

861 LBA-100

• 42 inch cutting width • Belt-driven blades with dampened belt tensioner for smooth, quiet operation • Custom blade spindles with grease zerk and bleed valve

The perfect blend of power, efficiency, and durability.

$11,490 incl. GST

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AU TRALIAN 250+S LOCAL SAFEST TANKS MACTIVE AD E & O WIN N ED STOCKISTS MOTION

25-YEAR TANK WARRANTY

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SAFEST 2 T5 A0 N+ KS LOCA IN MOTIO AN CTIVE STO

WIMMERA MALLEE AG | 8 Hamilton Road, Horsham | 03 5382 6103 THE LOCAL TEAM WITH ALL YOUR FIRE-READY SOLUTIONS

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

THE LOCAL TEAM WITH ALL YOUR FIRE-READY SOLUTIONS 8 Hamilton Road, Horsham 3400

Phone: (03) 5382 6103 www.wimmeramalleeag.com.au