Hamilton Spectator - 30th November 2024

INSIDE INSIDE december edition of western district farmer

THERE were smiles all round at the Branxholme Wallacedale Community School on Tuesday when students got to try out their new bikes and helmets on their new bike track thanks to an Active Schools Grant. Several points around the school were also painted brightly thanks to the funding. The track can be used for bike riding, walking, running, brain breaks and active learning activities. Poised ready for the ribbon cutting are (front, from left) Victoria Police Aboriginal community liaison officer, Michelle Ellis; student, Gabrielle Sanderson, Year 1; and Victoria Police youth resource officer, Keleigh Flavel. (behind, on bikes) Cooper Mischel, Year 4; Jacoby Lewis, Year 5; Matthew Sanderson, Year 5; Harrison Keiller, Year 5; Jaxon Keiller, Year 1; Nate Roberts, Year 3; Kristianna Burrows, Year 4. Photo: GLENN GUY. 241126gg003

FIRE SEASON – “BE PREPARED” Ready to ride

LIZZIE HALLAM

AFAC (the Australian and New Zealand National Council for fire and emergency services) has released the Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Summer 2024 and it’s not looking good for Western Victoria.

The Seasonal Bushfire Outlook for Summer 2024 shows an increased risk of fire for large areas of Australia, including Victoria’s southwest.

An increased chance of above-average rainfall this summer is predicted for much of the eastern states, and parts of SA and WA.

Maximum and minimum summer temperatures are likely, or very likely, to be above average across most jurisdictions.

Large areas of the south-west and far west of Victoria, parts of the north-east, and the Mornington Peninsula are highlighted.

CFA District 5 Commander Rainer Kiessling said this summer period was shaping up as a very bad season for fire and warned south-west Victorians to be aware of the risks.

“Be prepared,” he said.

“If possible, get yourself some firefighting equipment – the way this season is going at the moment, it is going to be very bad.

He also said to be vigilant about checking any equipment that can be used in the event of a fire.

“Check pumps and have a backup plan in the event of a power failure,” Commander Kiessling said.

“Make a decision about preparing now to stay or go – decide whether to stay and defend your property or go to a safe place – the CFA website will direct you to the best spot to go to depending on your location.”

He said local CFA had been conducting extensive planning and preparedness for the season.

“That includes equipment upgrades and training,” Commander Kiessling said.

“We are prepared as we possibly can be at the moment, however, we are very worried about readily-available water, and we would ask that anyone with private firefighting gear to make contact with the local fire brigade.

“Especially in regard to a communications plan and how they can best support us at a fire so that we may best integrate them into a coordinated fire attack.”

Commander Kiessling said he couldn’t stress enough about the importance of having a level of preparedness and understanding of the season ahead.

He also said any visitors to the region should be prepared to cancel travel plans.

“Fire and the impact of fire can disrupt travel plans,” Commander Kiessling said.

“I would direct to them to the CFA website and the Victorian Emergency app to stay informed and to have a plan and obviously avoid travel in fire affected areas.

“If there is a fire, we would ask people to stay away.”

Commander Kiessling said it was also worth

considering investing in your own private firefighting gear.

He said the grassland curing (how dry everything is) for the 2019/20 fire danger season – which was a very bad fire season – was shaping up to be more advanced this year.

Likewise, areas across the southern parts of the nation, including WA’s southeastern coastline and central west, extending to the parts of the SA lower coastal south-east region and lower Eyre Peninsula have an increased risk of fire.

South-west Gippsland has an increased risk of fire, as do central northern and central southern NSW.

To the north, fire risk is increased in longunburnt areas in the southern half of the NT and stretching up north of the Barkly Highway and to the Queensland border.

Fires currently burning in the Savanna management zone are expected to ease with monsoon conditions commencing.

Northern Australia broadly received average to above average rainfall, but southern Australian received below average rainfall for the cool season and into spring.

As a result, soil moisture is below average across much of southern and eastern Australia.

Mean temperatures for April to October were the third highest on record since 1910. For almost all jurisdictions, temperature means continue to be above average to very much above average.

AFAC chief executive, Rob Webb said, “No

matter where you live or travel this season, everyone can play an important role in bushfire safety this summer by being prepared and staying alert to warnings and advice.”

“The dry winter and spring period across southern Australia mean the landscape is well primed for bushfires.

Communities should be ready for bushfires and have a plan in place.

“We hope the rains come but it makes sense to plan as if they don’t.

“Local fire authorities will be monitoring bushfire risk this season so you can stay up to date and ready to act if there is an emergency.”

Communities were encouraged to be vigilant and stay alert this summer even if in areas of Australia showing normal risk of fire.

Catastrophic fires can still occur during normal bushfire seasons.

The Bureau of Meteorology also confirmed that Victoria was likely to have warmer-than-usual summer temperatures, both during the day and overnight.

Above-average summer rainfall was also likely for most of the state.

The highest chance of above-average rainfall was expected during December, where wetter conditions were likely across most of Victoria, except some western parts of the state. Most of the state has been forecast to have rainfall in the typical range for January.

Moyne Shire mayor and deputy elected

COUNCILLOR Karen Foster has been re-elected as mayor of Moyne Shire Council (MSC) following a vote at an MSC meeting on Tuesday, November 26 and will serve for the second time in the role.

Deputy mayor, Jordan Lockett will join Cr Foster in leading Council for the next 12 months.

Cr Foster thanked her fellow councillors and said she was honoured to be nominated for the role again.

“I am grateful to receive the support of my fellow councillors and look forward to serving the community again in this capacity,” Cr Foster said.

“We can build on the good work of the previous council and intend to create a culture of collaboration and respect to advance the interests of Moyne Shire,” she said.

“Moyne Shire has a significant agenda and we will be focusing our Spring Street and Canberra advocacy to gain support for our projects and attention for the issues that matter most to our community – including the condition of statecontrolled roads, critical funding for community infrastructure and improving availability of community services including early years.

“Council has a range of significant opportunities and challenges ahead, including improving our roads, maintaining high levels of services standards, supporting community events and maintenance and upgrades to facilities.”

Tuesday’s meeting was the first of new council term, with newly elected councillors, Myra Murrihy, Lisa Ryan, Lloyd Ross and Susan Taylor welcomed to the chamber.

Cr Jim Doukas was also welcomed back following his re-election.

Parks Victoria review motives questioned

A STATEMENT by the Victorian National Parks Association has questioned the motives behind the Victorian Government’s “comprehensive” review of Parks Victoria.

The move is raising concerns about the future of Victoria’s popular national parks and reserves, whose integrity is vital for both nature conservation and community wellbeing.

Environment minister, Steve Dimopoulos announced the wide-ranging review and departure of Parks Victoria chief executive, Matthew Jackson on Thursday – the last parliamentary sitting day of the year, with Graeme Dear named as interim boss.

Victorian National Parks Association executive director, Matt Ruchel said nature conservation groups had serious concerns about the move.

“It’s hard to see how major cuts to funding for Parks Victoria combined with an out-of-the-blue review meets community expectations,” he said.

“We are deeply concerned this is a trojan horse for dismantling hard-won nature protections.”

Independent polling released last week reiterated the community’s strong support for national parks.

The results show that 80 per cent of Victorians support national parks and back the creation of new national parks.

“National parks and reserves are key in our efforts

to protect nature, and the public overwhelmingly supports that,” Mr Ruchel said.

“While our precious parks are enjoyed for recreation, they also have the crucial role of protecting nature.

“This appears to be completely lost in the scope of review”.

National Parks and reserves provide clean drinking water, climate resilience, community health, support livelihoods, as well as fulfilling international and national policy obligations.

Yet national parks receive less than 0.5 per cent of the state budget.

“Sufficient funding for core management must be central to the review,” Mr Ruchel said.

“Biodiversity decline is in freefall, and combined with recent failures to come good on enhanced protections, this review only deepens our concern.”

The Victorian Government has repeatedly promised “the largest expansion to our forest reserve system in our state’s history since 2023 including new national parks”.

It has walked back this commitment saying they “will not be making any recommendation for largescale changes to land tenure, including not creating any new national parks”.

The State Government on Thursday failed to legislate new central west national parks in central

Victoria, after repeatedly promising to create them by the end of 2024.

“Nature and wildlife protection must be at the core of our parks and reserves for the benefit of Victorians for generations to come,” Mr Ruchel said.

“That’s not just our view – it’s state, national and international law.

“The Victorian Government is legally and morally obliged to make sure Parks Victoria has the resources to fulfil its duties.”

Mr Dimopoulos also revealed that auditing firm Korda Mentha would be brought in to carry out a full independent review of the agency, including looking at its financials and performance.

“The review will focus on Parks Victoria’s priorities, the delivery of its objectives under the Parks Victoria Act 2018, the organisation’s administration, finances, functions and delivery model to identify ways the organisation can reduce red tape, improve customer service and deliver better outcomes for Victorians,” he said.

“It’s clear that Parks Victoria’s current operations need to be improved to meet community expectations.”

Parks Victoria manages more than four million hectares of parks and reserves.

THE Victorian National Parks Association has expressed concern about a new review of Parks Victoria. Photo: SUPPLIED.

THE Moyne Shire Council have recently re-elected Councillor Karen Foster (right) as mayor and elected Cr Jordan Lockett as deputy mayor for the next 12 months. Photo: SUPPLIED.

Former local wins woodwork award

FELICITY HANDRECK

FORMER Baimbridge College student, Andrew (Andy) Ward, now of Melbourne has been awarded the overall Australian winner of Maker of the Year 2024 for his exquisite craftsmanship, a Barkly Table made from Tasmanian Oak.

This year, Maker of the Year was presented by Carbatec.

The competition which featured several woodwork sections received 373 entries altogether from every continent of the world –submissions came from 26 countries in total.

Now a professional carpenter, furniture maker and designer, Andrew grew up in Hamilton and is the son of locals, Heather and Doug Ward. Andrew’s mother, Heather said, “We’re just incredibly proud of him (Andrew) and that he has won this … prestigious award!”

Andrew said it was surreal to have won the award, “(It was) very unexpected but a very proud moment,” he said.

One of the judges, London-based interior designer, Brodie Neill said, “Andrew Ward’s Barkly Table is beautifully proportioned and detailed.

“Every component is made from carefully considered timber that allows each element to come together in unison.

“Though configured from larger sections, the junctions that join them provide a lightness that gives the overall table an elegant presence.”

Another judge, Australian gallery director, Sally Dan-Cuthbert said, “Andrew Ward’s Barkly Table is a refined, unique response to the architecture in which it sits, and the functional requirements of a dining table.

“Reimagining the lazy Susan is both an ingenious and fun addition, which together with the warm tones of the timber, centres the table as a space for sharing and connection.”

Andrew said his zealousness for woodwork was evident from an early age.

“I was always drawn to working with my hands, helping my mum and dad with renovations around the house and also with high school woodwork – I just loved it,” he said.

After school, he moved to Melbourne where he began working as a workshop manager at a ski shop.

Although his new job was slightly off the woodwork track, Andrew said grinding and waxing the bases of skis and snowboards to a high polish (a very manual and hand tool-based role) greatly assisted him gain further hand skill fluency.

After doing further work at the ski fields in Hokkaido, Japan, he decided to return to Melbourne and complete a carpentry apprenticeship.

Andrew has since worked as a carpenter and built furniture for his own small business.

“The furniture stuff has always been a big passion project of mine and I’ve been able to

CARPENTER, furniture maker and designer, Andrew Ward, formerly of Hamilton, has been awarded overall Australian winner of the Maker of the Year 2024. Pictured is Andrew with his partner, Eliane and two-year-old daughter, Lola. Photo: SUPPLIED.

build furniture for houses I’ve made.

“It’s grown organically over time and people saw how passionate I was,” he said.

“There’s a lot of hidden hours in making furniture and it’s a tough way to make a living –Most workers will do something else.

“I love building (houses) as well – I get to work with a lot of solid timber.”

Andrew, who has specialised in custom-made projects said, “I get a general idea of what timber or sort of (wood) species they (the customer) prefer and an example of what furniture they like.

“Then I put my own spin on it or add some function or detail and go from there.”

Andrew’s father, Doug said, “As one of his parents, we’re very proud of his (Andrew’s) achievements and for starting up his own business.

“He’s been working really, really hard and has put a lot of effort into his small business – he deserves everything he achieves.

“We look forward to seeing what he does in the future.”

When not working with wood, Andrew enjoys spending time with his two-year-old daughter, Lola and partner, Eliane.

Heavy rain set to fall today

HAMILTON is set for a very wet weekend with consistent rain forecast from mid-morning today.

The Bureau of Meteorology has expected up to 25 millimetres to fall in the 24 hours from 9am, with rain and showers continuing into late afternoon on Sunday.

Thankfully, the easterly winds will not be too severe at 15 to 25 kilometres per hour, and will become light in the middle of the day, then change to south to southwesterly 15 to 20km/h this evening.

Stay informed by monitoring weather warnings, forecasts and river levels at the BOM website bom.gov.au, warnings through the VicEmergency app and local radio broadcasts.

The State Emergency Service (SES) number is 132 500. For life-threatening emergencies call Triple Zero (000).

RESIDENTS are advised to take care on wet roads as heavy rainfall may increase slippery conditions, and the potential for landslides and debris.

Photo: MARK RABICH.

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ANDREW’S award-winning Barkly Table made from Tasmanian Oak. Photo: ALEX McLAREN.

Shaping the New Hamilton Gallery

SOUTHERN Grampians Shire Council

(SGSC) has invited community members to help shape the design of the New Hamilton Gallery (NHG).

Concept design engagement sessions for members of the public will take place on Monday, December 2 and Tuesday, December 3.

Internationally-renowned architect, Angelo Candalepas and Associates has been appointed to undertake stage 1 – concept designs for the New Hamilton Gallery.

Mr Candalepas brings a wealth of expertise and experience and is currently the architect of the National Gallery of Victoria’s new $1.3 billion contemporary building.

SGSC mayor, Dennis Heslin encouraged community members to come along.

“This is one of the most important stages in developing this nationally significant cultural icon,” he said.

“The community will have their voice heard by the project architects and can engage directly with them throughout the sessions and truly make an impact on the design.

Memorable

“These sessions are not just for those who already use our Gallery, but we also want to hear from those that don’t.

“What would get you through the doors and making the most out of these facilities?

“What features of other galleries do you love and what would you like to see introduced here?

“We want you to share your vision and help shape the new Gallery so jump on our website, register for one of our sessions, and leave your mark on the future of the Southern Grampians.”

Registration to attend one of the two community sessions, in person with Mr Candalepas is now open.

Community co-design workshop details: Day 1: Monday, December 2, 5-7pm, Hamilton Cinema Day 2: Tuesday, December 3, 2-3pm, Hamilton Cinema

Additional sessions have also been scheduled for industry groups by direct invite.

The focus of these sessions is to hear directly from residents and local business owners about their vision for the New Gallery.

PARTICIPATING in concept design engagement sessions is internationallyrenowned architect,

WDHS AGM for staff and community

A LONG list of activities, several awards and a prominent guest speaker were features of the recent Western District Health Service (WDHS) Annual General Meeting (AGM), which more than 100 staff and community members attended.

Board chairperson, Anna Sweeney highlighted the year’s achievements, including the opening of the MRI and Stage 2 of the Penshurst redevelopment, the completion of the WDHS Clinical Services Plan, and investment in a detailed design for the redevelopment of the Emergency Department and Intensive Care Unit at Hamilton Base Hospital.

Chief executive, Rowena Clift provided the activity highlights for Coleraine and Penshurst, and thanked staff across the health service for their contributions and support in the first six months of her dual chief executive role at WDHS and Casterton Memorial Hospital.

“Since stepping into the role, I’ve been getting to know the remarkable people and communities that define these organisations,” Ms Clift said.

“Looking to the future, I’m excited to build on

the legacy of innovation at WDHS and bring the best possible care to our communities.”

Corporate Services director, Nick Starkie discussed the financial performance of the health service in a challenging year.

“Although WDHS, like many other health services across the state, posted a deficit in 2023-24, we achieved the target set by the department at the beginning of the financial year,” he said.

“Our focus remains on ensuring the sustainability of our health service into the future while continuing to meet the growing demand for emergency care and surgical services.”

Guest speaker, Suzan Muir, a participant in SBS’s Alone Australia, captivated the audience with her personal health and survival journey, emphasising resilience and holistic strategies.

Life Governor Awards were a highlight, recognising three individuals:

• Aunty Claudette Lovett, for advancing cultural awareness and supporting First Nations health.

• Rohan Fitzgerald, former WDHS chief executive, for his visionary leadership over a

decade.

• Leanne Deutscher (posthumously), for her 40-year commitment to patient-centred care.

The newly established Dr Dale Ford Award honoured Aisling Cunningham for her exemplary leadership in quality and safety.

The staff Above and Beyond Award was presented to Sally Kinghorn for her dedication to supporting staff in the Education Centre and patients in hospital, with visits from her Jack Russell, ‘Pickles’.

The Recognising Excellence Awards celebrated the Theatre Sterilisation Wrap Recycling Team, the Public Maternity Clinic Team, and Corporate Services director, Nick Starkie for their contributions to sustainability, service innovation, and leadership.

Long-service awards acknowledged over 50 staff members, including five with over 40 years of service, a testament to the dedication and passion of the WDHS team.

“This year’s AGM was really about celebrating the incredible people who make WDHS such an essential part of our community,” Ms Clift said.

Angelo Candalepas.

Photo: MARTIN MISCHKULNIG.

MORE than 100 staff and community members gathered recently for the 26th Western District Health Service (WDHS) Annual General Meeting.

Port Fairy has a lot of heart

POPULAR tourist destination Port Fairy is now better equipped for summer thanks to a community-driven effort that has provided seven new publicly accessible automated external defibrillators (AEDs).

The lifesaving devices were funded by the Port Fairy Folk Festival and local residents.

Placed on residents’ fences and at the end of driveways, the devices are available 24/7.

They have also been registered with Ambulance Victoria (AV), allowing Triple Zero (000) call takers to direct people to them in an emergency.

Local AV Advanced Life Support (ALS) paramedic, Maddie Farley said the devices will make a real difference to the community.

“AEDs are used to attempt to shock the heart back into rhythm following a cardiac arrest,” she said.

“Minutes matter in a cardiac arrest and when a patient receives CPR and a shock from an AED before paramedics arrive, their chance of survival more than doubles.

“Port Fairy receives a large influx of visitors during the summer months so it’s great these devices have arrived just in time.”

SEVEN new automated external defibrillators (AEDs) have been installed around Port Fairy. Photo: SUPPLIED.

Some of the new AEDs can be found at:

• Awabi Court

• Anna Catherine Drive

• Bowker Court

• Whalers Drive

Cardiac arrest happens when a person’s heart suddenly stops beating and it can happen to anyone, anytime, anywhere.

About 21 Victorians suffer a cardiac arrest every day and only one in 10 survive.

While it’s great to receive AED training, Ms Farley said it’s not necessary as anyone can use an AED and start CPR.

“If someone is in cardiac arrest and an AED is available, simply open it and follow the instructions,” she said.

“They are safe and easy to use and will not deliver a shock unless it is necessary.”

Ms Farley also encouraged people to sign up to the GoodSAM app, which connects Victorians in cardiac arrest with members of the community who are willing to start CPR in the critical minutes before paramedics arrive.

“Anyone who knows hands-only CPR can save a life by becoming a GoodSAM Responder today,” she said.

“You don’t have to be first-aid qualified or have a medical background, you just need to be willing and able to do hands-only CPR, be over 18 years of age and have access to a smartphone.”

Nearly 50 community members recently attended a Call, Push, Shock session at the local CFA branch to learn how to help someone in cardiac arrest.

Ms Farley said the session also encouraged local clubs and businesses with existing AEDs to get them registered and moved outside to be accessible 24/7.

The new AEDs were made possible with the help of organiser Neil Povey and Port Fairy CFA Brigade captain, Hugh Worrall.

A full list of registered AEDs in Port Fairy can be found here: bit.ly/412rCe4

For information on organising a local Call, Push, Shock session please contact community.engagement@ambulance.vic.gov.au

SURROUNDED by family and friends, Doris Lanyon celebrated her centenary birthday this month. Photo: SUPPLIED.

Doris celebrates 100th birthday

DORIS Lanyon, formally of Hamilton, celebrated her 100th Birthday on Sunday, November 24. Mrs Lanyon lived in Hamilton for 63 years and now resides in Aged Care in Glen Waverley.

A wonderful afternoon celebrating was held at Country Women’s Association (CWA) of Victoria headquarters in Toorak.

Mrs Lanyon was an active member of the Hamilton Uniting Church, CWA and Hamilton Croquet Club where she was a life member.

She taught piano from home after school and was on the Hamilton Eisteddfod committee for many years.

She celebrated her birthday with family and friends, including her grandson, Euan Lindsay and family, who came from Aalborg in Denmark to share this special milestone with Mrs Lanyon.

DORIS was a life member of the Hamilton Croquet Club. Photo: SPEC FILE. 030315sf11

ACAND DC

&

Weather

Plan ahead this fire season

we come into summer and what we know will be a challenging fire season, I am urging all Victorians to have a fire plan and know where to get emergency information from.

Two significant fires have already taken place in the Wimmera and Otways this Spring and the summer seasonal outlook shows there is an increased fire risk for most of the west, southwest, northeast, Greater Melbourne and southwestern parts of Gippsland including the Mornington Peninsula.

In the west and southwest of Victoria there has been limited rainfall for the last 18 months that has resulted in a substantial amount of dead and dry plant material within forests, making it easier for fires to start and spread.

Grasslands in the areas with a heightened risk have superficial green on top that conceals underlying dryness, meaning grassland curing is likely to start earlier than normal. In the other parts of Victoria the fire risk is expected to be normal and we will continue to monitor these areas to identify any significant changes to fire risk.

CFA is ready to protect our communities, as we do every year and has been working with our Victorian emergency service partners to prepare for fire season.

Fire safety is a shared responsibility between fire services and the community.

We’re asking all Victorians in high-risk areas to take simple actions to prepare their family and property as the weather begins to warm.

On hot, dry, windy days, fires can start and spread quickly. If the Fire Danger Rating is Extreme or Catastrophic, leaving early before a fire has started is the safest option.

Never wait for an official warning before you leave, as you may not get one. Fires can start quickly and threaten homes and lives within minutes. Make sure you have a plan.

Established in 1859, The Spectator is published each Wednesday and Saturday, and circulates throughout South Western Victoria - extensively within a radius of 75km of Hamilton City.

Head Office: 59 Gray St, Hamilton, 3300. Phone: (03) 5572 1011 - Fax: (03) 5572 3800

Contact: News: Lizzie Hallam: Chief newsroom staff, specnews@spec.com.au

Classifieds: 5551 3800, specadmin@spec.com.au

Display Ads: 5551 3845, specads@spec.com.au

Accounts: 5551

Website: www.spec.com.au

Group General Manager: Greg Stevens 5551 3888, greg.stevens@spec.com.au

Jacobus Beks, 82 Hensley Park Rd, Hamilton, 3300 and printed by Peter John Weston, Port Fairy Rd, Hamilton, 3300 for the Hamilton Spectator Partnership (Reg No 0344759V) at the registered office 59 Gray St, Hamilton, 3300.

The Hamilton Spectator is published by Richard Leopold Jacobus Beks, 82 Hensley Park Rd, Hamilton, 3300 and printed by Jeffrey John Jellie, Penshurst, 3289 for the Hamilton Spectator Partnership (Reg No. 0344759V) at the registered office 59 Gray St, Hamilton, 3300. The Hamilton Spectator is bound by the

December CBD parking

Council may like to consider suspending CBD parking fees for the month of December to encourage visitors and shoppers alike! … “Twinkle Toes”

Roads and Pot Holes

Sir, Am I wrong in my belief funds for the maintenance of roads is given by the Federal Government to the various State Governments who are then meant to distribute those funds to the Local Councils? If my presumption is correct- we all know where over the past 10 years Victoria’s money has gone- down the ever deepening black hole.

J.F, Hamilton.

RENTAL affordability across regional Victoria is continuing to rapidly decline, hitting a historic low in 2024 with low-income earners bearing the brunt of the crisis, but the silver lining was that Hamilton was faring better than some other major regional centres.’

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If you wait and decide to leave after a fire has started, you risk driving your family through thick smoke, fallen trees and power lines, and face the danger of collisions, being trapped by fire, serious injury or death.

Stay informed by downloading the VicEmergency app to stay across incidents and fire danger ratings in your area.

Stay safe.

JASON HEFFERNAN, CFA Chief Officer.

Kate Ğoden - The rental market is an absolute joke, has been for months now!! So many are homeless because they simply cannot afford the ridiculous amount of rent. Its so sad Be so nice if someone built affordable housing and units so people wouldnt have to go homeless so often.

Stephen Speed- It has got ridiculous for the renter. 14 years ago I was renting a twobedroom unit with front yard backyard for 150 dollars a week .yes I had to mow my own lawn That was affordable for me. I don’t know what the wage is these days but I heard it’s around 600 dollars a week to rent ridiculous. You have the government and the pandemic b******* to blame for that and the greens and not to mention the odd thousand dollars for power every three months. My average is $500 now a quarter that’s b******* and I am on my own in 3 bedroom house.but lucky I own now

Things won’t get any better because Labor and the greens stuffed up and liberals will not have any immediate fix... I won’t touch what is broken

PORT Fairy Community House is looking for facilitators to run courses and workshops in the new year. People with creative talent, a musical gift, a special skill, or knowledge in areas like sustainability, exercise, or languages are all welcome. Facilitators decide what they want to offer, and when; also the House is open to all ideas, from one-off workshops to ongoing classes for adults or children. Drop by at the House at Railway Place or email bronagh.l@portfairycommunity house.com.au Photo: SUPPLIED.

rosters STOCK DRAW

Hamilton Stock Agents Association IncLamb and Sheep market, Wednesday, December 4 and Friday, December 6: Southern Grampians, L.M.B. Livestock, Nutrien, Lanyons, Kerr & Co, Elders, J.M. Ellis

Cattle Market, Friday, December 6: Nutrien, Elders, Lanyons, J.M. Ellis, Brian O’Halloran & Co, J & J Kelly, Kerr & Co, L.M.B. Livestock, Southern Grampians Lamb Sale, Monday, December 2: Elders, L.M.B. Livestock, J.M. Ellis, Nutrien, Kerr & Co, Lanyons, Southern Grampians.

MEALS ON

WHEELS

Monday: Brodie Golding, Brian Jenkins, Margaret Lehman, Denise Fenwick, Anne Steele, Mulleraterong Centre

Tuesday: Shirley Schurmann, Joel Roache, Colin Kavanagh, C & G Dent, Mulleraterong Centre

Wednesday: Jenny Cannon, Daryl Milgate, Carol Anderson, Leonie Jacobson, Jenny Dunn, Mulleraterong Centre

Thursday: Margaret Donehue, Graeme McDonald, Glenda Cadden, Leonie Jacobson, Mulleraterong Centre, R & J Oliver

Friday: Rosemary Tonissen, Joel Roache, Raelene Roberts, Margaret Burgin, Elsie Hill, Mulleraterong Centre

COLERAINE -

Monday: Brett Greed

Tuesday: Leisure & Lifestyle

Wednesday: Elizabeth Millard

Thursday: Therese Nolte

Friday: Margaret Ferguson Volunteer Meals on Wheels Drivers urgently required for Coleraine deliveries. Please contact Jane Murray, WDHS on 5551 8457. Drivers unable to deliver on the day of delivery please contact Community Services on 5551 8480 and Luke on 5551 8610 prior to delivery day. Southwestern Victoria: Today.

Hamilton’s first policewoman remembered

HALLAM

LIZZIE

Hamilton’s first policewoman has passed away in Canberra on November 13 aged 90.

Patricia June Howlett (née Nolte), January 19, 1934 - November 13, 2024, had lived in Canberra for many years with her husband and children, but was born in Hamilton to parents Frederick and Myrtle Nolte.

She was delivered by renowned physician Dr Sam Fitzpatrick, was raised at Tahara and educated at the Tahara State School before attending Hamilton High School until completion of Year 10 equivalent.

In her autobiography, “As it was…” by Pat Howlett, she described what would have been considered a “primitive” upbringing for her and her older brother Allan and younger sister Lois.

In early 1951, Miss Nolte, aged 17, was offered her first job in Merino in the office of stock and station agents, Dennys Lascelles Limited.

In 1956 she went to work as a typist for the police Superintendent at Horsham.

Inspired by a visiting Ballarat policewoman, in 1957, Miss Nolte applied to join the police force but had thought she should perhaps learn to drive first.

She then presented at the Police Depot in St Kilda Road Melbourne with a friend joining around 100 men and 11 other women to sit the exam.

Miss Nolte then underwent 16 weeks training, the same regime as men – except boxing – and received equal pay, something that was unusual in those times.

She was dux of her squad when she graduated in 1957.

Miss Nolte was stationed at Russell Street until early 1961.

In the 1960’s, the Hamilton district was flourishing as an important epicentre for agriculture.

So too was the Hamilton Police force expanding with the appointment of its first ever female member in 1961, Constable Patricia Nolte, a noteworthy addition.

By mid-1963, she was promoted to First Constable.

In those times, Miss Nolte dealt mainly with women and children.

As one of only 50 or so policewomen in the Victorian force, ‘Pat’ Nolte was quite a novelty in the town. (The next nearest station with a policewoman was Ballarat).

Once when interviewed for The Spectator, Mrs Howlett reportedly said (in relation to her male colleagues) “I felt that I was well received and soon settled in at the Hamilton Police Station”.

“I’m sure they all made great effort not to swear in front of me,” she said.

She also spent time stationed at Flemington.

Upon leaving the area, her Sergeant E. I McDonald praised her for her accomplishments at Hamilton.

“She carried out her duties in a satisfactory and human way,” he said.

“Her work amongst families in the district has been of great value.

“Her advice and assistance has benefited many families.”

It was at a Casterton Rotary Club changeover dinner where First Constable Nolte had been invited to give an address that she met incoming president, Casterton lad, Thomas ‘Tom’ Howlett. Not long after that Miss Nolte resigned from her posting as was required when marrying, and the pair were married in 1964.

Mr and Mrs Howlett initially settled in Casterton and had four children, Bruce, Glenn, Jan and Craig.

Following a severe drought in 1967-68, it was decided they would sell up and move where their children could undertake better educational and work opportunities.

It was in 1974 they eventually moved to Canberra for Mr Howlett to take up a position as an AMP insurance agent.

The Howletts were married for 52 years before Tom’s passing in 2016.

Mrs Howlett is survived by her children, and their families including seven grandchildren.

What's on at WDHS

Golf Day Thankyou

Our Annual WDHS Op Shop Golf Tournament was a huge success, raising $21,000 for our Hospital Congrats to the winners and thank you to our incredible volunteers, participants and the following sponsors:

Christmas Appeal

Make a life-changing difference this Christmas

Donate to our Christmas Appeal and bring a C-Mac video laryngoscope to our ED & ICU Department

To make a donation visit wdhs net or scan the QR Code:

All clothing, shoes and handbags on sale for $1 unless individually priced

Monday December 2 - Saturday December 23 @ 59 Brown St

Memory Loss Support Group

Tuesday December 3 2pm - 3pm @ Frances Hewett Community Centre

PATRICIA Howlett, originally of Tahara, passed away recently aged 90. Pictured here in early life as first constable Nolte. Photo: SUPPLIED. AT home in Canberra with husband Tom in 2009.

ATTENDING a police reunion in Hamilton in 2008.

My View

THE QUIET MAN OF THE CHRISTMAS STORY

JOSEPH. We don’t read much about him in the story of the first Christmas. You’ll find the homely narrative at the beginning of both Matthew’s and Luke’s books in the New Testament. With its cast of angels, shepherds, crowded inns, stable and animals, wise men and gifts, and of course Mary and the baby Jesus. Real people, real places, real history.

But in the terse writings of the Scriptures, Joseph only rates a few lines in those few chapters. And he says nothing – he has been referred to as “the quiet hero of Christmas eve”.

Clearly a kindly man, the village carpenter of Nazareth’s presence at the birth of Jesus Christ points us to a man of faith who was obedient to God’s direction.

Mary was the young woman he thought to be a virgin and who was about to become his wife. Yet she was found to be carrying a child who would not be his. Her story of an angel messenger and that she had been overshadowed by the Holy Spirit was just too confusing. How could this be? It had never been heard of before. It was clear to him that she had betrayed him – and it was quite normal at that time for husbands-to-be who had been put in similar situations, to rise up in righteous indignation for a loud, public and shameful divorce.

But not Joseph. Despite his disappointment in her, he decided

Current News from the Churches

that their relationship must end quietly. And with as much of her dignity as intact as possible; so that she would not be disgraced and could quietly return to her parents’ home and have the baby. Yet he didn’t dismiss what Mary was saying – from what we know about him, he wasn’t one to say ‘Because I can’t understand it, it is not possible’. He was a man who had faith and his mind was open to the things of faith.

So while he was trying to figure a way out, he had a dream. God’s angel spoke in the dream: “Joseph, don’t hesitate to marry her, God’s Holy Spirit has made Mary pregnant. She will bring a son to birth, and when she does, you are to name him Jesus because he will save his people from their sins.”

Joseph’s response? He responded in faith and obedience, and as soon as it was possible, he married her and took her into his home. He protects her, believes in her and makes the best of the situation. There was probably gossip about Mary around the town and many most likely thought he was a fool.

Maybe even Mary’s parents were angry with him, presuming it was he who was responsible for her condition.

Bravely protecting her purity and then caring for her through the hard journey from Nazareth to Bethlehem, I can imagine him assuring his betrothed bride many times, “We’ll get through this

together, with God’s help.”

I can also imagine that Joseph would have stood beside mother and the baby boy with pride that night.

He gives us a wonderful example of the importance of trusting in Almighty God; not jumping to conclusions but giving God time to work things out. Of considering the feelings and dignity of others. Of simply doing what God tells you to do.

Like many men, he appears to have been quiet in religious matters, like a lot of the men of faith that I know and have known. It looks to me like he just got on with earning a living, protecting his family from harm and leading his family to worship and trust God.

His actions speak louder to us than words. He is a tremendous role model for us men today, who often leave ‘the religion’ to the women and children of their households.

That men can be merciful; can be open to the amazing possibilities that happen when God is allowed to intervene; and can step out in faith when the occasion demands.

The churches of Hamilton invite you to hear the story of the first Christmas in song at the Carols by Candlelight, Botanic Gardens. Friday, December 13 at 8pm.

Current News from the Churches See service times in today’s classified section * *

Baptist

Pastor Lionel will continue the message in Ephesians Chapter 2:1-10. Two little words can make all the difference! After revealing the depths of man’s sinful nature, leading to eternal destruction, Paul writes “But God” This is a transition into Paul’s lesson about the immeasurable riches of God’s grace which is shown in His kindness to us. Come along to learn more about God’s amazing love and grace, and respond to Him in praise and worship. There will be opportunity for a catch up with others over a cup of tea or coffee. Everyone is welcome. Little Wonders Playgroup meets on Wednesday

at the church with a new starting time of 10am. This will give the little ones (and the parents and carers) more opportunity to play and be involved with each other. We have also expanded our age range to allow more families and children to attend the group, so all children from babies to preschool age are very welcome. We have a number of vacancies at the moment, so come and see if Little Wonders is a good fit for you and your family. For further information, please contact Chris Wildgoose on 0412 035 616. Find us on our YouTube channel by typing in www.youtube.com/@hamiltonbaptist7014 and click Subscribe. You can also go to our website www.hamiltonbaptist.org.au where there are podcasts of recent messages and contact details.

Catholic

1st Sunday of the Month – 1st Sunday of Advent Praying with Pope Francis

‘The Pope Video’ forms part of the Pope’s Worldwide Prayer Network – view at www. thepopevideo.org.

December: For Pilgrims of Hope Pope Francis requests this month’s prayers “so that this Jubilee strengthens us in faith, helps us recognize Christ risen in our lives, and transforms us into pilgrims of Christian hope.”

Making a Scene at Christmas

Over 500 Christmas Nativities from more than 60 countries will be displayed at the Bridge Mall Ballarat from Wednesday, December 4 – Friday,

December 20. You can see and smell real frankincense and myrrh; see coins minted around the time the census was called that brought Joseph and Mary to Bethlehem; see hand crafted cultural nativities from Australia, Africa, Asia, North & South America and Europe (and one that went to Antarctica); nativities that prize social justice and the environment. Entry is a gold coin donation. Everyone is welcome.

Caritas Australia’s Global Gifts are Christmas Cards with purpose!

Every card you buy helps build brighter futures for children, women and men experiencing hardship and poverty. By putting your compassion into action and shopping for the Global Gifts of your choice, you will bring hope and joy to the world’s most vulnerable and communities, while giving your loved ones a meaningful Christmas card. View the range of Global Gifts at www.globalgifts. org.au

Pastor Phil Baker, Grace FellowshiP

Fined for unlicenced firearms

A 77-YEAR-OLD semi-retired farmer from Wannon has been fined for possession of unregistered firearms without a licence and failing to store them appropriately.

William Bailey pleaded guilty in the Hamilton Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday and was represented by lawyer, Graeme Schroeder.

Police Prosecutor leading senior constable, Paul Harris told the court that police were in attendance at an address at Wannon at 11.30am on June 18 this year when informed of the firearms.

The accused was asked to accompany police to his residence where two shotguns and a rifle were located behind a wardrobe along with shotgun cartridges.

The defendant admitted to police that he did not hold a current licence or permit for the firearms which were unregistered.

The court heard the accused said they were family heirlooms and had previously belonged to his late father.

Mr Schroeder submitted character references to the court and said that the possession of firearms was in a historical context and that they were essentially placed behind the wardrobe and had been long forgotten and that they were not used.

He also tendered that his client had no priors.

In sentencing, Magistrate Simon Guthrie noted the defendant’s high standing in the community and particularly his involvement with the Coleraine Football Netball Club. He also allowed for the weapons to be obtained by the defendant’s son. Possession of the shotgun cartridges was forfeited.

Without conviction he fined Mr Bailey $500 plus court costs of $140.40.

Driving charges and theft

A HAMILTON man has been convicted and placed on a six-month good behaviour bond for illegally riding an unregistered motorbike and stealing a parcel from a doorstep.

Lachlan Hiscock pleaded guilty in the Hamilton Magistrates Court last week to driving charges and theft and was represented by lawyer, Xavier Farrelly.

The court heard on May 8, 2024 at 10.45am, Hamilton Police were informed by members of the community that a yellow quad bike was being ridden down Ballarat Road, Hamilton in a westerly direction.

In reviewing CCTV footage, it appeared to Police that two males, the accused and a passenger, were riding the quad bike with no helmets and no working headlights or indicators for around 3.3km on town streets.

The court was told that on May 9 at 9.45am, members of the Hamilton Police observed the described quad bike at a Kenna Avenue address which was confirmed to belong to the accused.

Later that day, Police spoke to the defendant where he made full admissions, and the vehicle was

impounded.

When the accused was asked why he was riding the motorbike when it was not roadworthy, he said he “had to bring it here to get it fixed” and that he had “no other choice” but agreed that he could have used a trailer to transport the vehicle.

“I didn’t believe I was doing anything wrong … I wasn’t doing skids or donuts or anything like that,” the accused told police.

Police Prosecutor leading senior constable, Paul Harris told the court that on an earlier date on April 15, at 8.45am, a parcel contractor delivered several parcels to the front door of a victim’s house.

It was heard that the accused walked to the front door of the victim’s property, selected one parcel and walked away before he was confronted by the delivery person to return the parcel, where the accused complied and gave it back.

CCTV from the incident identified the accused stealing the package, before he self-presented to the Hamilton Police Station and was arrested on interview, where he said he had no reason of stealing other than he “was drunk and just took the package”.

Mr Farrelly said his client had an intellectual

better deal for Hamilton

G’day, I’m Alex Dyson, your local independent candidate for south west Victoria Let’s get a

I’m from Warrnambool so I’m passionate about getting our region’s fair share from Canberra. I’m a broadcaster, author and small business owner who cares deeply about south west Victoria.

Remanded in custody for violent behaviour

A 31-YEAR-OLD Hamilton man who breached multiple court orders has been refused bail after allegedly strangling a victim.

Jade Vermeend appeared via Webex from jail in the Hamilton Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday and was represented by lawyer, Ian Pugh.

His application for bail was opposed by Police Prosecutor leading senior constable, Paul Harris who believed the accused presented a risk to the safety of the community, predominately through reoffending.

The court heard that on November 10 at 10.53pm, the accused saw a victim walking along Ballarat Road, Hamilton where he walked up to her, used aggressive and violent language before pushing the victim to the ground, in breach of a full intervention order.

It was heard that the accused followed the victim and a witness to the victim’s address where he continued behaving aggressively, and allegedly pushed the victim into a corner and strangled her, which caused her to stop breathing.

The court also heard the victim was also pushed into a bush at the property, followed by the accused smashing a bottle against the wall before lying next to the victim where he told her he “loves her and hates her.”

On November 11 at 1.15am, the accused was arrested by Hamilton Police before he encountered a medical episode and was taken to hospital, and was then re-arrested and taken back to Hamilton Police Station.

The accused gave a no comment interview in regard to attending the victim’s address and

disability which has impacted the accused’s ability to make reasonable decisions and understand the impact of his actions on others.

For the theft charge, Mr Farrelly said his client has only drunk alcohol on a few occasions, one being at the time of offending, but that his client has since gained support from family members and ceased alcohol use.

assaulting the victim, however made admissions of speaking to her.

Hamilton Police senior constable, Joanne van Wegen told the court she believed the accused presented an unacceptable risk to the safety and welfare of the victim, including through persistent drug habit priors making him a danger to the public.

She said the accused had blatant disregard for his actions shown in the breach of the current order and committing offences whilst on bail.

A relative who the accused had been staying with at the time of offending told the court she was aware of the charges laid against the accused, however, would allow him to stay with her if granted bail and report any matters to the police if reoffending occurred.

Mr Pugh mentioned that his client had been involved in a motor vehicle accident last year where he was run over twice, resulting in multiple physical injuries including head trauma and spinal injuries.

Ldg Sen Const Harris said the accused had 18 breaches of court orders and that granting bail would not encourage him to learn from his prior offences.

Magistrate Simon Guthrie agreed that the accused presented an unacceptable risk to the community and the victim.

Bail was refused.

The defendant was remanded in custody to reappear before the Warrnambool Magistrates’ Court for further mention via video link on December 11.

Magistrate Urfa Masood said the offences were “not an acceptable thing to do,” but took into account the defendant’s circumstances.

She placed the accused on a six-month good behaviour bond until May 19, 2025 with conviction, under the conditions that Hiscock participates with Winda-Mara Aboriginal Corporation counselling for alcohol use and any other appropriate services recommended by the organisation.

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“Blog”

with RICHARD BEKS

Les Bullockbest horseman ever said Patto

SOME years ago when we interviewed the legendary Flemington Clerk of Course, John Patterson, he remarked that the best horseman he ever met was Hamilton’s Les Bullock.

Les was a showman. In many shows around the country, circa WW2, he and his palomino gelding performed “The Cowboy’s Last Ride.”

Hamilton historian, Lyle Walter, remembers the oval was cleared, then in they came - Les under a huge hat with red shirt, leather chaps, and highly polished high heeled riding boots - and Gold King - his silver mane and tail highlighting the rich gold of his body.

They cantered a couple of times around the oval then, all of a sudden, a shot rang out.

Gold King stopped dead in his tracks, lifting his near side front leg, then hobbled along on three legs.

Les jumped off and placed a big red bandage on the horse’s leg, remounted and Gold King limped off again.

He only went a short distance before a second shot echoed across the now silent

arena and the cowboy slumped forward in the saddle.

The horse now hobbled aimlessly in a small circle in the centre of the oval till eventually a third shot was fired and Gold King dropped to the ground.

Cowboy and horse lay motionless, side by side, for several minutes – “dead”.

They both regained their feet. Les got back on Gold King. They faced the grand-stand.

Gold King reared up on his hind legs bringing his off-side front leg across his chest in a salute to the crowd.

As the crowd responded, Gold King planted his front hoofs firmly on the ground but moved his body back, then arched his neck and put his head between his legs in a deep bow to the crowd.

He bowed three times, then cantered off to thunderous applause and the odd teary eye.

Les and Gold King appeared on stage at the Tivoli Theatre in Melbourne, the Hamilton Town Hall and many other places, and this horse should be remembered in Hamilton’s History. In 1940 more than 3000 people attended a novelty program of horse events at the Mordialloc football ground featuring Les and Gold King.

ABOVE: Gold King playing dead for the Spec photographer and below coming back to life.

Bullock and his trick horse in action at a country show.

horsemen from all States.

Among them were Les and younger brother Keith. It was a real feather in the cap of the family when after a week of riding, Les won the championship by one point from Keith.

LES Bullock was one of Hamilton’s most famous sporting sons.

He died aged 67 in 1978, in St Vincent’s Hospital after losing a long struggle against leukaemia.

His obituary in The Spectator written by sports editor Max Agnew said:

A champion horseman of national repute, he was also an accomplished boxer, golfer, poet and a trainer of trick horses and dogs that made him the envy of many a travelling circus.

My earliest memory of this remarkable character was watching him perform on the stage of the Hamilton Town Hall with his amazing trick horse Gold King, a palomino that could do everything but talk . . . and I’m not so sure even this was beyond the animal.

Les Bullock will probably be remembered as being the only serious rival the late Bill McKay had for the unofficial title of Victoria’s most outstanding all-round horseman this century.

A left-hander, Les Bullock was also outstanding with the rope and with the cracking of whips in both hands.

It was true that Les Bullock could ride a horse before he could walk, as his father, the late Harry Bullock, for many years conducted one of Australia’s most successful teams of show jumpers, often spending as much as seven or eight months of the year away from Hamilton on the show circuit.

Les became a jockey at an early age. He was only 11 when he finished second in a Hamilton Cup and was second in the hurdle event at the same carnival.

He rode about 500 winners on the flat and over the jumps. When his older brother Jim was killed in a steeplechase at Moonee Valley, it took some of the sparkle out of his interest in this, and he turned his hand more to competing in buckjumping events.

In 1933 the Australian steer-riding championship was staged in Melbourne over a week which attracted the biggest names of

TROTTING was another sport that attracted the interest of Les Bullock. He would go to considerable lengths to set up a betting plunge with a horse, and often the success of his planning would leave bookmakers lamenting.

It was at a Newmarket sale in Melbourne one day that an unbroken, but flashy looking three-year-old palomino caught his eye enough for him to be the highest bidder.

This was the horse destined to win the hearts of people throughout Australia with his amazing tricks.

The role of Gold King and the wounded cowboy captivated audiences at Wirth’s Olympia, the Tivoli Theatre, and wherever they played.

How Les Bullock was ever able to teach this horse the number of uncanny tricks it knew, was something he would never divulge even to his closest friends.

This was also the case with a trick dog he had. He was often made impressive offers to sell both, but he held a close affinity for them, and they remained with him until they went where all good animals go.

Gold King was buried on the Port Fairy Rd property of Keith Bullock, next to that great old horse Royal Pentzia, and several other notable horses raced by the Bullocks.

To those who knew him, Les Bullock was always a “soft touch”, and over the years it is more than likely that he never recouped thousands of dollars he loaned to people.

Though Les himself never married, the name of Bullock is certain to remain synonymous with horses in this district.

His brothers Keith, Frank and Ray owned and raced numerous horses, while nephew, Jim, was once vice-president of the Hamilton Racing Club.

While Gold King and his owner did perform at numerous theatres and venues around the country, Les Bullock turned his back on making this a career as he had too many other strings to his bow.

LES

Students use powerful voice in competition

LAST week, two south-west students represented Victoria at the National Final of the Legacy Junior Public Speaking competition in Ballarat. Monivae College student, Shannon Mhasho and Portland Secondary College student, Daisy Bayona did Victoria proud when they presented their respective prepared and impromptu speeches at St Patrick’s College in Ballarat.

Hamilton and District Legacy Junior Public Speaking convenor, John Graham said students from Victoria, Tasmania and South Australia represented their respective states in an extremely high standard competition.

“The standard was amazing, the large audience were spellbound, and wondered how on earth the judges could separate and choose winners,” he said. All students presented a prepared five-minute speech, the topic of their own choosing, on any subject relating to the ideals of voluntary service, social justice, caring, personal effort, personal sacrifice and/or mateship and the importance of remembrance.

After presenting their prepared speeches the students were then given an impromptu topic chosen by the judges and each given five minutes to prepare, with the length of the speech limited to two minutes.

Daisy’s prepared speech was ‘Sacrifice / Choices we make’, whilst Shannon spoke on ‘Mateship’ The impromptu topic chosen by the judges was ‘Energy’.

“The design of their respective impromptu speeches was interesting, Daisy spoke of the use of energy drinks and supplements, whilst Shannon spoke of personal energy, both positive (a sparkling personality) and negative (depressed and angry),” Mr Graham said.

“Both girls were outstanding, certainly making all Victorians present feel so proud.

“The judges’ task was certainly extremely difficult.”

After a long deliberation the winner was presented as Willow Cummins, Wynyard High School, Tasmania, her prepared speech being ‘To survive or thrive’.

Runners up were awarded to Eleanor Driver, Scotch College, South Australia, who spoke on ‘Boys will be Boys’, and Isabella Taylor, Seymour College, South Australia, whose prepared speech was ‘Mateship Matters’.

“The chief judge Mrs Barbara Dunlop told the audience that their task was extremely difficult, and the judges were amazed that some of the competitors used no notes for their prepared fiveminute speech,” Mr Graham said.

“All students showed the audience that with the calibre of their presentations our future will be in good hands.

“The teachers, schools and students who participate in this excellent National Legacy Junior Public Speaking Competition are to be congratulated in supporting this event.

“Hamilton and District Legacy will certainly be conducting our regional competition again next year, in June, and will be inviting all Secondary Schools in Portland, Heywood, Casterton, Balmoral and Hamilton to participate.”

As the Victorian State winner this year, Shannon has been invited to represent Victorian School Children and speak at the Schools event at the Shrine in Melbourne prior to Anzac Day, as did Ajay Sonti representing Portland Secondary College last year.

All the local schools will be sent information regarding the 2025 competition next month.

DAISY Bayona, Portland Secondary College and Shannon Mhasho, Monivae College both did Victoria proud last week at the National Final of the Legacy Junior Public Speaking competition. Photo: SUPPLIED.

Saturday,NOVEMBEr30,2024

ARCHITECTURAL MASTERPIECE

Dreamt up by industry leading Architect Vanne Trompf and further enhanced with a classy extension by the incredible Max Murray, this timeless beauty offers unmatched scale and simplified versatility beyond compare.

Using natural light as a master stroke and securing delightful private garden vistas from every room, this breathtaking home merges the luxury of an oversized parcel of land with the grace of floor to ceiling windows, to bring you this showpiece home with a touch of mid-century elegance.

Offering stunning cathedral ceilings with exquisite modern updates that unite contemporary architectural brilliance and vast light drenched living.

Securing zones for the whole family with three incredible living areas, this home is set on a stunning tree lined 1816m² (just under half an acre – approximately) block, across the road from the prestigious 18-hole Hamilton Golf Club (established in 1896) that will have you embracing the weekends with

an unmatched lifestyle focus for now and the future.

From the moment you enter, the significant grandeur of this majestic home truly captures your heart and draws you in to admire its welcoming clean lines and impressive natural light on a lavish scale.

Offering five great sized bedrooms (Master with walkin-robe), three substantial living zones (including wood fire, gas fire and/or split system), two dining areas (including separate formal and informal areas), two spacious bathrooms (with walk-in showers, large vanities, separate toilets and one with deep bath), additional separate powder room off the alfresco, and a well-appointed laundry off the kitchen (including an abundance of cupboard and storage space).

The heart of the home is captured in the incredible central kitchen (including opulent feature sky light, stone bench tops, walk-in pantry with power, four burner electric cook top, undermount oven, dishwasher draws and double stainless steel sink) opening up across the informal dining and lounge area and leading out to the

expansive paved undercover alfresco area that will have you entertaining friends and family all year round.

The abundant grounds deliver a Botanical Gardens feel with a beautiful tranquillity that changes through the seasons and attracts its own lovely little birdlife community.

Completed with underfloor heating, wood fire, gas log fire, split systems, ceiling fans, rainwater tank (plus town water connection) and excellent secure fencing.

To round out this sensational package, the garaging on offer is a dream come true, securing a huge front double carport with direct under house access, side double gate access through to caravan height double carport and double lockup garage (on concrete, with lights and power).

•17 Tatlock Street, Hamilton.

Price $995,000

Southern Grampians Livestock & Real Estate. Phone: Nic Cullinane and Bridget Fry on 5571 1404.

Uninterrupted views Centrally located

Capturing breathtaking Grampians vista’s, this potential packed 1688m² (approximately) lifestyle block is a pure delight to the senses and will let your imagination run wild!!!

Enviably set on this vast corner allotment, within walking distance to the ever-popular Dunkeld Racecourse and the thriving town centre this central location is fabulous and is ready for your dream filled Forever Home (subject to Council Approval). For the savvy investor amongst you this exciting block would be very well received if set up as a fabulous AirBNB property accommodation business

– every week we receive the call that the ever-popular Dunkeld is crying out for more!

Set up in this ever popular and tightly held growth corridor, this private oasis will capture your creativity and has an exquisite view of the Grampians that will make your heart sing!

Level building site.

Clear Title ready to build on.

Connections available.

Set within walking distance to the ever-popular Dunkeld Racecourse and the thriving town centre this central location is fabulous. With the Dunkeld Peaks and Trails walking tracks taking off and the region being recognised for the tranquil oasis that it is, there has never been a better time to invest in this breath-taking area.

What is on offer at this sensational block of land genuinely exceeds the standard property investment and secures you an extremely exciting lifestyle opportunity for now and the future. Securing easy access to local schooling, the picturesque Arboretum, the award-winning Royal Mail and Parker Street Cafe precinct, plus an abundance of first-class walking tracks and tranquil parks, this private oasis truly has it all.

•63 MacArthur Street, Dunkeld.

Price $249,000

Southern Grampians Livestock & Real Estate.

Phone Bridget Fry and Nic Cullinane on 5571 1404.

Terrifically located just one kilometre from the heart of Hamilton’s CBD, Groves Real Estate is pleased to present this potential packed property for sale.

The three bedroom aluminium clad home is conveniently positioned within easy walking distance to The Hamilton and Alexandra College, Baimbridge College, the Hamilton Indoor Leisure and Aquatic Centre and Melville Oval.

Entry into the comfortable home is into a wide, central hallway with striking high ceilings.

This leads to a formal living room positioned at the front of the home and complete with a large window and split system.

The property’s three good sized bedrooms follow, each with built-in storage. The storage is plentiful throughout this brilliant property.

At the end of the central hallway is the spacious kitchen and dining area, with walk-in pantry. The space is light, bright, and well-proportioned and while perfectly functional as is, its generous proportions

mean the renovation options are limitless.

A large bathroom containing a bath, shower and vanity is positioned towards the rear of the house, with a separate toilet beside it.

The large laundry is next and provides external access. Overlooking the backyard is a light drenched sunroom, ideal as a small home office, cosy reading space or mudroom.

The colorful and much-loved garden surrounding the home is a labour of love. Also in the backyard is a single carport and two storage sheds, as well as a concrete driveway.

While the property would make a comfortable home or rental property as is, there are endless opportunities to further modernise

Stunning unit –awesome CBD location

L

ocated second unit back from front of block only a stones throw from CBD, schools and outdoor pool.

Modern solid brick unit on concrete slab, ideal home or investment with 5.4 per cent return.

Stunning modern floor plan with lounge room on entry leading to a very modern dining/kitchen area.

Dining has split system air conditioner and kitchen features gas cooking with ample cupboards.

Large modern bathroom with separate bath, vanity and shower plus separate toilet.

Spacious master bedroom has large builtins with access straight to bathroom.

Bedroom two is also large with excellent built-in-robes.

Laundry has access to private back west facing courtyard with modern Colorbond fencing.

Attached to the unit is a single car lock-up garage with remote access.

This property is ideal for the professional/small family/Investor and will sell very quickly … •Unit 2 – 69 Hamilton Place, Hamilton.

Price $375,000

Southern Grampians Livestock & Real Estate.

Phone Nic Cullinane or Bridget Fry on 5571 1404.

A complete package

Situated on the outskirts of Dunkeld on 1.5 acres is this large four bedroom home with a separate study, three living spaces, outdoor entertaining area and triple car garage.

This property provides space both inside and out with a country lifestyle and the most sought after Grampians views.

Built in 2011 this home is set on a well appointed block featuring a dam, orchid, plenty of established trees and shrubs, a fire pit and an Arbor structure that provides alternative outdoor entertaining settings.

Leading from the back living room is an undercover entertaining area overlooking a solar heated inground pool.

Features of the home include a double front entrance with lounge/media room and study set at the front; four good size

bedrooms with robes, master with large ensuite and walk-in-robe; open plan kitchen, dining and family room with a freestanding wood heater; separate rumpus room with double doors; kitchen with walk in pantry, island bench and plenty of cupboards, family bathroom with bath, separate shower, vanity and separate toilet.

The home has ducted heating and cooling for year round comfort and solar panels.

This property provides a complete package with so much to offer only minutes from the centre of Dunkeld and 25 minutes from the centre of Hamilton. Inspection by appointment.

•30-40 Recreation Road, Dunkeld.

Price $950,000

Professionals Real Estate Hamilton. Contact Melissa Ferrier on 0418 299 741.

‘Merrigum’ stunning Tarrington property

Abeautifully presented offering just east of popular Tarrington, only five minutes from Hamilton.

Set on an impressive 40 acres this 1940s homestead has been renovated throughout leaving no work required to move right in!

Attention to detail, and a clever design to provide comfort while maximising space, natural light and views from every window make this home an absolute joy from every angle.

The home comprises four bedrooms, the master with built-in-robes, full ensuite, and bay window, a lounge with wood heater and split system air conditioner, a new kitchen with pantry, breakfast bar, gas and electric cooking, and dishwasher to a large dining room/area, a central hall, two family bathrooms, a second lounge with split system air conditioner and kitchenette, and a laundry.

The home has been designed so that a bedroom with lounge, bathroom, kitchenette, and laundry can be locked from both sides and has provided a steady income as an AirBNB, however

would also make the ideal teenager’s/ parent’s retreat or friend/family stay.

The rear of the home has several entrances off a decked verandah to an impressive courtyard alfresco with bricked-in fireplace and baker’s oven perfect for entertaining.

The front of the home has a brick lined corner verandah overlooking immaculate gardens and the driveway lined with impressive deciduous and evergreen trees including oaks, ashes, poplars and cypress.

The house yard contains a vegetable garden with fruit orchard, a double garage with workshop, a machinery shed, a barn, and a fowl run, while the farm also has a two-stand woolshed with yards, an established hazelnut plantation, shelter belts, and two large dams. This wonderful property is for sale by Expressions of Interest closing Wednesday, December 4 at 3pm. •7615 Hamilton Highway, Tarrington.

‘Coolanure’

687 Victoria Point Road, Victoria Point 334 Ha* / 825 Ac*

This magnificent property features a quality, architect designed, three bedroom, two bathroom home with pool and tennis court. It offers the new owner ease of operation with a beautifully laid out farm, serviced by internal laneways, and featuring ‘as new’ undercover sheep yards with bugle draft and double drench race, with all work areas concreted. An older shearing shed has had a three stand raised board conversion. There are three machinery sheds and two permanent silos adjacent to the woolshed and permanent dam water plus bore to tank and troughs. Improved pastures with strong fertiliser history. Genuine red gum country that responds well to any rain.

Auction: Friday 6th December, 11:00am at the Groves Real Estate office, unless sold prior.

Contact: Darren Groves 0419 735 228, Sam Groves 0400 547 207 *approximately

“Lombardy”

Discover Lombardy, a truly magnificent property displaying unmatched garden design and sophistication, resting on the edge of Hamilton with Grangeburn frontage and views of rolling farmland, this property is of significant scale and presence, meticulously curated for those with an eye for the extraordinary.

Behind an avenue of Lombardy poplars, a driveway of pencil pines and clipped hedging leads you to the craftsmen built residence consisting of stone block exterior and a French styled hip slate roof complimenting the European garden design.

Stunning double antique doors welcome you to the spacious home with sophisticated French Provincial influence offering multiple living areas and glass bifold doors to the vine covered patio that visually explores the southern garden.

The main living zone is open plan for effortless flow with the kitchen centred around the sleek stone topped island with stylish pendant lighting above and finished with an inset oven, gas cooktop, dishwasher and excellent storage.

The lounge area boasts a rendered chimney with an open fire place perfect for the cooler months adding to the ambience of the home and complimented by a reverse cycle split system for year round climate controlled comfort.

The north facing formal dining room is adjacent offering sunlit views across clipped hedges and varieties of ornamental pears.

The master bedroom occupies a wing all to itself, enhanced with excellent walk-in-robe space and a generous ensuite with a large pivot door walk-in shower, toilet, double vanity, beautifully flooded with natural light.

The remaining two bedrooms are in the opposite wing, queen sized with extensive built-in-robes, overhead fans and garden views. A fourth room is available if desired

and offers alternative uses such as a guest bedroom, home office or second living area.

The eight acre property is completely secluded for private enjoyment with a majority landscaped with semi formal European influence balanced by a native garden with contemporary expression.

The more formal zones feature numerous garden rooms modelled on famous English designs, individually decorated and specimen themed.

A tranquil alfresco provides views to the Grangeburn river with permanent water flow along with two ornamental water ponds and a spring fed pond separated by a long boardwalk.

Water supply is in abundance with the addition of a bore and two x 30,000 litre water tanks that also service the home.

The gardens are truly extraordinary and present an array of opportunities from event venue hire for wedding ceremonies and exclusive gala receptions to open garden days and much more.

So, whether you are looking to value add or for that something special, this residence offers a unique blend of opulence, comfort and convenience making it the ultimate private escape.

From this idyllic location you can enjoy access to the Grampians Ranges, the Great Ocean Road, Port Fairy and the Coonawarra Wine Region, all within a two hour drive.

WHAT THE OWNERS LOVES ABOUT THE PROPERTY

“We have loved developing a unique home and garden for our family and friends to enjoy. We will miss the special garden views from every window of our home”.

•392 Mill Road, Hamilton.

Price $1,500,000

Elders

Massive block – renovate or build your dream home

A

n excellent opportunity presents itself here with you have ample room to build your dream home or simply renovate and live in current dwelling at front of block.

Located in town on over an acre close to everything this house is situated right at the front of the expansive block with ample room to build your dream home or simply renovate this one and take advantage of the well fenced back paddock ideal for a horse or motor bike.

The house offers huge bedrooms with the master being huge with all having built-in-robes.

A separate private lounge room is simply massive.

Kitchen/dining/living is in the heart of house with gas cooktop, modern Westinghouse wall oven, dishwasher plus ample storage and bench space.

Family bathroom has a shower over

bath plus vanity and toilet.

Laundry at rear of house has shower, toilet plus ample storage and outside access.

A modern three bay shed compliments this package with one roller door and two open spaces on concrete with power plus a smaller shed with power on other side of house.

An opportunity like this rarely presents itself to save money by living on site and being able to build your dream home or renovate current home and take advantage of this massive parcel of land all within minutes of the CBD close to schools and parks.

•65 Rippon Road, Hamilton.

Price $349,000

Southern Grampians Livestock & Real Estate.

Phone Nic Cullinane or Bridget Fry on 5571 1404.

Live at front – build dream home at back

An excellent opportunity presents itself from time to time whereby you have ample room to build your dream home whilst being able to live in current dwelling at front of block.

Located in town on a full acre close to everything Hamilton has to offer the house is situated right at the front of the expansive block with oodles of room to build your dream home including a shed plus still ample room for the kids to play in a safe and secure environment.

The house offers large bedrooms with the master being huge with a walk-inrobe and great views over the garden.

A separate private lounge room with heating/cooling air conditioner.

Kitchen/dining/living is in the heart of house with electric cooking . . . double sink, ceiling fan and ample storage.

Family bathroom has separate bath, shower, vanity and toilet.

Laundry has ample storage and outside access.

Excellent well fenced yard around house which is both pet/child friendly.

Three small sheds plus a larger shed on concrete with power plus ride-on mower to take care of the huge back yard.

An opportunity like this rarely presents itself to save money by living on site and being able to build your dream home …

Don’t miss this chance!!!

•119 Digby Road, Hamilton.

Price $369,000

Southern Grampians Livestock & Real Estate.

Phone Nic Cullinane or Bridget Fry on 5571 1404.

For Sale by Expression of Interest: Closing Tuesday 10th December 2024 at 12pm 3

Stately central home with Victorian elegance and influence presenting on a grand allotment of 1431sqm

Significantly positioned in the highly sought after dress circle location of Church Hill

Elaborate period features comprising soaring 12ft ceilings, high architraves, feature cornicing, fire places, original floor boards and bay feature window

Formal reception rooms include; front entrance hall, sitting room & dining room Three bedrooms and study

Informal rooms; kitchen/lounge sun room with sweeping views over delightful rear garden and three bathrooms

Lantana enjoys a stately presence perfectly set in delightful English grounds Presenting a wonderful opportunity to renovate and extend as required

44 GRAY STREET, HAMILTON

THE Senate is currently debating a bill that could see farmers’ land within a SMSF be open to unrealised tax bills.

Photo: SUPPLIED.

SENATE VOTE CRITICAL TO FAMILY FARM

PATRICK MACKARNESS

A CRITICAL vote is coming up in the Senate which could impact the many farmers who have land in their Self Managed Superannuation Funds (SMSFs).

The vote is on the Albanese government’s Treasury Laws Amendment (Better Targeted

Superannuation Concessions and Other Measures) Bill 2023, which has passed through the House of Representatives and will now be before the Senate.

If enacted, the taxation of superannuation for fund members with balances over $3 million will be increased so that unrealised capital gains will be taxed (pro-rata above the threshold).

Call now to arrange prompt pickup

Keely Price 0418 504 171

Justin Black 0407 681 430

Toby Holloway 0455 756 493

Nicole Richie 0477 500 340

The inclusion of farmland in superannuation funds has been common practice having been instigated, in many cases, to take advantage of an opportunity arising from the Howard-Costello government’s Simpler Super reforms of 2006. These allowed individuals to make a one-off, non-concessional (after-tax) contribution of up to $1 million into their superannuation accounts.

Many farming couples joined forces and put $2 million worth of country into their SMSFs. I know this because, like many valuers, I was involved with valuing the land at the time. In mid-2006, farmland values were a fraction of what they are today, and the capital growth involved has been substantial. Continued: NEXT PAGE

FARMING FOCUS

Senate vote critical to family farm

From: PREVIOUS PAGE

Values vary according to land type, but it is not drawing an overly long bow to suggest that they are now some four times what they were in 2006.

Thus, if a husband and wife put $2 million of land into their SMSF they might now be contemplating a $6million capital asset.

The 20-year average annual capital growth rate for land in south-west Victoria provided by Rural Bank is 8.9 per cent.

Thus a $6 million land holding in an SMSF could quite conceivably result in a gain of $534,000 in a single year.

It might well be less, but it might be a lot more.

The tax implications of this could be serious.

The main problem is that this could jeopardise the family’s holding and necessitate the selling off of some of the farm.

Where land is held outside an SMSF, this gain would only be taxable when the asset was “realised” i.e. either sold or transferred, but under the proposed legislation it would be taxed on a year-on-year basis.

So what are the odds of the legislation passing?

In a word, it’s too close to call.

There are 76 senators in Canberra so a majority of 39 is required for the legislation to pass.

The government’s 25 senators and the Greens’ 11

make up 36, meaning that the Bill requires three independents to support it.

Of the 11 crossbenchers in the Senate, four remain undecided (please refer to table opposite), so things could go either way.

There are a number of arguments against the proposed changes.

At a general level, it is clearly a case of moving the goalposts during the game.

At a more detailed level, the changes adversely affect those who have a substantial proportion of their superannuation funds in direct property generally and in farmland particularly.

It is likely that farmers will be affected worse than residential or commercial property investors since the structure of the family business could easily be imperilled by having the prospect of the –otherwise unnecessary – sale of land forced upon them.

As far as possible courses of action are concerned, it is pretty clear the four undecided senators should be provided with detailed costings of the likely impact of the tax on family farm budgets.

With the benefit of hindsight, it’s easy to suggest that it might not have been prudent to place the family farm into a vehicle with so much government control associated with it. But, goal posts get moved a lot these days.

ABOUT 710,000 tonnes of Australia’s on-farm milk production is discarded as waste each year, but new research could see it transformed into a range of valuable products.

Researchers from the Dairy UP team are investigating fermentation opportunities to convert dairy wastes into valueadded products with a commercial market and say that early results are promising.

About eight per cent of Australia’s total on-farm milk production is discarded as waste, mostly post farm gate, and researcher

Juan Gargiulo says this has economic, environmental and food security impacts.

“Although some efficiency could be gained by reducing total waste, it is also possible to turn what would be wasted into a valuable product,” Dr Gargiulo said.

“Fermentation uses microbes such as yeasts to convert dairy

Senate crossbench voting intentions

Senator State/Territory Party Likely vote

Pauline Hanson Queensland Pauline Hanson's One Nation Opposed

Malcolm Roberts Queensland Pauline Hanson's One Nation Opposed

Jacqui Lambie Tasmania Jacqui Lambie Network Opposed

Ralph Babet Victoria United Australia Party Opposed

Gerrard Rennick Queensland People First Party (ex Country Liberal) Opposed

Allegra Spender New South Wales Independent (Teals) Opposed

Zoe Daniel Victoria Independent (Teals) Opposed

Tammy Tyrrell Tasmania Independent (ex Jacqui Lambie) Undecided

David Pocock ACT Independent Undecided

Fatima Payman Western Australia Independent Undecided

Lidia Thorpe Victoria Independent Undecided

New research aims to add value to dairy waste

wastes into valuable products. This is cost-effective and can generate new income streams for farmers and processors as well as reducing waste.”

Dr Gargiulo said fermentation could produce a range of compounds, including stockfeed supplements.

The project includes reviewing dairy food wastes to identify those with the greatest opportunity for reduction, pilot studies to develop yeast strains capable of producing valuable compounds from dairy waste, determining the commercial viability of products and potentially upscaling the commercial implementation.

Dr Gargiulo said the initial review identified promising opportunities to use fermentation to reduce wastage.

“There are opportunities to use fermentation to create valueadded products from excess colostrum, milk with abnormal

Union calls for shearing hire licensing system

THE Australian Workers’ Union have called on the Australian government to step in with a new national licensing and enforcement body following extensive reports of labour mistreatment in shearing sheds across the country. Photo: SPEC FILE. 201020lh028

SHEARERS will continue to work for poverty wages in unsafe shearing sheds across the country until the Commonwealth Government imposes a licensing regime on all labour hire companies operating in regional Australia the union which represents shearers, the Australian Workers’ Union (AWU) recently claimed.

A new resolution passed at the AWU’s National Conference held in Perth has called on the federal government to step in with a new national licensing and enforcement body after widespread reports of labour exploitation in shearing sheds across the country.

The new regulation body would hold the powers to ensure licensing and registration but also have powers of enforcement.

The AWU was formed by unionised shearers in Ballarat in 1886, and it was shearers who formed the political arm of the labour movement, the Australian Labor Party, in Queensland in 1892.

AWU Victorian Branch’s Country Team lead organiser, Ross Kenna said shearers of the 1800s would be ashamed to see what’s happening in

shearing sheds in 2024.

“The AWU was born fighting for shearers, and we’re not backing down now,” Mr Kenna said.

“It’s disgraceful that some of the same exploitative attitudes that we saw prevailing in the 1890s have re-emerged in 2024.

“Today we are once again seeing young shearers working for poverty wages in unsafe conditions.

“A national licensing system for shearing contractors is a must if we want to protect our workers’ rights and safety.

“There’s no reason that the regulation of this industry should lag every other industry in the country.

“Shearers deserve safe jobs, fair pay, and protection from dodgy contractors just like everyone else.

“Some of the conditions in shearing sheds today would make our founding members turn in their graves.

“That’s why I’m so pleased that the AWU has officially committed to fighting for a licensing body that can put an end to the abuse.”

composition, and milk from cows treated with antibiotics (e.g. for mastitis),” he said.

“For example, waste milk could be used to produce microbial protein (also called single-cell protein) as an animal feed or ration additive to improve digestive efficiency.”

Manufacturing waste makes up 70 per cent of all dairy food waste in the supply chain and Dr Gargiulo said there was potential to use microbial fermentation to convert expired milk, cheese whey and other by-products into bioenergy, enzymes, organic acids, biopolymers and biomass.

The Dairy UP team is focussing on fermentation using brewer’s or baker’s yeast, which is safe for humans and animals.

The project is a collaboration between Dairy UP, Macquarie University’s Australian Genome Foundry and NSW DPI. More information: www.dairyup.com.au

NAREEN STATION Annual

November Shorn, Gudair Vacc, Mulesed, 6 in 1 Vacc, Scabby Mouth Vacc, Drenched.

2000 Merino Wether Lambs Aug/Sept 2024 Drop (located at our property “Barrama” Nareen VIC) IN THE AUCTIONSPLUS NATIONAL LAMB SALE (Tops of 6000 Barrama Bred Lambs) Unshorn, Gudair Vacc, Mulesed, 2 x 6 in 1 Vacc, Scabby Mouth Vacc, Clicked on breach, Drenched, Weaned & Grain Trained.

1200 Merino Ewes, 5 years Aug/Sept 2019 Drop (located at our property “Nareen Station” Nareen VIC)

IN THE AUCTIONSPLUS NATIONAL SHEEP SALE

November Shorn, Gudair Vacc, Mulesed, 6 in 1 Vacc, Scabby Mouth Vacc, Drenched. 2000 Merino Wether Lambs Aug/Sept 2024 Drop (located at our property “Nareen Station” Nareen VIC)

IN THE AUCTIONSPLUS NATIONAL LAMB SALE (Tops of 6000 Nareen Bred Lambs) Unshorn, Gudair Vacc, Mulesed, 2 x 6 in 1 Vacc, Scabby Mouth Vacc, Clicked on breach, Drenched, Weaned & Grain Trained.

THE table shows the positions of the crossbench Senators.

FARMING FOCUS

Largest offering of sheep & lambs for the year

HRLX

HAMILTON agents yarded 60,000 lambs presenting to buyers the largest offering for the year being an increase of 26,500 on last week.

The quality of the lambs was very good and did present a tail of smaller dryer types.

A full panel of buyers including the supermarkets were operating in a market that showed continuing strength over most categories but more so those with the weight and finish to be firm.

The best competition was in the 22 to 26 kilograms lambs with those suitable to the trade realizing between 800 and 970 cents per kilogram and slightly more on certain pens.

Lambs topped at $299 per head.

There was excellent feeder and store competition which had a positive effect on the lighter weights to witness a slightly dearer trend in places that softened as the market progressed.

Competition was mainly from locals and included restockers from Ballarat, Bendigo, Swan Hill and The Mallee along with interstate orders from NSW and South Australia.

Light new season lambs 12 to 16 kilograms sold from $73 to $138p/hd with the trade lambs 18 to 22 kilograms from $125 to $200p/hd.

Lambs 22 to 26 kilograms sold from $180 to $259 p/hd with the top pen of the day making $299p/hd.

LANYONS

XB Suckers: Shellal Poll Dorsets, Warrong, $270; L & J Menzel,Hamilton, $257; Shellal Poll Dorsets, Warrong, $244; D Menzel, Tarrington, $227; B Wilson, Digby, $221; L & J Mirtschin & Sons, Byaduk, $219; Menzel Farms, Hamilton, $218; D

Menzel, Tarrington, $216; B & E Lewis, Mooralla, $210; Lamb N Champers, Mooralla, $194; Lone Star P/S, Hamilton, $191; Fixby, Byaduk, $190; Kruger Ag, Tabor, $184; A & B Peters, Muddy Creek, $180; Allambi, Cavendish, $177; A McFarlane, Yulecart, $173; D & S McFarlane, Branxholme, $173; J & L Lehmann, Croxton East, $171; G & J Schultz, Penshurst, $167. KERR & CO

XB Suckers: Rock Hill, Cavendish, $280; G & B Wardlaw, Glenthompson, $262; J & D Uebergang, Hamilton, $260; A & B Bourke, Bessiebelle, $259; D & T Brody, Balmoral, $252; Muldoon P/S, Macarthur, $242; Rock Hill, Cavendish, $240; Tintaen, Minhamite, $232; Kaburnie, Penshurst, $232; Wypanda, Mirranatwa, $230; P & J Lewis, Hawkesdale, $230; P & S Herring, Yulecart, $227; S & N Rentsch, Penshurst, $226; R & J Toleman, Balmoral, $226; A Rentsch, Penshurst, $225; B Eales, Penshurst, $225; J & N Hutchison, Gorae, $224; J & T Phillips, Glenthompson, $223; Riverbend, Heywood, $221; S & S Rees, Gatum, $216; J & D Uebergang, Hamilton, $215; HND Morton, Tyrendarra, $214; Konongwootong, Konongwootong, $210; T Benson, Coleraine, $210; Chrom Rural, Hamilton, $200.

ELDERS

XB Suckers: GR & RC Paltridge, Pleasant Park, $243; GR & RC Paltridge, Pleasant Park, $212; Cliffney Park, Ellerslie, $212; DP & BM Smith, Bulart, $210; Tooley Past, Coleraine, $199; G Richardson, Casterton, $199; YL Compton, Mt Richmond, $190; K & J Thorton, Gorae West, $190; Millard Farms, Byaduk, $188; Ulva Lea, Hamilton, $180; C Peters, Tyrendarra, $180; Red Rock, Hamilton, $180.

XB Lambs: D & S Bartlet, Orford, $178; SJ & KJ

Watch for heating hay

EACH hay season several haystacks spontaneously combust across Victoria, in single moist bales or in a stack of any size.

Once the hay has been stacked it’s important to regularly monitor it for heating and act quickly. Unfortunately, even with technological advances

in machinery for harvesting conserved fodder, there is still nothing cost effective to help monitor the internal temperatures of haystacks.

So, it’s back to some very simple techniques to keep an eye on your haystacks.

Watch for signs of heating

KEEP an eye out for signs that haystack is heating.

Steam condensation on the shed roof, mould growth, acrid fumes and hot, humid air at the top of the stack are all good indicators.

When building stacks with suspect wet hay, stack the bales loosely to allow air movement and spread the stack over a wider area, for example, over several bays, thereby reducing heat build-up.

Most heating will occur over the first one or two weeks but has been known to reach ‘flash point’ up to eight weeks after baling.

Monitor the stack temperature regularly.

Determine the stack temperature?

STACK temperature can be measured using a crowbar inserted as deep as possible into the stack and left for two hours.

After two hours, the crowbar can be removed and felt by hand to give you a rough guide of the internal stack temperatures.

The temperature of the bale is up to about 50 degrees Celsius if you can hold the crowbar without discomfort.

It is up to 60 degrees Celsius if the bar can be held for a short time only and up to 70 degrees Celsius if the bar can only be touched briefly.

If you can’t hold the bar, temperature is above 70 degrees Celsius and fire is a real possibility.

Treat the stack with caution!

In the past it has been suggested to push a small

Cocks, Narrawong, $178

JM ELLIS

XB Suckers: Camp Creek, Byaduk, $287; Dargeeling, Coleraine, $256; L Payne, Vic Point, $248; Daffey P/S, Gatum, $238; Sunday Valley, $234; M Mullane, Casterton, $232; Deloraine Downs, Coleraine, $231; Martin P/S, $230; T & A Lewis, Melville Forest, $228; J & S Alexander, Byaduk North, $223; S Eats & S Hamilton, Cavendish, $222; Croxton Past, Tarrington, $219; W & J Bunting, $218; Camp Creek, Byaduk, $212; Winninburn P/S, Tarrenlea, $205; JR & CL Dundon, Hensley Park, $204; Merriefields P/S, Gatum, $198; A Cameon, $197; S & P Jury, $195; J, M & S Rentsch, Penshurst, $195;l P & L O’Connell, $189; Emerald Farms, $187; Hillcrest Grazing, Buckley Swamp, $180.

SOUTHERN GRAMPIANS

XB Suckers: C Cameron, Wallacedale, $268; Kelvin Park, Wallacedale, $268; C Hogan, Moutajup, $250; C Cameron, Wallacedale, $239; Kelvin Park, Wallacedale, $239; Beerik P/S, Coleraine, $234; Gordon Branson, Mortlake, $224; Grafton Millard, Homerton, $218; RD & JR Mickel, Coleraine, $216; DH & LJ Cameron, Penshurst, $200; L Jarrett, Orford, $200; Beerik P/S, Coleraine, $200; Kelvin Park, Wallacedale, $199; C Cameron, Wallacedale, $199; RA & CR Sinclair, Melville Forest, $194; J & L Hoopell, Nareen, $194; Gordon Branson, Mortlake, $190; Ware Pastoral, Hawkesdale, $188; J & J Forsyth, Cavendish, $183; K, M & G Davis, Dergholm, $177; MJ & ME Egan, Tarrayoukyan, $176; Grafton Millard, Homerton, $175; RD & JR Mickel, Coleraine, $175; J & L Hoopell, Nareen, $166.

LMB LIVESTOCK

XB Suckers: Back Creek P/S, Dunkeld, $299; C & A Quinn, Bulart, $268; A & J Quinn, Bulart, $268; GJ & SJ Robertson, Bulart, $265; Back Creek P/S, Dunkeld, $253; P & K Linke, Penshurst, $245; EL McErvale & T Walter, Branxholme, $238; RW & CA Ruediger, Wootong Vale, $233; Barnoolut P/L, Wando Bridge, $230; N Miller, Moutajup, $228; Baker F/T, Vic Valley, $228; Ballintubber F/T, Bulart, $225; M & P Cuming, Croxton East, $225; KR Mullan, Mt Gambier, $218; DA & CJ Barnes, Coleraine, $215; Barnoolut P/L, Wando Bridge, $210; RW & CA Ruediger, Wootong Vale, $200; P & K Linke, Penshurst, $198; C McErvale & T Walter, Branxholme, $190; P Kearney, Cavendish, $188; Neekeeya Past, Mt William, $183. NUTRIEN

XB Suckers: Woodlands Chaffey P/S, Casterton, $278; A & L Cameron, Nareen, $256; A & G Outtram, Portland, $250; JCS Hay Enterprises, Willaura, $248; AP Jarrad & J Rogers, Sandford, $232; Woodlands Chaffey P/S, Casterton, $228; J & M Gorman, Casterton, $220; K Jarrad 7 A O’Connell, Sandford, $220; P & L Gericke, Hynam, $208; Mickali, Caramut, $206; JCS Hay Enterprises, Willaura, $204; A & G Outtram, Portland, $204; GA Cooper, Tahara, $203; D & G Robertson, Wando Bridge, $200; Nardarra Estate, Kongorong, $200; M Bloom, Bochara, $199; Rosetale P/L, Hensley Park, $198; AP Jarrad & J Rogers, Sandford, $198; JCS Hay Enterprises, Willaura, $194; Fassifern Farming, Coleraine, $192; K Jarrad & A O’Connell, Sandford, $192; A & L Cameron, Nareen, $189; M Bloom, Bochara, $188; S & S Menz, Henty, $187; M & V O’Brien, Dunrobin, $186; D & D Rowbottom, St Helens, $184.

AGRICULTURE Victoria has released some tips and techniques this hay season to help farmers regularly monitor haybales in case of heating. Photo: SUPPLIED.

into the stack and lower a small thermometer to the end of the pipe to measure the temperature of warming hay.

However, this technique should not be used for severely heating hay as it may oxygenate the inner section of the stack and cause a fire to start.

What can be done if the stack heats to dangerous levels?

If a stack starts to get dangerously hot, pull it apart as quickly as possible.

Be aware that as the bales are pulled out of the stack, especially in a tightly built stack, oxygen will now get access to the hot spot and potentially cause ignition.

Make sure that water is readily available and suitably qualified people able to assist in fire suppression if required.

Safety Warning

AVOID walking on the stack as the extremely high temperatures may have charred the centre of the stack

Any extra weight on the stack may cause the stack to collapse into the dangerously hot centre and cause serious injury.

If there is the slightest risk of a fire starting due to wet hay, never keep machinery in the hayshed and don’t allow children to play in or near heating stacks.

The Country Fire Authority website has additional information about hay fire risk which can be found by going online to bit.ly/496VzeQ

For more information about dry seasonal conditions and drought support, please visit agriculture.vic.gov.au

pipe

FARMING FOCUS Australian cattle herd in official destock: ABS

THE latest livestock products data released by the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) shows that the Australian cattle herd is in an official destock with the female slaughter rate (FSR) at 52.2 per cent.

Consecutive figures above 47 per cent indicates a destock where producers sell off breeding cows usually once they reach maturity.

The data, analysed by Meat & Livestock Australia (MLA), shows that the last quarter was the largest quarterly slaughter since September 2015 at 2,241,200 head.

According to MLA’s market information manager, Stephen Bignell, this is not a destock due to depressed prices or weather conditions, but rather a stabilisation of the herd after a protracted multi-year rebuild.

“Paddock capacity is high and so producers are turning off older breeding cows, resulting in the highest cow and heifer slaughter since December

2019,” he said.

“Across the board we have seen elevated slaughter rates.

“Nationally, cattle slaughter lifted by six per cent compared to the last quarter, up 17 per cent compared to Q3 last year.

“Cattle slaughter rates lifted in all states except for Tasmania.

“If this trend continues, it is expected slaughter will reach MLA’s projection of 8.18 million head calendar year 2024.”

Beef production has also lifted.

This quarter was the highest quarterly beef production on record at 690,694 tonnes, a seven per cent lift from the previous quarter and 17 per cent higher compared to Q3 last year.

Year-to-date beef production is 1,908,222 tonnes, the third highest on record, behind 2015 and 2014 which were years when slaughter exceeded nine million head.

Improved carcase weights over the last decade

allow Australia to produce more beef from less animals.

Cattle carcase weights lifted to 308.2kg nationally.

However, these carcase weights are below those recorded in 2021, 2022 and 2023 due to the increase in female and grassfed animals.

For the quarter, Queensland experienced a two per cent lift in carcase weights to 323.7kg, the highest in the country.

Cattle producers in Australia generated record receipts for the quarter, receiving $4.26 billion for slaughter ready cattle – the highest value on record.

Lamb Quarterly national lamb slaughter of 6.3m head is 12 per cent lower than last quarter and five per cent below the same point last year, while production last quarter was also down 16 per cent from last quarter at 177,147 tonnes.

“Despite lamb dipping in quarter three, Australia is still on track for record lamb slaughter and production this year” Mr Bignell said.

“For the year to September 2024, we had processed 20,272,000 lambs which produced 488,566 tonnes of lamb meat.

“After an extremely strong second quarter which broke records, lamb production has come back.

“A delay in production was expected due to conditions currently experienced across southern regions of the country.”

Lamb carcase weights eased four per cent to 23.6kg nationally.

Positive conditions across New South Wales helped produced the largest lambs with an average of 26 kilograms per carcase.

Mutton

Mutton production rose two per cent from the previous quarter and 26 per cent from Q3 last year to 69,093 tonnes.

In year-to-date terms, mutton production has totalled 206,701 tonnes, which is 16 per cent higher than the first nine months of 2023 and is the highest year-to-date production figure since 2002.

u r e a c t i v i t i e s T h e c o r n e r s t o n e o f “ R o t h e s a y ” i s t h e a r c h i t e c t d e s i g n e d , c r a f t s m a n b u i l t , 3 b e d r o o m l i m e s t o n e h o m e s t e a d ( c 2 0 1 7 ) , w i t h s o a r i n g 3 M c e i l i n g s a n d s p o t t e d g u m f l o o r i n g t h r o u g h o u t T h i s l i g h t a n d b r i g h t h o m e s t e a d c a p t u r e s b o t h o u t s t a n d i n g v i e w s o f t h e h i l l s o f ‘ R o t h e s a y ’ a n d w a t e r e x p a n s e s o f t h e r e s e r v o i r F u r t h e r c o m p l e m e n t e d b y a h e a t e d p l u n g e p o o l s e t a m o n g s t e x t e n s i v e l a w n s & t r e e d g a r d e n s , a s i s a f u l l y s e l f - c o n t a i n e d g u e s t / c a r e t a k e r c o t t a g e ‘ R o t h e s a y ’ o f f e r s f i r s t - c l a s s f a r m i n g i m p r o v e m e n t s f o r b o t h s h e e p a n d c a t t l e w i t h a 3 s t a n d w o o l s h e d a n d b u g l e s h e e p y a r d s , a n d h e a v y d u t y s t e e l c a t t l e y a r d s w i t h y e a r r o u n d b d o u b l e a c c e s s S u b s t a n t i a l m a c h i n e r y a n d i m p l e m e n t s h e d d i n g t h a t i s i n i m p r e s s i v e w o r k i n g o r d e r P r i m e c a t t l e f a t t e n i n g c o u n t r y , ‘ R o t h e s a y ’ i s a p r o d u c t i o n p o w e r h o u s e c u r r e n t l y t r a d i n g o v e r 3 0 0 h e a d a n n u a l l y w i t h p o t e n t i a l t o i n c r e a s e R o t h e s a y i s r e l i a b l y w a t e r e d b y t w o s p r i n g f e d d a m s w h i c h r e t i c u l a t e s t o t r o u g h s , w h i l s t t h e r e a r e n u m e r o u s l a r g e d a m s i n m a j o r i t y o f p a d d o c k s T h

F u r t h e r s u b d i v i s i o n p o t e n t i a l - 3 t i t l e s

Expression of Interest

Contract Physiotherapist Provider

HRH is seeking expressions of interest from a suitably qualified and capable contract Physiotherapist provider to deliver physiotherapy services within our Residential Aged Care service from 1 March 2025.

For more information please contact Taneha Benson, Director of Clinical Services on (03) 5527 0555 or email taneha.benson@heywoodruralhealth.vic.gov.au

Applications close: Saturday 30th November 2024

Expressions of interest can be addressed to Taneha Benson via email taneha.benson@heywoodruralhealth.vic.gov.au

“Committed to the health and wellbeing of our community.”

Heywood Rural Health welcomes all suitably qualified people from diverse backgrounds inclusive of Culture, Race, Genders, Sexuality, LGBTIQ+ and abilities to apply

Acting Home Care Packages Program Manager

Fixed Term – 24 hours per week (January 2025 to July 2025)

We are seeking a suitably qualified applicant to join our team as a Home Care Packages Program Manager for a fixed term period. The successful candidate shall provide exceptional care and services with consumers of the Heywood Rural Health Home Care Packages Program. The Home Care Packages Program Manager shall be responsible for managing and leading the Home Care Packages staff and resources, within a Home care packages framework.

For the key selection criteria, position description and the minimum requirements for the role please see our website www.heywoodruralhealth.vic.gov.au/careers

Applications close: Monday December 16th 2024

Any queries please contact Jacki Barnett, Senior Director of Clinical and Community Services, jacki.barnett@heywoodruralhealth.vic.gov.au

“Committed to the health and wellbeing of our community.”

Heywood Rural Health welcomes all suitably qualified people from diverse backgrounds inclusive of Culture, Race, Genders, Sexuality, LGBTIQ+ and abilities to apply

Clinical Administrative Support Officer

Part-time - 24 hours per week

We have an exciting opportunity for a clinical administrative support officer to join our clinical team at Heywood Rural Health. The role of the clinical support officer is to provide clerical support and contribute to optimum patient information management, provide support and assistance to the Nurse Unit Manager and clinical team, and to provide customer centred service to patients, residents clients & staff and members of the public.

Applications close: Friday 29th November 2024

Any queries please contact Taneha Benson, Director of clinical services, E: taneha.benson@heywoodruralhealth.vic.gov.au P: (03) 5527 0509

Send your application letter addressing the key selection criteria, your resume, along with two current referees to:

People and Culture Department, Heywood Rural Health hr@heywoodruralhealth.vic.gov.au

PO Box 159, Heywood, VIC 3304 www.heywoodruralhealth.vic.gov.au

“Committed to the health and wellbeing of our community.”

Heywood Rural Health welcomes all suitably qualified people from diverse backgrounds inclusive of Culture, Race, Genders, Sexuality, LGBTIQ+ and abilities to apply

One School Global is one of the world’s largest, truly global schools, with over 9500 students, 130 campuses and 2500 staff operating across 20 countries. OneSchool Global is renowned for its innovation and offers a range of learning opportunities for its students and development opportunities for its staff.

Primary Teacher

Hamilton

The Position

The Primary Teacher is a permanent ongoing position to commence in Term 1 2025. This position will be based at our welcoming Hamilton campus, boasting purpose-built, modern facilities, integrated with the latest educational technology supporting the ability to teach in a future-proof innovative space.

Skills and Experience

All applicants will need an excellent understanding of the Australian Curriculum and Syllabus, be a VIT registered teacher and have relevant teaching and tertiary qualifications. You will need to be comfortable stepping away from traditional classroom teaching practices, to embrace modern teaching methods and technologies including video conferencing and online resources.

Secondary Teacher

The Position

Maths - Hamilton

The Math’s Teacher is a permanent ongoing position to commence in Term 1 2025. This position will be based at our welcoming Hamilton campus, boasting purpose-built, modern facilities, integrated with the latest educational technology supporting the ability to teach in a future-proof innovative space.

Skills and Experience

All applicants will need an excellent understanding of the Australian Curriculum and Syllabus, be a VIT registered teacher and have relevant teaching and tertiary qualifications. You will need to be comfortable stepping away from traditional classroom teaching practices, to embrace modern teaching methods and technologies including video conferencing and online resources.

Secondary Teacher

VCE Economics - Hamilton

The Position

We have a fantastic opportunity for a passionate Teacher who can teach VCE Economics. The role can be flexible on part time 0.6 FTE (3 days) or full time. The is a permanent position, commencing in January 2025.

Skills and Experience

All applicants will need an excellent understanding of the Australian Curriculum and Syllabus, be a VIT registered teacher and have relevant VCE Economics teaching and tertiary qualifications. You will need to be comfortable stepping away from traditional classroom teaching practices, to embrace modern teaching methods and technologies including video conferencing and online resources.

For enquiries, or to submit your cover letter and resume for any of the above positions, contact recruitment@au.oneschoolglobal.com.

Closing date for all positions: Friday 13th December 2024

For further information about our school visit www.oneschoolglobal.com.

St. Malachy’s School is seeking to appoint suitably qualified teachers to the following position/s commencing at the start of the 2025 school year.

Classroom Teacher/s

Full time/negotiated part time

Experienced and graduate teachers are encouraged to apply

For further information, please visit https://teacherson.net or contact Principal, Mr. John O’Sullivan on 5585 1396 or email: josullivan@smedenhope.catholic.edu.au Applications close 9th December, 2024.

EARLY CHILDHOOD TEACHER

• Permanent ongoing position (minimum 27 hours/week)

• Full-time hours negotiable

• Collaborative, inclusive and welcoming workplace

• Lead your own program and team

• Paid professional development

• Access to mentoring, employee assistance program and staff wellbeing support

• Location incentives apply for eligible applicants

APPLY NOW

Email your resume to tgould@cpsg.org.au

Or call 0436 423 778 for further information

CPSG promotes the safety, wellbeing and inclusion of all children Applications close Friday, 13 December, 2024

EMPLOYMENT

RACV Hamilton Customer Service Consultant

We are on the lookout for a fun, energetic and customer service superstar to join our team. No experience necessary - just a willingness to learn!

RACV will provide a comprehensive and tailored training programme to set you up for success. As a Customer Service Consultant, you will create exceptional customer service experiences for our members as you deliver tailored solutions across a range of assistance, insurance and banking products and services.

Part Time 35 hrs per week

Mon - Fri, 9.00am – 5.00pm

About you:

Customer service and a desire to help is key. We are seeking applicants who love to help others, thrive in a fast-paced environment, and have an excellent work ethic. You will be eager to learn, happy to deal with members face-to-face and via phone, and have a can-do attitude, strong written, verbal, and communication skills.

If this sounds like you, please do not hesitate to apply!

Please Note: to objectively and comprehensively assess your potential and suitability for the role, RACV may require you to complete a criminal history check as part of the application process.

To apply for this position please email a cover letter and resume to Damien Logan hamilton@areable.org.au by 10:00pm, Friday 13th December 2024

“ATTENTION FISHERMEN”, pilchards, blue bait, saury, garfish, red rockets, glassies, squid, pipis, prawns, burley logs. Hamilton Hire, 13 Peck St, 5571 1999, 0429 343 051. FOR SALE

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GOLF sticks, men’s, as new, Ping arthritic grips, driver, irons 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, S, W, 4 rescue, putter; $500 o.n.o. 0400 960 394.

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Kitchen/Food Services

• Certificate III Traineeship – Multiple study opportunities - (Stores, Maintenance, Hotel Services, Gardens and surrounds)

• Certificate III in Individual Support (Ageing) - The Birches and Grange Residential Care Services

• Certificate III in Business Administration - Aged Care Services

Aged Care

• Community Support Worker - Personal Care

• Enrolled Nurses Coleraine

• Registered & Enrolled Nurses

• Chef / Trade Cook /Cook Penshurst

• Endorsed Enrolled Nurse

Gap Year & University Students

• Cleaners / Environmental Domestic Services Assistants

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Xmas Golf Break-ups

Fight is on

LLOYD ILETT

DAY two of round six Hamilton and District Cricket Association (HDCA) A grade games will be played today with three games still to finish the first innings from the weatheraffected first day, and three games expected to gain a result with play completed last Saturday.

Macarthur v Tyrendarra

BEFORE play started last weekend, this was billed as the match of the round, but rain fell steadily at Macarthur Recreation Reserve during the afternoon and the home side will resume at 3-132 with 32 overs still to bat.

If the Demons can bat all these remaining overs, then Tyrendarra should have no more than 2.5 hours to score the required runs to claim victory.

Likewise, Macarthur can claim the points too if the visitors do seek to chase down whatever target is set by claiming the 10 wickets on offer in the time remaining.

Casterton District v South Portland

WITH 10 overs still to bat and 5-300 already on the scoreboard, and a player resuming 169-not-out, South Portland appear to hold all the aces at Island Park Turf.

Casterton District will be striving to claim the remaining five wickets for as few runs as possible in shortest time, as they then look to hunt down the huge target in the time remaining.

Tahara v Grampians

TAHARA is at the base of a very steep mountain, as the Blue Caps face the task of hunting down Grampians’ huge total of 351 at Tahara Recreation Reserve this afternoon.

This is another venue with a synthetic wicket which will favour the Blus Caps batsmen, with the ball coming onto the bat allowing them to play their shots freely, but the Pumas have one of the highest quality attacks in the competition with Carl Joyce leading the bowling unit.

Tahara must be mindful that it cannot win the game from the first 40 overs, but it certainly can lose it in that time, as the batsmen must temper the attacking mindset needed to hunt down such a target.

If the home side can get to the tea break with only two down and 125-150 runs on the board, then they can come back after the break and increase the run rate to the nearly five runs per over required to win the game.

Portland Tigers v St Andrew’s

HANLON Park hosted its maiden game of the summer last Saturday and local batsmen, Shanaka Silva (159) and Paul Procter (82), feasted on the St Andrew’s bowlers, as the Tigers posted 350 to be well in front in the game.

Two plyers hold the key to a St Andrew’s victory: opening batsmen, Brendan Huf, and middle order batsman, Darryl Fry.

Hamilton v Pigeon Ponds

AFTER enjoying its best day of the season to date last Saturday, Hamilton must carry that form into day two of its game with Pigeon Ponds at Dahl Turf if it hopes to register a maiden victory of the summer.

The visitors will resume on 7-119 with 35.1 overs to bat, and the key to victory for both teams is Pigeon Ponds all-rounder, Simon Close.

Close will come into the game for the second day after being unavailable for day one and once he strides to the middle Hamilton will be desperate to dismiss him as quickly as possible, knowing he can win a game from his own bat.

The day two inclusion will manipulate the strike when he does bat as he will be wanting to bat as many of the remaining overs as possible , hoping to boost the Pigeons’ score by over 100 runs.

Hamilton needs to mop up the final three wickets of the innings and take the rest of the day to chase down the target set by the visitors.

Gorae-Portland v College

COLLEGE must be ruing the opportunity it let slip away last Saturday at Alexandra Park when the visitors were dismissed for only 227 against Gorae-Portland.

Chase for top spot

LLOYD ILETT

HDCA B grade ladder leader, College, has the bye in round seven today, as the remainder of the teams battle each other for ladder positions in the chase for the top two.

Casterton District v Hamilton

THIRD-PLACED Casterton District will host second-placed Hamilton at Wando Vale Recreation Reserve, knowing victory will lift the side above the visitors on the ladder into second spot, while a loss will only see the points gap between the teams grow.

Both these teams suffered losses last round in different circumstances with College thrashing Hamilton by 107 runs, while Casterton District forfeited its game against Grampians to hand the Pumas the points, due to a lack of players.

These teams last met in round two and the game was a thriller with Hamilton winning by four wickets, but in that game Nick O’Brien top-scored with 42 opening the batting and won’t be there today after earning promotion into A grade.

Bailey Borgmeyer will feature once again with both bat and ball for the visitors, while Steven Murphy and Kaeden Murphy are expected to be available to strengthen the batting order.

Casterton District will rely on Will Kerr, Mark

Widdicombe, Tim Holmes, and Alistair McCrae to wield the willow to lift the hosts to a defendable target.

Grampians v St Andrew’s ST Andrew’s travels to Dunkeld Turf today looking to collect the points and open a gap between itself and Grampians on the premiership ladder.

Grampians won on forfeit against Casterton District last weekend, while St Andrew’s had the bye, but the Drews did win the last match they played in round five, getting the better of Hamilton after defending 146.

The experience of skipper, Damien Logan, Simon Hatherell, and Craig Dimond and Heath Pither combine well with the youth of Eddie Steele, Theo Lehmann and Chad Logan.

The Pumas last played on November 2 due to a forfeit victory and having the bye, and that game saw the Pumas routed for only 48 inside 22 overs.

The pride of the players would have been hurt with that performance and they need to reverse that batting form quickly if the players want to feature in the top four come finals.

Regular B grade skipper, Ryan Burgess, has been promoted to A grade, so his bowling is going to be sorely missed, but the experience of Greg Millard and Mark Lazzari should offer plenty to counter that of the Drews.

Blue Caps face tough test

LLOYD ILETT

LADDER leader, College, and third-placed Tahara meet today in the HDCA C grade round six match of the round at College Turf today. The Eagles have swept aside all before them after being promoted from D grade at the start of the summer, and the team is playing brilliant attacking cricket that has also seen the side claim three bonus points too.

Matt Cameron has been the form batsman in the Eagles order with a century and half century to his credit from the three times he has batted and is scoring his runs at better than run-a-ball pace.

Tahara needs Jack Goodman and Harry Goodman to dismiss the Eagles’ top order quickly to allow their batsmen to hunt down the target with Fletcher Wheeler and Liam Tonissen both in form with the willow.

Branxholme v Hamilton North BRANXHOLME Recreation Reserve will host this match between that are evenly matched with only two points separating them.

Branxholme claimed a strong victory against Tahara last weekend at this venue and the Bulls may well be on a charge up the ladder.

Nichloas Ciccone has transferred to Branxholme and his bowling talents especially will be a bonus to the Bulls, also scoring quickly at the crease.

Andrew McFarlane and Ray Sutton continue to churn out good performances with both bat and ball, and if the Hammers can dismiss the pair early in their respective innings, then they will go a long way to winning.

Hamilton North opening batsman, Darren Groves, is due to go big with the bat, as he has been getting out early doors this summer.

Sam Groves has picked up the slack and posted good scores with a highest score of 94, and he is

the key wicket for the Bulls attack today. Byaduk v Tarrington

BYADUK will host Tarrington at Christie Oval today knowing that it must win if the team is to keep any chances of a finals appearance alive. This may seem a strange opinion given this is only round six of 17, but the wider the gap between the Ducks and fourth place, the harder it is to make up the difference.

At present Byaduk is more than two wins out of the top four, 17 points behind the Tigers who occupy fourth, but another loss here will make it near impossible to finish any higher than fifth.

The Ducks have the players to win with Drew Pickford, Lachie Holcombe, Gordon Last, and Will Kinghorn all capable of posting good scores for the bowlers to defend.

The Tigers came away with the points last round thanks to Andy O’Connor scoring a fine 95 against St Andrew’s, and his wicket is key to the hopes of the Ducks, while Steve Hadden is performing wonders with the ball.

St Andrew’s v Macarthur

ST Andrew’s will host Macarthur at Pedrina Park this afternoon and the bottom-placed Drews will have to have a reversal of form if they are defeat the second-placed Demons

The home side is winless this season, with the visitors faulting just once.

The Demons have shared the spoils with no single player carrying the hopes of the team on his back, as Ian Brilley, Cody Herring, and Bingham Jarrett have all been in good form with the bat, while Jarrett, Archie Cameron, and Matt Timms are on song with the ball.

Harrison Price is batting well at the top of the order for the Drews, while the evergreen Geoff Barker always proves to be tough to dismiss.

Pumas and Tigers face-off

LLOYD ILETT

THE HDCA D grade competition will see round six games played today with the game between Grampians and Tarrington the match of the round.

Both teams suffered a form reversal in round five, as they lost their respective games when favoured to win.

The Dunkeld hardwicket has been a happy hunting ground for the Pumas, but Coleraine scored 157 last week to win.

Tarrington fell victim to the previously winless St Andrew’s, as the Tigers batsmen failed to hunt down the target set at PP3.

Coleraine v Pigeon Ponds

Gorae-Portland resumes on 1-19, needing a further 209 runs to claim an upset victory against one of the powerhouse teams of the competition.

The Eagles wouldn’t have scored as many runs as they did if it weren’t for a fighting 50-not-out from Angus Brown batting at number nine, which was aided by 24 from Will Bourke at number 11.

Go-Ports captain, Nick Wills, is the key wicket the Eagles need to pouch quickly.

COLERAINE will travel to Pigeon Ponds Recreation Reserve today after mid-week rain washed out the turf at Turnbull Street Oval.

Pigeon Ponds didn’t play last Saturday after Hamilton forfeited the game, the team will enter the game fully refreshed and eager to win.

Lachie Stevenson has been in great touch with the bat, while Andrew Colgan and Alex Hodgson are bowling well.

The Maroons will look to Josh Brody, Xavier Dwyer, and Archie Templeton to carry their good

batting form into the game with Tyler Woolley and Jack Dwyer both bowling very well.

Hamilton v Hamilton North HAMILTON had to forfeit its match last Saturday due to five players bolstering the club’s B grade side.

Hamilton North will need opening batsman, Benjamin Jennings, to continue his great batting form into this game if the Hammers are to defeat the third-placed Blues.

Rory Steff is the key wicket for the visitors, as the opener always gives his side a fast startwhether chasing or setting a target.

St Andrew’s v Tahara

GOING by ladder positions this should be a simple matter for the top ranked Tahara team against bottom of the ladder St Andrews.

The Blue Caps are yet to taste defeat and the rivalry between these two old foes goes back many decades and always brings the best out of the players on both sides.

Tahara skipper, Colin Myers, is getting better with age, with 4-9 last Saturday..

Likewise, Scott Keatley is posting good scores with the bat for the Drews and is the key wicket for Tahara along with Tony Dumesny.

Local derby highlights Division 1 games

ADAM HILL

THE second half of the Far Western Bowls Association Midweek Pennant season got underway on Tuesday with round eight fixtures played.

Division 1

IT was a local derby with Hamilton hosting Grangeburn, with the visitors collecting a 62-44 win and earning 14 of the 16 points on offer.

Owen Ross made light work of Elma Astbury with a 30-6 win, while Ken Prewett accounted for Peter Graham, 17-15.

Norm Pech rolled up 23 to defeat Ruben Ross by eight shots to collect two points for the hosts.

Balmoral made the long trek south to take on Memorial and returned empty handed, outclassed by the hosts to the tune of 34-88.

Graeme Solly got the home side off to a winning start, rolling up 25 to Cheryl Trotman’s 11, while Stephen Arthur defeated Neville Trotman, 29-12, and Donald Wallis got the better of Daniel Brody, 34-11.

Portland had the bye and collected 15 points and 36 shots for the week off.

Division 2

PENSHURST travelled to Coleraine and was no match for the home side, going down 26-46

Lesley Beaton got the hosts rolling with a 23-9 victory against Ann Rentsch, while Beverley Fry’s 23 was enough to hold off Barry King by six, ensuring Coleraine scooped maximum points from the match-up.

Grangeburn Red hosted Casterton and conceded all available points with a 22-42 loss.

Bernice Sullivan accounted for Stewart Campbell, 23-9, while Teresa Sealey rolled up 19 against Rosemary Spencer to win by six shots.

Memorial made the trip to Macarthur and returned empty handed after going down, 28-54.

Carol Uebergang collected a 23-18 win against Ian Benbow, while Beverly Bourke had an easier time against Robert Hamblin, winning 31-10.

Grangeburn Blue had home green advantage against Portland, but it had little effect with the home side losing 32-35.

Peter Moore got the hosts off to a winning start

with a 17-14 result against Alan Warburton, while Beverley Casey only managed 15 to Andrew Smail’s 21.

Hamilton had the week off and collected 14 points and 17 shots.

Division 3

HAMILTON was at home for its match-up against Memorial, winning 39-30 and collecting 12 points.

Cliff Brinkman’s 24 was pivotal to the overall result, while restricting Julie McInnes to just eight shots, while Pamela White had a tougher task for the hosts, going down to Ian Merrett, 15-22.

Macarthur made the short trip to Heywood, but returned without any points after going down, 36-47.

Aneel Chaudhry rolled up 25 which was enough to account for Anne Gilmour’s 17, while Darryl

Moore made it a perfect day for the home side, collecting 22 shots to Carole Dunn’s 19. Casterton and Dartmoor battled it out, with the latter falling short, 30-46. Suzanne Tregellis rolled up 21 for Dartmoor to Heather Rees’ 16, while Helen Lucas gave Casterton something to celebrate, rolling up 30 to win by 21 against Elaine Jones. Grangeburn was forced to forfeit to Portland, conceding 14 points and 10 shots

Grangeburn Bowling Club report

WENDY KOSCH

CHRIS Rigby and Leah McCabe competed in the semi-finals of the Far Western Women’s Pairs in Hamilton on Sunday. They faced off against Heather McIntyre (Hamilton), substituting for Barbara Moore from Heywood, and Lyn Swann (Heywood). With the scores tied at the conclusion of the 15 ends, an additional end was played to determine the winner, resulting in Heather and Lyn securing the victory.

The Grangeburn Bowling Club concluded six weeks of the Corporate Challenge bowls last Wednesday evening. Blessed with fantastic weather, the event was filled with fun and high spirits.

The finale saw an exhilarating match between the top two teams, with Finchetts Plumbing emerging victorious, preserving their undefeated streak in the challenge.

Nick Millard Electrical secured second place, followed by our ACE Radio in third.

The next challenge is set to begin in February.

A heartfelt thank you to all participants and the incredible

Teams

Casterton District

B grade - S. Broomby, J. Fitzgerald, T. Holmes, C. Hutchins, W. Jackson, G. Kerr, W. Kerr, M. Widdicombe, M. Penny, A. Smeaton, J. Ferguson.

Hamilton

B grade - B. Borgmeyer, A. Buck, E. Crutch, B. Ezard, O. Fenwick, B. Gibbs, H. Kendall, M. Lee, T. Walker, L. Walker, S. Walker.

D grade - J Casey, A. Cooper, D. Cooper, C. Knight, L. McConchie, K. Murphy, S. Murphy, H. Riley, D. Shaw, J. Shaw, C. Steff, R. Steff.

St Andrew’s

B grade - J. Evans, Z. Grenfell, I. Lehmann, T. Lehmann, C. Logan, D. Logan, H. Pither, J. Sevior, E. Steele, B. Walsh, R. Malseed, B. Macdonald.

C grade - G. Barker, S. Dickson, L. Mojica Perez, C. Mullins, S. Vankalken, A. Eats, R. Malik, K. Picken, S. Picken, C. Dimond, A.

Nankivell.

volunteers who assisted weekly.

What a fantastic night last Friday at Grangeburn when three divisions from Penshurst played Grangeburn under lights.

It was a perfect night for bowls, and it was great to see the number of spectators attending the night.

Last Saturday saw Penshurst win Division 1 and Division 3 by 13 shots, and Grangeburn won Division 4 by 20 shots.

Division 2 played in the rain on Saturday at Coleraine, winning one rink but losing the game by 23 shots.

Division 1 - Grangeburn 53 lost to Penshurst 66: Bert Partington 23 d Brett Linke 13; Ken Prewett 10 lt Alaister Rentsch 25; Owen Ross 20 lt David Cook 28.

Division 2 - Grangeburn 30 lost to Coleraine 53: Wendy Kosch 26 d Bruce Armstrong 21; Keven Bailey 4 lt Brett Greed 32.

Division 3 - Grangeburn 36 lost to Penshurst 49: Dean Jenkins 15 lt John King 33; Stew Campbell 21 d Barry King 16.

Division 4 - Grangeburn 53 defeated Penshurst 33: Peter Moore 19 d Michael Cameron 16; Lawrence Foley 34 d Neil Manning 17. Today three divisions travel to Portland.

D grade - L. Dumesny, T. Dumesny, L. Hatherell, J. Hockey, S. Keatley, G. Kuruvila, B. McIntosh, X. McIntosh, A. Sankar Purushothaman, C. Kearney, D. McIntosh, A. Kearney.

Byaduk

C grade - J. Christie, A. Donoghue, M. Donoghue, L. Holcombe, W. Kinghorn, G. Last, W. Satchell, L. McDonald, D. Pickford, M. Brown, C. Christie, P. Donoghue.

Tarrington

C grade - A. Adams, W. Bester, S. Hadden, D. Handreck, E. Millard, R. Millard, A. O’connor, R. Rook, R. Tonissen, M. Sheldrake Onderwater.

D grade - E. Austin, J. Beattie, A. Bester, J. Cotten, C. Fitzpatrick, R. Green, A. Kearney, L. McDonald, C. Nesbitt, A. Price, A. Rush, C. Willox.

Branxholme

Division 1 plays Memorial and both Division 3 and Division 4 faces off against Portland.

Division 2 will be at home against Hamilton Green.

In Tuesday’s Midweek Pennant match, Division 1 Grangeburn triumphed over Hamilton by 18 shots.

In Division 2, both teams played on their home turf; Blue narrowly lost to Portland by three shots, and Red was overcome by Casterton with a 20-shot deficit.

Division 1 - Grangeburn 62 defeated Hamilton 44: Owen Ross 30 d E Astbury 6; Ruben Ross 15 lt Norm Pech 23; Ken Prewett 17 d Peter Graham 15.

Division 2 - Grangeburn Blue 32 lost to Portland 35: Peter Moore 17 d Alan Warburton 14; Bev Casey 15 lt Andrew Smail 21. Grangeburn Red 22 lost to Casterton 42: Stew Campbell 9 lt Bernice Sullivan 23; Rosemary Spencer 13 lt Teresa Sealey 19. Next Tuesday, Division 1 and Division 3 play at home against Balmoral and Casterton respectively.

Division 2 Red travels south to Portland, while Division 2 Blue has the bye.

C grade - N. Williams, R. Sutton, Z. Parker, R. Parker, C. Griffiths, A. McFarlane, N. Ciccone, L. Lonie, N. Heron.

Hamilton North

C grade - B. Cunnington, D. Groves, S. Groves, H. Jacobson, R. Jacobson, A. McLaughlin, C. Tierney, J. Trowell, J. Webster, S. McEwen.

D grade - D. Simpson, T. Hill, S. Hill, J. Parsons, V. Couzens, S. Collie, B. Jennings, M. Hill.

Macarthur

C grade - I. Brilley, J. Elvery, M. Fry, C. Herring, B. Jarrett, D. Jones, T. Logan, L. Mann, W. Mann, S. Nash, M. Timms, C. Sharrock.

College

C grade - J. Bourke, H. Brown, M. Cameron, T. Wilson, S. Tonissen, L.

Patterson, S. Mecham, H. Hedley, J. Dyer, M. Clark, T. Heazlewood, N. Hintum. Tahara

C grade - H. Goodman, J. Goodman, D. Grego, A. McAdam, T. Rhook, J. Tonissen, L. Tonissen, F. Wheeler, R. Dark, B. Disson, A. Mckay, J. Spaull.

D grade - D. Hogan, C. Kamp, C. Lambert, J. Pepper, A. Ractliffe, O. Ractliffe, W. Templeton, P. Barnes, T. Gleeson, B. Kamp, B. Rhook.

Grampians

D grade - A. Bird, S. Bird, M. Alderman, E. Alderman, D. Potter, H. Rush, H. Rush, C. Prentice, L. Gordon, M. Lazzari. Coleraine

D grade - C. Barker, J. Brody, A. Cilia, C. Drake, C. Joyce, C. Herring, T. Woolley, X. Dwyer, A. Templeton, T. Janetzki, C. Young.

GRANGEBURN and Hamilton faced off in Division 1 action, with Grangeburn earning the overall victory. Photo: LARA FITZPATRICK. 241022lf006

Hamilton Rodeo offers up plenty of

JAYDEN Mcarthur is in for a hard landing in the 2nd Division Bullride. 241123lf043

MADDISON Baldacchino and Prada get some speed during her barrel racing run. 241123lf187

JAYK Hallinan

his 2nd Division Bullride

DALLON Finch struggles to hold on in the 2nd Division Bullride. 241123lf066

MATEJA Martinovic guides her horse, Fay, through the barrel racing course.

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action for the local crowd

Photography: Lara Fitzpatrick Saturday, November 23, 2024

MORGAN McLean rides Coco Blue Cat in the barrel racing section of the night.

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DYLAN Koch shows a strong technique during the 2nd Division Saddle Bronc. 241123lf107 XAVIER Connally starts strong during the 2nd Division Bullride.

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THE 2nd Division Bullride saw plenty of highlights from riders, including Jackson Jeffries. 241123lf053

MAGGIE Woodall and her horse, Hooey, navigate the barrel racing course.

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PUBLISHED and unpublished pictures taken by Spectator photographers are available to purchase and can be viewed at the front office: 59 Gray St, Hamilton.

CLANCY Matheson gives his best attempt during his Junior Bullride go-round.

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ALANNAH Green rides Liberty Belle during the barrel racing. 241123lf177

Double header to finish

ADAM HILL

THE Hamilton Hurricanes will close their Country Basketball League (CBL) season with a South Australian double header this weekend.

The locals will travel to Millicent to take on the Magic tonight at 8pm AEDT, before a quick

THE Hurricanes will face Mount Gambier and Millicent in a double header over the border this weekend. Photo: LARA FITZPATRICK.

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turnaround, taking on the Mount Gambier Lakers at Bern Bruning Basketball Stadium tomorrow at 2pm AEDT.

Hamilton has gone winless to date this season, but have shown glimpses, and with some fresh faces in the squad, the group will be better for the experience.

The experience of the older players will be required, with this weekend just the second double header for the Hurricanes this season. Coach, Dean Le Roy, will be hoping for strong performances to finish the season, with tonight’s clash against Millicent the most likely chance to pinch a first victory of the season.

Barber Boys keep in touch with top two

LLOYD ILETT

MINDERS has retained the ladder lead in the division one men’s Hamilton Basketball Association competition even though the team had the bye for round seven.

Barber Boys d St Mary’s Black

BARBER BOYS has closed the ladder deficit to Minders by defeating St Mary’s Black, 54-26 in a lop-sided game on Wednesday night at Hamilton Indoor Leisure and Aquatic Centre (HILAC).

Barber Boys were never threatened by St Mary’s Black, as the team held a 14-point lead at the half time break and then returned to the court for the second period and doubled the margin, despite St Mary’s Black scoring better in the second half.

Angus Hayden-Simpson (17), Aaron Glare (15), and Joel Le Roy (11) led the way for Barber Boys, while Craig Jackson (seven) was the top-scorer for St Mary’s Black.

St Mary’s Orange d GT Storm

ST Mary’s Orange has broken its duck by defeating third-placed GT Storm, 50-35, in the late game on Wednesday night.

GT Storm would have been forgiven for entering the game with victory already in their sights after St Mary’s Orange had been beaten in every round, but they were soon brought back to reality in the first half when the teams went point for point.

The buzzer sounded for half time and the teams couldn’t be split with 19 points each at the break.

Come the second half and St Mary’s Orange exploded with 12 points to three in the first five minutes of the term, which broke the back of the GT Storm, as Charlie Alexander (16) held the hot hand.

The final margin was an indication of the dominance the St Mary’s Orange team had for that second half, and with one round remaining before the Christmas holiday break, it’s to be hoped this form continues.

Women’s Division 1

St Mary’s Orange d Tigers

TUESDAY night saw St Mary’s Orange overtake Tigers on the premiership ladder with a resounding 14-point victory in the late game at HILAC.

Tigers took it right up to St Mary’s Orange in

Tuesday

Round 7

Women’s Division 2

the first half to trail by only four points at the half time buzzer, but the second half was all one-way traffic, as the margin ballooned out to 14 by the final buzzer to end the game.

Clare Crawford put up 16 points to lead the way for St Mary’s Orange, while Bailey Ryan held the hot hand for Tigers with 12 points.

The loss saw Tigers fall to the bottom of the ladder, but the team is only one point adrift of second-placed St Mary’s Orange, which occupied the bottom rung of the ladder before

the game but can easily reach second spot again before finals.

St Mary’s Black d Minders

THE momentum continues for the undefeated St Mary’s Black atop the premiership ladder, taking care of business against Minders in the early game on Tuesday night, 37-20.

St Mary’s Black was untroubled, opening a 10-point gap on the scoreboard in the first half,

HBA senior RESULTS

Women’s Division 4

Barber Babes 39 (Jaymie Broad, Olivia Smith 10).

Minders White 37 (Edie Jackson 19) d Minders Pink 13 (Ebony Dunn 6).

Tigers Black 47 (Holly Langley 11) d St Mary’s 21 (Bridget Mailes 11).

Barber Babes 28 (Amy Pepper 9) d Tigers 25 (Evie Grinham 8).

Pure Envy 30 (Jeanna Pollock, Maddison Sharrock, Willow Boughton 6).

Women’s Division 3

College Sooty Owls 41 (Abby Lazzari 19) d Minders 30 (Maggie Craig 10).

St Mary’s 39 (Laura Matthews 9) d Barber Babes Black 20 (Terina Teriaki 6).

Barber Babes White 21 (Ayla Ewing 13) d Athletics 15 (Sarah Hart 3).

Minders Blue 28 (Chloe Myers 14) d Crocodiles 23 (Emma Higginson 10).

Wednesday

Round 7

Men’s Division 2A

Barber Boys White 36 (Diesel Slater 11) d Minders Blue 27 (Archie Hintum 11).

Minders White 47 (Jesse Riley 15) d Barber Boys Red 30 (Andrew Fry 8).

Monivae Grey 50 (Angus Impey 17) d Barber Boys Black 35 (Taima Thomas 10).

Casterton 47 (Thomas Searle 22) d College Barn Owls 25 (Austin Mayfield, Jacob Butcher 8).

Men’s Division 2B

St Mary’s Orange 54 (Darcy Milne 14) d Monivae Maroon 38

19-9, before the team increased the margin to 17 points at the final buzzer.

Credit to Minders though, as the side did score more points in the second period than it did in the first and held St Mary’s Black to less than it scored in the first term.

Lily Raymond (12) and Saskia Gould (11) found their range to the hoop for St Mary’s Black, and Makayla Hutchins top-scored for Minders with seven points.

(Abdul Muhktar 19).

Tigers 31 (Rhylee Porter, Kieran Barker 8) d Colleg4e Barking Owls 20 (bailey Clarke 5).

St Mary’s Black 39 (Maximus Grinham 15) d Barber Boys Red 30 (Lyncoln Bergmark 11).

Barber Boys Black 47 (Oliver Winnell 23) d GT Storm 27 (Nathaniel Schultz 17).

Monivae 41 (ban Marti 23) d Minders Black 22 (Sean Evans, Will Kamp 7).

Minders Blue 44 (Jensen Soulsby 18) d Barber Boys White 22 (Cooper Kearney 9).

Men’s Division 3

Barber Boys White 43 (Jack Claridge 11) d Barber Boys Black 11 (Jamie Pevitt 4).

Coasters 33 (Haavard Christie 8) d St Mary’s 27 (Billy Beveridge 15).

Redbacks 72 (Liam Gellert 17) d Storm 19 (Eli Crutch 8). Tigers 49 (Aiden Cooper 12) d Crocodiles 23 ( Michael Doherty 10).

AARON Glare’s 15 points helped Barber Boys stay in touch with ladder leader, Minders. Photo: GLENN GUY.

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AFLW flag awaits for Kearney

From: PAGE 32

And the lure of adding another premiership medal to her cabinet excited the Roos skipper, having won the 2018 premiership with the Western Bulldogs.

“Absolutely, when I won the first one with the Bulldogs, it was the early stages of the competition, it is still one of my favourite footy moments, but now it is a more established competition, and I feel like I have built strong connections with the playing group,” she said.

“Going into my seventh year at the Roos, I am really close with all the girls.”

The Roos are heading into the clash full of confidence after smashing Port Adelaide by 57 points – the fourth highest AFLW finals margin - with Kearney picking up five disposals from her 38 per cent time on ground.

Despite the low time spent on the ground, the 35-year-old would be going all out in the decider.

“It was really crucial to get that one ticked off, I had a pretty interrupted rehab with some different strains,” she said.

“I wasn’t even sure if I was going to make it through for the prelim, it was challenging having very little game minutes.

“It would have been a challenge coming back for a grand final for first game back, but the coaches always gave me confidence.

“I had a really solid training session (on Wednesday) for our main training session, so it will be business as usual, pretty much that first game I just needed to tick those few boxes.”

With the sold out game to be played at Ikon Park, a big crowd of blue and white is expected, including her parents and other familiar faces.

“They have been some of my biggest supports for my entire career,” she said.

“It is always really nice to play in front of your home fans, a night grand final means it is a really long day.

“To have the comfort of your own home, rather than being stuck in a hotel room helps.

“Ikon Park is a big wide ground, it suits the way we want to play with changing angles and possessing the footy.”

The W Awards were held earlier this week with the hamstring injury costing Kearney a chance to continue her run of All Australian selections, having been selected in the team

Bunker shots

ROBYN HOLCOMBE

Last Friday

A GOOD field of 42 men and 38 women played in very warm conditions in the tournament’s 4BBB par event.

Winner of the women’s event was Cheryl Brinkmann and Gerri Griffin +7, ahead of a very close finish for runners-up with a three-way countback deciding the order.

Runners-up were Fran McMeel and Tania Cullinane, third place went to Elaine Rentsch and Wendy Wathen, and fourth place went to Margie Hadley and Dawn Cay all on +5

In the men’s field, Barry Raymond and Graham Trounce combined to take the honours with +9, ahead of runners-up John Mitchell and Geoff Bond on +6, on a countback from Jason Cay and Tim Lloyd, while fourth place went to Kynan Caruana and Nick Armstrong with +5

Nearest the pin on the third hole was Elaine Rentsch and Robbie Fishburn, sixth hole was Jeanette Carmichael and Peter Fox, the 16th was Dawn Cay and Mal Groves, but no one collected the honours on the 13th.

Saturday

A FIELD of men participated in the 36-hole open stroke championship and Graham Rentsch returned the best scratch score for this event to win the major trophy.

Rentsch finished with a 76 and a 75 to give him 151 off the stick, which is a great effort over 36 holes.

Runner-up in the scratch event was James Brown on 157 with Mal Groves rounding out the placings with 158.

The A grade handicap for 36 holes was won by Ben Kelson with a 72 and a 70 nett for a total nett of 142, while the runner up in the handicap was Eli Potts with 147 nett and third place went to Stuart McAdam on 152 nett.

The morning A grade scratch was won by Paul Daley 80, while Julian Gollasch took out the afternoon event with 77.

The morning A grade handicap was won by Jan Kautsky 76 nett with Dale Grambau taking out the afternoon event with 73 nett.

every season up until the 2024 edition.

“It didn’t feel weird, as soon as I did my hammy and knew I was going to be out for six weeks, I had a lot of people reach out and say the streak was over,” she said.

“It was frustrating, because I felt like I was playing some career best footy.”

B grade overall scratch winner was Nick Templeton with 88 and 83 to give a total of 171, while runner-up was Adam Manson 173, and third spot went to Warren Butcher on 175.

B grade overall handicap winner was Oliver Pitts with 70 and 72 for a nett total of 142, with Trevor Haley runner-up with 145, with Nick Armstrong taking out third place on 151.

The morning B grade scratch was won by Andrew Henstridge with 90, while the afternoon event was won by Tim Brody.

The B grade handicap event was won by Rob Stagoll 72 nett in the morning, and by Shannon Kearns in the afternoon with 73 nett.

The winner of the men’s 18-hole stableford event was Ty Raymond with a fabulous score of 45 points from Gary McFarlane on 43.

In the women’s stableford event, Sally Warburton was the winner with 39 points, winning by one point from Margie Hardley.

Nearest the pin on the third hole was Rhonda Scullion, the sixth hole was won by Pam White, and on the 16th hole it was Warburton

Sunday

THE final day of our annual tournament was a four-person gentsomes event, where the winners of the women’s event were Ange Montgomery, Lisa Jakobi, Tracey Hobbs and Sarah Magor

Mixed winners were Warren Butcher, Chantal Butcher, Jason Chandler and Meg Chandler, while runners-up were Scott Anderson, Vicki Anderson, Danny Franc and Michelle Walkley

The men’s event was won by Nick Armstrong, Harry Armstrong, Jack Rhook and Marcus Rhook, holding off runners-up, Tyler Hards, James Barber, Chris Crane and Rhys Anderson

Nearest the pin on the third hole was David Robertson and Bev Tyson, the sixth hole was Adam Cooper, the 13th went to Trevor Wathen and Molly O’Brien, while the 16th went to Wathen and Karel Smail

Wednesday

THIRTY-EIGHT women played stroke which was also the final of the Monthly Medal winners playing off for the Medal of Medallists. Playing off in the final was Jenny Edwards,

Despite that, a premiership medal tonight would soothe that frustration, should the Roos get the better of the Lions.

“If I can cap it all off with another premiership, that would be amazing,” she said.

The first bounce is scheduled for 7.45pm.

Carmichael, Warburton, Di Raymond, Marg King, Jenny Hurse, Debbie Milne, McMeel, Bev Tyson, Marlene Clarke and Lisa Murphy. Carmichael returned the best score with a 72 nett to claim the 2024 Medal of Medallists. Winner of A grade was Enid Smith with a 71 nett, ahead of runner-up, Jeanette Carmichael, who scored 72 nett on a countback. B grade winner was Kath Hartwich with 71 nett from Joan Lewis 72 nett.

Balls down the line went to Kerryn Price 72 nett, Warburton 74, Griffin, Anne Ryan, Robyn Holcombe and Rhonda Scullion 75, Tyson and Wendy Wathen 76 nett.

Nearest the pin on the third hole was won by Carmichael, and the 16th went to Ath Archer, while the closest second shot on the 15th was won by Milne, and the longest putt on the 13th was holed by Anne Ryan.

Tuesday

THE beginner and emerging players had ideal conditions for their weekly competition, where the winner in the beginner group was Kris Fox on 15 points.

In the emerging group, Nan Templeton had a day out scoring 22 points to win ahead of Sarah Laidlaw and Joanna Austin, who both finished with 18 points.

There is no Tuesday golf next week, as some of the players are playing on Wednesday in the annual ambrose event.

Updates

WEDNESDAY will see a Texas ambrose where the beginners and emerging golfers are encouraged to join the field.

This event will be followed by Christmas lunch and presentation of major trophies won during the year.

Another date to look out for is the annual Christmas ambrose, which is scheduled for December 15.

Today’s events are a men’s stableford aggregate pairs, while the women will play a stableford event.

Hit them long and straight and enjoy the 19th hole

GRAHAM Rentsch topped the scores of the men’s 36-hole championship last Saturday. Photo: SUPPLIED.

EMMA Kearney is set for another AFLW Grand Final appearance, as the Roos take on Brisbane at Ikon Park tonight. Photo: NORTH MELBOURNE FC.

BUCK

AFLW FLAG AWAITS

A SECOND AFLW premiership beckons for Cavendish export, Emma Kearney, who will lead the North Melbourne Tasmanian Kangaroos into tonight’s season decider against Brisbane.

Kearney only returned to the side last week since injuring her hamstring in round five, with the half-back embracing the lead-up to the grand final.

“I think it has been a little bit different in the build up compared to last year, we were probably just grateful to get in last year,” she told The Spectator

“After having that experience, we have that expectation now, it has been a lot more calmer, being in and around the club it has been business as usual.

“It was obviously really exciting to make the grand final last year, but this time it is a bit different.”

Having played against the Lions in last season’s decider and

going down by 17 points, Kearney was confident the experience the team got would hold the players in good stead this time around.

“You’re always better for the experience, Lachie Neale spoke about the Brisbane boys were better for the run last year,” Kearney said.

“Our younger players have just gotten better, their work over the off-season and their fitness and skills.”

Continued: PAGE 31

Callum Moffitt battles to hold on after getting bucked off during the 2nd Division Bullride.

Photo: LARA FITZPATRICK.

ADAM HILL