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Vol. 29 No. 11

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

Wednesday, September 9, 2026

WELCOME: Men’s Sheds across the state are opening their doors during the annual Men’s Shed Week, which started Monday, welcoming men to call in and have a cuppa. Men’s Sheds are designed to create supportive environments unique to their own communities, where men can connect, share experiences and thrive. People can find their nearest Men’s Shed and its contact details at website vmsa.org.au/find-a-shed. Pictured are Horsham Men’s Shed president Noel Hopper, left, and shed members, displaying some of the shed’s items available for sale. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Harvest hold-up F

BY LAUREN HENRY

armers are warning the Federal Government’s deliberate slowing and restriction of visa approvals could leave the agricultural industry without critical workforce this grains harvest. With harvest season fast approaching, farmers and contractors are locking in experienced seasonal workers to operate machinery and support day-today operations during harvest. But workers who were previously granted rapid approval of a subclass 417 Working Holiday visa are being left waiting for weeks – some more than 40 days. Home Affairs Minister Tony Burke

issued a ministerial direction on July 24, stating nomination and visa applications for certain skilled visas would be processed according to government policy priorities – with occupations supporting law-enforcement and defence interests afforded the highest priority, followed by those in construction, healthcare, and teaching. The change has resulted in approval times for skilled visas under industry labour agreements stretched to months or more, while working holiday-makers are also experiencing waits of six weeks or longer for approvals – whereas in previous years, approvals often took days or hours. Victorian Farmers Federation, VFF, officials said agriculture could not

afford for its seasonal workforce to become caught up in a broader political debate about migration. VFF president and Minyip farmer Ryan Milgate said farmers needed certainty and a skilled workforce they could rely on when crops and livestock required it. “We are already seeing the impacts of workforce uncertainty, and the timing could not be worse as Victorian agriculture heads into peak harvest and production periods,” he said. “If a crop is ready to harvest and the cattle are needing to be milked and the workers are not there, it will be a potential disaster.” Mr Milgate said while the VFF understood the government had broader

migration issues to manage, agriculture had ‘very specific skilled seasonal workforce needs’. “We are working with our national farming counterparts to make sure that message is heard, but we are also calling on decision-makers to talk to farmers before making uninformed decisions that will have serious consequences at the farm gate,” he said. “This isn’t a speculative issue. We’re already hearing real-world stories and concerns of workers and farmers trapped in limbo.” Mr Milgate said there were plenty of Wimmera grain growers who used overseas skilled workers. “ They’re bringing in people who know the machines, have got experi-

ence in Europe or wherever it might be, and they’re ready to go, so it’s a pretty major impact,” he said. Mr Milgate said while the Wimmera harvest would not start until November, hay contractors were also affected – and their work was starting in the next fortnight. “It’s going to put a lot of pressure on the existing skilled people around, and I’m assuming they’re going to have to go for the next best option, which will be people who don’t have the skills, and they’ll have to train them,” he said. “If you’ve got to start from scratch, and we’ve got a big harvest coming, there’s going to be a lot of pressure. Continued page 3

IN THIS ISSUE • Bird flu detected in Edenhope • Coalition commits to fixing roads • Hockey grand finals set Phone: 03 5382 1351 Read it online: www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

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HRCC NEWS HRCC NEWS This week’s Mayor’s message Regional Events Forum Helps

Strengthen Local Events

There has been plenty happening across our Children’s Book Week at Horsham Library region this week, highlighting the strong community spirit and sense of optimism that continue to make Horsham Rural City a s great place to live, work and visit. The Horsham Bypass Community Reference Group met this week as planning work progresses on this important project. Major infrastructure investments such as the bypass have the potential to shape our region for generations, improving road safety, freight efficiency, and connectivity. It’s encouraging to see community members actively contributing to discussions and helping ensure local perspectives are considered throughout the planning process.

Cr Rebecca Sluggett Recognised in State Award Nomination

Careers at CAREERS AT HRCC HRCC Civil Infrastructure Engineer CAREERS AT HRCC

Council congratulates Cr Rebecca Sluggett on her nomination for the 2026 Mary Rogers Award for Women in Local Government in the Emerging Woman Leader category.

Permanent Full-time COMMUNITY Closes 08/09/2026 STRENGTHENING OFFICER

The nomination recognises Cr Sluggett’s commitment to community service, leadership and advocacy on behalf of Horsham Rural City Council and the Left toregion. right: Deputy Youth Mayor Minha Raman, Youth Mayor broader

Cassara Rowan and Mayor Cr Brian Klowss

CIVIL INFRASTRUCTURE ENGINEER Permanent Full-Time Parks & Gardens Labourer Permanent full-ti me Thursday Permanant Full 30 Time Closes July Closes 13/09/2026 Closes Tuesday 8ToSeptember apply for these jobs or to Mechanic view casual and part-time RATES OFFICER - VALUATIONS & PROPERTY me positi ToPermanent apply forfull-ti these jobsonor topositi viewons, please visit the HRCC Permanent Full-Time website or scan the QR code. casualCloses and 31/12/2026 part-time positions,

HRCC NEWS

Last week, HRCC, in partnership with Hindmarsh, West We’re also seeing communities come together to prepare for the future, Wimmera andunderway Yarriambiack Councils, hosted aExpo in with planning for theShire upcoming Preparedness RegionalEvents Eventslike Forum for local eventopportunities organisers.for residents Natimuk. this provide valuable

to access information, connect with support services and learn practical The forum provided valuable Being insights into current event helps ways to prepare for emergencies. informed and prepared trends, funding opportunities, succession planning and build stronger, more resilient communities and supports our ability to Children’s Book is coming up, we community want to see innovative toWeek help strengthen andand grow respond whenideas challenges arise.

your favourite book characters come to life! events.

Regional Events Forum Helps Strengthen Local Events

It’s also pleasing to see continued opportunities for young people through programs at The Station and local of youth grant initiatives. These To celebrate this year’s Stories, Horsham Events play a vital role inSymphony enhancing community liveability programs provide valuable opportunities for connection, Library issupporting inviting children in Grade 6learning, and below to enterand while also local tourism and strengthening personal development, helping young people contribute build skills to and our Children’s Bookwhile Week Drawing Competition. regional economies. Visitors attending events confidence. Alongside initiatives that promote inclusion, dining, respect and local businesses by spending on accommodation, stronger connections through and community groups, Simplycommunity grab paper and draw sport your favourite book shopping and some other services, creating lasting benefits for the they contribute to a welcoming and supportive people of character doing something you love tocommunity do! Maybeforyour wider community. allfavourite ages. character is reading, dancing, playing sport,

baking, gaming, exploring—or something completely silly.

The Forum's program wasvisitors presented by the Australia With finals footy set to bring through western Victoria in the Let your take over! Centre for imagination Regional who delivered an engaging coming weeks, it’s also aEvents, timely reminder of the many attractions and and inspiring serieshas of to sessions focused on innovation, experiences our region offer. Whether people are stopping to enjoy There aretrends, prizesevent to be revitalisation, won, and winning entries,planning runners-up emerging succession local hospitality, supporting local businesses, exploring our parks and and honourable mentions will be proudly displayed at and practical strategies to enhance the sustainability and attractions or spending a few extra days in the Wimmera, every visit helps the library. long-term success of regional events. support our local economy. The Framed in Footy exhibition at Horsham Regional Art Gallery is another fantastic reason for football fans and How event to enter: Local organisers were encouraged think creatively, visitors alike to spend some time in our citytoand enjoy something equipping them with valuable tools and ideas to support uniquely regional. •Last Draw your favourite book character doing something week, HRCC, in partnership with Hindmarsh, West their volunteer committees and future event planning.

youyou love. Thank to and everyone who contributes our vibranthosted and connected Wimmera Yarriambiack ShiretoCouncils, a Include your name and age/grade. community. IEvents encourage you to support local businesses, Forum for local event organisers. 30•Regional event organisers and representatives from acrossget involved a parent or carer’s contact details. in•community activities, and make the most of the many opportunities the Add region attended the informative forum, taking the •The Drop yourprovided entry into Horsham Library available across our municipality. forum valuable insights into(please currenthand eventit to

opportunity to than network, exchange ideas and gain practical staff rather putting it through the returns chute!). trends, funding opportunities, succession and knowledge to support the continued successplanning and longevity Have a great week, innovative ideas to help strengthen and grow community ofEntries local Mayor Crevents. Brian Klowss events. are open until Sunday 6 September 2026.

So sharpen those your crayons get Events playHorsham a vitalpencils, role in grab enhancing community liveability Calling Businesses -and Business

drawing! can’t waitTickets to see which bookstrengthening characters while alsoWe supporting local tourism and Horsham RegFest Available Now! make Enhancement Grants Are Open

an appearance. regional economies. Visitors attending events contribute to local businesses by spending on accommodation, dining, shopping and other services, creating lasting benefits for the Horsham RegFest Tickets Available Now! wider community.

The Forum's program was presented by the Australia Centre for Regional Events, who delivered an engaging and inspiring series of sessions focused on innovation, emerging trends, event revitalisation, succession planning and practical strategies to enhance the sustainability and long-term success of regional events. Local event organisers were encouraged to think creatively, equipping them with valuable tools and ideas to support their volunteer committees and future event planning. 30 event organisers and representatives from across the region attended the informative forum, taking the Horsham will take centre stage this October as some of Australia’s biggest opportunity to network, exchange ideas and gain practical country music names roll into town for a festival expected to draw music knowledge to support theor continued and longevity Looking to grow, innovate improve success your business? fans from across the state and beyond. of local events. Horsham Rural City Council, in partnership with promoter RegFest, The Business Enhancement Support Program is now openhas confirmed take place on Saturday October 2026 at the and readythe toevent helpwill local businesses take the24next step.

Calling Horsham Businesses - Business

events stage at Horsham City Oval.

Funding available forscheduled projects for that support: Enhancement Grants Are Open The event iswas originally February this year, however organisers have worked together to secure the October date that will • Business deliver an eveninnovation bigger experience for festivalgoers and the community.

• Operational improvements • Marketing strategies • Horsham Accessibility and inclusiveness will take centre stage this October as some of • Australia's Business growth Volunteers Wanted at Horsham Rural Council biggest country music names rollCity into town for a festival expected to draw fansto from across theHorsham state Are you looking for a rewarding way music to give back your community? If you're an existing business Rural Council is seeking volunteers to support a range of programs and andCity beyond. operating within Horsham services, including thethe Horsham Town Rural Hall, Horsham Regional Art Gallery, City Council area,City thisCouncil, could beinthe advisory committees. Multiple Birth Rural Support Program and Council Horsham opportunity you'vepromoter been waiting for. partnership RegFest, Volunteering is a with great way to meet new people, develop new skills and make a has confirmed the event will take positive contribution to the local community.place Applications now open! on Saturday are 24 October 2026 at the Opportunities range assistingCity families with twins, triplets or more through events stage at from Horsham Oval. the Birth Support Program, supporting events and activities at the ForMultiple more information, and totoapply, Town Hall and Art Gallery. scan theyour QRRegional code. with Book tickets the QR code, or For specific program enquiries, visit www.hrcc.vic.gov.au or contact the visit regfest.com.au relevant program area directly.

Presented annually, Western the MaryBulldogs Rogers star Joel Freijah will take Horsham-born Awards theweekend. contributionPhoto of on theacknowledge Crows this credit: AFL. women in local government and celebrate those who demonstrate excellence in leadership and service. Being nominated Horsham Welcomes Footy Fans This Weekend is a significant achievement and reflects the positive impact Cr Sluggett continues tofans make through her role asCity a Councillor. Football travelling to Adelaide for the Western All seven of Horsham Rural Council's rubbish trucks

Local youth name Council’s rubbish truck fleet

Bulldogs' AFL Adelaideand Crows thisCouncil's weekend now have names, tothe a competition run by Council is proud to clash seethanks Cr with Sluggett’s dedication contribution recognised are encouraged toServices stop, restteams and explore Horsham Waste and earlier this July. along at a state level.Youth the way. The Our Rubbish Rigs" program invited young R U"Name OK? Day - the 10expected September With increased traffic on the Highway, people from across municipality to Western add some personality R cafes, U OK? Day votes is a Council is inviting support restaurants, to Council's rubbishvisitors trucks,towith namelocal suggestions and national reminder retailers and accommodation providers while enjoying thethat received by Council's Youth Services team directly, as well we all have a role to play region's hospitality. as through schools and other youth networks across the in supporting each other, municipality. every dayPhotography of the year. Travellers can also visit the Framed in Footy: AFL A genuine check-in can by Michael Willson exhibitionclever at Horsham Townand Hall, on Many pop culture references, alliterations terrible help someone feel seen, display until October. puns later, the4 fleet now consists of: heard, and supported. Start the conversation

Dean O'Loughlin no questions about where his year•Cr Garbage Guzzler left • Optimus Grime and keep it going •football The Binallegiance Bandit lies. • Trash-o-saurus round. • Peppa Rig • Truck Norris • Bin Diesel If you are "It's no secret I'm a one-eyed Bulldogs supporter, andconcerned I'll be about your to see own cheering on Horsham's own Joel Freijah. It's fantastic “It's terrific to see the Mayor enthusiasm by our Leftbeen to right: Deputy Youth Minhashown Raman, Youth Mayor wellbeing or someone a local football player representing the Western Bulldogs younger residents through the name Our Rubbish Rigs Cassara Rowan and Mayor Cr Brian Klowss else’s, do not hesitate to seek support. Local health and community services, andGP, giving our community another reason to tune in," Cr Program” said CrBeyond Brian Klowss. your Lifeline (13Mayor 11 14) and Blue (1300 22 4636) are available to help. O'Loughlin said. “It's a fun initiative that has given young people an To round outtoaengage footy filled the Horsham opportunity withweekend, Council while adding aDistrict little Music @ May Football Netball League will play community its preliminary final at the extra personality to an important service.” All seven of Rural City Council's rubbish trucks Horsham Oval thisevent Saturday. Music @ MayCity is aHorsham live music that now have names, thanks to and avoters competition Council's puts local young bands, musicians, For their efforts, seven lucky receivedrun $50byvouchers artists centre giving emerging Waste and stage, Youth Services teams by earlier thisCr July. from a random prize draw, drawn Mayor Brian Community Offers Space For performers the opportunityWalk to showcase Klowss and Youth Council Mayor Cassara Rowan and their talent in front of Rubbish a live audience. The "Name Our Rigs" program invited Connection, Remembrance andyoung Hope Youth Council Deputy Mayor Minha Rahman. More than just a gig, people from across the municipality to add some personality As the community prepares to mark World Suicide to Council's rubbish trucks, name suggestions and votes Music @ Maywill is be creating Name plates added towith the trucks at a later date. Prevention onabout 10 September, residents invited received byDay Council's team are directly, as to well opportunities for young Youth artists Services to take part in the annual Community Prevention as through schools and other youthSuicide networks across the gain real performance experience, Walk, a meaningful municipality. build confidence, connectevent with that otherbrings people together to GRASS FLAT FIRE RECOVERY EVENTS support onetake another musicians, and the nextand step raise in theirawareness of mental health and wellbeing. creative journey. Many pop culture references, clever alliterations and terrible Cuppa +the Conversations - Creative Recovery Project puns later, fleetpositive now consists The event also energy of: Beginning at brings 5.15pm, participants will walk from Coles to 18 August - 10am-11am and activity into May Park, creating a Sawyer Park, where the community will gather for a series NC2 Building, 62 Main St Natimuk • Garbage Guzzler • Optimus Grime welcoming space where young people of reflections and speeches. • The Bin Bandit • Trash-o-saurus can come together, enjoy live music and Come join the Fire Recovery forDiesel a lively • Peppa • Truck Norris Hub • Bin support theirRig peers. Council is proud support this important initiative, discussion onto community expression through At its heart, Music @ May is about celebrating local young strengthening recognising that strong communities are builttalent, on creativity. Whether you’re an artist wanting tobykindness, work “It's been terrific to see the enthusiasm shown our Horsham’s youth music scene, and giving younganother. people a platform to be heard, connection and looking out for name one with the community or someone who was big ideas younger residents through the Our Rubbish Rigs be seen and have a go. but isn’tsaid ‘arty’, we want you toKlowss. come along and Program” Mayor Cr Brian Everyone is creative welcomerecovery to participate in the walk and stand discuss in Natimuk and Quantong. together in support ofthat mental health awareness is the starting point a young “It'sThis a fun initiative hasfor given peopleand an suicide prevention. community-centred project. opportunity to engage with Council while adding a little extra personality to an important community service.” Event details Prevention If you have- Community any questionsSuicide please reach out to Walk Fire Recovery Hub team on 0419 779 172 For the their efforts, seven lucky voters received $50orvouchers • from Thursday 10 September recovery@hrcc.vic.gov.au a random prize draw,2026 drawn by Mayor Cr Brian • Klowss Commencing at 5.15pm and Youth Council Mayor Cassara Rowan and • Youth Walk from Coles to Sawyer Social Media Made Simple Workshops Council Deputy MayorPark Minha Rahman. • Reflections speeches at Sawyer Park after the walk. 18 Augustand & 15 September - 6.30pm-10.30pm NC2plates Building, Main SttoNatimuk Name will 62 be added the trucks at a later date.

Local youth name Council’s rubbish truck fleet

Small Business Support Coming To Horsham

Want to improve your social media presence but don't know where start?RECOVERY Learn the strategies GRASS FLAT toFIRE EVENTS and techniques behind what makes a strong and engaging media presence! Cuppa + social Conversations - Creative Recovery Project 18 August - 10am-11am The session relates to understanding your NC2August Building, 62 Main St Natimuk audience and creating content that resonates, while the September coversHub for a lively Come join the session Fire Recovery improving photography discussionyour on community expression through and videography with We’re pleased toWhether share that the an Business VictoriatoSmall creativity. you’re artist wanting work hands-on content Business will be Horsham withBus the(SBB) community orvisiting someone who wason big ideas creation exercises. Tuesday September. but22 isn’t ‘arty’, we want you to come along and discuss creative recovery in Natimuk and Quantong. are essential, register • 62Bookings Darlot Street, Horsham This is the starting point for a with the Business QR code. Centre. Wimmera community-centred project. • 45-minute sessions • FREE & have confidential If you any questions please reach out to the Fire Recovery Hub team on 0419 779 172 or Book recovery@hrcc.vic.gov.au your spot with the QR code.

Thursdayor30 July please visit theCloses HRCC website scan the QR code. MECHANIC Permanent Full Time Tenders and RFQs Closes Sunday 30 August Q06-2027

To apply forBuilding thesePainti jobsngor- to view All tender, EOI and RFQ External TENDERS ANDdetails RFQat hrcc.vic.gov.au casual Dadswell and part-time positions, Bridge Hall Closing:visit 14/09/2026 12:00website PM VIC or please the HRCC scan the QR code. Q01/2027 Q03-2027 Supply & Delivery of One (1) New Heavy SUPPLY AND DELIVERY OF ONE (1) NEW HEAVY Duty Tandem Trailer with Hydraulic Crane DUTY TANDEM TRAILER WITH Closing: 10/09/2026 05:00 PM VIC HYDRAULIC CAREERS ATCRANE HRCC Q04-2027 Closes Thursday 10 September

TENDERS AND RFQ

Wimmera Libraries Strategic Plan Closing: 11/09/2026 05:00 PM VIC

COMMUNITY STRENGTHENING OFFICER Q04-2027 Permanent Full-Time Q01/2027 WIMMERA LIBRARIES STRATEGIC PLAN Closes Thursday 30 July HORSHAMCloses AQUATIC CENTRE FEASIBILITY STUDY Friday 11 September GRASS FLAT FIRE RECOVERY Closes Monday 24 August EVENTS OFFICER - VALUATIONS & PROPERTY Social Media Made Simple Workshop All RATES tender, EOI and RFQ Full-Time Want to improve your Permanent social Q02-2027 media presence but don’t know where to details hrcc.vic.gov.au start? Learn theat strategies andThursday techniques 30 behind makes a strong Closes Julywhat MATERNAL & CHILD HEALTH AND

and engaging social media presence! SERVICES REVIEW The August IMMUNISATION session relates to understanding your audience and MECHANIC creating content that resonates, while September session covers Closes Friday 14the August Permanent Full Time improving your photography and videography with hands-on content creation exercises. Closes Sunday 30 August All tender, EOIaland RFQworkshops. details Bookings are essenti for these Scan here atapply hrcc.vic.gov.au 15To September - 6.30pm-10.30pm for these jobs or to view to book NC2 Building, Main St Nati muk casual and62part-time positions,

GRASS FLAT FIRE RECOVERY EVENTS

Social Made Simple Workshops pleaseMedia visit the HRCC website or Healthy Aging Hubs 15 September - 6.30pm-10.30pm scan the QR code. NC2and Building, 62al Main Free conﬁdenti health St Natimuk

checks with a Community Paramedic to help identi Want to improve yourfysocial media presence but potenti health concerns don'talknow where to start? Learn the strategies early. and techniques behind what makes a strong and No appointment is required. engaging social media presence! Wednesday 23 September 10am-4pm. NC2 Building, The sessions cover improving your photography 62 Main St Natimuk with Q01/2027 and videography hands-on content creation

TENDERS AND RFQ

exercises. Preparedness HORSHAM Expo AQUATIC CENTRE FEASIBILITY STUDY The community isCloses invited Monday to come together August Bookings are essential, register24with the QR code.

for a day of connection, information, entertainment and family-friendly fun when Healthy Aging Nati muk hosts theHubs Preparedness Expo on Q02-2027 Wednesday 2 2026. September - 10am-4pm Sunday 4 October MATERNAL & CHILD HEALTH AND Wednesday 23 September - 10am-4pm Businesses and organisati ons are encouraged IMMUNISATION SERVICES NC2 Building, 62 Main St Natimuk to secure a free stall site by completing the REVIEW Closes Friday 14 August registration form below. Free andis confidential health checksor not they have been Everyone welcome to att end, whether with a Community Paramedic to help event will run from impacted bywhat's recent events. This free community Know happening Alltotender, EOI and RFQconcerns details identify potential health 10am 2pm at the Nati muk Showgrounds. atatHRCC. Subscribe to our hrcc.vic.gov.au early. No enjoy appointment required. Visitors can foodnewsletter. vans, is face painting, giant games, a colouring weekly email competition, and a wide range of stalls oﬀering practical advice, services and support to help individuals and families prepare for emergencies.

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Have Your Say - The Future of Mount Arapiles-Tooan State Park

Parks Victoria are seeking feedback on our proposed amendment to the Mount Arapiles-Tooan State Park (Dyurrite Cultural Landscape) Management Plan. The proposal aims to better protect Dyurrite's significant cultural heritage while continuing to provide opportunities for climbing and STAY UP STAY UP TO TO DATE DATE other park experiences. Know what's happening Know what's happening at HRCC. Subscribe our Visit Engage Victoria with theto link below for at HRCC. Subscribe to our weekly email more information andnewsletter. to have your say. weekly email newsletter.

Looking to grow, innovate or improve your business?

Media Made Simple Workshops Next Council Council Meeting: Meeting: Monday, Monday, August 24, 2026 -Social 5.30pm Have Your Say - The Future of Mount 18 August & 15 September - 6.30pm-10.30pm Next - 5.30pm The Business Enhancement Support ProgramSeptember is now open 28, 2026 Next Council Meeting: Monday, September 28, 2026 5.30pm Arapiles-Tooan State Park Horsham Rural City Council: 18 Roberts Avenue Horsham | Postal address: PO Box 511 Horsham VIC 3402 3402 || Phone: Phone: (03) 5382 5382 9777 9777 || NC2 Building, 62 Main St Natimuk and ready toRural help local businesses take the step. Avenue Horsham | Postal address: PO Box 511 Horsham Horsham City Council: 18next Roberts VIC (03) 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 www.hrcc.vic.gov.au Want to improve your social media presence but Email: | Web: Fundingcouncil@hrcc.vic.gov.au is available for projects that support: don't know where to start? Learn the strategies Email: council@hrcc.vic.gov.au | Web: www.hrcc.vic.gov.au and techniques behind what makes a strong and • Business innovation HRCC News July 29, 2026 edition engaging social media presence! HRCC News September 2, 9, 2026 2026 edition edition •HRCC Operational improvements News September • Marketing strategies • Accessibility and inclusiveness • Business growth

Page 2

The August session relates to understanding your audience and creating content that resonates, while the September session covers www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Parks Victoria are seeking feedback on our proposed Wednesday, State September amendment to the Mount Arapiles-Tooan Park 9, 2026

Poultry fear as bird flu reaches region A

BY LAUREN HENRY

confirmed case of HPAI bird flu has been detected in Edenhope.

Agriculture Victoria confirmed the case was detected in a bird categorised as a ‘gull, tern and noddy’, and was investigated on August 24. It is the first confirmed case of HPAI avian influenza in the Wimmera. There have been at least two other reports of bird flu in Edenhope, and several other reports of suspected cases to birds in most towns – Horsham, Nhill, Dimboola, Warracknabeal, Jeparit, Hopetoun, Beulah, Murtoa, Goroke, Stawell, and Halls Gap. There have been at least 35 confirmed cases of bird flu in West Wimmera’s neighbouring shire of Glenelg, but mostly along the coast. There has also been one confirmed case in Avoca, in the Pyrenees Shire, and at Hamilton, in the Southern Grampians Shire.

Member for Lowan and shadow agriculture minister Emma Kealy said Nelson residents had reported hundreds of dead birds accumulating around the Glenelg River Estuary, an internationally significant wetland. Ms Kealy said the lack of action on the 400 or more carcasses exposed serious questions about Victoria’s response to the growing H5 bird flu threat, especially given that three kilometres away from Nelson, across the South Australian border, crews were actively collecting and disposing of dead birds and humanely euthanising sick birds where appropriate. The State Government has acknowledged carcass removal will not occur everywhere, prioritising areas of high visitation and public amenity, and has introduced a statewide control order authorising public land managers to move and dispose of wildlife that have died from H5 bird flu. The Federal Government also an-

nounced an additional $125-million for the national H5 response, with states and territories required to match funding to access it. “This is not the time for Victoria to be slow or complacent,” Ms Kealy said. “We need boots on the ground, clear advice for communities, appropriate surveillance and testing, and properly resourced land managers able to respond where carcass removal is required. “Victoria must also remain absolutely focused on protecting our poultry sector. H5 has not been detected in Victorian poultry and keeping it out of farms must be one of the government’s highest biosecurity priorities. “An outbreak in commercial poultry could have devastating consequences for farmers, regional jobs, animal welfare and food production.” Ms Kealy said immediate action must be taken to protect the poultry

industry and regional communities after a fox was Victoria’s first recorded case of H5 bird flu found in a mammal. Authorities are also investigating a suspected case in a dolphin. “This outbreak is changing, and Victoria’s response needs to stay ahead of it,” Ms Kealy said. “The detection of H5 bird flu in a mammal is another warning that we need the strongest possible surveillance, biosecurity and response measures in place. “Victoria has a significant poultry and egg industry supporting regional jobs, businesses and our food supply. “We need to do everything possible to keep this disease out of commercial farms.” Ms Kealy said poultry producers had raised concerns about compliance with measures designed to protect domestic flocks. “Biosecurity only works when everyone does their part,” she said.

“Labor needs to be absolutely clear about how its poultry housing and biosecurity requirements are being monitored and enforced, and whether Agriculture Victoria and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action has the people and resources it needs as this outbreak develops. “This isn’t about creating unnecessary alarm. It is about recognising the risk early and acting before we have an outbreak in a commercial poultry operation. “Once a disease gets through the farm gate, the consequences can be devastating for farmers, animals, regional jobs and food production.” Agriculture Victoria advise if people see sick or dead birds, they avoid contact with them, record what they see and where, and report it to the 24-hour Emergency Animal Disease Hotline on 1800 675 888, or report online at forms.bio.vic.gov.au/ wildlife-influenza-investigation.

Additional pressure on farmers

STYLE AND FLARE: Ladies Probus Club of Horsham East hosted a fashion parade at its meeting this week, showcasing a range of Maria Da Ros Fashion’s labels for a mix of seasons and occasions. Maria Da Ros Fashion owner Lidia Rissmann, who took over the 1972-established business from her mother in 1978, said she had supported the club with the show for more than 20 years. “The members are my regular clientele and over the years they have supported this event really well. Some of them come into the shop on a weekly basis, even if it’s just for a chat, which is lovely,” she said. Pauline Thomson is pictured modelling an outfit during Monday’s show. Picture: BRONWYN HASTINGS

From page 1 “It just adds another layer of pressure and another layer of risk – whether that’s people without the skills making mistakes or putting too much pressure on the people with skills to work longer hours and that’s a pretty serious OHS issue,” Mr Milgate said. He said grain receival sites – who regularly employ backpackers as seasonal workers – could also be affected. “If farmers cannot harvest what they have grown, it affects food supply, regional communities and the financial viability of farm businesses,” he said. “This is why we are calling for governments to work with industry, not make decisions about agriculture without agriculture. “Before making changes that affect the agricultural workforce, decision-makers need to sit down with farmers and understand what is actually happening on the ground.” VFF Grains president and Carron farmer Jason Mellings said the stakes for grain growers were particularly high this harvest – due to the fuel and fertiliser crisis early this year resulting in significant increases in input and operating costs. “For grain growers, this is shaping up to be one of the most expensive crops we have ever planted,” he said.

“Farmers have put an enormous amount of money on the line and we now need to get the crop harvested. “If workforce disruptions mean we cannot get that job done efficiently, farmers could be left with a massive financial hole in their hip-pocket.” Member for Lowan and shadow minister for agriculture Emma Kealy said she was aware of prospective harvest workers who had been waiting more than 25 days for their visas to be approved. “Harvest doesn’t wait for Canberra bureaucracy,” Ms Kealy said. “When the crop is ready, you have a limited window to get it off. A worker sitting overseas waiting for a visa is no help to a farmer who needs someone today. “Farmers always look to local labour first. But the reality across regional Victoria is there simply aren’t enough local workers available to fill every job at harvest. “These backpackers aren’t taking local jobs. They are filling jobs farmers cannot fill during a critical peak period.” Ms Kealy said the consequences of the government getting it wrong would extend beyond individual farms, and put pressure on food supply, regional businesses and ultimately the prices Australian families pay. “Back our farmers. Get the visas

approved. And let them get on with the job of feeding Australia and the world,” she said. Federal Member for Mallee Anne Webster called on the government to take the handbrake off working holiday-maker visas, following a surge in farmers and agricultural contractors contacting her in the past week with concerns about visa delays for workers. “Farmers across Mallee are preparing to operate multimillion-dollar machinery, harvesting crops worth hundreds of thousands of dollars every day,” she said. “Broadacre farmers and harvesting contractors regularly bring back the same experienced people from countries such as the United Kingdom and Canada because they know the machinery, understand the work and can be trusted during the most important weeks of the farming year. “You can’t put inexperienced operators in that equipment. “Applications were lodged in early July for workers needed for harvest, yet farmers are still waiting for answers.” Dr Webster said the Coalition supported lower overall migration that housing and infrastructure could sustain, but that required disciplined migration policy, not panicked decisions that punished agriculture. • Editorial, page 11.

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OPEN 7 DAYS

Do you encounter family violence in your work?

We want to hear from you!

CHIFVC is hosting a series of events across the Central Highlands to hear directly from workers about their priorities for improving the local family violence response system.

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Whether you’re a teacher, healthcare worker, specialist or allied professional, we want to hear from you about your experience responding to family violence in the workplace and what you believe would make the biggest difference in your work.

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Wednesday, September 9, 2026

Coalition commits to fixing roads E

BY LAUREN HENRY

ach of Victoria’s 48 rural and regional councils will receive $1.5-million every year for four years in funding for local roads and bridge upgrades, if the Coalition is elected at the state election.

The Liberals and Nationals will reinstate the $288-million Country Roads and Bridges program after Labor abolished the program when it formed government in 2014. Member for Lowan Emma Kealy said the funding would deliver $54-million to nine councils in Lowan, including Ararat and Horsham rural city councils, and Hindmarsh, Northern Grampians, West Wimmera and Yarriambiack shire councils. Ms Kealy said the funding would fix local roads and bridges, taking pressure off council budgets and ratepayers. “People across Lowan have been telling me one thing loud and clear: just fix the roads,” she said. “From the Wimmera and Southern Mallee to the Grampians and southwest, our councils are responsible for thousands of kilometres of local roads and bridges, but they simply don’t have the budgets to keep up. “This funding means more roads fixed, safer travel and less pressure on

councils to increase rates to pay for essential road repairs.” The announcement, made at a Rural Councils Victoria Conference in Swan Hill, comes on top of the Coalition’s $5-billion plan to fix the state’s roads, eliminate one million potholes and re-establish a proper, planned system of preventative road maintenance. Rural Councils Victoria welcomed the Coalition’s commitment. Chair Rob Amos said the announcement aligned with RCV’s long-standing advocacy for increased and sustained investment in local roads as part of its Invest in Rural Victoria campaign and 2026 State Election Platform. “Country roads are critical to rural Victoria. They connect communities, support emergency services, move freight, enable tourism and help businesses operate and grow,” he said. “Untied funding allows local councils to make decisions on improving the local roads and bridges that matter most to their communities.” Cr Amos said the RCV was calling on Ben Carroll and his government to match the commitment and provide bipartisan support for dedicated local roads funding. Regional Cities Victoria, RCV, also welcomed the Coalition’s commitment, with chair Ben Blain saying the

program worked because it trusted local councils to identify local problems and get on with fixing them. “Dangerous intersections, ageing bridges and deteriorating roads could be addressed quickly and practically because the people making the decisions were the people who use those roads every day and know what needs to be done,” Cr Blain said. “Local communities know their priorities better than anyone sitting behind a desk in Melbourne. “If we’re serious about rebuilding our regional road network, programs that empower local action have to be part of the solution.” Cr Blain said the program should complement, rather than replace, the significant additional investment required in Victoria’s state-managed regional road network. “Councils can fix the local roads and bridges they manage, but they can’t fix the highways and arterial roads that are the State Government’s responsibility. That’s why RCV is continuing to call for an additional $2-billion over four years for regional road maintenance and upgrades, above existing road maintenance funding,” he said. RCV has written to the Premier outlining 30 priority roads across Victoria’s 10 largest regional cities that

should be first in line for repairs under Labor’s additional $352-million road maintenance. Cr Blain said the government’s acknowledgement the condition of Victoria’s roads was ‘not good enough’ would mean little unless additional funding translated quickly into crews on the ground fixing the state roads regional Victorians use every day. Of the 30 priority roads in the 10 regional cities, Horsham’s are listed as Horsham-Kalkee Road; Wimmera Highway; and Natimuk-Hamilton Road. Cr Blain said the additional $352-million was finally recognition of the scale of the problem, but it would not undo years of underinvestment in regional infrastructure. “Postponing metropolitan projects so money can be spent fixing the infrastructure Victorians rely on every day is the right priority,” Cr Blain said. “For too long, billions have continued to flow into major Melbourne projects while regional roads have deteriorated and dedicated regional investment has disappeared.” RCV is calling on all parties contesting the state election to commit to a $2-billion Regional Roads Package over four years, providing an additional $500-million a year above busi-

Motorcycle crash

Plenty to celebrate Horsham-based Centre for Participation is among providers celebrating the expansion of the Commonwealth Home Support Program’s, CHSP, funding for an additional two years. Aged-care reforms would have seen the program rolled into the Support at Home program from July 2027 without stakeholders advocating for the 850,000 people using the program. Centre for Participation chief executive Robbie Millar welcomed the announcement. “There is a huge amount of older people who access this service, sometimes only as needed,” he said. “CHSP is really a low-cost entry point to support people to remain independent; entering into a more rigorous aged care system isn’t actually always supportive and is actually quite costly for the government.” The Wimmera branch of the program provides about 250 people

ness-as-usual maintenance funding to fix the regional road network. In an announcement early last week, a re-elected Labor government said it would allocate an extra $352-million to double the number of potholes removed this year. Labor’s plan includes returning state road-maintenance programs back to in-house; implementing a website where people can report road safety issues; making it easier for people to receive compensation when road managers – including governments – fail to maintain roads to standard; give its road-maintenance regions more power to prioritise local repairs; and put minimum-security prisoners to work on fixing roads. Member for Ripon Martha Haylett said work would kick off as soon as possible to fix the system long-term to ensure roads were repaired properly the first time. “I hear it every single day – our roads aren’t good enough. That’s exactly why I’ve been fighting for better road maintenance and repairs,” she said. “Our roads need urgent fixing. I’m glad to see money being taken away from Melbourne projects to fix roads in the regions.”

ONGOING: Centre for Participation staff and volunteers Rianna Valentine, Brad Munday, Jenni Coustley, Bev Pekin, Helen Hawken, Kola Kennedy and Gaie Wheeler celebrate. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER access to non-emergency medical appointments, social activities, shopping assistance, gardening, meals on wheels, and other temporary supports. “It supports people to remain in their homes and live independently,” Mr Millar said. “A lot of our support is getting people from point A to point B in

an accompanied activity where we, often with a volunteer, go and pick up the person, take them to whatever they need to do, support them with the appointment and then take them home. “It’s usually based on needs, which is why we use volunteers a lot for our service delivery because if the need is very low and the person’s quite

mobile, then a volunteer can deliver that service. “Usually once they get to the point where they need a paid worker, they usually need to go into the supported home program because their needs have changed. “Both programs work together quite seamlessly now, and they will continue.”

A motorcyclist died following a crash in St Helens Plains, south-east of Horsham, on Friday. Emergency services were called to Horsham-Lubeck Road after a passerby noticed the crashed bike at about 2.15pm. A search of the area located the rider down a steep embankment and partially submerged in water. The man, believed aged in his 40s from the Horsham area, died at the scene. The time of the incident is unclear, but it is believed the rider lost control and left the roadway crashing metres down the embankment. Horsham Highway Patrol are investigating the circumstances and will prepare a report for the Coroner. Anyone witnesses are urged to call Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit an online confidential report at www.crimestoppersvic.com.au.

Duplication restart The duplication of the Western Highway has restarted, bringing traffic changes between Buangor and Ararat. Motorists can expect reduced speed limits, lane closures and traffic management along the highway between 7am and 6pm weekdays until midnext year.

Reduce your water use

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

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

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

chw.net.au/landsborough-water-treatment-plant Wednesday, September 9, 2026

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Page 5

A FAMILIAR TEAM. A NEW CHAPTER. Experience, Knowledge.

MEET THE TEAM

Professional Service. Termite SOlver is pleased to welcome Declan Olver to the team, joining Steve and Rebekah to form a fully qualified Timber Pest Technician team with more than 30 years of combined experience. For Steve, Bek and Declan, professional termite management is about much more than simply completing a treatment. It starts with understanding the property, identifying risks, clearly explaining the findings and providing customers with knowledgeable advice about options available. From the first call through to inspection, treatment and ongoing management, the Termite SOlver team is committed to providing professional, reliable service and practical advice customers can understand and trust.

Steve Olver

Rebekah ‘Bek’ Pfeiffer

Declan Olver

Timber Pest Technician | Business Operations

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With more than 20 years in the pest management industry, Steve brings extensive practical experience in termite inspection, treatment and management. Steve is committed to professional workmanship, continual learning and providing customers with clear, knowledgeable advice from inspection through to completion.

Bek combines her technical knowledge as a qualified Timber Pest Technician with a strong focus on customer service, communication and business standards. Bek is passionate about continual education and ensuring customers feel informed and supported throughout the entire process.

Declan began his pest management career as a trainee alongside Steve and Bek in 2018 and has since developed strong practical experience across termite and pest management having completed a field biologists course. Now joining the Termite SOlver team, Declan brings a professional, knowledgeable approach and shares the team’s commitment to quality workmanship, reliable service and putting the customer first.

What you can expect from Termite SOlver • Fully Qualified Timber Pest Technicians • Knowledgeable advice from first call through to completion • Professional inspections, reporting and recommendations • A tailored approach – not a one-size-fits-all solution • Continual professional education and industry training • Clear communication throughout the process • Local people who know the Wimmera

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The team actively participates in ongoing industry education and professional development, including: Industry roadshows, technical training and professional pest management seminars. Specialised termite education and training with internationally recognised termite researcher Dr Theo Evans. Ongoing education in termite biology, inspection techniques, treatment methods, products and industry practice. Continue focus on Australian Standards and professional termite management practices.

Experience gives us a strong foundation. Continual education helps us keep building it.

Years of practical experience provide a strong foundation, but the Termite SOlver team believes staying current is just as important. The team have previously been recognised as Australian Pest Managers of the Year through their former business, as well as receiving Wimmera Business of the Year recognition. Today, that same commitment to professional standards continues at Termite SOlver.

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Wednesday, September 9, 2026

Council calls for state intervention BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

orthern Grampians Shire Council will call on state Energy and Resources Minister Jaclyn Symes to overturn fines issued to farmers in the region for denying VicGrid officers access to their properties earlier this year.

At a meeting last week Cr Murray Emerson moved that the council write to Ms Symes and ask her to intervene in the case and immediately withdraw the fines. Cr Emerson’s motion also called for Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, DEECA, authorised officers to be trained in Wimmera-Mallee farming practices and provide a biosecurity plan for accessing farms at least seven days prior to the requested access date. Last month 12 Victorian farmers received $814 fines for preventing VicGrid workers from conducting environmental surveys on their properties as part of a VNI West transmission line project. Cr Emerson labelled the fines ‘a case of injustice’. “I think this is a tragedy for those people who are long-serving farming people within our community and are now being faced with criminal

charges for disallowing access to their privately owned properties,” he said. He said the points of his motion addressing biosecurity concerns were also important. “There are some biosecurity measures in place, but it seems to me that the farming community needs more time to make sure they can be satisfied that people coming onto their farms are trained in regard to what the biosecurity requirements might be during different seasons of agriculture,” he said. “Those seasons being the lambing periods, the harvesting periods – all different periods associated with biosecurity problems that may well be brought onto those farms. “It’s time we stood as a council and supported our community through leadership, through compassion and through fairness to everybody who’s involved in it.” Cr Jenny Greenberger opposed Cr Emerson’s motion, saying while she supported the farmers’ right to protest, they were aware of the consequences their actions would bring. “I believe in the democratic process and in November when the election occurs, there has been an undertaking if there is a change of government

these fines may well be withdrawn,” she said. “But in the meantime I believe they are legally constituted requirements, and everybody was well aware of what was required in regards to the issue that led to these fines. “I do believe in the right to protest and for civil disobedience, and there’s been many occasions I have supported the right to protest – the dam issue in Tasmania, and even back in the 1970s in my case with protests against the Vietnam War. “But if you choose to go down that line, then you pay the consequences, and if there are fines involved then you pay the fines.” Cr Greenberger said the VNI West project, which aims to connect the electricity grids of Victoria and New South Wales to allow for a greater and more stable supply of renewable electricity in both states, would benefit future generations. She said the compulsory acquisition and access laws used by the government were no different to other public infrastructure projects. “The Victorian government is close to now five years in the planning of the transition to renewable energy and the VNI West is critical infrastructure

as part of that transition,” she said. “That transition is to ensure the supply of reliable, affordable power into the future for the whole of Victoria. “These projects are not the only examples of compulsory acquisition. There’s been many examples in the city of compulsory acquisition, including for the replacement of the rail crossings and the Suburban Rail Loop railway. “The previous Denis Napthine Coalition government required the compulsory acquisition of properties – not only houses but also businesses – for the EastLink road.” Cr Greenberger encouraged farmers to work with VicGrid landholder liaison officers if they had concerns about biosecurity threats when workers visited their property. Cr Karen Probst said she had concerns about the impacts of the fines on farmers’ mental health. “They have been under so much stress that I think some of them are close to breaking point, and the imposition of fines might just be that thing that sends them over the line,” she said. “I think working with people and discussing compromises is a much better way to go than raising a stick.

“When it comes to the farmers and compulsory acquisition for transmission lines, it’s affecting not only their home, but their business. And they’re multi-million-dollar businesses. “I think the issue is they’re just not getting listened to, or feel like they’re not getting listened to, particularly in the early stages. “It might be getting better now, but I think the damage was done early on when they weren’t given input into decisions that are going to affect them.” Cr Emerson pushed back on some of Cr Greenberger’s statements. “I too like the democratic process and I abide by it, only when it’s fair and reasonable. This is not fair and reasonable,” he said. “I’m here as a consequence of my community wanting support for a very difficult period they’re going through, as Cr Probst has suggested. “They’re entitled to representation from publicly elected people, and as a result of this motion I’m giving them that entitlement.” The motion passed, with Crs Emerson, Probst, Jack Blake and Justine Hide in favour and Cr Greenberger opposed. Mayor Karen Hyslop was absent for the discussion and vote after declaring a conflict of interest.

Energy park progress

THREE CHEERS: East Grampians Health Service board chair Cam Evans and chief executive Nick Bush celebrate award recognition with staff. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Finalist in state health awards East Grampians Health Service is a finalist in the 2026 Victorian Public Healthcare Awards in the Premier’s Medium Health Service of the Year category. EGHS has been recognised as a leader in rural healthcare through strong and effective leadership, evidenced in its ‘People Matter’ survey results, innovative workforce devel-

opment and exceptional patient outcomes. “We are delighted to receive this recognition, which reflects the dedication, expertise and innovation of our team,” EGHS chief executive Nick Bush said. The awards are an opportunity to celebrate and acknowledge the achievements of Victoria’s healthcare

professionals, volunteers and public health services, with winners announced a gala night on October 14. EGHS has twice won the Premier’s Medium Health Service of the Year, in 2015 and 2016, and has been a finalist in 2017, 2022 and 2023. The health service was also a finalist in general awards, Celebrating a Strong and Sustainable Workforce, in 2025.

The SEC Renewable Energy Park at Horsham has connected to the electricity grid for the first time. The development means the project’s solar farm has moved from mechanical completion into commissioning and energisation, which involves safely connecting the solar farm to the electricity grid, in preparation for operation in 2027. The solar farm component of the project has completed all major construction tasks, including the installation of 212,296 solar panels, a tracker system, a 162.5-tonne transformer, switch room substation and high-voltage infrastructure, cables and earth grid. SEC’s assets executive general manager Lane Crockett said the project’s solar farm panels and a 100-megawatt, two-hour battery system would have the capacity to power more than 51,000 Victorian homes each year. “The SEC Renewable Energy Park – Horsham will be operational in 2027 and play an important role in Victoria’s energy transition,” he said. “It will support the state’s planned retirement of key coal assets, includ-

ing Yallourn, which is scheduled to close in 2028. “What we are marking today is one of the most important milestones on any renewable energy project as it moves from construction to contributing renewable energy to the grid. “Before this stage, a project must complete thousands of installation, construction, and safety activities, which must then pass inspections, testing, and safety checks to ensure they operate correctly and safely.” The solar farm will now proceed through two preparation stages, known as hot commissioning and hold point testing, allowing it to gradually switch on and test different parts of the solar farm, including the substations, transformers, underground cables, inverters, and other electrical equipment. The project’s next steps include preparing for the arrival and installation of the battery energy storage system later this year. More than 400 people have worked on the project to date, including about 20 apprentices and trainees.

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0427 977 336 Page 7

Council aligns policy

head of November’s state election, Horsham Rural City Council has adopted a revised policy that councillors who stand as a state or federal candidate will need to abide by.

Under the Local Government Act 2020, a councillor who nominates for a state or federal election is not legally required to stand down, take leave, or stop performing their councillor duties. It is up to each individual council to put their own policy and guideline frameworks in place. At its August 24 meeting, Cr Angela Munn, in moving the motion for the council to adopt the Councillor Standing as a State or Federal Candidate Policy, noted the supporting Councillor Standing as a State or Federal Candidate Guideline, and authorised the chief executive to make minor administrative amendments to the guideline, provided the amendments do not materially alter the intent or operation of the policy. The council noted the guidelines – rather than adopting them – so they could be updated as required as per governance requirements and legislative requirements. The guidelines, not the policy, states ‘a councillor who formally nominates as a candidate in a State or Federal election should apply for a leave of absence from council commencing no later than the date nominations are lodged with the relevant electoral authority’, meaning they should not attend ordinary or special council meetings; attend delegated committee meetings; represent council at external functions, events or meetings; undertake duties

on behalf of council; or otherwise act in their capacity as a councillor, including returning any equipment or resources. “Where the mayor becomes a candidate in a state or federal election, consideration should be given to whether continued performance of mayoral duties may create actual, potential or perceived conflicts between council responsibilities and election campaign activities,” the guidelines read. A mayor who becomes a candidate is encouraged to consider taking leave from mayoral duties for the duration of the campaign period. “This proposed policy strengthens council’s governance framework, and provides clearer expectations for any councillors who might choose to stand for state or federal office,” Cr Munn said. “Its purpose is to maintain transparency, accountability and public confidence while ensuring council resources and activities remain separate from any election campaign.” Cr Rebecca Sluggett said the policy was important for the council to look at, especially in the lead-up to an election. “I’m very comfortable that any councillor who’s thinking of running as a candidate in either state or federal elections would be able to use this policy and the guidelines to work out how to navigate that and what considerations and expectations they’d have to manage as a councillor,” she said. “While the Local Government Act does not state that a councillor who’s intending to run or has nominated to run as a candidate in any other level

of government must leave or stop acting as a councillor during this time, this policy and guideline state that a councillor should. “This is something that Horsham council has decided. This would ensure that there’s a clear distinction between the two roles, and it helps maintain community trust, good governance, and ensures council resources and contracts aren’t used for personal political gain. “I personally think it’s a good idea to have candidates for these bigger roles coming from local government and it means that many of the state and federal politicians have a greater understanding of local government and the potential impacts of state and federal policies on local government and then communities. “However, I think candidates need to be very careful not to mix the two roles while a candidate and a councillor to ensure they are always doing what’s best for their community that they’re currently representing, not just trying to score votes for winning the proposed election.” The policy was adopted after a review of the previous policy and guidelines, adopted in 2022, identified opportunities to strengthen governance expectations and provide more contemporary guidance regarding the management of actual, potential and perceived conflicts of interest, political neutrality, use of council resources and information, interactions between councillors and officers and broader public confidence considerations. The policy and guidelines align with contemporary Victorian local government best practice.

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CELEBRATION: Hser Wah Po Kyaut, Marie Perry, and Fr Ian Howarth in Horsham’s St John’s Anglican Church, in front of a window named for special guest David Hobson’s grandmother, Lilian Graham.

Honouring a long, faithful legacy The Anglican Parish of Horsham will celebrate 150 years of Christian witness and ministry in the Wimmera next month, with events including a performance by Australian tenor David Hobson. “This is a very special opportunity for me to acknowledge my heritage and help the Wimmera community celebrate 150 years of spirituality,” Hobson said. Tickets are available from the Horsham Town Hall box office for $40 per person, and concessions are available. Other activities from October 16 to 18 include entertainment from Wimmera Voices and Karen Dancers, along with wine tasting and supper for $20. Horsham historian Ian Ballinger will lead a tour of St John’s stained-glass windows on the Saturday; he was in-

strumental in the construction of the church’s ceiling and will speak about the windows’ history, design, and whom they were named after. The weekend will conclude with Bishop Scott Lowrey, Parish Priest Fr Ian Howarth, parishioners, friends and the wider community celebrating the parish’s past and present role in living and sharing the faith of Christ in everyday life. Fr Howarth said the milestone was a wonderful opportunity for parishioners, friends and the wider community to gather, celebrate and honour a long and faithful legacy. For more information about the celebratory events, people can contact Fr Howarth on 0429 826 633.

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Wednesday, September 9, 2026

United across services BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

rampians Health Edenhope and Harrow Bush Nursing Centre have signed a partnership agreement in a bid to expand access to health and support services across the region.

The agreement will see Grampians Health Edenhope support Harrow Bush Nursing Centre to deliver inhome and community-based services. Grampians Health Edenhope campus manager and director of nursing Folasade Obagbemi said the partnership would benefit the communities of Harrow, Edenhope and the wider West Wimmera region. She said demand for community-based aged-care and support services was growing across rural communities, with most older Australians choosing to receive care in their own homes. National data shows about 800,000 Australians access Commonwealth Home Support Program services annually, with demand for home-care services growing in recent years. Ms Obagbemi said a need for home-based support services was greater in the West Wimmera municipality, where the median age is 51 – 13 years higher than the Victorian median age of 38 – according to the Australian Bureau of Statistics. “This partnership is about expanding services and making it easier for people in our communities to access the care and support they need,” she said. “By working together, we can offer a broader range of services and help

PARTNERSHIP: Yujin Lee Care, partner for Support at Home at Harrow Bush Nursing Centre, Grampians Health Edenhope campus manager and director of nursing Folasade Obagbemi and Ann Vaughan, health services manager at Harrow Bush Nursing Centre. people remain living independently in their own homes without needing to travel to larger centres to receive support.” A Grampians Health spokesperson said the partnership was not part of a merger or takeover of Harrow Bush Nursing Centre. “The agreement is a service partnership arrangement that supports the delivery of community-based care across the region,” they said. “Harrow Bush Nursing Centre has been awarded the Australian government’s Support at Home program and approached Grampians Health to provide operational support in delivering services, drawing on our established service capability. “The partnership is focused on

ensuring local communities continue to have access to high-quality, sustainable care close to home. “It enables both organisations to work together to strengthen service delivery while maintaining Harrow Bush Nursing Centre’s independence and its important role within the local community.” Harrow Bush Nursing Centre health services manager Ann Vaughan said the agreement would strengthen the organisation’s ability to support local residents. “This partnership is an exciting opportunity for our community and the people we support,” she said. “In regional areas, collaborations such as this are vital. “By partnering with Grampians

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The state opposition has pledged to provide longer trains on V/Line services across Victoria ahead of November’s election. The Liberal-Nationals coalition pledged to deliver a total of 888 extra seats across the Ararat, Ballarat and Maryborough lines with the addition of four new V’Locity sets, allowing for longer trains. Under the plan announced last week, the Gippsland, north-east, northern, and southwest branches of the V/Line network would each receive five V’Locity sets, adding 1110 seats to their respective capacities. Nationals candidate for Ripon Jo Armstrong said local residents relied on trains for work, school, healthcare and family visits. “We deserve more reliable public transport so regional people can connect easily with appointments, events and stay in touch with others,” she said. “Anyone catching the train from Ballarat knows what it’s like to stand the whole way because the carriage is packed. This plan delivers more seats and more room on the trains our community relies on every day. “Ripon residents have been crying out for better train services and we have listened. Regional Victoria deserves its fair share and under a Nationals and Liberals government, we will direct 25 per cent of infrastructure spending to regional Victoria, up from the current 12 per cent.” Ms Armstrong said she would also advocate to reinstate a Maryborough to Mildura train line via St Arnaud if elected. Shadow Minister for Public Transport Matthew Guy said the plan would boost give regional communities across Victoria better access to reliable public transport. “This is a smart investment across the entire train network, delivering more trains, and more seats for passengers in Melbourne’s west and across regional Victoria,” he said.

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Health Edenhope, we can connect our clients with additional supports including allied health, personal care, domestic assistance and social support services that will help them remain independent and well in their own homes.” In addition to delivering services, the agreement will see Grampians Health Edenhope and Harrow Bush Nursing Centre working together to provide community information and education about available support. Ms Obagbemi said the collaboration reflected a shared commitment to strengthening healthcare accessibility and improving health outcomes in rural communities.

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Boots on ground at Boolah event

ilkur’s Boolah Trial Farm Field Day will showcase its results and observations amid what ABARES forecasts to potentially be a record winter crop.

Released last week, the September Australian Crop Report forecasts Victorian winter crop production to reach 11.3-million tonnes in 2026-27, up 12 per cent on last season and potentially marginally higher than the previous record. However, ABARES is still forecasting average broadacre farm business profit nationally to fall 39 per cent in 2026-27, driven by falling revenue and continued high costs, sharpening the relevance of this year’s field day theme, Margin Matters. Boolah chief executive and co-founder Stuart Tighe said the latest outlook highlighted why profitability needed to be considered alongside production. “A good crop is obviously welcome, but yield is only one side of the equation. What ultimately matters to a farming business is what is left at the end,” he said. “That is why the conversations we are having at the field day are about margin. We will be looking for margin across the whole of the supply chain, where can we be more efficient and what the evidence actually tells us before we make the next investment.” Boolah’s Victorian Trial Farm will be open to the public for the first time; attendees will walk commercial-scale trials under real Victorian broadacre conditions and speak directly with the researchers and businesses behind work spanning soil carbon, biologicals, fertiliser efficiency, crop nutrition and performance.

Several trial farm participants will share results and observations directly from work undertaken at the Wilkur site. Among them, Loam Bio will share results from the first season of its multi-year CarbonBuilder trial, while Omnia Specialities Australia will discuss its three-year Bacstim Seed work examining nutrient-use efficiency, crop performance and return on investment. Other work in the ground is investigating whether new products and biological inputs can help improve input efficiency while maintaining crop performance. Boolah head of research and development Brooke Sauer said having the trial work available to inspect in the paddock gave growers an opportunity to interrogate the results for themselves. “The important part is being able to stand in the crop, look at what has happened and speak directly with the people running the trial,” she said. “Growers can ask what worked, what did not, what it cost and whether the result is relevant to their own soils and farming system. That is where commercial-scale trial work becomes genuinely useful.” The program will also bring farm economics into the conversation, with Agripath Founder Simon Fritsch presenting Managing the Margin Squeeze and UNE soil scientist associate professor Richard Flavel examining how soil constraints, root function, water and nutrient access translate into crop performance and margin. At Wilkur near Warracknabeal tomorrow from 8am to 5.30pm, people can register for the free event at www.boolah.com.au/field-day. Return bus transfers are also available from Horsham, seats are to be reserved in advance.

ACCOLADES: Nikiesha Pilgrim has won recognition in the 2026 Australian Swim Schools Association awards.

Nikiesha national safety champion Goroke’s Nikiesha Pilgrim is this year’s Australian Swim Schools Association, ASSA, National Gold Water Safety Champion, named for her drive to enable children to access swimming lessons. Ms Pilgrim, who manages West Wimmera’s Edenhope and Goroke swimming pools and teaches at Horsham’s Prouse Swim School, said she was also passionate about neurodivergent children engaging in swimming lessons. “Last year I presented for ASSA in Adelaide, which looked at strategies to help work with neurodivergent and anxious children,” she said. “I wanted staff to hear my presentation and have something that could go into their lessons immediately, that could hopefully get these kids more

engaged. This year we went to Melbourne, Sydney, Canberra and Brisbane and we got really good feedback and people asking for in-service training at their swim schools, so off the back of that, I’ll be doing a webinar in November through ASSA.” Ms Pilgrim was also a regional winner and national finalist for ASSA’s Swim Teacher of the Year, with Prouse Swim School highly commended in the regional swim school of the year, water safety, and swim school owner of the year categories. School owner Kerryn Prouse will also attend the Australian Swim Schools and Teachers Association awards next week in Queensland, where she and her school are finalists in swim school of the year, water safety and teacher of the year.

“We won swim school of the year last year, so I guess we’re defending our title,” Ms Prouse said. “It’s good to be recognised in your industry – and for the size of our pool, too, it just goes to show you don’t need to have a multimillion-dollar facility to be able to provide an amazing service.” The school has about 650 students registered at Horsham, with more than 200 enrolled in its Nhill classes. “We start swimming lessons from six weeks of age, with more of an introduction to water and an exercise class for the mum, and we go right through to pre-squad,” Ms Prouse said. “I’m very proud of my team, I have an amazing staff – I couldn’t do what we do without them.”

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LETTERS TO THE EDITOR Sense of inclusion

So often, for me, distance has been a hindrance when contemplating uniting with those protesting a common cause. This time around, I had no qualms about packing up my camper and heading to Marnoo to join the 1000-strong participants at the Farmers Fightback Fundraiser. The ambience was top-notch-countryfied, with the excellent presentation of the grounds, catering and live music bringing a huge contribution to the night’s overwhelming success. Well done, organisers. I’ve got to tell you, it felt good to freely discuss a topic where 999 others were in accord. However, to be able to proudly applaud the resilience of the farmers’ plight through those who have suffered indignities forced upon them by a lousy government’s decisions gave me a sense of inclusion second to none. One Nation’s contribution as guest speakers put the icing on the cake – but that’s another matter. Catherine Selwood Kiata

Schools fodder for politicians

As a teacher, I am tired of politicians using schools as fodder for the latest culture war. Angus Taylor suggesting teachers are ‘pushing agendas’, and Matt Canavan claiming Respectful Relationships is ‘anti-boy’ is insulting and lazy. Respectful Relationships is an evidence-based program teaching consent, healthy relationships, respect and equality. That should not be controversial. A recent Monash University survey of more than 2600 teachers found 78 per cent had witnessed or experienced sexism or misogyny in schools. So while teachers deal with the real effects of Andrew Tate-style misogyny, Canavan suggests teaching boys respect is somehow driving them towards it. Quite the intellectual somersault. Our boys are not harmed by learning empathy, consent and healthy masculinity. These are tools for navigating an increasingly ugly online world. Teachers are not plotting political agendas. They are teaching complex classrooms and trying to help raise decent young people. Debate education policy, absolutely. But bring evidence – not outrage. Our kids deserve a more grown-up conversation. Jess Bowey, Horsham

Farewell and thanks

To my valued patients and the Horsham community. It is with a remarkably heavy heart that I announce my departure from general practice at Horsham Medical Group, effective September 7. Due to binding contractual obligations and restraint of trade terms following a change in the partnership structure, I am no longer legally able to practice medicine within the Horsham area. When I lost my wife, my parents and my brother, navigating that grief was the hardest chapter of my life. In the wake of those immense personal losses, you – my patients – truly became my family. The trust you placed in me, allowing me into your lives during your most vulnerable moments, gave me profound purpose and comfort when I needed it most. I have always been fiercely passionate about rural healthcare development and have been a vocal advocate for bringing better medical resources and training to our region. While my dream of continuing that work here is coming to an unexpected end, my belief in the resilience and deserving nature of rural communities remains unshaken. Leaving Horsham fills me with deep sadness, as I will immensely miss caring for the patients who have loved and supported me like family. However, I leave knowing that you are in capable hands. I have full confidence that the other doctors and the wonderful nursing and administrative staff at the clinic will continue to provide you with excellent, compassionate care in my absence. Your medical records will remain securely at Horsham Medical Group to ensure a smooth transition for your ongoing treatment. Thank you for the profound privilege of being Wednesday, September 9, 2026

your doctor. I wish you all a lifetime of good health, peace, and happiness. With deepest gratitude. Dr Kannan Ramanathan

Pathway for care The coronial finding that a 21-year-old Bendigo man’s death was potentially preventable should stop every Victorian in their tracks. Coroner Ingrid Giles found there had been a serious failure, and that this young man may have survived had he received a mental health assessment after presenting to Bendigo Hospital and discharging himself twice in one day. A family is now left to carry that loss forever. This is not an isolated case. It follows disturbing revelations last week about other young Victorians who have died, and serious questions about whether warning signs are being identified and acted on quickly enough. Five years ago, the Royal Commission into Victoria’s Mental Health System found it had ‘catastrophically failed to live up to expectations’ and the Labor government promised to implement every recommendation. Five years on, key reforms remain incomplete, even as Victorians pay billions through Labor’s Mental Health and Wellbeing Levy. This is not a reflection on our doctors, nurses and mental health workers, who do everything they can in a system Labor has failed to fix. The responsibility sits squarely with the government. We cannot keep learning where the gaps are through coronial findings after another life has been lost. An elected Nationals and Liberals government will get Victoria’s mental health reforms back on track, strengthen accountability and oversight, rebuild the workforce, and ensure care is there when and where people need it. Emma Kealy Member for Lowan and shadow minister for mental health

Potential disaster

he potential disaster caused by the Federal Government’s change to approving working holiday visas could have a very real impact on the grain harvest in the Wimmera and further afield.

In what some were predicting to be ‘the best harvest ever’, due to favourable weather conditions across western Victoria this year, the delay – or in some cases the rejections – of overseas seasonal workers’ visas could be so damaging. And the damage might not just be financial either. The delays or rejections are going to result in those involved in harvesting working extra-long hours – some with minimal training – while the timing of the harvest is likely to drag out. The workers who come from overseas, many who come to Australia each year to work for a couple of months during harvest, are skilled at operating and understanding the multi-milliondollar machinery required. Farmers say the specialised workers are not available in Australia – anyone who is skilled is already employed full-time. The experienced international workers – many from the United Kingdom, Ireland or Canada – are essential to the safe and efficient operation of many businesses, and are often the only option. Warracknabeal farmer James Gregson employs four contract workers from the UK each year. Of the two who were due to arrive this month, one has had his short-stay specialist visa refused. “Last year it worked no worries – this year with exactly the same information, it’s been rejected,” Mr Gregson said. “The other bloke is trying to get a working holiday visa, which six months ago would’ve been approved within 20 minutes. He’s been waiting six weeks for a response. “ So I’m about to go into hay season with zero extra staff. I’ve got two full-timers, local people, but I need the extra staff and they’re just not here.” Mr Gregson said he had tried social media,

EDITORIAL By Lauren Henry

recruiting agencies, agricultural colleges such as Longerenong and Marcus Oldham, but there was no one suitable. He said his family farm had employed overseas workers for the past 42 years. “Even during COVID we got people with travel exemptions and visas to get in, but all of a sudden now that’s not going to work,” he said. Mr Gregson said he was worried about the occupational health and safety issues not having enough staff would cause – and he laid the blame squarely at the government’s feet. He said the visa changes were an ‘ill-conceived, stupid policy decision’. “I just can’t see what the issue is. I’ve got a fully self-contained house for them – they don’t take up anyone’s accommodation. They don’t come out here and have kids and use Medicare like some other people,” he said. “They’re here for two to three months. They’ll work hard. They’ll play hard. They’ll spend all their money they earn here – if they’re not working, they’re at the pub.” But while the government’s policy decisions are debatable – there is no denying the realworld effects of a decision made with no public consultation and little regard to the agricultural industry as many farmers need to start harvest in the next fortnight. “ I’m hoping that we can get them here eventually, but time’s running out,” Mr Gregson said. “To say it’s inconvenient will be the understatement of the century. At the end of the day, if the harvest is not on time, quality drops, productivity drops, Australian taxation income drops, food supply drops, so therefore food prices go up – it’s just affecting everyone.”

Bushfire season preparation Victoria is facing one of its warmest and driest spring outlooks in some time, increasing the risk of an earlier and more active fire season across parts of the state. For Forest Fire Management Victoria, preparing for bushfires is a year-round job. Across parks and forests, our crews work every day to reduce bushfire risk through fuel management, preparedness activities and maintaining the capability to respond quickly when fires occur. This year’s seasonal outlook reinforces why that work is so important. Throughout spring, we will continue working with our emergency-management partners to monitor conditions and undertake fuel-management and preparedness activities in the leadup to summer. We are also preparing our people and equipment for the season ahead so we can respond quickly when and where bushfires occur. With more than 1800 frontline personnel, specialist emergency management staff, firefighting vehicles, heavy machinery and a world-class aerial firefighting fleet, our focus is on detecting, responding to and containing bushfires as quickly as possible to minimise impacts and help keep communities safe. Everyone has a role to play in preparing for the season ahead. Victorians can do their part by having a bushfire plan, downloading the VicEmergency app and staying up to date with Fire Danger Ratings. If you’re visiting parks and state forests, please take extra care with campfires and always know and follow the rules. Together, we can all play a part in reducing bushfire risk and helping keep Victorian communities safe. Visit www.ffm.vic.gov.au more information about how we’re preparing for the bushfire season. Chris Hardman, chief fire officer   Forest Fire Management Victoria

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Nationals back justice reforms T

he Nationals Member for Lowan Emma Kealy and candidate for Ripon Jo Armstrong have backed the party’s planned reforms of the Victorian justice system. Ms Armstrong said the system was failing to meet community expectations, particularly around offences committed by serious offenders while on bail. She said the Coalition would reform the justice system, with plans to: publish anonymised sentencing data, including how sentences compare with maximum penalties; expand the SACStat sentencing statistics website to include Children’s Court sentencing data; allow a Sentencing Advisory Council to independently review sentencing outcomes and report on trends and community expectations; establish a Court of Criminal Appeal to promote greater consistency in criminal sentencing; and strengthen the ability of the Director of Public Prosecutions to appeal inadequate sentences. Ms Armstrong said the moves would bring greater consistency and transparency to the justice system. “Victorians don’t see our justice system responding effectively to serious crime,” she said. “We will provide greater consistency and transparency about sentencing to the community, so people can see that criminals are facing the appropriate consequences of inflicting harm on others.” “People in Ripon deserve a fresh start that restores community safety, and the confidence our justice system is responding to serious crime.”

“Labor has failed us for years, and The Nationals and Liberals have a real plan to tackle crime and restore community safety.” Ms Kealy said the coalition would aim to recruit more police in addition to the justice-system overhaul. “Our local police work incredibly hard to keep us safe, but they cannot be everywhere when there simply are not enough officers to fill the rosters,” she said. “People are installing more cameras, locking sheds and gates, and worrying about whether their car will still be there in the morning. That is not something we should simply accept as the new normal.” Ms Kealy said police access had been reduced across her electorate, with Horsham, Stawell, and Hamilton police stations operating with reduced public-counter hours. Horsham and Stawell are open to the public for eight hours a day, from 10am to 6pm, while Hamilton is no longer a 24-hour public counter. “At a time when people are increasingly worried about crime, the answer cannot be fewer hours at the front door of our local police stations,” Ms Kealy said. “Our police are doing everything they can, but they have been left stretched too thin. “We need more police on the ground so officers can respond to crime, maintain a visible presence in our communities, and keep our local police stations open.” Ms Kealy said the Coalition would recruit 3000 additional Victoria Police officers to fill roster vacancies, as well as reopening police stations that were closed or placed on reduced hours.

WELCOME ADDITION: WHCG Foundation director Sue Frankham, second left, and Blue Ribbon Foundation committee members Jo Foster and Dale Fraser, flanked by doctors Felix Ogbo, left, and Peter Carter, right, pictured with the new ultrasound machine.

Ultrasounds a ‘game-changer’ Wimmera Base Hospital has bought two portable ultrasound machines with money raised by Wimmera Health Care Group Foundation and Blue Ribbon Foundation Horsham branch. The Sonosite LX portable ultrasounds are for Grampians Health’s Horsham campus – one in the emergency department and the other shared between the operating suite and intensive care unit. Grampians Health head of emergency Peter Carter said the machines were a game-changer for the medical teams. “They are new on the market and are better than the devices we use at the Ballarat campus,” he said. “The image clarity is exceptional and they have amazing features like voice-control. For the doctor that means that if required, we can control all aspects of our scanning without having to touch non-sterile parts of the machine.” Dr Carter said the ED team would use the ultrasound machine for many roles in the department. “These might include, for example looking at the heart-muscle movement, lung tissue, liver and gall

bladder. They also use it to locate difficult-to-access blood vessels and nerves,” he said. “For the patient this may often mean a quicker and less uncomfortable procedure.” Grampians Health fractural anaesthetist Mike Rose said the new ultrasound machine in the theatre provided extra capability for anaesthetists to perform nerve blocks for patient comfort. “We now also have a new ability to assess patient heart function before surgery and to place drips and other lines into patients with greater safety and comfort,” he said. WHCG Foundation director Sue Frankham said the collaboration was a first for the two organisations. “We simply could not have done this without each other so it has been a wonderful outcome and I’m just so impressed with the capacity of these ultrasounds,” she said. WHCG Foundation fully funded the ultrasound for the operating suite and ICU and shared a 50-50 payment with the Blue Ribbon team for the emergency department purchase.

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Departs March 18, 2027 RETIRING: Bricklayers Jeff Milton and Hans Schampers are retiring after 53 years each in the trade.

Well-built careers spanning 53 years

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

orsham-based bricklayer Hans Schampers is retiring after 53 years in the industry.

He has built homes across the Wimmera as an independent tradesman since the age of 18, and like a true tradesman, he has had many an opportunity to point out his handiwork while driving around the district. “Especially when the kids were smaller, I’d drive past and say, ‘I remember that house’, and in McIntyre Street, I probably did eight houses there over a period of time,” he said. “I did an apprenticeship with Perc Coutts, which started in 1973. We camped out a lot because he did a lot of commercial buildings, banks and schools, throughout the state. “I was 15 and living in a pub, which wasn’t ideal, but I got through. In the end, Dad said I should have a go by myself and that’s where it started. “On my first job I was just shaking like a leaf.” At the age of 18, Mr Schampers made the major purchase of a $75 wheelbarrow and traded in his fancy car for an old work ute. “That knocked my pride in a bit, but anyway,” he said. Working on his own, he said it took about six weeks to build a house. “The hard task is when you come on a job and you see eight or nine thousand bricks sitting there and you know you have to deal with every one of them,” he said.

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“But once you get your first wall up, then you’re away. You get paid by the brick, so the rules are fairly simple – you do bugger all, you get paid bugger all, so it’s up to you, you’ve got to put the hours in.” Mr Schampers worked alongside Jeff Milton in the 1980s; the pair qualified about the same time, when payment was about 20 cents a brick, and will both retire after bricking is complete on their current John Street house. Mr Schampers asked Mr Milton to help on his final project, where payment is about $2 a brick. “Originally, I had to do this by myself, but I had leg issues, and there’s no way I could have finished it by myself,” Mr Schampers said. Mr Milton worked around Casterton and Coleraine before moving to Horsham where he worked for Mr Coutts and then Locks Constructions. “I have had one knee done, and I have just seen the surgeon to get the other one done, so I will finish up then,” Mr Milton said. Mr Schampers said he has enjoyed his career – where the only major change in technology and strategy was the purchase of a brick cutter – but it was time to finish. “I’ve enjoyed it, but I am sick of it now,” he said. “I couldn’t see myself sitting around the house five days a week – I’d like to work a couple of days with someone else, not brick-related. “It’s been good, but the time has come. Once the weather gets a bit better, we’ll be able to go fishing, and do all the things we used to do.”

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Interactive swooping bird map Magpies and other swooping birds are entering their breeding season, and the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, DEECA, is offering some safety tips for people while out and about. DEECA Wildlife Emergencies and Welfare Services manager Tony English said swooping occurred during the breeding season for some native birds. “Swooping is a natural and temporary behaviour that some native birds use to protect their eggs and chicks during the breeding season,” he said. “Swooping is their way of telling you to keep your distance.” Mr English said while being swooped could feel unsettling, it was rare for birds to make contact, with incidents occurring in urban and rural areas, including parks, gardens, playgrounds, roadsides and shared walking and cycling paths. He said some birds within a species were more aggressive than others. “The presence of magpies or other birds comWednesday, September 9, 2026

monly associated with swooping does not necessarily mean you will be swooped,” he said. “The behaviour is usually short-lived and ends once young birds have left the nest.” People can reduce the risk of being swooped by avoiding known swooping hotspots; moving quickly and calmly through the area rather than running; wearing protective head and eye coverings when needed; avoiding harassing birds, which can increase defensive behaviour; and not feeding birds or disturbing nests. People can help others stay informed by reporting swooping incidents to Victoria’s interactive swooping bird map at www.wildlife.vic.gov.au/ managing-wildlife/swooping-birds. All native wildlife is protected under Victorian law. Harassing, harming or disturbing native birds and other wildlife is illegal and penalties apply. Anyone who witnesses wildlife crime, including the harassment, harm or disturbance of native wildlife, can report it to Crime Stoppers Victoria on 1800 333 000.

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Father’s day

Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

ALL SMILES: The Weekly Advertiser joined families at two events celebrating Father’s Day – the annual Wimmera Against Cancer in Kids, WACK, Father’s Day Car and Bike Show at Horsham Plaza on Sunday, which attracted 130 vehicles and raised $3132, and the inaugural Grampians Barbecue Festival, in its debut year at Halls Gap, from Friday to Sunday. Pictured out and about are, clockwise from above: Ali, Emily, Andrew, Annabelle and Natalie Gregor; Amelia and Jack Rasmussen with the family drift car; Elli Foley, Jude Lee and Nick Saner shelter from the rain at the Halls Gap festival on Saturday; Lucas Puls, Hailey Puls and Pat Lattanzio; Ian Day and Greg Roberts; Russell and Fiona Mitchell; and Nick, Pippa and Evie Dean with Mackenzie Moar.

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he Victorian Farmers Federation’s Making our Farms Safer Project is partnering with Real Skills Ag Training to deliver a series of practical, safety-focused preharvest workshops across regional Victoria.

There will be five VFF-funded workshops, to be delivered by Troy Smith of Real Skills Ag Training, with sessions planned for Lake Bolac and Donald between September 21 and 24. Harvest is traditionally one of the most dangerous times of the year, with increased machinery and traffic, seasonal and inexperienced workers, time pressure and fatigue, elevated fire risk and grain-handling hazards all converging during a short and demanding period. VFF president Ryan Milgate said the workshops would give farmers, growers and their teams practical tools to manage risks before the pressure of harvest begins. “Harvest is one of the busiest and most demanding times on the farm, and that’s when small risks can quickly become serious incidents,” he said. “These workshops are about making sure farmers, growers and their teams are prepared before the pressure hits and knowing where the risks are, communicating clearly and making sure everyone goes home safely at the end of the day. “I saw an immediate change in how we operate on our own farm after attending a previous pre-sowing workshop. It wasn’t just ticking a box, it changed the way we talk about risk every day.

“I saw an immediate change in how we operate on our own farm after attending a previous pre-sowing workshop. It wasn’t just ticking a box, it changed the way we talk about risk every day”

– Ryan Milgate

“Given the workshops are being held on the school holidays it’s an excellent opportunity to bring the whole family along. “It’s never too early to build good habits, and having the whole family and farm team on the same page is critical when harvest gets busy.” Sessions will focus on practical safety issues relevant to real farm conditions, including machinery and operations: headers, augers, chaser bins, trucks, tractors and entanglement risks; fire prevention and response: risk factors, prevention, detection and response; powerline safety: awareness and emergency response; fatigue and human factors: managing hours and decision-making; traffic management: coordinating machinery, trucks and contractors; grain handling and storage: silo and auger safety and confined-space risks; environmental conditions: dust, low visibility, heat and dehydration; and emergency preparedness: response planning and communication. Farmers, growers, workers and contractors are encouraged to book a place by visiting form. jotform.com/262167900560859.

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STOREWIDE Dear Horsham and Wimmera residents,

GOAL: Centre For Participation chief executive Robbie Millar with chickpeas for the Wimmera Food Security Distribution Service. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Calling farmers for donations The Wimmera Food Security Distribution Service, WFSDS, is calling on farmers to donate lentils, chickpeas and field peas to help turn locally-grown produce into thousands of nutritious meals for people with food insecurity. WFSDS is a program of the Centre for Participation, a registered not-for-profit community organisation based in Horsham that services communities across the Wimmera. Through its community partners, WFSDS provides food at no cost to more than 16 community groups across the region, including communities from Ararat and Donald through to Kaniva and Edenhope. About 1200 meals are distributed each week to individuals and families experiencing increasing pressure from cost-of-living and rising food prices. The service has been supported by organisations including SecondBite/FareShare and Geelong Foodshare, which have provided donated food and funding to help purchase fresh produce from local wholesalers. The Wimmera appeal is seeking donations of 500kg to 1000kg bulka bags of lentils, chickpeas Wednesday, September 9, 2026

or field peas, with an initial goal of securing eight bulka bags, which could help contribute about 56,000 meals. Centre for Participation chief executive Robbie Millar said the Wimmera was one of Australia’s great food-producing regions. “We have an opportunity to use some of what is grown here to make a real difference,” he said. “We’re asking local farmers to consider donating a small portion of their crop. “One bulka bag can contribute to about 7000 healthy meals, so even a single donation can have an enormous impact.” WFSDS has organised the logistics, transport and cleaning processes required to handle donations; farmers simply need to provide the product, with bulka bags supplied if required. Farmers interested in donating are encouraged to contact Costa Di Biase at Centre for Participation, 39 Urquhart Street, Horsham, of by phone on 5382 5607. People can find more information on the Centre for Participation website. – Bronwyn Hastings www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

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Live4Life grows education BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

eadspace Horsham and Live4Life will introduce Live4Life’s rural program to embed mental-health education in the community.

Aiming to build a resilient community, the program relies on steering committee members, instructors and crew support members across a number of years to establish, adapt and deliver in its community. Headspace manager Kate Waterworth said an information session next week would outline the program’s purpose and roles. “There’s lots of different opportunities and so there are different ways people can be involved,” she said. “We will host a community information session to share what Live4Life is about and where the need for it comes from, but it’s also a call to gather the people who will help deliver it in our community for years to come.” Ms Waterworth said the program’s elements included mental-health first aid training, crew support, and destigmatising and promoting good mental-health. “It’s about putting that training into practice and recognising it takes a village to raise a family and it takes a village to support people,” she said. “A community is made up of different people and how we all work together and support each other shows how resilient our community is. “Live4Life is about building resilient individuals, but also resilient communities.”

Headspace community awareness and engagement leader Trina Gloury said the program’s three-year timeline recognised addressing mental-health was not a quick-fix. “It’s about long-term supports and creating meaningful impact for our young people who are going to grow into young adults and adults, and making sure our whole community is really well supported to be there for them in those moments of need too,” she said. “Live4Life is about bringing it to our Horsham community, inviting passionate community members, but also trusted and identified community members to be a part of this. “It’s bringing it to not just young people, but to the adults and young people’s lives and our wider community in the continued way of normalising these conversations around mental health. “If we can bring this to everyone, then these conversations can happen so much sooner, and people can get back to thriving in the ways that they want to, as well.” The September 16 information session is at Horsham Church of Christ from 10am to 11.30am; optional registration can be made at form.jot form.com/261968162825063.

Scheduled walk

Horsham’s World Suicide Prevention and Mental Health Awareness Walk will leave the corner of Roberts Avenue and Ward Street at 5.15pm tomorrow. It will end at the Sawyer Park soundshell, where there will be

DRIVERS: From left, Headspace Horsham manager Kate Waterworth, mental-health counsellor Akshika Sharma and community awareness and engagement team leader Trina Gloury will help bring the Live4Life program to the region. Picture: BRONWYN HASTINGS guest speakers, a free sausage sizzle, Cinema, Barkly Street, from 7pm on mental-health services, and a presen- Friday. tation featuring people’s loved ones People are invited to see either Enwho have died by suicide. joy Spa Weekend, Mutiny or The End Ararat Town Hall will be illuminated of Oak Street, bring a partner, family in teal and purple for World Suicide member, friend or colleague, and take Prevention Day tomorrow, and then the opportunity to check in. light up yellow on Friday for R U R U OK? merchandise and informaOK? Day. Ararat police, with support from Ar- tion on starting conversations – and arat Rural City Council and the Astor responding to difficult answers – will Cinema Ararat, invite the community be available. Drinks and snacks can be to a free movie night at the Astor purchased on the night.

Strengthening communities

Natimuk, Donald and Hopetoun communities will share in more than $1-million granted to not-for-profit groups in the Foundation for Rural and Regional Renewal Strengthening Rural Communities grant program. In total, $1,025,724 will go towards 71 community-led projects valued at more than $2.4-million. In line with FRRR’s strategy, funding is directed primarily to remote, very remote and underserved rural communities. Donald and District Pastoral and Agricultural Society received $10,000 for the Donald Show rural health and wellbeing hub, which promotes physical health and supports ageing well in a rural region impacted by drought, rising cost-of-living and financial uncertainty. Hopetoun and District Neighbourhood House will use $6500 for its Active Hopetoun: community gym equipment upgrade project, aiming to enhance health and social wellbeing in a remote community by updating a gym station with fit-for-purpose equipment. Arapiles Community Theatre was granted $5300 for Natimuk Creates!, which aims to engage the community in the arts and foster social connection through artist-led workshops while building resilience following the Natimuk fires. FRRR’s granting head Jill Karena said backing local ideas and strengthening smaller, more isolated communities was at the heart of the program. People can visit the FRRR website, frrr.org.au, to find more information on eligibility and funding.

Firewood season opens Ararat digital hub to thrive

People can collect free firewood for personal use from state forest collection areas from now until November 30. Forest and Fire Management Victoria, FFMVic, deputy chief fire officer Michael Condon encouraged firewood collectors to familiarise themselves with changes to firewood collection in the Grampians region. Mr Condon said free firewood could be collected from 21 designated firewood collection areas in state forests in the Grampians region. “Firewood for domestic use from state forests comes from naturally fallen trees and by-product from forest and fire management works. As a result, the amount that is available will vary.” Mr Condon said people who relied on firewood for heating and cooking should plan for their needs early and organise their collection, with maps available at www.ffm. vic.gov.au/firewood. Financial assistance is available for people on low incomes who buy firewood: www.ffm.vic.

gov.au/firewood/energy-concession-and-support. “People can collect up to two cubic metres per person per day with a maximum of 16 cubic metres per household per financial year as long as they collect from designated firewood collection areas during a firewood season,” Mr Condon said. “Most people do the right thing by sticking to the collection limits and following the rules, but people should know authorised officers patrol state forests and can issue on-the-spot fines of up to $814 to those caught breaking the firewood collection rules.” If prosecuted in court, more serious offending can result in maximum penalties of $10,175 and-or 12 months in prison. Authorised officers can also seize chainsaws, trailers, vehicles, and equipment used in firewood offences. People can find out more by visiting www. ffm.vic.gov.au/firewood or by calling 136 186. Suspected illegal firewood collection can be reported to Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000.

Ararat Rural City Council is stepping up its efforts to position the region as a premier destination for remote workers, announcing new promotional partnerships for the Ararat Digital Hub and Co-Working Space. The state-of-the-art facility will feature in Grampians Wimmera Mallee Tourism’s upcoming visitor guide, set for publication by October, alongside new promotion through Ararat Visitor Information Centre. The campaign marks the completion of an initiative under the council’s annual plan, aimed at highlighting the precinct to tourists, corporate travellers and lifestyle movers looking to blend work and leisure in the region. Housed within the Federation University campus on Laby Street, the Ararat Jobs and Technology Precinct, AJTP, co-working space is a modern, flexible office environment within easy walking distance of the central business district, bus routes and local amenities. Features include: hot desks, fixed electric

stand-up desks and six dedicated quiet workstations; soundproof phone booths for private calls, small meeting rooms and a larger multi-purpose space seating up to 30 people for group workshops and corporate events. The hub also has high-speed Wi-Fi, presentation and teleconferencing equipment, 3D printers and office printing hardware; kitchen facilities, an espresso machine, communal lounge areas and parking. The precinct serves local remote workers, exam-studying students, business professionals and parents working flexibly. Workspaces are available by appointment from 9am to 5pm on weekdays, while people can book desks and small meeting rooms at no cost. To check availability or book a desk, people can visit www.spacetoco.com/space/araratvic-laby-street-co-working-space or contact Melanie Roberts on 5355 0215 or via email at labystreetcoworkingspace@ararat.vic.gov.au.

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

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Wednesday, September 9, 2026

Holistic teaching grows results BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

orsham West and Haven Primary School and Dimboola Memorial Secondary College are among schools celebrating their annual National Assessment Program – Literacy and Numeracy, NAPLAN, test results – and the practices that help achieve those results.

Horsham West campus assistant principal Cam Weston said the school outperformed similar schools in all four areas – reading, writing, conventions of language, and numeracy. He said the school’s consistent structured literacy, explicit instructions and routines allowed for easy transitions across the school. “It comes down to our literacy and the work we do in Foundation, yearone and year-two with our phonics, and building that reading ability in the students so they are able to access the questions,” he said. “The year-five numeracy test is almost a literacy test – if they can’t read, it’s hard for them to access those questions.” Mr Weston said the school focused on restorative practices instead of punitive punishment, partnering with Real Schools to create a safe and supportive environment for students. “We’re giving them the skills to be able to regulate their emotions, deal with conflict, and connect and create relationships,” he said. “We can see that coming through, the students are starting to be able to have those conversations with each other, which has been very positive. It

“We’re giving them the skills to be able to regulate their emotions, deal with conflict, and connect and create relationships”

– Cam Weston, right

creates that environment where people are able to learn and succeed as well.” DMSC principal Charlotte Pyers also cited explicit teaching as key for sustained learning growth, which was reflected in its NAPLAN results. The college’s year-nine cohort outperformed state, network and similar schools, achieving high or medium growth in reading, writing, spelling, numeracy, and grammar and punctuation. Ms Pyers said the college was celebrating its success, a result of cross-curricular explicit literacy and numeracy teaching. “We have a whole-school two-year rotation – in 2024 and 2025, our priority was numeracy,” she said. “All the classes, in the junior years in particular, focused on implementing and teaching numeracy in their classes, regardless of what class it was. “Two years before that, 2022 and 2023, we had two years of writing. We are currently now in a two-year cycle of reading.” Ms Pyers lamented that children were not inclined to read as much as their previous generations. “Even though our reading growth data was good, we want to continue this because we recognise that reading is just something children are not

inclined to do as much anymore,” she said. “At the end of the day, I think the key is explicit teaching – you can’t just pretend they’re going to learn how to spell without explicitly teaching it.” Ms Pyers said the college taught Respectful Relationships program, also in the restorative relationships vein. “We have done it for many years – that’s more about culture and social context than academic results, but it all ties in together,” she said. National NAPLAN results showed

both improvements – there is an increased number of students meeting proficiency standards – and areas requiring attention. There are about 29,000 more students in the ‘exceeding’ category compared with 2023, and about 1600 fewer students rated as ‘needs additional support’.

New check roll-out

The results also show gains were not repeated for students in yearthree, where the average numeracy score was the lowest since 2023. Aus-

tralian Curriculum, Assessment and Reporting Authority, ACARA, chief executive Stephen Gniel said their test was the only national assessment that showed how students were progressing in literacy and numeracy across time using a national, objective scale. He said a drop in year-three numeracy results was concerning. “Education ministers are addressing this through a range of measures including the rollout of the national year-one numeracy check,” he said. ACARA is also playing its part by reviewing the foundation to year-two mathematics curriculum at the direction of education ministers to ensure our youngest learners get the strong grounding in mathematics and numeracy they need to succeed in their education and later in life.” Mr Gniel reminded parents and carers of the importance of NAPLAN results being used in the right way. “NAPLAN is not a pass or fail test – and it shouldn’t be used as a proxy for school entrance exams,” he said. “It’s a point-in-time test that helps us understand students’ strengths and areas for development, and is one aspect of a school’s assessment program.” To access the full 2026 NAPLAN national results, including information about the socio-educational profile of each jurisdiction, people can visit www.acara.edu.au/naplanresults. People can also take a practise test at www.nap.edu.au/naplan/ public-demonstration-site.

Map shows expanded bike network Council seeks speed change Ararat Rural City Council has released a comprehensive new map detailing the municipality’s updated bicycle network, allowing residents and visitors to navigate the town on two wheels. The map release follows an expansion of Ararat’s bike paths by nearly 10 kilometres. Designed to improve local connectivity and accessibility, the new map, which is available to download for free on the Ararat Rural City Council website, shows the full network of bike paths alongside the newest dedicated lanes. Newly constructed and upgraded pathways now span Elizabeth, Queen, Gordon, Wilson, Lowe, Grano and Blake streets.

The updated routes aim to create safer links between the central business district and community precincts including Gordon Street Recreation Reserve and Alexandra Oval, and are designed to offer protected, accessible transport options for cyclists of all confidence levels. The expansion was guided by the council’s Ararat on the Move strategy and supports a municipal public health and wellbeing plan 2025-29 that prioritizes safe, active transport and modern recreational facilities across the municipality. Mayor Bob Sanders said the project was jointly funded through a $266,000 grant from the Federal Government’s Active Transport Fund and a $133,000 investment from the council.

“Whether you are planning your daily commute or exploring the newly connected routes along Elizabeth, Queen or Gordon streets, this map is a great tool to make traveling around Ararat safer and more accessible,” he said. “Linking our CBD directly to key sports hubs like Alexandra Oval and the Gordon Street Recreation Reserve is a major win for our entire community.” Residents can download the new bike lane map by visiting www.ararat.vic. gov.au/services/visit-ararat/activitiestourscopy or pick up a physical copy at the council’s Vincent Street municipal offices.

Hindmarsh Shire Council is seeking approval from the Department of Transport and Planning to reduce the speed limit on Nhill’s Winiam East Road at the Western Highway intersection. It proposes reducing the limit from 80 kilometres an hour to 60 kilometres an hour on a 250-metre section after raising safety concerns for the five-leg intersection of Winiam East Road, Rethus Drive, and the Western Highway service roads. The proposal also includes rumble strips on Rethus Drive to alert approaching drivers to the intersection and reinforcing a requirement to give way, as well as installation of 50-kilometre-an-hour signage in

Rethus Drive to remind road users of the existing speed limit. The council has consulted businesses near the intersection, and the Department of Transport and Planning has provided in-principle support for the proposed treatments. Hindmarsh Shire Mayor Ron Ismay said the application would not change the speed limit. “The Department of Transport and Planning will assess the application and approve proposed changes,” he said. “Council will advise the community before any approved change is implemented.”

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

s the Horsham Agricultural Society celebrates 150 years in 2026, its survival is perhaps as remarkable as its longevity.

Just over a decade ago, the organisation was facing a very different future. In 2015, financial distress prompted two crisis meetings as the society considered how it could continue. The loss of Horsham’s traditional show day public holiday had made the midweek Horsham Show increasingly unviable, while maintaining the society’s land and ageing buildings was becoming difficult. With Saturdays already occupied by other shows on the Wimmera agricultural show circuit, Horsham broke with tradition and moved its show to a Sunday. It was one of the first significant decisions in what would become a much broader transformation of the society. But saving the show alone wasn’t going to save the society. Attention turned to Maydale Reserve, the section of the Horsham Showgrounds gifted to the society by the May family in 1915. Working bees breathed new life into the grounds and old agricultural buildings began to be repurposed rather than simply maintained. The establishment of the community garden, financially supported by GJ Gardner Homes and developed with students from St Brigid’s College, helped demonstrate what was possible. Maydale Reserve hosted its first wedding reception in 2017. A year later, former and now

Horsham Ag Society

150 YEARS by Andrea Cross

current president Dalton Cross and his wife Shannon became the first couple to hold their wedding ceremony at the reserve. Those early celebrations helped reveal that the rustic sheds, gardens, river frontage and agricultural history of Maydale Reserve were not liabilities. They were assets. Opening the reserve to weddings, functions, community events and private hire provided the year-round income the society desperately needed. A decade later, the contrast is significant. An organisation once largely reliant on an annual agricultural show, two ram sales and income from long-term tenants now operates a busy community and events precinct while continuing its traditional agricultural activities. Its calendar now includes the Horsham Show, Horsham Horse Show, Wimmera Merino Sheep Show, 150km Feast and SMOKE on the Water alongside weddings, functions, festivals, community events and venue hire. Maydale Reserve has also served as an emergency base camp during major regional fires, demonstrating its broader value to the community. The Horsham Show remains at the heart of the Society, but the past decade has shown that preserving a 150-year-old organisation required more than preserving its history. It required finding new ways to use it.

OFFICIAL: Ararat Rural City Mayor Bob Sanders presents a citizenship certificate and native tree to Judith Ratana.

Ararat welcomes new citizens Ararat Rural City Council welcomed 16 new Australian citizens with an official ceremony at Alexandra Oval Community Centre on Wednesday last week. Family, friends, councillors and community members gathered to witness conferees from eight different countries pledge their commitment to Australia and take their final step in becoming citizens. The new citizens originated from the Philippines, New Zealand, Malaysia, Scotland, Taiwan, Vietnam, the United States and the United Kingdom. Mayor Bob Sanders officiated the ceremony and highlighted the importance of the occasion for the region. “Citizenship ceremonies are among the most Wednesday, September 9, 2026

special events on our council calendar,” he said. “It is always inspiring to see people from all over the world choose to call Ararat home. “Becoming an Australian citizen marks a major milestone, and we are proud they have chosen to make this community their own. “Australia welcomes you as a full member of one of the most diverse nations on Earth, where our citizenship is a bond that unites us all. “Today, your new nation says to you, welcome home.” The ceremony featured an official pledge of commitment, the presentation of citizenship certificates alongside a native tree for each recipient, and a formal welcome from the council, which extended its congratulations to all 16 new citizens.

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Wednesday, September 9, 2025

Environmental online hub launch

“Preserving our rich biodiversity and equipping our community with the tools to tackle environmental challenges is a top priority for council”

rarat Rural City Council has launched a series of webpages designed to showcase and protect the region’s unique local environment.

The new online hub provides residents and visitors with detailed information on Ararat Rural City’s nature and biodiversity, highlighting native flora and fauna as well as local waterways. In addition to celebrating the region’s natural beauty, the site offers practical advice to assist landholders in managing agricultural threats, pests and invasive weeds. Community members can also access downloadable brochures featuring imagery and guidebooks on native plants and wildlife. The portal also outlines the council’s climate adaptation and sustainability initiatives. Mayor Bob Sanders said sustainability was embedded in the council’s procurement policy to ensure environmental impacts were prioritised when purchasing any goods or services. Council adaptation projects highlighted include: transitioning council vehicles to electric power; working to increase tree canopy cover to 30 per cent across all major townships; and

– Bob Sanders

installing an energy-backup system at Pomonal Community Hall, funded through the Central Victorian Greenhouse Alliance’s Powering Resilience in the Regions project and supported by the Victorian government’s 100 Neighbourhood Batteries program. “Preserving our rich biodiversity and equipping our community with the tools to tackle environmental challenges is a top priority for council,” Cr Sanders said. “This new online hub serves as a central resource for everyone, from local farmers managing livestock to families eager to learn more about our region’s unique plants and wildlife.” To explore the new web pages and download a copy of the local flora and fauna brochures, people can visit www.ararat.vic.gov.au/ environment.

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GRATEFUL: East Grampians Health Service’s Building for the Future Foundation chair David Hosking presents a scholarship to EGHS chief medical imaging officer Sabrina Lewicki.

Gifting a lasting legacy Family bequests given to the East Grampians Health Service Building for the Future Foundation are being used to meaningfully give back to the community and contribute towards the future for the health service and its staff. The foundation is a charitable trust established in 2009 with the purpose of providing funding for staff development, special purpose projects and equipment for East Grampians Health Service. The trust is governed by seven independent trustees who manage the assets and the distribution of funding for the benefit of the health service. The current trustees include chair David Hosking, vice-chair Graeme Foster, Geoff Laidlaw, Jill Tivey, Heather Fleming and EGHS board directors Sybil Abbott-Burmeister and Megan Shea. Mr Hosking said the foundation funded educational scholarships to staff, assisted with purchasing equipment and funded large-scale projects. The foundation currently manages assets of more than $7.5-million, comprising an investment portfolio and some leased farmland, and consults a financial planner for advice on investment holdings. Since 2010, the foundation has distributed $1,280,066: $536,650 for large capital items including $200,000 for a new CT scanner, $100,000 for roof replacement and $50,000 Wednesday, September 9, 2026

for the renovation of the birthing suite, with the remainder for education disbursements. The foundation annually offers scholarships up to the value of $125,000 to staff to enhance and develop their knowledge and learn new skills, thereby ensuring quality of care for the community well into the future. Since its inception, the foundation has allocated 83 scholarships including foundation scholarships along with Laidlaw Family and Epworth Foundation scholarships. Mr Hosking said a donation to the foundation via a person’s Will ensured the future of East Grampians Health Service. “The foundation is looking to attract family bequests donated to the Building for the Future Foundation,” he said. “One way of doing this would be to consider donating a percentage of a person’s estate to the foundation. “This would be a great way to remember a loved one and have them acknowledged annually and make an ongoing contribution to the community. “If you choose to donate or leave the foundation a gift in your Will, you can be assured it will be of immense value to the health service.” Anyone who would like to consider leaving a donation or lasting legacy in their Will can contact the foundation via buildingforthe future@eghs.net.au or phone 5352 9300 and one of the trustees will be in contact.

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All things Grevillea at show

rarat Rural City’s biggest gardening event of the year, the Pomonal Native Flower Show, returns with Pomonal Community Hall to come alive with flowers on the first weekend in October.

Hosted by the Australian Plant Society Grampians Group, APSGG, the annual show highlights a vibrant array of native Australian flora. Visitors can enjoy expert advice, special guest speakers, market stalls, plant and book sales, and refreshments. This year’s show puts the spotlight on all things Grevillea. The weekend program is packed with inspiration for garden enthusiasts.

Conservationist and horticulturist Neil Macumber will explore small grevilleas for home gardens, while native flora and fauna enthusiast Dave Binch will share practical tips for building wildlife-friendly habitats. Attendees can also take part in an interactive, hands-on Grevillea grafting demonstration. “Events like this are what make our region so special. It’s fantastic to see our local community and visitors come together to celebrate our unique native flora, and focusing on grevilleas this year is going to bring so much life to gardens across the municipality,” Ararat Mayor Bob Sanders said. “Whether

you’re an experienced gardener or just looking for a great day out with expert advice and market stalls, there’s something for everyone.” The show will open from 9am to 4pm on October 3 and 4, with tickets $5, and free for children. Open gardens will also be hosted at Phillip Vaughan’s Australian Plants Garden at 3322 Ararat-Halls Gap Road, Pomonal on October 3 and 5, from 11am; and Gariwerd Endemic Botanic Garden at WAMA on both days from 1pm, with a special $10 entry to exhibition ‘Garden Sanctuary: Visions of Australian flora’. The timetable of speakers are:

Saturday, October 3 – 11am: conservationist and horticulturalist Neil Marriott, small grevilleas for the garden; 1pm: Grevillea study group leader Peter Olde on saving Hakea. A revision of Grevillea and the recognition of new genera; 2.30pm: Dave Binch, a wildlife-friendly garden using grevilleas and other local native plants. Sunday, October 4 – 11am: Peter Olde – How the study groups can advance knowledge about grevilleas; 1pm: Dave Binch, Grevillea grafting demonstration; 2.30pm: Neil Marriott – Grampians’ grevilleas.

Big Rigs Clan Kaniva bound West Wimmera Shire Council will ‘roll out the welcome mat’ when the Big Rigs Clan meets in Kaniva during next year’s Easter long weekend. The council has granted permission for about 40 large recreational vehicles, each up to 19 metres in length, to stay at the town’s recreation reserve free of charge. The Big Rigs Clan, a national group comprising owners and operators of large, converted buses and motorhomes, travel extensively throughout Australia. Deputy mayor Helen Hobbs said it was a brilliant use of the facilities. “We certainly need to be rolling out the welcome mat and looking at what we can do,” she said. “The thing with all these events is when you look at that multiplication factor – it’s 40 big rigs, but two people per big rig, potentially at least, by five days, so you’re looking at some significant dollars that are coming into your town. “It supports community groups, it supports businesses, it’s a no-brainer.”

Art grants open Artists aged between 16 to 30 years and who have a disability can apply for the annual Stella Young Award, which carries a grant of $3000. Eligible people are those who meet the criteria and have made an impact through their practice of comedy, performing arts or screen culture. For more information people can visit www.artsaccess.com.au/stella-young-award-2026. Applications close on Monday. The program honours the memory of Arts Access Victoria collaborator, Stawell-born Stella Young.

Tobolov joins health board Rural Northwest Health has welcomed Shannon Tobolov to its board of directors. Ms Tobolov is an experienced non-executive director and consultant with more than 20 years’ experience leading strategy, service redesign and digital transformation across the health, education and social services sectors. With a background as an occupational therapist, Ms Tobolov brings frontline clinical experience in hospitals, aged care, and rehabilitation together with deep expertise in human-centred design, service innovation, customer experience and technology-enabled transformation. Ms Tobolov currently provides independent consulting services and serves as a non-executive director of Life Without Barriers and CVGT Employment. She said she was committed to strengthening community services and improving outcomes for individuals and families and looked forward to contributing her experience to the health service.

Hindmarsh fun

UNITED: Left, Matilda Hallam and Merlene Wellington, and above, Betty Turnbull and Cameron during a gathering at Rural Northwest Health’s Hopetoun campus.

Intergenerational programs bring joy Rural Northwest Health’s Hopetoun aged-care residents were treated to multiple visits from some of the community’s youngest members last week, as part of ongoing intergenerational programs at the campus. Hopetoun Pre-School returned to the campus for a special visit filled with painting, songs and dancing. The activities culminated in artwork created together by residents and students, which will go on display at the Powerhouse Exhibition in September. RNH Hopetoun leisure and lifestyle assistant Norma Decker said the painting event was an important way to bring joy to residents across the facility. “Our residents love to spend time with younger members of the community and to get creative,” she said. “This event was an important op-

portunity for them to combine two things they dearly love.” Later in the week, Hopetoun P-12 students visited for a special Book Week parade, with aged-care staff and residents embracing the occasion by dressing up. Hopetoun nurse unit manager Allison Fischer said residents enjoyed seeing the students’ costumes as the parade wound down each passage, allowing residents to wave and cheer from their rooms. “Book Week was such a wonderful opportunity for our residents to come together and get involved in an occasion,” she said. “It was wonderful to see so many students embrace the day and go out of their way to make sure every resident was included throughout the day. “Watching the children get in-

volved, whether through art, music or costumes, creates such a joyful atmosphere across the campus.” RNH interim chief executive Lois O’Callaghan said intergenerational visits were incredibly important for residents and brought enormous joy to residents, families and staff alike. “These intergenerational visits are such an important part of supporting our residents’ wellbeing and their connection to the local community, which is something that matters deeply to so many of them,” she said. “We are incredibly grateful to our local schools for taking the time out of their day to visit the Rural Northwest Health Hopetoun campus and spend time with our residents.”

Mosaic-making, cooking, pilates, lawn bowls, indoor soccer, movies, open-mic and circus sessions are among Hindmarsh Shire Council’s school holiday activities, starting September 21. People aged 12 to 25 years can participate in accredited first-aid and CPR training, gaining valuable skills and a nationally recognised certificate that can support future employment, study, volunteering and everyday life. People aged 12 to 25 years are invited to submit an expression of interest to perform in the open mic session. Registrations are essential for all sessions. People can visit www.hindmarsh.vic.gov.au/school-holiday-program to secure places.

New minister The Anglican Parish of West Wimmera has welcomed Father Paul Monash to its Nhill, Kaniva, Dimboola and Rainbow congregations. Fr Paul, originally from West Malaysia, has lived and ministered in Australia for more than 20 years. Services are scheduled for: Dimboola St Peter’s, 11.15am every first Sunday of the month; Nhill St George’s 9am every Sunday; Rainbow St Paul’s 1pm each first, second and fourth Sunday; and Kaniva St Augustine’s at 1pm every third Sunday.

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Wednesday, September 9, 2026

Mazda reset

azda is preparing a substantial overhaul of its four large architecture SUVs as it moves to improve the appeal of the CX-60, CX-70, CX-80, and CX-90 following softer-than-expected sales in several key markets – including Australia.

Mazda Motor Corporation president Masahiro Moro said the company was planning wide-ranging changes spanning exterior design, cabin presentation and powertrains, pointing to a much more significant update than a routine model-year refresh. Speaking with Japanese newspaper Chugoku Shimbun, Mr Moro suggested the scale of the work would be greater than Mazda had previously attempted, signalling a broader reset for a product family central to the brand’s push upmarket. The four SUVs were conceived around Mazda’s longitudinal large architecture platform, combining a rearbiased all-wheel drive configuration with newly developed inline six-cylinder petrol and diesel engines, 48-volt mild-hybrid assistance and, in selected models, plug-in hybrid power. However, the investment has not translated into the sales volumes Maz-

da had initially targeted. The large architecture program was expected to account for about 200,000 global sales in the 2025 Japanese financial year, but deliveries reportedly reached about 150,600 units. The shortfall has also been apparent in major export markets. In North America, the CX-70 and CX-90 have not built the momentum Mazda sought, while the CX-60 and CX-80 have also faced mixed demand in Europe. Australia has presented a similar challenge. As previously reported by GoAuto, Mazda Australia set annual volume targets of about 6600 units for the CX60, 720 for the CX-70, 7800 for the CX-80, and 1200 for the CX-90. Actual 2025 sales fell short across all four models, with the CX-60 recording 5410 units, the CX-70 379, the CX-80 3851, and the CX-90 715. The result was particularly notable for the CX-80, which finished at less than half its original annual target despite being positioned as one of the more family-oriented entries in the range. That softer performance continued into 2026, prompting Mazda Australia to make significant pricing adjustments in July.

OVERHAUL: Mazda is planning a broad overhaul of its CX quartet. Those cuts removed more than $9000 from selected CX-90 variants and up to $8814 from parts of the CX-70 range, while plug-in hybrid versions of the CX-60 and CX-80 also received substantial reductions. Mazda also brought petrol and diesel pricing into closer alignment across some grades in an effort to sharpen the value equation. Although Mazda has not yet detailed when the overhauled models will appear, or whether the changes will amount to conventional facelifts or something more substantial, the company’s existing technology road-

map provides some indication of what may follow. Mazda has already confirmed combustion technology developed for its next-generation Skyactiv-Z engine will eventually be applied to its larger inline six-cylinder engines. That opens the door to meaningful powertrain changes across the CX-60, CX-70, CX-80, and CX-90, particularly as Mazda seeks to broaden its electrification offering. The coming overhaul represents more than an attempt to arrest falling sales. It gives Mazda an opportunity to sharpen the identity of each large

architecture model, improve differentiation across the range and better justify the premium positioning that underpins the strategy. That will be particularly important in Australia, where Mazda remains one of the market’s biggest brands, but still derives much of its volume from familiar models such as the CX-5 and CX-3. The next round of changes to the CX-60, CX-70, CX-80, and CX-90 will be critical in determining whether Mazda can convert its premium ambitions into more consistent sales. – Matt Brogan

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Wednesday, September 9, 2026

Budget EV duo scores five stars

wo of Australia’s most affordable new electric vehicles have secured five-star ANCAP Safety ratings, with the Leapmotor B05 and Geely EX2 becoming only the second and third models assessed under the independent safety authority’s tougher 2026-2028 testing regime.

Both models sell for less than $40,000, demonstrating that increasingly stringent crash protection and avoidance requirements need not be restricted to higher-priced vehicles. The results follow the BMW iX3, which in July became the first vehicle assessed under ANCAP Safety’s revised Stages of Safety framework – the biggest overhaul of its testing regime in more than 30 years. The new methodology scores vehicles across safe driving, crash avoidance, crash protection and post crash, placing greater emphasis on real-world driver-assistance performance, occupant diversity and emergency response following a collision. As previously reported by GoAuto, the Leapmotor B05 arrived in August priced from $35,990 driveaway, while the Geely EX2 starts considerably lower at $26,490 plus on-road costs, making both important entrants in Australia’s rapidly expanding affordable EV market. The B05 achieved scores of 66 per

RESULT: Geely’s EX2 undergoes ANCAP safety testing.

cent for safe driving, 77 per cent for crash avoidance, 92 per cent for crash protection and 89 per cent for post crash, with the rating applying to all Australian variants built from April 2026 and sold from August. ANCAP Safety singled out the B05’s structural performance, with strong results across frontal, side and rear-impact testing. Maximum scores were recorded

for adult and child occupants in the side-impact test and for the driver in the oblique pole test, while its centre airbag was effective in reducing occupant-to-occupant contact. However, the B05 was penalised for crash compatibility in a head-on collision, where ANCAP Safety found its structure could present additional risk to occupants of an oncoming vehicle. Protection of the front passenger’s

chest in the frontal-offset test was also less effective than in other areas. Its lane-departure collision prevention system was a standout performer, scoring close to maximum marks, including 99 per cent in emergency lane-keeping tests involving oncoming and overtaking cars and motorcycles. Low-speed situations proved less convincing. The B05 failed to intervene when turning towards another vehicle or motorcycle in some startfrom-stop scenarios, offered limited pedestrian protection when reversing, and did not prevent forward movement towards a pedestrian in ANCAP Safety’s pedal-misapplication assessment. ANCAP Safety also noted while physical controls were retained for most primary driving functions, several commonly used features rely on the central infotainment screen. Its hazard-light control did not meet ANCAP requirements, while speedsign recognition performance was limited. The Geely EX2 likewise secured five stars, scoring 79 per cent for safe driving, 72 per cent for crash avoidance, 86 per cent for crash protection and 95 per cent for post crash. Its occupant-monitoring system was praised for identifying some forms of incorrect seatbelt use and adjusting restraint operation according to occupant stature, while its driver-monitoring system performed strongly when iden-

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tifying common forms of distraction. The EX2’s autonomous emergency braking and lane-support systems performed well across most scenarios, particularly when helping avoid collisions with oncoming and overtaking cars and motorcycles. However, like the B05, it was less effective in several of ANCAP Safety’s newly introduced low-speed tests, including turning across another vehicle or motorcycle, reversing towards a pedestrian and pedal-misapplication scenarios. Crash protection was generally strong, though ANCAP Safety recorded an elevated risk of driver leg injury during the frontal-offset test. Conversely, the EX2’s crash compatibility with other vehicles was rated highly, something ANCAP Safety attributed in part to its compact dimensions and available frontal crush space afforded by the absence of a combustion engine. Both EVs also demonstrated effective high-voltage battery isolation and fire-risk management after impact. Each is fitted with eCall hardware, although the emergency calling functionality is not yet active. The latest ratings add the B05 to Leapmotor’s previously five-star-rated C10 and B10, while the EX2 joins the EX5 and Starray EM-i in giving Geely three ANCAP-rated models locally. – Matt Brogan

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Word Game

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YESTERDAY’S LAST WEEK’S SOLUTION SOLUTION

Focus FOCUS An All Australian

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No. 8493

5 4 2 8 1 7 6 9 3

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

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

Sudoku

705 201010 Quick Crossword Crossword

2 9 7 4 8 3 5 6 1

4 6 3 5 9 1 7 8 2

6 2 4 632 4 2 6 243315534 615 512216 3 4 531 145 541

1 6 4 4 3 2 2 31 5 32 236 645 3 21 43 5 5 64 416 26 1 165 5 32 SOLUTION

49 46

4 1

2 6

1 5 4 2

3 3

4 6 1 1 5

Distributed by Knight Features

6 2

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

44 9

705

41 35

201010

32 29 27 25 19

17 13

Wednesday, September 9, 2026 10

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Page 26

TaKE a BREaK

Brought to you by

AFTERNOONS WITH HUGHIE Weekdays, noon until 3pm on

On This Day

yOUR LUCKy sTaRs

L imburger cheese is traditionally made from which animal’s milk – camel, cow, sheep or goat?

4. Jerry Seinfeld’s 1990s sitcom was about what?

A builder was secured to construct Kalkee Road Children’s Community Hub at Horsham’s Dudley Cornel Park. The $4.4-million hub, one of the largest community investments in Horsham’s north, was scheduled to open for the start of the 2018 school year. On council land, it would house maternal and child health, kindergarten, childcare and other family services. The State Government was set to provide $2.6-million while the council explored funding options for the balance. Five years ago: September 8, 2021

Horsham’s Rick Smith, who had an interest in military vehicles since he was a child, showed off his Stuart light tank he spent about 10 years restoring, alongside other vehicles from the Second World War including a 1944 Studebaker US6 truck and a 1942 M3A1 Stuart tank, all rescued from a Rainbow farm. Mr Smith said he always wanted to buy a tank to add to his collection, and was eventually able to when he moved out of town. Mr Smith spent time in the Army Reserve; his brother went to Vietnam and their father was in the Second World War.

f Romania, Norway and Italy, which country is the largO est by size?

G WMWater’s mascot is a bucket, what is his name?

L ittle Orphan Annie was the owner of which fictional dog?

The 1905 painting ‘Acrobate et jeune arlequin’ was done by who – Picasso, Cezanne or Seurat?

11. Which philosopher said, ‘Happiness is the highest good’? 12. T he shape nonadecagon has how many edges? 13. T he Battle of Britain occurred during which conflict? 14. T he Beatles had a ‘Ticket to …’ what? 15. D ying on this day in 2024, was which American Tony, Emmy, Grammy and Golden Globe-winning actor, perhaps most famous for his voice acting in Star Wars? Answers: 1. Leo Tolstoy. 2. Honda. 3. Cow. 4. Nothing. 5. Norway. 6. Phil. 7. Sandy. 8. Picasso. 9. North. 10. Birds. 11. Aristotle. 12. Nineteen. 13. World War Two. 14. Ride. 15. James Earl Jones.

A $9.1-million expansion of East Grampians Health Service’s practical laboratory in Ararat was complete, with nursing and medicine students from across the country set to benefit from expanded training capacity in the region. The new laboratory was set to serve as a teaching tool for university and TAFE students to simulate real-life hospital scenarios and develop their skills.

FIVE-DAY forecast Friday

19°

Mostly sunny.

Saturday

21°

I n which cardinal direction would one mainly travel to get from Phnom Penh to Hanoi?

10. Ornithophobia is the fear of what?

One year ago: September 10, 2025

Mostly sunny.

orn on this day in 1828 and dying in 1910, was which B Russian novelist of ‘Anna Karenina’ and ‘War and Peace’?

2. Car model Civic was made by which manufacturer?

10 years ago: September 7, 2016

17°

Australia’s Trusted Psychic Family

FOR THE WEEK SEPTEMBER 6 TO SEPTEMBER 12

From The Weekly Advertiser archives: September 7, 2006 – Peter Harris from East Grampians Health Service engineering department was pictured applying the finishing touches to the new helipad in Ararat. Hospital management expected the ‘first-class’ helipad to be operational within two weeks, giving helicopters a designated landing area and easy access to the emergency department.

Thursday

WiTh saRah KULKEns

Partly cloudy.

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Supplying wood burning heater & stove parts ARARAT & STAWELL DISTRICT

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HORSHAM BETTA ELECTRICAL 156 Firebrace Street, Horsham Phone 5381 2207

Need more space?

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ELECTRICIAN

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

MINING INDUSTRIAL FAULTS COMMERCIAL DOMESTIC

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Horsham Self Storage

5382 0000

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

REC 38215

45 Golf Course Road, Horsham

• New homes • Renovations • Pergolas & Decking

Phone - 5382 2817

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

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NOW OPEN AT 50 Darlot St, Horsham

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

Since 1985 Page 30

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Sales • Service • Installation

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Wednesday, September 9, 2026

MULTI MEDIA As part of an all-inclusive

Classifieds RUN IT TILL YOU SELL IT

With The Weekly Advertiser’s Run It Till You Sell It, your classified advertisement will run in the paper every week until you sell the item or six months have passed (conditions apply). Prices start at $33 for the first 12 words or less* *$6 per 4 words thereafter. *This offer is not applicable to businesses. EXTRA OPTIONS Photos $25, colour text $17.

package your advertisement will also appear on the digital version of The Weekly Advertiser located at www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au which is promoted via Facebook on a weekly basis.

DISPLAY ADVERTISEMENTS: Prices start at $15.00 per single column cm. *Multiple week specials available.

Your classifieds team

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

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

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

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

death notices

80th Birthday Celebration

BELL (nee Kydd), Greta Lynette

Glyness Haylock Family and friends are invited to join Glyness for afternoon tea to celebrate her 80th Birthday. 19-9-2026 at Simpson Court from 2– 4pm No presents please.

90th Birthday

Passed away on August 31, 2026 aged 77 years. Dearly loved partner of Don.

death notices BALLINGER (nee Jones), Audrey Gweneth

Passed away on 31August 2026, aged 93 years. Dearly loved wife of Stan (dec). Loving mother and motherin-law of Peter (dec), and Sue and Alan Frankham. Adored Nan to Krystal, Chloe and Sophie, and their partners. Old Nan to Hudson and Parker. Reunited with Stan and Peter

LONSDALE, JAMES (JIM) The Members and friends of the Rotary Club of Horsham East are deeply saddened at the passing of long-serving Rotarian Jim Lonsdale, a Paul Harris Fellow. Jim was an active and valued member for 51 years, who embodied the values of Rotary. We extend our sincere sympathy to his family. ‘Service Above Self Truly Achieved’

Members and friends of the Loving mother and motherthis be included in this weeks edition if possible. Rotary Club of Horsham Kind regards, in-law of Tim; Nat & Dan. Can Robyn Lardner Secretary East are deeply saddened by of Horsham East. Adored Nana to Jack, Lily RC 0400 769 900 the passing of Ken Dowsley, and Tom; Ebony and James. a past, long-serving Rotarian and Paul Harris Fellow. Now At Peace

BONE, Lynette Ann 24-12-1952 to 7-9-2026 With heavy hearts, we share the news that Lynette passed away peacefully, surrounded by her loving family. She was a devoted wife to John and a cherished mother to Faye, Julie, Pete, and Susan, along with their partners. Lynette was also a beloved grandmother to 13 grandchildren and a proud great-grandmother to 1.

For nearly 30 years, Ken enriched the club through his exceptional skills, his dedication, and his leadership in International projects, District committees, and numerous club roles. We also recognise Mary’s support for the club and the fellowship shared over many years. We extend our sincere sympathy to Mary, Kate, Georgie, Anne and their families. Service Above Self

Lynette’s funeral service will be held graveside at Nhill Lawn Cemetery, Monday, September 14 at 11am. In memory of Nanny, who was an avid scrapbooker, we encourage you to bring along a special photo with a message on the back or a personal note to place on her coffin.

FLEMING, Helen The Committee and Members of Horsham & District U3A regret the passing of Life Member, Helen Fleming and pass on sincere sympathy to Helen’s family.

This will serve as a beautiful tribute to her love and creativity. Emiley & Mathew Bone Nhill, Dimboola & Kaniva District Funerals 0419 008 464

DOWSLEY, Kenneth James

7-8-1946 to 2-9-2026 Passed away peacefully on September 2, 2026, aged 80. Dearly loved husband, father, grandfather and friend. He will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered by all who knew him.

GRAINGER, Wendy Joy

Passed away at Gandarra Palliative Care, Ballarat on September 5, 2026 Dearly loved wife of Kevin (dec). Loving mother to Darren, Shellee and Bradley, motherin-law to Karen, Loved Nan to Lachlan, Madison, Jacinta, Nathan & Danielle.

Dylan & Amity Hartwich

5382 1149

Funeral Directors In loving memory of our life long friend Our thoughts with Roger, Kate, Kellie, Isabella, Imogen and Mandy. Till we meet again. “You were the wind beneath our wings.” Di Albert & Carolyn Kirkwood

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

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

Wednesday, September 9, 2026

death notices

Passed away peacefully on September 2, 2026 aged 89 years. Dearly loved Bernard.

wife

Loving mother and mother in law of Norelle (dec); James & Helen; Christine & Jeff.

HATELEY, Graeme

Henke, Stanley Boolite Fire Brigade

Natimuk and District 17

The Chairman, Authority Members, Headquarters Brigades.of Chief Officer, OfficersFire and Personnel the Country Fire Authority regret the The ofChairman, Authority passing their esteemed colleague andMembers, offer their deepest sympathy his Chief Offitocer, family.

Officers and Personnel of the Country Fire Authority regret the passing of their esteemed colleague and offer their deepest sympathy to his family.

Adored Gran to Tegan, and Kali; Bree & Marc, William & Mika, Hugh & India. Great Gran to Hazel and Violet. Now at peace in the arms of her loving saviour

HATELEY, Graeme Reginald

death notices MERRETT, Daryl Maxwell “Max”

HATELEY, Graeme

A Laugh; A Grin; A Joke or two; That’s the way; We’ll remember you. Much loved brother in law of

30-1-1938 to 29-8-2026 Harold and Marlene (Dec) Loved Uncle of Leanne, Vicki Dearly loved husband of and James McCredden. Allison. Loving brother to Neil (dec), Lois /Users/karlreiter/Downloads/Media (dec), Ilsma notice - Death of a member - S.HENKE.docx (dec) and Aline. Adored Uncle to all of his nieces and nephews. In God’s Care

HATELEY, Graeme Passed away August 29th, 2026.

Horsham & District Funerals

BLEAKLEY, Cheryl Margaret

death notices

ABN 16 064 882 042

GROSS (nee Schier), Audrey Viola

Account to be sent to: rcohe.sec@gmail.com

Beverley Witmitz (nee Pietsch) From milkmaid to mayoress, nurse, vet assistant, retailer, sewing instructor, wife & mother. A life supporting others turning 90 on the 15th. Happy birthday, blessings & love from Geoff & Marg; Rodney & Jenny; Jenny & Ian; the grandchildren, partners and greatgrandchildren.

death notices

DOWSLEY, Ken

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

TERMS & CONDITIONS

PERSONAL NOTICES: $12.50 per single column cm.

birthday notice

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

In God’s care you rest above. In my heart you rest with love. Your loving wife, Allison

HATELY, Graeme Was born 30/01/1938

MERRETT, Daryl Maxwell “Max”

Passed away 31 st August 2026, Nhill. Aged 62 Loved son of Colin and Shirley. Cherished brother to Jenny and David; and Carolyn and Brad. Adored Uncle/ Great Uncle to Stephanie and Brad, Alice and Daisy; Georgina and Tom, and Isla; Jonathan and Michelle; Harrison and Abbie; Lucy; and Sophie. Best friend of Dusty Dog.

I’m remembering the special bond we shared and the precious memories I will never forget. In Gods loving care Aline (Sister) Uncle Graeme we will miss your quiet, thoughtful and generous nature but we are so grateful and proud to call you our Uncle. From your many nieces and nephews. www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Beloved husband of Maree (Passed 2021). Much-valued father to Dave; Viv and Elliot. Special Poppy to Penny & Jim. Best friend to Dusty Dog. Forever missed, forever part of us.

STARBUCK, Shirley Marie of Rosebery, on August 31st, 2026. Loved wife of Trevor Loved mother and motherin-law of Tamara and John, Robert and Nicole Loved Nan of Kade, Rory, James & Amanda, and Hamish & Lucy.

Funeral Notices ARMSTRONG, Dorothy Lila Rose ‘Aunty Dot’

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Dorothy Lila Rose Armstrong, ‘Aunty Dot’, will be held at the Horsham Church of Christ on Monday, September 14, 2026 commencing at 1pm. The service may also be viewed online at www.youtube.com/ live/9qzdbBXaZFw

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter

Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

Reunited with his beloved wife Maree.

Your warmth, kindness and caring nature meant so much to me. I feel truly blessed to have had you as part of my life. ’To live in the hearts of those we love is not to die. Love is eternal.’ Valda, Sister-in-law

Passed on 31st of August, 2026. Aged 62.

Funeral Notices BALLINGER, Audrey Gweneth

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Audrey Gweneth Ballinger will take place at St Andrew’s Uniting Church, Horsham on Tuesday, 15 September 2026 commencing at 2pm. The service may also be viewed online at horsham. unitingchurch.org.au/watch In lieu of flowers, donations in memory of Audrey may be made to the Wimmera Health Care Group Foundation at w h c g fou n d at i on . or g . au / donate/

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter

Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member BELL, Greta Lynette

An informal gathering to celebrate the life of Greta Lynette Bell will take place at the Horsham RSL on Friday, September 11, 2026 commencing at 2.30pm. Privately interred.

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter

Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member DOWSLEY, Kenneth James

The funeral service to celebrate the life of Mr Kenneth James Dowsley will be held at Horsham & District Funerals Chapel, on Friday, September 11, 2026 commencing at 2pm. Interment to follow at Horsham Cemetery.

Amity & Dylan Hartwich

5382 1149

Funeral Directors

MARGETTS (nee Bolwell), Lynette Evelyn

29-5-1942 to 19-8-2026 Loved sister of Brian. Sister-in-law to Bev. Much loved Aunty to Shaz, Andrew, Todd, Ashley and families xx Loved and remembered always

Would you prefer your footy team’s theme song to be played at your funeral? Deal with people who understand... Not everybody wants the same thing. Pre-arrange your wishes with Trevor Bysouth & Daughter of

5381 1444 (All Hours) www.wimmerafunerals. com.au Page 31

Funeral Notices

BONE, Lynette Ann

MERRETT, Daryl Maxwell ‘Max’

24/12/1952 – 07/09/2026 Lynette’s funeral service will be held Graveside at Nhill Lawn Cemetery Monday, 14th September at 11:00 AM In memory of Nanny, who was an avid scrapbooker, we encourage you to bring along a special photo with a message on the back or a personal note to place on her coﬃn. This will serve as a beautiful tribute to her love and creativity. Emiley & Mathew Bone Nhill, Dimboola & Kaniva District Funerals 0419 008 464 As Nanny was an adverted scrapbooker please bring along a special photo with a message on the back or personal note to place on her coffin. Emiley & Mathew Bone Nhill, Dimboola & Kaniva District Funerals 0419 008 464

FLEMING, Helen Mary

A celebration of the life of Helen Mary Fleming will be held at Baa 3400 in the Horsham International Hotel, 118 Baillie Street, Horsham next Friday, September 18, 2026 commencing at 3pm.

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter

Ph 5381 1444

AFDA Member

GRAINGER

A graveside service will be held for the late Wendy Joy Grainger at the Stawell Lawn Cemetery on Monday, September 14, 2026 at 11am. In the care of

Fred Crouch & Son STAWELL 5358 1043

GROSS, Audrey Viola

The Funeral of Audrey Viola Gross will commence with burial at the Green Lake Cemetery at 12.30pm next Thursday, 17 September 2026 and will be followed by a Memorial Service at the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Horsham commencing at 2pm. The service may also be viewed online at youtube. com/@horshamlutheran churchaustr7146

Family and friends are advised that Daryl’s funeral service will be held on Thursday, September 10th at 11 AM graveside at the Nhill Lawn Cemetery. Emiley & Mathew Bone Nhill, Dimboola & Kaniva District Funerals 0419 008 464

STARBUCK

A graveside service for Mrs Shirley Marie Starbuck will be held at the Hopetoun Lawn Cemetery Monday, September 14th, 2026, commencing at 1 pm.

accommodation

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

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

Thank you

~ BRIGDEN ~ Robert (Rob)

I would like to express my sincere thanks to relatives and friends for their support, flowers and messages of sympathy at the passing of Rob. A special thanks to the Wimmera Nursing Home staff for their kindness and compassion shown to Rob while in their care. Joy

Bristlenose catfish, great tank cleaners $5ea until sold out Ph 0474159010 after 6.30pm Budgies, assorted colours $10 each Ph 0417533579 Buying, Pigs, Goats and Poultry, Ph 0427361940 or Ph 0480137184. Golden Retriever X Foxhound puppies, dob 12 July, black/ white markings tricolour, source# MB310162, microchip# 985141011652/003/001/002/000 651/999/998 $800 Ph 0429486058 Dimboola 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

Thank you ~ McCLURE ~ Nathan

We have been overwhelmed by the response of so many people at the time of Nathan’s passing. Our appreciation and heartfelt thanks to all for your prayers, cards, phone calls, messages, flowers, food and visits. Many thanks to Simon Risson and the Horsham Church of Christ team for the wonderful tribute of Nathan’s life given at the service. To Suzanne Bysouth, thank you for your care and compassion at this sad time. Please accept this as our personal thanks.

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

REDUCED 2018 Dingo Ultimate Camper, heavy duty top of the line off-road trailer including boat rack, fully enclosed annexe including ensuite, lots of storage, built-in instant gas hot water to sink and shower, dual AGM batteries and built-in inverter and charger, innerspring mattress and ability to make up second double bed, two new off-road tyres, VGC, Y76535 $15,500ono Ph 0407360212 REDUCED Toyota Coaster camper, 2 seater, diesel heater, 1hz motor, solar and 12v awning much more $27,500 Ph 0418325662

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

Reduced, J.B Dreamline 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

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

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

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter

Ph 5381 1444 Page 32

AFDA Member

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 0429824055 New hand crocheted knee rugs, approx 90cm square, all colours $20 Ph 0402506858 Nissan Forklift, very reliable $8500 Ph 0429821541

Two antique rattan hand weaved wicker rocking chairs $600 for the both together Ph 0428504301

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

White outdoor lawn mower, needs starter, and Girntz tilter $600 Ph 0427828420

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

household items

Pallet Jack crown, very little use from new, asking $400 Ph 0421791492 Stawell Parsnip seed, professionally cleaned $200 per kg Ph Pat 0427822455 Portable air compressor, new, very handy machine $1500 firm Ph 0407340961 REDUCED Beko dryer $200, entertainment unit $200, both in excellent condition Ph Jenny 53836242 or 0429029215

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 Aluminium Ute Tray, electric/hydraulic tipper, ram overhauled $3200 Ph 0428944462

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

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

Afikim S4 Mobility Scooter, hard top canopy, rain sides, new battery, 9/10 condition, paid $10,000, sell $5000 Ph 0400609150

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

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

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

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

Sherwell PTO 0428857312

bin

$1200

Chook house, 1500mm wide 1400H x 1200L, nest box attached, keep your chooks safe from predators, $250 Ph 53583440 Cool room drop-in unit, 1 horsepower, 10amp plug in, digital control, other sizes available $1850 Ph 0417101120

Stromberg Carlson Radio, ex cond Ph 53824316 or 0419115930

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

garage sales

Four arm walker, $150 ph0437600095

HATELEY, Graeme Reginald

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

for sale

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

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

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

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

REDUCED Vintage Skyline 60’s Caravan, registered, useable condition, 10ft, full annex, $2800 Ph 0419778181 Jeparit

accommodation

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

5 litre oxygen concentrator as new, beige recliner rockers, blue 2 seater couch, kitchen table, colour tv Ph 0429821820

As new LG refrigerator $500, Panasonic colour TV to giveaway Ph 0475431668

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

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter

Ph 5381 1444

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

caravans

Marlissa, Barb, Simon, Rachel, Sarah & Families.

AFDA Member

140 bottles of cellared Red Wine, some up to 20 years matured, $2500 Ph 0427581825

Jayco Starcraft 2013, 21’, one owner, very little use, as new, always shedded, many added extras $37,000 Ph 0427 909 230

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

Funeral Directors Warracknabeal

Bereavement Thanks

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

Animals & Accessories

W.B. Gardiner & Son 0407 340 064

for sale

caravans

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

Saturday, September 12

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

7am to noon

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

for sale

Slasher Leith Rotary Mower Orange model, 18ft, 1000rpm gear box, very good condition $38,500 plus gst Ph 0428894258 0aten hay and wheaten hay 8x4x3 bales, feedtests and delivery avail by single or b double load Ph 0429944146 Nhill

36 Churchill Rd, Horsham (back entrance) Dyna Link bench drill bits, 170 stick welder with helmet, electric chainsaw, plus more work tools, kitchen utensils. Moving house, everything must go.

Holden Eight Transistor Car Radio, His Masters Voice Press Buton Car Radio, Astor Truck Radio on valves, Ph 53824316 or 0419115930 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 with reel, lots of fishing flys Ph 53824316 Masport Chipper and Spreader, twin blades, never been used, $1000 Ph 0456393984

PROMOTE YOUR

HERE!

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

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

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Wednesday, September 9, 2026

Motor Vehicles over $20,000

motorcycles

2019 XL Ford Ranger, white 4x4, ute/steel tray and locked undertray boxes, RWC, bull bar, tow bar, snorkel, rear camera, gen reason for sale, EC, 89,761kms, 1RO-7EC $42,000 Ph 0428382790 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

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

4WD Trailer 6x4 with cage. Registered till may 2027 No longer in use. $500 ono. ph 0407 251 965

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

motor vehicle accessories New TC Boxes 900mm tapered under tray alloy toolbox (pair) Ph 0400387895 Roof rack Alloy Tradesman with mesh floor $500 Ph 0418138329 Stawell

Motor Vehicles $3000 - $10,000 Ford 2005 XR6, BA Falcon, roadworthy, 2 month rego, 1HI7QS $4990 Ph 0422444750 Proton Jumbuck Ute 2011, unregistered 24,224ks $5000 ph0437600095 PLIC97PNRAB016095

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

Motor Vehicles $10,000 - $20,000

Fiji-Indian woman, 50, caring, gentle, family-oriented and never married, hopes to meet a sincere Australian man who is financially secure, owns his home, and seeks a genuine companion for marriage and shared care. She values kindness, loyalty, and a peaceful home life. Ready to provide care Ph +679 923 2717 or email fijirose1010@gmail.com, and PO BOx 5353 Lautoka Fiji Wanted, 49+ year old lady for serious relationship with 49 year old True Romantic Gentleman from Horsham, interests are reading, music, occasionally going out for dinner then the movies or watching movies at home, fishing and camping, walking and swimming Ph 0491230835

real estate

Trades & Services

Public Notices

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

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

Public Notices

The Weekly Advertiser

wanted

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

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

wanted to buy 30 or 40 tonne vertical/horizontal wood splitter in good condition Ph 0429018879 Ararat

situations vacant

“I NEVER THOUGHT I’D BE HOMELESS.” More people are now facing homelessness than ever before.

Bellhousing from straight 6 Holdens HQ, HX, HZ Ph 0421791492 Stawell Caper trailer tent top, to fit 7ft x 5” Walkabout trailer Ph 53569340 or 0412482521 Landsborough

Visit salvationarmy.org.au or scan the QR code

Chev truck rim 1925 - 1929 Ph 0427506552 Gear box from a grain auger Ph 0421791492 Stawell LP Records, prefer 60’s, 70’s, 80’s and rabbit traps Ph 0400017344

READ

Old bottles, marble bottles ginger, beer bottles, torpedo bottles, demijohns Ph 0448943498 Wanted to buy, Amateur radio, CB Radio and related accessories, from single items to bulk estate sales, $$$ Cash Paid $$$ Please Ph 0407163900 Wanted to buy, RC model aircraft, will buy collections if the price is right Ph 0435621004

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

Public Notices

Trades & Services

ONLINE AT

A GREAT MASSAGE

www. theweeklyadvertiser. com.au/ readonline

Male Masseur $70 ph Horsham Open Mon-Sat

Subscribe for Free!

0455 187 842 No Texts/Blocked Numbers

Public Notices

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

Water Quality Process Officer Use technical skills to benefit regional water quality. Be part of delivering safe, reliable water to communities across the Grampians, Wimmera and Mallee regions. In this corporate role, youʼll analyse water quality systems, improve performance, and drive safer, compliant outcomes through insights and collaboration. Every day, youʼll help ensure water is fit for purpose and see the real impact your work has on customers, businesses and the environment.

1980 Benz, 4 Cyl, petrol, RWC, BLS666 $13,500 Ph 0408144139 10am-7pm

Build your career with a leading water corporation and be supported to grow and develop professionally. We encourage applications from graduates of science and engineering programs.

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

Apply now

horsham@ontgroup.com.au

Visit gwmwater.org.au/careers or scan the QR code for more information on the role.

Applications close: Wednesday 30 September

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

GWMWater is committed to achieving ‘zero harmʼ across all operations. We prioritise a safe working environment, ensuring that everyone returns home safely every day. As an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, we are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. For confidential support throughout the application process, please contact our People, Culture and Legal division on 1300 659 961 to ensure a fair and inclusive experience.

2015 Mazda BT-50 Extra Cab - 6 Wheeler, with rear lazy axle, GVM upgrade to 4490kg, custom 3 metre tray with toolboxes, slide out drawer, ladder rack, dual batteries, electric brakes, snorkel, clearview mirrors, quality canvas canopy, good condition, 104,200 kms, reg 1IX7PW, $42,000 Ph 0409820089 2019 Jaguar 25 F Pace R Sport sedan, R/W, gen reason for sale, EC, AWP498, $26,000 Ph 0428382790

horsham@ontgroup.com.au

www.ontgroup.com.au

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

Wednesday, September 9, 2026

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

GWMWater acknowledges Traditional Owners as the custodians of the lands and waters across our region and is committed to Aboriginal self-determination and culturally safe engagement. Page 33

Public Notices

situations vacant

Submit your Run it ‘Til You Sell it Classifieds online now!

Dimboola Natimuk Lutheran Parish

Stawell Railway Station Art Gallery’s High Tea

NEWSPAPER

Sunday 13th September

September 27, 1.30pm $40 p.p. Deposit - $20 Ring Linda: 0400 596 277 or Pauline: 0450 144 704 Gallery Open: 10am-4pm Sat, Sun

Goroke 10.30am HC 70th Anniversary of the dedication of the Goroke Lutheran church

Christian Devotion SEPTEMBER 9 One of my favourite things about spring is the beauty and colour of the flowers that blossom. The fragrance; the canola fields of gold against the green of the crops and the blue of the sky. The longer days of sunshine; the call of the birds. There is hope in the air; hope for a new start, new beauty, growth and the promise of fruit.

Hamilton Lamb Memorial Hall Committee

Ballroom Dance

The natural world gives us this while the impact of humanity burdens us with stories of war, violence, greed, power and selfishness. So much seems to go wrong; we are grateful that some of those things seem far away yet see it happening locally, too.

WALKERS WANTED We’re looking for people to deliver

IN HORSHAM

23 Kalkee Rd, Horsham

Where do we find hope? What gives us hope? How can we see our way forward? What direction can we take? These age old questions are never more real than in our world of rapid change. Seeing our way forward seems challenging and even hopeless.

Friday, September 11 at 7.30pm $5 Admission

Jesus said, “I am the light of the world. Whoever follows me will never walk in darkness, but will have the light of life.” (John 8:12).

Please bring a plate of supper to share. Beattie’s CDs.

Isn’t that just what we long for? To not be overwhelmed by darkness, but to be able to see clearly how we should live, where to go in life’s choices and to have life and light. The Word (Jesus) gave life to everything that was created, and his life brought light to everyone. The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness can never extinguish it. Now that’s hope!

The Weekly Advertiser

Susan Pearse - Southern Mallee Cooperative Parish

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

Public Notices

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR AN EXPLORATION LICENCE Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990 – Section 15(5)

Applications are now open for the following positions at WLC – Horsham Campus:

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

Secondary Science Teacher – Biology Lower Primary School Teacher

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

Visit wlc.vic.edu.au to learn more or to apply.

C/-PO Box 563, East Maitland NSW 2323

Our College Wimmera Lutheran College – Horsham Campus provides quality, independent Christian education that is student-centred – supporting them to thrive while making wise and principled decisions in a changing and challenging world.

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

Truck Drivers / Plant Operators Inroads Pty Ltd has grown into one of the largest bituminous sealing companies in Victoria and South Australia with a proven track record of specialty work throughout Western Victoria and South Australia and is part of VSA Group.

4. Details of the application: Application number: EL009002 Locality of the land to which the application relates: 23 km northeast of Horsham, 18.5 km south of Warracknabeal, including the town of Murtoa Approximate area of the application (Graticular Sections): 244 Date of the application: 20 August 2026 Term the licences are applied for: 5 years Outline of the proposed programs of work: Desktop studies, landowner consultation, geological modelling, drilling 5. Objections and Comments: Any person may object or comment to a licence being granted. (Sections 24 and 24A, Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990). Page 34

A person who objects or comments must:

ObjectionSubmission timely consideration.

a. put the objection or comment in writing; and

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

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

for

Energy

and

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

ensure

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

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

We are seeking Truck Drivers and Plant Operators to join our Spray Sealing team during peak summer season (September 2026-May 2027). Our depot is based in Horsham and requires frequent travel across Victoria and South Australia. Applicants will need to possess the following attributes: Truck Drivers and Plant Operators • HR Licence (minimum) or preferred HC Licence • Construction Induction White Card • Current Traffic Control / Management Certificate (desired) • Willingness to travel and work away from Horsham • Safety is second nature to how you work • Able to work as an effective crew member and part of a team • Be able to travel away from home for up to 2 weeks at a time. This role requires flexible individuals to meet company requirements; some weekend work will be required. An attractive casual hourly rate with overtime and allowances is offered for the right applicant. Successful applicants will be required to undergo prior to commencement: • Pre-employment medical assessment • Drug and Alcohol screening test • Company Induction For further information contact on 5382 4406, resume should be forwarded to either of the following: • Email: reception@inroads.com.au and hr@vsagroup.com.au • Post: P.O. Box 708, Horsham Vic 3402 • In person: 8 Bracken Street, Horsham Vic 3400

Wednesday, September 9, 2026

situations vacant

Maternal and Child Health Nurse – Stawell

Wimmera Regional Sports Assembly

WE’RE HIRING Inclusion Development Lead

Inclusion Development Lead

Part-time, permanent

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

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

Council currently has a road that needs naming, and we are calling on the community to help commemorate a local hero. • Build meaningful relationships with families.

As part of the Victorian State Government’s Remember a Local initiative to name places, we are inviting you to Working closely with clubs, councils, and Support children to on achieve the best possible start in life.to honour nominate someone•who has made a lasting impact our community. This is a special opportunity community groups, the role focuses on the individuals who have helped shape our lives, especially those from under-represented groups including • Work alongside a supportive community services team. women, First Peoples and multicultural communities. delivery of funded projects that provide • the Enjoy the lifestyle and strong sense of community that regional To be commemorated, person will: positive participation and volunteering • be deceased living offers. • have left a lasting legacy outcomes with an emphasis on inclusion and • have a long association with the nominated area. accessibility for participants of all abilities. This is more than a nursing role — it is an opportunity to become a valued Contributions might include work in community service, healthcare, science, sport, architecture, military part of the community and make a lasting difference to local children service, the arts or volunteering. Full-time, 12 month fixed-term and families.

$36.22 per hour + super. Part-time available

Bring your voice to water governance Independent Aboriginal Delegate to the Board Bring your voice. Share your knowledge. Help shape the future of water in western Victoria. GWMWater invites applications from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people living in Victoria for the position of Independent Aboriginal Delegate to the Board. The Delegate provides an independent Aboriginal perspective, participates in Board discussions and contributes to strategic decision-making. This is a remunerated role and an opportunity to gain valuable governance experience while helping shape the future of water services and waterway management across western Victoria. Previous Board experience is not essential. We welcome applicants with experience in community leadership, governance, business, environmental management, cultural knowledge, engagement or related fields.

Apply now Visit gwmwater.org.au/careers or scan the QR code for more information or to apply.

Applications close: Wednesday 30 September GWMWater is committed to achieving ‘zero harmʼ across all operations. We prioritise a safe working environment, ensuring that everyone returns home safely every day. As an Equal Employment Opportunity employer, we are dedicated to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace. For confidential support throughout the application process, please contact our People, Culture and Legal division on 1300 659 961 to ensure a fair and inclusive experience. GWMWater acknowledges Traditional Owners as the custodians of the lands and waters across our region and is committed to Aboriginal self-determination and culturally safe engagement.

Catalogue distributors wanted

• Horsham • Stawell • Ararat Weekly pay Smartphone required ivehub.com.au Wednesday, September 9, 2026

Applications close 5pm Tuesday 22nd September To apply, visit www.wrsa.org.au

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

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

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

JOIN OUR TEAM

BRENT MCALISTER CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER

Public Notice

Ad size

2 Column

Name of Publication

Stawell Times News, The Weekly Advertiser

Date

4/6/2025 or 6/6/2025

Format Logo

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

COME JOIN US As per template

Council Purchase Order Number

TBC

Plant Operator Labourers – Nhill and Jeparit

Horsham West and Haven Primary School’s vision is to empower all students to achieve their personal best.

Permanent Full Time, 9-day fortnight Salary commencing at $69,718 per annum Applications close 12 noon on Wednesday 23 September 2026.

Our mission is to maintain a community of learners who are happy and confident in their ability to learn, grow and succeed.

Scan the QR code for details about this role and how to apply, or visit our website: www.hindmarsh.vic.gov.au/ work-in-council You can also contact our Customer Service Centre on (03) 5391 4444. You must have the right to live and work in Australia to apply for this job.

We are looking for

GRADUATE AND EXPERIENCED CLASSROOM TEACHERS to join our dedicated team in 2027

Full-time & part-time positions available. If you would like to discuss this opportunity further please contact Lee McKenzie 0438 824 580 or email your resume to: lee.mckenzie@education.vic.gov.au

Clinical Care Partner (Aged Care) / Registered Nurse (Full Time – Horsham)

Need help spreading the word? Call The Weekly Advertiser on 03 5382 1351 or email

weeklyadvertiser@team.aceradio.com.au www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

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

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

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

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

The Weekly Advertiser www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au Page 35

AFL LIVE ON IN BUS I N E S

Hopper Electrics P/L

FINALS – WEEK THREE

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

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Celebrating 80 years! REC. 11963 PH: (03) 5382 3238 hopperelectrics.com.au

BALL OUT OF BOUNDS LFL SPONSOR

Reliable, trusted Rural information Every weekday, only on the ACE Radio Network

with Libby Price

Friday, September 11, 2026 Fremantle v Geelong @ 8.10pm Saturday, September 12, 2026 Brisbane Lions v Adelaide @ 7.35pm

TUNE IN FROM 6PM ON

6.30am & 12 noon Weekdays on:

WEEKDAYS FROM 6AM

Scan to listen live

the shirtfront

Keep updated online via the 1089 3WM Faceook page.

Catching up on all the local sport news

*Match details correct at time of printing

VOTE COUNT 2026 BEST & FAIREST VOTE COUNTS

Monday, September 14 from 8pm

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bistro

@ Maydale Pavilion, • SENIOR FOOTBALL – TOOHEY MEDAL Horsham • A GRADE NETBALL – HATCHER MEDAL

bistro 7 DAYS LUNCH & DINNER

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SEMIFINALS

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Page 36

151 FREIGHT TERMINAL ROAD, DOOEN sales@jtj.com.au | www.jtj.com.au

TUNE IN FROM 6PM ON

Proudly supporting grassroots football, netball and umpiring throughout the region with our partnerships

7 DAYS LUNCH & DINNER FUNCTION ROOM & BEER GARDEN

Russell: 0455 175 533 | Heath: 0417 009 137

SEMI-FINALS

Container Sales

BISTRO

Purchasing and manufacturing premium hay and straw

"SUPER SATURDAY LIVE"

With thanks to HORSHAM & ARARAT Wednesday, September 9, 2026

Sport

Brought to you by

The Morning Crew

Weekdays from 6am to 9am on

Recognition of youth all-rounders 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.

Sienna Douglas – HDFNL Taylors Lake netballer Sienna Douglas, pictured with Horsham police officer and Taylors Lake stalwart Bianca Kettle, is a strong leader on the court. She is dominant and fierce while also displaying values of respect towards umpires, coaches and team-mates. Sienna was nominated as the 17-and-unders’ vice-captain for the year, which further highlights her ability to be a good team-mate and a positive leader on the court.

Sonny O’Brien – HDFNL Taylors Lake footballer Sonny O’Brien is a huge team player. He is supportive on and off the field, irrespective of the scores reflected on the scoreboard on the day. He always demonstrates respect towards his team-mates, his coaches and most importantly the umpire officials on the day. Sonny is pictured with Horsham police officer and Taylors Lake netballer Bianca Kettle.

Harrison Adams – HDFNL Noradjuha-Quantong footballer Harrison Adams is one of the bright, up-and-coming prospects at the club. Harry plays with hardened competitiveness but always plays the game in the right way. He had his first taste of senior football, playing several games in the reserves this year. Off the field, Harry often runs water and fills his roster roles. Harry displays the club values every time he puts on the jumper and the club is excited about his development. He is pictured receiving his award from Horsham Blue Ribbon Foundation committee member and Quantong trainer Dave Castles.

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Jayde Kajewski – WFNL Southern Mallee Thunder netballer Jayde Kajewski is a strong, determined, quick and thoughtful player who never falls short of putting her team-mates first. She constantly strives to be the best she can be while uplifting the people around her. She is a fierce player who always puts up a fight and a competitive front. She is supportive and encouraging, always pushing her team-mates to believe in themselves and never give up, making her a valuable player on the court and a great team-mate and leader off the court. Jayde is pictured with Rainbow Leading Senior Constable Tony Clark.

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Ruby Kelm – HDFNL Natimuk United netballer Ruby Kelm, pictured with Horsham Sergeant Daniel Brody, has unwavering positivity and a remarkable ‘can-do’ attitude. Ruby approaches every task with a bright outlook that inspires those around her and demonstrates a deep commitment to the community. She treats peers, mentors and club members with genuine kindness and consideration, fostering an inclusive and supportive environment. This level of integrity has earned her immense respect from her peers, who look to her as a role model of sportsmanship and character.

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Shane Perks – HDFNL Edenhope-Apsley footballer Shane Perks is a dedicated member of the under-17s team and has a passion for the game and his team. If Shane is not running in for the ball, he can be heard encouraging his team-mates from the other end of the field. A genuine, enthusiastic and willing footballer, Shane leads by example with his sportsmanship. He is pictured with Edenhope Senior Constable Issac Mauro and his mother, Monica.

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Page 37

Sport

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New player sets tongues wagging BY DAVID BERRY

olleyball Horsham has been fortunate throughout its 50-year history to have some amazing players participate in its premier competition, but nothing compared to the man who played his first game last week in A Grade for Heidelberg.

Kristofer Runt, a professional player for Parnu Volleyball Club in Estonia who is currently on a working visa as he and his partner travel around Australia, set the St Brigid’s College stadium alight in his debut A Grade game, with some amazing power-hitting and huge blocking. Runt, who plays as a setter for Parnu in the Baltic League and Estonian Volleyball League and has professional experience playing for FHN-Xilasedici VK in Azerbaijan, set tongues wagging right from the get go when he bounced his first spike inside the three-metre line and continued to dominate from there. Horsham veteran Dimitrios Vettos, who was on the other side of the net to Runt, could not believe what he was up against, especially when Runt ‘invited him into his phone box’ early in the second set. “I thought I could get one past him, but when the ball bounced back on my side, I thought I better go to plan B against him. He was just unbelievable,” Vettos said. Top female player Cleo Baker, who was also on the opposite side of the net to Runt, is usually

quite composed and up for any challenge thrown her way, had second thoughts when a spike flashed passed her. “I thought I was in the right spot to get that spike, but when it bounced over my head, I was genuinely scared, which I have never been on a volleyball court before,” she said. The first two sets went Heidelberg’s way, but you could see that Vettos’ Hellenic Nuggets team was rising to the challenge and it was youngster James Johns who helped turn the tide, when he blocked out the gun recruit. “Did you see that? How good was that,” Johns said as his team-mates gathered around him. Hellenic Nuggets went on to take the third set and very little separated the two teams in the fourth, but Heidelberg edged ahead to win 18-15 and take the win. But that was secondary to the experience both teams and those watching had witnessing such an accomplished player ply his trade. Runt expects to be in the community for at least another six months and Volleyball Horsham will be hoping to use his talents in events upcoming. But for now, all volleyball youngsters are encouraged to get down to the stadium on Wednesday night and watch a professional in action and marvel at just how good Runt is.

GET YOUR

Greener pastures in Stawell Trainer Kate Hargreaves’ decision to move her stable back to her hometown Stawell seems to have worked wonders for four-year-old gelding Just Like Nugget. Bred and owned by Kate’s father Jeff, the little pacer had more than 20 starts without success when the Hargreaves team were trained at Shelbourne, but since the relocation ‘Nugget’ saluted a fortnight ago at Charlton, followed up with a third placing at Ararat and notched up win number two at his next outing in Ballarat. Jeff bred Just Like Nugget from his unraced Holmes Hanover mare Loves to Hate, with a family line that stretches back more than 70 years and six generations to the Floodlight mare Faye Maree. Among those bred and raced by Jeff are Little Partner, 17 wins, Satravan, 16 wins, and the lightly raced Whats It All About, two wins from four starts. Team Hargreaves trains their small team at Laidlaw Park and are regularly helped out by Stawell Harness Racing Club stalwart Lyn Gunning, who was on stable-hand duties for the special Ballarat victory.

‘The lucky last’

Horsham owner-trainer Rod Carberry combined with reinsman Luke Sutherland to take out ‘the lucky last’ at Mildura on Friday last week with consistent five-year-old mare Sportsbou. Sutherland drove the horse like she was the

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best in the race and so it proved, racing away to a nine-metre victory after doing it tough in the death seat for the majority of the 2190m journey. Carberry and Robbie Connelly bred Sportsbou from the talented but headstrong racemare Bou Chard, eight wins, and the Mildura success took her record to seven wins and nine placings from 35 starts.

Racing at Melton

It is a huge Saturday night of racing at Melton this week with eight Group One contests on the card – pacing and trotting finals of the Vicbred Super Sires series and the Group 3 Caduceus Classic to open proceedings. ‘Hot To Trot’ wishes Horsham part-owner Craig Cook good luck with undefeated gelding Vibici in the $100,000 final for two-year-old colts and geldings. In the same race, Kerryn Manning drives Hez Ares for trainer Denis Paton and Michael Bellman, Insulator for Joe Pace. Manning also has a number of live chances for the Emma Clayton barn including twoyear-old pacer Some High, Most Exciting in the three-year-old pacing final and My Bettor Half in the three-year-old fillies contest. Her father Peter saddles up the three-yearold gelding Vance Lane in that trotting final, while Bellman will finish his night in the final for three-year-old fillies with Ijustcantseeit for trainer Rebecca Morrissey.

Liddy leads Price in croquet competition Horsham Golf Croquet’s Saturday competition saw June Liddy win division one, ahead of runner-up Glenn Price. Elaine Nicholls and Jenny Pipkorn took division-two honours, while Kerrie Brody and Peter Pickering led division three.

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Thursday’s event saw Gary Devlin win division one over Rob Bahr, Marj Weidermann win division two with Rosemary Rees the runner-up, and Peter Pickering and Elizabeth Todd led division three.

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SUCCESS: Driver Ewa Justice, owner Jeff Hargreaves and Lyn Gunning after Just Like Nugget’s victory at Ballarat last week. Picture: Ballarat Trotting Club

The biggest games of the season are just around the corner! If you’re carrying an injury, don’t let it stop you from taking the court or field. Our team can help assess and manage your sporting injury, guide your rehabilitation, and get you moving with confidence heading into finals.

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All in place for grand final showcase T

BY SIMON KING

he last three teams to contest the 2026 Wimmera Hockey Association grand finals were decided after three enthralling preliminary finals on the turf at Dimboola on Saturday.

The reigning premier in the under-16s earned the right to play for back-to-back titles, the women’s minor premier fell just short of making the grand final, and a traditional match-up was confirmed for the open decider. In under-16 competition, Nhill Leopards earned the opportunity to add to the premiership they won last season after a last-minute goal got them over the line against Kaniva Raiders in the preliminary final. This year’s junior competition has been one of the closest in recent years, with the top four teams evenly matched. This was highlighted again in this game, between the teams that finished first and third on the ladder. In a close start to the match, neither team could capitalise on the opportunities created, with the Leopards earning the only two penalty corners in the first quarter, but some determined Kaniva defence prevented them from getting onto the scorecard. The Raiders narrowly missed a scoring opportunity early after play resumed, with the Leopards counterattacking quickly by gaining possession and running the ball the length of the pitch and scoring a goal from a scrappy piece of play once the ball made it to their ‘D’. This was the highlight in an otherwise close quarter from which neither team could take control, but the Leopards had gained an important, albeit small, advantage by half time. A successful penalty corner by the Raiders minutes into the second half saw the scores back on even terms, and as the play ebbed and flowed, some dark storm clouds rolled across the venue, which required the floodlights to be turned on at midday, before the heavens opened with a brief deluge that soaked the players and umpires. The fast pace continued into the last quarter as both teams fought valiantly for victory, and with the game looking set to progress to a tie-breaking shootout, the Leopards took the initia-

RACE FOR THE BALL: Kaniva’s Lisa Stimson leads in the race for the ball with Dimboola Roos opponents Brooke McMaster, far left, and Kelly Marlow, left. Defender Cara Hadzig, right, looks on, awaiting the inevitable return of the ball in her direction. Picture: SIMON KING tive and, with a solid shot, found the goal to take the lead as the final whistle loomed. With just a minute to go, the Raiders made a fast break from the restart and earned a penalty corner just before full time, and in a tense finish, the corner was played out, with the Nhill side successfully defending its lead to claim a place in the grand final. The closing stages of the women’s competition have not played out as many would have predicted, considering the dominance of the Dimboola Roos throughout the regular season, which saw them drop one game on their way to the minor premiership. In the first week of the finals, they fell short in a tough game against Yanac and then had to play in the preliminary final to earn a place in the season decider, where they faced Kaniva, the only team to have defeated them in the first 15 rounds. The determined Kaniva team dominated early, earning four penalty corners before the first break and establishing a lead with two field goals mid-quarter. The Roos regrouped and took control of most of the play for the next quarter and were back in the game after converting a penalty corner to be within striking distance by halftime.

The second half featured exciting attacking play, met with solid defence at both ends of the ground, and only one penalty corner was played out after half time, which saw the Roos successfully ward off a solid scoring attempt by Kaniva. By the final whistle, Kaniva’s productive first quarter proved to be sufficient to earn them a place in a fourth grand final in the last five seasons. The open match promised an engaging encounter, with the nothingto-lose enthusiasm of the improving Nhill Rangers up against the experience of perennial finalists, Warrack Hoops. A fast-paced, entertaining display of hockey ensued, and with the Hoops playing with a bit more composure than in their semi-final loss to the Tigers, took the lead early after the first break and added one more goal per quarter for the rest of the game, all from penalty corners, to finish with three goals. Despite the scoreline, the Rangers were not disgraced and kept the pressure on the Hoops for the entire match, frequently looking dangerous, and it was only solid work by the Warrack defenders that kept them scoreless. Despite this loss, the Rangers have

enjoyed their best season in more than a decade by reaching the preliminary final, while the Hoops can now focus on striving for their first title since 2014. The day concluded with a fun challenge match to promote mental-health awareness and raise money for Beyond Blue, between the two teams in the women’s competition who did not reach the finals. Horsham Jets played in superhero costumes, while Warracknabeal channelled some of its predecessors with a retro Warrack Women uniform, enhanced with capes and tutus. Despite drizzly, cool conditions, the match was entertaining, with Horsham taking a narrow victory, though the cause was more significant than the result.

Premiership matches

The season will now culminate with grand finals at Anzac Park in Warracknabeal on Saturday, with all six teams taking to the field with a justifiable belief they could end the day as premier. Open, Yanac Tigers v Warrack Hoops: The Tigers go into the grand final as favourite, having defeated the Hoops three times in their four meetings so far this season, and on the hunt for an 11th straight title.

However, the Hoops proved earlier this season the Tigers are beatable by inflicting their first loss since 2019. While the Tigers were not at full strength that day, the Hoops also sabotaged themselves in their semi-final loss with some undisciplined play in a game where they otherwise matched this opponent. This game should see both take to the field with their best combinations, so there will be no excuses on either side to stand in the way of what will undoubtedly be another epic season decider between these two teams, who will be playing their 18th grand final together in the 37 seasons of the competition. Women, Yanac v Kaniva: While Yanac has defeated its grand final opponent three times this year, Kaniva has the confidence and self-belief that comes from twice defeating the dominant minor premiers, the Dimboola Roos, suggesting they both go into this game on an even footing. Recent history also highlights how evenly matched they are, with both having played in three of the last four grand finals and winning two each. Both teams have squads featuring a wealth of finals experience, and the team whose next tier of players steps up and handles the pressure best will take home the title. Under-16, Warrack Revengers v Nhill Leopards: Averaging 10 goals a game between them when they have met during the season, regardless of the result, the Revengers and Leopards are capable of putting on an exciting and high-scoring display of hockey. Both feature several top-age players who tend to dominate the play, but both sides are complemented by younger players capable of stepping up and playing match-winning roles. The winner will be the team that overcomes big-game nerves fastest and plays its best as a team. Preliminary final results – Open: Warrack Hoops 3 (goals, T. Harris, H. Knoop, H. Wagenknecht; best, S. Schultz, B. Williamson, T. Harris) d Nhill Rangers 0 (L. Mills, J. Reichelt, O. Bone). Women: Kaniva 2 (N. Hutchins, O. Diment; I. Dickinson, L. Stimson, S. Braisby) d Dimboola Roos 1 (B. McMaster; T. Clark, B. McMaster, A. Rintoule). Under-16: Nhill Leopards 2 (A. Marra, B. Clark; J. Cannell, B. Clark, A. Albrecht) d Kaniva Raiders 1 (D. Stimson; L. Williams, D. Stimson, R. Williams).

Wednesday, September 9, 2026

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HorSHAM DIStrICt LEAGUE

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Phyland humbled by league win A

handful of years after he considered prioritising surfing over football, Noradjuha-Quantong midfielder Declan Phyland’s decision to stick with the latter paid handsome dividends.

Phyland etched his name into Horsham District Football Netball League history on Monday night, polling 23 votes to win the Dellar Medal as the league’s senior best and fairest. He won from joint runners-up Jack Fenner of Laharum and Harrow-Balmoral coach Jai Thompson – himself a former winner in 2024 – by three votes, with Harrow-Balmoral’s Will Burbury and Kaniva-Leeor United’s Tyler Roos a further three votes back on 17. Phyland said he was shocked and humbled to win the Dellar Medal – the first time in a long and decorated career he had claimed a league’s top honour. The versatile midfielder played most of his career with Bacchus Marsh in the Ballarat Football Netball League, playing in the club’s only premiership in 2016 and being named in the league team of the year. After finally departing Bacchus Marsh he spent single seasons at Torquay, Macedon and Maiden Gully YCW before joining Noradjuha-Quantong in 2025. Phyland said he had found a new home and rediscovered his passion for football at the Bombers. “I’ve played a lot of footy over the years, and through my late 20s I still loved my footy but I was sort of wondering which way to go with it, whether to maybe get into surfing or something a bit more cruisy,” he said. “Like a lot of people, my life changed around 2020 with the COVID pandemic. I just started to see different things that I could get into, and I

REWARD: Senior award recipients, from left, Dellar Medal winner Declan Phyland of Noradjuha-Quantong; Harrow-Balmoral’s Jai Thompson, who with Laharum’s Jack Fenner was equal runner-up. Fenner also topped the league goal-kicking tally, accepted by Laharum president Vanessa Lenehan; while Natimuk United’s Oscar Miller won best under-21 player, with Carl Sudholz accepting the award on his behalf: and tying for the best opposition player award, Kaniva-Leeor United’s Blake Dodson and Harrow-Balmoral’s Will Burbury. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER thought maybe I’d just commit a bit more time to that. “And then this opportunity came up to have a run up here, and it just felt right. You know when it feels right in your gut.” Phyland said Bomber Brock Orval was instrumental in recruiting him to the club, but that the wider Noradjuha-Quantong community had made him feel instantly welcome. “It’s really nice to get out here. Your Geelong areas and places like that are I guess called country footy, but this is proper country footy,” he said. “It ticks a lot of boxes for me and

where I’m at at this stage in my life and what I want to get out of football.” Having discovered a renewed passion for football, Phyland said he was unsure of how much longer he would play. “I’m turning 33 now. I think you just kind of know when it’s time to stop, and it’s hard to tell when that’s going to be,” he said. “Probably the short answer is I’m just really excited for this weekend.” With Noradjuha-Quantong preparing for a grand final on Saturday – and a chance to finally break through for the club’s first-ever senior premiership

RESERVES: Natimuk United’s Jono Lovel won the Richie Dunlop Medal as the competition’s best and fairest, from runner-up Dylan Arnott, pictured, of Pimpinio. Topping the goal-kicking tally with 70 goals was Pimpinio’s Dylan Baker.

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since forming in 1997 – Phyland said he and the team were focused on one goal. “It feels a little bit different to last year in the sense that last year we played some of our best footy in patches during the year, whereas it feels like we’ve sort of built into the final series this year,” he said. “It’s been a bit more of a mature outlook.”

Other winners

While Laharum’s Fenner finished joint runner-up in the Dellar Medal count, he took home a trophy as the league’s leading goal-kicker for 2026

LIFE MEMBERS: Horsham District Football Netball League life memberships were awarded to Swifts’ Scott Carey and Taylors Lake’s Sharon Fedke. Natimuk United’s Deb Keyte, who was absent, also received life membership.

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with a tally of 96 during the homeand-away season. Natimuk United’s Oscar Miller won recognition as the best under-21 player, while Kaniva-Leeor United swingman Blake Dodson and Harrow-Balmoral’s Burbury were co-winners of the best opposition player award. In the reserves, Natimuk United coach Jono Lovel polled 27 votes to win the Richie Dunlop Medal, five votes ahead of runner-up Dylan Arnott of Pimpinio. Arnott’s team-mate Dylan Baker was the top goal kicker with 70 for the season.

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B GRADE: Laharum’s Maya Przibilla won the Jenny Kirchner Medal, with runner-up Indy Webb of Kalkee, and Kaniva-Leeor United’s Blair Burke who won the league goal-shooting tally. A GRADE: Noradjuha-Quantong’s Leah Mirtschin won the Michele Mibus Medal as the A Grade best and fairest from runner-up Bethany Sudholz of Natimuk United. Laharum’s Ilze Van Zyl won both the best under-21 and leading goal shooter awards, while Kaniva-Leeor United’s Abby Croft was voted best opposition player.

A landslide win

search for a new netball challenge in 2026 ended with a big addition to Leah Mirtschin’s already sizeable trophy collection.

The first-year Noradjuha-Quantong defender claimed the Horsham District Football Netball League’s top individual A Grade trophy, the Michele Mibus Medal, on Monday night, polling 35 votes to win in a landslide from Natimuk United’s Beth Sudholz. Mirtschin, who had previously won junior and senior best-and-fairest awards with Penshurst in the Mininera and District Netball Association, said she had enjoyed her first year in a new league. “I think there’s definitely a step up. It’s more of an even competition. The teams down the bottom of the ladder are still good sides, whereas in Mininera it’s probably more lopsided,” she said. “I’ve grown up in the Mininera league. I’ve played there my whole life and I know all the girls who play in the Mininera league and how they play, whereas here I’m coming up against new opponents.” Mirtschin, 28, paid tribute to Noradjuha-Quantong coach Taylor Shelley for enticing her across to the Bombers. “At Penshurst, most of the A Grade team that I won the flag with last year was moving on, so it seemed like the perfect time to take on a different challenge,” she said. While her new team fell one win short of a grand final appearance this season, Mirtschin said the Bombers were well placed for sustained success. “It would’ve been nice to win the flag, but I’ve loved playing with the girls and I think we’ve grown some good connections and friendships,” she said.

“The girls have all been lovely, and the boys – everyone around the club stops and says hello to you every time we’re around at training and at games. “To experience a new league and see how things are done differently, it’s been a nice learning curve. I couldn’t ask for a more welcoming club.”

Other awards

Mirtschin’s 35 votes saw her win the Michele Mibus Medal comfortably from Sudholz, who finished with 21, while Kalkee’s Tamika Mentha and Laharum’s Ilze Van Zyl polled 20 votes each to tie for third. Van Zyl was also the competition’s leading goal scorer with 494 for the season and was named best under-21 player, while Kaniva-Leeor United goalie Abby Croft won best opposition player honours. In B Grade, Laharum’s Maya Przibilla topped the count with 32 votes to win the Jenny Kirchner medal from Kalkee’s Indy Webb, who had 21, while Blair Burke of Kaniva-Leeor United was the top goal scorer with 548. C Grade saw Edenhope-Apsley’s Morgan Coventry and Taylors Lake’s Biance Kettle share best-andfairest honours, each polling 21 votes. One vote behind the winners was runner-up Bethany Bates, also from Taylors Lake, while veteran Jo Taylor of Natimuk United topped the goal-scoring tally with 460 in her first season as a goalie. Collecting the C Reserve best and fairest was Kalkee’s Emma Bigham with 22 votes at an average of 1.57 per game, edging out Harrow-Balmoral’s Eliza Hobbs with 21 at an average of 1.50. Charli Watts of Laharum was the leading goal scorer with 544 for the season.

C GRADE: Edenhope-Apsley’s Morgan Coventry and Taylors Lake’s Bianca Kettle were joint best-and-fairest winners, with Taylors Lake’s Bethany Bates finishing runner-up. Accepting the award for leading goal shooter on behalf of Natimuk United’s Jo Taylor is Janelle Bales.

C RESERVE: Josh Beddison accepts the best-and-fairest award on behalf of Kalkee’s Emma Bigham. Runner-up was Harrow-Balmoral’s Eliza Hobbs, centre, and leading goal shooter Charli Watts of Laharum.

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T F HE YEA O S M A R TE

2026

FOOTBALL

The Weekly Advertiser and 3WM Local Football Live teams have selected football and netball teams of the year for the Horsham District Football Netball League. Players must have played a minimum of nine home- and-away games for season 2026 to be eligible, with selection based on performances throughout the year.

COACH:

Robbie Miller (Laharum)

CENTRE:

Lachlan Bates

HALF BACK:

Blake Dodson

BACK:

HALF FORWARD:

(Kaniva-Leeor United)

Declan Phyland

(Kaniva-Leeor United)

(Noradjuha-Quantong)

Matt Jones

FORWARD:

Matt Rosier

(Harrow-Balmoral)

(Pimpinio)

BACK:

HALF BACK:

Brett Ervin

CENTRE:

Michael Close

(Laharum)

Will Burbury

(Harrow-Balmoral)

HALF FORWARD:

FORWARD:

Cody Deutscher

Jack Fenner

(Harrow-Balmoral)

(Laharum)

BACK:

FORWARD:

Todd Heynen

Tyler Roos

(Laharum)

(Kaniva-Leeor United) HALF BACK:

HALF FORWARD:

Wade Francis

Dylan Shelley

(Noradjuha-Quantong)

CENTRE:

Monty Wynne (Laharum)

FOLLOWERS:

INTERCHANGE: Daniel Easson (Laharum) Josh Clayton (Kaniva-Leeor United) Jack Vague (Noradjuha-Quantong).

Hamish Bennett (Kaniva-Leeor United) Jai Thompson (c) (Harrow-Balmoral) Robbie Miller (Laharum)

COACH:

Lavinia Fox

(Edenhope-Apsley) WING DEFENCE:

GOAL ATTACK:

Tamika Mentha

Ilze Van Zyl

(Kalkee)

GOAL KEEPER: (Natimuk)

Hannah Magasanik

Dee Dee Lambert

(Edenhope-Apsley)

GOAL DEFENCE:

WING ATTACK:

Leah Mirtschin

Keely Pope

(Noradjuha-Quantong)

Page 42

GOAL SHOOTER:

CENTRE:

Beth Sudholz (c)

NETBALL

(Laharum)

(Pimpinio)

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INTERCHANGE: Megan Little (Harrow-Balmoral) Jaspa Robinson (Laharum) Ellen Bennett (Kaniva-Leeor United)

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A new era beckons

fter three years of Harrow-Balmoral dominance the Horsham District Football Netball League grand final will have a different look in 2026.

The runner-up of the past two years, Noradjuha-Quantong, is back again in search of a maiden senior premiership, but opposite the Bombers is a team that has not appeared on the big stage in more than a decade – Laharum. The Demons are the biggest success story in the league’s recent history, rising from a winless wooden spoon campaign and merger talks in 2023 to premiership contention this season. Aiding Laharum’s rise has been the return of several players from its last senior premiership in 2015, along with recruits including key forward Jack Fenner, who topped the league goal-kicking tally this year. Fenner’s arrival and the emergence of young forward Josh Hutchinson have turned the Demons, who have boasted one the league’s stingiest defences in the past two years, into a more potent attacking threat. They showed their potential in a semi-final win against NoradjuhaQuantong two weeks ago, with Fenner kicking eight goals while defenders Todd Heynen, Patrick MacDonough and Brett Ervin helped hold the Bombers to their lowest score of the year. Playing coach Robbie Miller said his side had been thrilled to earn a week off before the grand final and would try to replicate its semi-final performance on Saturday. “We want to try to take away their outside game,” he said. “We pride ourselves on contested football, so if we’re winning it at the coalface and winning the stoppage game, that’ll go a long way. “But we also need to have pressure on the exterior as well. It’s quite a few things to take in, because they’re a quality side. “We need to be on our toes in all facets of the game, defensively first and then taking care of the football and

OVER THE LINE: Noradjuha-Quantong’s Jason Kerr, Dylan Shelley and Judah Hobbs celebrate a goal. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER making sure our forwards are getting good looks as well.” The Bombers are also confident after quickly returning to form in a 9.18 (72) to 5.7 (37) win against KanivaLeeor United in Saturday’s preliminary final. With a strong wind favouring the eastern end of Horsham City Oval, the Bombers kicked 4.6 to no score in the first quarter and managed a goal against the run of play in the second term to keep their noses in front at the long break. Despite some third-term inaccuracy, another strong defensive effort in the final term saw them run out comfortable winners. Coach Damian Cameron said his side was ‘pumped’ to play in a third straight grand final. He said the return of talented utility Dylan Shelley, who was absent from the team’s earlier finals loss to Laharum, was a boost. “He can play any position on the

ground and he goes about it the right way, so it’s nice to have him in there,” Cameron said. “It’s just getting the decision right about which end to plonk him at, and he did well at both ends on the weekend.” Cameron said his team would need to capitalise on its chances if it hoped to reverse the result from its semi-final loss. “We had a lot of inside 50s and couldn’t score. They did a really good job of stopping us from hitting the scoreboard,” he said. “Fenner kicking eight goals out of their 10 was huge as well. He’s a great player, so you’ve obviously got to look at how to nullify him. Their midfield had their fair share of the footy as well.” Leading Laharum’s midfield are Miller and Daniel Easson, with Shannon Argall swapping in the ruck with MacDonough and Monty Wynne and Reuben Launder adding depth. The

HEIGHT: Noradjuha-Quantong’s Dyson Parish leaps above the pack. Bombers also have a talented midfield group, with Declan Phyland claiming the Dellar Medal as the league’s best and fairest on Monday night and the likes of James Hallett, James Gregg, Lee Dale, Riley Dunlop, Dylan Shelley and Wade Francis capable of running through the middle or lining up elsewhere, while Jack Vague is one of the league’s best ruckmen. Noradjuha-Quantong will need to curb the influence of Fenner, with Lachlan Phyland likely to be his primary defender, while the likes of Nigel Kelly will be required to lend support. Noradjuha-Quantong’s forward setup, featuring Judah Hobbs, Brock Orval and at times Dylan Shelley, will also test a strong Laharum defence.

Cameron said the Bombers were ready to produce their best in a quest for an elusive senior premiership. “It hasn’t really been spoken about that much, but you know it’s in the back of everyone’s head. The hunger is there,” he said. “It comes down to one game and you’ve got to get it right, so you can’t dwell on the last two grand final losses too much. But obviously it builds that hunger each time. “The group doesn’t seem to be feeling any pressure, which is a good start. “Sometimes when you feel that pressure it can really affect your performance, but that doesn’t seem to be there, so it’s a really good feeling at the moment.”

Demons and Saints set to renew grand final rivalry The two best sides in the recent history of the Horsham District A Grade netball competition, Laharum and Edenhope-Apsley, will square off at Horsham City Oval on Saturday with more grand final glory on the line. Accounting for a COVID-19induced break in 2020 and 2021, when the league crowned no premiers, the Demons and Saints have each won two of the past five A Grade flags. Laharum was the toast of the league in 2019 and 2024, while the Saints were victorious in the 2022 and 2023 grand finals – both at the expense of the Demons. Edenhope-Apsley came painfully close to adding to its trophy cabinet last year, falling two goals short in a thrilling grand final against Rupanyup. With the Panthers entering a rebuilding phase this season and Laharum returning to full strength after missing key players in 2025, the stage is set for the sides to renew their rivalry. Laharum will be a warm favourite after topping the ladder with a 15-1 record, its only loss coming to Kalkee in round 10. Wednesday, September 9, 2026

But the Saints have proven themselves more than capable of challenging any side in the league, finishing third with 13 wins, two losses and a draw. They advanced to the grand final after a hard-fought 49-42 preliminary final win against Noradjuha-Quantong on Saturday – the first time they beat the Bombers in four attempts this season. Edenhope-Apsley coach Lavinia Fox said her side would draw confidence from its performance at the weekend, excelling despite not only a tough opposition, but wet and windy conditions. “It was a very closely contested match, but I think we found a way to be composed in that fourth quarter,” she said. “The swings in momentum throughout that game were incredible. You felt like you were going to break away and then they’d come back. They definitely put up a really good fight.” Fox and goal shooter Dee Dee Lambert were unfazed by the wind, goaling accurately, while at the other end

of the court Danielle Grindlay and Olivia Spence worked to double-team Noradjuha-Quantong goalie Shannon Couch. The Saints were able to blunt Couch’s impact, holding her to 29 goals two weeks after she scored 42 against them in a qualifying final. With Hannah Maganasik running strongly through the midcourt and finding the Saints’ goalies in favourable positions, Fox said the team was hitting its best form at the right time. “I think we’ve been able to put together some strong performances, particularly over the last fortnight, and we feel like we’ve been able to settle into our combinations quite nicely,” she said. “Laharum has been a very strong side all year, but I think we are definitely capable of taking it up to them.” Laharum co-coach Brooke Taylor said her team was well rested and excited for the challenge of another grand final. “We had the last bye of the season as well as a forfeit, then we had the first week off in finals and now the www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

third week off in finals,” she said. “So we’ve just kept the same routine, trying to do a fair bit of gameplay at training. We’ve got a really strong B Grade team, so it’s been good to be able to have games against a strong opposition at training.” Taylor said the fact the bulk of the team, outside of 2026 recruits Ilze Van Zyl and Jaspa Robinson, had played together for years would stand the Demons in good stead. “They just seem to fit in seamlessly, so the connections are still strong even with the weeks off here and there,” she said. Taylor said the depth of the Saints would test her team. “They’re strong all the way down the court. They don’t have any weak links,” she said. “So you have to bring your best when you play against them. Hopefully we’ll do that on the weekend.” Fox said both sides would face an element of the unknown after having met only once early in the season, resulting in an eight-goal win for Laharum.

“When we last played them we were without Olivia Spence as our goal defence and the conditions were quite different with very heavy rain versus this weekend’s forecast, which looks like it’s going to be nice and warm,” she said. Fox said the Saints would draw on last season’s narrow grand final loss for extra motivation. “It’s something we’ll come back to, particularly if we’re having a lull in momentum,” she said. “When you think about that twopoint loss in a grand final, it does help to instill some hunger to work a bit harder, to get around your team-mates and to really hustle for the second effort. “So I think the fact we’ve all stuck together as a group going into this year and then having the addition of Hannah into our side as well shows that we’re all pretty keen to try and change that story this year.” Page 43

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ATTACK: Dimboola goal attack Giselle Clugston leaps for the ball.

CLOSE: Horsham defender Georgia Batson sticks close to Ararat’s Michayla McRae.

TACKLE: Stawell’s Sam Williams tackles Nhill forward Frazer Driscoll. KICK: Matthew Spalding sinks the boot in for Ararat.

ABOVE: Nhill’s Petros Politis looks to send the Tigers forward. START: Ararat’s Cody Lindsay and Horsham Saints’ Tom Vincent leap for the ball.

LEFT: Ararat’s Adam Haslett celebrates kicking a goal at Central Park in Stawell.

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tawell has been bundled out of the Wimmera league senior football finals after losing in straight sets, but Sunday’s first semi-final at Dimboola was all about Nhill.

After an even first term, the Tigers booted four goals to take a 22-point lead into half-time. The trend continued in the second half as Nhill was too strong and structured in its execution, outscoring the Warriors six goals to three. Nhill co-coach Jake McQueen said he was happy with his team’s four-quarter effort against the Warriors. “We knew Stawell were going to bring the pressure, but that’s the Nhill Tigers’ DNA and we can up it, so I was very pleased with the effort that we brought,” he said. “We’ve got a pretty good set-up now. Everyone knows their routine, and I feel like that’s definitely helped towards the back half of the year because we didn’t really have a routine before the first half the season.” McQueen said the team got together on Saturday to watch the Sydney Swans’ thrashing of Brisbane, which inspired them to lift their game of finals football. He said the Tigers’ journey was not just about their team, but their club and community, describing their support as like having an extra player. It has been a long time since Nhill reached a grand final and even longer since its last premiership, which was in 1981. “We’re grateful they’re involved and it’s bigger than just us,” McQueen said.

LEADER: Ararat coach Tom Williamson led by example in the win.

CRUNCH: Stawell’s Aiden Graveson crunches Nhill’s Frazer Driscoll. “Even after the win last weekend against Thunder, there was a couple of nannas coming down to the pub and having a beer and a feed with us, which they don’t normally do, so it’s nice to see that.” McQueen said Stanley Cox, with three goals, played his best game of the season. “ I was in prime position, and I just see this big, tall, lanky bloke coming in front of me and I was like ‘yep, that’ll do’ – he’s been a real super in for us, that’s for sure,” he said.

Kobe Hodges’ move from forward to the backline was also influential. “He’s smooth – he’s Scott Pendlebury-like. When he gets the ball, he can dodge a couple, but then he makes the right decisions every time, so he’s been huge,” McQueen said Ruckman Daniel Batson’s game was also key to Nhill’s win, and McQueen said the veteran stood up against arguably the best ruckman in the league, Josh Fowkes. Jarryd and Lucas Dahlenburg and Liam Albrecht were also among the

Tigers’ best, while Paul Summers with three goals, Zac Marrow and Aiden Graveson were judged the better players for the Warriors. The Tigers head into the preliminary final at Minyip this Saturday to take on Horsham Saints, who went down by eight points to Ararat. In windy conditions at Stawell, Ararat took an early lead, led by coach Tom Williamson. It was the Saints’ turn to shine in the second quarter, as they outscored the Rats to reduce the margin to just four points at the main break. Ararat’s six goals in the third term saw the Rats out to a 21-point lead at the last change, but to the Saints’ credit, a last-quarter fightback showed

their spirit. In fact, if the Saints had kicked straight – they posted 3.4 to Ararat’s 1.3 in the fourth term – the result could have been a different story. But it wasn’t to be for the Saints as Williamson, with six goals, and the usual suspects of Ben Taylor, Tom Mills and Cody Lindsay led the way to earn Ararat’s place in the 2026 grand final, with a chance of winning the Rats’ fourth consecutive premiership. For the Saints, Will Brennan, Jacob O’Beirne, Gage Wright and Reid Kuller were best, and the club will again be looking for those players to stand up in the preliminary final against Nhill on Saturday.

Saints dominate, straight through to grand final In windy conditions at Stawell, Horsham Saints put on a dominant display in the second semi-final to earn their place in the Wimmera league A Grade grand final. The Saints won 78-35 over Dimboola after showing serious scoreboard dominance in each quarter. Horsham Saints coach Vernetta Taylor said she was happy with how the Saints stuck to their game plan to adjust to the conditions. “Our game plan was to get that ball as close to the post as possible and to get ourselves into a good rebounding position, and I think we managed to do that really well,” she said. “We also talked about making sure we kept the passes hard and flat, but we still needed to move the ball efficiently. “We can play a short game, but our preference is to turn and look down the court and give what’s on. I think we did manage to adjust to the conditions pretty well. “Dimboola put up a good challenge and it was quite physical in all the right ways, but I think our accuracy helped – it’s helpful to have a six-foot goal shooter who can rebound any that get missed.” That six-foot goal shooter – Jorja Clode – passed the 1000 goal mark for the season, snagging her 1000th goal late in the game. Wednesday, September 9, 2026

Taylor described Clode’s 1000 goals as ‘extraordinary’. “It’s just a credit to the calibre of netballer that she is, and recognition for the work that she puts in,” Taylor said. “I think sometimes Jorja makes it look so easy that people don’t appreciate what it takes to be the standard of netballer that she is. “She’s so strong – under that post, you cannot move her. She’s calm, she’s accurate, but she is also a very smart goaler because she works extremely well with the goal attack. “Her screens that she puts on, her space awareness, knowing where to put the ball in the best interest of her other goaler. “She’s an incredible talent, and she makes it look so easy.” Clode was among the Saints’ best on Saturday, as was wing attack Megan Byrne whose feeds into the goal ring were outstanding, while goal defender Maddi Bethune again put in a consistent performance. For the Roos, midcourter Rianna Kuhne and defender Steph Glover were impressive. In the first semi-final at Dimboola on Sunday, Horsham Demons had a strong last quarter to score a 52-40 win over Ararat. The Rats hit the lead early, taking a 13-11 lead into quarter time before just one goal separated the two sides at half-time. The third quarter was

again close – this time the Demons put their noses in front to lead 36-34 at the last change, setting up what many expected to be an epic fourth term. The Demons were able to strike early and get out to a 39-34 lead before Ararat scored. Horsham extended its lead to 4335 before the Rats made some positional changes in an attempt to swing the game back their way. Coach Faith Biddle moved from defence to goal attack, as Julia Harricks came on at goal defence and Michayla McRae was subbed off, but the Demons had all the answers and jetted to a 12-goal win. The Demons will now play Dimboola in the preliminary final at Minyip this weekend. The two sides met in week one of finals, where the Roos won 49-46 – an example of their close games in 2026. On each of the three occasions the Demons and the Roos have met this season, there has been a three-goal margin – Horsham winning 45-42 in round four, while the round 13 match went Dimboola’s way, 52-49. Wimmera league followers are set for another epic game in this Saturday’s preliminary final, as the two sides battle it out to earn a grand final place, and a chance to take on Horsham Saints in the grand final. www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

CONSISTENT: Horsham Saints’ Maddi Bethune put in a consistent performance in her team’s win against Dimboola at the weekend. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER Page 45

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unior athletes were recognised for outstanding seasons in the Wimmera Football Netball League at a best-and-fairest award evening on Wednesday last week.

Horsham Saints players Lena Marshman and Ruby Bethune were dual winners of the 17 and Under netball best-and-fairest, each polling 28 votes, with Ararat’s Bridie Price runner-up on 27 votes. The Saints’ pair – with Lena at goal attack and Ruby in goal defence – have also played A Grade this season as well as dominating in the 17 and Under ranks, where their team finished on top of the ladder. “It’s really special to be able to share this with Ruby, she’s actually one of my friends and I’m really glad that I got to share this,” Lena said, In Under 17 football, Hayden Polack of Warrack Eagles won with 38 votes, while Dimboola’s Reef Ward polled 32 votes to be runner-up. Hayden said it was an honour to win the award. The midfielder said he hoped his team would see finals success in 2026, and he looked forward to one day playing senior football. “I hope to stay there for a few more years and see what I can do in the senior ranks,” he said. Ararat’s Pat Harrington won the Under 14’s football best-and-fairest after polling 40 votes for the season, with

TOP TIER: Wimmera Football Netball League junior best-and-fairest award winners, from left, Hayden Polack, Lena Marshman, Ruby Bethune, Luella Burke, Mia Roberts and Patrick Harrington. Lenny Shurdington, of Nhill, second on 35 votes. In other netball awards, Horsham Demons player Luella Burke polled 40 votes to win the 15 and Under best-and-fairest, ahead of runner-up Zahli Mellor, of Stawell, on 33 votes,

while Mia Robertson, of Southern Mallee Thunder, won the 13 and Under best-and-fairest, with 39 votes, as Emily Liston, Horsham Saints, was runner-up on 33 votes. The junior netball coaches of the year were Jessie Newell and Emily

Smith, who coach Minyip-Murtoa’s 13 and Under team, while Nhill’s Toby Marshall and Jack Mason, won the junior football coaches award. Wimmera league’s senior awards will be presented at a function on Monday.

Back-to-back Demons’ aim Woorndoo-Mortlake will meet Lismore-Derrinallum in the Mininera and District Football League senior grand final on Saturday after dispatching Hawkesdale-Macarthur in a preliminary final at the weekend. The Tigers only barely defeated the Eagles in a six-point qualifying final two weeks earlier and trailed by 13 points at half time during Saturday’s clash at Tatyoon, but conceded just one behind in a brilliant second half to win 7.18 (60) to 5.3 (33). While Woorndoo-Mortlake had two more scoring shots in the first half, a wasteful 2.7 saw them trail the more accurate Eagles, who kicked 5.2. But led by Matthew Pemberton, who finished with three goals, and outstanding games from Keilan Webster-Bamford, Simon Atkinson, Edward Gubbins and Wil Fleming, the Tigers were unstoppable in the third quarter, kicking 4.6 to no score. While the margin remained below three goals at the final change, the Eagles were unable to mount a serious challenge in the final term. Lismore-Derrinallum will enter Saturday’s grand final at Lake Bolac as a hot favourite to win back-to-back flags after posting an undefeated season with a percentage of nearly 400. The Demons have beaten the Tigers in each of their two encounters this season, most recently by 84 points in a second semi final at Dunkeld on August 29.

Muszkieta wins traditional breeders’ plate in feature race Horsham Racing Pigeon Club flew its traditional breeders’ plate race from Broken Hill last week, the first of its feature races. Young pigeons selected for the event are fitted with a special life-ring at seven days of age, identifying them as eligible for the 515-airline-kilometre race. John Muszkieta was again the man to beat, continuing his outstanding form with a hat-trick – he won both races from Broken Hill and took the first three positions in the breeders’ plate. Terry Brauer and Kevin King took fourth and fifth places with their first entries. Muszkieta’s winning pigeon averaged 1248 metres per minute, equiva-

lent to 75.88kmh, for the 516km flight. Brauer’s first pigeon averaged 74.1kmh, finishing four minutes, 27 seconds behind the winner, while King’s was home a further two minutes, 53 seconds later at an average of 73.56kmh.

Open race

A further 356 pigeons were entered in the open race from Broken Hill, producing an exceptionally close finish. The same three members dominated the placings, with Muszkieta’s winner averaging 1227m/m, or 73.6kmh. King’s pigeon finished just 41 seconds behind, with Brauer’s a further 13 seconds back in third place. “To have the first three pigeons sep-

arated by just one minute and 31 seconds after a seven-hour, 516km flight is a remarkable result,” club member Brian Watts said. “Even more impressive was the closeness of the overall finish, with the first entries home from the next six members all arriving within three minutes and 47 seconds of the winner.” Both races were flown in winds that were initially north-westerly from Broken Hill towards Ouyen before becoming south-westerly on the run to Horsham, with speeds ranging from eight to 20kmh. “Given the conditions, the performances of the leading 30 or so pigeons into Horsham were exceptional,

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demonstrating the extraordinary ability of these birds to navigate and maintain such speed over long distances,” Watts said.

Fascination of how

The modern racing pigeon has its genetic origins in Columba Livia, commonly known as the rock dove. Centuries ago, the birds lived in colonies on cliff faces around the Mediterranean coastline. During daylight hours, they would fly inland to feed, often covering considerable distances before returning to their home colonies. Over generations, their lifestyle helped develop their remarkable ability to navigate long distances and, most

importantly, their strong instinct to return home. Pigeon racing has been established in Europe for several centuries and remains particularly strong in Belgium and the Netherlands, while the sport is now conducted across much of the world. It experienced significant growth following both world wars, although today it competes with many other recreational pursuits. For racing pigeon enthusiasts, however, the fascination remains the same – how a bird released hundreds of kilometres from home can find its way back so quickly and so accurately. The Horsham club’s next race will be from Hilston, NSW.

STAWELL FAMILY CHIROPRACTIC CENTRE

SOME HELPFUL TIPS FOR A SPRAINED ANKLE

What can Chiropractic do for a sprained ankle? Sprained ankles are a common sports injury and I think I practically majored in them! So here’s a few tips to help from the resident chiropractor! 1) 2) 3)

Rest. Ice. Compression. Elevation. Wait 48hrs and reassess. If there is any bruising there is most probably a ligament tear or worse a chipped bone. That may require X-ray. See a chiropractor. “So how can a chiropractor help?” The chiropractor can assess the joint and let a person know how badly damaged it is. A chiropractor will also assess the rest of the spine. We can offer rehabilitation exercises and assist in recovery.

Why does Chiropractic help? In 20+yrs experience, an ankle sprain doesn’t just affect the ankle. As the song goes “The ankle bone’s connected to the knee bone, the knee bone’s connected to the hip bone “ etc. Rebalancing the whole body gives a much better result. It gets the brain to talk better to the body. Where here to help, Monday, Wednesday and Fridays. You can also book online at bowerschiropractic.com.au

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Home team success Stawell’s Il Shim International Taekwon-Do hosted the One Legacy International Victorian Open Championship on Saturday, with the home team bagging 39 medals during the event. Stawell placed third overall in the medal tally, collectively winning 11 gold, 14 silver and 14 bronze, its competitors ranging from three-year-old ‘little ninjas’ to an 82-year-old, and sixth-degree black belts. Fresh from the world stage, Savannah and Mackenzie Farrell led the Stawell team, supported by their Australian National Taekwon-Do team, showcasing sparring, special techniques and power-breaking. The sisters won 10 medals between them – Savannah one gold, three silver and a bronze; Mackenzie three gold, one silver and one bronze.

ACTION: Oyin Ogunmola, 7, of Stawell, competes on Saturday. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

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Sport Vol. 29 No. 11 Wednesday, September 9, 2026

Horsham District Football Netball League’s blue ribbon games will pit Laharum’s footballers and netballers against NoradjuhaQuantong and Edenhope-Apsley respectively in seniors and A grade matches at Horsham City Oval on Saturday. Laharum’s Robbie Miller and Rylee Hateley, left, and the Saints’ Nashira Lees and Bombers coach Damien Cameron pose with the cups at the league’s best and fairest counts in Horsham on Monday. Story, pages 40 and 41. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Grand matchups

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