Hamilton Spectator - 7th December 2024

LOCAL CFA MEMBERS RECEIVE NATIONAL AWARDS

Summer’s arrived with a splash

JUST a week into summer, many made the most of the warm weather on Thursday afternoon at the Hamilton Outdoor Pool, with the temperature reaching 34 degrees Celsius in the late afternoon. Local children enjoying the water are (front, seated) Tayla Reid, 8 and Olive Brown, 8; (middle) Lila Thomas, 7; Willa McIntosh, 7; Harvey Thomas, 9; Oliver Kelson, 9; Jack Thomas, 11; Zander Kelson, 11 and

WANNON SEAT SET FOR FIGHT

WORD has it that Wannon MP, Dan Tehan is increasingly concerned by the Alex Dyson Independent campaign that is in full throttle across the electorate at present.

The tussle is on between the two – so much so that the ABC’s Four Corners’ Angus Grigg was in town last week interviewing the incumbent as well as Mr Dyson and swinging voters that might otherwise be of conservative persuasion.

Mr Tehan confirmed he had been interviewed by the TV crew who filmed the MP at Lake Hamilton, at the Warrnambool Surf Lifesaving Club and at the Jericho Cup where he presented the whip to the winning jockey.

“A crew from ABC’s Four Corners was in the electorate over the weekend to interview me as part of an upcoming report on the 2025 election,” he said.

“I was proud to show the journalist our vibrant local communities and businesses in Hamilton and Warrnambool as we discussed the pressing need for the Federal and State Governments to stop cutting funding for our roads.”

Mr Dyson is having his third tilt at the seat after coming within four percent of Mr Tehan with the two-party preferred votes counted at the 2022 election.

In fact, for the last 80 years the two-party

preferences (TPP) count was between the two major parties, but at the last election, the Australian Electoral Commission switched from counting between the Labor and Liberal parties when it became apparent that Mr Dyson had secured more first preference votes than the Labor Party.

Mr Dyson received 20.09 per cent of first preferences with a tally of 17,122 and a swing of +10.44 capitalising on the 10.39 per cent first preferences he received in 2019.

Likewise, Mr Dyson was interviewed as part of the Four Corners program.

“They said it will be a close call this time around so that was the reason they came to cover one of the closer races across the nation,” he said.

“It’s great to see south west Victoria getting a bit of national attention because we’ve been getting ignored for quite a while.

“I was in my hometown of Warrnambool for the day – we happened to have a ‘Dog walks for Dyson’ event and about 50 people showed up in the rain – it was a good sign of the support and the resilience of the volunteers and how passionate they are about getting a better deal for our area.”

The Alex Dyson camp recently celebrated reaching 500 individual donors last week with the candidate saying every donation counted and

was critical to the campaign.

“It became evident in my first campaign, where my entire budget was $5000, that we’d need more funds to compete with the major parties,” he said.

“Right now, we are fundraising to print and deliver our own positive flyer to letterboxes across the electorate to counteract the lies being spread by our opponents.”

The amount of every donation above $1000 is disclosed on the ‘Donate’ page of Mr Dyson’s website, as well as donations of smaller amounts from people who agree to have their names published.

“Integrity and transparency issues was one of the reasons why I chose to run as an Independent,”

Mr Dyson said.

“Our list of donors is updated regularly and are there for all to see – unlike the major parties which only publish their donors after each election.”

Mark Wootton and Eve Kantor from Jigsaw Farms, Cavendish have pledged $50 for every new donor who donates $10 or more Mr Dyson’s way.

The crowd funding group Climate200 who support independents that want action on climate change, integrity in politics, and equal opportunity for women, has also donated to the movement.

(back) Caled Reid, 6, all from Hamilton. Photo: GLENN GUY. 241205gg017

WANNON independent candidate, Alex Dyson has already been campaigning across the electorate and has the traditional blue-ribbon seat well in his sights. Pictured with supporter and campaign volunteer, Martin Slocombe.

Photo: SUPPLIED.

Celebrating International Day of People with Disability

FELICITY HANDRECK

ON Thursday, the Southern Grampians Shire Council (SGSC) invited members of the community to gather together for the official unveiling of Hamilton’s latest mural marking International Day of People with Disability (IDPwD) – celebrated worldwide on Tuesday, December 3.

The mural (situated on the laneway next to the Greater Hamilton Library) was a collaborative project painted last month by Mr Shannahan with the assistance of various other locals who painted a heart on the artwork.

“We had about between 50 and 100 people come and show their love by putting a heart on the mural,” Mr Shannahan said.

“To personalise it, I’ve recently added caricatures of some of our disabled community which I glued on last night (Wednesday).”

This project was an appealing commission for Mr Shannahan who grew up with a brother with a disability and has worked at the Mulleraterong Centre for several years.

“I’ve grown up with disability as part of my world, so it’s always been a passion of mine,” he said.

“This is a personal mural that I’m passionate about and it is my own artwork as opposed to a generic (business based) sign or symbol.”

Painted on the mural are the words, A disability doesn’t have to be a social barrier. Good etiquette begins with inclusion not exclusion.

When asked by The Spectator what he would like the community to feel when viewing the mural, Mr Shannahan’s response was, “I think I’d love it to spark that realisation that they know these people (depicted in the caricatures) and that they’re part of the community and (they might say) ‘Oh, I know him, I see him at the café or

FRESH from their triumphant 2024 European tour, the Australian Chamber Choir will return to Dunkeld this December for the sixth incarnation of their hugely popular “Baroque Christmas” program, again directed by their indefatigable conductor, Douglas Lawrence. Often a sell-out performance, this year’s Christmas concert on 14th December will feature a range of Baroque gems from both famous and lesser known composers.

Setting the scene with “Advent in the British Isles” will be works by Tomkins and Byrd, together with “Gabriel’s Message” by the late director of the Choir of

walking down the street.’

Mr Shannahan said his wish was that those admiring the mural would know the disabled community are supported and that they are a big part of the local community.

In addition, the SGSC were also excited to announce a series of other events to mark IDPwD.

On Tuesday, December 10, Party with the Ponies will return to the Hamilton Racecourse, an event that has become a beloved fixture on the Southern Grampians calendar.

This event which has been open to the broader community will welcome disability and community groups from across the region, including Hamilton, Ararat, Terang, Portland, Warracknabeal, Warrnambool, and Millicent. Starting at 11am, the day has promised something for everyone, with an animal nursery, face painting, crazy hair, giant ball games, parachute games, and roving entertainment.

The highlight of the event will be the much-loved Fashions on the Field.

Other events will be popping up across the Shire at the Greater Hamilton Library and the Hamilton Gallery to mark the occasion.

SGSC chief executive, Tony Doyle expressed his enthusiasm for the program and said, “Council is partnering with Hamilton Community House, the Hamilton Racing Club, and other groups to support and celebrate the people in our community who are living with disabilities.

“We encourage everyone to join in the celebration of IDPwD and to appreciate the incredible contributions of people with disabilities to our shire,” he continued.

“This day is a reminder of the importance of accessibility, equality, and inclusivity, and it invites all of us to play a part in creating a welcoming and supportive shire for everyone.”

Kings College Cambridge, Sir David Willcocks.

Motets from Josquin des Prez and two settings of “O Magnum Mysterium” by Gabrieli and Victoria will follow, and then an eight-voice setting of the famous “in dulci jubilo” melody by Samuel Scheidt.

One surprise is the “Triste Noel” by well-known Australian writer Henry Handel Richardson, who also became an accomplished composer following studies at the Leipzig Conservatorium.

The concert ends in triumph with two Christmas chorales, one by Johann Sebastian Bach and another by the

relatively unknown but brilliant German composer Adam Gumpelzhaimer (15591625), which features what conductor Douglas Lawrence has described as “one of the earliest examples of jazz rhythms”.

This concert is one not to be missed, and provides a wonderful lead-up to the Christmas season of good-will, something sorely needed in our troubled world.

Once again, Dunkeld’s Royal Mail Hotel is supporting the Choir’s 2024 season, and offers dining and accommodation packages in conjunction with the concert.

LOCAL artist, Jesse Shannahan collaborated with between 50 and 100 members of the public to create the mural which celebrates the disabled community.

Photo: LARA FITZPATRICK.

ON Thursday, local artist, Jesse Shannahan (centre, black shirt) and members and staff of the Mulleraterong Centre gave a cheer in front of

People with Disability. Photo: LARA FITZPATRICK. 241205lf005

Remarkable Rocklands delivers magic metre cod

A SOUTH-WEST Victorian angler has reeled in the catch of a lifetime, winning the Victorian Fisheries Authority’s Rocklands Metery competition and a $1000 tackle voucher.

Just over a year since the competition began, Warrnambool fisher, Luke Smith landed a 101.5centimetre Murray cod at Rocklands Reservoir, cementing its reputation as a drawcard fishery following the Victorian Government’s recordbreaking fish stocking program.

Mr Smith said he had been fishing at Rocklands regularly for about 18 months with good results, but this new personal best Murray cod was completely unexpected.

“A mate and I started fishing a fair bit there in about April last year and we’d been getting plenty of fish up to about 80 centimetres, but nothing like this,” he said.

“We’d caught a few cod that day and when I hooked up I thought it had a bit of timber or something on it because it was so heavy compared to the others.

“We knew about the comp so when we netted it we made sure we got a few guys in a nearby boat to help measure it.

an impressive 101.5-centimetre

“It’s definitely one we’ll be talking about for a long time.”

VFA chief executive, Travis Dowling said the catch had illustrated the potential of Rocklands to become one of state’s premier native fisheries following nearly 10 years of record fish stocking.

“The metre-mark is the holy grail for Murray cod anglers, so a massive congratulations to Luke on taking out this competition and the $1000 voucher,” he said.

“We first stocked Murray cod fingerlings into Rocklands in 2017.

“It’s since scored more than 5 million cod, golden perch and estuary perch and there’s another million fish to be released in early 2025 to keep the good times rolling.

“It’s the most aggressively stocked water in the country and shows that our stocking program – which is releasing more fish than all other Australian states and territories combined – is delivering brilliant results.

“There’s very few native fisheries that have exploded like this, so this gem of the west is only going to shine even brighter in years to come.”

There’s still prizes on offer at Rocklands as part of the VFA’s Golden Tag competition.

Five tagged fish are swimming in the reservoir – three Murray cod with tags worth $2000, a golden perch with a $2000 tag and one cod that will net a lucky fisher a huge $10,000.

“With free camping along the shore, improving native fishing and the chance to win up to $10,000 by wetting a line, now’s as good a time as any to plan a summer holiday to Rocklands,”

Mr Dowling said.

Balmoral and District Angling Club president, Neil Vaughan said the Rocklands Reservoir has been “a real mecca” for many a fishing club.

“It’s just exciting,” he said.

“Fishing clubs from Koroit, Port Fairy clubs from everywhere are visiting the Rocklands.”

Mr Vaughan said there used to be trout and mainly redfin in the reservoir, but since 2017, numerous Murray Cod and yellowbelly (Golden perch) have been added.

“We’ve got quite a few target fish to go for now,” he said.

When speaking with The Spectator about Luke Smith’s recent 101.5-cm catch, Mr Vaughan said the cod was “a fish of a lifetime that one – a real beauty!”

Getting ready for Christmas carols

REHEARSALS are well underway for the annual Christmas Carols by Candlelight to be held in the Hamilton Botanic Gardens on December 13.

Voices from the community with beautiful harmonies will take to the stage in front of the rotunda kicking off at 8pm for Hamilton’s feature Christmas event.

Entry is free and there will be Christmas-themed kids’ activities consisting of games and Christmas crafts from 6.30pm for an hour.

There will be a sausage sizzle and cold drinks available for a gold coin donation.

All profits raised from the sausage sizzle and the sale of candles and glow sticks will go to support

Standing Tall in Hamilton.

Generously supported by the Southern Grampians Shire Council, the musical festivities promise all your old favourite Christmas Carols performed by an ensemble from Hamilton’s churches.

Carols by Candlelight conductor and Presbyterian minister, David Schulz said rehearsals had been underway since October.

He said it promised to be a musical marvel with lots of local talent on display.

“I’m amazed at the talent in Hamilton,” Mr Schulz said.

“It’s just a community choir with amateur singers, but there’s some real talent there – and

they’re all enthusiastic and looking forward to the carols’ night – they’re all volunteers – it’s very encouraging and heartwarming to see the response to celebrating the birth of Christ.

“It’s a family community event to celebrate the real meaning of Christmas which is the birth of Christ, glory to God in highest – peace and goodwill to men.”

Should the weather turn, the event will be held in the Peace Memorial Hall at the Presbyterian Church in McIntyre Street, Hamilton.

Mr Schulz said it would be great to have a show of support from the community.

“We hope to see lots of people there next Friday night,” he said.

PICTURED is Warrnambool fisher, Luke Smith holding

Murray cod he recently landed at the Rocklands Reservoir. Photo: SUPPLIED.

CAROLS by Candlelight is on again on

the musical performance starting at 8pm. A full-dress rehearsal

underway on

night with a choir made up of singers from local churches. Photos: GLENN GUY.

Architect consults community on new gallery design

LIZZIE HALLAM

INTERNATIONALLY-renowned architect

Angelo Candalepas and Associates, appointed to undertake stage one of the concept designs for the New Hamilton Gallery, were in Hamilton this week to gauge the views and desires of the community.

Principal architect, Angelo Candalepas was excited to be in town to hear from the community from whom he will draw inspiration.

When asked what the best thing about the town was, he simply said “the people.”

“Initially I am here to listen,” he said.

“I think the people have been very inspiring –there’s such a diverse array of people – I think it’s going to be a great collaboration – it’s a kind of concentration of ideas.”

The design is still only in the concept stage, and Mr Candalepas said he wasn’t being swayed any particular direction, but rather “allowing ideas to flow my way”.

“It’s a collaborative process,” he said.

“The most important thing is, is that the gallery is to be a place for the people of this town.”

He said there was nothing specific that has been pitched just yet.

“Architecture is the servant of society,” Mr Candalepas said.

“I think that is the role of my commission – to be a sponge.”

He said he personally drew inspiration from the late Dr Graham Gunn AO of Hamilton.

“He was a very inspiring individual,” Mr Candalepas said.

“He enabled architecture.”

Asked about the challenge that lies ahead in creating a design that is popular, he spoke of a spiritual yearning within the community and agreed “as artists, we want people to love it”.

“I definitely want people to love it.”

Hamilton Gallery director, Josh White sang Mr Candalepas praises and said he brings a wealth of expertise and experience to the project.

“We’re in the co-design phase,” he said.

HIRL MUD GALLERY

Since the HIRL Mud Gallery was started, with the support of the late Leighton Wraith and his wife Kay, the Spectator has been a huge supporter of our efforts to provide our very talented artists and artisans a place to display and

“We did a very different tender brief and partnered with the University of Melbourne to develop a tender, then it went through a research and consultation phase between February and June this year (out of which) there came seven themes.

“Those seven principals are what the community wanted – one was local identity, one was civic life, one was the collection, one was creative

CODI Walmsley of Balmoral was flown to the Royal Children’s Hospital last week after a workplace accident. Photo: SUPPLIED.

Balmoral boy in accident

A FIFTEEN-YEAR-OLD Balmoral boy doing work experience at a Hamilton business has suffered severe burns to his face, hands and torso when removing a radiator hose from a car last week.

It was only Codi Walmsley’s third day on the job last Wednesday when he removed the hose from the car, and the fluid started to shoot out in the workshop. Soon after, Codi was flown by air ambulance to the Royal Melbourne where he was immediately placed into a coma and underwent emergency surgery. It is believed the teen will take about six to 12 weeks to recover.

A gofund me page has been set up to help the family with associated costs including accommodation at gofund.me/13b76f14

and groups

pathways, one was first nations, one was natural environment, the last one was connections –connecting this building to all the other buildings and then connecting to the town.

“Now Anglelo is here … he is going to work with community in these themes to develop concept designs for the new gallery.

“So people who attend these sessions now will really impact how the design is developed.

“It’s actually really fantastic.

“He is currently designing the new NGV, he’s designed the College of the Arts, he’s done extensions at the NGA – he’s probably one of the best cultural architects in Australia – a lot of his associates are internationally renowned – the lighting designers, the engineers.

“He’s come along today (Tuesday) for his first touch point and will return in January and he’s engaged with creatives, gallery staff, youth, first nations, friends, stakeholders, all those sorts of people to start to get an idea of the design of the building and what the community wants.

“We’ve got the principles, now we’re going through the phase of him actually talking with the community.

“He wants to know what the principles mean to the community and first and foremost he’s here to listen.

“We’re at ground zero of that design.”

Mr White there had been a broad array of ideas put forward by the community already.

“People have said lots of different things,” he said.

“They want a really playful, exciting, inviting entry to the gallery.

“The NGV water wall is an example of that sort of thing. It’s a bit fun – it’s enjoyable.

“One person wants it to be a really family oriented engaging place – another person expressed having a place of belonging.”

Mr White stressed the importance of hearing what people in the community want to see in a new gallery.

“It’s nice for an individual to actually be heard in such a big project.

“You start with listening to what the community wants.

“The way co-design works is it really will give all those principles and that sense of ownership and belonging to the community.”

Family violence stats rise in region

MARK RABICH

JUST-released family violence statistics for the year 2023/24 in the Southern Grampians region have shown a concerning rise in both number and rate of incidents in just 12 months, the rise beginning from the year 21/22 after dropping from 20/21.

The stats put the Southern Grampians Shire into the sombre position of the rise being one of the biggest in Victoria, with only four shires recording higher rises, out of 79 in the state; some LGAs actually reported drops in the numbers and rates.

The percentage rise in the number of incidents was 27.5 per cent, with the rate of incidents per 100,000 people at 26.8 per cent.

All local government areas in the south west region also recorded rises; Moyne Shire recorded respective statistical rises of 11.4 and 10.3 per cent, Glenelg 14.2 and 14, and West Wimmera 52.4 and 53, the third-highest increase in the state; all above the overall Victorian average rise.

The Crime Statistics Agency reported the significant increase in the number of family violence incidents recorded by police statewide, with figures reaching a new high of 98,816 incidents in 23/24; this was a six per cent increase on the previous year.

The increase was in part driven by increases in incidents involving former partners and new perpetrators not previously recorded for incidents by police.

Increases were also seen in family violence involving child victims, and victims aged 65 or older.

In 21/22, the Southern Grampians Shire incident rate was close to the Victorian average, but just two years later was more than 54 per cent higher.

The type of abuse was majority verbal and emotional (37.8 per cent and 30.1 per cent respectively) with physical abuse at 12.4 per cent.

Most (87.3 per cent) of family violence incidents occurred at residential premises, with females accounting for over two-thirds of victims.

Another concern was an even greater rise in family violence related offences, jumping a staggering 47.7 per cent in rate of offences per 100,000 since 22/23, with the local stat now well over double the state average.

Breach of a family violence order (372) remains the most recorded offence type, more than six times the next highest offence of common assault.

The proportion of criminal offences relating to family violence in the Southern Grampians was 41 per cent; just over a quarter of these matters end up in court.

Statewide, over the past five years, several incident-related risk factors were increasingly reported to police.

The proportion of incidents involving stalking/ harassment, sexual assault, threats or harm to a family pet, controlling or jealous behaviour by the perpetrator, or financial difficulties all increased by 30 per cent or more.

The Crime Statistics Agency’s chief statistician, Fiona Dowsley, said, “the increase in these specific risk factors is notable”.

“This increase may suggest that the number of family violence incidents recorded by police involving coercive control in Victoria is rising. In the context of increased public awareness and increased recognition of the range of behaviours that can constitute family violence, however, it may also be the result of increased reporting by those impacted by family violence and increased recording of these risk factors by Victoria Police”.

IN Hamilton to initially hear ideas from individuals

from within the community about the design of the New Hamilton Gallery, is architect, Angelo Candalepas, pictured with Hamilton Gallery director, Joshua White. Photo: GLENN GUY.

241203gg001

CFA members receive national awards

MEDALS were presented to several local CFA members at a presentation at the Penshurst Fire Station recently. Photo: SUPPLIED. almost 25 years in the Victoria Valley Brigade.

ELEVEN members of the District 5 Headquarters Brigade received National Medals or bars to an existing National Medal during an awards presentation at Penshurst Fire Station in November.

The National Medal is awarded to personnel in Australia’s emergency services and recognised prolonged exposure to hazards in the service of the community.

It is awarded to members for a minimum of 15 years diligent service in the protection of life and property at some risk to themselves.

A bar to an award may be awarded for each additional 10 years’ service.

Recipients of the National Medal were:

David Davies of Hamilton, a CFA member for more than 60 years, a former captain of the Wannon-Bochara Brigade and a former member at the Hamilton Airbase.

Greg Walcott of Woodford, a CFA member for more than 55 years, Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria state councillor for the last 12 years and a former captain of the Telangatuk Brigade. Greg also received his 55-year service award.

Simon Wilson of Bochara, a CFA member for more than 54 years. Simon has held a range of roles in the Gazette Brigade and Mt Rouse Group and is currently the CFA Hamilton Airbase manager.

Henry Barton AFSM of Nullawarre, a CFA member for more than 53 years received a third bar to his existing award. A career firefighter for 40 years, Henry was the Officer in Charge of the Warrnambool Fire Station for 12 years.

Simone Kinross of Warrnambool, a CFA member for more than 40 years received two bars to an existing award. As well as being a member of the CFA volunteer sustainability team, Simone’s other roles include – level 3 logistics officer, and Warrnambool junior brigade leader.

Neil Gough of Hamilton, a CFA member for 39 years and a former captain of the Hotspur Brigade. Neil is currently the District 5 Headquarters Brigade communications officer.

Barry Moran of Warrnambool, a CFA member for more than 34 years. During a 28-year CFA career, Barry was Manager of Community Safety in District 5 for many years and is currently the 1st Lieutenant in the District 5 Headquarters Brigade Mark Stevenson of Tarrington, a CFA member for more than 32 years.

Mark is the District 5 Headquarters Brigade 3rd Lieutenant in charge of the brigade’s rehabilitation and health monitoring unit.

Heather McIntyre of Dunkeld, a CFA member for

Heather has had a range of roles at Victoria Valley including two years as Captain.

Morna Semmens of Gazette, a CFA member for almost 19 years in the Gazette Brigade.

Morna has held a range of roles including Mt Rouse Group Secretary, a Brigade Lieutenant and membership of the CFA Womens Advisory Committee. Morna is currently the District 5 Headquarters Brigade training officer

Peter Stephens of Hamilton, a CFA member for almost 17 years in the North Hamilton Brigade.

Peter has been the North Hamilton community safety coordinator for the last nine years and is currently the 4th Lieutenant in the District 5 Headquarters Brigade.

These National Medals were presented by South-West Region Deputy Chief Officer Adrian Gutsche.

Service Awards were also presented by District 5 Commander Rainer Kiessling to Headquarters

Brigade members from Warrnambool, CFA Life Member Gerard Monro, 60 years, Hayden McKellar 15 years, Richard Litt 10 years, and Kevin Safe from Hamilton received a 10-year award.

Meanwhile there was a separate National Medal presentation held at the Penshurst Football Club earlier in the month for eight CFA members from the Mount Rouse Group of fire brigades.

National Medal holders may be eligible for National Medal Clasps for each subsequent 10 years of diligent service.

Recipients of the National Medal were as follows:

From the Penshurst Brigade, firefighter, Peter Benson, a CFA member for 20 years, 3rd deputy group officer, former group officer and former captain, Brendan Cottrill, a CFA member for 42 years was awarded a 1st and 2nd Clasp.

3rd lieutenant and former captain pad operator, Barry King, a CFA member for 51 years and

firefighter VFBV delegate, and former lieutenant, John King, a CFA member for 48 years – both received a 3rd Clasp.

From the Gazette Brigade, 1st deputy group officer VFBV board member and former lieutenant, Mandy Straw, and group officer and former captain, Adrian Straw – both CFA members for 26 years – were awarded a 1st Clasp, and former deputy group officer and former captain, Jeff Semmens, a CFA member for 43 years was awarded a 2nd Clasp.

Burn Brae Brigade 2nd deputy group officer, former group officer and former group treasurer/ secretary, Peter Linke, a CFA member for 47 years, was awarded a 1st, 2nd and 3rd Clasp.

“All recipients have dedicated countless hours of service to the community many who have been to fires both local and interstate,” Gazette Brigade group officer, Adrian Straw said.

officer and ex-captain, Jeff

Peter Linke; Penshurst Brigade 3rd Lieutenant (and

member (and ex-lieutenant),

delegate (and ex-lieutenant), John King; Penshurst brigade fire fighter, Peter Benson; Penshurst brigade 3rd deputy group officer (and ex-group officer and ex-captain), Brendan Cottrill and deputy chief officer, Adrian Gutsche who presented the

PICTURED are CFA National Medal recipients from the Mount Rouse Group of fire brigades (from left), Gazette brigade ex-deputy group

Semmens; Burn Brae brigade 2nd deputy group officer (and ex-group officer and ex-group treasurer/secretary),

ex-captain pad operator), Barry King; Gazette brigade 1st Deputy group officer VFBV board

Mandy Straw; Gazette brigade group officer (and ex-captain), Adrian Straw; Penshurst brigade fire fighter VFBV

medals. Photo: SUPPLIED.

Your saY

Christmas and New Year Trading Hours

Monday December 23rd is the last day for Freight out of Melbourne

HAMILTON AND MELBOURNE DEPOTS: CLOSED DECEMBER 24TH AND WILL RE-OPEN FOR DELIVERIES ON MONDAY JANUARY 6TH

Brian, Peter, Gavan and Staff wish you all a MERRY CHRISTMAS AND A HAPPY NEW YEAR

Thank you for your support during 2024 and we look forward to dealing with you all again in 2025

Weather

In your opinion

HAMILTON’S renowned centenarian, George Habel OAM passed away last week on Friday, November 29.

Chelle Toni - Oh bless George you dear man x Deepest of sympathy to his loving family xxx

Cheryl Miller - George a true gentleman that everyone respected.

Teresa Holmes - Such a beautiful man RIP

George xxx

Deb McCallum - What a beautiful man he

was Rest easy Mr Habel. Sympathy to all his family Claire Finch - A true gentleman who was loved by everybody.

Betty Brabham - A true gentleman who helped lots of veterans. Condolences to all the Habel family and friends. George will be missed by so many people. RIP George.

Stewart Kerri Campbell - Thankyou for the wonderful article on Dad. He truley was a beautiful soul....we will miss his generosity, kindness and love and thank everyone for their kind words.

A push for more GPs in rural areas

THE Royal Australian College of GPs

(RACGP) has called on the Government to commit additional funding to address Australia’s GP shortage after 1504 junior doctors have accepted specialist training for 2025, which includes completing at least a year of training outside a major metropolitan area.

This follows work to place 177 general GPs in training in rural communities that had not had a registrar in years.

Of the 1504 domestic medicine graduates joining the Federal Government-funded AGPT program, 844 accepted a general training pathway, 583 a rural pathway, and 77 composite rural placements.

The RACGP trains around 90 per cent of Australia’s GPs, including those practising in regional, rural, remote, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.

Min6Max22

The Spectator

RACGP President, Dr Nicole Higgins said it is clear Australia can train enough GPs but warned the Government must make lasting investments to tackle Australia’s GP shortage and ensure Australians can see a GP regularly.

“This is a record to be proud of, and the growth in training numbers reflects not just that the Government has given us the flexibility we need to accommodate prospective trainees and the funding to enable them to take placements, but the great experience junior doctors have had in GP training,” she said.

“This 20 per cent growth in GPs in training is a sign the GP workforce is recovering.

“But it can’t be taken as a sign the job is done. The story we’ve been told, and that we’ve often told each other as GPs, is one of general practice in decline.

“These training results show us we can turn that around with the right investments, because funding general practice gets results.

“We’ve shown we can train more GPs, and we’ve shown we can get GPs to the communities who need them most, including rural and regional communities. We just need the funding to sustain this growth.”

Dr Higgins also praised the Government’s rapid support for College requests to enable more junior doctors to take up training places, including funding for accommodation, travel, and childcare that allowed the RACGP to place 177 general GPs in training in rural communities that had not had a registrar in years.

“The Government has listened to what GPs need to ensure more Australians can see a GP

rosters

WITH 1504 domestic medicine graduates joining the Federal Government-funded AGPT program, a 20 per cent growth on 2024, it is hopeful that more GPs will be able to get into communities in regional and rural areas. Photo: SUPPLIED.

in the future, and that’s allowed us to deliver a fantastic result,” she said.

“Where we’ve presented them with a solution, they’ve heard us, and they have acted to cut through bureaucratic processes that could have otherwise left a community a GP short.

“We need the Government to continue to focus on solutions, with major investments in general practice and incentives for universities to play their part in getting GPs into communities, especially outside the capitals.”

“Everyone has a right to see a GP who knows their medical history when they need to,” she said.

“The cost of delivering care has gone up, now funding for patients to see a GP must too, or we risk going the way of the US with its two-tiered health system.

“Our patients deserve healthy lives. This and future governments must commit to funding so patients don’t delay care until they end up in hospital – or find themselves left waiting in ambulances outside over-capacity hospitals.

“General practice spending fell from seven per cent of Australia’s total health spending in 2012, to 5.7 per cent on 2022 as spending on hospitals surged.

“The Government’s tripled bulk billing incentive may have added more bulk billed appointments, especially for children and in rural areas, but patients are showing they need more support.”

Keeping with The Spirit of Christmas our Parish are providing lunch.

Christmas is a time for sharing with family and friends, although for many people across the southwest this is not possible. If this is you or someone you know, there is an open invitation to everybody for a community Christmas Day lunch at the MacKillop Centre behind St Mary’s Catholic Church. (Enter via the Dinwoodie St carpark.) 12pm Start.

Bookings are essential for catering purposes and must be in by December 18th. There is no charge. Contact the parish office 5571 1161. (Tue-Fri)

All are welcome!

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

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.

Head Office: 59 Gray St, Hamilton, 3300.

Phone: (03) 5572 1011 - Fax: (03) 5572 3800

Contact:

Phone: (03) 5572 1011 - Fax: (03) 5572 3800 Emails: News - specnews@spec.com.au

Display Ads - specads@spec.com.au

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

Classified Ads and accounts - specadmin@spec.com.au

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

Web Site: http://www.spec.com.au

Display Ads: 5551 3845, specads@spec.com.au Accounts: 5551 3801, accounts@spec.com.au

Editor: Wayne Drew.

News: Angela Valente.

Editor: Mark Rabich 5551 3811, editor@spec.com.au

Classifieds: Phone (03) 5572 1011.

Deputy Editor: Adam Hill 5551 3818, sport@spec.com.au

Advertising Manager: Greg Stevens.

Advertising Manager: Sandra Ryan 5551 3845, sandra.ryan@spec.com.au

Warrnambool Office: 205 Koroit St, (03) 5561 2022.

Website: www.spec.com.au

The Hamilton Spectator is published by Richard Leopold

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 Standards of Practice of the Australian Press Council. If you believe the Standards may have been breached, you may approach the newspaper itself or contact the Council by email (info@ presscouncil.org.au) or by phone ([02] 9261 1930). For further information see http://www.presscouncil.org.au.

STOCK DRAW

Hamilton Stock Agents Association Inc

Lamb and Sheep market, Wednesday, December 11 and Friday, December 13: Kerr & Co, Elders, J.M. Ellis, Southern Grampians, L.M.B. Livestock, Nutrien, Lanyons

Cattle market, Friday, December 13:

J & J Kelly, Kerr & Co, L.M.B. Livestock, Southern Grampians, Nutrien, Elders, Lanyons, J.M. Ellis, Brian O’Halloran & Co

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, Lutheran

Ladies, Glenda Cadden, Leonie Jacobson, Mulleraterong Centre, R & J Oliver

Friday: The Birches, Joel Roache, Raelene Roberts, Margaret Burgin, Elsie Hill, Mulleraterong Centre

Coleraine:

Monday: Margaret Ferguson

Tuesday: Leisure & Lifestyle

Wednesday: Brett Greed

Thursday: Margaret Ferguson

Friday: Elizabeth Millard

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.

Riding for the Disabled prepares for end of year celebrations

THE Hamilton Riding for the Disabled Association (RDA) Centre has invited the community to an end of year presentation, celebrating the local volunteers and riders, and the Christmas spirit.

Previously, the Hamilton RDA Centre had been forced into a two-year long break during the COVID-19 pandemic.

During this time, a lot of administrative tasks continued in the background and virtual meetings were held to plan for the resumption of riding activities.

The time finally came to welcome back riders to the centre and since then Hamilton RDA has gone from strength to strength.

Recent centre highlights include the successful participation of many of the riders and volunteers in their first ever RDA competition in which all participants placed and won ribbons, the recognition of long-term volunteer, Melissa Schulz with the ‘Wannon Volunteer Award’, and a wonderful end of term presentation of Bedřich Smetana’s ‘The Moldau’ on horseback.

Many factors have contributed to the Centre’s current success, but it comes down to three main categories – a focus on horses, volunteers and riders.

The Centre’s horses are well looked after and cared through attending regular farrier, dentist and bodywork appointments, with a good rapport with the local veterinarians, and are also kept fit with many different activities such as trail rides, dressage lessons and competitions,

Most of the valued long-time volunteers have returned after the COVID break and many new volunteers have joined the team, including the support of Good Shepherd College who regularly send out two of their senior school students and one teacher’s aide to volunteer for the weekly riding sessions.

The RDA Centre benefits from gaining three reliable, youthful volunteers and the students gain valuable inter-personal skills, and the school as well as the students’ parents have commented on the benefits for the students.

Andrew Davies is the father of Good Shepherd student, Jess, and said her involvement in assisting with the program has taught valuable skills.

“Jess being able to assist each week and to hang out with the horses and volunteers leads to her gaining valuable experience with students as well as volunteers,” he said.

“Thank you to the coaches and volunteers who take the time out each week to run these sessions.

“My daughter comes home after RDA very excited with being able to participate in the organisation.

“Also, I appreciate the Good Shepherd College bringing her to RDA each week and picking her up afterwards.”

Last term, a trail riding camp was organised for volunteers and horses to participate in, and next on the agenda will be a volunteer trip to the mounted police force and ‘Living Legends’ – the home of retired racehorses in Melbourne.

As for riders, the centre carefully tailors lessons to individual riding goals and offer a large variety of activities, from riding obstacles to dressagebased lessons.

Often, there will be a theme on which lessons for a whole term will be based on, and this term, one of the riding groups has been working towards mastering an obstacle course while another group has been working on independent riding skills through learning a drill ride.

Both activities will be presented during the last riding session on Wednesday, December 11, at the Hamilton and Alexandra College (junior campus) Equestrian Centre where anyone who is interested in cheering on riders and joining the centre for Christmas celebrations will be welcome.

The mounted presentations will begin at 10am, followed by a gold coin donation sausage sizzle.

THE Hamilton Riding for the Disabled Association will be holding a mounted presentation on Wednesday to celebrate the local volunteers and riders, with a gold coin donation sausage sizzle available. Pictured are Good Shepherd College volunteers, Maevie Price, Year 9; Jess Davies, Year 10 and teacher’s aide, Sophie Rentsch with horse, Fjara. Photos: LARA FITZPATRICK.

Imagine life without the people we rely upon every day.

Imagine life without the people who grow and produce our food. Imagine life without the people who build our homes or keep our lights on and our water running. Imagine life without the people who teach our children, who fix our cars, solve our I.T. problems, manage our money and cut our hair. Imagine life without our nurses, our disability and aged care workers. Imagine life without that human touch.

If you’re looking for a career that people couldn’t imagine life without, come and study with us.

Energy breakthrough for local students

MACEY SANDERS

GOOD Shepherd College (GSC) students had recent success at the Maryborough Energy Breakthrough event.

This incredible event challenges teams from schools in Victoria, New South Wales and South Australia to push the limits of endurance, innovation, and teamwork by creating new aerodynamic shapes, new vehicles and testing new technologies.

GSC has supported the event since 2012 and this year put forward a mixed team consisting of seven Year 12 students and one Year 9 student.

Students were required to deliver a prepared presentation (25 per cent of total score), demonstrate the knowledge of their vehicle (25 per cent) and also race in a 24-hour Human Powered Vehicle (HPV) trial (50 per cent), where riders cycle in a recumbent position and operate the gears, brakes, horn, and steering with their hands.

Each rider cycles for a time then with a pit change, swaps out for the next rider like a relay race.

Over a trial of this length, each rider may cycle for up to four hours across the whole 24-hour race.

Team manager, Joel Jackson was a team rider from 2017-2022 and has spent the last two years managing, alongside teacher Ms Samantha Broadbent, where he said the group trained profusely in the lead up to the event.

“I’m pretty sure they were riding up to 200 kilometres per week (in training),” he said.

“We trained at the Hamilton Velodrome next to HILAC on Wednesday nights in preparation for this event, and also met on Mondays to organise the presentation.

“Many individuals also worked with the cycling club.”

This year, the GSC team presented a skit as part of their presentation to a panel of judges which covered a range of topics including the history of a team, safety features, training nutrition, fundraising and sponsorships.

Students were also tested on the knowledge of their vehicle, where they were asked questions and were required to test the safety of their vehicle.

The 24-hour HPV (Secondary) race trial required a team of eight riders, where they raced against energy efficient vehicles for 24 hours swapping in between stints.

“We were pretty exhausted – we had stints

anywhere from 30 minutes to up to an hour and a half,” Joel said.

The team placed second in the 24-hour trial, with an overall placing of fourth among 11 schools, scoring 88.5/100, just 0.3 off third place.

“They did really well – we had mostly Year 12 students who were navigating training amongst five weeks of exams,” Joel said.

“One of our team members, James Tonissen has been participating since Grade 5, and he’s Year 12 now, so that was great.”

“We were really happy with how they went.”

The GSC team also finished fifth overall this year in the Australia Human Powered Vehicles Super Series, with rounds of racing across South Australia in Mount Gambier, Tailem Bend, Adelaide and Murray Bridge.

AT the completion of the 24-hour Human Powered Vehicle trial, where the Good Shepherd College team placed second, in the trial component, and fourth overall in the Maryborough Energy Breakthrough competition. (left to right) Year 9 student, Olivia Douglas, with Year 12 students, Katherine Rentsch, Wynn Rentsch, Kieren McDonald, Stephanie Prest, Milly Thomas, Hamish Murrihy and (front, in vehicle) James Tonissen.

Photo: SUPPLIED.

THE Good Shepherd College trike, Quantum, in action during the 24-hour Human Powered Vehicle race. Photo: SUPPLIED.

Multiple charges lead to bond

A TWENTY-THREE-YEAR-OLD Hamilton

man has been convicted for possession of drugs, shop theft and causing damage to property on multiple occasions.

Zane Juchtzer pleaded guilty in the Hamilton Magistrates’ Court on Wednesday and was represented by Lucy Tribe.

The court heard that on July 12, the accused was observed on Dempster Drive, Hamilton carrying a green Woolworths bag and was approached by Hamilton Police.

It was reported the accused appeared drug affected and was carrying a syringe in his hand and told police it was for medicine.

When police tried to search the accused, he began to flee but was quickly detained and handcuffed.

Police located a clip sealed bag on the accused containing a green vegetable-like matter believed to be cannabis, an ice pipe with a crystal-like substance believed to be methylamphetamine and a clear liquid believed to be GHB.

The accused was arrested for interview where he told police the drugs were for personal use and that he “wasn’t doing anything wrong.”

“Alright I do have drugs on me, which I know is illegal … I’m not doing anything wrong with it,” he told police.

The court heard on July 16, at around 12pm, the accused was captured on CCTV in Hamilton Woolworths taking a box of frozen chicken nuggets and hiding them in his tracksuit pants and leaving the store without making any attempt to pay.

A police prosecutor told the court on August 18, police received calls from Norma Ave and Stachan St reporting yelling and damaging of property at around 12am, which included a property fence between hit and left with a shoe imprint in the panel.

The court was told at 12.38am police observed the accused walking along Norma Ave and requested

to look at the bottom of shoe which was consistent to the imprint left on the panel, where the accused made admissions and said he had been in a dispute over a cigarette lighter which caused his frustration.

The court heard at 8.28pm on September 10, the accused was observed on CCTV entering Coles where he took a chocolate bar before hiding it in his pants and walked out of the store without making any attempt to pay.

It was also heard at 8pm on September 13 the accused was observed in the freezer section of the store and a staff member watched him walk past the front door, heard something was under his clothes and asked him to retrieve it, where the accused pulled out a 1kg bag of chicken tenders and made admissions to both thefts.

On September 21 at 6.10pm, the accused was again observed on Norma Ave in Hamilton kicking multiple fence panels, and was shortly after arrested by police where the accused was charged, made admissions and said he was willing to pay for damage.

The following day, the accused was observed walking west on Clarendon St where he stopped outside a house and struck a Colourbond fence causing damage.

Ms Tribe said her client’s offending was in the context of homelessness, as he had been frustrated with his living situation, was hungry and was not coping.

She said her client had not reoffended since September, had since gained housing and was engaging with support services.

Magistrate Gerard Lethbridge told the accused that if he did not take considerable action to turn his life around, he would be lead down an “utterly depressing” path.

He placed Juchtzer on a 12-month good behaviour bond with conviction.

Trespass and drug charges

A THIRTY-SEVEN-YEAR-OLD Penola man who was caught trespassing and breaking and entering at a sporting club in 2018, and for not complying with a good behaviour bond has escaped conviction.

Leon Porteous pleaded guilty to the charge and was represented by lawyer, Georgia Kramm.

Police Prosecutor leading senior constable Paul Harris told the court that on October 30, 2018, at about 6pm, the accused was witnessed loitering near a building at the Western Reserves Sport Club. He was observed carrying a green barbecue lighter.

A witness asked the accused what he was doing and he replied that he saw lights on in the building and thought he would see what was going on. Police were called and a short time later the accused was observed in the vicinity of buildings at the site.

Upon investigation a broken window was observed in one of the club rooms.

The penalty for that matter after appearing in the Warrnambool Magistrates’ Court was a $200 fine plus a good behaviour bond, however, the accused failed to comply.

The court was told that on July 23, 2019, at 10.30am the accused was observed by police sitting in an abandoned car in Collingwood.

Police approached and asked the defendant to empty his pockets which revealed a ziplocked bag with a small amount of white powder.

A drug spot check was undertaken which revealed the powder to be methylamphetamine –the accused was on bail at the time.

Ms Kramm submitted a character reference on behalf of her client and said the offending was in the context of homelessness at the time. She said her client was now employed full time and was clean from drugs.

Magistrate Simon Guthrie fined the accused an aggregate fine of $1000 for the matters plus $140.40 in court costs plus $200 for the outstanding bond plus $93.10 in court costs.

Suspended licence for drink driving

A MELBOURNE University student has recently escaped conviction for a drink driving charge in the Hamilton Magistrates’ Court.

Alexander Dowsley, 21, from Beechworth pleaded guilty to the charge and was without representation.

Police Prosecutor leading senior constable Paul Harris told the court that on Sunday June 9, this year, the defendant was intercepted by police on the Coleraine-Edenhope Road near Coleraine and underwent a preliminary breath test which was positive.

The defendant accompanied police for a further evidentiary breath test which gave a reading of .1.

The court was told the accused was the holder of a probationary licence holder.

Ldg Sen Const Harris told the court that when asked why he was over the limit, he said he had been drinking beer the night before and didn’t realise it would still be in his system.

In addressing the court, the accused said he was “sorry for what happened” and that it was “obviously a foolish and immature thing to do”.

Magistrate Simon Guthrie said the defendant appeared “remorseful”.

“I’m sure you’re aware of what’s been happening on the roads recently with record deaths or serious injury,” and that the fact he had two passengers in the vehicle at the time was “an aggravating factor”.

He said given there’s no prior history, without conviction, he suspended the accused’s licence for a period of 10 months from the date of offence.

Speeding at over two charges an hour

A HAMILTON district man who was caught speeding and driving without a licence twice on the same day has escaped conviction but has copped a hefty fine.

William Schulze did not appear in the Hamilton Magistrates’ Court when his matter was heard on Wednesday, however the hearing proceeded ex parte.

A police prosecutor told the court that police were patrolling the Glenelg Highway near Coleraine at 1.33pm when they detected the accused speeding at 122 kilometres per hour in a 100km/hr zone.

Upon interception, the defendant’s identity was confirmed with the detail that he was disqualified from driving.

The court was told on the same day at about 2.11pm, the same driver was observed travelling in McPherson Street, Casterton when he was again detected speeding at 74km/hr in a 60km/hr zone.

The court heard the accused’s vehicle was impounded.

When police asked why he was speeding, he said his partner was in hospital.

When they asked why he was driving without a licence, he said he needed to get to work.

Magistrate Gerard Lethbridge fined Mr Schulze without conviction, a total of $1750 for two counts of speeding and two counts of driving whilst disqualified and cancelled all licences and permits for six months effective immediately.

Driving charge leads to good behaviour bond

A TWENTY-FIVE-YEAR-OLD woman has escaped conviction and a fine after driving while suspended.

Kaylee Paget plead guilty to driving with a suspended licence in the Hamilton Magistrates Court via Webex on Wednesday with no legal representation.

The court heard on July 30 at 2.19am the accused was observed driving along Elizabeth St, Hamilton when she was intercepted by police. She presented a Victorian probationary 2 drivers licence which appeared to have been suspended from May 30 by Fines Victoria.

In field interview the accused told police she was supposed to provide more evidence to Fines Victoria that she was not driving the car involved

in the fines and avoid loss of demerit points registered to her vehicle, and that she wasn’t aware her licence was suspended.

“I haven’t had a car since April 2023 – my car got sold,” the defendant told the court.

“I don’t know the guys’ last name it was sold to.

“I’m not sure how to fix up fines and get proof that none of the charges were from my doing.”

The accused said she has been surrounded by support and is soon to be having her third child.

“This won’t happen again, if you drive (while suspended) you can expect the consequences to be far more unpleasant,” Magistrate Gerard Lethbridge told the defendant.

Magistrate Lethbridge placed Ms Paget on a 12-month good behaviour bond without conviction.

Expensive punches at New Year

the victim to the head.

CCTV footage of the incident was viewed by police.

A police prosecutor told the court that at about 1.30am on January 1, 2024, police were called to an affray at Melville Oval involving a group of people where punches were thrown.

The court heard that upon their arrival, police interviewed several people that had been involved in and witnessed the physical altercation and the accused was observed to be highly agitated. The accused was on bail at the time.

The court was told the accused assaulted one victim who had been knocked to the ground and then stomped on the left side of his face and kicked

Mr Barton tendered a psychological report on behalf of his client and said that his client had a “very traumatic history” including early “exposure to drug use”.

He submitted that his client had a “significantly deprived background and that there were psychological and intellectual deficits”.

However, Magistrate Gerard Lethbridge warned the defendant, that “drunk, sober, (or) under the influence of drugs, I’m giving you fair warning right now, (if) you get involved in a fight like this again – you’re going to jail”.

Magistrate Lethbridge convicted and fined the defendant $1500.

A TWENTY-THREE-YEAR-OLD Hamilton man has been convicted and fined for affray. Hayden Glenn pleaded guilty in the Hamilton Magistrates’ Court and was represented by lawyer, Mr Barton.

CALTEX store manager, Bruce Grey is excited about his new journey after almost 35 years experience at local service stations. Photo: GLENN GUY. 241204gg003

Corner servo back to serve

MACEY SANDERS

CALTEX Hamilton has brought life back to the prominent corner of Lonsdale and Thompson St and will be run by locals to serve the community.

The Spectator reported in May 2022 that a new operator had begun preparation for the site following a change in ownership.

In the lead up to June 2024, several works were completed to revamp the site, with a new look for Hamilton’s second Caltex.

The Caltex store officially opened early September after new owners had been waiting for approvals throughout the year and had been gradually opening up the store since early August, with only a few finishing touches to be completed from now.

New operator and owner, Hamilton resident, Aditya Kanagala, told The Spectator back in June it had been a long process to get the service station running again.

“I want to serve our community,” he said.

“It has had its glory and slowly lost its charm but now it has bounced back with a new face, brand new pumps, brand new lines and underground tanks (that) are as clean as glass as they are relined with latest technology.

“I don’t think any servos in Hamilton have this fibreglass technology… and the fuel in these

tanks are as clean as fuel in a glass tumbler rather than in old rusty steel tanks.

“I am excited and can’t wait to see this beautiful baby being busy and serving the Hamilton community.”

Manager, Bruce Grey, who has been working locally at service stations for almost 35 years, had no hesitation in joining the team with long-term friend, Mr Kanagala.

Mr Grey said opening the store has been a lengthy but rewarding process that does not happen overnight.

“It’s great to be open again,” he said.

“It looks completely different now.”

“We’re now just waiting on the lit-up price board and a few extras.”

Mr Grey has been in the Hamilton area for around 50 years in total and said while he has had experience working in supermarkets, pubs, construction and sales, nothing beats the service station industry.

“It’s a real family (here),” he said.

“It’s for the people – and the people here are just terrific.

“Theres not many times when you don’t have a chat and have a connection with the people who come in here.”

“The saying goes if you can get a smile, you’ve had a win.”

MP invites Trump to tour West Vic

WESTERN Victoria MP, Bev McArthur recently sensationally used a speech to the Victorian Parliament to invite US Presidentelect, Donald Trump, to Western Victoria.

“It is with great pride and respect that I propose an invitation to President Trump to visit Western Victoria,” she said.

Mrs McArthur took the opportunity to reflect on recent political shifts, celebrating Donald Trump’s return as U.S. President and Kemi Badenoch’s leadership of the UK Conservatives and to underline the rejection ‘woke’ politics and a revival of traditional values, individual freedom, and national pride.

She said a visit by the 47th President of the United States would highlight parallels between the forgotten people of the region and America’s ‘rust-belt’ regions including shared struggles and aspirations for economic revival and community resilience.

Further, she asked the Premier to extend this invitation on behalf of the people of Victoria.

“The last few months have seen a seismic shift in the political landscapes of both the United States and the United Kingdom,” Mrs McArthur said.

“With the unprecedented political comeback of Donald Trump as the 47th President of the United States and the election of Kemi Badenoch as the leader of the UK Conservative Party, the death-knell has sounded for woke politics.

“The pendulum has swung decisively toward common sense, individual freedom, and national pride.

“The ‘woke’ agenda, which sought to undermine the fabric of our societies through divisive identity politics, cancel culture, and anti-merit policies, has been decisively rejected.”

Mrs McArthur said she hoped to see “the resurgence of ideas rooted in personal responsibility, traditional values, and the belief that every individual, regardless of race, gender, or background, has the potential to thrive in a society that values freedom over conformity, and the individual over tribal groups”.

She said President Trump championed the revival of the American dream by prioritising

energy independence, revitalising domestic manufacturing, and putting American workers first.

“His stance on securing borders, national sovereignty and gender ideology reflects a renewed commitment to the safety and prosperity of everyday citizens,” Mrs McArthur said.

She also said Kemi Badenoch’s election as opposition leader in the UK offered an unapologetic alternative government.

“Her emphasis on free markets, fiscal responsibility, and a strong defence of free speech resonates across the Western world,”

Mrs McArthur told the parliament.

“She came to prominence through passionate, principled and powerful arguments against the catastrophic consequences of identity politics.

“She fights nobly against gender ideologues who seek to chemically castrate children and normalise transgender policy.”

Mrs McArthur opined that combined, these leaders represented a powerful alliance against the encroaching tide of government overreach and socialist ideals.

“Here in Western Victoria, we understand the importance of industries that form the backbone of our economy – agriculture, manufacturing, and resources,” she said.

“Our regions mirror the struggles and triumphs of America’s rust-belt region – often forgotten communities by politicians inside the tram tracks.

She said a tour of our ‘rust-belt’ regions would highlight the shared potential for anti-‘woke’ policy, economic revival and community resilience.

“We too are a forgotten people, over-ridden by over-mighty corporations and faceless bureaucratic government,” Mrs McArthur said.

“The action that I seek from the Premier is to formally invite the new President on behalf of the people of Victoria.

“Let us celebrate this new dawn of leadership and commit to restoring the values that unite us.

“Together, we stand on the brink of a transformative era – one of hope, strength, and renewed success.”

Volunteer grants for community groups

WANNON MP, Dan Tehan, has encouraged local community organisations across Wannon to apply for funding through the 2024-25 Volunteer Grants.

Mr Tehan said.

“Volunteers are crucial to the fabric of our communities, supporting the operations of social, educational, sporting, cultural, and environmental groups and activities.

“Volunteers are the backbone of our community, and by continuing to support one

“These grants can assist with the purchase of essential items that make volunteering in Wannon easier, safer, and more enjoyable, including equipment, training, transport, and initiatives to promote volunteering, increase awareness and inspire greater participation,”

My View

I’D like to begin by thanking Hamilton Spectator managing director, Richard Beks for decades of service and opportunity given to the Hamilton community and surrounding regions. Well done. It inspires me to talk about ‘shelter’. The idea that each is to be a shelter for others. In the Old Testament the prophet Isaiah said, “A man will be as a hiding place from the wind, and a cover from the tempest, as rivers of water in a dry place, as the shadow of a great rock in a weary land.” (Isaiah 32:2). We all need shelter as we all are vulnerable. Some because of their age, being young or old, some by living infirm in mind or body, we all seek shelter from occasional crisis, and all of us require shelter spiritually. In Isaiah’s passage the ‘man’ who provides shelter is revealed as ruling in ‘righteousness’. Jesus is that man – the only fully righteous one, who provides ultimate shelter. While Jesus rules in righteousness we are to grow in righteousness (I am not talking about self-righteousness, but an awareness of our standing before God as believers and its neighbourly

other and work together, we are creating a stronger and safer Wannon.”

Grants ranging from $1000 to $5000 have been available to assist community organisations in supporting the valuable work of volunteers.

Expressions of interest close at 5pm on Friday, January 17 and interested groups should contact Mr Tehan’s office.

SHELTER

outworking.) If Jesus can provide shelter for others by his righteousness, we can provide shelter for others as we grow in ours.

In the New Testament is the well-known parable of the mustard seed. Said to be the smallest seed, yet set to grow into the largest of garden plants, one in which the birds of the air can find shelter (Mathew 13:31-32).

Last year I was sheltering from a storm in a hut overlooking a dam, across from which was a large tree under which were some sheep. As I was observing that scene, I was in prayer for a man I know, and by the visual I recognised I needed to change how I prayed for this man. I had long prayed that he would ‘come’ to faith in Jesus, but that small seed was now showing shoots above the ground. I realised I best pray now that he ‘grows’ in his faith in Jesus, that he becomes a stout ‘tree of righteousness’ under which others can shelter. Indeed, a whole ecosystem prospers in a large tree. Back to Richard Beks and the Hamilton Spectator. Over 165

LOCAL community organisations across Wannon have been invited by Wannon MP, Dan Tehan to apply for grants ranging from $1000 to $5000 to help support the important work of volunteers.

241017gg007

years (c1859), and in the generations of Richard’s ownership, this industrious Hamilton icon has surely provided shelter for many. It has primarily given informative voice to issues – eg. two world wars, the depression, record wool prices; and voice to the thoughts and needs of people – sometimes poignant, sometimes humorous. It has provided meaningful work and wages to many, many employees. And it has given opportunity to many, not least our churches, but all manner of community interaction and business exchange.

The Bible directive of being a shelter to others requires righteousness, Gods and ours. Jesus’ righteousness is not specifically required for the efforts of the Hamilton Spectator providing shelter for our community, but integrity is. To remain a century plus shelter for generations of others, integrity has surely been employed. Well done.

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.

‘Advent’ is a word we associate with Christmas. For Christians, the time surrounding Christmas Day incorporated the Advent Calendar, which marked certain traditions at certain times. The four weeks before Christmas were split into two parts – two Sundays focused on the future Advent of Christ, and two weeks looking back to the first Advent of Christ, and a Nativity message on Christmas Day. This Sunday’s message will focus on the second Advent of Christ.

We will be having a fellowship lunch together after the service, which will be followed by a Special Members Meeting. Everyone is welcome to join us for the lunch and the meeting. The Baptist Craft Group will meet on Tuesday December 10, and this will be the last session for 2024. BYO craft project and lunch, tea and coffee provided. A great opportunity to gather with likeminded crafters and share information as well as making great connections. The Craft Group will recommence in February 2025. For further information, please call Helen Mah on 0493 071 916. 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 would also be very happy to include grandparents who might be babysitting on Wednesdays to come along with grandchildren. Why not 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.

2nd Sunday of the Month – 2nd 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 Christians in areas of conflict: Let us pray that Christians living in areas of war or conflict, especially in the Middle East, might be seeds of peace, reconciliation and hope. Making a Scene at Christmas Over 500 Christmas Nativities from more than

ENROLMENTS NOW OPEN

BCC operates with a clear studentcentered focus, believing that every student can be inspired to reach their potential in a respectful and nurturing environment.

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

Presbyterian

we will look at the prophecy of Isaiah: “The virgin shall be with child and his name shall be called Immanuel.” Again: “For to us a child is born and to us a son is given, and his name shall be called Wonderful Counsellor, Mighty God, everlasting Father, and Prince of Peace.” During the sermon HPC Kids runs in the hall for primary age children. After our worship time we always enjoy a ‘cuppa’ and chat in the hall to which you are most welcome. We look forward to the Carols by Candlelight in our Botanic Gardens on Friday, December 13. We hope that you will come and join us in this Christmas celebration of the birth of Jesus.

This Sunday you are most welcome to join us for worship during the advent season at the time of 10am. We meet on the corner of Gray and McIntyre Streets. Our sermon series during advent is following the theme of ‘Christmas Prophecies’. This Sunday

3 & 4 year old Kinder that boasts an ‘Exceeding’ rating Inquiry-based learning

Small class sizes, meeting each student at their point of need

Personalised and innovative learning environment

Individualised senior pathways with VCE, VM and SBAT

Photo: GLENN GUY.

OPEN FOR INSPECTION

TODAY (Sat, Dec 7)

10 - 10.30am

OPPORTUNITY AWAITS

In a tranquil, semi-rural setting just a five-minute drive from Hamilton’s CBD, sits this potential-packed property.

The nine hectare/23 acre property presents great subdivision potential, with the capacity to potentially divide the land into at least four blocks (STCA).

This is truly a unique opportunity with such a substantial property so close to the Hamilton CBD.

The brilliant lifestyle property offers fresh air, room to roam, peace and quiet, as well as a substantial brick home, ideal for a large family.

Containing five bedrooms, as well as multiple options for living, the solid home was constructed in 1994 and is surrounded by a wrap-around verandah and established front garden.

The functional layout sees the kitchen and family living areas at the heart of the home, while there is also a separate formal living room.

A wood heater in the main living zone ensures comfort in the cooler months.

The tasteful white, country style kitchen

features electric cook top, wall oven and dishwasher, as well as a walk-in pantry.

Peaceful rural vistas are available through the kitchen window, with a family of kangaroos that frequent the property regularly visible from this vantage point.

A separate, formal dining room is close by and could be utilised as an additional living room or children’s play zone.

The spacious master bedroom has a large walk-in-robe and an ensuite contains a shower, toilet and vanity with timber top.

Three additional good sized bedrooms contain builtin-robes, the fifth bedroom has a walk-in-robe, and bedroom six doubles as a home office.

Large windows ensure the property is filled with natural light and there is no shortage of storage throughout, including a walk-in storage room, which could also be ultilised as an additional home office.

The family bathroom is positioned close to the bedrooms and contains a shower over bath and vanity with timber and gold accents. A separate toilet sits beside this.

An attached garage has been converted to a games room, ideal for entertaining and one of the bedrooms is accessed from here, ideal for a teenager’s retreat.

External features include a 9 x 6 metre garage on concrete floor with power, two poly tanks (combined 55,000 litre capacity) and a carport.

The house yard is fully fenced from the rest of the property.

The exceptional subdivision potential (STCA) of this property, paired with its suitability as a family lifestyle property makes it an extremely attractive option for purchasers.

Arrange your viewing, contact the team at Groves Real Estate.

AUCTION – Saturday, December 14, 2024 at 11am on site.

•66 W.Schultz Road, Hamilton. Groves Real Estate.

Contact Darren Groves on 0419 735 228 or Sonia Gillingham on 0400 139 202.

Architectural opulence

Dreamt up by industry leading architect Donald Crone and further enhanced with its enviable lakeside location, this timeless beauty offers unmatched capacity to develop its incredible mid-century bones.

While not for the faint of heart, with some vision, elbow grease and paint this potential packed gem will easily come back to its former glory and offer a fabulous AirBNB or fun retro home unlike any other!

Enviably set on a lush corner block of 681m² (approximately), this private oasis uses natural light as a master stroke and secures delightful private garden vistas from every room.

The heart of this home is focussed around the established central tree that is breathtaking from the light drenched entry and invites you through to the vast living area (including open wood fire place and classy floor to ceiling windows) that flows across to the peaceful sitting area and onto the dining and spacious kitchen (including bespoke original blue tiles, double stainless steel sink, display cabinet and dishwasher).

Securing three good sized bedrooms, separate study, upstairs sitting room and huge central bathroom and separate lounge.

For the visionary amongst you, there is potential to revamp the original

concrete pool and have all your summer entertainment sorted for years to come.

Merging key mid-century features with a purchase price that allows you an abundance of room to add your own personal touch, this property genuinely exceeds the standard bricks and mortar and presents for you a lifestyle investment for now and the future.

Set a stones throw from the picture perfect Lake Hamilton with its amazing walking tracks and parks, the terrific Hamilton Lawn Tennis Club and moments to the prestigious 18-hole Hamilton Golf Club (Established in 1896) that will have you embracing the weekends with an unmatched lifestyle focus.

From the moment you enter, the significant promise 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.

To round out this sensational package, there is a single carport with undercover direct house access plus a double lockup garage and good fencing.

•222 Rippon Road, Hamilton.

Price $339,000

Southern Grampians Livestock & Real Estate.

Phone Nic Cullinane or Bridget Fry 5571 1404.

Family home on small acreage

Situated amongst other new homes, in the desirable township of Tarrington, this contemporary four bedroom brick residence is sure to impress.

Just shy of four years old, the property exudes luxury, with quality fixtures and fittings throughout.

Set on a generous allotment of 2.56 acres, the land surrounding the property is fenced into three separate paddocks and is the ideal set up for those with horses.

Ideal for family life or the keen entertainer, the spacious and light drenched open plan living, kitchen and dining has a clean, neutral colour palate.

The kitchen is a show-stopper and contains stone benchtops, generous storage, 900mm stainless steel oven, six burner duel cooktop and dishwasher, while a free-standing wood heater adds a touch of ambiance to the space.

The master suite offers large windows with rural vistas, as well as a walk-in-robe, leading to the ensuite with shower, toilet and vanity.

Three further bedrooms each contain built-in-robes and ceiling fans and are nearby the family bathroom with shower bath a vanity and the separate toilet.

In addition to the family living space, there is a separate formal lounge and an additional activity space, ideal for use as a home office or children’s play zone.

An attached remote operated double garage provides direct access into the home, as well as access to the laundry area, conveniently positioned away from the main area of the home.

Further features include and a paved alfresco entertaining area, established gardens and a rainwater tank.

To arrange a private inspection of this impressive, near new family residence, contact the team at Groves Real Estate today.

•23 Walkenhorst Road, Tarrington.

Price $865,000

Groves Real Estate.

Contact Sam Groves on 0400 547 207 or Darren Groves on 0419 735 228.

Spacious sanctuary or easy investment

E

nviably set on a private 733m² parcel of land, this spacious home uses natural light as a master stroke and secures an abundance of space and peace for homeowners and investors alike.

Offering two fabulous living areas, a central kitchen (including four burner gas cooktop, wall mounted oven, utility cabinet, dishwasher, double stainless-steel sink with mixer tap and an abundance of storage), three great sized bedrooms (two with built-in-robes), well-appointed bathroom (including toilet, plus a separate second toilet and shower at the laundry) and an oversized laundry. For the entertainers amongst you the rear yard presents a wealth of options and is complemented with a garden shed, excellent fencing and established

Relish in the ideal location, setting you moments to the flourishing town centre with its beautiful boutique shopping, excellent cafes and restaurants, ever changing Art Gallery and the incredible Hamilton Performing Arts Centre with tremendous

and International acts.

•15 King Street, Hamilton. Price $379,000 Southern Grampians Livestock & Real Estate. Phone Nic Cullinane or Bridget Fry 5571

44 GRAY STREET, HAMILTON

A lifestyle package

L

ocated in the growing and sought after community of Tarrington is this 2.3 acre property offering an exceptional opportunity for those looking for a lifestyle change.

This charming property features a spacious two-level weatherboard home complimented by beautifully maintained gardens and mature trees that create a tranquil and inviting living experience.

With wide verandahs and character filled features the home opens to a freeflowing interior with high ceilings, large timber windows and skylights allowing plenty of natural light to stream in.

The open plan family living and dining spaces flows through to an entertainer’s kitchen, with black cabinetry providing ample storage, a walk-in pantry, electric oven and gas cooktop. From the kitchen a porch leads to an alfresco patio for outdoor dining and entertainment overlooking manicured lawns and a country outlook.

A large master suite with walk-in-robe and ensuite with shower, vanity and toilet along with access to the side verandah is set at the back of the home.

A further two bedrooms plus a well proportioned bathroom and laundry are conveniently located.

At the top the timber staircase is the fourth bedroom with a dressing room.

Additional features include a reverse cycle heater and air conditioner for all year round comfort and a freestanding wood heater.

Substantial infrastructure includes a large shed to accommodate a caravan, workshop area, storage shed and a separate double carport. With town water connected, a separate paddock and good fencing this property is perfect for those seeking a peaceful retreat and a spacious family home with the option to keep a horse or a few sheep.

With everything you need to live the country lifestyle, this stunning property is only 10 minutes from Hamilton’s CBD, making it an exceptional opportunity not to be missed.

Call us to arrange an inspection, you won’t be disappointed!

•43 Picnic Road, Tarrington.

Price $779,000

Professionals Real Estate Hamilton.

Contact Melissa Ferrier on 0418 299 741.

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 walk-in-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 lock-up 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.

Booming & blooming business

Grampians Garden Supplies is a thriving business that has significantly grown over the past seven years under the stewardship of one dedicated local family.

During this time the business has built an enviable client base of both commercial and domestic customers.

The business is now ready to take the next step forward under new ownership, and in turn realise many more opportunities to grow and further increase its already solid capital value.

The current owners have made a good living out of the business, which has allowed them to plan for their upcoming retirement.

The very reasonable asking price reflects the financial reward the business has always provided to them and clears the way for a new owner to further invest in the future of Grampians Garden Supplies. The business is therefore offered on a walk-in walk-out basis including all stock, machinery and equipment necessary to keep the business seamlessly operating at optimum level.

Grampians Gardens Supplies operates seven days a week and is located

at 88 North Boundary Road, on a 2684m² (approximately) parcel of land with safe and easy access points.

The current owners are prepared to transition the successful purchaser into the business over a three month period to ensure continuity and to make meaningful client introductions.

The property will have a five by five year lease in place with the first right to purchase after the first five years.

This opportunity offers an existing business base with incredible scope for growth and opportunity for the right buyer with our current staff willing to continue if required.

Grampians Garden Supplies is the only nursery and landscaping supplier in the Greater Hamilton area.

Inspections are welcome so don’t miss out on this outstanding business opportunity.

•88 North Boundary Road, Hamilton.

Price $495,000 incl GST Southern Grampians Livestock & Real Estate. Phone Nic Cullinane or Bridget Fry on 5571 1404.

Large family residence in a quiet location

Located in a quiet court on the edge of Hamilton is this large brick home set on an elevated block of approximately 2.76 acres, perfect for the growing family or the retiree still wanting that little bit of space between neighbours with excellent shedding.

The home comprises three main bedrooms, the master is king size with a generous walk-in-robe and ensuite with a double vanity, upgraded shower and toilet.

The remaining two bedrooms are double sized with built-in-robes and overhead fans.

The family bathroom is cleverly accessed from the second bedroom as well as being central to the home, recently renovated to feature a lovely freestanding bath, shower and vanity while the toilet is separate alongside with a basin.

The living area is spacious at the front of the home overlooking the vast garden and is comforted by a split system air conditioner and the welcome addition of a wood heater.

This area flows into the kitchen and dining which is well equipped with ample storage space including a pantry cupboard and updated with stylish Caesarstone bench tops, new appliances to include two wall ovens and a five burner gas cooktop along with an integrated dishwasher. Off the dining area is the office and laundry and a third separate toilet, ideally located alongside the spacious rumpus room which was converted from the previous double garage.

This is the perfect teenagers retreat, guest suite or entertainment room with a split system air conditioner for comfort and an abundance of natural light.

A lovely back garden offers a private space for enjoying the outdoors with blooms of roses and hydrangeas and screened by hedging and mature trees.

A lock-up double garage is convenient to the back door with two electric roller doors, PA door, power and concrete along with a further 7.5m x 9m Colorbond shed also equipped with power and concrete and extra high clearance for the caravan and other toys.

These properties don’t come along often, so if you are looking for a lifestyle block with all the conveniences of town on your doorstep then look no further. With genuine reason for sale, this home will be highly sought after, so inspect now to avoid disappointment. Contact the agent for inspection times. WHAT THE AGENT LOVES ABOUT THE PROPERTY: “If you are looking for peace and quiet with distance from neighbouring properties and only a short drive to all modern conveniences, then this is the home you’re looking for.”

27 Grampians Court, Hamilton.

Price $975,000

Elders Real Estate.

Keely Price 0418 504 171

Justin Black 0407 681 430

Toby Holloway 0455 756 493

Nicole Richie 0477 500 340

WIND FARMS AND FIRE

PATRICK MACKARNESS

WHAT are the fire risks with wind turbines?

These structures are increasing in number across the country.

In Western Victoria, this is at a great rate due to the Allan State Government’s designation of this part of the state as a renewable energy generation zone.

There are currently about 4000 turbines in Australia – a figure likely to reach about 11,000 by the year 2030 – before moving onward and upwards to some 51,000 by 2050. They carry significant quantities of oil for hydraulics and gear boxes, with volumes often well in excess of 1000 litres, depending on the capacity of the generator.

This is conveniently stored on top of a steel pylon at over 100 metres above ground level, being housed in a fibreglass box delicately named as a ‘nacelle’ (a skiff or small boat in Old French). It is well known that wind turbines can catch fire.

But how often does this occur, what are the causes and what are the consequences?

Frequency of fires

IT has been estimated that, worldwide, about one in 2000 wind turbines catch fire annually. This figure has decreased somewhat from one in 1710 estimated in 2011 by The Caithness Windfarm Information Forum (CWIF), an organisation based in Caithness, Scotland, dedicated to monitoring and disseminating information about wind farm developments and associated issues.

This suggests that one can expect about two turbine fires per annum in Australia at present which might rise to five or six in 2030 and to 25 in 2050.

However, these rates will probably decline as fire prevention measures improve.

Two turbine fires were reported in the financial year ending June 30, 2024.

Continued: PAGE 22

TURBINE fires happen sporadically, with many causes contributing. INSET: The breakdown of fire causes within windfarms (Fei You et.al. 2023). Photos: SUPPLIED.

NAREEN STATION

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.

600 Merino Ewes, 2 years

Aug/Sept 2022 Drop (located at our property “Boyong” Robe SA) IN THE AUCTIONSPLUS NATIONAL SHEEP SALE

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

Vendor Comments: Nareen Station aims to breed sheep which are highly profitable and easy care. The breeding objectives in the commercial flock are to have adult sheep which are 18-19 micron and capable of cutting large quantities of white, bright wool whilst retaining size and reproductive performance on a plain bodied sheep. All above sheep are Barrama bloodlines.

Assessors Comments: An outstanding opportunity for astute purchasers to secure large lines of one mark vendor bred commercial sheep. Your inspection is highly recommended. Buyers please note there will be a $3.00 per head freight rebate for the sheep purchased ex “Boyong” SA.

TOM MADDEN 0497 775 055

GRANT LITTLE 0427 790 205 GENERAL MANAGER NAREEN STATION

FARMING FOCUS Report highlights dairy industry’s cautious outlook

TWO major dairy industry reports were released this week – one from Dairy Australia (DA) and another more globally-orientated one from Rabobank and gave a generally positive report for the recent past but the DA report specifically included Western Victoria as a region dealing with challenges, and expected the Australian areas with drier conditions to increase.

Comparatively high farmgate milk prices and favourable weather in some regions ensured the 2023/24 season finished strong for Australian dairy farmers, however the outlook is more cautious for the remainder of the current season, according to DA’s latest Situation and Outlook report.

The December 2024 report shows that since the start of the 2024/25 season, lower farmgate milk prices have increased margin pressure for dairy farm businesses.

This has also improved the competitiveness of Australian dairy products, coinciding with export conditions strengthening and volume growth in domestic retail sales.

Milk production has continued to grow relative to last season, however DA Analysis and Insights manager, Eliza Redfern explained that while profitability last season was strong overall, persistently high operating costs and ongoing climatic challenges were likely to impact milk production this season.

“The profitability of Australian dairy farming businesses was high over the 2023/24 season, as revealed by Dairy Farm Monitor Project data,” she said.

“However, while conditions were relatively favourable in some regions, others across southern Australia began to dry. In the drier regions, feed inventories were drawn down heavily, contributing to the higher fodder prices seen this season.”

Dairy farms in Western Victoria, South Australia and areas of Western Australia in particular have been affected by drier conditions, an issue starting to impact parts of other regions after lower-thanaverage rainfall in October.

Inputs for south-west Victoria were up for shredded cereal hay (23 per cent) but down 17 per cent for stockfeed wheat.

National milk production has continued to grow relative to last season, but without rain, the drier conditions, lower incomes and longerterm challenges around labour and farm exits are likely to hinder further increases.

“National milk production increased 1.3 per cent year-on-year in October, tracking +1.7 per cent on a season-to-date basis,” Ms Redfern said.

“However, given the climatic conditions, Dairy Australia continues to forecast a slight drop in the national milk pool relative to the previous season, to 8.3 billion litres in 2024/25, with the potential to steady should drier regions receive better-than-

expected rainfall.”

The report also confirmed that Australian dairy products have seen their price competitiveness improve this season, coinciding with more favourable export opportunities.

Australian dairy should remain competitive in domestic markets with an improvement for local market conditions for Australian dairy products with the volume sold of cheese, dairy spreads and yoghurt in retail all increasing (3.2 per cent, 3.4 per cent and 7.0 per cent, respectively), while milk holds steady (according to NielsenIQ Homescan data.)

However, value growth in key dairy categories is under pressure from renewed discounting of retail prices for private label dairy.

The comparatively high international prices are considered likely to deter Australian-based importers, suggesting global demand has risen for Australian and New Zealand dairy, with higher commodity prices for fats and lower northern hemisphere production supporting higher farmgate milk prices in key export competitors including New Zealand, the US and EU, with farmgate prices sitting higher than Australia.

The RaboResearch report said they expected global milk supply growth from the biggest exporting regions in the second half of 2024, with growth expected to continue into 2025, and gains anticipated in all major regions for the first time since 2020.

Rising farmgate milk prices and favourable feed costs were improving dairy farm margins, while global dairy demand remained mixed amid economic pressures.

RaboResearch senior dairy analyst, Michael Harvey said global dairy fundamentals should remain mostly balanced moving into 2025, with more milk and dairy products in the pipeline and demand also improving.

“However, geopolitics, disease, and weather could influence trade and production,” he said.

“With the election of Donald Trump, markets are watching for the risk of rising US protectionism and potential trade tensions. A reemergence of tariffs could disrupt dairy trade flows, while the threat of mass deportations could disrupt US farm labour availability.

“Meanwhile, China’s Ministry of Commerce has launched an investigation into EU dairy subsidies that could have far-reaching consequences for European exports of liquid cream and various cheeses.”

Management of disease outbreaks – avian influenza in the US and bluetongue in Europe –would also be a key factor to watch.

There is optimism that vaccinations for both diseases could mitigate production impacts in 2025.

Rabobank’s report is not publicly available but the DA Situation and Outlook Report can be found at dairyaustralia.com.au/sando

FARMING FOCUS

Plantation companies protect the region during fire season

RECENTLY the Green Triangle Fire Alliance (GTFA) showcased the strong line of defence protecting the region this summer fire period at community events in Casterton and Dartmoor.

The Green Triangle hardwood plantation companies are currently on standby alongside their industry partners.

With the official fire season now underway, Australian Bluegum Plantations (ABP), PF Olsen, SFM and their Green Triangle Fire Alliance (GTFA) colleagues have undertaken extensive training and on ground preparation, while broadening community engagement in readiness for the forecast above average fire season risk.

This preparedness includes a $20 million investment in critical firefighting resources including a water bombing helicopter, sophisticated AI fire camera surveillance system and state-of-the-art ground based firefighting tankers to protect plantation resources and the broader community from the heightened fire threat.

The GTFA’s nine member companies showcased the sector’s extensive firefighting inventory as part of a community showcase in Casterton and Dartmoor last weekend featuring the CFA, Forest Fire Management, State Emergency Service, Victoria Police, the Department of Health and Glenelg Shire Council, encouraging people to make a fire plan and to prepare their properties by reducing fuel loads.

The community events included a demonstration by the GTFA’s Bell 204B helicopter, which is equipped with a 1250 litre bucket capable of drawing water from various sources providing a more agile defence.

Crews also provided a demonstration of the alliance’s AI-powered fire detection cameras, which now extends across 15 locations delivering 24/7 surveillance, supporting the traditional fire

tower network covering 1.2 million hectares of landscape.

These important resources were put to the test as part of a comprehensive air ground operational exercise by the South Australian Country Fire Service (CFS) near Mount Gambier recently, simulating real-world fire scenarios.

This provided an opportunity to evaluate and refine the performance of the extensive aerial and on ground assets.

ABP harvest planning manager Simon Malseed said the plantation sector took a year-round approach to fire management, working closely with state agencies to mitigate risk and build strategy.

“The Green Triangle Fire Alliance resources include 300 highly trained forest fire fighters who have been undertaking extensive training in recent months to prepare for this heightened fire risk to protect our community,” he said.

“Extensive time has also been spent reviewing the effectiveness of our camera network, which detected 40 unplanned fires last season, identifying smoke up to six minutes before another detection source in some scenarios.

“We want to expand this network in Western Victoria in the short term to provide more comprehensive coverage to protect not only our plantation assets, but the broader regional community, environment and agricultural assets.”

SFM’s Noel Bull, who is also a long-term volunteer with the Dartmoor CFA, said it was important everyone was prepared for this fire season.

“Bushfire safety is a shared responsibility and it’s important that we all have a fire plan to be prepared for the worst on these warmer high fire danger days,” he said.

“The region has already recorded one spring fire resulting in a significant loss of key assets. It is important we all work together to reduce this risk as the conditions get warmer.”

AGRICULTURE Victoria has asked farmers to consider early weaning to help cows maintain condition and fertility. Photo: SUPPLIED.

Consider early weaning

AS feed and water shortages are likely as we move into summer, Agriculture Victoria has recommended weaning beef calves early to save on requirements.

Agriculture Victoria livestock industry development officer, Dr Hannah Manning said early weaning could help cows maintain condition and fertility, while setting up the calves to receive the nutrition they need to thrive.

“Lactating cows require a large amount of energy,” she said.

“It’s more efficient to convert feed directly into the calf weight than milk for a cow and calf unit.

“Providing the appropriate diet to a mob of dry cows and weaned calves, rather than cows with calves at foot, can significantly reduce feeding costs.

“Cows making milk need up to 100 litres of water a day and those not feeding a calf require less.”

Although calves will drink more once weaned, the savings come from reducing the cow’s requirements.

“Weaning early also allows the farmer to

complete a stocktake and sell or cull nonproductive or aged animals,” Dr Manning said.

“In most cases, calves should be weaned at around 120 kg, as they will be easier to feed. The younger the weaning age of the calf, the higher its energy and protein requirements are.

“Setting your calves up to succeed is very important, so exposing them to post-weaning supplements while they are still on the cow is recommended.

“Post-weaning supplements should be introduced to calves slowly via creep-feeding and vaccinating two weeks before weaning to protect against clostridial diseases.

“Avoid combining stressful procedures like castration and dehorning with early weaning.

“Weaners can be difficult to manage at times, so we recommend getting their nutrition and supervision spot-on to allow the calves to thrive.”

Further information about weaning beef cattle can be found on the Agriculture Victoria website.

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

ABP harvest planning manager, Simon Malseed and SFM’s Noel Bull, who is also a long-term volunteer with the Dartmoor CFA with the Green Triangle Fire Alliance firefighting helicopter and fire detection camera, showcased at the recent community information session at Dartmoor. Photo: SUPPLIED.

CASTERTON FEEDER & WEANER MIXED SEX STORE SALE

Thursday December 19 @ 9.30am (Vic time)

Sale will be interfaced with Full details on The Herd Online.

STEERS

A/C Kleenview (NUT)

60 Angus & Angus X Steers, Dec 23/Jan 24 drop Boonaroo & Nampara bld, Weaned, Vendor bred

A/C Smithfield (NUT)

50 Angus & Angus X Steers, Apr/May 24 drop Dollar Angus bld, Vendor bred

A/C Shadyglen (NUT)

40 Angus & Angus X Steers May/Jun 23 drop, Chiltern Park bld, Weaned, Vendor bred

A/C Welbanite (EU) (NUT)

30 Angus Steers Oct/Nov 23 drop, Nampara & Dollar Angus bld Weaned, Vendor bred

10 Angus/Hereford X Steers Jun/Jul 23 drop, Dollar Angus bld, Weaned, Vendor bred

A/C Lindisfarne (NUT)

35 Angus Steers Mar 24 drop, Rossander & Dollar Angus bld, Vendor bred

A/C Tora Downs (NUT)

35 Angus Steers

Jun/Jul 23 drop, Boonaroo bld

A/C Boringer (NUT)

30 Angus Steers

Aug/Sep 23 drop, Dollar Angus bld, Weaned, Vendor bred

A/C W Milne (NUT)

30 Angus & Angus X Steers

Sep/Oct 23 drop, Weeran bld, Weaned, Vendor bred

A/C Staffa Lodge (NUT)

25 Angus Steers Oct/Nov 23 drop, Stoney Point & Boonaroo bld Weaned, Vendor bred

A/C Goodwood (NUT)

25 Angus Steers

Aug/Sep 23 drop, Dollar Angus bld, Weaned, Vendor bred

A/C Fortrie Partnership (NUT)

20 Hereford Steers Jul/Aug drop, Weaned, Vendor bred

A/C Leawarra (NUT)

19 Hereford X Steers Apr/May 23 drop, Banquet bld, Weaned

A/C Springvale (NUT)

15 Angus Steers

Aug/Sep 23 drop, Bassano bld, Weaned, Vendor bred

A/C Summerglen (NUT)

14 Angus Steers

Apr 23 drop, Dollar Angus bld, Weaned, Vendor bred

A/C Balaluvay (NUT)

13 Angus & Angus X Steers

Jul 23 drop, Dollar Angus bld, Weaned, Vendor bred

A/C Taronga (EU) (ELD)

12 Poll Hereford Steers, 20 months old, Taronga bld Vendor bred

A/C Bambra (NUT)

10 Murray Grey X Angus Steers, Jan/Feb 24 drop Lindsay Murray Grey bld, Vendor bred

A/C Scotts View (NUT)

10 Angus & Angus X Steers

Feb/Mar 24 drop, Pathfinder bld, Weaned, Vendor bred

A/C Glenferrie (NUT)

8 Angus Steers Mar 23 drop, Banquet bld, Weaned, Vendor bred

A/C Burkes Lodge (NUT)

7 Angus & Angus X Steers

Dec 23/Jan 24 drop, Banquet bld, Weaned, Vendor bred

A/C Village View (EU) (NUT)

6 Hereford Steers Mar/Apr 24 drop, Taronga bld, Vendor bred

A/C Sandford Flats (NUT)

5 Angus Steers

Sep/Oct 23 drop, Pathfinder bld, Weaned, Vendor bred

A/C Wondooma (EU) (NUT)

5 Angus Steers

Sep/Oct 23 drop, Boonaroo bld, Weaned, Vendor bred

A/C Lambs (ELD)

5 Angus Steers

20 months old, Nampara Bld, Vendor bred

A/C Casterview (EU) (NUT)

3 Angus Steers

Aug/Sep 23 drop, Pathfinder bld, Weaned, Vendor bred

HEIFERS

A/C Smithfield (NUT)

50 Angus & Angus X Heifers Apr/May 24 drop, Dollar Angus bld, Vendor bred

A/C Lindisfarne (NUT)

35 Angus Heifers Mar 24 drop, Rossander & Dollar Angus bld, Vendor bred

A/C Boringer (NUT)

30 Angus Heifers Aug/Sep 23 drop, Dollar Angus bld, Weaned, Vendor bred

A/C W Milne (NUT)

30 Angus & Angus X Heifers Sep/Oct 23 drop, Weeran bld, Weaned, Vendor bred

A/C Struan (NUT)

25 Hereford Heifers Aug/Sep 23 drop, Yarram Park & Glendan Park bld

A/C Goodwood (NUT)

25 Angus Heifers Aug/Sep 23 drop, Dollar Angus bld, Weaned, Vendor bred

A/C Giant Rock (EU) (ELD)

25 Hereford Heifers PTE 20 months old, Injemira & Melville Park bld, Vendor bred

A/C Summerglen (NUT)

22 Angus Heifers Apr 23 drop, Dollar Angus bld, Weaned, Vendor bred

A/C Shadyglen (NUT)

20 Angus & Angus X Heifers May/Jun 23 drop, Chiltern Park bld, Weaned, Vendor bred

A/C Kleenview (NUT)

20 Angus & Angus X Heifers Dec 23/Jan 24 drop, Boonaroo & Nampara bld Weaned, Vendor bred

A/C Springvale (NUT)

15 Angus Heifers Aug/Sep 23 drop, Bassano bld, Weaned, Vendor bred

A/C Taronga (EU) (NUT)

15 Hereford Heifers Apr/May 23 drop, Taronga bld, Weaned, Vendor bred

A/C Balaluvay (NUT)

11 Angus & Angus X Heifers Jul 23 drop, Dollar Angus bld, Weaned, Vendor bred

A/C Bambra (NUT)

10 Murray Grey X Angus Heifers Jan/Feb 24 drop, Lindsay Murray Grey bld, Vendor bred

A/C Fassifern (NUT)

10 Angus & Angus X Heifers Mar 23 drop, Boonaroo bld, Weaned, Vendor bred

A/C Wahoonga (NUT)

10 Angus X Heifers NSM Jul/Aug 23 drop, Chiltern Park bld, Weaned, Vendor bred

A/C Scotts View (NUT)

10 Angus & Angus X Heifers Feb/Mar 24 drop, Pathfinder bld, Weaned, Vendor bred

A/C Cloverdale (EU) (NUT)

10 Angus & Angus X Heifers Jun/Jul 23 drop, Dollar Angus bld, NSM, Vendor bred

A/C Burkes Lodge (NUT)

7 Angus & Angus X Heifers Dec 23/Jan 24 drop, Banquet bld, Weaned, Vendor bred

A/C Fortrie Partnership (NUT)

7 Hereford Heifers July/Aug 23 drop, Weaned, Vendor bred

A/C Village View (EU) (NUT)

6 Hereford Heifers Mar/Apr 24 drop, Taronga bld, Vendor bred

A/C Sandford Flats (NUT)

5 Angus Heifers Sep/Oct 23 drop, Pathfinder bld, Weaned, Vendor bred

A/C Casterview (EU) (NUT)

3 Angus Heifers, Aug/Sep 23 drop, Pathfinder bld Weaned, Vendor bred

A/C Glenferrie (NUT)

1 Angus Heifer Mar 23 drop, Banquet bld, Weaned, Vendor bred

COWS & CALVES

A/C Karingal (EU) (NUT)

15x15 Hereford Cows WCAF, 2-4 year old cows, Morganvale bld. CAF Melville Park bld

Rejoined to Kaludah Hereford Bull 15/10

From: PAGE 19

The most recent of these occurred in Victoria occurred on June 28 at the Cape Nelson South Wind Farm near Portland.

This resulted in the destruction of the turbine and ignited approximately 30 hectares of surrounding grassland.

Investigations into the cause of the fire are ongoing, with agencies such as Energy Safe Victoria and WorkSafe involved.

Prior to this, a wind turbine fire was reported in August 2023 at the Yambuk Wind Farm, west of Port Fairy.

Firefighters responded promptly, and the fire was brought under control without significant spread.

Thus, one can see that fires are not everyday occurrences, but they are a clear and increasing problem.

The causes of turbine fires

RESEARCH undertaken by Fei You and others including Monash University’s Md. Rokonuzzaman and Wen Shan Tan found that there was a fairly even distribution of causes of fires.

The failure of machinery or electrics, poor maintenance and, lightning strikes all contributed, with only 10 per cent of fires being due to other (unspecified) causes.

The amount of combustible material in a turbine’s nacelle is essentially limited to the oil and the polymers in the fibreglass walls.

The turbine’s blade exteriors are also fibreglass,

HRLX FARMING FOCUS

but the core is foam or balsa wood - which are both flammable.

Mechanical, maintenance and electrical failures can be reduced, but it is fair to say that they are never going to be completely eliminated.

Lightning will always be with us and despite the best lightning precautions, 20 per cent of turbine fires have this as their cause.

As with aviation over the decades, safety will probably improve but the risks will never be completely cancelled.

The consequences

A TURBINE fire is a significant loss for a power company and its insurers, but a potential catastrophe for a rural community.

Because of its elevation and the available fuel (oil), a bad turbine fire becomes torch-like and has the ability to ignite grass and bushfires with ease.

Not all turbine fires are like this, and many have the damage confined to the individual generator and, possibly, the rotor and pylon.

However, incidents such as that at Bridgewater earlier this year can easily ignite a major fire.

The Bridgewater event burnt 30 hectares in midwinter close to the coast.

Imagine the same glitch at a Melville Forest turbine on a 43-degree February day with a howling north-westerly…

As a shampoo advertisement said; “It won’t happen overnight but it will happen”.

Wind farms and fire Strong lamb market

HAMILTON agents yarded another large offering of 55,000 head which was back 5000 on the previous week.

The quality of the lead lambs was excellent covering a larger number before tailing off to some lighter weights that were smaller and dryer.

A full field of buyers were operating.

The market was strong over most categories and more so for lambs with weight and finish to be dearer by $20 per head when compared to last week’s market particularly for the 22 to 26-kilogram weights.

Other lamb categories were $10 to $15p/hd stronger. Well finished lamb to the trade was realising between 850 and 990 cents per kilogram and slightly more on selected pens with the top price achieved $310p/hd.

Once again there was strong feeder and restocker interest on the lightweights with these lambs realising between 780 and 850c/kg, however that rate did soften by $10p/hd as the market progressed. Competition was mainly with the locals supported with buyers from Bendigo, Ballarat and the Mallee.

Light new season lambs 12 to 16kg sold from $60 to $166p/hd with trade lambs 10 to 22kg selling from $138 to $217p/hd with the top sale for the day being $310p/hd.

SOUTHERN GRAMPIANS

XB Suckers: Brimbi P/S, Wando Vale, $282; Remmington Crowe, Tarrone, $272; Beerik P/S, Coleraine, $270; Good Shepherd College, Hamilton, $269; Kelvin Park P/S, Wallacedale, $269; Good Shepherd College, Hamilton, $262; A & L Beard, Warrong, $248; SJ & CY Muir, Woorndoo, $245; Brimbi P/S, Wando Vale, $239; A & P Grey, Coleraine, $230; Madoo Pastoral, Hawkesdale, $226; Roanoke F/T, Glenthompson, $220; Beerik P/S, Coleraine, $220; Beerik P/S, Coleraine, $215; Remmington Crowe, Tarrone, $215; Good Shepherd College, Hamilton, $212; Ware Past, Hawkesdale, $206; SJ & CY Muir, Woorndoo, $206; Roanoke F/T, Glenthompson, $202; Kelvin Park P/S, Wallacedale, $199; Nadoo P/Co, Hawkesdale, $198; RD & JR Mickel, Tarrayoukyan, $197; D Coates, Bulart, $192.

LMB LIVESTOCK

XB Suckers: Haven Park Enterprises, Wando Vale, $310; Back Creek P/S, Dunkeld, $300; Haven Park Enterprises, Wando Vale, $280; Dergeeling Est, Coleraine, $276; P Doyle, Wando Vale, $268; Back Creek P/S, Dunkeld, $268; Karinya Farms, Poolajelo, $263; D & A McNaughton, Brit Brit, $263; DF, NJ & D Stuchbery, Drumborg, $260; D & A McNaughton, Brit Brit, $248; G Huf, Karabeal, $246; Innisfail Investments, Nareen, $245; DCF Marine P/L, Karabeal, $244; RJ & HF Clayfield, Penola, $242; M Moran, Warrock, $240; PT & AM Okeefe, Wootong Vale, $240; A & R MacGugan, Dunkeld, $238; C & B Waters, Hamilton, $235; J & M Tierney, Nareen, $235; EF Neeson & Co, Nareen, $211.

NUTRIEN

XB Suckers: K Aitken, Buckley Swamp, $296; I & D Gilcrist, Sandford, $271; NR Widdicombe, Bahgallah, $271; R, S & A Cameron, Coleraine, $257; K Aitken, Buckley Swamp, $256; Woodlands P/S, Casterton, $247; K Aitken, Buckley Swamp, $238; Serena Downs P/Co, Mortlake, $233; G & M Riordan, Orford, $233; Riverdale P/S, Digby, $231; AE Ruddle, Ellerslie, $224; Triple R Vic P/L, Hawkesdale, $218; Woodlands P/S, Casterton, $217; R, S & A Cameron, Coleraine, $215; A & C Northcott,

Sandford, $215; C & K Durbridge, Casterton, $215; R & C Wombwell, Wando Vale, $213; GA Cooper, Tahara, $210; B & H Rhook, Henty, $209. XB Shorn Suckers: D & M Smith, Casterton, $229; N Boseley, Cowangie, $218; N Boseley, Cowangie, $208. XB Hoggets: N Boseley, Cowangie, $170; C & K Durbridge, Casterton, $170; Terka North, Kirkstall, $170.

LANYONS

XB Suckers: Lone Star P/S, Hamilton, $254; D Lewis, Mooralla, $248; G & K Colliver, Heywood, $244; J & D Herrmann F/T, Dunkeld, $235; G Crow, Orford, $234; L & J Mirtschin & Sons, Byaduk, $230; Wingara, Moutajup, $228; Croxton East P/L, Croxton East, $219; R & M Morris, North Byaduk, $218; GA Ferguson, Karabeal, $216; D & S McFarlane, Branxholme, $215; D Lewis, Mooralla, $210; G & J Schultz, Gazette, $208; Fixby, Byaduk, $208; R & S Rentsch, Mooralla, $198; W & H Shalders, Willatook, $190.

KERR & CO

XB Suckers: G & B Wardlaw, Glenthompson, $280; A & B Bourke, Bessiebelle, $280; G & J Hocking, Yambuk, $274; CN Munro, Coleraine, $272; R & J Doherty, Penshurst, $266; I & K Tanner, Hawkesdale, $265; Abbey Hills, Hawkesdale, $264; D & L Lewis, Hawkesdale, $262; S & J Cozens, Hawkesdale, $259; CN Munro, Coleraine, $257; C & K Toet, Natimuk, $250; Moyne Falls, Hawkesdale, $245; IB & KE Tanner, Hawkesdale, $240; PD & LH Lewis P/L, Hawkesdale, $240; Abbey Hills, Hawkesdale, $240; AC & B Gow, Hawkesdale, $240; A & B Bourke, Bessiebelle, $238; Moyne Falls, Macarthur, $237; S & N Rentsch, Penshurst, $236; G & E Youl, Yambuk, $235; Kirkoola P/S, Hawkesdale, $231; L & NA Uebergang, $230; AC & B Gow, Hawkesdale, $230; MP, J & D Page, Tabor, $230.

ELDERS

XB Suckers: Mibus Bros, Mt Richmond, $267; Mt Nuirhead, Millicent, $257; WM & K Agnew, Millicent, $240; Cliffney Park, Ellerslie, $239; Mibus Bros, Mt Richmond, $237; BM & Ba Kent, Casterton, $237; Cherrymount P/Co, Glenthompson, $226; WF & FR Rogers, Millicent, $226; Mt Muirhead, Millicent, $224; Borg/Riffkin Est, Hamilton, $223; D & S Bartlett, Orford, $217; Rosebank, Dergholm, $210; RP Sharrock, Bessiebelle, $208; Lanark, Branxholme, $202; SJ & KJ Cocks, Narrawong, $201. XB Lambs: SP Millard, Branxholme, $206. XB 2T’s: RW Browning, Nareen, $200; RW Browning, Nareen, $177.

JM ELLIS

XB Suckers: Camp Creek, Branxholme, $293; Stone Lea Poll Dorsets, Woorndoo, $290; JHW Patterson, Bulart, $280; Konongwootong P/S, Konongwootong, $270; Stone Lea Poll Dorsets, Woorndoo, $260; Daffey P/S, Gatum, $258; Claronden Past, Hawkesdale, $254; J Tierney F/T, Nareen, $254; Camp Creek, Branxholme, $251; Greenbanks P/S, Condah, $250; A & K Nagorcka, Yatchaw, $250; Martin P/S, Condah, $250; South Kolor, Minhamite, $248; Gracie & Louise McMeel, Buckley Swamp, $246; Kononogwootong P/S, Konongwootong, $246; J & S Alexander, North Byaduk, $242; P & J Graham, Mt Napier, $240; Hillcrest, Buckley Swamp, $239; T & T Lamont, Woorndoo, $238; DMS Installations, Heywood, $233; M & K Handreck, Byaduk, $232; A Pascoe, Hawkesdale, $228; E & W Lewis, Bulart, $225; B Martin, Condah, $225.

“ATTENTION FISHER-

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

CHAIN block hoists, 1 tonne, 3 metre lift, only used once, 2 units; $50 each. 0491 148 002.

FOR SALE

LAWNMOWER, Toro

Personal Pace selfpropelled, walk behind, 22’’ cut, exc cond; $400. 0491 148 002.

TABLE and chairs, round walnut table and 4 black metal Tolix chairs; $150. 0491 148 002.

LIVESTOCK & PETS

GERMAN Shepherd pups, L.S.C., born 3.7.24, both parents showdogs, A-Z stamp, great temperament, well socialised in family environment, 956000017036491, 17545996, 17539742, source no RB103637, registered breeder with Vic dogs and GSC Victoria. 0408 107 088.

GREYHOUNDS

FREE TO GOOD HOMES - Great pets, friendly, desexed, m/c 956000015016351 bitch, m/c 956000014515599 dog, pic no EE256309. Lorraine 0409 026 248.

DEMOLITION jack

hammer, Detroit brand, 1300w, 5 kg, used for one job; $100. 0491 148 002.

GOLF parmaker buggy, good condition; $500. Phone 0455 727 791.

MOBILE small animal vet. Hamilton, Casterton, Coleraine and area. Vaccinations, microchips, general health concerns. Peaceful end of life. Meredith The Vet 0457 911 128.

MOTOR VEHICLES & ACCESSORIES

NISSAN X-Trail TL2, 2009, unregistered, body damage, mechanically sound, leather interior, engine no QR25883237A; $4000 or best offer. Phone 0428 761 089.

WORK WANTED

A PAINTER, interior/ exterior, roof spraying, good local tradesman. 0488 322 279.

HARLEY Davidson Sportster 883, 2006 model, 12,882 ks, vin5HD4CAM136K408790; $8000. Phone 0447 756 643.

JAYCO 16’ caravan, double bed, TV and aerial, annexe new cover, bedding, crockery, etc all included; $9500 o.n.o. 0417 712 750.

LARGE illustrated book

‘The Golden Days of Board Games’, over 40 games; $25. 0400 392 409.

LARGE illustrated Mercedes books, ‘The First 100 Years’, ‘Mercedes Benz The Classics’; $45 the pair. 0400 392 409.

LARGE illustrated book, ‘The Full History of The MG Cars’; $20. 0400 392 409.

EMPLOYMENT

ENTERTAINMENT

Friends of Hamilton Botanic Gardens Inc

Music in

Entry

BUILDER AND HANDYMAN SERVICE, FRANK ANTON, tiling, fencing, painting and window installations, general household maintenance. Phone 0418 527 582.

Bus Driver - Naracoorte Route

Term 1 2025

Fixed hours Friday - 16:00 - 21:00 (5 hours) and Sunday - 14:30 - 19:45 (5.25) hours.

Current minimum Class Light Rigid Licence but preferred Medium rigid

National Police Check Suits a friendly

Classroom Teacher – Ongoing

Classroom Teacher – Fixed Term

Casterton Primary School is an exciting Prep-6

Government Primary School which offers children a supportive transition from kinder through to Grade 6 in a small country school where strong relationships are prominent.

We are currently advertising for 2 positions for 2025.

Casterton Primary School is an innovative and outstanding learning institution that fosters partnerships between students, parents, staff and the wider community and provides a safe and caring environment.

During 2023 the school undertook extensive capital works. Every grade benefits from the new learning spaces, including a large science/specialist area, large SAKG kitchen/multipurpose space, library and research area, conference space and two new classrooms. Extensive landscaping through the centre of the campus completes the fresh new look of our school. We encourage and invite you to join our team. Please apply through Recruitment Online before the 17th December 2024. For more information please call Jill Robertson (Principal) on 0355811522.

Acting Director of Clinical Services

Fixed Term – 40 hours per week

We have an exciting opportunity for a Registered nurse with high level people management, leadership and advanced communication skills to join our team as the Acting Director of Clinical Services. This position is a 14 month fixed term Maternity leave position. The position is expecting to begin Mid February 2025 through until Mid April 2026.

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: Sunday 15th December 2024

Any queries please contact, Taneha Benson, Director of Clinical services, Taneha.benson@heywoodruralhealth.vic.gov.au

Send your letter of application addressing the key selection criteria, along with your resume, and 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”

• Temporary Onsite accommodations (upon availability)

• Negotiable and flexible package on offer

• Flexible working supported where possible

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

• Graduate

• District Nurses

• Healthcare Workers

• Leisure and Lifestyle Coordinator

• Registered & Enrolled Nurses

• Social Support Group Leader

• Grade 1 and Grade 2 Clinical Pharmacists

• Speech Pathologist Grade 1 or 2

Support Services

• Receptionist / Switchboard Operator

• Community Support Worker- Personal Care

Traineeship & Apprenticeship Opportunities

• Certificate III in Commercial Cookery

– Apprentice Chef - Hamilton Base Hospital (Kitchen / Food Services)

Aged Care

• Enrolled Nurses

Coleraine

• Chef / Trade Cook /Cook

• Food and Domestic Services Staff

• Registered & Enrolled Nurses

Penshurst

• Food and Domestic Services Assistant

HAY & STRAW FOR SALE

ENTERTAINMENT

THINKING

OF

BECOMING A MEMBER?

BUT JUST DON’T KNOW?

Join for 3 months, starting January and give it a go!

If you LOVE it! Can’t live without it! Upgrade, paying the balance for the rest of the year

Party With the Ponies

December 10th

Haven’t booked your golf and carts in yet for your work break up? Better get to it soon. Limited dates available

Contact Katrina to book our private venue for your

Celebrating International Day of People with a Disability Christmas Activities Kids Activities, amusements and crafts Wicked Wildlife Christmas Party Bookings Welcome Tickets country.racing. com/hamilton

CHRISTMAS CATERING PACKS CHRISTMAS FARE available from CAMPBELL CAMERON Prebook and collect your CATERING FOR CHRISTMAS DAY. Book with the Club info@ hamiltonracingclub. com.au or 0413 647 573

Check Out https://country.racing. com/hamilton HLI52140

Pumas seek to exorcise Demons

LLOYD ILETT

GRAMPIANS will look to get the better of Macarthur in the Hamilton and District Cricket Association A grade match of the round over the next two Saturdays at Dunkeld Turf.

After Mother Nature took matters into her hands last Saturday and sent welcome rain to the entire Western District, all games were washed out and the two teams will go into the game fresh and ready to finish the year in winning form.

Both teams are playing well, but Macarthur is sitting third on the premiership ladder with Grampians seventh - although the Pumas are only four points adrift of the top four.

With a mixture of fine and wet weather across the district this week, the teams will be waiting to inspect the Dunkeld Turf wicket before deciding on what to do if they win the toss.

Normally if the week has been warm and fine the captains are more than happy to bat first, but even with the heat of Thursday drawing moisture from the wicket there may still be enough there to influence a captain to bowl first and give his bowlers the assistance they need.

Pumas skipper, Don Collins, is in sublime touch with the bat and has recorded centuries in his last two innings to sit third on the run getters list for the competition with 337.

It includes another half century aside from the twin tons, at an average of 112.33.

Collins has had great support from batsmanwicket keeper Zach Burgess, who is fourth with 303 runs and four half centuries, and it’s only a matter of time before he brings up a ton.

Along with this pair is Eddie McShane, Carl Joyce, and Ty Gilmore, who give the Pumas’ batting order great strength and depth, which they will need against the Demons attack.

Josh Belleville has slotted back into the side as if he never left and gives Macarthur skipper, Charlie Summers, another new-ball option along with Kyle Smitten and Charlie Nield, while Adam Fry, Ollie Wortley, Summers and Simon Sharrock round out a very good attack.

The Demons batting is in form too with Michael Brilley, Ollie Wortley, Jack Wortley, and Summers all batting well, while Sharrock and Smitten are due to post big scores.

St Andrew’s v Pigeon Ponds

CLEM Young Oval will see St Andrew’s host Pigeon Ponds with the Drews currently fourth with the Pigeons perched on the ninth rung of the ladder.

These teams are vastly different in their form, although St Andrew’s cannot be happy with the way it bowled last round when Portland Tigers took 351 runs from the bowlers, even after Brendan Huf grabbed 6-58.

The bowlers were far too short with their lengths, allowing the Tigers to free their arms and hit the ball to all parts of Hanlon Park, and if this happens against the Pigeons then the ball will disappear again.

The Pigeons were in huge trouble against Hamilton last round at 7-119 when rain stopped

Teams

Branxholme

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

Byaduk

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

Casterton District

A grade - F. Bright, J. Edwards, K. Forbes, O. Foster, L. Gibbs, B. Holmes, K. Humphries, C. Kelly, R. Killey, C. Megaw, J. Rhook.

B grade - S. Broomby, J. Carlin, T. Holmes, C. Hutchins, W. Jackson, W. Kerr, G. Kerr, S. Koch, P. Larkins, M. Penny, M. Widdicombe.

Coleraine

D grade - C. Barker, J. Brody, C. Drake, J. Dwyer, X. Dwyer, T. Janetzki, C. Joyce, B. Marett, T. Woolley, A. Templeton.

College

A grade - L. Watt, C. Murrie, H. Austin, J. Anthony, L. Brown, A. Burn, J. Austin, W. Bourke, C. Cutler, J. Alexander, G. Macdonald, J. Cole, A. Brown.

B grade - J. Jenkin, E. Brinkmann, N. Hintum, H. Schmidt, L. Wark, T. Templeton,

play on day one and with day two completely washed out the side may have dodged a bullet.

Simon Close hasn’t batted in a game since November 2 after missing the last two weeks, along with the round five clash being postponed due to a bushfire up north.

His last knock back in round four saw the allrounder post 107, as he and Peter Staude (136not-out) added 199 for the third wicket as the team smashed 3-339 declared from just over 50 overs.

The home team needs Huf to again perform with both bat and ball, but he needs support from Darryl Fry, Grady Bell, Nicholas Emsley, and Aiden Sutherland with the bat while all the bowlers must follow his lead of a diligent line and length.

Ponds needs Simon Close, Michael Close, Staude, Noah Hildebrand, and Ben Hanrahan to lead the way with the bat, while skipper Hamish McCrae, Jack Beaton, Simon Close and Hanrahan to bowl and attacking line to the home team.

College v Hamilton

HAMILTON may well have been robbed of its maiden A grade victory in the last round, as the Blues had Pigeon Ponds on the ropes when rain ended all play, but today they travel up the hill to College Turf to battle College with good form under their collective belts

College was rescued by its last wicket pair of Angus Brown (50-not-out) and Will Bourke (24), who showed grit and determination to repel the Go-Ports attack and drag the Eagles too and through the 200-run barrier when being all out for under 160 was likely.

The batsmen on both teams will enjoy the ball coming onto the bat while the bowlers will get assistance from the surface with the new ball but will then have to maintain a line and length as the wicket flattens out.

College is the highest scoring team in the competition after the first six rounds so the Blues must restrict the Eagles for the full 75 overs to keep the target manageable.

The Test Match in Adelaide has been a lure for College players in the past and it remains to be seen which players will make the trek across the border and miss the game, but those that do play will battle fired up Hamilton bowling attack that is on song.

The Hamilton batting order needs to assist the opening batsmen in Xavier Stevens and Nick O’Brien who have been in good touch of late, and batsmen like Issac Shaw, Mitch Lang, Ethan Cook, and Robbie Cook are short of runs and this will be the perfect opportunity to reverse their form.

Portland Tigers v Casterton District

HANLON Park is the scene for this game that will see an in-form Tigers side host Casterton District with both teams searching for victory that will propel them into the top four.

Both teams have had their bye so each must earn

L. Alexander, D. Milne, H. Trethewey. C grade - J. Austin, H. Brown, M. Cameron, H. Hedley, S. Mecham, G. Nicholls, J. Nicholls, S. Tonissen, J. Tonissen, M. Tonissen, T. Heazlewood.

Hamilton

A grade - X. Stevens, C. Templeton, N. O’Brien, I. Shaw, M. Lang, J. Lang, R. Cook, A. Read, H. Kearney, C. Millard, E. Cook. D grade - J. Casey, A. Cooper, D. Cooper, R. Steff, T. Walker, C. Steff, H. Riley, D. Perera, H. Kendall, O. Fenwick, L. Walker.

Hamilton North

C grade - D. Groves, S. Groves, A.Jacobson, B. Cunnington, H. Jacobson, R. Jacobson, A. McLaughlin, C. Tierney, J. Trowell, J. Webster. D grade - D. Simpson, T. Hill, M. Galloway, V. Couzens, S. Collie, S. Charles, S. Stephens, M. Smith, E. Boath, M. Doherty.

Macarthur

A grade - J. Belleville, O. Wortley, H. Turnham, C. Summers, K. Smitten, J. Sheehan, S. Sharrock, C. Nield, S. Lambevski, A. Fry, M. Brilley.

C grade - I. Brilley, A. Cameron, J. Elvery, C. Herring, B. Jarrett, D. Jones, L. Mann, W. Mann, M. Timms, J. Brilley, C. Sharrock, B.

as many points as possible to reach the finals come March next year.

Shanaka Silva can lay claim to the recruit of the year award (if there was one) as he plunders runs from opposition bowlers and his 159 against St Andrews was littered with boundaries and maximums, while Paul Procter is also racking up bis scores too in support.

Silva also is bowling very well and his wickets come at the miserly cost of only 6.13 runs each, as he gives Will Oakley and Joel Askew great support with the ball.

Casterton District was on the wrong side of the ledger against South Portland last round as the visitors smashed 300 runs from only 63 overs before the rain intervened.

The Maroons must not bowl short, or they will see the fieldsmen chase leather again this round, while the top order must post a target that will test the Tigers.

Portland Colts v Tahara

PORTLAND Colts is the only side that was happy when the rain washed out the last round where their having the bye handed the team a full eight points while all the other 12 teams had to settle for four points.

This game is being held at Henty Park and the ladder leading Colts will be looking to increase their lead with a strong victory against Tahara.

With James Chapple, Luke Evans, and Jak Hotchkiss all in form, the home side is odds on to grab the points while Tahara must dig deep to stop it happening.

Taine Morris if batting and bowling very well for the Blue Caps, but the top order is yet to fire this summer and there is too much talent in Brad Gauci, Marcus Rhook, and Sam Brewer for this to be a regular occurrence.

Ther may be an upset in the offing if Colts take the Blue Caps lightly.

South Portland v Tyrendarra

CAVALIER Park will host this clash between these arch rivals with the two teams seemingly in form over the last month.

South Portland may well have been robbed by the weather last round after posting 300 against Casterton District on day one and they still had 10 overs to bat on day two with skipper Scott Martin resuming on 169-not-out.

Tyrendarra sits second on the ladder behind Portland Colts and ahead of Macarthur with all three teams yet to lose a game and the defending premiers are expected to take no prisoners against the Demons in this game too.

Martin needs his top order to stand with him and forge a target that Tyrendarra will struggle to hunt down while the bowling attack needs to be diligent against a team that is one of the best teams seen in the competition for 30 years.

Both teams are expected to be at full strength, so the Demons have the players within their ranks to cause a huge upset.

Portland Tigers v Pigeon Ponds

THE round five posted game between Portland

Buchanan.

Pigeon Ponds

A grade - A. Close, B. Hanrahan, H. Mccrae, N. Hildebrand, L. Craig, P. Staude, G. Austin, S. Close, W. Staude, J. Beaton, W. Burbury, M. Close.

D grade - M. Brown, A. Colgan, A. Cunneen, W. Cunneen, N. Gale, L. Harris, A. Hodgson, S. Hodgson, O. Wardlaw, B. Preston.

Portland Colts

A grade - L. Evans, J. Chapple, M. Payne, J. Hotchkiss, D. Kinghorn, M. Belden, O. Barbary, A. Barbary, C. Hollis, R. Cook, A. Stannard.

Portland Tigers

A grade - W. Oakley, P. Procter, S. Silva, N. Oakley, L. Oakley, C. Finck, A. Harvey, S. Harvey, B. McDowell, J. Du plessis, G. Kissane.

St Andrew’s

A grade - G. Bell, R. Elton, N. Emsley, M. Fitzpatrick, D. Fry, Z. Grenfell, S. Hatherell, B. Huf, J. Nield, A. Sutherland, B. Walsh, L. Wishart, R. Pech.

B grade - S. Dickson, C. Dimond, J. Evans, I. Lehmann, T. Lehmann, R. Malik, R. Malseed, H. Pither, J. Sevior, E. Steele, A. Nankivell.

GRAMPIANS all-rounder, Carl Joyce, is key to the Pumas’ hopes of victory against Macarthur. PHOTO: Lara Fitzpatrick. 230325lf046

Tigers and Pigeon Ponds will be played at Henty Park tomorrow with each team desperate to post victory and remain in the hunt for a one-day final spot.

The game was postponed on 17 November due to the fire in a blue gum plantation which many of the Pigeon Ponds players were required to fight at the time and of course that left no time for a game of cricket.

These are two attacking teams that play the short format game well as each has attacking batsmen who can take a game in hand inside the space of a couple of overs and bowlers who can maintain the line and length needed to restrict the opposition from scoring freely.

Each team has players who have posted centuries already this summer with Shanaka Silva and Paul Procter raising their bats for the home side, and Simon Close and Peter Staude doing likewise for the visitors.

Looking at the two sides on paper, Close and Silva are the players that jump out from the page as being able to win the game with either bat or ball in hand.

If either gets going then the game will end early, but if both perform to ability then it will go down to the last over, so evenly matched are the teams.

C grade - G. Barker, A. Eats, N. Flack, H. Frichot, M. Hill, C. Kearney, K. Picken, S. Picken, S. Tooley, S. Vankalken, A. Cameron.

D grade - T. Dumesny, L. Dumesny, M. Harris, L. Hatherell, S. Keatley, G. Kuruvila, B. McIntosh, D. McIntosh, X. McIntosh, L. Mojica Perez, A. Sankar Purushothaman. Tahara

A grade - K. Barker, L. Barnes, B. Gauci, R. Hopkins, T. Morris, H. Myers, M. Rhook, J. Povey, J. Rhook, N. Slaughter.

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

D grade - P. Barnes, T. Gleeson, H. Goodman, C. Myers, J. Pepper, A. Lambert, D. Hogan, C. Kamp, C. Lambert, B. Rhook, O. Ractliffe. Tarrington

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

D grade - E. Austin, J. Beattie, J. Cotten, C. Fitzpatrick, A. Kearney, M. Lampard, L. McDonald, M. Pickett, A. Price, A. Rush, C. Willox, M. Tonissen.

Eagles continue to soar above pack

LLOYD ILETT

COLLEGE continues to fly high atop the Hamilton and District Cricket Association (HDCA) B grade premiership ladder after extending its lead without having to play the last round.

The Eagles had the bye in round seven and were awarded a full eight points as per the rules of the competition, but the rest of the teams watched on as rain washed out the entire days play and all other teams had to settle for only four points each, meaning that College extended its ladder lead.

Today, in round eight, College hosts Grampians at Monivae Turf in a rare home game away from College Turf, which is being used by the A grade team.

Grampians is far from the force it was last season with many of that teams’ stars being promoted to the top grade to fill vacancies created by players who have moved from the district.

Even the B grade skipper, Ryan Burgess, has earned his spot back in the top grade, so veterans

Mark Lazzari and Greg Millard have been called upon to guide the young Puma cubs in this team.

The Pumas sit at the bottom of the ladder but it’s not all doom and gloom, as the side is equal on points with fourth-placed St Andrew’s, and only two points adrift of third-placed Casterton District.

If results go their way, then the Grampians team could well be third after today, but it means they will have to cause a huge upset against the Eagles.

College will again look to its skipper, Jonathan Jenkin, who is in sublime touch with the bat, as he seeks to post another ton, while Elton Brinkmann is giving him great support with youngsters such as Darcy Milne, Ned Hintum, and Will Legoe support veteran opening bowler Lachlan Wark in dismissing the opposition

St Andrew’s

v Casterton District

PEDRINA Park 1 will see St Andrew’s host Casterton District in a game that neither can afford to lose with ladder spots so tight in

this, the closest of all the HDCA grades.

After failing to post a victory in the first four rounds, the Drews knocked off Hamilton by four runs in round five in a brilliant game and then had the bye in round six and a washout last round to be sitting on the fourth rung of the ladder.

The two most experienced cricketers in the Drews outfit, Damien Logan and Simon Hatherell played huge roles in that victory by ensuring the side posted a target that would test the Hamilton side then Isaac Lehmann came out and took 4-15 with the ball to restrict the Blues’ run chase.

These three players will have to perform again here today as Casterton District will look to Will Kerr, James Ferguson, Will Jackson, and Tim Holmes to come across and carry the points back to Casterton.

Crutch has had an impact with the Blues since crossing over from Hamilton North.

Top of the table clash highlights C grade

LLOYD ILETT

HDCA C grade ladder leader, College, will host secondplaced Macarthur at JLC Young Oval, Myrniong today in the match of the round, with the visitors desperate to close the gap on the ladder.

College is yet to taste defeat after the first seven rounds of the competition, with the only blemish on its record being the washout of the last round, as it enjoys a 10-point lead over the Demons

Even if Macarthur does claim victory and grab the bonus point, it will still sit second as the most points it can earn is nine from the game, but should it win, it would inflict a psychological blow to the Eagles with an eye to the finals in March next year.

Both teams have been promoted from the bottom grade in the past 12 months and have proved they belong in the higher grade through great performances against all comers.

College skipper, Martin Clark, is again leading from the front with both bat and ball, while Matt Cameron is having his best season to date as he peels of runs seemingly at will.

Tom Heazlewood, James Dyer, and Hugo Hedley have given Lachy Patterson great support with the ball, and the Eagles have gained the rewards for their hard work.

Macarthur has relied on the experience of Matt Timms, Ian Brilley and skipper, Bingham Jarrett, to lead the way, but other players have taken steps to assist the trio this summer with Archie Cameron, Logan Mann, Cooper Sharrock, and Darcy Jones all playing their roles perfectly within the team.

Hamilton North v Tahara

HAMILTON North must strive to defeat Tahara at Mitchell

Park this afternoon as a loss would open a huge gap on the ladder between the two teams

Currently the Hammers sit fifth on the ladder and are eight points adrift of the third-placed Blue Caps, and if they should lose, then the gap could extend to 17 points at the halfway point of the summer which would be difficult to close.

Of course, victory may well close the gap completely and even hand the Hammers a one-point lead, should they claim a bonus point too.

Coming into this game, neither team has won since back in round four, when both thrashed their respective opponents, but that was a month ago and form from then has come and gone.

Jack and Harry Goodman hold the keys to success for the Blue Caps with both bat and ball, but the top order must start making runs again if Tahara is to maintain its ladder position.

Likewise for Hamilton North, it has been Sam Groves and Robert Jacobson who have been the form players, while veteran opening batsman, Darren Groves, must be wondering where his next score is coming from.

Branxholme v Tarrington

BRANXHOLME Recreation Reserve is the venue for the local’s game with Tarrington, and the Bulls must win the game to maintain its hopes of a top four finish.

Branxholme sits on the sixth rung of the ladder with Tarring on the fourth, but the Tigers hold a nine-point lead over the Bulls so the home side would need to win with a bonus point to fully close the gap, whereas a loss will open that gap to at least 17 points.

Each team has that one batsman who the team relies upon to score

the bulk of the runs, with Andrew McFarlane seeking yet another century to add to his list of 35 for his career, while Tarrington has Andy O’Connor in form after his 95 against St Andrew’s two weeks ago.

With all talented players these two also have roles to play with the ball too, but Branxholme has signed Nick Ciccone for the remainder of the season, and he will give McFarlane and Ray Sutton great support, while Stephen Hadden is coming off a “Michelle Pfeiffer” against St Andrews.

St Andrew’s v Byaduk

BYADUK travels to Pedrina Park 3 today to battle hosts, St Andrew’s in this bottom of the table clash that may well decide the dreaded wooden spoon.

Of the two teams, Byaduk is the only one to taste victory this summer but even then, it was only once whereas the Drews haven’t managed to be on the right side of the ledger yet.

The home side has welcomed back Simon Van Kalken to the team after the veteran missed the first month of the season through injury and his experience with the bat in hand will turn several games for the rest of the summer.

Simon Dickson stepped up in Van Kalken’s absence and played well but he didn’t get support from the team that he required mainly due to the chopping and changing of players that occurs due to players being unavailable in higher grades.

The Ducks look to Drew Pickford with the bat and then Matt Brown and Cameron Christie with the ball, but there is great talent within the ranks that is more than capable of handing these players support today.

Three teams sit on second rung of D grade ladder

LLOYD ILETT

THE HDCA has a logjam of three teams all perched on the second rung of the premiership ladder as Coleraine, Hamilton, and Grampians all sit equal on 30 premiership points, as all three vie to finish with a top two finish and hosting rights for the semi-finals.

All three are chasing runaway leaders Tahara which is 17 points clear atop the ladder, as the Blue Caps remain the only undefeated team in the competition.

Tahara v Hamilton

MATCH of the round status must be Tahara against Hamilton at Tahara Recreation Reserve this afternoon and even though it’s effectively first against second, Tahara is the red-hot favourite. Tahara captain, Colin Myers, has his side playing an exciting brand of cricket, and the team is reaping the rewards for the style of play.

Myers is leading the way with both bat and ball, but he has great assistance from Tyler Gleeson at the top of the order, while youngsters Oscar Ractliffe and Dash Hogan are performing beautifully as they learn all there is about the game.

Hamilton will lean on skipper, Rory Steff, to make many of the runs, but Cody Steff is also scoring good runs and Aidan Cooper, Luke McConchie, and Jay Casey are among the wickets with the ball.

Tarrington v Coleraine

TARRINGTON Recreation Reserve is

the venue for this game between two evenly matched teams and the home side can close the gap between these teams on the premiership ladder with victory here.

Even if it did lose the game, Coleraine cannot be knocked out of the top four due to holding a nine-point gap over the Tigers.

Chris Willox knows the Tarrington Recreation Reserve wicket like the back of his hand, and he knows that it is a tough surface to score freely on, but whichever teams bats first must place a huge price on their wickets and not hand them to the opposition cheaply.

A target of 120 is a tough score to hunt down at Tarrington, as the surface gives the bowlers assistance all afternoon, and Willox may choose to send Coleraine into bat should he win the toss.

Josh Brody holds the key to victory for Coleraine, as he bats at the top of the order and looks to anchor the innings, but if he’s dismissed quickly then pressure will mount on the rest of the batting order.

Pigeon Ponds v St Andrew’s

PIGEON Ponds Recreation Reserve is the venue for this clash between two teams in the bottom half of the ladder and both need to win the game to remain in contention for a finals spot.

Ponds sits sixth and the Drews are eighth, but each team can maintain contact with the top four by winning today, although

a loss by St Andrew’s will make it very difficult for the side to play finals.

Lachie Stevenson is back in form for the hosts and his batting and bowling are vital to the Pigeons’ chances, while Scott Keatley is the key for the visitors.

Keatley has been in good touch with the bat and ball, but he needs support from Tony Dumesny and John Hockey as the trio guide their younger teammates.

Hamilton North v Grampians

HAMILTON North will host Grampians at Hamilton Recreation Reserve today knowing that the visitors are odds on to claim the points, but that the Pumas were beaten in the last match they played.

Should Grampians win and score a bonus point, it could jump to a clear second on the ladder, but the team needs to get past the Hammers who have been struggling to put targets on the board that the bowlers can defend.

The home side has found a batsman in Benjamin Jennings who can score freely at the top of the order, but he needs the rest of the batsmen to stand with him in posting a target that the Pumas cannot reach.

Ken Bird and Michael Alderman are making runs for the visitors, but it is the younger members of the Grampians team who also pose a threat to the Hammers with Sean Bird, Josh Nagorka, and Lachie Gordon all performing well this summer.

DAVE Perera is one of Hamilton’s young up-and-coming talents.

Photo: GLENN GUY. 231104gg120

ELI

Photo: CATHY NORRIS. 241109cn138

Wortley helps Demons dominate Grampians

ADAM HILL

MACARTHUR opened its T20 title defence against Grampians at PP3 on Thursday, winning by five wickets.

The Pumas won the toss and batted first, as Carl Joyce and Don Collins combined for a 53-run opening partnership before Collins held out to Ollie Wortley for nine to give Josh Belleville the first wicket.

Joyce (31) and Angus Heazlewood (37) did their best to power Grampians to a competitive score, with an unbeated 24 from Hayden Phillips pushing the total up to 8-145.

Brayden Buchanan finished with four wickets for the Demons.

Wortley joined Michael Brilley at the crease after Harry Turnham failed to trouble the scorers, as the pair put on 85 runs, before Brilley was dismissed for 26, as Wortley’s 71 pushed the Demons to victory, reaching the target with five

wickets in hand and more than five overs left to bowl.

Pigeon Ponds got the better of Casterton District, winning by four wickets at home.

The Maroons batted first after winning the toss and only Justin Carlin (20), Sully Gibbs (26) and Kaden Humphries (17) reached double figures, with the team all out for 101 with an over to spare.

Lachlan Craig finished with 4-20 from his four overs.

Ponds’ top three combined for just seven runs, but it was an unbeaten 44 from Ben Hanrahan which ensured the home side reached the target with a little more than three overs to play.

Hamilton’s batting woes continued, going down to College by 67 runs at Kennedy Oval West.

The Eagles batted first and Charles Murrie got the Eagles off to a fast start with 37 from 33 balls, with Jonathan Jenkin (38) and Harry Austin (32) guiding the side to 5-123 after 20 overs.

Hamilton’s innings got off to the worst possible start, with four of the top six failing to get off the mark, with Xavier Stevens’ 33 the clear standout, as Hamilton was bowled out for 56 in the 15th over.

Austin was the chief destroyer with five wickets.

St Andrew’s and Tahara played out the closest contest, with the Drews winning on the last ball at PP1.

The Blue Caps batted first after winning the toss and Brad Gauci (29), Marucs Rhook (18), and Kieran Barker (27) all got starts but failed to go big, as Tahara posted 8-134 from its 20 overs.

The Drews’ innings was anchored by Brendan Huf, with the opener posting 43 from 45 balls, before an unbeaten 35 from Darryl Fry ensured the side reached the target, requiring one run from the final ball of the game, with the left-hander scoring three to see the team progress to the semi-finals.

Local sides still in top two contention

ADAM HILL

THE Far Western Bowls season continued with Midweek Pennant round nine games played, the first time players have been on the green in a week after Saturday’s Weekend Pennant fixtures were cancelled due to the heavy rain.

Division 1

GRANGEBURN hosted Balmoral and made strong use of the advantage at home, claiming all 16 points after rolling up a 65-43 win.

Owen Ross got the better of Nett Tinning, 27-11, while Ruben Ross held off Kathy Simons to win, 20-16.

Ken Prewett finished with 18 to win the tightest contest by two shots against Cheryl Trotman. It was a southern derby with Memorial travelling across town to take on Portland, with the visitors also sweeping all three rinks with a 77-51 result.

Stephen Arthur hung on by the narrowest of margins against Heather Burgess, 22-21, while Graeme Solly accounted for Lindsay Gruar with a 24-18 victory.

Donald Wallis had a much easier day on the green, rolling up 31 to defeat Kerrie Alexander by 19.

Hamilton had the week off and collected 24 shots and 16 points along the way.

Division 2

COLERAINE headed west to take on Casterton, with the home side managing just 36 shots to go down by eight, narrowly winning one rink in the process.

Bernice Sullivan rolled up 21, which was just enough to edge out Lesley Beaton by a single shot, while Beverley Fry collected a 24-15 victory against Teresa Sealey to give Coleraine the overall victory.

Penshurst was at home for its clash against Macarthur, with the visitors claiming a 42-37 victory, picking up 12 points.

Ann Rentsch rolled up a 24-21 win against Beverly Bourke for Penshurst, before Carol Uebergang finished with 21 to Jenni Kennealy’s 13 to give Macarthur the bragging rights.

Hamilton travelled south to take on Memorial and fell short of the home side, 36-42.

Gerard Lucas rolled up 27 to Gerry Watt’s 14, earning Hamilton two points for the rink win, before Robert Hamblin dominated Robyn Donovan, 28-9, to see the home side claim 12 points from the match-up.

Portland hosted Grangeburn Red, with the home

side rolling up 42 to Red’s 28.

Alan Warburton’s 25 was easily enough to defeat Brian Kavanagh by 14 shots, before Andrew Smail and Rosemary Spencer played out a 17-17 draw to claim a point each – Red’s only point from the clash.

Grangeburn Blue players put their feet up, courtesy of a bye, with nine shots and 12 points going their way.

Division 3

CASTERTON travelled into town to take on Grangeburn, with the visitors taking a full

swag of points home with them after a 42-39 win.

Helen Lucas narrowly held off Beverley Casey, 20-19, before Nancy Sharam rolled up 22 to account for Wendy Colcott by two shots.

Dartmoor hosted Hamilton and collected overall honours with a 38-29 victory.

Pamela White got the visitors rolling with a 16-12 win against Elaine Jones, before Suzanne Tregellis finished with 26 to double Cliff Brinkman’s score.

Macarthur had home green advantage for its

clash against Portland, but it counted for little, with the visitors recording a thrilling 41-39 win. Anne Gilmour gave the home side something to smile about with a 23-19 win against Myra Bourke, before Naomi Pye made up the deficit with a 22-16 victory against Carole Dunn to ensure the visitors claimed overall honours. Heywood took on Memorial down south and struggled to match the home side, going down 27-55.

Ian Merrett rolled up 20 to Aneel Chaudhry’s 17, while Julie McInnes dominated with a 35 shots to 10 win against Darryl Moore.

Grangeburn Bowling Club report

WENDY KOSCH

SATURDAY’S weather was unforgiving, leading to the cancellation of all pennant games because of the relentless rain.

Today, three divisions play at home with Division 1 against Portland, Division 3 play Memorial, and Division 4 play Casterton.

The only team not playing at home is Division 2, which travels south to Macarthur.

After Saturday’s game, the Club’s Christmas party will be held at the clubrooms.

On Tuesday, both Division 1 and Division 3 competed at Grangeburn.

Division 1 secured all the points, defeating Balmoral by 22 shots.

Division 3 narrowly lost to Casterton by three shots, while

Division 2 Red went to Portland, where they managed to draw one rink but ultimately lost by 14 shots.

Div 1 - Grangeburn 65 defeated Balmoral 43: Owen Ross 27 d Nett Tinning 11; Ruben Ross 20 d Kathy Simons 16; Ken Prewett 18 d Chic Trotman 16.

Div 2 - Grangeburn 28 lost to Portland 42: Rosemary Spencer 17 drew with Andrew Smail 17; Brian Kavanagh 11 lt Alan Warburton 25.

Div 3 - Grangeburn 39 lost to Casterton 42: Bev Casey 19 lt Helen Lucas 20; Wendy Colcott 20 lt Nancy Sharam 22.

Next Tuesday, both Division 1 and also Division 2 Blue will play at Memorial, Division 2 Red will have a bye, while Division 3 will be heading to Dartmoor for its match-up.

Last Sunday, Leah McCabe and Jules Pollock represented the region in a squad practice match in Colac against Geelong.

Following the games, the squad was narrowed down from 16 to 12 players.

Congratulations to Leah McCabe, who was selected to join the team for the Regionals which are in Ballarat next month.

This Sunday, competitors Ruben Ross, Ken Prewett, Chris Rigby, Irene Box, Jules Pollock, and Wendy Kosch will participate in the sectional rounds of the Far Western Playing Area Singles.

The men’s matches will take place at the Hamilton Bowling Club, while the women’s matches are set for Grangeburn. Wishing all the participants the best of luck.

In the weeks leading up to Christmas, local businesses have been relishing barefoot bowls parties on our greens.

A heartfelt thank you to the volunteers who dedicate their time to make these events possible.

The Grangeburn singles championships will be held on December 21 and 22.

Entries on the noticeboard in the clubhouse.

WENDY Colcott fell just short of victory in her Division 3 clash against Casterton’s Nancy Sharam. Photo: LARA FITZPATRICK. 241022lf002

Greaves leads Minders to comeback win

LLOYD ILETT

MINDERS has retained the ladder lead in the Hamilton Basketball Association (HBA)

Men’s Division 1 competition after Jakob Greaves led a second half revival against St Mary’s Black at Hamilton Indoor Leisure and Aquatic Centre (HILAC), guiding the team to a 44-37 win on Wednesday night.

Bottom of the ladder St Mary’s Black was on track for a huge upset at the half time break, as the team led 22-16 after taking the game up to Minders in the first half.

Greaves was the star of the second half, putting up 12 points to see Minders catch St Mary’s Black and eventually grab the lead, recording a come-from-behind victory

Greaves led the Minders attack with 16 points for the game, with Josh Miller (15) and Paul Churchill (six) giving him great support.

Tuesday

Round 8

Women’s Division 2

Barber Babes 30 (Amy Pepper 13) d Pure Envy 19 (Willow Boughton 8)

Tigers 42 (Sophie Rentsch 12) d St Mary’s 32 (Willow Colliton 10)

Tigers Black 30 (Casey Pye 11) d Athletics 24 (Deanna Barker 9)

Women’s Division 3

Barber Babes Black 27 (Rebecca Malseed 13) d

Minders Blue 24 (Chloe Meyers 13)

College Sooty Owls 27 (Isabella Malseed 9) d

Barber Babes White 23 (Ayla Ewing 15)

Crocodiles 29 (Caylee Hunt 8) d Minders 25

It wasn’t to be for St Mary’s Black, despite the best efforts of Zac Elliott (14 points), Riley Iredell (nine) and Craig Jackson (seven), as the team put in a sterling performance to scare the ladder leaders in the final game of the year.

St Marys Orange d Barber Boys

ST Mary’s Orange has caused a huge upset by defeating previous ladder leader, Barber Boys, in Wednesday’s late game, 49-34.

The victors controlled the game after falling behind by four points to open the game, but Jack Jennings dropped two three-point bombs to gain the lead, and the team was never headed from then on.

Charlie Alexander (17), Jacob Hill (nine) and the rest of the St Mary’s Orange players all played very well to lift the side from the bottom of the ladder, while Shai Bunworth (nine), Joel LeRoy (eight), Angus Hayden-Simpson (seven), and Sam English (seven) battled hard for Barber

Boys.

Women’s Division 1 Minders d Tigers

MINDERS has leapfrogged St Mary’s Orange in second place on the HBA Women’s Division 1 ladder after defeating Tigers by seven points on Tuesday night at HILAC, 32-25.

Tigers staged a huge second half revival after falling behind at the halftime break, 7-21, as the Tigers turned the tables on its more fancied opponents to fall short when the final buzzer sounded.

The second half surge was led by Rhianne Lewis who had only three points next her name at the break but roared back into the game with 12 points to finish with 15 points for the game.

Caeleigh Humphries (11) was the leading scorer for Minders as the team held their nerve in the second half despite the increased attacking pressure from Tigers which remains on the

HBA senior RESULTS

(Maggie Craig 15)

Tigers Yellow 24 (Erika Shepherd 9) d Athletics 16 (Tamara Murray 6)

Women’s Division 4

Minders White 20 (Madi Tonissen 9) d Minders

Blue 8 (Belinda Roden 4)

Storm 34 (Kate Lewis 14) d Monivae 29 (Tara McIntyre 12)

Barber Babes 33 (Olivia Smith 12) d College

Snowy Owls 16 (Naomi Lee, Olivia Rees, Chloe

Headlam 4)

Wednesday Round 8

Men’s Division 2A

College Barn Owls 35 (Nicholas Hoskyns 11) d

Minders Blue 26 (Archie Hintum 12)

Casterton 55 (Thomas Searle 14) d Barber Boys

Black 21 (Zanda Ewing 11)

Monivae Grey 44 (Angus Impey 19) d Minders

White 33 (Morgan Newns 12)

Barber Boys White 30 (Ontaj Gould 9) d Barber

Boys Red 27 (Thomas Waters 13)

Men’s Division 2B

Barber Boys White 38 (Cooper Kearney 15) d

Monivae 27 (Ben Marti 16)

Barber Boys Black 50 (Oliver Winnell, Alistair

Lewis 15) d St Mary’s Black 21 (Maximus

Graham 15)

Barber Boys Red 38 (Liam Tonissen 18) d

bottom of the ladder after the loss.

St Mary’s Black d St Mary’s Orange

ST MARY’S BLACK has remained undefeated after the first seven rounds of the season with its defeat of sister team, St Mary’s Orange in the late game on Tuesday night, 41-25.

The battle of the Saints’ teams was one-sided as the Black team carried a six-point lead into the second half after finishing the first in front, 18-12, but the Black players just lifted the intensity for the second half and roared away to win by 16 points.

Charlize Cooper and Saskia Gould both posted 10 points for the game to lead the scoring for the Black team, while the Orange team had Clare Crawford putting up 10 points also.

The competition now goes into recess for the next two months before resuming on February 4 and 5.

Minders Blue 32 (Jensen Soulsby 10)

Minders White 36 (Michael Elliott 13) d College

Barking Owls 33 (Oliver

Tigers 33 (Kieran Barker 11) d St Mary’s Orange 22 (Harry Mercer 12)

Monivae Maroon 35 (Abdul Muhktar 22) d GT

Storm 31 (Nathaniel Schulz 19)

Men’s Division 3

Minders 21 (Brayden Robertson 7) d Barber

Boys White 16 (Jordan Murphy 9)

Tigers 72 (Elwood Perry 23) d Storm 23 (Eli Crutch 18)

Coasters 45 (Latham Wishart 14) d Barber Boys

Black 23 (Jamie Pevitt 12)

St Mary’s 27 (Peter Yole 11) d Redbacks 25 (Malcolm Lowin 10)

MINDERS’ Jakob Greaves held the hot hand against St Mary’s Black on Wednesday night. Photo: GLENN GUY. 240522gg054

Credlin 16)

Young gymnasts get the chance to test skills at club competition

ADAM HILL

IT will be a special day for Hamilton and District Gymnastics Club’s younger members, with a rare chance to put their skills to the test in a competition-like format today.

Club president, Robyn Hanifin said about 50 kids from the Foundation, Beginner, Beginner Advanced and Intermediate levels will get

the chance to compete at the club’s in-house competition.

“They will be split up into four groups across two timeslots,” she said.

“All four apparatus - Beam, floor, uneven bars, and vault – will be used, with the kids aged from 5-11 years old.”

With the event set to run in the same format as regional competitions, each gymnast will get an attempt at the four disciplines.

Hanifin said the success of the event last year prompted it again in 2024.

“We did it for the first time last year, so this is our second one,” she said.

“It is about giving the girls a chance to compete.

“It is ran exactly the same way we’d run the invitational.”

Hanifin also said the club is looking for new members, with an opportunity to come and

have a look and get involved.

“We finish up next week, then start back up in February,” she said.

“They can call the club or visit our Facebook page, with training sessions once a week for each level.”

Today’s event gets underway at 10am, with the second timeslot scheduled to start about midday.

State Cup races into Portland

NICK MOSELEY

PORTLAND District Karting Club is preparing to host one of the biggest dates on the state’s karting calendar, when the 2024 Victorian State Cup brings some of the best drivers from Victoria and interstate to Yarraman Park this weekend.

The event is shared around Victorian karting tracks from year to year, and Portland were the lucky club who were awarded hosting duties for the first time in over a decade with Portland last playing host to the battles for the black plates back in 2013.

A field of 200 drivers across the weekend’s 13 classes, from the newest Cadet 9 drivers up to the experienced Combined Masters racers, will hit the track at Yarraman Park from 8am to 5pm today and tomorrow.

Portland District Karting Club’s Paul Parker said the final preparations for the big weekend were still underway.

“It’s looking to be a great weekend of racing,” he said.

Bunker shots

ROBYN HOLCOMBE

DUE to the wet weather, Saturday’s event was cancelled.

Wednesday

A TEXAS Ambrose was played with the beginner and emerging golfers joining the field.

It was good to see 59 players participating in

this fun event.

“To have this many nominations for the weekend is a great thing for the club, and for the town and district as a whole.

“We’re currently working to get everything ready in preparation. There’s 200 pit spots that we need to mark out which will probably take two days on its own.

“The State Cup gets shared around the clubs, but not all tracks are big enough to hold this event so it’s fantastic that Portland has the capacity and ability to host such an event.”

The opportunity for drivers from as far as Tasmania to attempt to get to adorn their kart with the black plate for the entirety of next season is up for grabs, which is the third highest honour for Victorian karting – behind the Australian champion’s green plate, and the Victorian champion’s blue plate.

No matter who wins the honour, Parker said that spectators would be enthralled by some fast, wheel-to-wheel action no matter what conditions the weekend throws at them.

“We’ll be racing rain, hail or shine,” he said.

“These karts have wet tyres that can be put on when the track

The winning team was Kavell Lyons, Joanna Austin, Karen Payne and Glen Dixon, with the group finishing with a score of 61.25 nett.

Runners-up were Marg King, Alan McLaughlin, Di Hatherall and Alma Fonda with 63 7/8.

There was no official ball run down, but the new players were given a ball.

Those players were Jan Hornell, Austin, Karyn Dyson, Rosalie Broadfoot, Kerry Martin, Judy Ford and Alan McLaughlin.

Presentation of the annual trophies was held after golf and players enjoyed a lovely lunch.

Some of the major prize winners were Ath Archer winning the Spectator Trophy, Jeanette Carmichael winning the RA Christie Trophy.

is declared as wet, so the only thing that can put a stop to karting is lightning.

“We’ve got plenty of areas where spectators can take in the action, and a race commentator who keeps everyone updated on what’s going on and who the local drivers are so that people can keep an eye out for them.

“Our three Country Series champions will be gunning for a black plate this weekend, and I think there’s between 10 and 15 local drivers who will be giving their all out on the track.” Parker hoped local people would come along and enjoy the atmosphere at Yarraman Park.

“Every karting event is always free for spectators to come along and watch,” he said.

“Another benefit we have going for us is that spectators also have entry into the pit areas so they can wander around and have a look behind the scenes.

“There’s a lot of work that goes into kart racing, so I think that’s a pretty cool thing for people to get a chance to see.”

Pam Howell won the Veterans Trophy and Kavell Lyons won the Super Veterans Trophy.

Enid Smith took out the Kavell Lyons Trophy and Debbie Milne won the Laidlaw Cup.

The Ritchie Cup was won by Molly O’Brien and Sue Walter, O’Brien also claimed the NR Dale Trophy, while the Committee Cup was shared by Deb Pinniger and Di Raymond.

The Austin Cup was won by Sally Warburton, and the Fairway Trophy was won by Lisa Murphy.

A grade scratch eclectic went to Kerryn Price while the handicap honour went to Jeanette Carmichael, B grade scratch eclectic was won by Jenny Edwards and Chantal Butcher topped the handicap scores.

The putting award went to Robyn Holcombe,

most birdies was won by Price, and the most chip ins went to Bev Tyson.

The most reduced handicap award went to Lisa Murphy.

Next week the women will be playing for the December monthly medal, stroke and putting event.

Updates

TODAY’S event is stroke and the men will be playing for the December Monthly Medal.

Also a reminder to get your entry in for the annual Christmas ambrose, which is scheduled for December 15.

Hit them long and straight and enjoy the 19th hole.

JOANNA Austin, Karen Payne, Kavell Lyons and Glen Dixon combined to win the Texas ambrose event. Photo: SUPPLIED.

ATH Archer won the Spectator Trophy. Photo: SUPPLIED

Sport

VIC TITLE ON OFFER

WESTERN Speedway, Hamilton will come alive tonight, as it hosts the SSA Super Sedan Victorian Title.

Competitors from New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria have nominated for this event, led by Tyson Moon from Bega, who currently holds the Victoria VSSA Series points lead.

Tyson has achieved remarkable success this season, securing victories in all three rounds of the Victorian Super Sedan Series and is poised to continue his strong form.

Jamie Collins has consistently been placed in the Victorian Series so far and hopes to secure his second Victorian Title.

Local Hamilton driver, Brock Atkins, will be driving the second of the Moon Earthworks cars and has recorded a third, fourth and fifth place

finish so far in the series, and will no doubt be eager to capture his first victory of the season in front of his home crowd.

Mick Nicola junior gained momentum late in the round at Avalon and will seek to maintain that form as he aims to add another Victorian Title to his resume.

Lucas Roberts - known as the Moama Maulerwill return after missing the Avalon series round due to injury.

As a five-time Victorian Title winner, Roberts will be aiming for victory in the title race.

Ash Bergmeier has also shown solid performance, having finished second in the Victorian Title in 2019, and is looking to go one better.

South Australian driver, Dave Gartner, having recently competed at the Hamilton Practice Day should have a handle on the track and will be

determined to start the year with a win.

Additionally former Hamilton local, Todd Aitkins, who now resides in Queensland will pilot his brother’s car, having recently secured a heat win at Moama in convincing style.

Current Australian land speed record holder, Lionel West, also demonstrated impressive form at Moama with a second-place finish in the A Main and will be aiming to build on that success.

Dave Mckenzie is navigating the aftermath of significant damage sustained during the Moama round and is focussed on redeeming his standing with a commendable performance.

Mick Nicola will be competing in Victoria for the first time this season having vehicles based in both Queensland and Victoria.

The former Australian Champion should be a strong contender among the front few rows and chasing the Victorian title.

Danny Amato from Bacchus Marsh, a returning long time Super Sedan driver, appears to have reintegrated into the sport seamlessly despite his absence.

Other South Australian drivers include Paul Blenkiron from Murray Bridge in a new vehicle, alongside Kym Leyson from Salisbury and Chris Ferguson from Meadow.

The race format includes three rounds of heats followed by a 35-lap final.

Tonight’s racing is supported by Junior Sedans with a round of the JSPA series, Production Sedans and Limited Sportsman.

With the season-opening event on November 23 ending prematurely, due to the condition of the track, tonight is shaping up to be a big night of racing for local spectators.

Gates opens at 3pm with racing from 5pm.

DEFENDING T20 champion, Macarthur, kept its back-to-back hopes alive with a win against Grampians on