The Weekly Advertiser – Wednesday, May 1, 2024

United against violence

BY LAUREN HENRY

The nationwide response to a spike in fatal incidents of violence against women will be in the spotlight in Horsham this weekend.

Organisers of a community walk, Shine the Light, in Horsham on Saturday evening expect an increased attendance due to the current heightened awareness of violence against women, and family violence.

Thousands attended ‘No more’ rallies in capital and regional cities, including Ballarat and Bendigo, at the weekend, which comes after 27 women across Australia have been killed this year –double the amount compared to this time last year.

Three women have been murdered in the Ballarat region – two allegedly by former partners.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has called an emergency national cabinet meeting for today, Wednesday, with all state and territory leaders to address the prevention of gendered violence incited online and improving informationsharing about high-risk perpetrators and serial offenders.

Mr Albanese described violence against women as a ‘national crisis’, pointing to the statistics of one woman dying every four days, on average, at the hand of a partner.

Victoria Police Western Region Division Four family violence training officer Senior Sergeant Simone Field said the community needed to take a stand and show women and children they were believed when reporting family violence.

“I feel like the community really needs to stand up and believe women,” she said.

“It’s an extremely low percentage of women who make false statements to police, so you’re right when you believe a female who comes forward and says this is going on.”

Sen Sgt Field said there also needed to be more funding for men’s behaviour change programs, and to make them more accessible in rural areas.

“The courts direct men into these programs as part of sentencing, but there’s got to be these programs available –there’s waiting lists,” she said.

Sen Sgt Field said coercive control was a major aspect of family violence, and was particularly difficult to manage in the Wimmera and Grampians region because of distance, isolation and people willing to come forward in smaller communities.

“Also our demographic is older in this region and it’s the culture piece that we have to change. There’s a big change that’s got to happen in that space around things that normally go on behind closed doors,” she said.

“I think our younger generation is more willing to report, but we need to bring everyone along.”

Sen Sgt Field said strategies to address family violence following the Royal Commission into Family Violence in 2015 had resulted in greater informationsharing between all services in Victoria.

Continued page 3

THAT’LL DO

A

will soon

DONKEY:

giant green ogre

appear in the Wimmera as Horsham Arts Council performs Shrek the Musical, starting tomorrow night. There will be nine performances at Horsham Town Hall set to entertain the whole family. Pictured is Tim O’Donnell as Shrek, and Chris Versteegen as Donkey. For more pictures, see page 23. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

HRCC NEWS Re-open The Wesley campaign officially launches

and

Committee is accepting donations.

The aim is to raise $2 million to fully restore the Wesley building and repurpose it as a niche performing arts and community space.

The building closed in 2017 following a safety audit that deemed the interior a fire hazard and identified accessibility issues.

The planned upgrades include a flat floor throughout the entire venue, from the street front to the back of the house, which will eliminate access and mobility issues.

HRCC previously matched the Wesley Committee’s cash contribution to the project of $225,000, enabling the Committee to kick off a fundraising campaign with $450,000.

An additional $550,000 is needed from community donations and contributions from corporate and philanthropic entities.

This will allow the committee to seek a dollar-for-dollar federal government grant to reach the final target.

Residents can donate with cash, card, and cheque at the Horsham Town Hall seven days a week, or scan the QR code to support the cause online.

The Wesley Committee is a not-for-profit group with deductible gift recipient and tax concession

ductible.

Do you want to have a role in shaping the future of Horsham Rural City Council? Are you passionate about making a positive contribution to your community? Now is the time to put your hand up to make a difference.

Councils are the closest level of government to community. To represent their communities successfully, local governments need quality candidates to put their hand up for election.

Prospective candidates are invited to attend information sessions being held around the state, both in-person and online.

The Victorian Local Government Association (VLGA) will host free online sessions this month – one especially for women. More information can be found at vlga.org.au.

There is also a separate Municipal Association of Victoria (MAV) in-person information session being held at Nhill on Wednesday 14 August. For more information and to register, go to the MAV website - mav.asn.au.

“HRCC has a strong history of representation by community leaders who put their hand up and become a candidate,” HRCC Chief Executive Officer Sunil Bhalla said.

“I encourage anyone thinking about standing to use the resources of the VLGA and the MAV.

“The sessions will cover topics such as the role and purpose of local government and councillors' roles, responsibilities and expectations once elected,” Mr Bhalla said.

SUPPORT FOR LOCAL EVENTS

HRCC's grant program now open

HRCC's Community Event Grants Program is now open, offering a significant boost to not-for-profit groups in the municipality.

Funding guidelines

The maximum allocation per organisation is $10,000. Most successful applications are between $500 and $5,000.

Who can apply?

To be eligible for the HRCC Community Event Grants Program, you must:

• Be a not-for-profit group

• Be incorporated or have an auspice body

• Have public liability insurance covering your event

• The event must be held within the HRCC municipality.

First of two rounds

There are two event funding rounds this year. The first assessment round will consider applications received by 31 May 2024, with the grant notification date set for 30 June. The second round will assess applications received by 30 November 2024, with grant notifications due in January 2025.

Information session Wednesday, 1 May 2024 from 6pm to 6.30pm, Civic Centre, 18 Roberts Avenue, Horsham. Register by emailing events@hrcc.vic.gov.au.

Scan the QR code for more informtion.

SERVICES

Provide surveying services for Horsham Rural City Council, Hindmarsh Shire Council and West Wimmera Shire Council. Closes Friday 21 May

Current Community Engagements HOUSING STRATEGY

The Horsham and Natimuk Housing Diversity and Affordability Strategy will be a 15-year plan to manage demand for housing.

Provide feedback by answering the questions presented in the Discussion Paper. Consultation open until 16 June 2024.

For details visit the Have Your Say section of HRCC's website

The campaign to re-open The Wesley has officially begun,

the Wesley

charity status. Donations are tax-de-

Wesley stalwarts Wendy Weight and Mary Starr at last week's launch.

Changing restrictions across border

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

As Wimmera-region football clubs and leagues adjust to new AFL-mandated age policies restricting the participation of juniors in the sport, a separate set of rules for the bordering Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara Football League, KNTFL, in South Australia has created confusion.

In March the AFL’s National Community Football Policy introduced three-year age catchments for junior players, meaning players more than

UNITED:

From left, Kaye Londrigan, Geoff Miller, Sam Gray, Christine Barnett, Kristy Martin and Mitchell Gallop, promote Wimmera Committee Against Family Violence’s Shine The Light event.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

three years below a competition’s age limit are unable to participate unless granted an exemption in ‘exceptional and compelling circumstances’.

The change was driven by an updated risk assessment by AFL-affiliated insurer Marsh Advantage Insurance.

But frustrated officials from Wimmera-based clubs noted the KNTFL was not following the same age restrictions, citing examples of 15-yearolds playing senior football.

Some club leaders expressed concern a different set of rules might lead players living near the Victoria-South

Australia border to transfer to the KNTFL in search of more playing opportunities.

AFL Wimmera Mallee region manager Ange Ballinger said the discrepancy in rules was due to the fact the KNTFL was overseen by the South Australian National Football League, SANFL, not the AFL.

“The SANFL do not fully affiliate with the AFL national policies,” she said.

“They have different arrangements and agreements with what part of the national policy they pick up and

what they don’t. That inconsistency certainly hasn’t helped me as a region manager with leagues that border South Australia.”

Mrs Ballinger said the SANFL had chosen to offer blanket age-group exemptions to leagues, rather than requiring case-by-case applications.

But she said this could heighten a league’s liability if a younger player was seriously injured in competition.

“I’m not an expert in their system, but my understanding is that having a blanket exemption provides much more exposure to risk than it does

Shining a light on family violence

The community will take to the streets on Saturday night to raise awareness about family violence.

The Shine the Light event will involve a walk, starting in Ward Street at 6pm, travelling from Pynsent Street and then along Firebrace Street before a presentation at Horsham Soundshell.

The Wimmera Committee Against Family Violence invites the public to join the event, which allows participants to grieve for those affected by family violence, share messages of hope and ensure the people behind family violence statistics are not forgotten.

Last year’s event attracted more than 100 participants, and organisers are hoping for greater support this year.

The Wimmera Committee Against

Family Violence vice-chair Shane Podolski said police and Country Fire Authority, CFA, personnel would again join the event.

“The police do rolling stops, block all the roads, and CFA have all their torches, fire engines behind us, the whole lot – it’s pretty spectacular,” he said.

Mr Podolski said Horsham Mayor Robyn Gulline and Member for Lowan Emma Kealy had been invited to speak at Horsham Soundshell, where there would also be a presentation to pay tribute to victims of family violence, plus a sausage sizzle for participants.

He said what started as an online event with people holding a photo saying they stood against family violence had now turned into a larger community event.

“We also have an awakening tribute to the reported cases in Horsham – in 2022, we had 511, and in 2023 there is 635, so it’s actually gone up,” he said.

“So that’s just to raise awareness of we’ve got that happening – and that’s only reported. So what’s not reported?”

Mr Podolski said the fact that 27 women had been murdered across Australia this year would be a focus of the presentation.

He said he hoped protests about women’s safety in capital and regional cities at the weekend would translate to more people attending the Horsham event on Saturday night.

“I think people, because nothing was actually done in Horsham or the Wimmera, will come along to show support, especially with what’s been

happening in Ballarat and then the violence against the women at the Bondi Junction shopping centre,” he said.

“The honest truth is, and I say this every year, I wish I didn’t have to talk to you. Family violence should be going down, it should be zero, and then the committee won’t have to do all this work, we can just not be there.”

Mr Podolski said he hoped greater education of youth would result in lesser incidents.

“By changing that mindset, hopefully we can stamp out these bad behaviours that have been going since man was created, really,” he said.

“It’s the kids who are in that environment picking up that bad trait. So it’s about breaking the cycle from the start.”

where we have an exemption process where an individual is assessed,” she said.

“That’s the level of risk the SANFL is happy to accept, whereas those who are affiliated with AFL national policies abide by those.

“Our leagues and associations affiliate directly with AFL Victoria, which affiliates directly with the AFL national policies.”

For more on how Ararat and District Junior Football Association is adjusting to the new age restrictions, see next week’s The Weekly Advertiser.

Reports rise

From page 1

“I think where we have come leaps and bounds is information sharing. It’s taken a couple of years to embed and for everybody to understand it because historically police have been very careful in releasing information,”

Sen Sgt Field said.

“But now it’s mandated we share information with The Orange Door, and vice versa, and there’s more than 1000 entities that we are sharing information with – including schools, kinders, emergency departments.”

Sen Sgt Field said police being able to take statements via body cameras at the scene, the addition of telephone reporting, and allowing victims to give evidence via video link at court were also a positive change.

She said the increase in family violence incidents was reflective of more victims being willing to report offending, but it remained an under-reported crime.

“I’m not suggesting we’re seeing an increase in stalking, but we’re more aware it goes hand in hand with family violence offending,” she said.

“Monitoring people on social media is a theme we see when investigating contravention of intervention orders ... this is how some of our younger offenders keep people under surveillance through social media.”

Across the region, the following number of family violence incidents were recorded in 2022-23: Horsham 592, a 15.4 percent increase compared to 2021-22; Ararat 290, a 9.4 percent increase; Hindmarsh 88, an 8.6 percent increase; Northern Grampians 297, an 8.8 percent increase; West Wimmera 42, an 8.7 percent decrease; and Yarrimabiack 123, a 26.8 percent increase.

• Family and domestic violence helplines: 1800 Respect national helpline 1800 737 732; Women’s Crisis Line 1800 811 811; Men’s Referral Service 1300 766 491; Lifeline 24-hour crisis line 131

Future housing needs in spotlight

BY LAUREN HENRY

Residents have the opportunity to contribute to the future direction of housing in the Horsham municipality.

The Horsham and Natimuk Housing Diversity and Affordability Strategy will provide Horsham Rural City Council with a framework for managing growth and the region’s housing needs across the next 15 years.

The strategy identifies a population growth of 1800 residents for the Horsham municipality by 2041, creating a demand of an extra 1476 homes.

It also reports that an extra 650 social and affordable housing units would be needed by 2041, with 70 households experiencing homelessness, and 1040 households experiencing rental stress.

There is an estimated 38 years of land supply available for housing development across the municipality, equivalent to more than 2800 dwell-

ings, including 1786 dwellings at Horsham, 489 at Haven; 280 at Natimuk and 284 across other areas.

The strategy looks at how to manage demand for housing, the need for a diverse range of housing types and affordability issues.

It also takes into consideration cultural heritage and neighbourhood character, in the context of population and housing projections, and assessment of existing residential land supply.

The council noted the strategy report and discussion paper at its meeting last week.

Cr David Bowe said it was essential to consider the necessary infrastructure and services to effectively support new homes.

“We feel a critical need for more diverse and affordable housing as our population spans and diversifies,” he said.

“Although Horsham has experienced

“Affordable housing is merely not a convenience, it is a fundamental necessity that supports social and economic well-being”

– Cr David Bowe

steady growth, our housing stock has not kept up pace, particularly in terms of affordability and variety.

“Affordable housing is merely not a convenience, it is a fundamental necessity that supports social and economic well-being.

“By participating in community consultation, you are helping to build a community that values its people at every stage of their lives.”

Cr Les Power said the strategy would also benefit smaller towns such as Natimuk, Jung, Pimpinio and Laharum.

“Housing is very, very important, but also we must look at the other side of it, too,” he said.

“Where there’s housing and so forth, we need builders, we need contractors, we need other people within the service industries to make this a possibility, so by us getting bigger and better, we will encourage people to come here and work and live in Horsham and the surrounding areas.”

Cr Ian Ross said it was important where affordable housing was located in the community.

“It’s important to not suppress it in one location, which can cause gentrification, so I really request the community respond to the feedback, ensure there is sound and good town planning, and affordable housing is spread throughout all our suburbs,” he said.

Cr Penny Flynn outlined what the strategy set out to achieve, including setting a vision for future housing; identifying the role that each town could play in accommodating future growth; and identifying preferred

staging for growth to assist with investment prioritisation.

It will also provide policy support for the increased supply of diverse and affordable housing and suggest appropriate locations; and identify opportunities for council to advocate to and partner with key stakeholders to achieve objectives.

“We also need to know what the strategy won’t do – overcome all market barriers to the supply of housing, for example, the feasibility of certain types of housing; compel landowners to sell or develop land identified for housing growth; and provide detailed guidance regarding built form outcomes,” she said.

The documents are now available for community feedback until June 16.

For more information, visit have yoursay.hrcc.vic.gov.au/horsham-andnatimuk-housing-strategy.

Love in the air at Grape Escape

Horsham’s Linda Billing and John Hunt will tie the knot in front of thousands of people at this weekend’s Grampians Grape Escape.

The couple, who have been together for six years, were winners of a competition allowing one couple to say ‘I do’ on the main stage of the Halls Gap festival on Saturday.

The event will be made possible thanks to several of the region’s wedding vendors, including Kiata celebrant Marry Me Becky B, flowers from Ararat’s Three Blooms Florist, photos by western Victoria photographer One Day Collective, and wedding co-ordination by Pomonal elopement specialists Wirreanda Farm.

The couple had put planning their big day on hold as they were in the process of IVF, but saw the competition as a sign.

“We thought we’d have a crack

at the competition, we didn’t think we were going to win,” Ms Billing said.

“But it was meant to be. We said this year’s our year, and it was too good an opportunity to not take up.

“Not many people can say they got married on the main stage of a wine festival. And we love wine.”

Ms Billing said they got engaged while in Sydney four years ago.

“I was going to ask him that same weekend, but he got in first,” she said.

Joining the couple on stage will be Ms Billing’s daughter, Hayley, who will be flower girl for the nuptials.

People attending the Grampians Grape Escape are invited to join Ms Billing and Mr Hunt at their ceremony at 1.15pm on Saturday.

“The more the merrier to

brighten the day,” Ms Billing said.

Other couples can be involved in the love-fest by renewing their vows at the festival.

Wirreanda Farm’s mobile tiny chapel ‘Miss Mabel’ will be set up for couples to renew their vows. For $300, couples will receive an express vow renewal by Marry Me Becky B, six photos from One Day Collective with a backdrop styled by Three Blooms Florist.

People can register their interest at www.wirreandafarm.com. au or visit the Miss Mabel Tiny Chapel at the festival.

The Grape Escape is a notfor-profit food and wine festival showcasing the best of the region’s produce, wine and talent, attracting thousands of visitors each year. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www. grampiansgrapeescape.com.au.

I DO: Linda Billing and John Hunt, of Horsham, will marry at Grampians Grape Escape on Saturday after winning a competition.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Donations begin to roll in

BY LAUREN HENRY

Tree clearing charges laid

Fundraising to reopen Wes-

ley Performing Arts Centre

started with a bang last week, with at least $11,000 pledged in donations.

The fundraising launch at Horsham Rural City Council’s Civic Centre reception room on Wednesday evening attracted about 60 people.

With the upgrade to cost about $2 million, and the committee and council already having $450,000, a fundraising campaign target has been set at $550,000, in order to apply for government funding to match the $1 million contribution.

Horsham Mayor Robyn Gulline was the first to make a donation with a $1000 cheque, followed by $5000 each from long-time Horsham performing arts supporter Jan Morris, and Horsham Arts Council.

The building will be given a new name of The Wesley when it reopens.

The Wesley Committee chair Mary Starr outlined the history of the Roberts Avenue performing arts venue including its closure in 2017 due to fire and safety issues.

After the council resolved to support The Wesley Committee in 2019, work began on architectural plans.

“Both fire and accessibility audits were carried out and recommendations made,” Ms Starr said.

“This led to the decision by the committee to adopt the flat floor plan to provide street level access from the front of the building to the back of the building at the green room.

“Give freely to the fundraising campaign to reopen and reuse this fantastic facility right in the heart of our city.

“I’m sure you’ll all agree with me that this wonderful building should be used by the whole community for a multitude of different events.”

“You

walk in that front door and you’re having a theatrical experience straight away. The acoustics are brilliant. With much passion, I want it to be opened before I die”

– Jan Morris

“You walk in that front door and you’re having a theatrical experience straight away. The acoustics are brilliant,” she said.

“With much passion, I want it to be opened before I die.”

A Wimmera man has been charged with 113 offences after allegedly clearing native vegetation from an area of the Cherrypool State Forest, south of Horsham, adjacent to his property in February 2023.

The 51-year-old is accused of illegally cutting and removing more than 100 native trees, dumping more than 1000 litres of waste, and using a vehicle to damage public land without authorisation.

It is also alleged the man disturbed two protected native plants – the narrowleaved wattle and sphagnum moss – species that are part of protected genera under the Flora and Fauna Guarantee Act 1988.

Investigators said the plants were important for maintaining biodiversity by protecting soil quality and providing habitat for small birds.

The Conservation Regulator, part of the Department of Energy, Environment, and Climate Action, investigated after receiving information about suspected illegal clearing.

When authorised officers inspected the site, they observed about 100 tree stumps in the forest, and several stacks of logs and woody debris on the adjoining farmland.

Large piles of dumped fencing material were also located in the forest, about 100 metres away from the property boundary.

“We’ve worked closely together the whole time the Wesley Performing Arts Centre has been running,” she said.

“This relationship continued with the council when the Horsham Town Hall was opened and the two venues operated successfully, with Wesley attracting smaller audiences in this intimate space and magnificent acoustics, as everyone knows.”

Renowned Horsham performing

Ms Starr thanked Horsham Rural City Council for its support for at least the past 15 years, with providing venue managers, making special mention of Marion Matthews and Joy Cowie, who undertook all the programming, marketing and advertising of shows.

arts supporter Jan Morris also spoke at the launch, speaking about her and her late husband Richard’s work with the Wesley Performing Arts Centre over many years.

Mrs Morris spoke about her sentimental connection to the Wesley, having been involved in so many performances throughout the years, and witnessing the emerging talents of many future stars.

She also thanked the Horsham public for its generosity in donating to The Wesley and performing arts in the Wimmera.

Ambassador Wendy Weight, a longtime Wimmera performing arts benefactor and piano teacher, returned to Horsham for the launch and was recognised for playing an integral role in the Wesley for many years.

Committee members expressed gratitude to Ms Weight for her donation of a rare Schimmel grand piano, as well as a building that was sold in 2019 that formed the committee’s contribution to the upgrade.

• Wendy Weight’s speech will appear as a column in a future edition of The Weekly Advertiser.

“Any illegal removal of native vegetation is devastating for biodiversity, and the loss of these native species will impact the health of the Cherrypool State Forest and the wildlife that depends on it,” Barwon South West acting regional manager Rob Bendon said.

It is illegal to cut or remove native vegetation on public land or damage protected flora without authorisation in Victoria. Offenders face maximum penalties of up to $9615 and 12 months’ jail per charge.

The first mention of the case was heard at Horsham Magistrates’ Court on Monday, with a further court date to be determined.

Anyone with information about illegal land clearing or other environmental crime is urged to report it by calling 136 186. Callers can remain anonymous.

VISION: Ambassador Wendy Weight, right, with The Wesley committee members at a fundraising launch to re-open the Horsham performing arts building.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

On Sunday, May 12th at the Horsham Soundshell join us for a 5km walk or run to support those diagnosed with breast and ovarian cancer.

Schedule: On the day registrations - 8am Formalities commence - 8:45 am Walk / run begins - 9am Event concludes - 10:30 am Also on the day:

*Cash only for raffles and other entertainment

We will also be announcing the Winner of the Workplace Warriors Shield

Online registrations until Friday 10th of May

All online registrations go in the draw to win a prize thanks to Mackays Family Jewellers!

Dogs are allowed at this event, must be kept on lead. Parking available along Hocking Street and Firebrace Street.

www.mothersdayclassic.com.au/vic-horsham

Free Kinder: Enrol for 2025.

Free Kinder is available for three- and four-year-old children in Victoria at participating services. Free Kinder is available in sessional (standalone) and long day care (childcare) settings, saving families up to $2,563 each year, per child. At kindergarten, your child will:

• learn language, literacy and numeracy skills through play, art, music and dance

• learn to express themself and make friends in a safe and caring environment

• build skills and confidence before primary school.

Contact your preferred kinder service or local council to learn about how to enrol for 2025. Visit vic.gov.au/kinder

Eisteddfod propels global career

BY LAUREN HENRY

Alex Rathgeber has performed on stages across the globe, but it’s the Wimmera Music Eisteddfod where it all began.

Rathgeber grew up in Horsham before playing principal roles in productions across Australia, New Zealand, Asia, and on London’s West End.

At 24 years of age, he landed the role of Raoul in the original West End production of The Phantom of the Opera, and then went on to be awarded a Helpmann Award – Australia’s most coveted theatre prize – for his performance as Billy Crocker in Anything Goes with Opera Australia.

Other leading roles have included Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz; Carl Bruner in Ghost The Musical; Greg Connell in The Boy From Oz; and Sid Worley in An Officer And A Gentleman.

Rathgeber said he was honoured to be asked to be patron of the eisteddfod a few years ago.

“I vividly remember being on stage at the Wesley Performing Arts Centre, and singing songs that I was learning with Ann Dickson, who was my first singing teacher,” he said.

“I’d sing songs like That’s Love and His Eye Is On The Sparrow and all these beautiful songs that were the first songs in my repertoire.”

Rathgeber said as well as working with his singing teacher, the eisteddfod was a great training ground for him to develop as a singer.

“There are so many different aspects to understand when it comes to music and singing, but also standing up on stage performing, how you carry yourself, good posture, all the etiquette

involved in entering and exiting the stage, and how you introduce yourself,” he said.

“There are so many basic essentials that you learn, which are so useful not just for performing, but for engaging with people in day-to-day life in general.”

Rathgeber said he performed in various sections of the eisteddfods over the years – playing piano and alto saxophone, solo singing, choir performances and ensembles.

“I think it taught me a lot of invaluable things – how to be on stage as an individual, and step into the spotlight, but also when you’re part of an ensemble or a choir, to learn how to blend with other voices and other instruments, which is a different skill.

“It also gave me a lot of confidence in that once you’ve done all your practice over months and months leading up to it, that you then get up and just give it your best shot.”

Rathgeber said performing in eisteddfods also helped him learn to deal with nervousness.

“I think there’s always the inherent nerves that come with performing for pretty much everyone, and it taught me, in those early days, how to combat those nerves and how to expect them to be there so they wouldn’t necessarily be overwhelming,” he said.

Rathgeber’s eisteddfod performances started with piano in his primary school days, more than 30 years ago.

“There was a category that I was really proud to win – that was original composition,” he said.

“A lot of the music that kids learn might have been around for a long time, a bit more of a classical reper-

toire, but this was a kind of contemporary original piece, and an Australian piece – it was just really pretty, beautiful, and quite simple.

“I remember I won the category and I loved that piece. I was pretty young, so to win was a real thrill.”

Entries open

Entries for this year’s eisteddfod close on Sunday, with the event set for July 26 and 27 at Horsham Church of Christ and Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Horsham.

“I’m thrilled to be associated with the eisteddfod all these years later, and I encourage everyone to jump in and have a go,” Rathgeber said.

“The great thing about it is there’s a variety of categories in all the different sections and it’s for people with varying degrees of experience – for example, there’s a novice singing section for anyone who has less than 18 months’ singing experience, you don’t have to have been learning for years.

“It’s for anyone who wants to step up on stage and have a go, and feel a part of the performing arts community.

“It’s a really encouraging, beautiful, supportive atmosphere. Everyone gets a good cheer at the end of their number and receives some positive and useful written feedback from the adjudicator.”

Fostering a love of music is dear to Rathgeber’s heart.

“There are just so many different types of music out there to be explored and played with,” he said.

“There is a whole world to discover in every piece of music, and every piece of music is open to each individual’s interpretation – there’s a lot of fun to be had with that.

“There’s still a lot of music yet to be written, too, so for people to be able to develop the skills to write their own music and express their own thoughts, feelings and ideas is another great reason to learn how to get into music and know how to craft it from the inside out.

“It’s just such a fantastic means of connection to other people as well. For all the things that I’ve done in my life – learning music and understanding music from the inside out has been one of the greatest gifts of my life.

“I’ve met wonderful people through my exposure to music and I’ve got to know myself really well through all the different pieces of music that I’ve been able to immerse myself in and explore. It’s a really fantastic learning and connection tool.”

Rathgeber is currently performing in The Mousetrap, the Agatha Christie murder mystery play that is touring Australia.

After performing in Melbourne, Sydney, Brisbane, Canberra, Adelaide and Perth last year, it moves on to Darwin, Hobart and a string of regional cities including Geelong from July 4 to 7.

For more information about the Wimmera Music Eisteddfod, visit www.wimmeraeisteddfod.com.

ON TOUR: Alex Rathgeber, who grew up in Horsham, is currently touring Australia in The Mousetrap. Picture: CHRIS PARKER

Childcare pain

The lack of childcare places in the Wimmera is truly a concern.

Officially, there is an estimated 300 children on waiting lists across the Wimmera and southern Mallee, but By Five executive officer Jo Martin believes the number could be more than 400.

By Five Wimmera Southern Mallee

Early Years Initiative is a community collaboration committed to ensuring every child and family has access to consistent, quality early years services.

Towns where a service doesn’t exist at all, of which there are many across the region, don’t have an official waiting list, so the number is unknown.

Hopetoun lost its only childcare service in late March due not being able to attract suitably-qualified candidates to fill staffing positions.

Hopetoun Uniting Early Learning Centre closed indefinitely in April, but work is continuing behind the scenes to reinstate the service.

Uniting Vic Tas confirmed it had two positive interviews last week, and has a further person being followed up.

The small Yarriambiack town hit the national ABC webpage last week, with parents saying they felt left with the choice of either quitting their jobs or moving away from the region. This is the last thing the region needs. Attracting people, particularly those working and contributing to our region, to live in our region is critical to its prosperity.

In some good news, Horsham Rural City Council has made available its Kalkee Road Children’s and Community Hub to a private childcare provider.

While full details are yet to be confirmed, the new provider is set to offer more than 90 new long day care places by August.

The council plan to help ease the Wim-

EDITORIAL

By Lauren Henry

mera’s severe childcare shortage was made possible by Emerge Early Learning Services shifting its kindergarten program to a new Horsham North facility.

Mayor Robyn Gulline said Emerge Early Learning Services secured funding to move to the new two-room kindergarten at the Rasmussen Road school, which made three rooms at the hub now vacant.

She said an announcement would be made ‘shortly’ with details about the new childcare provider.

Cr Gulline also confirmed there had been no reduction in kindergarten places in Horsham – in fact the new provider would also offer a kindergarten program.

“By reverting Kalkee Road Children’s and Community Hub to the original design and use, which was for long day care and in-venue kindergarten, we hope to ease the critical long day care shortage,” she said.

Maternal and child health services and supported playgroup will also continue to operate from the hub alongside the long day care.

While this will help ease childcare needs in Horsham, what about the smaller towns in our region?

Childcare providers do not necessarily see the small towns as a profitable venture, and this is where the government, all levels of government, need to step up.

Incentives, rebates, subsidies, grants –or just building their own service – whatever it takes needs to be looked at with urgency.

Ararat Legacy hosts Shrine visit

Ararat Legacy hosted a contingent of students, teachers and legatees at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne for the 92nd Annual Legacy Anzac Commemoration Ceremony for Students on April 19.

Leading up to Anzac Day each year, Melbourne Legacy hosts a commemoration service for the students of Victoria, with this year involving the return of larger attendances, not seen since COVID restrictions, with about 500 gathering.

The ceremony honours the service and sacrifice of all those who have served.

Fifty-one students from year seven to 12, together with supervising teachers from Ararat College, Marian College, Stawell Secondary College, Beaufort Secondary Col-

lege, Lake Bolac Secondary College and Avoca Primary School, attended to pay their respects, including five Ararat Legatees.

Organised by Melbourne Legacy, the day is an opportunity for the younger generation to remember and give thanks to the men and women whose love of their country and sacrifice in wartime enabled Australians to live in peace and freedom today.

The commemoration ceremony was attended by Governor of Victoria Margaret Gardner along with other dignitaries.

As part of the ceremony, wreaths were laid by student representatives from all colleges and schools in attendance.

Following the service, students, teachers and legatees spent time

viewing the many exhibits within the Shrine of Remembrance. Ararat Legacy Shrine trip coordinator and Legatee Kevin Bowles, who attended the ceremony, said it was pleasing to continue to offer the annual trip to students from across the region, with the support of funding through the Victoria Government Remembrance Program.

“It was also pleasing that three of our five Legatees had not been before to experience the occasion and now have a greater understanding not only of keeping the Anzac spirit alive for our younger generations, but also how the Shrine is so symbolic as Victoria’s national memorial to Australians who have served in war and peacekeeping operations,” he said.

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MOVING: Students from Ararat, Stawell, Beaufort, Lake Bolac and Avoca attended the 92nd Annual Legacy Anzac Commemoration Ceremony for Students at the Shrine of Remembrance in Melbourne, thanks to Ararat Legacy.

Close: 15th May

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

Wimmera communities ob-

served Anzac Day with special tributes and gatherings on Thursday.

Horsham hosted two services at the Sawyer Park War Memorial and Cenotaph – at dawn, and another following a march from the RSL in McLachlan Street.

At the late-morning service, Horsham RSL master of ceremonies Gareth Lane said Anzac Day was not a sad day, but one of reflection as well as recognising the hundreds who died during conflict.

“Four-hundred and sixty-three Horsham and district souls paid the ultimate price for our freedom,” he said.

“Thousands have worn the uniform, but their names are not listed on memorials. That does not lessen their contribution.”

Horsham Rural City Mayor Robyn Gulline made mention of a significant Vietnam War milestone.

“This year we especially recognise that 50 years have passed since the conclusion of the Australian military presence in Vietnam,” she said.

“Horsham Rural City has a long and proud military history, which continues today with our men and women protecting our liberties and freedoms.”

Cr Gulline also recognised the support organisations such as the RSL and Legacy offered servicemen and women, and their families.

Guest speaker Lieutenant David Herbert echoed Cr Gulline’s sentiment of the role of families in the services, saying all servicemen and women, and their families, have stories.

“There are many ways to honour our servicemen and women, and I like the stories. I like the story of Anzac Day itself and Gallipoli, the Anzac legend

and the individuals who made the legend,” he said.

“There are many other stories I’d like to learn about – there are people here today who have served and have stories, and the families who have been the supports of those people have stories.

“I choose to learn the stories, so I don’t forget about the individuals.”

Student representatives from Horsham’s secondary schools – Horsham College, St Brigid’s College, Holy Trinity Lutheran College and Horsham Special School, read letters from the front, written by young men of about the same age during their time at war.

Horsham RSL recognised the contribution to the day’s service of the 128th Transport Troop RACT, Salvation Army, Horsham Rural City Band, and Army Catafalque Party. • More pictures, page 25.

PROUD: Hazel Penfold, at Horsham’s Anzac Day dawn service, is wearing her father Alan’s South African Army beret. Alan served in the Army in the 1990s. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

MEMORIES: Horsham College’s Malachy O’Brien addresses the dawn service gathering. DECORATED: Rex Dumesny lit the torch at Horsham’s dawn service.

St Arnaud Library

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COMMUNITY UPDATE

Have Your Say

Annual gem exhibition

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

Working demonstrations of gem faceting, cabochon cutting and wire work will be among highlights of Horsham Lapidary Club’s annual gem and mineral exhibition at the weekend.

Club secretary Selina Smith said the group was looking forward to opening its clubrooms to the public.

“Our exhibition will showcase our clubrooms and our members’ work from the past year,” she said.

Following a generous donation from a club member, paired with fundraising, two new six-wheeled cutting machines have been purchased.

“The machines we had were very old and outdated,” Mrs Smith said.

“We want to provide modern equip-

ment for our members to be able to maintain their skills, and for new members to learn lapidary skills.”

While forced COVID-19 closures threatened the club’s existence, Mrs Smith said the past few years had seen an increase in activity.

“We are more active in the community now, and have a social media presence,” she said.

“We want people to know we’re here and that they’re welcome to join us.

“We go on field trips once a month and meet once a week at the clubrooms.”

Housed in the old police cells in Roberts Avenue, the historic building offers a practical aspect to workshops.

“Not only is it an interesting historical building – it’s worth coming to have a look at the old cells – it’s really handy for us. The brick walls help cut down

Celebration of Islander culture

Talented vocalists from Victoria’s Pacific Islander communities will visit Stawell this month in a celebration of culture and gospel music.

Victoria is home to many Pacific Island diasporas, including people from Vanuatu, Fiji, Samoa and Timor-Leste, in part due to the Federal Government’s Pacific Australia Labour Mobility, PALM, scheme, which addresses labour shortages across the country.

PALM workers living in Ararat will be among the performers taking part in the concert, which will be on May 11 at Stawell Entertainment Centre.

Stawell business Thomas Foods International employs workers through the PALM scheme, including Ni-Vanuatu man Junior Issachar – one of the event organisers.

Mr Issachar said the concert was the second iteration of what he hoped would become an annual event.

“It is very important for Pacific Islander people to be able to come together to celebrate their culture when they live so far away from their homes,” he said.

“Christianity and gospel music is important in our culture and it is a joy and a privilege to come together to share this with the Stawell district.”

Mr Issachar said concert organisers enlisted the support of the Victorian Adventist Wantok Church.

Wantok, which means ‘one talk’ or ‘one language’, is a language that enables Pacific Islanders from different countries to communicate with each other.

Mr Issachar said the church would help stage the event and live stream the concert to Pacific Island communities.

The performance will begin at 7pm, with light refreshments available for sale at interval. Pacific Island cultural foods will be available for people to try. Tickets are $10 each and can be purchased by calling Mr Issachar on 0477 859 683 or by visiting shop 108, Main Street, Stawell on Thursday between 4 and 5pm. Tickets will also be sold at the door.

For more information, people can call Mr Issachar or Jenny Greenberger on 0408 571 375.

New Nhill dentist

West Wimmera Health Service will welcome Hugo Hancock as its new visiting dentist in Nhill, giving the community greater access to dental care closer to home.

Dr Hancock will work from the dental clinic adjacent to Nhill Hospital, with appointments available Tuesdays and Wednesdays from 9am to 4pm.

Dr Hancock was born and raised in Melbourne, completing his Doctor of Dental Surgery at the University of Melbourne before practicing in Melbourne, Blackburn and Horsham.

“I hope to provide a friendly and relaxed environment and put my patients at ease,” Dr Hancock said.

West Wimmera Health Service chief executive Ritchie Dodds said the new service was an extension of the service’s commitment to the communities it served.

the noise from the machines,” Mrs Smith said.

The exhibition offers children’s workshops at 1.30pm on both days and booking is essential. Other children’s entertainment includes a gemstone fossick in the sandpit, as well as lucky dips and pet rocks.

“We will have visiting vendors, including a couple of new ones, a specimen rock specialist and olivine carvers who specialise in jewellery, and Southern Finds gold detecting equipment on Sunday,” Mrs Smith said.

The exhibition is the club’s main fundraiser for the year, and is from 10am to 5pm on Saturday and 10am to 4pm on Sunday.

People wanting more information or to book a children’s workshop can email horsham.lapidary@gmail.com.

NEW EQUIPMENT: Horsham and District Lapidary Club member Peter Butler polishes stone with one of the club’s new cabochon machines. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

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New ag team to lead association

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

Donald Pastoral and Agricultural Society’s Nicole Nunn has been elected president of Wimmera Agricultural Societies Association, with Kaniva A and P Society’s Louise Hobbs voted to the position of secretary.

Former secretary and new treasurer Andrea Cross, representing Horsham Agricultural Society, said the two new leaders brought wisdom and innovation to the team.

“Nicole’s late grandmother, Marie Hendy, was a former president of the association, which demonstrates the strong inter-generational influence the agricultural show movement has on many of us,” Mrs Cross said.

“Our heritage is what drives the passion and commitment for showing and Nicole has a substantial history with the Donald Show.”

The current Victorian Rural Youth Ambassador, Ms Hobbs is preparing to represent the state at national ambassador awards.

Ms Hobbs is also a 2023 Heywire Trailblazer and teacher at Goroke P-12 College. She is passionate about developing opportuni-

“Nicole’s late grandmother, Marie Hendy, was a former president of the association, which demonstrates the strong inter-generational influence the agricultural show movement has on many of us”

– Andrea Cross

ties for students throughout the region to access all things agriculture.

“Louise has an exceptional ability to connect students with her local show at Kaniva through innovative projects,” Mrs Cross said.

“She brings a new level of enthusiasm and efficiency to the team and her role is vital to the care, support and connectivity to the volunteers who manage the 13 agricultural shows across the Wimmera.”

This year, the 2024 Victorian Agricultural Shows Convention will be at Kaniva, which Mrs Cross said was a great achievement for the Wimmera group.

“It requires commitment by volunteers and the community as a whole and it will have a significant economic boost to the region,” she said.

CREATIVITY

STEPPING UP: Wimmera Agricultural Societies Association’s incoming office bearers, from left, Andrea Cross, treasurer, Nicole Nunn, president, and Louise Hobbs, secretary.

Delivering connectivity

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

Government Services Min-

ister Gabrielle Williams and Member for Ripon Martha Haylett visited Ararat last week, where a Telstra mobile tower has been upgraded to provide 5G access through a Connecting Victoria program.

A further 12 mobile projects are underway in the greater Ararat area, including seven new mobile towers, to expand coverage.

Ms Williams said the program would ensure less blackspots and better coverage.

“We are delivering more reliable mobile coverage and faster internet across the state – not only for work, study and leisure, but also for accessing information and keeping in touch with loved ones during an emergency,” she said.

“We’ve made great progress with more than 600 connectivity projects already delivered, and many more to come – particularly in regional Victoria.”

The $540 million Connecting Victoria program is delivering mobile, broadband and wi-fi infrastructure, the progress of which can be followed online.

“We’ve released an online dashboard, allowing people to track the projects and how they impact their community. It’s a great way for people to see what’s ahead of them and how they can benefit,” Ms Williams said.

The State Government has delivered more than 600 connectivity projects, including more than 230

mobile towers upgraded from 4G to 5G. More than 200 towers in bushfire, flood and storm-prone areas have had battery back-up installed to give better coverage in extreme conditions, and more than 100 broadband projects to benefit 75,000 businesses and homes have been completed. All remaining projects – including more than 300 new mobile towers – will be delivered by 2026, with

many set to be completed much sooner.

More than 1300 premises will also have access to faster internet in June through fibre to the premises upgrades.

Ms Haylett said the upgrades were important to rural communities.

“New and upgraded mobile towers make a huge difference to our rural communities,” she said.

“They make it easier to do busi-

Money for battery plant

A new plant for lithium-ion processing and recycling facilities will be established at Stawell, after Enviropacific Services received a $1million State Government grant.

Environment Minister Steve Dimopoulos announced on Friday two projects would share in $3.5 million to establish lithium-ion processing and recycling facilities.

Ecobatt is the other company to receive $2.5 million to establish a lithium battery processing and recycling plant in Campbellfield, Melbourne.

Together, the two projects will increase Victoria’s capacity to process lithium-ion batteries by 19,500 tonnes each year.

Enviropacific Services already has Australia’s first Acetylene Cylinder Recycling Facility in Stawell, managing the disposal of acetylene cylinders remediated from an illegal disposal site at Kaniva.

The government is aiming to boost Victoria’s capacity to process and recycle household items like lithium-ion batteries, and attempt to make it easier for Victorians to dispose of their old batteries safely and conveniently.

ness, respond to emergencies, and stay connected with each other.”

Since 2015, the government has invested in connectivity improvements through more than 1500 mobile projects and more than 160 broadband projects, with most located in regional Victoria.

People wanting more information can visit the Connecting Victoria dashboard at vic.gov.au/connecting victoria.

Lithium-ion batteries are commonly found in personal electronic items including mobile phones, tablets, laptops, electric toothbrushes and tools and contain valuable materials such as aluminium, copper, steel and precious materials like cobalt, nickel, manganese and graphene.

Mr Dimopoulos said only a small quantity of lithium-ion battery waste was being processed in Australia, and the two new projects would play a crucial role in increasing Victoria’s capacity to reuse valuable battery materials.

People wanting more information about where to recycle unwanted batteries can visit bcycle.com.au or mobilemuster.com.au/ recycle-a-mobile.

OFFICIAL: From left, Ararat Mayor Bob Sanders, Government Services Minister Gabrielle Williams, Member for Ripon Martha Haylett and Greater Ararat Business Network president Tom Clark.

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Progressing a pipeline plan

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

The first stage of the East Grampians Rural Water Supply project launched at Lake Fyans last week.

The $85.2 million project will provide a secure water supply to rural communities within Ararat Rural City and Pyrenees and Northern Grampians shires, which have relied on rainfall runoff.

GWMWater chair Caroline Welsh said board members were excited to support the project.

“It has been a few years coming, but it’s going to be off and running and delivered very quickly,” she said.

“We worked with the community to find out priorities and needs.

“There’s certainly been a lot of support. People have seen the benefits that have been afforded to other regions through the Wimmera-Mallee Pipeline, that level of water security and liveability it gives people.”

On completion of the four-stage plan, the project could service up to 1000 rural farming properties across an area of up to 200,000 hectares with a reticulated non-drinking water supply.

Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora officially opened the construction site at the Lake Fyans Pump Station last week.

“It’s really important for farmers to have water security,” she said.

“It’s very positive to see GWMWater managing the system and providing

“The pipeline will extend the water’s reach to the Mininera region, including Willaura, Lake Bolac, Wickliffe, Moyston and Streatham”

– Mark Williams

this kind of support and advocacy to the community.”

GWMWater managing director Mark Williams said the tender was awarded late last year, with construction for the next stage ready to begin.

“We’re planning to have this built over the next four to six months, while demand is low,” he said.

“They can take the pump station effectively offline and put a temporary pump station in that will cope with the lower demand.”

Mr Williams said by the beginning of summer the pump station would be operational.

“The pipeline will extend the water’s reach to the Mininera region, including Willaura, Lake Bolac, Wickliffe, Moyston and Streatham,” he said.

“It’s fairly big coverage and once it’s finished will expand the reach to not only those towns, but the rural area that’s in the footprint.”

The contractor appointed to carry out the rest of the works will be announced towards the end of May.

People wanting more information about the project can visit www.gwmwater.org.au/egrp.

Volunteer developing future role

Since moving to Horsham from Geelong during the COVID-19 pandemic, Peter Anthony has been a regular volunteer at Grampians Health, driving patients and clients to appointments across the Wimmera and beyond.

Now, Mr Anthony is taking on a new challenge as Horsham’s first emergency department, ED, volunteer.

Grampians Health volunteer coordinator Kellie McMaster said Mr Anthony was working a few shifts each week to better understand how to develop his role.

“At this stage he is providing support to whoever needs it, including team members, patients and their families,” she said.

“He is making coffees and teas, serving up meals, helping with changing beds and any small job that is non-clinical and within his skillset.

“The eventual plan is for Peter to become a team leader for that role, so that when other volunteers start working there, he will be able to provide them guidance and support in the role.”

ED acting nurse unit manager Delilah Brennan said Mr Anthony was doing a wonderful job and fitting in well with the team.

Mr Anthony said he loved the change and found the ED environment fascinating.

“It’s only when you get in here that you see what an incredible job

the team does,” he said. “I’ve really enjoyed it, but I also want to continue with the volunteer driving as well, because I enjoy that, too.”

Grampians Health chief people officer Claire Woods said Mr Anthony’s support was a wonderful example of building relationships to deliver the best outcomes.

She encouraged people interested in volunteering at Grampians Health to call 5381 9347 or email kellie. mcmaster@gh.org.au.

More information about volunteering at Grampians Health is available at website gramp ianshealth.org.au/volunteer.

GROWING: Volunteer Peter Anthony helps ED registered nurse Anna Tepper to change bedding.

ONCE UPON A TIME: Tickets are selling fast for Horsham Arts Council’s Shrek the Musical production. Based on the Oscarwinning DreamWorks animation film, audiences will be wowed by Tim O’Donnell in the titular role, alongside Chris Versteegen as Donkey and Stacey Brennan as Princess Fiona. Tickets are available from Horsham Town Hall website with nine shows starting tomorrow, including a sensory show on May 11. Pictured during a stage rehearsal are, clockwise from above: Stacey Brennan as Princess Fiona; Larissa Riddell as Pinocchio; Simon Dandy, centre front, as Lord Farquaad; Ebony Hart as teenage Fiona; Tim O’Donnell as the very multi-layered Shrek; Orlan Hart as young Shrek, Kerry Wilson and Simon Dandy as his parents; and centre, Esther Fry as the voice of Dragon.

Sudoku

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

Quick Workout

Fit the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 into the hexagons so that where the hexagons touch, the numbers will be the same. No number is repeated in any hexagon.

‘s’

* No proper nouns and no hyphenated words

Good: 14 words FOCUS Very good: 21 words Excellent: 31 words

Fitthegivennumbers intothehexagonsso thatwherethehexagons touch,thenumbers willbethesame. Nonumberisrepeated inanyhexagon.

1. What was the nationality of Lieutenant-Colonel John McCrae, whose famous poem made poppies anANZAC symbol?

2. Shannon Noll, Jessica Mauboy and Guy Sebastian, feature in which Lee Kernaghan

8. Which French town commemorates Anzac Day?

9. True or false:Anzac Biscuits have been legally regulated since 1994?

6. In military tradition, what musical instrument was used to play The Last Post ?

7. What is the name of theVictorian national memorial forAustralians and NewZealanders who served?

10. What is the symbolism of wearing sprigs of rosemary duringAnzac Day?

11. Where did the Rats ofTobruk get their name?

12. The Battle of Lone Pine occurred where?

13. True or false: the Anzacs were known as Diggers because they were able to quickly construct dugout

14. did the iconic slouch hat originate?

15. In which country was theANZAC grouping first formed?

16. Which coach is credited with initially suggesting theAFLAnzac Day clash?

Canberra monument is dedicated memories of all soldiers

landings at Gallipoli?

True

Remembrance 11. A German insult 12. Gallipoli Peninsula, Türkiye

True

Kevin Sheedy

Battle of the Somme

The Rising Sun 19. France, India and Newfoundland 20. False 21. Two-up 22. Gelibolu 23. John ‘Jack’ Simpson Kirkpatrick 24. Collingwood and Essendon 25. 26. Half-mast 27. William Birdwood 28. Coloured patches 29. For the Fallen by Laurence Binyon 30. The Tomb of the Unknown Soldier A large crowd attended Great Western’s Anzac Day service. Guest speaker Bill Kilpatrick spoke on the forgotten war – Korea. A small contingent of exservicemen marched with teachers and students from Great Western Primary School. Pictured from left, Ararat Legacy’s Dianne Radford, Great Western Primary School wreath layers Sam and Xander, guest speaker Bill Kilpatrick and MC Alan Green.

Edenhope’s Lakeside Living facility marked Anzac Day with an internal service. Residents also extended a special thank you to fellow resident and former serviceman Corporal Peter Smith, left, pictured with Edenhope RSL secretary Mal Hunting.

Brad Hartigan, Freddy, Eadie (obscured), Scout and Lucy Hartigan at Horsham Anzac Day parade.

Horsham RSL acting president Gareth Lane.

THE AVONBANK MINERAL SANDS PROJECT BENEFITS FOR THE REGION

ECONOMIC BENEFIT FOR THE REGION

♦ 588 jobs per annum over 30 years.

♦ Add an extra $3.5 billion in Gross Regional Product.

ECONOMIC DIVERSITY & OPPORTUNITIES

♦ Avonbank will help attract and retain young people to regional Victoria

♦ Avonbank will help provide more diverse job opportunities for the region.

SUSTAINABLE MINING PRACTICES

♦ Avonbank trial mining and successful rehabilitation completed.

♦ Land will be restored to productive farms within four years of mining.

SUPPORTING & WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH OUR COMMUNITY

♦ WIM has completed and will continue extensive consultation with a variety of stakeholders.

♦ WIM proudly supports several community partnerships and sponsorships.

JOB CREATION – A BOOST FOR THE VICTORIAN ECONOMY

♦ 967 jobs per annum over 30 years for the State of Victoria.

CRITICAL MINERALS

♦ Avonbank will produce zircon, rare earths, and titanium minerals.

♦ Crucial for the global transition to net zero emissions and energy security.

ECONOMIC BENEFIT FOR THE STATE

♦ Avonbank will increase the Gross State Product by $5.77 billion.

PROJECT UPDATE

WIM Resource’s flagship Avonbank Mineral Sands Project (Avonbank Project) is currently awaiting a decision for the Environment Effects Statement (EES), after the Inquiry and Advisory Committee (IAC) panel hearing concluded in August 2023. The timing of this decision is at the discretion of the Minister for Planning.

WIM remains very confident and strongly committed to the Avonbank Project and is continuing with other project development activities, so that the project continues to be advanced to a construction stage, subject to necessary approvals being in place.

TEST PIT UPDATE

2023 Crop Update

WIM is currently in its fourth year of cropping at the test pit site. The 2023–2024 harvest of the wheat crop was a success and December harvest results were high in both quality and yield, with yields higher than the unmined adjacent area. This is a great result and reflects WIM’s commitment to rehabilitating farmland.

Longerenong College

WIM’s partnership with Longerenong College continues as a new group of second year Diploma of Agriculture students undertake a research project at the rehabilitated Avonbank test pit site. This year’s team will be monitoring plots across the test pit site while examining plant growth and health, weed, pest and disease impacts, soil mapping and satellite imagery.

We remain committed to our community partnerships and sponsorships and were once again proud to be major sponsors of the Wimmera Machinery Field Days, as well as continuing our partnership with the Schools Science and Engineering Challenge, both of which were immensely successful.

WIM also provided support to the Murtoa Swimming Pool end of season family fun day initiating a new event ‘Swim with WIM’, which was a great success for the Murtoa community.

COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT UPDATE

Wimmera Machinery Field Days

WIM was a major sponsor of the 60th Wimmera Machinery Field Days, and the Field Days ‘Ag Ed Quest’ Schools program. Our interactive stand attracted a steady stream of visitors and more than 50 guests attended the second annual WIM Field Days luncheon.

Science and Engineering Challenge

The Wimmera Schools Science and Engineering Challenge was held in March with 12 schools and over 200 students participating. Coordinated by the Rotary Club of Horsham East and sponsored by WIM. This important two-day event encourages students to consider a future in science and engineering, with Year 6 and Year 10 students working in teams to solve challenges. Holy Trinity Lutheran College won the primary school category while Kaniva Secondary College took out first place in the secondary schools category.

AVONBANK PROJECT NEWSLETTER

The WIM Information Hub in Horsham is open for members of the public to pop in and ask questions and learn about the Avonbank Project. This is a great resource available to the community, to learn facts about the project.

We appreciate the communities strong ongoing support and interest.

Michael Winternitz Projects Director

‘Swim with WIM’ at the Murtoa Swimming Pool

WIM recognises the important role that small town swimming pools play in local communities. As a result, we partnered with the Murtoa Swimming Pool to sponsor and host the inaugural ‘Swim with WIM’ family fun day held in February. The event brought together the communities of Murtoa and district for a fun family day at the pool. Over 200 people enjoyed free entry, a BBQ, spot prizes, giveaways, pool games and a bunch of fun-filled activities, making it an unforgettable experience for all.

GET IN TOUCH

For all media enquiries please contact Michael Winternitz at mwinternitz@wimresource.com.au

If you would like WIM to provide a project overview to your club or organisation, please contact Murray Wilson, Stakeholder & Community Liaison Officer, on 1800 959 298 or email mwilson@wimresource. com.au

Follow us on Facebook @WIMResource for updates or visit www.wimresource.com.au

Community Information Hub

The WIM Community Information Hub in Horsham offers the opportunity to learn more about our flagship mineral sands project, Avonbank, as well as WIM’s other activities. The Hub has interactive and static displays, videos, and brochures available. Group visits are encouraged, including after hours by appointment.

2024 Longerenong students learn about soil sampling at Avonbank test pit site.

WIM stand at the Wimmera Machinery Field Days 2024.

Year 10 Horsham Holy Trinity Lutheran College students.

Murray Wilson, Community and Stakeholder Liaison Officer, with ‘Swim with WIM’ prize winners.

Sister Act: Alyssa, Emily and Caleigh Humphries Field Technical Assistants working with WIM.

ISSUE 18 – APRIL 2024

On This Day

From The Weekly Advertiser archives: April 29, 2004 –The Department of Primary Industries’ fisheries department, Catchment Management Authority and Environment Protection Authority worked with Ararat Rural City Council to pump remaining water from Green Hill Lake to kill carp. Making the most of low water during drought conditions, it was hoped the project would return the lake to its ‘prime trophy lake’ status. DPI fisheries officer Ron Wollerman conducted the pumping, assisted by members of the Green Hill Lake Fly Fishermen.

10 years ago: April 30, 2014

Governor General Sir Peter and Lady Cosgrove visited Horsham on the invitation of mayor David Grimble, after meeting at a Blaze Aid function at Wandong. Sir Peter and Lady Cosgrove visited bushfire-affected districts such as Laharum and Wartook.

Five years ago: May 1, 2019

Ararat Musical Comedy Association was gearing up to stage its biggest and most ambitious production in its 46-year history – Les Miserables. Led by Pam Wright, the cast of 60 was under musical director Stephen East and vocal director Leanne McCready.

One year ago: May 3, 2023

Wimmera Health Care Group Foundation supported Grampians Health Horsham to upgrade birthing beds, worth $60,000, in the Yandilla maternity unit. At the time about 300 babies were delivered annually in Horsham.

TaKe a BreaK

1. Argument between Australia and New Zealand continues to rage about the origin of what iconic dessert, believed to be named after a famous Russian prima ballerina of the late 19th and early 20th century?

2. What year did Batman first appear in Detective comics?

3. What is the common name for an involuntary contraction of the diaphragm, also known as a synchronous diaphragmatic flutter?

4. The Eucalyptus leucoxylon tree, native to parts of the Wimmera, is commonly known as what?

5. Which Wimmera school, celebrating a centenary next month, was first known as a soldiers memorial higher elementary school?

6. On this day in 1924, German automobile manufacturers Daimler-Motoren-Gesellschaft and Benz and Cie began their first joint venture. What did they merge into in 1926?

7. In 1961, the Pulitzer Prize was awarded to author Harper Lee for which novel?

8. Which Irish actor, best known for his role in Fifty Shades of Grey, was born on this day in 1982?

9. What do Patsy Cline, John F. Kennedy Jr, Buddy Holly and Kobe Bryant have in common?

10. Born from a merger of the Southern Mallee Giants and Jeparit-Rainbow, which team won in their debut against Warrack Eagles in the first round of the Wimmera Football Netball League season?

FOR THE WEEK MAY 4 TO MAY 10

(March 21-April 20)

everything of any importance before committing yourself. Although nothing seems to be coming your way now, the situation soon improves and you will have more choices than you can handle.

GEMINI: (May 21-June 21) Lucky Colour: Violet Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 3.6.9.5. Lotto Numbers: 3.12.20.25.45.40.

Travel plans can come unstuck so budget carefully. Charm can get you everywhere during this period but do not go overboard on the promises or you will attract more than you ever expected.

CANCER: (June 22-July 22) Lucky Colour: Orange Lucky Day: Tuesday

Romantic affairs can become very lively indeed, and for the singles the right outcome. Most of what you love doing will get you good opportunities, the only thing to watch is your budget.

LEO: (July 23-August 22)

Lucky Colour: Green Lucky Day: Sunday Racing Numbers: 3.6.2.1. Lotto Numbers: 1.12.15.20.23.36.

Watch your tongue or you’ll get caught up in violent outbursts, a careless attitude in your personal relationships will create friction between the younger and older members of your family.

VIRGO: (August 23-September 23)

Lucky Colour: Cream Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 4.6.2.1. Lotto Numbers: 4.12.20.23.36.30.

A pleasant surprise is coming soon and a reunion with old friends likely, even someone long forgotten. Romantic ventures are well favoured, however, don’t believe all you hear and only half of what you see.

LIBRA: (September 24-October 23)

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 2.3.6.9. Lotto Numbers: 1.12.25.5.41.33.

Financial matters are very much on your mind at the present and something will have to be done very soon to get you back on an even keel. Real estate dealings should turn out to be profitable.

SCORPIO: (October 24-November 22)

Lucky Colour: Mauve

Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 1.3.8.5. Lotto Numbers: 1.15.26.28.8.40.

A busy time ahead and you could find yourself short of time and of temper if you let others affect your mood. Tact could help in your personal relationships and you need to relax. For your own benefit.

SAGITTARIUS: (November 23-December 20)

Lucky Colour: Red

Answers: 1. Pavlova. Anna Pavlova was a principal artist of the Imperial Russian Ballet and was the first ballerina to tour the world, including Australia and New Zealand. 2. 1939. 3. Hiccup. 4. Yellow gum. 5. Dimboola Memorial Secondary -Col lege. 6. Mercedes-Benz. 7. To Kill a Mockingbird. 8. Jamie Dornan. 9. They all died in air crashes. 10. Southern Mallee Thunder. Getting in touch with The

Our office is at 2 Stawell Road, Horsham. Mail: PO Box 606, Horsham 3402. Telephone: 5382 1351 Website: www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au Email: weeklyadvertiser@team.aceradio.com.au For classified advertisements: 5382 1351 – email: horsham@aceradio.com.au Advertising 5382 1351: Mark Sulic: marks@team.aceradio.com.au; Lee

Lily Olver: lolver@aceradio.com.au

Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 2.3.4.5. Lotto Numbers: 4.12.20.30.33.35. You should be feeling on top of the world or be looking forward to a healthy holiday or time spend away from home and the usual grind. Travel is indicated and this could be a successful surprise.

CAPRICORN: (December 21-January 19)

Lucky Colour: White

Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 1.3.4.5. Lotto Numbers: 1.12.15.40.9.6. You could be much more successful with the help of an understanding person in achieving what you set out to do. Do not let other people with a pessimistic outlook on life keep you from doing your own thing.

AQUARIUS: (January 20-February 19)

Lucky Colour: White

Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 1.6.4.2. Lotto Numbers: 1.12.15.45.6.33.

Marriage and surprise announcements will be the order of the day. Luck is indicated for the one who has the courage to push a little. Financial matters that have been causing a problem should be solving themselves.

PISCES: (February 20-March 20)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 1.3.8.4. Lotto Numbers: 1.13.26.30.33.37.

Some changes and rearrangements in your domestic situation. Make doubly sure all the fine print has been thoroughly read and understood before signing anything that you will be happy and secure in your new environment.

Tempting

Citroen C3 Aircross offers seven seats

Images of the new Citroen C3

Aircross small SUV have surfaced in Europe where it is due for launch soon.

The chunky-looking new model could tempt Citroen Australia to take a second swing at the C3 Aircross after it was dropped from the local line-up in 2021.

The chubby-faced outgoing model could not get traction in the second most competitive market segment Down Under – small SUVs.

With 40 competitors the question might well be... is there room for one more? And more importantly, is it a case of once bitten twice shy for Citroen Australia?

An Inchcape spokesperson was noncommittal, saying there was already a C3 hatch available in Australia and

that ‘information regarding updates to product line-ups would be shared in due course’.

Though plenty of similarities exist inside and out, C3 and the C3 Aircross are different animals in appearance and design, with the C3 competing in the light car segment.

Assuming the decision to import is positive, the C3 Aircross would be up against the likes of Toyota’s Corolla Cross and C-HR, Mitsubishi’s sharply-priced ASX, the new Nissan Qashqai, new Hyundai Kona, Honda HR-V, Kia Seltos, Mazda CX-30 and even more premium models such as the Audi Q2 and Q3, Alfa Tonale and BMW X1 and X2.

Information from the new C3 Aircross image release touts: “The new C3 Aircross undergoes a radical

change and enters a new scope with the ambition to strengthen its position in a very competitive territory.

“Its exterior design reveals a tougher yet stylish SUV with a new attitude that makes it more assertive, muscular and robust.”

It is bigger than before at 4390mm long and is said to offer more space inside with up to a surprising seven seats, which Citroen says is a first for the segment despite the model’s compact size.

The newcomer is set to be launched by ‘European summer’, offering what Citroen describes as a ‘new vision of the compact European SUV in a major market’.

This size – B-SUV – vehicle has, since 2020, outsold hatchbacks of the same size, with sales exceeding two

million units each year in an increasingly competitive market.

Citroen entered the market in 2008 with the C3 Picasso, as the B-SUV segment did not exist then, but the Picasso already offered a raised driving position and interior space in a functional and practical vehicle with what was described as the unique character of a ‘magic box’.

The Aircross designation appeared in 2017 with the C3 Aircross, which maintained benchmark practicality while adding a dash of adventure.

Citroen says the new C3 Aircross has been completely reinvented to meet the expectations of families.

A number of variants will include carry-over Puretech 110 ICE powertrains in addition to petrol hybrid, as well as a fully-electric model.

Citroen’s stated intention for the C3 Aircross and the C3 hatch is to ‘shake up the market with a very competitive pricing positioning’.

Both models are based on the same Smart Car platform allowing powertrain flexibility and cost efficiency.

The small but well-formed new C3 Aircross has a more assertive style than before and offers additional interior space with a high level of interior comfort.

It marks the start of a new design language leveraging Citroen’s Oli concept car that integrates a ‘verticalised’ front end with the brand’s lighting signature in three luminous segments.

Citroen’s chevron motif is incorporated into certain elements.

Peter Barnwell

–

USED CAR CLEARANCE

The team at Waste Busters has been locally

In 2017 they introduced skip bins to their line of

Mick Morris said the company continued to stay at the forefront of

to lead the Wimmera in

The family-run business boasts a team of four and handle most recyclables.

“We collect paper and cardboard and offer a documentation destruction service,” he said.

Waste Busters have solutions for commercial and private recycling.

“Businesses can call us for a free waste and recycling appraisal to get the best deal for you.”

Waste Busters are open Monday to Friday 8am-4pm and at weekends by appointment.

Classifieds

80th Birthday

JENKINSON, Matthew Scott

Passed away on April 22, 2024 aged 51 years.

Beloved son of Keith & Ros.

Cherished father of Sienna.

Loving brother and brother in law of Simone & Mark; Brooke & Chris.

Uncle to Tom, Olivia, Matilda, Anna & Liam.

Sleeping peacefully Forever loved

JENKINSON, Matthew Scott

In loving memory of Matthew Scott Jenkinson, aged 51.

Much loved dad to Sienna Grace.

Kevin & Shirley

2nd May 1964

Dear Mum and Dad, Congratulations on your 60 years of marriage. Always steadfast in your love and devotion to each other and your family. A true inspiration to us all.

Love always Neil and Tracey, Diane and Andrew, Kerri and Adam, Shae and Toby, Olivia and Justin, Mitchell, Chloe, Tahlia and Noah

Much cherished family of Sophie, Liri, Brad, Leonie, Anna and David.

We love you to the moon and back.

WADE, Maurice James

28-9-1940 to 29-4-2024

Passed away peacefully at Wimmera Base Hospital.

Loved brother of Douglas, Shirley, Keith, Dennis, Beverley, John, Glenda & Wally (dec).

Loved brother-in-law of Liz, Brian, Bobbi, Nola, Greg, Bronwyn, Tony & Kerry. Rest in peace big brother.

Horsham & District Funerals

Dylan & Amity Hartwich 5382 1149

FIELD (nee Koenig), Eril Beverly

9-11-1933 to 23-4-2024

Passed away peacefully at Avonlea aged 90.

Much loved wife of Gordon (Paddy).

Devoted mother & motherin-law of Kerryn & Pete, Chris & Robert, Darren & Nessie, Terry & Louise, Jamie & Megan.

Cherished Gran of Brett, Jackie, Lisa & Shaun, Jenna & Brad, Danielle, Bre & Ted, Matt & Bernie, Ashleigh, Jye & Brody.

Great Gran to Kai, Jack & Sophie, Billie, Rylee & Tex, Halle, Daisy & Angel Airlie.

A wonderful friend to many, she brightened and bought joy to the lives of all who knew her.

Sadly missed, always loved and remembered.

WADE, Maurice

Affectionately known as ‘Maurie’, Maurice followed his brothers to St Michaels when they were appointed as coaches in 1984. He took on the Timekeepers role for both the Seniors and Reserves, a position he remained in until 2017.

Maurie loved the role and was a staunch supporter of St Michaels and Horsham Saints for many years to come.

He was inducted as a Life Member in 1995 and later inducted into the Horsham Saints Hall of Fame in 2014.

Asked if he would have had 1000 hot dogs in his time, he jovially stated “Haha, many more!”

He was picked up every away game by Grenville, and had to have his 6 pack of beer for every trip home, no matter the distance!

The Ultimate Clubman, Maurie was known by many and loved by all.

A service will be held at the Horsham Uniting Church at 2pm, May 2nd with a wake to follow at the White Hart Hotel.

~ Vale ~ Maurie Wade

Field (nee Koenig), Eril Beverly

The memorial service for Eril Field will be held at the Nhill Uniting Church, Monday, May 6 at 11.30am

To be privately interred. Emiley & Mathew Bone Nhill, Dimboola & Kaniva District Funerals 0419 008 464

GROSSER, Cynthia

The funeral of Cynthia Grosser will leave Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Horsham on Wednesday, May 8, 2024 after a service commencing at 1pm for the Horsham Lawn Cemetery. The service may also be viewed online at youtube.com/ channel/UCazLsHP0NcC2A PLqg5dil0Q

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

JENKINSON, Matthew Scott

Matthew Scott Jenkinson will be farewelled at a private family gathering.

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

WADE, Maurice James

The funeral service for the late Mr Maurice James Wade will be held Thursday, May 2 at St Andrew’s Uniting Church, Horsham commencing at 2pm

Interment to follow at Horsham Lawn Cemetery.

Amity & Dylan Hartwich 5382 1149

3 Jack Russell Pups for sale, all vaccinated and microchipped, energetic and ready for their new homes, trained to sit, at 9 weeks old, mchip# 985141007721608/07/06, source# EE192884 Ph 0423182267

4 White Suffolk Ile de France X Ewes, $50 each, expect most to have twins ph 0458014560

Alaskan Malamute pups

Born 21/2/24 Vet checked, microchipped wormed

Source number MB168224

Boy 98514007720630. Boy 985141007720631, Girl 985141007720628 $1000 ph Nadine 0429836214

Bristlenose catfish, great tank cleaners $5ea until sold out Ph 0474159010 after 6.30pm

Budgies, assorted colours $10 each Ph 0417533579

Budgies , assorted colours, pastels $10 each Ph 0419505737

Cocker spaniel pups, 4 tan 1 black& tan 1 black both parents reg with dogs victoria vet checked vaccinated microchipped & wormed ready for their new homes, m/chip# 956000016725032 956000016330824, source# RB185238 Ph 0429912620

Doberman pups, 4x girls black/ tan, 4x boys 3 black/tan and 1 brown/tan, ready to go, m/c # 956000014813157/14702252 /14697789/14699139/14845771 /14850566/14817621/14810773

$2000 Ph 0431982052

Female desexed mini dachshund, I like kids, dogs, cats, I am toilet trained, love walks and snuggles, microchip# 900141000504012, source# MB197522 $1400ono Nhill Ph 0431725487

Goats for sale, very quiet, from $120 each Ph 0427361940

Kelpie x Coolie Pup, ready to go, born 15.10.23, raised with kids, female with white marking, m/chip 953010006206891, source # MB238326, $250 Ph Jo 0410331573

Muscovy ducks, 4-6mnths old $20 each Ph 53542590

Parrots for sale, hand raised, young green cheek conures, extremely friendly, young aviary bred bourkes/ turks Ph 0408535515

Purebred German Shepherd 8wks, black and tan, great temperament, toilet trained, straight, two boys and three girls, source# MB115424, m/ chip# 956000016586733/6872 89/6693126/6668157/6681104 Ph 0421018631

Pure-bred Labrador puppies , ready to go early April, vet checked and will be vaccinated, 1 gold bitch microchip# 985141007305071,1 black male microchip# 985141007305077,1 gold male microchip# 985141007305074, source# MB182447$2200, female $2000 males, Ph Nathan for more information 0418657247 Roosters, ducks and guinea fowl wanted to buy Ph 0469740723

Suffolk Rams , 18 months old,fully vaccinated, OB accredited, PIC3SGP010, ready to work, good bloodlines, well grown, $8000 plus GST, can arrange delivery Ph 0429196337

A large elephant ornament carrying a baby elephant in its trunk, 36cms tall and 538cms long, a quick sale for $600 Ph 53824788

Pups Kelp-Collie x St Poodle well loved, ready, suit family w kids, source:MB223023 vet-checked mchip 953010006636005,006, 95301 0006635755,857,861,870, 874,994, visits welcome Ph 0458169182

18.6 tandem cylmic caravan, full length annexe, elec brakes, heating / cooling b/d $27,750 Ph 53911050 Nhill 1998 Jayco Westport , full annexe,

2018 Dingo Ultimate Camper, heavy duty top of the line off-road trailer including boat rack, fully enclosed annexe including ensuite, lots of storage, built-in instant gas hot water to sink and shower, dual AGM batteries and built-in inverter and charger, innerspring mattress and ability to make up second double bed, two new off-road tyres, VGC, reg Y76535 $18500ono Ph 0407360212

2018 Jayco Swan Camper, hardly used, as new, front & rear double beds, couch & table bed, can sleep 6 easily, battery pack, 4 Burner gas stove & grill, microwave, 3 way fridge, awning, lots of cupboards, $24000ono, Ph 0427467622

Kaniva

Concept Ascot caravan, 2006, 18’, pop-top, tare 1420, low kms, kept undercover, regularly serviced, EC, many extras inc, near new full annexe, easy to tow, R3373 $22,000 Ph Ray 0413445347

Goldstream RV Off Road

2007, solar panels, new deep cycle battery, roll out awning, pull out flys each end, outside shower, new porta loo, full annexe, queen bed, RC air con, hot water, full oven with grill, 3 gas burners, electric fridge runs off solar electric, built in radio plus tv, storage cupboards over bed, storage under seats, reg until October 2024, $16,500 Ph 0409967815, Horsham

Isuzu Outback Express

Motorhome for sale, 2 seater, sleeps 3, auto, deisel, fridge, tv, shower, toilet, stove and lots more, have to see to believe, can drive on normal car licence, 3.1m long, RWC, $45,000 with 12mth rego and RWC Ph Phillip 0428173606 or Susan and ask for Phillp 0458727370 Horsham

Jayco Finch pop top caravan, 2 double beds with fly mesh, electric brakes, boat racks and an annex, $15,000 Ph 53582560 Stawell

Kokoda Tribute 2 Platinum, 2015 as newcondition, semi-off-road, ensuite, custom design, lots extras $56,000 Ph 0493052729

Motorhome Jayco Conquest 2021 , 25’, satellite system, diesel, heater, 7625knms, 1UU2JX $168,000 Ph 0429821461

Paramount Caravan , VGC, registered, rollout awning, full kitchen $22,000 Ph 0407542856

REDUCED 2011 Pinnacle camper trailer - full off-road, hard floor, a full canvas annexe, tag hinge towing included, 2 new tyres- spare is brand new, 2 batteries, Anderson plugs for charging batteries are included, 2 power points, light in camper, queen size bed and mattress, new fly screens in windows and doors, 4 burner gas stove, includes 2 gas bottles, 60L water tank,sink with water tap and electric pump to sink and outside tap, carries 2 large fuel containers, portable gas heater, portable toilet with pop-up shower or toilet cubicle, folding camp table, Rego till Sept 2024, U28090 $10,000ono Ph 0429942936

Seeking Individual Support Worker (Ageing) to provide in-home care, Horsham based, duties include, dressing, bathing, toileting, minimum 1 overnight + 1 day shift per week, male or strong female ideal, Italian/English language skills ideal, more detail on enquiry Ph 0439307176

3x Ajax wool press $100ea plus Gst ono Ph 0428894258

5 x 30 ton Silos for sale, $1500 ono Ph 0427361940

Case IH 2144 Harvester, 4375 engine hrs, 3108 rotor hrs, trimble auto steer, no screen, 25-foot flex front on Leith trailer, $50,000 inc Gst Ph 0428852409

Murtoa

Connor Shea, 18 plate, disc plough, hydraulic lift and fold $ 850 ono,Southern cross pump jack, electric motor, working $80, Asuc wool table $120 ono, Briggs and stratton motor, industrial, 16HP $120 ono Ph 0407911884

Croplands Pegasus 6000lt boom sprayer, all hydraulics, 36m wide, air bag suspension, 20 point 8 forty, 2 tyres $77,000 inc Gst Ph 0498549832

Fuel trailer, 650ltr $2200 Ph 0427716088

Header NH TR88 with 36’

McDon front 960, ready to go $25,000, Jaeske field bin, 28 tonne $5500 Ph 0428946395

Heaslip grouper, VGC, 2 bins, 4200L each capacity, Honda motor, new bearings in elevator, adjustable legs, always shedded $7700 inc Gst Ph 0427330078

John Deere 3010 tractor with cab, 1965 model, rear tires 40 % front tires 60%, runs well $8000 Ph 0438951101

Macey Field Bin in GO $3000 Ph 0429857207

MF tea 20 with 2 spare rear wheel rims 1 with tyre $2500 Ph 0419574884

REDUCED Chamberlain C670

Tractor starts and runs well $3600, New Holland Small Bale Pick Up Loader $600, all in working order excess to requirements, all prices plus Gst Ph 0400603022

REDUCED Field Bins , 2

Jaeschke 32t field bins, one with square top lids with and sight glasses $9000, large round top one with normal lids $8000, 2

Macey 28t $2500, all prices plus Gst Ph0400603022

Stoll S6 2014 boom spray, 6000lt tank, 36m boom,10 sections, 520/85R 42 tyres, 2.3mt axle on air bag suspension, mud guards, stainless steel centrifugal pump with hydraulic drive, 450lt flush tank, fence line nozzles both sides, TriJet nozzle bodies, one owner/operator, $80,000 inc Gst Ph 0428852409 Murtoa

Tractor Tyre , 1/2 the new price, 14.9 x 28, near new Ph 0353870522 AH or 0413073478

2016 Ramco C Dolly trailer, registered X17337 $4000 Ph 0407542856

Aluminium windows , 4 x double approx 6’x6’, 2 x single approx 6’x3’, other smaller sizes, VGC, also quantity of timber louvre wardrobe doors, make an offer Ph 0437754474

Bottles , ink, stone, marble, beer, castor oil, and lots more, make an offer Ph 0427912089

Cattle scales Gallagher, never used, still in box, load bars, 600ml, 2500kgs, stainless steel platform, best offer over $2000 Ph 0438096662

Chicken manure, ex sheds or composted available now The Good Dirt Company Lethbridge Vic Ph 0409889250

Chook house, 1500mm long 1400mm wide 1800mm high, nest box attached keep your chickens safe from predators $350 Ph 53583400

Doll collection, celluloid, porcelain and collectables, leather handbags, brand names, tapestries large variety Ph 0498621118

Fencing material , cyclone combination stays $66 inc, 100mm heavy duty galv pipe, ideal for strainer posts, 6m length cut to size $120 inc, 1000 elec fence standoffs $220 inc Ph 0428579838

Horse hames, old, 8 pairs $40 pair ono, McCormick deering 2236 tractor, front wheel $120ono Ph 0407911884

Jumbuck outdoor gas oven, trolley and cover, new condition $250 Ph 0448826464

Lavour Wash combo FF70, diesel shed heater and GT cold pressure washer $600 both Ph 0448826464

Massage Machine, duo MKII

Professional complete with instructional DVD, $300ono Ph 0429820692

ML880 Stihl Magnum Chainsaw, GC, approximately 30hrs work, too heavy for me now Ph 0475142201

Ryobi router $100, Triton router table $150, Triton jaws $150, band saw $200, band saw small $50, angle grinder $40, air compressor $100, plasma cutter $180, Riobi drill press $120 Ph 0499769869

Roll top desk, beer fridge, Haier fridge freezer, wooden frame tennis table, will separate Ph 0429093269

Simpson auto washing machine, Hisense chest freezer and bar fridge, will separate Ph 0408504550

Table, black steel, glass top, with three chairs, GC, outdoor $50 Ph 0419560817

Workshop manuals , parts, books and catalogues Ph 0419821563

3 seater leather couch Ph 0439110899

4 Leather Swivel rocking recliner chairs VGC, $125 each Ph 0427826763

Baltic pine kitchen dresser, buyer to collect, locally crafted in 1990, 2.8H x 1.32W x .52D $1890ono Ph 0429142897 & leave msg

Household items , Diamond Creek round pedestal table $140, buffet three door 3 draw $140, pine dressing table with mirror $50, double bed with frame bass, combination steel and timber head and foot, $100, 2x single bed Antique head and foot set, $30 each set Ph 0428504569

Vax Steamcleaner, as new $120 Ph 0429918241

17’ speedboat Caribbean 150 V6 Yamaha on a Brooker tilt trailer, dual axle, motor has done 230hrs, VGC, all ski gear with the boat including boat cover, priced to sell $10,000 Ph 0407084235

The Weekly Advertiser welcomes your advertising. We are required strictly by law to include specific information on some items when publishing your advertisement. A snapshot of your obligations are as follows: BOATSAll advertisements for boats must include: • Hull number or registration number of the boat If a trailer is included with the boat, the advertisement must also include: • Registration number or chassis number of the trailer.

2001 Savage 418 Kestrel SF, reg GG970, exp 18 Sep 2024, 30Hp, 2S Mercuzy motor, cover and canopy, dunbier gal trailer zeg U57972, exp 18 Sep 2024 all in very good condition $8250 Ph 0429924704

3.7 Boat and cover, on aussie trailer with a yamaha 15HP motor, $5000 Ph 53582560 Stawell

3.8 Savage aluminium boat, new 18 hp Tohatsu motor, Biminis, Eagle fish finder, Mackay galvanised trailer, GC, $3700 Ph 0428826113

3.8 Stacer Kippa boat,15hp, 2 stroke Mercury, trailer A77849, cover, canopy, extras, boat reg J0296 $3900 Ph 5382 4210

4.0m Stessel Aluminium

Runabout , on galvanised trailer, 25HP evenride outboard motor, electric trolling motor, not used over 2 years, trailer reg V82175, boat reg DT917, serial no 09185405, $4000, Ph 0437899398

Dehavaland 4MT tinnie 25 HP

2/S yamaha electric start, power trim tilt nav lights, bilge pump windscreen, AM-FM radio, reg no FX-104, 8 months rego, tilt trailer with electric winch, 12 months rego, rego ZPZ-415, $4,000 Ph 0427825986

Savage Jabiru 1998 , 3.8m reg CZ582 to 4/1/25, recently quality painted, Mercury 15hp motor pristine condition working well, boat trailer reg D90675 til 4/1/25, brilliant for shallow water launching, $2500 the lot Ph 0427023389 Halls Gap

Aspire Wheelchair, extremely comfortable, padded headrest, additional padded section for leg support, barely used over 3 month period, paid $3500, selling for $1500 Ph 0427562913

Electric Recliner lift chair, $1500, Ph 0435787449, pick up

Ph Max 0477317809

Horsham

Roho Brand Permobill dry flotation pressure cushion and cushion cover, $250 ono, Ph 0435787499

Nissan ute 2.4 petrol 4WD great farm ute no tray, WD4SQ $3000 Ph 0417440396

2000 Peugeot Wagon, beige with cream leather upholstery, immaculate condition, lovely car to drive, VIN no VF38EXFZP80878919, 296,000 country kms, QLC859, genuine buyers only, $8000 Ph 03 53824309

2005 Toyota Hilux Turbo diesel tipper, 5 speed manual, tyres as new, one owner, 121,000kms,TVV157, RWC, $15,000 Ph 0418504774

2011 BMW X3, 6 cylinder, diesel turbo, white, 11 months rego, lovely car, 290,000km, YPC367 $10,000 Ph 0411502510

2011 Holden VE1 SV6 Commodore Sedan, GC, serviced every 6 months, auto, runs well, 330,358kms, YXP477 $7200 Ph 0407542856

2011 Toyota Camry , auto, VGC, RWC, genuine reason for selling, 226,000 kms, 1JX6HQ $8950 PH 0409433755

2018 Ford Escape Trend , VGC, RWC, CSA wheels, light bar, 155,000kms, CEY586 $14,500 Ph 0437059836

Doll collection, celluloid, porcelain and collectables, leather handbags, brand names, tapestries large variety Ph 0498621118

Holden WB Panel Van 1983, 6 cylinder petrol/gas, 3spd manual, VGC, extra parts included, FSE369 $25,000ono Ph 0407614706 Hyundai iLoad , 6 seater, manual, diesel, 204,000kms, rego YPK951, $15,000 Ph 0497205899

2011 White Nissan Navara D40 STX550 V6 twin cab, auto, diesel, bull bar, driving lights, snorkel, long range fuel tank, duel battery system, 2 inch lift kit, canopy, hard top tonneau cover and roll bar, 1 owner, serviced regularly, rego paid until 23/12/2024, comes with RWC, engine number: V9X007595C, 297,500kms, YTZ 215 $20,800ono Ph Craig 0429832207

2015 Nissan Navara , bbar, lbar, snkl, rrak, canopy, T-bar, ebrks, dbats, abags, 6spd man, 9mths reg, RWC, only 118,000kms, ADP699 $23990 Ph 0427423609

2016 VF SSV Series II Redline , sunroof. 6.2 LS 3, auto. 88,000kms, white with black roof, beautiful car to drive 1UY9ZJ $57,995 Ph 0427015393

2019 Subaru Impreza Hatch back, AWD, glass electric sunroof, safety, comfort, Pearl White, EC, 40,000kms, 1PA8PJ $27900 Ph 0427822909

Honda Civic VTI-L Sportshatch 2017, CVT auto, 1.5L turbo, 5L/100km, fully optioned, Honda warranty, amazing car, as new, genuine sale, 1MT-2IG, 46,000km, $25,900 Ph 0408881137

AUCTION ALLAMBI

42-46 Anderson St, Dimboola

Sunday 19th May

Viewing and registration from 9am, auction to commence at 10am. BBQ available Electric beds, chairs, fridges, freezers, furniture, crockery and kitchen items and many sundry items. All proceeds to Allambi Independent Living Unit’s refurbishment.

HINDMARSH SHIRE COUNCIL FARMER CONSULTATION SESSIONS JUNE 2024

Council will be hosting Famer Consultation Sessions during June to discuss Roads, Tree Trimming, Pests & Weeds, the draft 24/25 Annual Budget and draft 24/25 Council Plan Actions, and any other items important to our farming community.

Sessions will be held in the following locations: Rainbow

Tuesday 4 June 2024 from 9:30am until 11am MECCA Supper Room, Federal Street Rainbow

Jeparit

Wednesday 5 June from 9am until 10:30am Jeparit Hall, Roy Street Jeparit Yanac

Monday 17 June from 9:30am until 11am Yanac Hall, Francis Street Yanac Nhill

Thursday 20 June from 9am until 10:30am Nhill Memorial Community Centre, Nelson Street Nhill Dimboola

Monday 24 June from 9am until 10:30am Dimboola Customer Service Centre & Library, Lloyd Street Dimboola

Morning Tea will be provided.

Any enquiries regarding the consultation sessions should be directed to Ram Upadhyaya, Director Infrastructure Services, on 03 5391 4444 or by emailing rupadhyaya@hindmarsh.vic.gov.au.

Monica Revell Chief Executive Officer

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PART TIME

Bachelor Qualified Teacher

Nhill Long Day Care Kindergarten - Nhill

Monday – Thursday – 31 hours per week

Applications close 5pm Friday 3 May 2024

CASUAL – Horsham, Hindmarsh, Stawell Teachers, Diploma & Cert III Qualified Educators Kindergarten and Long Day Care

Please forward your application and resume via e-mail to hr@eeys.com.au or apply via www.eeys.com.au/careers

More information or to obtain a Position Description contact Ellen on 0475 294 549 or email hr@eeys.com.au

chainsaw operators/contractors

SMALL TO MEDIUM SAWS ARE SUITABLE

Must have own equipment/ABN/Insurance Also wanted: Support labourer/farm hands Call or text the manager on 0499 467 742

principal@nls.vic.edu.au with the subject line of ‘Classroom Teacher Position’ or view teachers.on.net Applications to be sent to principal@nls.vic.edu.au

DELIVER

Landcare Facilitator

Council is seeking a person with a sound understanding of Landcare and the role that Landcare plays within natural resource management to join our team in a funded position until 30/06/2025. Excellent communication and interpersonal skills will ensure you excel in this position!

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About ACE Radio Network:

A family-owned network, ACE Radio Broadcasters is a prominent regional Victorian media company, encompassing 21 radio stations, The Weekly Advertiser newspaper, ACE Digital, and ACE Direct Sales, and employing over 200 people across Victoria, New South Wales and Queensland. The Horsham base is home to newspaper; The Weekly Advertiser and two radio stations; 3WM and MIXX FM, delivering quality content and news to the Wimmera, Mallee and Grampians regions.

Join our team by applying for this exciting job opportunity: Journalist

The Weekly Advertiser is a free weekly newspaper featuring news and sport from across the Wimmera, Mallee and Grampians regions and is seeking a journalist to join its awardwinning team.

This is a full-time position but comes with highly flexible arrangements for the right applicant. Newsgathering would include hard news, features, agriculture and sport.

Key Responsibilities:

• Ability to research, create and submit a body of factually accurate stories daily, guided by experienced mentors.

• Work efficiently to deliver news stories on time, and adhere to tight deadlines.

• Craft compelling and clear articles, reports, or broadcasts for print and digital media.

• Conduct interviews and fact-check information.

• Edit and adapt content for various platforms.

• Uphold ethical standards of journalism.

Key Skills and Requirements:

• Strong writing and communication skills.

• Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

• Attention to detail and commitment to accuracy.

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Remuneration for this position: Salary per annum will be commensurate with experience.

To apply:

For further information or if you’re ready to take on this exciting opportunity, send your resume and cover letter to: Brendan O’Loughlin, General Manager brendano@aceradio.com.au

ACE Radio Broadcasters is an equal-opportunity employer.

(Term 3 Start-Permanent Ongoing Position)

town rivals Horsham Demons and Horsham Saints played out their annual Anzac Day round at Horsham City Oval on Thursday, with the Demons senior footballers victorious and Saints A Grade netballers coming out on top. Pictured in action are, clockwise from above: Saints’ Ashlee Grace; Demons’ Brody Pope tackles Jackson Davidson, Saints; Rhys Barber, Demons, and Cody Bryan, Saints; Madison Bethune, Saints, guards Tahlia Thompson, Demons; and Matthew Long, Demons, tackles Freddie Frew, Saints. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

ANZAC DAY CLASH: Cross-

ONE-SIDED: Round two Wimmera Football Netball League action saw Stawell senior footballers dominate Minyip-Murtoa 15.15 (105) to 2.7 (19). Stawell’s A Grade netballers also enjoyed a win, defeating Minyip-Murtoa 4843. Pictured clockwise from above: Minyip-Murtoa’s Oscar Gawith tackles Sean Mantell, Stawell; Claudia Griffiths, Minyip-Murtoa, looks to pass; Josh Fowkes, Stawell, keeps the ball moving; Madi Taylor, Stawell, gaurds MinyipMurtoa’s Ashlee Rintoule; Tom Eckle, Stawell, tackles Jye Walter, Minyip-Murtoa, and centre, Isabella Griffiths, Minyip-Murtoa, shoots for goal around Stawell defender Lisa Considine. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

HAMSTRING INJURIES

It’s that time of year again.

You’ve warmed up and you’re running around playing netball court or football field and you feel that Oh so familiar twinge, in your hamstring. Or maybe the hamstring injury has already occurred and you’ve done the recovery exercises and something still isn’t right.

Often this is because the pelvis where the hamstring attaches to is out of alignment. It causes the muscles to shorten and increases the risk of injury or delay in recovery. This can also change the rest of the spinal movements as the body tries to compensate for the unusual movement of the pelvis.

When chiropractors are looking at your back, we’re looking at all of it seeing what’s working and what’s not.

Chiropractic can help you move better and get more out of your game.

HARD FOUGHT: Former AFL star Dane Swan was a highlight of Mininera and District league’s roundtwo matches, pulling on a guernsey for Ararat Eagles’ senior match against Great Western on Saturday. Swan helped Ararat to a substantial win, 22.17 (149) to Great Western’s 12.14 (86). Ararat Eagles netballers also enjoyed a win against Great Western, 55-25. Pictured, clockwise from left: Jackson Taurau, Ararat Eagles, fends off Renn Lovitt, Great Western; Paige Biddle, Ararat Eagles, looks to pass; Great Western’s Dylan Witney handballs; Dane Swan, Ararat Eagles, gets to the ball; a fierce Ben Robertson, Ararat Eagles, keeps the ball moving; AnnaRose Keating, Great Western, passes; and centre, Dane Swan in the Ararat Eagles’ huddle. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

Swan draws large crowd

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

Collingwood legend Dane Swan’s appearance for the Ararat Eagles at the weekend drew rave reviews, with spectators flocking to watch their game against Great Western.

The Eagles announced earlier this year that Swan, the 2011 AFL Brownlow medalist, would make a one-off appearance in round two, and anticipation was high for the clash between the traditional rivals.

Club secretary Nats McRoberts said Swan arrived more than two hours before the game, introducing himself to the players and greeting an estimated crowd of more than 1000 spectators, signing autographs and taking photographs.

McRoberts said Swan was ‘approachable and easygoing’ throughout the day.

“Prior to the game Dane lined up with the boys as both the Ararat Eagles and Great Western paid their respects during the now annual Anzac proceedings,” he said.

“Dane played four quarters of footy, sporting number 36. He mainly played on the half-forward line, however he did go down back.

“He played well, showing glimpses of his former self. He managed to snag a goal on the run after about four or five bounces.

“Dane was received well by both playing groups. He appeared to elevate our boys, occasionally having input in the quarter-time huddles.

“However, he appeared more so to take on board our game plan, encourage the boys and not make the game about himself – he was very unselfish.”

Swan helped the Eagles to a strong win, topping the Lions 22.17 (149) to 12.14 (86), with Mason Kelly, Kade Bohner and Sam Summers also among a host of strong performers.

Kelly kicked six goals and Summers had four, while co-captains Tom Taurau and Naish McRoberts had three apiece.

The Eagles joined Penshurst, Wickliffe-Lake Bolac and LismoreDerrinallum in the top four after all three recorded wins against Moyston-Willaura, SMW Rovers and Glenthompson-Dunkeld, respectively.

Penshurst maintained a huge percentage of more than 800 after dismantling the Pumas 28.16 (184) to

3.9 (27) and the Magpies beat Rovers by 143 points, but only one kick separated the Demons and Rams, with Lismore-Derrinallum prevailing 12.8 (80) to 12.7 (79) thanks to a five-goal haul from Lachie Constable.

Hawkesdale-Macarthur and Woorndoo-Mortlanke also played a thriller, with the Eagles emerging victorious 15.10 (100) to 14.13 (97).

Tatyoon rebounded well from a disappointing round one to beat Caramut 23.9 (147) to 11.5 (71) at Caramut.

Former Newlyn coach Marcus Darmody showed why the Hawks

Dane Swan

were so keen to recruit him with a 15-goal haul, earning best-onground honours.

Tatyoon will face its biggest test of the young season in round three when it hosts Penshurst on Saturday.

Other matches will see Ararat Eagles travel to Derrinallum to take on the Demons, Great Western in search of its first win at home to Wickliffe-Lake Bolac, MoystonWillaura away to GlenthompsonDunkeld, Hawkesdale-Macarthur at home to Caramut, and WoorndooMortlake travelling to play SMW Rovers.

Representative squads dominate tournament

Wimmera and Horsham District junior netball squads showed the region’s strength at the weekend in the Ballarat Netball Association’s annual tournament.

The Wimmera league sent four junior teams – a 17-and-under squad, a 15-and-under squad and a 13-andunder squad, as well as a 15-andunder development team – with all but the development team winning their respective grand finals.

The District league sent three squads, one in each age group, with the 15-and-under team losing to Wimmera by two goals in the grand final and the 13-and-under squad knocked out in a semi-final, also by the Wimmera.

Junior netball representatives for both leagues said they were thrilled with the results, which they said showed the strength of the sport.

“The fact we had Wimmera teams and Horsham District teams doing

really well shows we’ve got some outstanding players here in our region,” Horsham District junior netball coordinator Sharon Fedke said.

“It’s a great testament to the things we’re doing here. I’m rapt our area has done so well at this tournament.”

Wimmera league netball co-ordinator Toni Stewart said the squad teams were part of the league’s junior talent pathway.

“Our squad teams train and go to these tournaments to try to get into the Netball Victoria Northern Zone Academy,” she said.

“A few got into the academy last year, which was great – it’s what we’re aiming for.

“We’ve some great coaches on board – we’re always really lucky with the coaches that we get.”

Fedke said the tournament was ‘a great opportunity’ for the players.

“All the girls had a hard, com-

petitive day, but a fun day, too,” she said.

“I think they enjoy playing with different girls to what they do on a Saturday. It gives them a different perspective on things.”

Teams from both leagues will take part in the Netball Victoria Association Championships later this month.

The Wimmera league will also send two junior football teams to the South West District Football Netball League’s junior carnival in Portland this weekend, marking the first time in 30 years the league has fielded junior representative sides.

Representing the league will be –Under-17: Cooper Evans, Patrick Toner, Jed Rhodes, Ararat; Archer Laverty, Dimboola; Gibson Perry, Mitchell Mcauliff, Cooper Jadine, Monty Wynne, Max Bunworth, Horsham; Zane Munyard, Drew Harris, Jesse Taylor, Kai Newton, Horsh-

am Saints; Charlie Gawith, Xavier Shevlin, Minyip-Murtoa; Bronte Hiscock, Nhill; Cooper Stasinowsky, Southern Mallee Thunder; Ferrari Batsiua, Wimbledon Hubert, Ashton Mellor, Kai Knight, Stawell; Nicholas Steib, Jarve Beney, Kobe MacGregor, Warrack Eagles. Under-14: Billy Jenkins, Tanu Parsons, Hamish Barr, Judd Marsh, Oliver Reynolds, Ararat; Dane Paech, Reef Ward, Dimboola; Lincoln Tucker, Chaz Smith, Aiden Kleinitz, Jaega Mccall, Zac Martin, Henry Walsgott, Joshua Kalms, Horsham; Harry Hicks, LJ Kafegellis, Chase David Kannar, Horsham Saints; Ryder Hudson, Minyip-Murtoa; Cooper Gebert, Charlie Bell, Nhill; Max Spokes, Maxwell Roberts, Southern Mallee Thunder; Charlie Dunn, Tom Collins, Stawell; Thomas Penny, Tyson Garlick, Warrack Eagles.

– Colin MacGillivray

AFTER THE SIREN

with Kuges, Cobba, Easty & Hugh

It was a flogging. Minyip-Murtoa started well, but had three or four significant injuries coming into the match. After half time, Stawell just ran the ball a lot better and had better systems. The Warriors just put goals on the scoreboard that Minyip-Murtoa couldn’t stop. The Buras never looked in it after quarter time. Stawell is the real deal. They are certainly premiership contenders from what we’ve seen so far. The new recruits they have picked up have satisfied their requirements. Stawell will be one to watch out for at the end of the season. The club had a really big crowd for its 150th celebrations on Saturday. They sold off their special commemorative jumpers that they wore, and would have made a packet.

The standout player: Coach Tom Eckel was by far the best-on-ground. And there was a new recruit Josh Linton – he wasn’t in their best players – but in his first game for the club, obviously looks like he is a very good player.

The rising star: Oscar Gawith for Minyip-Murtoa. He’s only just out of Rebels, and I think he got invited by AFL clubs to draft camps and he said no. He’s one to watch – he’s a ripper. He is about six foot two and can play anywhere. He is just a bull.

Arnel makes debut

Horsham’s Greta Arnel debuted for Greater Western Victoria Rebels in the Talent League Girls competition at the weekend.

Arnel is one of four Wimmera girls in this year’s Rebels under-18 squad, along with Horsham’s Adelle Weidemann and Poppy Peters, and Brook Ward, who is from Dimboola but plays club football with Ballarat Storm.

The Rebels are still in search of their first win after round four, falling to Tasmania 11.5 (71) to 2.6 (18) on Sunday.

The team will look to notch its first win this weekend when it takes on the Bendigo Pioneers at Ballarat’s MARS Stadium.

The Rebels’ boys team will also face Bendigo in Ballarat this weekend.

hOrsham DisTricT league

Lopsided matches across the board

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

Roundthree of Horsham District senior football competition produced lopsided results, with only one losing team finishing within 70 points of its opponent.

Traditional rivals Noradjuha-Quantong and Natimuk United produced the closest match of the round at Quantong Recreation Reserve, but the Bombers were still easily able to account for the visitors after an even first quarter, winning 14.9 (93) to 7.6 (48).

Ruckman Jack Vague led the way for the Bombers, with Jayden Besford and Dawson Cross also handy, while Judah Hobbs and Brock Orval kicked three goals each.

Natimuk United’s best included Dy-

lan Newell, Lachlan Smith and coach Jarred Combe, while Joey Nagorcka was the sole multiple goal-kicker with two.

Rupanyup bounced back from a loss in its first game of the season by beating Kalkee 17.11 (113) to 5.11 (41) at Kalkee Recreation Reserve.

The Panthers were particularly dominant in the second term, booting nine goals to two as the likes of Bill Hansen and Lachlan Weidemann ran riot.

Coach Brayden Ison booted seven goals in the win, while Jacob Christie slotted four.

Kalkee’s best contributors included Patrick Mills, Zavier Hobbs, Douglas Grining and Luke Byrne.

Laharum continued its resurgence after last year’s winless campaign, accounting for Kaniva-Leeor United

Kalkee wins in thriller

Kalkee showed its intention to remain among the Horsham District A Grade netball elite this season, defeating Rupanyup in a one-goal thriller at the weekend.

The Kees started strongly in round three, leading 11-9 at home after one quarter.

But the Panthers showed their class in the second term, as Anna Sudholz, who shifted from goal keeper to wing defence, began to influence the game, along with centre Meg Cashin.

Rupanyup led by three goals at half time but the Kees refused to go away, bouncing back with a strong third quarter to tie the scores at the final break.

Kalkee’s Clair McDonald mimicked Sudholz’s shift from goal keeper to wing defence, to great effect in the second half, helping turn the ball over and driving it in the opposite direction.

Kees goal defence Penny Fisher was also in fine form throughout the match, limiting dangerous Rupanyup goal attack Maddi Morgan to just 10 goals.

Panther goal shooter Zanaiya Bergen netted 25 goals, but was made to work for them, taking 40 attempts in her match-ups against first McDonald and then Lotus Martin.

The Kees were able to blunt Rupanyup’s efficiency enough to retake the lead in the dying moments, holding

on for a 36-35 win. The result saw Kalkee retain a spot in the top three, behind only Noradjuha-Quantong and Laharum – the league’s sole undefeated teams.

No team has come within 18 goals of the Bombers after three rounds, as they saw off traditional rivals Natimuk United 48-20 on Saturday.

With Holly Nuske and Kate Cameron controlling the midcourt, Noradjuha-Quantong raced away to a 14-4 lead by quarter time.

Natimuk United responded admirably in the second quarter, scoring seven goals to the Bombers’ nine, as Olivia Sudholz slowed Bomber goal attack Jayne Tucker and Danielle Hanson worked hard at goal attack.

But the young Ewes were overwhelmed in the second half, as the Bombers boosted their percentage to more than 175 with the win.

Laharum is not far behind Noradjuha-Quantong with a percentage of 164, which the Demons garnished with a 63-46 win against KanivaLeeor United at Kaniva on Saturday.

in a 12.22 (94) to 3.5 (23) win that could have been much greater if not for inaccurate kicking.

The Mountain Men continued their early-season trend of dominating around the ball, with midfielders Daniel Easson and Robbie Miller in the thick of the action, while Brett Ervin provided solid rebound from the halfback line.

Ruckman Shannon Argall went forward to kick three goals, while Riley Cross worked hard across the halfforward line despite finishing without a major.

The Cougars’ best players included Hamish Bennett, Billy King, Luke Andrea and Luke Bennett.

Reigning premier Harrow-Balmoral romped to a 134-point win against Edenhope-Apsley, 24.16 (160) to 3.8

(26) as Nick Pekin put on a show with nine goals.

Cody Deutscher was a worthy foil for Pekin with five goals of his own, with vice-captain Peter Staude getting on the board with a goal in his 150th senior game.

Ben Campbell kicked two of the Saints’ three goals, with Fraser Thompson, Bernard Kealy, Adam Hood and Heath Keatley among the team’s top performers.

Swifts recorded the biggest win of the round against a short-handed Taylors Lake, downing the Lakers 29.15 (189) to 3.3 (21).

League-leading goal-kicker Paul Summers added to his total with eight goals, while midfielders Ryan Folkes, Chris Freeman and Angus Murray found plenty of the ball, Freeman

and Murray booting four and five, respectively.

Coach Justin Beugelaar led the Lakers from the front, with Hunter Campey, Bray Cullinan and Billy Finnigan all giving effort in the loss. This weekend’s games are shaping up to be more competitive, with Swifts at home to Noradjuha-Quantong in a match pitting first against fourth on the ladder.

Laharum will aim to maintain its strong start when it hosts Taylors Lake at Cameron Oval, and Pimpinio will return from a bye to host neighbouring Kalkee.

Rupanyup will be at home to Kaniva-Leeor United and Natimuk United will host Harrow-Balmoral at Natimuk Showgrounds. Edenhope-Apsley has a bye.

The Cougars started brilliantly, with wing attack Zoe Hawker feeding goalies Blair Burke and Nikki Hawker well, and Melody Maddern doing her best to combat Laharum goal shooter Caitlin Jones-Story. But the Demons’ class showed through with 18 goals to eight in the second term, and the team was never headed from there.

Melanie Russell was named Laharum’s best player at wing attack, while Maddi Iredell scored 28 goals.

Edenhope-Apsley banked its second win of the season by defeating Harrow-Balmoral 56-43, with Lavinia Fox’s 34 goals and Tahlia Sailor’s 22 proving too much for the Roos to overcome, despite strong defensive

efforts from Megan Little. Swifts also continued their strong early-season form, downing Taylors Lake 54-34 at Dock Lake Reserve. Isabella Robson and Lisa Monaghan were best for the Baggies, while Harriet Overman led the Lakers with 16 goals.

Round four will see Swifts’ finals credentials put to the test in a game against Noradjuha-Quantong at North Park. Laharum will host Taylors Lake, Rupanyup will host Kaniva-Leeor United, Harrow-Balmoral will travel to Natimuk to take on the Ewes and Kalkee make a short trip to Pimpinio, while Edenhope-Apsley has a bye. – Colin MacGillivray

VACCINES & PAIN RELIEF

PROTECT

REUNION: Members of the Douglas Miga Lake Rovers 1954 basketball premiership team gathered at Harrow Recreation Reserve on Saturday to mark 70 years since their grand final win. Pictured, from left, are Barbara Blair, née Hobbs, Anne Anson, née Kealy, Marion Addinsall, née Mitchell, Roma Anson, née Smith, Merle Clayton, née Anderson and Marie Anson née Hobbs. Gwen Hobbs was represented by her son Stephen.

Picture: KAREN REES

Demons build momentum

BY LAUREN HENRY

After a long-awaited win against their cross-town rivals, Horsham Demons are hoping to carry their form into this Saturday’s match against MinyipMurtoa.

But the Burras will no doubt come out smarting after being on the end of an 86-point trouncing to a Stawell team celebrating its club’s 150th anniversary.

The Demons’ Anzac Day clash under lights against Horsham Saints at Horsham City Oval saw a low-scoring, close first half as the home team had plenty of the ball but failed to capitalise.

A free kick in front of goal gave the Demons its first at the 23-minute mark of the first quarter, after the Saints scored early through Corey Morgan.

The Saints again came out to score early in the second quarter, as the Demons replied through Brody Pope with a set shot from the boundary in front of the Horsham faithful.

Missed shots at goal gave the Demons a score line of 3.9 at half-time, leading by just one goal.

Horsham slowly built on its lead in the second half to eventually win 75-54.

Demons coach Jordyn Burke said Billy Carberry, who won the Anzac medal, had impressed in the ruck and as a forward, while Hugo Papst, Ryan Kemp and Brody Pope were solid.

“It’s always a tough one with Saints and it’s been a while since we’ve probably had a win against them. It was a big occasion and the boys stepped up. I was super happy,” he said.

Burke said the Demons’ low conversion rate in the first half was ‘frustrating’.

“We did a lot of hard work and didn’t get much reward. But to the boys’ credit, they didn’t stop, we just had to keep ticking away,” he said.

“In the end, we took our chances when we had them, and I think we ended up with eight different goalscorers, so I was really impressed with that.”

Burke said Saturday’s match at Murtoa would be a good test for his team.

“It’s going to be an interesting game, I think. Over the past three or four years they’ve been one of the yard-

sticks and they have some really good players,” he said.

“Their talls are always really good.

“They’ve some really good key position players and getting their midfield strengthened up back again, so we’re going to have to win that midfield battle because they’ve some proper players in that midfield.”

Burke said other than Brad Hartigan undergoing a hamstring test, the Demons were likely to go into the match with an unchanged side.

In other round three Wimmera league action, Dimboola faces a challenge to

Solid start for Stawell netballers

In the A Grade match of the round for round two of Wimmera league netball, Stawell scored a nail-biting win against Minyip-Murtoa.

Just one goal separated the two sides at quarter time and the main break, before the Warriors made their break in the third term to take a five-goal lead, which they maintained until the end.

Stawell co-coach Jemma Clarkson said it was a tight, tough match.

“It was highly contested from the start all the way through to the end of the last quarter. So we had to really battle for the win and the girls did a great job of really working hard,” she said.

“It was a really hard fought game and credit to Minyip-Murtoa, they played a really great game.”

Clarkson said positional changes in goals at quarter time were integral

to Stawell’s win as Ebony Summers moved from goal shooter to goal attack.

“She’s moving beautifully in the ring and shooting really accurately this year so far. She’s one of our captains and she’s really stepped up and embraced that role and being a real leader on the court for us,” she said.

Other players to impress were goal defence Lisa Considine and Madi Taylor in wing attack.

“Lisa just plugs away all game and gets hands to balls and intercepts at vital moments... and Madi just works hard all game, fed the goals beautifully, and took a few great mid-court intercepts as well,” Clarkson said.

The A Grade veteran said the new rolling substitute rule was proving an important addition to the game.

“It’s probably a little bit more of a

challenge for co-coach Rachel Wood and I because we play and coach, so we’re on the court sort of wondering if we need to make that decision, but we have got great people on our bench, too, who take that pressure off us in that sense and are able to make a call if they think we need it,” Clarkson said.

“I think it’s allowing a bit more free-flowing netball instead of seeing someone call an injury just to get someone to swap.

“It’s really allowing teams just to make quick changes without stopping the flow or the play of the game.”

The Warriors’ attention now turns to Dimboola, who come off a 44-26 win over Nhill.

“It’s going to be another tough game I think, which is really great for the competition at the moment. I think

notch up its first win of the season as it faces ladder-leaders Stawell.

The Warriors have been impressive so far this season, beating Ararat, Saints and then Minyip-Murtoa.

Whereas the Roos have only played one match, losing to Nhill by 47 points, 99-52.

The Roos trailed at every change against Nhill on Saturday, as Tiger forward Daniel Batson booted six goals.

In another one-sided match, Ararat smashed Warrack Eagles 192-35, as the home team never looked in it.

The Eagles, with senior player Jacob Cheney set to play his 300th senior game, will need to regroup as they travel to Coughlin Park, Horsham, to play the Saints.

In what could be the match of the round, Ararat will need to bring its

A game as it hosts Southern Mallee Thunder.

Last year’s premiers kicked a huge score of 28.24 against the Eagles, led by seven goals from Tom Williamson, who was one of 14 goal-scorers for the Rats.

Nhill has a bye in round three.

the spread is quite even across all the clubs, which is wonderful,” she said.

“Dimboola is very versatile. They’ve some really great, reliable players amongst them, and some terrific height, too, which is always hard to combat.”

In other round two matches, Horsham Saints scored a solid 65-48 win against Horsham Demons on Anzac Day, while Warrack Eagles defeated Ararat 46-33.

Ararat will host Southern Mallee Thunder on Saturday, while MinyipMurtoa plays Horsham and Saints will play Warrack Eagles.

– Lauren Henry

CLEAR: Horsham Saints’ Nathan Koenig gets away from his Demons opponents. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

GUARD: Stawell’s Lisa Considine and Lauren Homden guard MinyipMurtoa shooter Isabella Griffiths.

Veteran wins at Stawell

BY TONY LOGAN

Birchip owner-trainer Gary Living was in the winner’s circle at Stawell on Anzac Day after his eight year-old gelding A Rocknroll Jet scored a well-deserved victory in the $7000 Thomas Foods Pace.

Drawn inside the second line for the 2180 metre journey, driver Jackie Barker punched through at the start to hold the back of leader Shes A Tiny Dancer and enjoyed a sweet trip throughout.

At the top of the home stretch, Barker was able to ease off the pegs and A Rocknroll Jet burst clear to score by 1.9 metres from Montana Pride, Jason Ainsworth, and Bettorpatchmeup, Amy Day, in the leisurely rate of 2:04.2.

It was the 95 start veteran’s first win since May last year.

True to script

It is rare to see a Stawell meeting without Peter and-or Kerryn Manning posting a victory and true to script the father and daughter team landed the money in the Jim McLeod Memorial Trotters Handicap with lightly-raced, seven-year-old mare Onestep Ahead.

After a safe beginning from the 10 metre mark, Manning’s charge, and the rest of the field, trotted Indian file through the first lap and a bit of the 2600m journey. With two laps to go, Manning switched away from the markers into the one-one spot and stayed there until making a three-wide move at the 400 metre mark.

One Stepahead did not miss a beat and

cruised to the post to score by 12 metres from Sonny Brooke, Luke Dunne and Claudy An Gus, Blake Pace.

In just two years of racing the only surviving foal of Lazy Toes has posted three wins and five minors for her ownerbreeders Cormack Racing SA.

Driving double

Kerryn Manning made it a driving double later in the afternoon with her own horse, seven-year-old gelding The Sportz Star, in the $8000 Stawell Gift Museum Pace.

The polemarker Didafull Oneeighty, Amy Day, worked hard out of the gate to retain the lead, with The Sportz Star hard on its back to enjoy a saloon passage throughout the 2180 metre contest.

A couple of mid-race attacking moves forced the frontrunner to maintain a solid tempo and when the sprint lane opened, The Sportz Star dashed through and scored by 1.5 metres from the brave Didafull Oneeighty, with Nosweetsforyou, Michelle Wight, in third spot after another tough effort.

After posting seven wins in Victoria, Manning sent The Sportz Star north for a Queensland campaign, which yielded a victory at Redcliffe. After returning home late last year, the son of Sportswriter and Molly Pitcher has notched up three wins.

Family flag flying

At Bendigo on Friday night, trainerdriver Michael Bellman was successful with seven-year-old mare Jazspur in the $10,000 Property Solutions Trot.

Fresh from a victory nine days previous at Hamilton, Jazspur sprint-laned to victory in a rate of 1:59.4 over the 2150 metre journey.

The mare has never raced better. Jazspur is raced by her breeders, the Hull family of Ararat, and her record now stands at 11 wins, 20 minor placings and a bank of $85,000, outdoing her half-sisters Mizurri with five wins and Majestic Pride, 10.

Unfortunately their dam Fleetwood Blue died in foal, but the Hull’s have her un-named two-year-old colt by What The Hill CA and a yearling filly by Propulsion USA to keep the family flag flying.

Lightning strikes twice

Six race meetings in the past three weeks have been run at Horsham Greyhound Racing Club and local trainers have again been around the mark, leading in their fair share of winners.

It was a case of lightning striking twice when Nhill conditioner

Andrea Gurry landed the first four in a free-for-all event on April 9 and in doing so, pulling off the near impossible feat for the second time in as many weeks.

Westar Commander turned the tables on Fitzroy Bale in another head-bobbing affair, with only a small margin separating the two in a quick time of 23:26sec, with Spring Port a close third and Yanic Bale fourth.

Fitzroy Bale and Yanic Bale backed up on April 19 and again finished first and second in a best of the day time of 23:41sec.

It was followed by victory to Hartley Bale on April 23. Hartley Bale was forced to come from near last early on, using the rails run to keep punching up, winning in the last stride by a head in the time of 23:63sec.

Classy chaser Lightning Jedda for Tracey Salter and Greg Turnbull of Crowlands, continued her winning ways, also on the April 9 card, displaying her customary early speed to lead all the way in the longer 485 metre journey, stopping the clock in 27:59sec.

Team Fullerton, of Red Cliffs, was also successful that day when Dash of Sally hit the line first in a grade-five 410 metre event. Positioning second early, Dash of Sally was too strong in the run to the line, overpowering her competitors to win comfortably in 23:50sec. It was the start of a charmed run for the fortnight of racing, when the team followed up with winners on April 16 and 19 race cards.

Rising five-and-a-half-year-old Miracle Belle showed age was just a number when jumping straight to the front, comfortably winning her grade five 410 metre event in 23:65sec. Pressure Rising followed suite three days later, displaying great front-running effort to win well in 23:83sec.

Garry George, of Beulah, and Heather Baxter, Murtoa, were both successful on multiple race cards on April 12, with Patriot James for George leading all the way in the 410 metre event, winning in a best of the day 23:58sec. Music Lesson for Baxter was forced to do it the hard way, coming from well back early and winning a head-bobber under extreme pressure.

Both trainers struck again on April 26 when Solo Effort for Baxter and Spin And Burn for George broke their maiden grade and both in impressive style.

– Peter Carter

Birchip owner-trainer Gary Living with his gelding A Rocknroll Jet.

Picture: Claire Weston Photography

Competitive start in season-opener

BY SIMON KING

The first round of the Wimmera Hockey Association season at the weekend yielded some predictable results, but also showed some form that suggests it will be a competitive season.

The rematch of last year’s open division grand final will headline round two at Anzac Park, Warracknabeal on Saturday.

Yanac Tigers started its premiership defence at the weekend with a solid win, but some mystery still surrounds Warrack Hoops as it had the bye in the first round.

Many familiar faces will line up on both sides, but it will be how well the mix of new players gel with the veterans that could decide the match.

Regardless, the two teams have dominated the competition and have a strong rivalry that goes back several decades, and always put on a skilful and entertaining spectacle.

Having not lost a game since semifinals in 2019, it is hard to tip against the Tigers, but if any team can seriously challenge them, it will be the Hoops.

The other open match will see Horsham Hurricanes out to build on its first-round win when it meets Kaniva Cobras, who will be looking to bounce back after having to face the reigning premiers in the first round.

Nhill Rangers has the bye.

Having not fielded a team in the women’s competition for several seasons, Dimboola Roos entered round one as an unknown and proved it was not just in to make up the numbers, with a comfortable win on its home turf on Friday evening.

The Roos challenge now is to back this up when they take on Nhill Thunderbirds, who are coming off a loss to Horsham Jets.

The Roos’ form on grass is still yet to be seen, and the ’Birds were quite competitive, so this should be another

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Farming for the Future

close game. Warrack did not enjoy a good start to its season, going down to the Roos, and will not find round two any easier when it faces reigning premiers Yanac, who had a win on Saturday.

Kaniva lost narrowly to Yanac in round one, but will still be a challenge to the Jets, who are coming off a firstup win, in another match that will begin to set the 2024 pecking order. In under-16 competition, the closest match will be between Horsham Bombers and Kaniva Raiders, which could go either way, but when Yanac

Warriors take on the Warrack Revengers and Nhill Leopards play the Dimboola Kangaroos, early form suggests that both first-named teams should get the points.

Round one results

Open: Horsham Hurricanes 3 (Goals, J. Harris 2, J. Horsfall; Best, J. Harris, P. Mackereth, M.Spano) d Nhill Rangers 0 (J. Knoll, S. Bone, K. Rowe). Yanac Tigers 5 (T. Alexander 3, R. Croot, S. Alexander; R. Croot, B. Alexander, S. Alexander) d Kaniva Cobras 0 (L. Mills, T. Ady, N. Krelle).

Women: Dimboola Roos 8 (L. Gra-

ham 3, V. Elliott 3, C. Elliott, J. Hauselberger; J. Hauselberger, L. Graham, V. Elliott) d Warrack Women 1 (B. Casey; B. Casey, C. Bennett, M. Bentley). Horsham Jets 4 (M. Spano 2, A. Heal, K. Krahe; H. Werner, M. Spano, L. Schilling, K. Krahe) d Nhill Thunderbirds 1 (R. Clark; H. Cannell, N. Kuhnell, K. Clark, J. Rowe). Yanac Women 1 (E. Alexander; A. Farmers, M. Mackley, E. Alexander) d Kaniva Women 0 (L. Stimson, I. Williams, Z. Smith).

Under-16: Warrack Revengers 4 (S. Williamson 3, E. Williamson; E. Williamson, M. Bentley, S. Williamson) d Dimboola Kangaroos 0 (V. Ward, L. Hauselberger, C. Elliott). Nhill Leopards 4 (D. Clark 3, O. Bone; D. Clark, O. Bone, T. Shue Bee) d Horsham Bombers 0 (J. Schwarz, J. Di Pretro, H Mackereth). Yanac Warriors 3 (Archie Zanker 2, S Pedie; Archie Zanker, Asher Zanker, S Pedie) drew with Kaniva Raiders 3 (C. White 2, R. Williams; C. White, Z. Krelle, R. Williams).

Under-12 development program: Warrack Avengers 0 v Dimboola Kookaburras 3 (R. Hadzig 2, R. Wallace). Yanac Lowan Stars 5 (M. Dart, S. Farmers, A. Pedie, S. Dickinson, A. Cramer) v Kaniva Rampagers 0. Horsham Black Hawks 2 (L. Rose 2) v Nhill Bandits 2 (B. Clark 2).

RETURN: Dimboola Roos enjoyed a victory in their return to the Wimmera Hockey Association for the first time since 2021.

70th anniversary of champion’s debut

BY TONI DOMASCHENZ

The 70th anniversary of Reg Burgess’ debut with Essendon was recognised at Edenhope-Apsley Football Netball Club.

Burgess, of Apsley but retired to Edenhope, played 124 games for Essendon, is in the club’s hall of fame, team of the century, and is a champion and life member of the Bombers.

He is also a life member of Edenhope-Apsley Saints, and was a threetime premiership player for Casterton.

Seventy years ago, on April 24, 1954, a speedy youngster from Apsley made his debut for Essendon in front of 23,000 people at Windy Hill.

When Lance Mann was ruled out due to a knee injury, Burgess, a 19-year-old shy, country boy stepped up to play his first senior game.

He had grown up listening to his Essendon heroes on the wireless – Reynolds, Hutchie and Coleman among them, while he played in a cross border league footy.

Burgess had won a premiership with Apsley in 1952 and was runner-up league best-and-fairest in 1953.

He was spotted by Essendon and after playing one game on permit in 1953, moved to Essendon in 1954 to try his hand at the club.

Burgess was nervous and to this day, believes he did not play well on the half-forward flank.

“Reynolds gave me three games to

prove myself,” he said. In round four, he was moved to the wing in place of Peter O’Sullivan.

Burgess was such a talented rookie that before season’s end he was filling in for Jack Clarke in the centre during his Victorian commitments.

Burgess impressed selectors, won the best first year player award and went on to play almost 100 games on the wing.

One of the greats

The line-up of Sewell-Clarke-Burgess would become one of the most iconic centrelines in the league and arguably the greatest in Essendon’s history.

Burgess was named as number 13 in the Champions of Essendon; named in Essendon’s Team of the Century; and is a member of Essendon’s Hall of Fame.

He won club best-and-fairest in 1957 and 1960, played seven times for Victoria and was named all-Australian in 1958.

Exceptional opposition players such as Melbourne’s Brian Dixon, and Collingwood’s Thorold Merrett and Bill Serong rate him as one of the hardest opponents they had to shut down, despite the fact he never once threw a punch or broke the gentleman’s code of conduct.

“My, he was tough,” Dixon recalled.

Burgess had an ability to read the play and slow time down. His drop

kicks hit the forwards on the chest, hard, every time.

Unselfish

Burgess played unselfish football, perhaps robbing himself of a few Brownlow votes.

Despite being a small player at 175 centimetres, he played big.

Burgess had a massive stride and left an even bigger impression. For those who never experienced the thrill of watching Burgess play, some believe that Collingwood’s Scott Pendlebury is a modern day footballer who most matches his style.

Essendon almost lost Burgess in his second season when homesickness overcame him. But he returned with a

Apsley’s Reg Burgess played for Essendon in the 1950s and 1960s and went on to become a legend of the club. Picture supplied by Essendon Football Club.

new attitude and won the club’s most improved that year.

Burgess played in the 1957 finals while his battle with the measles was hidden from the press.

He also recalls one time where he almost ‘drowned under a pack at Footscray on a very wet day’.

In 1959, he moved into the centre. He didn’t waste a minute and clocked up another 24 games.

In 1960, Burgess played arguably his best year, winning club best-andfairest and the press named him ‘best on’ in his final game.

But, back in the 1950s and ’60s players were not paid much, taking home about £6 – $240 in today’s equivalent

– per game, and so despite being one of the greats of the game, at age 26 Burgess was lured back to the bush. He won three premierships as a player coach at Casterton, where he earnt more in his first year than all seven at Essendon.

In 1963, Burgess was still recovering from a dislocated shoulder, sustained in an interleague match, when he kicked seven goals in the grand final.

In 1964, he returned to his home club of Apsley where he won the Kowree Naracoorte League Mail Medal in his first year and helped the team to a premiership in 1965. Burgess hung up his perfectly polished boots in 1966 and spent the next 60 years giving back to the sport and to the community.

Burgess now lives in Edenhope and will celebrate his milestone enjoying a quiet drink with friends and family.

Editor’s note: In 1954, Jimmy Caldow from Edenhope travelled with Burgess to train with Essendon. While Caldow did not make the cut, he did have plenty of talent and passion. Seventy years later, Caldow’s son Clayton and grandson Angus are working with local author Toni Domaschenz to write a book about the great Reg Burgess. The trio is looking for stories, photos and videos. Anyone who can assist can phone Toni on 0422 591 998, Clayton on 0407 356 558 or Angus on 0479 137 751.

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Challenge success

BY DAVID BERRY

Asuccessful Anzac Day Lightning Spike Challenge between Volleyball Horsham and Ararat Volleyball will see more opportunities going forward for both groups.

That is the feeling following a day when close games were the order of the day amidst an atmosphere of fun and excitement.

Volleyball Horsham’s Tyler Snowden said the Ararat contingent had been screaming out for competition all season and this day presented itself with just that opportunity.

“It also doubled as a great way to celebrate the Anzac spirit and remember those who made the sacrifice to enable us to do what we love doing best, and that is playing volleyball,” he said.

The tone was set in the very first men’s game, which resulted in a 24-24 draw between the Rangers and Heidelberg, with Rangers and Paradise also finishing in a draw 26-all, and Rex Boys and Nuggets likewise.

Determining the finalists went down to the last game between Ararat teams Bula Brothers and Paradise, with Paradise upsetting Bula Brothers 27-25.

This meant both Paradise and Nuggets finished on three wins, a draw and a loss from their five games, so the determining factor went to points scored for and against.

The result went in favour of Nuggets with a point percentage of 103.44 percent compared with Paradise’s 103.30 percent.

Nuggets captain Matt McLoughlin said the game was tense.

In the final, the result came down to the last 30 seconds when scores were tied at 23-all before Nuggets scored the final three points to win a thriller.

On the women’s court, Horsham Red team

“It also doubled as a great way to celebrate the Anzac spirit and remember those who made the sacrifice to enable us to do what we love doing best, and that is playing volleyball”

– Tyler Snowden

took all before them, but not without a strong showing from Paradise.

In the round games the two teams were separated by one point, while in the final, Horsham Red was too strong, scoring a 46-29 win against their ageing opponents.

Volleyball Horsham’s Molly Carter, whose Horsham navy team took the bronze medal, said it was a great hit out for both Horsham teams prior to the country champs.

“The Ararat girls were very competitive and played a faster style of volleyball, keeping the ball alive and constantly putting the ball over the net into awkward spots, which kept our girls on their toes,” she said.

The Ararat women were pleasantly surprised by the standard of play displayed by the Horsham team.

“We couldn’t keep up with their constant changing of positions and the power they displayed,” Lenda from Ararat’s Pink Panthers said.

“If only we were younger, we would have given those girls a run for their money.

“They were so good to watch, and we will go back and practise even more for the return opportunity.”

Ararat co-ordinator Anita San Ba said not only was the day successful from an on-court perspective, but off the court as well.

“It bought our groups closer together as normally they don’t get to socialise as much as they should,” she said.

Athletes impress on national stage

Wimmera athletes Charlie Inkster and Asha Meek showed they have bright futures in track and field with strong performances on the national stage last month.

Inkster competed in the under-20 women’s heptathlon at the Australian Athletics Championships and Meek took part in the 100-metre sprint and 200-metre hurdles at the Australian Little Athletics Championships, both in Adelaide.

Inkster impressed Wimmera athletics coach Ricky Price with her results, recording personal best results in three of the heptathlon’s seven events.

“Charlie finished 12th out of 15 competitors, but she’s got another year in that age group,” he said.

“She got three personal bests out of the seven events, and the other performances were close to PBs.

“She also got an overall points PB, which is the main thing she was after. She got 3609 points overall, and she was after 3600, which is a national qualifying performance for that age group.”

Inkster’s best performance came in the 800-metre final, where she beat her previous best time by more than three seconds to finish third in 2:29.24. She also set personal bests of 16.43 seconds in the 100-metre hurdles and 8.94 metres in shot put.

Price said Inkster’s result should automatically qualify her for next year’s Australian Athletics Championships.

“For her first time at nationals, it’s a great experience,” he said.

“She’s slowly making improvements, and hopefully she’ll go again next year.

“She felt good about the whole thing, especially the 800 metres. She won her heat very easily – by 50 metres or more.”

Nhill’s Caleb Zanker also competed at the under-20 championships, finishing 17th in a field of 20 competitors in the shot put final with

a personal best of 13.03 metres, and 17th of 17 finalists in javelin with another personal best of 39.16 metres.

Price said Meek had also impressed onlookers at the Little Athletics championships at the weekend.

“Asha finished third in her heat of the 200-metre hurdles and came third, which put her into the finals,” he said.

“She hit one hurdle in the final and still got a quicker time, but didn’t quite get a PB.

“She just needs a little bit more experience with the hurdles. She hasn’t run them very often, so she did well to be in the final for that one.

“On Sunday she ran in the 100-metre final. She came eighth, but she equalled her PB that she ran in Melbourne of 12.89 seconds. It’s her second time under 13 seconds, so it’s great she was able to do that in a final.”

Price said both Inkster and Meek had ‘bright futures going forward’.

“It’s a good experience and I hope it inspires them to go further, give it another crack and try to get there again,” he said.

“They both train really well and are fairly committed to it. They enjoy their athletics, which is the main thing. They’ve also got the support of their parents, which is huge.

“They’ve both got a good work ethic and they’re willing to have a go at whatever event.”

Former Horsham Little Athletics member Isla Hiscock, who now competes for Queensland, finished fifth in the final of the 300-metre hurdles.

Other district athletes to notch strong results in recent weeks include Horsham Little Athletics’ Jett Hill winning the final of the Little Athletics

Victoria Handicap 800m final at the Stawell Gift in a time of 2:04.83, while Kynan Stasinowsky and Jack Sawyer both made the final of the Little Athletics Victoria Handicap 400m final, finishing seventh and ninth respectively.

– Colin MacGillivray

26 No. 42

May 1, 2024

Dane Swan flies into town

Former Collingwood star Dane Swan pulled on the boots for Ararat Eagles on Saturday in a Western Highway derby against Great Western at Alexandra

in Ararat. The 2010 AFL premiership player was a headline act in the Mininera league match and kicked a goal in the Eagles’ 63-point win against the Lions. Forward Mason Kelly kicked six goals for the winners. Story, page 45.

Oval

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER