LEARNING THE HOOPS: South East Melbourne Phoenix basketballer Mitch Creek returned to his home town of Horsham at the weekend and hosted a series of basketball clinics for young Wimmera players. Creek took players, and their parents, through skills and the development process of basketball, with four sessions dedicated to different age groups. Story, page 43. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
footballer says local footy is ‘broken’ and has called for an urgent, drastic review of winter sport in the region.
Tim Inkster, a 1996 Ballarat Rebels and 2006 Woodville West Torrens premiership player in the South Australian National Football League, has called on officials to scrap the Wim-
mera and Horsham District leagues and instead, consider a 12-team, oneleague competition for the future prosperity of the game.
Inkster, who has also played and coached Wimmera clubs Southern Mallee Giants, Warrack Eagles and Jeparit-Rainbow, said a season could consist of 12 teams playing each other once, increasing the importance of each game and offering ‘an event’
for supporters and the surrounding district.
He said netball was an unfortunate casualty, along with football’s demanding pre-season and playing-season schedule, money and salary cap restrictions, and shrinking volunteer and junior numbers – but measures such as multiple netball teams could be enacted to maximise participation.
“History has shown that leagues and
clubs have always merged or folded,” he said.
“Many clubs are talking about their future, they just need a push.
“Proactive clubs will sort themselves out; others need to be sorted out. Geographically or an alignment of values, we need a new competition.”
AFL Wimmera-Mallee published a future directions report most recently in 2018, which proposed to retain two
leagues but merge governance of AFL Wimmera-Mallee, Horsham District and Wimmera leagues into one entity.
Other recommendations included methods to increase junior participation, a region-wide club audit to bridge the gap between some clubs, considering ways the commission could assist clubs with administration, and a regional training base in Horsham.
Continued page 3
Work is underway on new footpaths that will provide Natimuk families with a safer route to school.
HRCC’s urban infrastructure team is constructing new paths along Regent Street and Old Noradjuha Road, outside Natimuk Primary School. The works are a result of community feedback and are funded through this year's Budget.
Senior staff inspect roads
Managers and operations supervisors joined Chief Executive Officer Sunil Bhalla in the inspection, which examined roads in the Kalkee, Polkemmet, Grass Flat, Natimuk, Telangatuk and Wonwondah areas.
“It is good to see first-hand the condition of our roads, particularly following the very wet June,” Mr Bhalla said.
“The roads we inspected have been the subject of customer requests over the past 12 months, and it is pleasing to see where problem roads have been addressed by our staff to improve their condition.
“Over the past few years, Council has increased the budget for gravel road re-sheeting from about $600,000, to $900,000 and then in this year’s budget $1,000,000, and it is pleasing to see this being effectively delivered on the ground.
“But still I acknowledge there are roads that, even with recent grading, are starting to show that their gravel layer is wearing thin, and it is time for them to be placed on the list for re-sheeting in the next program.
“Council has a systematic process for planning this process, where the depth of gravel on roads is manually checked to determine which roads have the highest priority for re-sheeting. It was good to compare this information from across the municipality with actual conditions on the ground.”
Mr Bhalla said a local resident accompanied the
The Horsham Rural City Talks Expo will be at Horsham Town Hall on Thursday August 10, Friday August 11 and Saturday August 12.
The Expo will allow the community to influence the development of key documents such as the Council Plan (including the Health and Wellbeing Plan), Annual Action Plan and its Budget.
People’s contributions to the expo will also inform the planning and design of projects slated for the future.
Mayor Robyn Gulline said the event would include information and displays and people would be able to ask questions and provide feedback directly to Council staff and Councillors.
“The launch of the Expo will be held on Thursday evening between 6pm and 8pm and we would love for you to be involved. You can also drop into the Town Hall at any time that suits over the three-day Expo,” she said.
“The Expo has been designed to provide a transparent process that gives all members of our community an equal voice in planning for our future.
“All feedback provided by the Community during the Expo will be included in an Engagement Outcomes Report, which will
to the Horsham Rural City Talks 2023 Expo
You are invited to learn more about what’s happening with specific projects at Council at the Horsham Rural City Talks 2023 Expo.
be made available to the community and considered by Council when reviewing the Council Plan and Annual Action Plan and developing the Council Budget for 20242025,” Cr Gulline said.
Participants will have a chance to complete surveys and participate in workshops.
There will also be an online version of the Expo on Council's website where the community can view the exhibits and provide feedback on the plans and projects.
•
EXPO DETAILS
Friday 11 August 10am to 7pm
Saturday 12 August 10am to 1pm
Heritage Hall, Horsham Town Hall Pynsent Street, Horsham
group during inspections in the Grass Flat area.
“It was interesting to hear his observations and concerns about Council’s roads.”
“The inspection also visited some areas that are subject to flood recovery works, which are now progressing well across the municipality, but will still take some 6-12 months to complete.
“We know we need to keep improving our roads. It is a huge focus for the team – both in terms of budget and resources.”
Residents can help improve the condition of roads by reporting defects via HRCC’s online service request system or by calling 53829777.
Current Community Engagements
For full details visit the Have Your Say section of the HRCC website WEEDS AND PEST MANAGEMENT PLAN 2023-2026
The plan will set out how noxious weeds and pest animals will be managed on council-managed roadsides. Submissions can be made via email council@hrcc.vic.gov.au or by post until 9am, Monday 7 August.
CREATIVE HORSHAM PLAN
The Creative Horsham (The Plan) is the creative strategy for Horsham Rural City for 2023-2026, and follows the previous Arts & Culture Strategy which ran from 2014-18. HRCC is now seeking community feedback on the draft plan. Submissions can be made via email council@hrcc.vic.gov.au or by post until 9am, Monday 7 August.
Horsham Rural City Council
will soon call for expressions of interest to launch a long-awaited water recreation initiative in the regional city.
Former Horsham mayor Mark Radford successfully led a campaign, in 2018, to purchase 10 pedal boats, life jackets and a trailer as part of the State Government’s Pick My Project initiative.
The items were purchased and grant worth $60,000 acquitted in 2020, but volunteer availability has hindered the pedal boats hitting water – yet.
The council’s director communities and place, Kevin O’Brien, said the council had been unsuccessful, to date, in attracting a not-for-profit community group to operate the pedal boats.
“The main deterrents to this have related to volunteer availability,” he said.
“However, following renovations to the storage shed located between the rowing club and the nature play park, council will soon begin an expressions of interest process to find an external provider.”
The pedal boats would complement recent developments along the Wim-
Wimmera musicians and vocalists showcased their talents across two days during the Wimmera Music Eisteddfod.
The showcase, at Horsham Church of Christ and Horsham Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Hall on Friday and Saturday, was the first time the eisteddfod was hosted in person since 2019.
Eisteddfod president Lisa Thomas said the event was a success, with organisers happy with the performances and venues.
“We had a surprise phone call on Thursday that our patron, Alex Rathgeber would be able to attend the eisteddfod, which was fantastic,” she said.
“We normally don’t get access to him as he is busy touring and performing, so he was able to enjoy the performances, speak to the audience and competitors and adjudicate the vocal championships.
“All the adjudicators went well and were impressed by how smoothly the event ran and the standard of performances.”
Carole McKenzie-Plumridge was the vocal adjudicator and Alison Kirkpatrick the piano adjudicator.
Sienna Walsgott won the Alex Rathgeber vocal championship and most promising vocal student.
Joseph Shepherd won most promising piano student.
Rebekah Wundke, Joseph Shepherd and William Meyer placed equal first to win the Ann Adler Memorial piano event advance standard.
Mrs Thomas said she hoped the event would be back next year bigger and better.
“As with most events after COVID restrictions, we had fewer performers than in 2019 and previous, but we hope to continue to build now we have returned,” she said.
“We had fantastic sponsorship from businesses and support from the community and our volunteers this year and we hope to be back again next year.”
• More pictures, page 16.
mera River, including the nature and water play park and riverfront activation project.
A new second pedestrian bridge, at Hamilton Street, is also a short walk away and connects Waterlinks Estate on the south-east side of the river to several schools, the hospital and central business district.
Mr O’Brien said the pedal boats would complement the range of initiatives designed to increase patronage and diverse use of the river and its surrounding areas.
“We are committed to seeing the pedal boats project come to fruition. They will offer more ways for resi-
dents and visitors to enjoy our riverfront,” he said.
“The addition of pedal boats will introduce a fun activity for families and friends to get out and about on the water.”
The Pick My Project initiative, worth $30 million, called on people to nominate and vote for projects in their region.
The Wimmera and southern Mallee received funding worth more than $1.1 million for nine projects.
More than 90 projects were nominated for funding consideration across the region.
The other successful projects includ-
ed $200,000 for an open community arts and reflection space at the site of the former Dimboola Hotel, now called Tower Park; $102,000 for a silo art project and $140,000 for lights at tennis and netball courts, both at Goroke; almost $200,000 for silo art at Kaniva and Serviceton; $152,000 for short-term visitor accommodation at Murtoa and almost $36,000 for a stage curtain renewal at Murtoa’s Town Hall; more than $180,000 for a community connection café with project partner Centre for Participation in Horsham; and $36,000 for repairs to the popular Upper Central Gully Walking Track at Mt Arapiles.
From page 1 Clubs later voted to delay any changes until at least 2020 – which became a season to forget as the COVID-19 pandemic and a series of lockdowns interrupted the winter sport season.
Wimmera Southern Mallee Development, formerly known as Wimmera Development Association, and Wimmera Regional Sports Assembly hosted a forum during the pandemic, imploring clubs to consider their future sustainability.
The forum heard that football and netball clubs ranked among the top 40 to 50 percent of businesses in many Wimmera and Mallee towns, injecting more than $18 million into the region’s economy, and encouraged them to consider future governance and financial sustainability requirements and consider viability emerging from COVID-19 shutdowns of the time.
HONOUR: Sienna Walsgott of Horsham won the Alex Rathgeber vocal championship and most promising vocal student award during the Wimmera Music Eisteddfod. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
Kaniva-Leeor United and Nhill were the latest Wimmera clubs to publicly discuss amalgamation last season only to later halt discussions.
Mr Inkster said league and club officials should ‘bite the bullet’ and implement change.
“This would be guaranteed relief for volunteers and excitement for the future of local footy,” he said.
“It also opens up the community calendar currently dominated by footy and netball.”
• Letter to the editor – page 11
BY SEAN O’CONNELL
Two Horsham-based entries are among projects shortlisted for Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria’s 2023 Tidy Towns and Cities Sustainability Awards.
The awards, which recognise, celebrate and share environmental achievements and community spirit across Victoria, are in their 41st year.
Horsham Tidy Towns committee chair David Eltringham said the group had entered ‘worthwhile’ projects in nine of 10 categories.
He said ‘Baking from the Heart’, which was entered in a wellbeing category, was one of Horsham’s shortlisted projects.
“Baking from the Heart’ is a group
Construction works are progressing at Horsham City Oval, as crews begin preliminary work on new netball courts and a tender is released for a netball pavilion.
Horsham Rural City Council project office co-ordinator Dianna Blake said works so far included scoreboard removal and the earthen mound levelled at the western end of the precinct.
“At the netball site, the community hall and office building have been demolished and setting out of the netball courts site has been completed,” she said.
“The next step is to install the screw piles for the concrete pad the courts will be built on.
“Preliminary work on the netball pavilion is also progressing and the construction tender is now released.”
Ms Blake said while works were occurring at the netball courts, Horsham Demons netball training was relocated to Central Park for the remainder of the season.
She said netball at Horsham Demons home games was being played at nearby Coughlin Park.
“The new courts are scheduled to be completed by December, so all training and home games for next season will return to city oval,” Ms Blake said.
“The pavilion is unlikely to be completed before the start of next season, but we are working through alternative change room arrangements for netball.
“No other activities or events will
of ladies who voluntarily bake biscuits and cakes to create hampers for people in the Wimmera Cancer Centre, to make a little improvement in their lives,” Mr Eltringham said.
He said Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Co-operative’s Hand Up mental health awareness campaign and annual event was shortlisted in an Indigenous culture section.
“Hand Up is a mental health initiative for our Aboriginal community that has the potential of going statewide,” Mr Eltringham said.
Goolum Goolum general manager
Johnny Gorton said an increase in inquiries for mental health support, following the 2022 Hand Up event, suggested wellbeing services and
events had a huge role to play in destigmatising the ‘shame job’ of seeking support.
“Fronting up to a health service and seeking mental health support can be confronting for our mob,” he said.
“But social gatherings are traditionally where Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people could come together and share in ceremony, dancing
or yarning, which improves cultural connections.
“Research shows being a part of a strongly-connected mob will enhance every member’s mental health.
“It is not easy for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to be vulnerable and talk about their mental health.
“But this campaign has shown us that when we, as the health and wellbeing service, take the lead, we can empower our community to take the steps needed to seek support.”
Mr Eltringham said other Horsham entries unsuccessful in making the shortlist would continue to do great work in the community.
“Annie Hobby’s Repair Café, run-
ning out of Horsham Neighbourhood House, is one example. She runs a class where people can take in items to be repaired and made useful again,” he said.
Mr Eltringham said Rob Walter and Gavin Morrow’s mental health initiative ‘Healthy Minds’, and Liz Hopkins’ ‘informative’ Northwest Grampians newsletter were other standout entries.
Tempy Primary School was also shortlisted, for its ‘Students become Malleefowl Ambassadors’ initiative, in the award’s education category. Finalists in each category will be revealed on September 13, with winners announced on October 23 at ZINC in Federation Square, Melbourne.
Country Fire Authority crews across Victoria are using winter months to prepare for an expected drier and hotter-than-average end of the year.
CFA acting chief officer Garry Cook said Victoria was one of the most bushfire-prone areas in the world.
“Despite years of wetter-than-average weather, CFA is continuing its work with partner agencies throughout the cooler months to keep every Victorian safe this fire season,” he said.
“Our crews are working hard to identify areas with high levels of vegetation and fire risk to deliver targeted fuel reduction activities in partnership with land managers.
“Fire safety is a shared responsibility, and our people are continuing to engage with communities to help them plan and prepare for hotter summers and more dangerous fire seasons.”
be impacted at this stage. We are having ongoing monthly meetings with all user groups to ensure any potential impact is identified and addressed as quickly as possible.”
Two new netball courts and a modern community pavilion will be delivered at Horsham City Oval as part of the $3.2-million project.
LED floodlights, two change rooms with accessible showers and toilets, player and spectator amenities, an office, social room, storage facilities and umpires’ room are also included in the plans.
The Federal Government contributed $2.4 million via its Local Roads and Community Infrastructure fund and Sport and Recreation Victoria provided $800,000 for the project.
The council also secured $2 million from the State Government to build a multifunctional stage that will better connect the city oval precinct with Sawyer Park.
The redevelopment is the second stage of the council’s City to River Masterplan, which includes projects for a new community pavilion and football change rooms, an accessible
grandstand, a larger playing oval and a playground area.
Ms Blake said the council was lodging an expression of interest with the Federal Government’s Growing Regions Fund.
“If successful, the council will use this funding to build a new community centre and modern change rooms for cricket and football,” she said.
“A new kiosk, ticket box and entrance to city oval would also be built using this external grant.”
– Abby WalterUniversity of New South Wales professor Guan Yeoh, director of the Australian Research Council training centre in fire retardant materials and safety technologies, said recent weather patterns created conditions that increased the chance of major bushfires.
“In the past few years, we have had a lot of rain and floods and because of that, there has been a lot of growth of grass, trees and bushland,” he said.
An El Niño watch was declared in Australia in March, and an El Niño alert followed in June.
During El Niño, there is a higher chance of drier weather in eastern Australia and it is more likely to be warmer than usual for the southern two-thirds of Australia.
“This campaign has shown us that when we, as the health and wellbeing service, take the lead, we can empower our community to take the steps needed to seek support”
– Johnny Gorton
Blue Ribbon Foundation Horsham’s Annual Fundraising
Horsham Town Hall
Saturday, November 11, 2023 from 6pm until late
All proceeds to Grampians Health Horsham Hospital Emergency Department in honour of fallen Victorian Police Officers... putting you and your team on the Santa nice list!
Ticket includes:
• Three course dinner
• Entertainment by Mark Block and White Trash Candy
Just $700 for a table of 10 or $75 for individuals
Contact: br orsham@gmail.com or call Kelly on 0437 894 257
Proudly sponsored by:
• Raffles, auction and plenty of fun!
Apublic hearing for WIM Resource’s proposed Avonbank Mineral Sands Project, near Horsham, began on Monday.
The hearing will run for 14 days across four weeks and the public can attend or watch sessions online.
Victorian Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny appointed a joint Inquiry and Advisory Committee to advise on the Environment Effects Statement, EES, and draft Planning Scheme Amendment and public submissions to the proposed project.
The committee determined the hearing would be conducted in a hybrid, combination of in-person and online format.
The Avonbank Mineral Sands Project could involve mining the Avonbank ore body to produce a heavy mineral concentrate product that contains zircon, titanium-rich mineral concentrate, and minor amounts of rare earth products.
Key components of the proposed project include mining the Avonbank ore body to produce about 12.75 million tonnes of product in 30 years.
Minerals Council of Australia – Victoria executive director James Sorahan said EES processes were independent and ensured appropriate scrutiny of environmental and social assessments.
“The Minister for Planning sets the scope of the impacts that need to be assessed,” he said.
A Dimboola resident and lifelong rail enthusiast has retired from his job as a train driver after 50 years.
Wayne Lang, who spent his entire working life on the rails, said trains had fascinated him for as long as he could remember.
“I was one of those kids that lived beside the railway line and wave to the train drivers as they would go past,” he said.
Mr Lang said he started as a ‘trainee engineman’, taking a series of practical and theory-based exams before sitting for his driver’s exam.
“I passed the driving exam on November 10, 1976 and the practical on November 16, 1976,” he said.
Apart from a brief stint in Melbourne, Mr Lang said he had been able to ‘get on with his career’ in Dimboola.
“Due to a shortage of drivers in the metropolitan area, there was a twoyear scheme brought in as an incentive for regional fellas, so I elected to take up the two-year scheme and it gave me a promotion,” he said.
“Then, after two years, after you did your roads and signals as they called it, you were entitled to return to your
parent location. I’ve been back ever since, from April 17, 1979.”
Mr Lang said he had seen various changes to railway operations, including the privatisation of the rail network, which took him across the border for the first time as a driver.
“We had to learn roads and signals going interstate,” he said.
“Serviceton used to always be the border station for changing crews and locomotives, but that was another thing that increased the productivity and efficiency – running locomotives from Melbourne right through to Adelaide.”
Mr Lang said being a driver for many decades had allowed him to see multiple generations of drivers come through the cabins.
“One young fella, who is at Dimboola at the moment, I was on the big wheel with his grandfather,” he said.
“He has the same personality. I’ve told him, ‘while you’re still alive, your grandfather hasn’t passed on’.”
Mr Lang said while working on the railways was not for everyone, he was glad to have worked on the tracks for so many years, thanks to the support of his family.
In a game of football, it’s important that each team-player play their role. They are experts in what they do.
Defenders, mid-fielders and forward players they all have their game. If, however we stack the defence to stop the opposition scoring the ball gets stuck in the backline and there is no-one to kick it to. Health choices can be like that. When there is pain, some people just take medication or wait for it to go away. That’s like playing only defence. It’s a low scoring game.
Chiropractic is designed to move the vertebrate and get the nervous system responding to all states of play. Chiropractic keeps you moving so the rest of your body can work better.
“A Technical Reference Group, TRG, is a critical part of the assessment process right from the start.
“The TRG ensures no bias, it critiques assessments and reports by the project. The TRG can comprise state, local agencies and others with appropriate expertise.
“The panel hearing stage is a formal process where contractors who prepared reports on a project are crossexamined. Community has opportunities for input. This ability to query assessment is done in a structured legal way to ensure a fair process.
“Community can have confidence that mining projects going through an EES process are examined in detail, with community input, and all
environmental, economic and social considerations are looked at.”
Days one, two and three of the hearing were on Monday, Tuesday and today at Horsham Church of Christ and via an online video conference.
Tomorrow an accompanied site inspection of the Avonbank mine and base area will occur and on Friday an accompanied site inspection of the Port of Portland will occur.
Official days four, five and six will occur online from Monday to Wednesday next week via an online video conference. Day seven is marked as a reserve day, if required, on August 10 via an online video conference.
Days eight, nine, 10 and 11 will be from August 14 to 17 at Horsham
Church of Christ and via an online video conference.
Days 12, 13 and 14 will occur from August 21 to 23 via an online video conference. The Inquiry and Advisory Committee may amend the timetable at any time.
After the hearing finishes, the committee is required to provide a written report including recommendations and advice to the Planning Minister within 40 business days from the last day of its proceedings.
If the project gains all required approvals, construction is anticipated to begin from late 2024 onwards. Full details of the timetable and video conferencing link are available at engage.vic.gov.au/Avonbank-IAC
Wimmera blade shearers will take centre stage during a unique performance at Horsham’s Maydale Reserve on Sunday.
Ken French of Glenisla and Mal Griffiths of Laharum, also co-organiser of the event, will shear to The Bushwackers’ performance of ‘Click go the shears’.
The five-piece band perform traditional folk and working songs, featuring lead singer Dobe Newton on lagerphone and vocals, and guitaristsongwriter Roger Corbett, joined by fiddle, bass guitars and drums.
North West Grampians Lions are organising the event, in support of the Rural Outreach Program.
The event, which includes a barbecue and auction, runs from 2pm to 6pm. People can purchase tickets via trybooking.com/cjiht or at the door.
“Shift work does have its hang-ups at times, but the good times far outweigh the bad ones,” he said.
“The woman in your life and the children, being a shift worker, it’s hard on them, too.”
Mr Lang said his final shift was an opportunity for a ‘bit of reminiscing’,
but he made sure the journey went to plan.
“We got in on time. At one loop there was a signal failure, but they got a fitter out there to fix it up, just prior to us getting there,” he said.
– Sean O’Connell
A youth café in Horsham this weekend has a range of entertainment for secondary school-aged children. Activities will include video games, table tennis, a pamper station, ball games, board games and card games, prizes and giveaways.
The Scripture Union-led event is at Horsham Angling Club rooms, in Dixon Drive, from 6pm to 9pm on Saturday.
Horsham Show will move to a Saturday fixture this year, with performances from a family favourite among a revitalised program.
With five Saturdays during September, and the second-last weekend free of sporting grand finals, Horsham Agricultural Society has claimed Saturday, September 23 as the date for its major event of the year.
It is the first time the show has occurred on a Saturday.
Horsham Show secretary Andrea Cross said it was part of a ‘whole new vibe’.
“With Saturday as show day, we will be venturing into new territory, enabling us to roll out a new evening format to complete a full day of activities and competitions,” she said.
“Friday night now becomes the twilight carnival with a sideshow alley and showbags until 9pm and Saturday opens up new opportunities.”
Mrs Cross said the show would include a variety of children’s activities including centre-stage main attraction, The Mik Maks, along with an agricultural playground, giant sand pit, maze, sensory marquee and an animal nursery in the first event for ‘Stable Four’.
The program also includes a makers pavilion, filled with locals’ ‘best’ in flowers, craft, art and cooking; a fleece display in Maydale Pavilion; workshops for adults; yard dog trials; and miniature goats, shearing and wool-handling competitions.
Wine tastings and sales in ‘Stable One’ sit aside a market and food court.
The former cattle arena will open
as a stage with live music and performances including Wimmera band HeadRusH performing live for guests before and after a fireworks display.
“Hosting live music on the lawn of The Cattle Shed on show day is a great prelude to what visitors to the precinct can expect in the summer. It’s like opening night for what’s to come,” Mrs Cross said.
She said the show coincided with both school holidays and the Melbourne show.
“As in previous years, our show still clashes with the Melbourne Royal – however, a new obstacle has been identified with changes to the Royal competition, locking in stud sheep until Sunday.
“The impact of this means we will rely on local sheep studs to provide a small display of sheep without a competition, which may only see sheep in the shearing competition this year and the animal nursery.”
The Melbourne show has also had
Northern Grampians Shire Council has appointed an independent consultant to review how the council could best support older residents to remain healthy and independent.
The review includes perspectives from community care service users, their families, carers and other interested parties.
The council provides support services for older residents and other people who require support to live at home and has committed to ensuring quality support services are available to residents.
The independent review is expected to provide guidance on community needs and the information collected will be used to develop a strategic direction for the future role of the council.
Mayor Kevin Erwin said the council was focused on gaining a better understanding of the broader health and wellbeing needs of older people and other residents who required council support.
“We want to make informed decisions about how best to continue to support our older residents, and anyone else in need of this important support, to remain living independently and safely in their own homes,” he said.
an impact on horse events, which became a standalone event in 2015. It is scheduled for Sunday, October 15 this year.
Mrs Cross said the show required volunteer support to ensure its success.
“An invitation is extended to anyone who can help in the pavilions as a steward,” she said.
People wanting more information can go to the show’s Facebook page or horshamshow.com.au
“This review is a means to engage with our service users and other residents and will explore how we can best offer support.
“We have appointed Heather Johnson, an independent consultant, to undertake the review. Heather would like to meet with people directly as this will help us gain a better understanding of what our community needs. We will also assist Heather to meet with community repre sentatives, either individually or in small focus groups, and will keep everyone updated throughout the process.”
The review is expected to take about three months.
Grampians Tourism wants to ensure all businesses across its service area get a slice of the tourism pie.
The peak industry body for tourism in the Grampians region, encompassing Ararat Rural City, Horsham Rural City, Northern Grampians and Southern Grampians shires, is striving to ensure the region’s diversity and vibrancy is marketed strongly to domestic and international markets.
It has launched a sign-up call to its latest four-tier ‘industry partner program’ which offers businesses and groups development, training, advocacy and marketing support. It comes as visitation to the region continues to increase as it becomes more widely known.
Grampians Tourism chairman David Jochinke acknowledged people living in the region might not often bear witness to the work of the organisation.
“When you think about tourism, we don’t really advertise to ourselves too much – because the reality is, we’re already here. But we do want to create content and push that into regions where we can attract people into the area for long weekends or midweek stays – because that’s utilising capacity that we wouldn’t normally have,” he said.
“We have some first-rate environmental aspects to the region – the Grampians and the rock itself, the Little Desert and the Big Desert, all of our lakes and waterways in between.
“We’ve got this excellent product and we’re wanting to tell people about it.”
Mr Jochinke said the definition of businesses that constituted the ‘tourism indus-
try’ was broad. “Grampians Tourism is an organisation that both promotes the region but also helps businesses that are involved in tourism – which can be a fish and chip store through to our iconic destinations,” he said.
“We are calling for people to get involved in our industry partner program who want to develop their businesses, learn more about the tourism industry and have a great way of promoting themselves.
“We want to make sure we give everyone the opportunity to both promote their business and develop their business to be tourist savvy.”
The Weekly Advertiser, MIXX FM and 3WM are corporate partners of Grampians Tourism.
Mr Jochinke is a farmer at Murra Warra and has supported and led many significant agricultural boards and initiatives.
He joined the Grampians Tourism board in early 2022.
He said diverse, vibrant offerings, services and entertainment for domestic and international tourists was critical to all businesses and organisations getting a slice of the ‘tourism pie’ – from the simple to the more complex demands.
“When I started getting involved in tourism, which isn’t necessarily an industry I’ve grown up in, you understand there’s a thing called a coffee factor. To have a really good coffee on a weekend is sometimes hard to find,” he said.
Mr Jochinke said people wanting to learn more about the industry partner program, or to register, could visit grampianstourism.com.au
IN THE SPOTLIGHT: Dimboola Memorial Secondary College students Adam Hoyland and Liam Campbell rehearse for the school’s production of ‘Knock Knock’. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
Dimboola Memorial Secondary College students are preparing for the school’s first stage production since 2016.
Adam Hoyland and Liam Campbell will play the lead characters, Logan and Sam, respectively, and are supported by 20 other students on stage and behind the scenes.
Liam said the two main char-
acters were delivery men and his character was learning the trade.
“We deliver lots of different packages to different characters –it’s a comedy,” he said.
“We’re having fun and doing something different, as this is the first school production we have been involved in.
“We’re doing two shows in term
four, with one for the rest of the school and one for the public.” Director Nic Mattschoss said the production was an extra-curricular activity for theatre and music students to showcase their talents. The production, titled ‘Knock Knock’, will be performed on October 20 with tickets available via the school from September 4.
The 43rd Mallee Machinery Field Days begin today for farmers, agriculture enthusiasts and agriculture businesses to connect, learn and sample new industry developments.
The field days, running today and tomorrow from 8.30am to 5pm, are expected to host 8500 attendees and about 300 exhibitors.
Temperatures up to 17 degrees
and no rain are forecast at the site, located on the Sunraysia Highway two kilometres south of Speed.
The field days is a major fundraiser for the Speed Lions Club, whose members form the field days committee.
Money raised is donated to various charities as well as community and sporting clubs which assist in
running entrance gates and food stalls on both days.
Mallee Machinery Field Days president Chris Monaghan said the committee looked forward to welcoming people back to Speed for the field days and he was excited to see new machinery on offer.
Horsham councillors say there are ‘good news stories’ to be told, amid calls to publicly apologise for a rapid drop in the community’s satisfaction of council performance.
Community satisfaction survey results, publicly available in the days prior to last week’s meeting, showed that while 64 percent of respondents rated the council’s performance as average and above, its overall performance score was 45 of a possible 100, compared with 56 a year ago.
The condition of sealed local roads, community-focused decisions, and consultation and engagement were among the lowest-ranked categories.
Regional centres, and councils statewide, gained an average score of 56.
Cr Bob Redden said the survey did not reflect sentiment towards the city’s newly-completed Hamilton Street pedestrian bridge, nature and waterplay park and Wimmera Riverfront activation project.
He said negotiations should continue for a truck route around Horsham and acquisition of rail corridor land.
Mayor Robyn Gulline said the council would continue to deliver the ‘community’s priorities’, as developed through public engagement.
She drew attention to a strategic planning expo on August 12 to 14 at Horsham Town Hall as a
chance to share views and ideas.
“Like every survey, we’ve had the full spectrum of opinions from people who are happy, to people who are not – and that’s the great thing about our democracy that we live in,” she said.
“The seven of us are out in the community all the time. I’ve always got people coming up to me and contacting me and sharing their feedback and we have very respectful conversations.”
The satisfaction survey, a legislated requirement of all councils, gained feedback from 400 residents – which is considered a ‘statistically significant’ sample for a population of about 20,000 people.
The results come after a challenging year, including allegations of bullying among council staff and the instalment of a municipal monitor to improve governance practices and cohesion among the councillor group.
Cr Ian Ross called for councillors to apologise and form an action plan to improve perception.
The majority of the group did not support his call, labelling it ‘policy on the run’.
Chief executive Sunil Bhalla had told a media briefing, prior to the council meeting, that councillors would develop an action plan to respond to issues raised through the survey.
Respondents gave the council a score of 38 in relation to the condition of sealed local roads, however, 58 percent of the roads listed as a concern are not council managed.
Cr Ross lamented a lack of feedback relating to minor and gravel roads, which he said had deteriorated ‘to such an extent they are not fit-for-purpose’.
Cr Penny Flynn said while the councillor group needed to ‘take ownership’ of the survey results, she was ‘challenged’ by the sample number.
“I’m not sure if we need to have some more of our own questions in this survey next year to get a better pulse on what the community thinks, but I’m really challenged by the fact that you’re taking on board, wholeheartedly, what 400 people say out of a population of 16,000 to 20,000 people,” she said.
More than 200 people have signed an online petition calling for the resignation of Cr Gulline and Mr Bhalla.
Council Watch, formerly Ratepayers Victoria, is leading the petition, which labels the council as ‘dysfunctional’ and calls for Local Government Minister Melissa Horne to meet with community representatives.
Shining a light on women who remain unrecognised is at the heart of a new exhibition of soft embroidered sculptures and handwoven tapestries at Ararat Gallery TAMA.
Artist Ema Shin created the exhibition, ‘Hearts of absent women’ which includes sculptural hearts made from embroidery, handwoven tapestry and papier-mache.
The acclaimed Melbourne-based artist is a finalist in the Wangaratta Contemporary Textile Award and was a finalist at the McClelland National Small Sculpture Awards, Victoria Craft Awards, and Kate Derum Award for Small Tapestries.
“Many of my works are full of details –hand embroidery, beads, hand-woven textiles and hand-printed paper moulded into objects,” Shin said.
“For some people, the motif of the work may be difficult to approach, such as hearts and lungs, but the colour of the work and
the message that I want to convey are warm, such as care and celebration, so I hope the audience can view the works without being scared.”
The main body of work of this exhibition is titled ‘Hearts of absent women’ — which is a celebration of Shin’s women ancestors.
“As part of a Korean tradition, my family members keep a book illustrating the family tree, which spans 32 generations, yet only the lineage of sons is recorded. All daughters are absent,” she said.
“The embroidered heart sculptures are a celebration, remembrance, mourning and respect for the female ancestors and all women who remain unrecognised.”
The exhibition is open until Sunday, October 29.
The gallery is open daily from 10am to 4pm; people wanting more information can go to araratgallerytama.com.au
“The seven of us are out in the community all the time. I’ve always got people coming up to me and contacting me and sharing their feedback and we have very respectful conversations”
– Robyn Gulline
Today’sfront-page story will reignite an age-old conversation – the future sustainability of local sport.
It’s one thing to identify a challenge; it’s another to identify a solution.
Highly-credentialed footballer
Tim Inkster’s suggestions in today’s The Weekly Advertiser will provoke deeply-ingrained passions and traditions, and evoke conversations and ideas – particularly in football and netball circles, we expect, for some time to come.
And that’s great.
This is not a new conversation.
And it’s not to say that Inkster’s suggestions are the ultimate solution to the challenges of sustainability in local sport. His is just one opinion.
There are, and will be, a plethora of opportunities to shore up sustainable futures of clubs – including, but not limited to, easing the challenges of smaller player and
volunteer numbers some clubs are experiencing.
The commitment of football and netball across the year also surely has an impact on people’s willingness and availability for summer sports – winter sport is a significant commitment of time, on bodies and injuries, and on families and groups.
Acknowledging the deep connection and emotion of many club members – often across generations – it is critical to walk a fine line of respect and honour of a club’s history while thinking broadly and differently for the greater good.
A merger is surely a superior, and preferred, option to a club folding altogether.
While it might look a little differ-
Local footy is broken. By default, netball follows.
The season is way too long with preseason, volunteers are done, a lot working year-round for their club, most games don’t matter, grounds are left vacant, clubs are hamstrung by not enough players, not enough points, not enough money, restricted by the salary cap, not enough juniors, not enough volunteers and so on.
History has shown that leagues and clubs have always merged or folded.
Now is the right time to get rid of two local leagues and just have one.
Many clubs are talking about their future, they just need a push.
Proactive clubs will sort themselves out; others need to be sorted out.
Geographically, or an alignment of values, we need a new competition.
If you have a good look at both leagues, 12 teams is the logical number. Play each other once so each game is of huge importance, then simply flip the draw the following year; play one team at home one year, away the next.
Make each weekend an event for the district.
Reserves football is currently a joke.
ent, ultimately, this conversation is about ensuring there are local sporting competitions for generations to come – noting and considering the population base at hand.
Long have rivals become clubmates as geographical mergers bring together near-neighbours to create a super club. Leaders have made somewhat controversial, andor difficult decisions, that once seemed bold that are now just part of sport as we know it.
Leagues and clubs across the Wimmera have evolved, and quickly, in recent decades – with pain, but for the love of the game.
This conversation has, and will continue to evolve – and I’m keen to hear your feedback.
Whether you’re connected to a club that’s thriving, or experiencing challenges; maybe you’re a supporter or an interested onlooker, such as myself.
Share your feedback in a letter to the editor, or contact me via email, jgrimble@aceradio.com.au
Honestly, not many enjoy playing let alone watching, only the few players who are a chance of playing seniors care, although with limited numbers most players get a game by default rather than earning it.
Junior grades are a massive concern with population the driving factor; mergers help offset this.
Unfortunately, netball will be the casualty, but if the numbers exist, why not create as many grades as necessary to accommodate the players.
One step further is to make all footy 16-a-side and reduce ground sizes.
It’s easier to fill a team and the footy is more open, we don’t have to rely on imports as much and hopefully we get back to what made this game unique and great – goals, hangers and torpedos, instead of flooding, pressing and team defence.
The only thing Horsham City Oval has going for it is the perfect size for 16-a-side football. Make all grounds this size.
Those running the two leagues need to bite the bullet and mandate 12 teams, one competition.
Guaranteed relief for volunteers and excitement for the future of local footy.
It also opens up the community calendar currently dominated by footy and netball.
Other sports have a chance, volunteers get a spell, and who knows, people might holiday outside of the season instead of during it.
Tim Inkster, Katyil Heartfelt thanks
There is much discussion about our broken healthcare system.
The staff at the Horsham hospital are making a Herculean effort to show that the health system is not broken at Horsham.
My heartfelt thanks to all the staff at the hospital.
Jim McInerney, Wycheproof
welcomes your letters and contributions.
Please limit them to 250 words and address them to the editor at: jgrimble@aceradio.com.au or mail to: The Weekly Advertiser, Letter to the editor, PO Box 606, Horsham 3402.
Recentevents in Europe and Asia have shown that here in Australia, our focus should remain as strong as ever on food and trade security.
Last week Russia quit the Black Sea grain deal, which, for the past year, had allowed the safe Black Sea export of Ukraine’s grain.
The Kremlin rattled nerves, warning it could not guarantee the safety of ships in light of their move.
Despite that, Ukraine has developed other ways to get the grain out, so the grain market may be less affected than it would have perhaps 12 months ago.
Our farmers need new markets as China asks for an extension of time to decide whether it will let Australian produce back in, but new modelling from the Productivity Commission shows just how resilient Australia is in pivoting towards new markets.
Despite initial fears that taxes and restrictions slapped on goods such as barley, wine and coal in 2020 would cost tens-of-billions-of-dollars in lost export earnings, modelling by the Productivity Commission estimates the prohibitive sanctions on Australian goods in recent years have reduced real GDP by just 0.009 percent, or about $225 million.
Australia was able to find new markets – and the economy rolled on.
The hard slog negotiating opening up the European Union market demonstrates how well the Coalition did in government to get us this far.
Australia should not roll over to European
demands to exclusive use of European origin names such as prosecco or feta, or ‘geographical indicators’ as they call them.
These descriptions have been used for generations by our migrants and their descendants for world-class Australian produce.
The Nationals fear the EU will use land clearing restrictions as a bargaining chip.
If activated, clearing restrictions will make it harder to produce the food the world needs, and earn the export dollars Australia needs.
Nationals Leader and Shadow Agriculture Minister David Littleproud is right when he says we have the whip hand – we import $2 billion of agricultural product from the EU; they take $6 billion of ours.
Our trade ministers, no matter what side of politics they are from, need to remember that Australia always negotiates from a position of strength.
Regions such as the Wimmera and southern Mallee are integral to Australia’s food and fibre production and it is important our exporters receive what their world-class produce is truly worth on the world stage.
Horsham Country Music Inc presented a sellout show at Horsham RSL last month featuring crowd favourites Rodney Vincent and John O’Dea.
Committee member Alana Morrow said the pair put on an outstanding performance.
“We expected this show to be popular but to have it sell out in advance was amazing,” she said.
Limited tickets are remaining for a show featuring Amber Joy Poulton and two members from the Holymen band on Friday, August 18 at Horsham RSL.
Rob Breese and Lach McKay will perform a dinner show on Thursday, September 14
before a morning melodies event on Friday, September 15.
“It’s fantastic to see the monthly shows being so popular and well supported – they are growing in popularity each month and the numbers are showing this,” Ms Morrow said.
“We are so grateful for the support of those who attend each month and we are getting new faces, which is also great to see.
“There is so much happening in the country music space in Horsham as we have shows booked well into 2024.”
Ms Morrow said people wanting more information about upcoming shows could visit the Horsham Country Music Inc Facebook page.
Two Grampians region environmental groups will receive funding to inspire young people to become volunteers.
The grants deliver on the State Government’s ‘Volunteering for nature – environmental volunteering plan’, which aims to support and grow the environmental volunteering sector.
Funded projects in the Grampians region include Nature Glenelg Trust’s walking with young people in western Victoria project and Victorian National Parks Association’s nature stewards project
More than 23 projects statewide received fund-
ing to help protect Victoria’s biodiversity and environment.
Geraldine Davis, regional co-ordinator environmental volunteering at the Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, said more than 170,000 volunteers statewide contributed more than 1.5 million hours of unpaid work annually – with an estimated economic contribution of $63 million.
“Younger volunteers bring energy and enthusiasm, as well as a high level of concern about the environment,” she said.
Wimmera Legacy members are preparing to host a leg of a Legacy Centenary Torch Relay next month.
Wimmera Legacy member Philip Nicks is the key organiser of the relay’s Horsham leg and said this year marked 100 years of Legacy support for families across the world.
“To mark the occasion, Legacy decided to have a torch relay from Pozières in France, through France, Belgium and England before coming to Australia,” he said.
The relay started on April 23 and arrives in Horsham on September 7.
Mr Nicks said the event would begin at May Park and conclude at Horsham cenotaph at Sawyer Park.
“It will start at 10am with torchbearers, dignitaries and an address from a representative of Melbourne Legacy and Horsham Rural City mayor Robyn Gulline, and then the first torchbearer will be sent off,” he said.
“The route is from May Park, down Darlot Street, up McLachlan Street to the RSL, back to Firebrace Street to the river, along the river to Anzac Centenary Bridge, along Major Mitchell Drive, back over the road bridge and along the river to the cenotaph where it will conclude.
“The last torchbearer will light a cauldron that will be set up at the cenotaph.
“Members of the public are invited to come to the address at May Park or the cenotaph, support participants in the relay and return to Legacy House
after the relay for current president Alan Malcolm to unveil a plaque commemorating 100 years.”
Mr Nicks has been involved with Wimmera Legacy for 18 years.
His father William, brother Bruce and son Jay had served in conflicts.
“My dad signed up for World War II and spent more than 200 days in New Guinea where the Kokoda Trail met the Ramu Valley and he came back affected by the war,” he said.
“My eldest brother spent 20 years in the air force and my son graduated from the Royal Military College, Duntroon in June 2002 and serves in the air force.
“Jay spent two tours in Afghanistan, 13 months in total, and in December 2020 was promoted to wing commander.”
Two former legatees and Wimmera Lodge members are supporting an organisation that once supported them, in recognition of its 100th anniversary.
Bruce Taberner and Geoff Evans moved to donate $500 from Wimmera Lodge to Wimmera Legacy ahead of Legacy’s centenary torch relay.
Mr Taberner and Mr Evans’ fathers died when they were both 16 and Legacy supported their families during that time.
Mr Taberner said he and his mother and sister were beneficiaries of support from Legacy. His older brothers had already left home.
“Our Legacy member was Bill Murphy, who was a local identity some years ago,” he said.
“My dad fought on the Kokoda Trail with the 39th battalion – they were known as the chocolate soldiers because they trained for six weeks in Australia before they were shipped to New Guinea, and everyone said they wouldn’t be able to handle it.
“My dad served a full term and had what would be called post traumatic stress disorder today, hence he died early.”
Mr Taberner said his family was grateful for the support of Legacy.
“It’s always better to give than receive, but it is humbling to receive and humbling to give so we thought we would do something to support Legacy,” he said.
Mr Evans said both his parents
served – his dad in the army and his mum as a nurse.
“My dad was from Stawell and my mum from Horsham. When my father died, the local Legacy group helped my mum,” he said.
“They looked after me, too, so Legacy is an organisation that I have been involved with since I was a young child. It’s been a big part of my life and I have always had a soft spot for the organisation.”
Mr Evans said he was pleased to have a chance to support Legacy in return.
“To be celebrating 100 years of Legacy and the work they do is a significant event for Horsham, and we are glad to be supporting it,” he said.
Mr Nicks said it was a privilege to assist widows and families of Australian Defence Force members who had died.
“Over time, Wimmera Legacy has supported more than 400 widows and families of servicemen,” he said.
“Now that number is less than 100 with a large percentage of widows and families of World Warr II servicemen and some Vietnam veterans, so it is an ageing population.
“Legacy is made up of volunteers and they make phone calls, visit, provide care at home, sometimes offer monetary support and provide any care they can to the widows.”
Torchbearers for the relay include legatees Alex Stewart, Rex Dumesny, Dawn Smith, Lorraine Bald, Ruth Ballinger, and Tamara, Brea and Cory
Hallam-Brook, along with Philip Nicks, Alan Malcolm, Kate Polack who will represent her father Neville, a past-president of Wimmera Legacy, and members of the public Benjamin Owens and Peter Bermingham.
Mr Nicks said the relay was also a fundraising event for Legacy. “People can donate to Legacy on the day or direct debit – information can be sent via email if you get in contact with admin@wimmeralegacy. com.au,” he said.
“It also coincides with Legacy Badge Week in early September, where we raise money by selling Legacy badges.”
The Legacy Week appeal has run since the 1940s to support widows and children of servicemen and women who have died.
In the quest for financial stability and success, we often focus on tangible elements such as earning more money, saving diligently or investing wisely.
But have you ever stopped to consider the role your financial mindset plays in achieving your financial goals?
Your financial mindset is a set of beliefs and attitudes you hold about money – how you earn it, save it, spend it and invest it.
This mindset largely influences your financial behaviours, decisions, and ultimately, your financial success.
Each mindset carries a unique perspective about money, influencing your financial decision-making process.
There are four common financial mindsets.
The spender enjoys the thrill of the present, often overlooking long-term financial security for immediate gratification. If you frequently find yourself making impulsive purchases, or your credit card balance perpetually outweighs your savings, you might identify with this mindset.
The saver is characterised by frugality and a steady focus on long-term financial security. If you diligently maintain a budget or feel a sense of accomplishment when growing your savings, the saver mindset most likely resonates with you.
The avoider, often plagued by financial anxiety, tends to shy away from money matters. If you find bills and bank statements overwhelming, or frequently procrastinate financial planning, you likely have an avoider mindset.
The investor sees money as a tool for wealth creation. If you appreciate the potential of assets and are willing to take calculated risks for future returns, you are most likely aligned with the investor mindset.
So how do you uncover your financial mindset?
It begins with self-reflection:
• Do you often worry about money, or do you feel confident about your financial situation?
• Are you comfortable taking calculated financial
with Robert Goudie CFP GradDipFP Consortium Private Wealth
risks, or does the thought of investing scare you?
• Do you view money as a tool for achieving your dreams, or a necessary evil to be managed?
Examining your feelings and behaviours around money can provide valuable insights into your current financial mindset. This process is beneficial because it sets the stage for potential shifts in perspective that can improve your financial life.
Once identified, you can analyse your money behaviours, uncover potential blind spots and take action to optimise your decision-making.
For instance, if you identify as a spender, incorporating a budget and automating savings can provide some balance to your financial outlook.
Savers could benefit by introducing an element of investment to their financial strategy, allowing their savings to work harder for them.
Avoiders must confront their fears and actively engage with their finances, perhaps by seeking professional guidance.
Investors generally have a positive approach, ensuring a balanced portfolio to mitigate risks.
Transforming your financial mindset requires commitment, patience and time.
Take it slow and make gradual changes as you grow more comfortable with your changing perspective on money.
It is not just about money; it is about your attitude towards it.
Adjusting your financial mindset means transforming both how you see money and how you engage with it, paving the path to financial success.
• The information provided in this article is general in nature only and does not constitute personal financial advice.
Horsham councillors have supported a community call to gravel a 900-metre section of Robins Road at Wail.
Robins Road is currently a formed-only, earthen road and not suited to wet conditions.
Horsham Rural City Council received a petition, containing 102 signatures, in October requesting gravel starting from the already-gravelled area and extending north to the intersection at Wail-Kalkee Road.
Councillors voted in favour of the petition’s call at a meeting last week.
Cr David Bowe said the upgrade would make the road more suitable for all weather conditions.
“Let us move forward by endorsing gravelling this section of Robins Road to create a safer, more efficient road network for our community,” he said.
An independent assessment found there was minimal risk associated with extending the gravel road on Robins Road to the short-stacking intersection, at the Western Highway-railway line intersection further south along Robins Road.
The council report stated gravelling the northern section of Robins Road would help to reduce the use of the Reynolds RoadWestern Highway intersection. The Reynolds Road-Western
Highway intersection exhibits significant short-stacking issues.
After gravelling, the assessment recommended the council assess truck volumes on Robins Road, conduct a risk assessment and make necessary adjustments to ensure safe access.
If the intersection is used solely for first and last-mile access, the risk associated with short stacking is minimal.
The petition highlighted a safety concern due to a necessity for all trucks to use the intersection of Western Highway and WailKalkee Road during wet weather.
The petition also stated the dirt section of the road limited use and access to and from Horsham and surrounding areas.
“Being only a part all-weather road, Robins Road is also an alternate route from using the Wail Overpass during dry weather,” the petition stated.
“When wet, slow-moving vehicles heading to and from Horsham use the Wail Overpass, it becomes a dangerous hazard to all vehicles using the Western Highway.”
Initial cost of the gravelling is estimated at $22,000.
Reoccurring additional costs for re-sheeting would be $2200 a year and routine maintenance would cost $1200 each time it was graded, which would be every two years.
For more photographs go to theweeklyadvertiser.com.au
SUPPORTING COMMUNITY: Murra Warra Wind Farm Sustainable Community Grants Fund has awarded 13 projects across the Horsham Rural City municipality and Hindmarsh and Yarriambiack shires with a share of $96,000. Representatives from Kalkee Recreation Reserve, Warracknabeal and District Historical Society, Dimboola Boat and Ski Club, Murtoa Big Weekend, Dimboola Agricultural and Pastoral Society, Snape Reserve Committee of Management — Trust for Nature, Warracknabeal Community Garden, Partners in Ag, Dimboola Art Inc, Natimuk Bowling Club, Sailors Home Hall and golf clubs at Horsham and Natimuk received their grants on Wednesday last week at Horsham Golf Club.
Horsham Angling Club will host a forum for recreational fishers and boaters with presentations from Victorian Fisheries Authority, VFA, and Better Boating Victoria, BBV, staff next month.
The forum is part of a statewide initiative to discuss fishers’ and boaters’ muchloved pastimes and share ideas to make fishing better.
Fishing clubs across Victoria are hosting 12 free fishing and boating forums, with this year marking the third consecutive instalment.
The forums, on weeknights from 7pm to 9pm, will feature an hour-long presentation before the audience has a chance
to engage with VFA and BBV representatives directly, providing an opportunity to ask questions and exchange ideas.
Topics include initiatives from the Go Fishing Victoria plan, upgrades as part of the state’s biggest-ever BBV-led boat ramp construction program, the work of fisheries officers and research insights from fisheries scientists into iconic fish such as Murray cod and yellowtail kingfish.
VFA chief executive Travis Dowling said this year’s forum series was the biggest yet and was an opportunity for fishers and boaters to learn something new, share ideas or ask a burning question that
has long been the source of debate with family and friends.
“We’re excited to be heading out to even more clubs to catch up with fishers and boaters and discuss how we’re helping make their pastime better than ever,” he said.
“There’s so much to chat about – from where we’re stocking your fish, the growing all-abilities boating network, reinvestment of fees from your fishing and boating licences, important education work and much more.”
The Horsham event is on September 13 at Horsham Angling Club rooms in Dixon Drive. No booking is required.
RETURN TO STAGE:
Wimmera musicians and vocalists showcased their talents during the Wimmera Music Eisteddfod at Horsham Church of Christ and Horsham Holy Trinity Lutheran Church Hall on Friday and Saturday. Pictured, clockwise from above, are: Kirrily and Simon Dandy; Joel Kimberley; patron Alex Rathgeber; ensemble Faye Johns, Kerry Bolwell, Emily Friedrichsen, Kerry Wilson, Carly Werner and Natasha Kuchel; William Meyer; and Chloe Findlay.
BY ABBY WALTER
Wimmera police will maintain a focus on policing, people and partnerships in line with Victoria Police’s new five-year strategy.
‘Keeping you safe: Victoria Police strategy 2023-28’ sets a direction for the next five years to help people who work within, and in partnership with, Victoria Police to understand the difference it wants its services to make.
Wimmera Superintendent Sharon McCrory said the strategy, launched in June, was all about community safety.
“It recognises that our communities have a right to feel and be safe anywhere they are – in their homes, on their roads and in public areas,” she said.
The strategy’s three pillars are highly visible and responsive policing; skilled people, ready and able to respond; and strong partnerships across community, government and business.
The strategy outlined changing community needs, requiring new policing responses, including increasing population and greater online presence at work and in day-to-day life.
It stated there was a need for increased policing responses across the state; a focus on services designed to reduce engagement with the justice system; partnerships to build capability, including counter cybercrime; and increased crosssector approaches to community interactions and response services.
Superintendent McCrory said she was committed to delivering ‘exceptional’ policing services.
IMPRESSIVE: Pilot Paul Bennet, performing aerobatics in his Wolf Pitts Pro, will return to Nhill Airshow next year.
“My commitment is excellence in our local police response, high visibility, targeting our problem areas and using our resources as best as we can,” she said.
“We will make sure our roads are safe, our communities are safe, our public water issues are addressed, and our crime issues are addressed.”
Superintendent McCrory said the strategy also highlighted a professional workforce.
“It’s about equipping our people with development opportunities to make sure they have the skills to do investigations, to target road policing and more,” she said.
“The final pillar is strategic partnerships, which means working with the community and with our other agencies about everything to do with community safety.”
The strategy lists Victoria Police partners including community groups; priority communities including Aboriginal, multicultural, LGBTIQ+, disability, mental health, seniors and youth groups; government agencies and departments; local councils; industry, business and non-government organisations; emergency services sector; and law enforcement agencies.
“Community safety comes from the ground up,” Superintendent McCrory said.
“We are trying to educate our members about the need to work collaboratively.
“Resolving a community issue is not always going to work by policing our way out of it – to solve our road safety issues, we will need a com bined approach to tackle that with our partners.”
All eyes will be on the skies at Nhill as the town’s airshow returns in April.
Organisers are making preparations for the event, scheduled for Saturday, April 13.
Nhill Airshow convenor Rob Lynch said Paul Bennet, a world-class aerobatic pilot who entertained people at the last airshow, would return again.
He said Bennet and his team would perform an ‘awe-inspiring’ program including aerobatics, fly-pasts of warbirds and antique aircraft.
“Paul’s aerobatics are stunning and always a major attraction at the Avalon airshow. We’re
really looking forward to having him back at Nhill next year,” Mr Lynch said.
The family-friendly event will feature heli copter joyrides, vintage cars, fashion, arts and crafts, music and children’s activities.
Mr Lynch said early-bird tickets were on sale and people wanting more information, or to purchase tickets, could visit nhillairshow. com.au or Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre’s Facebook page.
The centre is open to the public every week end and public holidays from 10am to 4pm.
Hindmarsh Shire Council is accepting applications for round one of its community action grants program.
The program closes at 5pm on September 29.
The council will announce successful applicants at its October 25 meeting.
The program was established in 2013 and has since assisted community groups and non-profit organisations to host community events, purchase necessary equipment and upgrade facilities.
The application process has been re-assessed and re-modelled to be more accessible for all applicants.
Applicants are encouraged to review updated guidelines, because changes have been made to the funding program.
Application documents, guidelines and other necessary information are available on the council’s website, hindmarsh.vic.gov.au/community/ apply-for-grants and can be downloaded or completed online.
Fill in the blank cells using numbers from 1 to 9. Each number can only appear once in each row, column and 3x3 block.
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.
FOCUS
An All Australian Word Game
* Each word must contain the centre ‘Focus’ letter and each letter may be used only once
* Each word must be four letters or more
* Find at least one nine letter word
* No swear words
* No verb forms or plurals ending in ‘s’
* No proper nouns and no hyphenated words
TODAY’S Good: 11 words
FOCUS Very good: 19 words
Excellent: 33 words
YESTERDAY’S SOLUTION aboard abroad alar arak award bard bark boar board
BOARDWALK brad brawl broad BROADWALK brow dark dork drab draw drawl karo lard lark lord okra oral road ward word work world
Reference: Macquarie Concise Dictionary Focus No. 3885
Find out by joining the dots.
Fit the given numbers into the hexagons so that where the hexagons touch, the numbers will be the same No number is repeated in any hexagon
Distributed by Knight Features
1. True or false? Orcas are classified as dolphins?
2. Despite the fact people stopped hunting blue whales more than 40 years ago, their populations are still recovering. How many blue whales are alive today?
3. REM is the shortened name for the stage of sleep where most dreams occur. What does it stand for?
4. True or false? Our modern time zones were created to make it easier to schedule trains.
5. What is the official name for the science of measuring time?
6. What geographical landmark near Ararat has a two-word Djab Wurrung name that translates to ‘home of the black cockatoo’?
7. Are the native pigeons with pronounced feathers pointing from the top of their heads, that we regularly see in the Wimmera, officially called crested or top-knot pigeons?
8. Australia’s Mountain Ash trees have the claim, specifically, as the world’s what?
For
ARIES: March 21- April 20
Lucky Colour: Silver
Lucky Day: Tuesday
Racing Numbers: 8.9.4.5
Lotto Numbers: 8.2.4.16.28.33.
A period of new beginnings – many will be updating their love lives and appearances. More travel is indicated, and this is a good time to unwind. For many, a windfall could eventuate.
TAURUS: April 21- May 20
Lucky Colour: Lemon
Lucky Day: Sunday
Racing Numbers: 6.9.1.2
Lotto Numbers: 1,17,23,34,44.45.
A windfall is indicated and the ambitious should be able to push their career ventures. Many will be making changes and new jobs could be on offer.
GEMINI: May 21- June 21
Lucky Colour: White
Lucky Day: Monday
Racing Numbers: 7.9.1.4.
Lotto Numbers: 1,16,23,34,36,22, Long distance travel is indicated and a busier time on the social scene. Your partner could get the opportunity to advance their career interests or take up a new position.
CANCER: June 22- July 22
From The Weekly Advertiser archives: August 1, 1998 – Horsham shoppers can expect life to return to normal when renovations to Coles supermarket are complete within a month. The picture shows little Brandon Scott, 3, helping his mum Debbie with their weekly grocery shopping at Coles.
10 years ago: July 31, 2013
Students graduating from Longerenong College, near Horsham, are in red-hot demand as Australia’s agricultural industry tries to cope with a shortfall of qualified professionals.
Five years ago: August 1, 2018
Luv-a-Duck officials believe upgrading the firm’s Nhill facility and expanding into Ballarat will help future-proof the Wimmera business and pave the way to doubling product volume in the coming years.
One year ago: August 2, 2022
Parks Victoria will review warning signs at a popular Grampians National Park tourist spot in a bid to keep people safe.
9. Is the border town of Frances in Victoria or South Australia? It is also just east of what neighbouring locality starting with ‘N’ on the Minimay-Frances Road?
10. Western Australian Fiona Wood, AM, and 2005 Australian of the Year, famously pioneered what revolutionary ‘spray-on’ product?
Mt Langi Ghiran. Langi means ‘home’ and ghiran ‘black -cocka too’. 7. They are crested pigeons. Although many of us call them topknots or toppies, topknot pigeons are a different Australian species of pigeon more common in Queensland and NSW -rainfor ests and woodlands. 8. Tallest flowering trees. 9. South Australia. It is west of Neuarpurr. 10. Skin. She developed ‘spray-on skin’ to help achieve ‘scarless, woundless healing’ in the treatment of severe burns.
Movement. 4. True. Up until to the 19th century, different towns would set their clocks based on the sun, meaning they would not all be set to the same time. This became an issue for -creat ing train timetables. 5. Chronometry. The name comes from the ancient Greek words chronos, time, and metron, measurement. 6.
Answers: 1. True. Orcas are part of the Delphinidae family, also known as oceanic dolphins. 2. 10,000-25,000. 3. Rapid Eye
Lucky Colour: Green
Lucky Day: Friday
Racing Numbers: 7,8,9,3,
Lotto Numbers: 1,16,23,34,41,22,
Loved ones will play a very important part in your decision making. You should be successful in your career interests. If something is troubling you, you should discuss things with your nearest and dearest.
LEO: July 23- August 22
Lucky Colour: Cream
Lucky Day: Sunday Racing Numbers: 6,8,4,5, Lotto Numbers: 1,17,23,36,42,11, Take more care with travel and do not over do the social scene. Stay out of fights and arguments – you’ll lose even if you win. Apart from that a very lucky time ahead.
VIRGO: August 23- September 23
Lucky Colour: Mauve
Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 7,9,3,4, Lotto Numbers: 1,16,23,34,41,22,
Most should be able to relax more and get down to the serious business of having fun. Finances should improve and most of your worries find solutions.
LIBRA: September 24- October 23
Lucky Colour: Yellow
Lucky Day: Sunday Racing Numbers: 7,9,3,5, Lotto Numbers: 3,6,23,31,22,28, Improved health and opportunities and perhaps some recent rift could be patched up without losing your dignity. Exciting opportunities will be offered to you. Travel, love and generally having fun.
SCORPIO: October 24- November 22
Lucky Colour: Orange
Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 6,9,3,4, Lotto Numbers: 1,16,23,27,34,41, Dealing with authority should be easier. Business pleasure and travel should mix successfully. Some interesting news from a distance could improve your financial picture.
SAGITTARIUS: November 23- December 20
Lucky Colour: Red
Lucky Day: Saturday Racing Numbers: 6,8,3,4, Lotto Numbers: 1,15,23,35,41,22, Misunderstandings in your love life and work scene, wiser to keep them apart if you can. Your secrets have a way of being revealed although something really special is about to happen to your luck.
CAPRICORN: December 21- January 19
Lucky Colour: Silver
Lucky Day: Thursday
Racing Numbers: 4,6,2,3, Lotto Numbers: 1,14,23,27,34,38, Travel could come as a surprise. Opportunities to improve your love life. For many, lives will head you in an entirely different new direction and improve your health.
AQUARIUS: January 20- February 19
Lucky Colour: Violet
Lucky Day: Thursday.
Racing Numbers: 5,7,3,4,
Lotto Numbers: 1,16,23,26,34,39, Opportunities are on offer. New people will bring a change of plans and a new lifestyle. A social invitation could have strings attached.
PISCES: February 20- March 20
Lucky Colour: Red
Lucky Day: Tuesday
at 2 Stawell Road, Horsham. Mail: PO Box 606, Horsham 3402. Telephone: 5382 1351. Website: www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au Email: weeklyadvertiser@team.aceradio.com.au
For classified advertisements: 5382 1351 – email: horsham@aceradio.com.au
Advertising: Mark Sulic: 0407 313 456, marks@team.aceradio.com.au; Lee Meadows: 0407 046 864, leem@team.aceradio.com.au;
Racing Numbers: 7.8.9.3.
Lotto Numbers: 1,14,23,34,45,22,
Career prospects are better so push ahead with plans. Stick to your intuitions with any financial undertakings. Unexpected visitors’ good news should make this a happier period.
SHOWCASE: Marnoo hosted the Victorian State Merino Field Day on Friday, where 600 sheep, across 39 studs, were on display to showcase genetics and provide an opportunity for industry networking. Pictured during the event are, clockwise from above: Claire McGauchie; Nic Baird and his daughter Harlynn; Warren Russell; Marnoo Primary School students Emily, Memphis and Chloe; and Stephen Glen with his nephew Scott Glen.
Phoebe’s Future thanks the businesses and individuals who helped in any capacity.
The Weekly Advertiser and ACE Radio 3WM, The Wimmera Mail-Times
Tom Miatke; Shannon Waterworth and the whole band HeadRush; Darren Watson DJ; Mackay’s Jewellers; Nathan Henry from Promotional Products and Uniforms; Nathan Nash from Liquorland Darlot St; Jason Harding from Dollar Curtains; Horsham Fishing Competition; Barbeques Galore; Earle Eldridge; Whitehart Hotel; Horsham Family Footwear; Sassi Beauty Salon; Horsham Bearings; Lattanzio’s; Amcal Pharmacy; Allan & Trev Dymke Workwear; Casey Kosch First Aid; Horsham Truck Company; Aaron Todmann from AT Auto Electrical; JAS Oceania; Pop Murray Cabinet and Stone; Benny Argent & Dean Harberger; Minyip-Murtoa Football Netball Club; Fit4You Haven; Big Boy Burgers; Horsham Florist; F45; AXIS Employment; Morrow Motor Group for the Lamborghini Ride; Brendan & Brianna Wills; Sharon Anderson; Farmhouse Café; Horsham City Meats; Brumbys; Apex Club; Bake Crush; Rightbank Brewing Society; Latus Jewellers; Jasmine Decker Body Shop Products; Surf One and Stephanie Winfield Lorraine Linen; Keith Fischer WACK. Caz Forster Café De Kerb and of course Andrea Cross.
Deb Boutcher and Erin Boutcher for always checking on myself and Brooke. Lea & Peter Crammond, Sammi Jo Lawson, Tara Toohey, Julie & Anthony Murgatroyd, Andrea & Darren Watson, Julie & Peter Argent and Alana Morrow, and the generosity of the bar staff, Mick Ellis, Allan and Linda Thompson, Ray Dodson and Tim Nihill. To everyone who donated money either in cash, direct debit or the Go Fund Me page. AMAZING
Your help is greatly appreciated. So sorry if we have missed anyone but we thank each and every one of you.
For more photographs go to theweeklyadvertiser.com.au
Weekdays from 6am
Mitsubishi has introduced its new Triton to the world along with a dramatic new styling language it says is based on its ‘beast mode’ design concept.
An advanced take on Mitsubishi’s Dynamic Shield frontal treatment, the front mask of the new Triton is characterised by a treatment the company says resembles the ‘sharp gaze of a hawk’ with combination daytime running lights and three-dimensional headlights ‘emphasising the impressive presence and robustness of the new model’.
Mitsubishi Motors general manager of design Seiji Watanabe said the allnew Triton was completely reimagined under the design concept ‘beast mode’, or ‘audacious and daring’.
“While expressing the toughness and powerfulness expected of a pick-up truck, the all-new Triton combines agility with the brand’s robust design to create an imposing look,” he said.
Mr Watanabe said the character of Mitsubishi’s sixth generation Triton was aimed at reflecting the robustness of the model, while at the same time expressing the toughness and powerfulness expected of a pick-up truck.
The horizontally-themed body sides are composed of large, solid surfaces that emphasise the robust doors, while contrasting with the sharply overhanging fender panels to tighten them and make them appear wider, emphasising stability and toughness.
While ensuring the cargo bed is of an ample size, the solid surfaces continue along the side of the body up to the rear end. T-shaped tail-lights on both sides emphasise width, while also robustly displaying the sturdy rear design.
In terms of design, the interior uses many geometric shapes and metallic elements to create a high-contrast, modern space.
The instrument panel is designed with a ‘horizontal axis’ concept, which uses horizontally-themed and strong shapes to allow drivers to easily see changes in the posture of the vehicle when driving.
The steering wheel, grips and door handles were designed based on an approach called ‘Mitsubishi touch’, with a focus on grip comfort and sturdiness.
Addressing past issues, the centre console now offers larger cup-
ROBUST: Functional design has been incorporated in all aspects of the new Mitsubishi Triton to drastically increase utility, including a cabin shape and rear spoiler that improve aerodynamics, more durable door handles that are now bigger and easier to grip and wider side steps with improved water drainage.
holders and a large console box. The glove box, smartphone holder and other storage for small items are ‘of an ample size’, while the instrument panel and centre console have USB-A and C sockets for charging devices, as well as a wireless charger at the bottom of the centre part of
the instrument panel. With the highest GSR trim level, the front grille is the same color as the body, while the door mirrors, Dynamic Shield garnish, plated components including the door handles, bumper and other parts are black, and the underside of the front, sides and rear are dark titanium.
A styling bar on the black roof rails, over fenders and cargo bed brings a sharper look. Accessories, including an ADR complaint bull bar, will be announced closer to the model’s February 2024 Australian launch.
Matt Brogan
–
Vans shortlived partnership with Nissan is unlikely to be repeated.
The German commercial vehicle manufacturer told journalists gathered for the unveiling of its new V-Class range last week that its dalliance with the light, commercial utility market was likely to remain a one-off.
Responding to questions raised by the Australian media, Mercedes-Benz Vans head of marketing Marion Friese said Mercedes-Benz buyers were not asking for the X-Class to return.
“We do not have any concrete plans on that front, but as always, we keep an eye on our customers and potential customers and then decide what we do,” she said.
At the moment our customers are not asking for a pick-up based on our current vehicles.
“But, as we have seen, the pickup segment is a huge segment, and therefore we will keep our ears at the voice of the customer and see what the future will bring.”
Based on the D23-series Nissan Navara, the W470-series Mercedes-Benz X-Class was announced in 2015 as a new addition to the Mercedes-Benz Vans range.
It was released in Cape Town, South Africa, in 2017 and went on sale in selected global markets later that year.
At the time, the partnership with the
Renault-Nissan Alliance was spruiked as a means of ‘drastically reducing the time and cost’ associated with entering the ‘key segment’.
But just five years later, the deal was dissolved.
Citing slimmer than expected profitability, limited global demand and controversy surrounding the use of shared Nissan-Renault underpinnings, the model was quickly relegated to the pages of history.
Now in its ninth year on the market, Nissan’s D23-series Navara is expected to be replaced with a Mitsubishi Triton-based model within the next 12 to 18 months.
Cost-saving measures will see the
now Renault-Nissan-Mitsubishi Alliance produce a new utility from a shared platform, but there are no plans for a revamped Mercedes-Benz X-Class.
But without an entrant in the ‘lifestyle’ ute market, Mercedes-Benz Vans may well be doing itself a disservice.
The lifestyle utility market has grown exponentially in the years since the X-Class left the market, with the sale of highly equipped and recreationally focused dual-cab utilities now outpacing the sale of workhorse variants in many markets.
One possibility for Mercedes-Benz Vans is to offer a full-size pick-up based on G-Wagon underpinnings.
Utility versions of the G-Wagon have been available in the past, and the current platform certainly allows modification to accommodate a tray bed behind a luxury cabin.
With engine offerings including a hearty V8, there’s also plenty of power to offer cashed-up LCV buyers.
However, for now Mercedes-Benz Vans is keeping silent on its return to the dual-cab ute market with no known plans in the pipeline.
Whether we will see a return to a luxury utility the likes of the X-Class is currently anyone’s guess, even if the idea of an AMG-enhanced G-Wagon based pick-up seems like a good one.
– Matt Brogan
Horsham Autotech, Autoair and Exhaust Centre are your trusted locally owned company situated at 45-47 Dimboola Road, Horsham.
Owners Gary Smith and Michael Smith and their professional team offer every mechanical solution for your vehicle.
From servicing and parts, specialist brake repairs, exhaust systems, roadworthy certificates, air-conditioning systems and boat maintenance Horsham Autotech has you covered.
The trained staff use the latest specialised computer diagnostic tools leading to effective repairs on all modern vehicles.
They are one of the largest stockists of batteries in the region. Their range caters to all types of small vehicles to large machinery.
A mobile air-conditioning servicing and repairs unit comes to your plant or equipment on-site to service and repair air-conditioners in any vehicle including farming, agricultural or industrial machinery.
Horsham Autotech, Autoair and Exhaust Centre are ready to service your vehicle and are open Monday to Friday. Call us on 5382 2622 today.
Birthdays
2nd of August
Happy 60th birthday, we hope you have a wonderful day.
Love from all your family xx
Born September 7, 1939, passed away peacefully July 23, 2023
Son of Bill Hickey and Norma Hickey nee Shearwood
Loved brother of Dianne Morrison and brother-in-law of Peter.
Beloved uncle of Paul, Jarrod and Luke, great uncle to Astrin, Eleeha, Teeha, London, Harlow and Eden.
Forever in our hearts John Funeral to be held at Ss Michael and John’s Catholic Church, Thursday, August 3, 10.30am.
weddings
Rob, Bron, Miranda and Michael wish to announce that the marriage of Abbie & Charles took place at Coomes in the Yarra Valley on Friday, July 28, 2023.
We wish them both a life filled with love and happiness xx
death notices
BOWDEN (nee Smith), Dorothy “Alison”
Formerly of Horsham & St Arnaud
Passed away on July 28, 2023 aged 86 years.
Dearly loved wife of Laurie (dec).
Loving stepmother and stepmother-in-law of John & Julie; Robert (dec) & Val; and Janet (dec).
Step-grandmother to Rick, David, Robert & Nicole.
Sister & sister-in-law of Roger (dec) & Marlene (dec); Mary & Ron; Donald (dec); and Bryan.
Missed by her many nieces and nephews. At Rest
Passed away peacefully surrounded by family aged 71.
Loved husband of Patsy.
Loving father of Nathan, Josh and Sarah.
Poppy to Kobe, Addison, Jack, Tex & Blake.
Father-in-law to Stacey and Nick.
Rest Peacefully
Horsham & District
Funerals
Amity Perovic & Dylan Hartwich
5382 1149
Horsham & District
Funerals
Amity Perovic & Dylan Hartwich 5382 1149
Passed away surrounded by family on July 25, 2023 aged 77.
Dearly loved wife of Rowlie.
Loving and admired mother and mother-in-law of Rowlie & Kellie, Tracee & Richard and Danny.
Cherished Nan of Mikayla, Aily, Jordie, Logan and Amity.
Adored by Daisy.
Daughter of the late Edward (Ted) & Ivy Potter.
Sister of Leon, Betty, Valerie (Poss) (all dec) and Thelma (Scrub).
Forever In Our Hearts
Horsham & District
Funerals
Amity Perovic & Dylan Hartwich
5382 1149
HAMILTON, Gary “Shrimpy”
The graveside funeral service to farewell the late Mr Gary Hamilton will be held on Friday, August 4 commencing at 1pm at Horsham Lawn Cemetery.
Amity Perovic & Dylan Hartwich 5382 1149
ROMANO, John (Giovanni)
The funeral of John Romano will take place at the graveside, Horsham Lawn Cemetery on Monday, August 7, 2023 commencing at 2pm
Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member
HICKEY, John
The committee, players and supporter group of the Horsham Saints Football and Netball Club share their sincere condolences on the passing of John, a past player, committee member and Life Member of our club.
John played over 150 games for St Michaels, winning a senior B&F in 1961, as well as being a premiership player in 1969. In the following years, John went on to help the club in the reserves, on the committee as well as coaching in the juniors, a truly valued member of our club. Thank you for all that you contributed.
Rest in Peace Hick ROMANO, John (Giovanni)
10-10-1928 to 27-7-2023, aged 94 years Dearly loved husband of Tina.
Loving father and fatherin-law of Marisa & Warren; Michael & Nicole.
Adored by his grandchildren Dannae & Traiyth, Trent and Kayde, and great grandchild George.
Forever in our hearts
Thankyou
~ McINTYRE ~ Shirley May
The family of the late Shirley May McIntyre, loved wife, mother, grandmother and great grandmother, would like to sincerely thank everyone for their kind expressions of sympathy on her recent passing.
Jim McIntyre & family
Event Services
1 male mastiff x bull mastiff puppy, vacc, vet checked and wormed, born 22/11/2022, m/ chip# 953010006382898, Source# EE185505, he is ready for his forever home please $500
Ph 0481756063
4 10 week old purebred Heelers pups for sale, 2 blue males, 1 red stumpy tailed female, 1 red boy, all vet checked, wormed vaxxed and microchipped 18/5/23, mchip# 953010006172145/95301000617 2140/953010006171652/9530100
06172141, source# MB146514 Ph 0407363983
BOWDEN (nee Smith), Dorothy “Alison”
Funeral arrangements for Alison Bowden have not yet been finalised. Details will be advised as soon as possible.
Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member
TAYLOR, Elaine
The graveside funeral service to farewell the late Mrs Elaine Taylor will be held at Horsham Lawn Cemetery, Monday, August 7 commencing at 11am
Amity Perovic & Dylan Hartwich 5382 1149
Funeral Directors
Horsham Florist 51 Roberts Ave, Horsham www.horshamflowerdelivery.com.au 5382 1834
1 Chocolate mini Dachshund, female, vacc, vet checked, m/ chip# 953010006162922 $2500 each, located in Nhill Ph 0431725487
The Weekly Advertiser welcomes your advertising. We are required strictly by law to include specific information on some items when publishing your adv your obligations are as follows:
ANIMALS -
*All “for sale” or “to give away” advertisements, for either cats or dogs must include one of the following:
• Individual microchip numbers
• Vet certificate to exclude individual animals from needing microchips
• Domestic animal-business number
PLUS a source number from the Pet Exchange Register
LIVESTOCK -
giving away or bartering of all livestock must include a Property Identification Code (PIC number) in the advertisement.
6 Fox Terrier x Jack Russell pups , tri colour and tan & white, vet checked, vaccinated & microchipped, source# MB227923, 985141003956168, 287,311,415,985141003955670, 869, $500 each Ph 0427090736
Black faced Dorpers joined $140 each Ph 0429912620
Black head dorper ewe lambs, born June 2022, pic# 3NGLM058 $250ea Ph 53585079
Budgies, young, asstd colours $10ea Ph 0423182267
Ferrets, 8wks to 18mths $30ea Ph 0418843180 Nhill German Shepherd puppies , 7wks, great temperament, toilet trained, straight, two boys and two girls, source# MB115424, m/chip# F 95301000661546, F953010006610248, M953010006610331, M95301000661015145 Ph 0421018631
Pigeon fantails, lots of colours, $5 each, plus other breeds, no texts Ph 0408846796
Pups Col/Kelp X StPoodle , 3 gold fem, 1 gold, 2 black males, born 12/4/23, mchip, vet checked, source# MB223023, mchip# 985141003955533 985141003956376/402/6234855/ 6234856/6234857, visit welcome Ph 0458169182
Pure breed black faced Dorper ewe lambs, pic# 3HSDC083 Ph Liz 0419664345
Roosters, ducks and guinea foul wanted Ph 0469740723
Salami pigs wanted Ph 0481864397
Sheep agistment available at Kewell , accommodate approx 130-140, feed wall advanced Ph 0427895097
Whippet puppies, 6 males, 1 female, dark and light briendles, black and white, ready to go now, wormed, vacc, m/chip # 9560001 6257287/256879/257197/254950/ 308627/312719/254208, source # MB109696, $1200each, view and pick up Ararat, call Alan or Fiona Ph 0431176269 or 53093267 Young pigs 2mth old, well bred, free ranged, suitable to spit or grow out, PIC# 3H5CG003 from $100ea Ph 0439834521
caravans
1999 Jayco 16’ pop-top caravan with unused annex, GC $14,500 Ph 0400823134
2000 Jayco Freedom pop-top caravan, tandem, Engel upright fridge, 12v system with inbuilt battery charger and solar kit, island d/bed and brand new mattress, light weight, easy to tow $17,900ono Ph 0400894020
Kildare Border Collies now have a litter of purebred puppies for sale at $1,800, we have been breeding border collies for over 50 years and strive to breed quality true to type and temperament in our puppies. Our pups have calm natures and make excellent working dogs or family pets. Three are chocolate and white puppies 2 female and 1 male and the remainder are female black and white puppies with piercing dark eyes and traditional black and white markings. Born 28/05/2023, all have fun loving natures and ready to find their forever home. All puppies have been microchipped, vet checked vac/wmd, m/chip# 991001005403261/2368 source# MB196330, call Brendan Hogan for more information Ph 0439971754
2005 Traveller Caravan 19’ Hurricane, shower and toilet, full annex $35,000 Ph 0417555823 Ezytrail camper, Sterling G, Mark 2, EC $21,999ono Ph John 0427562876 Galaxy 2007, new Tebbs annexe, a/c, oven, fridge, rego, batteries $25,000ono Ph 0402933972
Nominations are invited from interested and skilled members of the community wishing to be considered for membership to the Riverside Recreation Reserve Committee of Management. This volunteer committee is responsible for the dayto-day management, care and development of the reserve and its built facilities, largely dedicated to equestrian activities. The term of appointment is three years to 27 September 2026
Specific interest or skills in one of the following areas would be highly regarded:
• Community connection and interest in seeking a position on the CoM
• Community and stakeholders
• Governance and volunteer management
• Financial and business
• Land management
All registrations of interest for the voluntary role will be considered. Further information and nomination forms are available from Danielle Fowler on 0439 029 909 or email publicland.grampians@delwp.vic.gov.au
Expressions of Interest are to be on the formal nomination form and addressed to: Land and Built Environment Team, Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action – 110 Natimuk Road, Horsham, Vic, 3400 or emailed to: publicland.grampians@delwp.vic.gov.au
Women, First Nations People, people with disabilities, young people and people from culturally diverse backgrounds are actively encouraged to apply to ensure that the committee’s membership reflects the composition of the community it serves.
Expressions of Interest close 18 August 2023
www.deeca.vic.gov.au
Customer Service Centre 136 186
Did you know that hermit crabs can live for approximately 15 years? Throughout their lifetime, they scavenge discarded shells (and on rare occasions, even old tin cans), to wear as a mobile home that can protect them from birds and other predators. The hermit crab likes a snug home, and just the right size, so that its whole body can fit within the shell. Sometimes, the fit is not perfect, and it can leave them at risk if their bodies are half hanging out. But they do the best they can, and keep looking for the right home. This world (especially with the current market) can leave us feeling homeless, literally, or in a spiritual sense – searching for a place and people that you can feel at home with, or trying to find a place of protection.
John 14:1-3 says that we don’t have to be afraid, because God promises a place for you. It’s a place of belonging, with Jesus, the One who loves you and made you, and only wants the best for you. Jesus will come back and take you to be with Him, where He is, to our real home.
So – if you feel a bit like a hermit crab, and just can’t find that sense of home, then be assured that Jesus has a place for you. It’s a place where you will feel snug and at home, the perfect fit, and a place of protection and rest.
Author: Suzanne McDonald
horsham@ontgroup.com.au horsham@ontgroup.com.au
MONDAY,
Horsham Apex Club wish to advise that their August paper drive has been postponed.
Leave your old newspapers and catalogues out for residential curbside pick-up within the Horsham township.
MEMBERS
Hindmarsh Shire Council Community Action Grants Program
Round One applications for the 2023/24 Community Action Grants Program is now open and closes 5:00pm on Friday 29 September 2023.
Application forms are available on the Hindmarsh Shire Council website www.hindmarsh.vic.gov.au/ apply-for-grants and can be downloaded or completed online.
If your club or organisation has a project that requires financial assistance, the Community Action Grants Program may be able to assist. Organisations are encouraged to review the grant guidelines as changes have been made to the funding program.
For more information, please contact Georgia Gelligen, Community Development and Youth Officer, on 03 5391 4444 or via email to grants@hindmarsh. vic.gov.au
Greg Wood Chief Executive OfficerWarracknabeal
October 12, 2023
Applications are now open for tenders and sites.
Closing date 1/9/2023
Please contact Alison Bish 0438 739 767 or info@warracknabealshow.com.au
Land Description
To the registered THE ESTATE OF JEAN MARTIN (DECEASED
Proprietors: AND ADRIAN BLAND Brunton Avenue, Rupanyup VIC 3388 AND 8 Burnside Avenue, New Town TAS 7008
The Council: Yarriambiack Shire Council ABN 24 640 824 591
Description of Lot 1 on Title Plan 094470T (formerly known as the Land: Lot 49 on Plan of Subdivision 009711)
Title Particulars: Volume: 10048, Folio: 397
Property Address: BRUNTON AVENUE RUPANYUP VIC 3388
Rates owing: $ 7,250.06 plus, legal costs: $ 550.00
TOTAL AMOUNT DUE $ 7,800.06
TAKE NOTICE
a) an amount due to a Council for, or in respect of, rates or charges (including enforcement costs and interest) in respect of the above rateable Land is more than 3 years overdue;
b) there is no current arrangement that exists for the payment of the amount to the Council; and
c) the Council has a Court order requiring the payment of the amount (or part of the amount).
TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the Council requires you, being a person who appears to have an estate or interest in the property (from the Register kept under the Transfer of Land Act 1958 or from any Memorial in the Office of the Registrar- General) to pay the sum of $7,800.06 to the Council 4 weeks from the date of this publication.
TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that if you fail to pay the amount due to the Council by the above date, the Council may sell the land, or cause the land to be transferred to itself, pursuant to section 181 of the Local Government Act 1989 (Victoria)
Pursuant to section 181(5)(a), a copy of section 181 of the Local Government Act 1989 (Victoria) can be found at: http://classic.austlii.edu.au/au/legis/vic/consol_act/lga1989182/ s181.html
A copy of the Court Order can be obtained by contacting LawyersAU Pty Ltd at (03) 7004 8207 or by email at sonalim@lawyersau.com.
Dated: 21 July 2023
LawyersAU Pty Ltd
Lawyers for the Council
Round One applications for the 2023/24 Business Assistance Grants Program is now open and closes 5:00pm on Friday 29 September 2023.
Application forms are available on the Hindmarsh Shire Council website www.hindmarsh.vic.gov.au/ apply-for-grants and can be downloaded or completed online.
If your business has a project that requires financial assistance, the Business Assistance Grants Program may be able to assist. Businesses are encouraged to review the grant guidelines before completing their application as changes have been made to the funding program.
For more information, please contact Jennie Hauselberger, Community Development and Project Manager, on 03 5391 4444 or via email to grants@ hindmarsh.vic.gov.au.
Greg Wood Chief Executive OfficerFull
Are you ready for a job that supports an excellent work/life balance? Do you want above-award wages? Do you like working as part of a team?
We are seeking 2 X full time, permanent Plant Operators to join our team. This job is suitable for someone who is an experienced machinery operator or truck driver and takes pride in their work and the community.
Construction Induction (White Card) training is essential. Other machinery competencies an advantage. Other training relevant to the position will be provided on the job. Applications close Friday 11 August 2023 at 12noon and must address the key selection criteria as contained in the position description and application form. Position descriptions and details of how to apply are available at www.hindmarsh.vic.gov.au/work-in-council
For enquiries on these positions, please contact Keith Rowe, on 03 5391 4444. Council is an equal opportunity workplace and we offer a flexible, supportive
Approx 18 hours per week. (at least 3 days per week)
• Some fruit and veg knowledge an advantage, but not essential
• This role will involve some heavy lifting up to 20kg Email resumes to jkgri ths71@gmail.com or drop in store
Position number VG/211 0C
We are seeking an Information and Communication Technology (ICT) Officer to join our exciting and innovative ICT team.
In this role, you will:
- Provide ICT support to all GWMWater staff.
To apply or for more information please go to: https://whcg.mercury.com.au/
Horsham West and Haven Primary School’s vision is to empower all students to achieve their personal best.
Our mission is to maintain a community of learners who are happy and confident in their ability to learn, grow and succeed.
LEADERSHIP POSITIONS STARTING IN 2024: Apply via Recruitment Online
LEARNING SPECIALIST - MATHEMATICS
Recruitment Online Job ID: 1355295
LEARNING SPECIALIST - DATA & IMPROVEMENT
Recruitment Online Job ID: 1355296
LEADING TEACHER - WELLBEING & ENGAGEMENT
Recruitment Online Job ID: 1355306
Come and join our dedicated team.
Please contact Lee McKenzie 0438 824 580 for further information.
be someone making a difference for people in your community
Employment Opportunities
**Attractive salary packaging in addition to salary**
We are seeking committed and passionate people who are ready for exciting and rewarding careers in our growing community health organisation
Cleaner - Ararat based 10 hours per fortnight
$26.18 per hour
Casual Cleaner - Stawell based As required
$32.73 per hour casual rate
Contact: Luke Bibby
Closing: 12pm Monday 7 August 2023
To download a position description and key selection criteria form visit our website: gch.org.au
For further information email employment@gch.org.au or call contact person on 5358 7400
be someone making a difference for people in your community Employment Opportunities
**Attractive salary packaging in addition to salary** See our website for further information
We are seeking committed and passionate people who are ready for exciting and rewarding careers in our growing community health organisation
Case Manager Perpetrator Family Violence
22.8 hours per week
$32.21 to $41.52 per hour
Family Violence Case Manager 38 or 30.4 hours per week
$36.00 to $47.50 per hour
Homelessness Case Manager 38 hours per week
$36.00 to $41.52 per hour
Contact: Gemma Beavis
Contracts & Compliance Systems Officer
30.4 hours per week
$40.77 per hour
Executive Support Officer
25 hours per week
$40.77 per hour
Contact: Luke Bibby
Intensive Drink Drug Drive Behaviour Change Facilitator 38 hours per week
$36.00 to $42.60 per hour
Contact: Sarah Sargeant
Contact: Karen Watson
12pm Monday 14 August 2023
To download a position description and key selection criteria form visit our website: gch.org.au
For further information email employment@gch.org.au or call contact person on 5358 7400
- Provide technical support for the corporation's software and hardware faults and solutions.
- Investigate, diagnose and resolve IT issues.
The ICT Officer plays a key role in maintaining physical infrastructure including laptops, tablets, desktop PCs, iPhones, printers and video conferencing equipment.
If you have a passion for ICT and are looking to progress your career in ICT, this is the opportunity for you!
(Fixed Term 18 months)
Position number VG/5509A
The ICT Applications Officer supports GWMWater's TechnologyOne and other ICT solutions.
The ICT Applications Officer has varied responsibilities including:
- Managing software licensing and user credentials
- Resolving data errors and ensuring data continuity
- Liaising with vendors
- Project management
Experience working in ICT is desired but not essential. The successful applicant must have strong problem solving skills, a willingness to learn and adapt, and be able to work effectively without direct supervision. On the job training will be provided.
Position number VG/5232D
We are seeking a new Water Services Operator to join our Wimmera team, with opportunities to work in other parts of our region from time-to-time. Our operators enjoy a fast-paced environment, responding to reported faults and service interruptions to maintain essential water and wastewater services to customers.
Based in the Warracknabeal area, the successful incumbent will gain significant work experience and work in a dynamic team. The incumbent will achieve a Certificate Ill in Water Operations and participate in the on-call roster.
If you enjoy working with your hands in the great outdoors, problem solving and contributing to the liveability of your community, please get in touch.
To apply online please visit: gwmwater.org.au/careers
Applications close: Friday 18 August 2023
GWMWater contact:
Ollie Reynolds, People Talent and Culture Officer
GWMWater is an EEO employer and is committed to continuously improving our quality, safety and environmental systems
To receive information in relation to these vacancies in an accessible format such as large print, please contact our People Talent and Culture team on 1300 659 961.
Subscribe to receive GWMWater job alert emails by visiting gwmwater.org.au/careers
Mark Williams Managing DirectorMiddle/Upper Primary
Nhill Lutheran School is seeking a passionate and innovative teacher. The successful applicant should be willing to support the Christian ethos of the school.
For a job description please email 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 or 2 Mackay St, Nhill 3418
Applications close: Thursday 31st August 2023
Position commences 23rd January 2024
be someone making a difference for people in your community
**Attractive salary packaging in addition to salary** Employment Opportunities
We are seeking committed and passionate people who are ready for exciting and rewarding careers in our growing community health organisation
Case Manager Aged Care
38 hours per week
$36.00 to $41.52 per hour
Contact: Karen Watson
Closing: 12pm Monday 14 August 2023
To download a position description and key selection criteria form visit our website: gch.org.au
For further information email employment@gch.org.au or call contact person on 5358 7400
Position Number: 1352947
Employment Type: Fixed Term
Job Function: Nursing
Classification: ES1-4
Salary Range: $88,738 – $104,630 per annum
Contact: Robyn Ledin Email: Robyn.Ledin@education.vic.gov.au
Are you interested in working with young people? Do you have a passion for health promotion and health education? An exciting opportunity exists for a highly selfmotivated Registered Nurse (Div 1) to join the Primary School Nurse Program in the Wimmera South West Area – South Western Victorian Region. This is a fixed-term fulltime 1.0 FTE position ending 23/11/2023.
When applying, please ensure you respond to the key selection criteria.
Department of Education is committed to diversity. The Department places considerable effort and resources into responding to the needs of staff with a disability. People from disadvantaged groups are encouraged to apply for this position. If you require assistance, with the recruitment process, have accessibility or adjustment requirements, please communicate with the contact person listed on this job advertisement or contact the People Division via email: schools.recruitment@education.vic.gov.au
Information about the Department of Education’s operations and employment conditions can be obtained from the following websites: www.education.vic.gov.au and http://www.education.vic.gov.au/hrweb/Pages/default.aspx.
Applicants are encouraged to apply on-line via the Recruitment Online website at www.education.vic.gov.au/schooljobs
be someone making a difference for people in your community
**Attractive salary packaging in addition to salary** Employment Opportunities
We are seeking committed and passionate people who are ready for exciting and rewarding careers in our growing community health organisation
Healthy Mothers, Healthy Babies Practitioner
19 hours per week
$36.00 to $41.52 per hour
Contact: Kristy Price
Multidisciplinary Counsellor
38 hours per week
$47.50 per hour
Contact: Sarah Sargeant
Closing: 12pm Monday 21 August 2023
To download a position description and key selection criteria form visit our website: gch.org.au
For further information email employment@gch.org.au or call contact person on 5358 7400
remuneration package in addition to base salary
Program Leader Orange Door
Program Leader Customer Engagement
Program Leader NDIS
Full time or part time by negotiation
$51.90 per hour base salary
Contact: Kate Astbury
Closing: 12pm Monday 7 August 2023
To download a position description and key selection criteria form visit our website: gch.org.au
For further information email employment@gch.org.au or call contact person on 5358 7400
Please refer to Job Opening: 1352947
Applications close: 2 August 2023
Headlining round 13 of Wimmera Hockey Association season on Saturday will be a clash between the top two teams in open competition and another significant match that will shape the women’s finalists.
In a fierce rivalry in open division that has now spanned nearly 40 years, clashes between the Tigers and Hoops rarely disappoint.
Both teams have spent much of that time towards the top of the ladder, and there is nothing from their recent form to suggest this meeting, to be played out on Anzac Park in Warracknabeal, will be any different.
The Hoops have come the closest to the undefeated Tigers this year, when they played out a draw in their first encounter back in round two, but even on their home ground, it will take a considerable effort to topple the ladder leaders.
After a confident start to their season, Horsham Hurricanes’ form has dropped away in recent games.
The team will need a good performance this week against Nhill Rangers to build confidence as finals approach.
Despite now being out of contention for the finals, the Rangers have shown some of their best in the second half of the season, and could still surprise any team that does not take them seriously.
With third and fourth places on the women’s ladder not yet confirmed, the outcome of the game between Horsham Jets and Nhill Thunderbirds will be significant for both teams’ chances of playing finals.
A Jets win will cement them in third place, while with a win, the Thunderbirds will overtake them into that spot and put them a step closer to confirming a place in the semi-finals.
Warracknabeal needs a win to hang onto its chance of playing beyond round 15, but come up against a Yanac team that has only lost one of its nine games so far this season and will be challenging to defeat, even on Warracknabeal’s home ground.
The under-16 competition is set for a thrilling last few rounds, starting this week, where the top team has the bye and the following two meet opponents from the lower part of the ladder.
If Yanac Warriors defeat Warrack Revengers and Horsham Bombers beat Nhill Leopards, as recent form and current ladder positions suggest, the top-three teams will end the round locked on 36 points each.
This outcome would set up several enticing match-ups in the following two weeks before finals, making every match significant to decide which two teams will earn the crucial double chance in finals.
Round 12 results –
Open: Yanac Tigers 7 (Goals, T. Alexander 3,
B. Alexander 2, K. Croot, Z. Dorrington; best,
R. Croot, T. Alexander, Z. Dorrington) d Nhill Rangers 0 (S. Bone, H. Pearse, K. Rowe). Warracknabeal Hoops 1 (T. Jorgensen; M. Peters,
T. Jorgensen, L. Nuske, A. Rintoule) drew with Kaniva Cobras 1 (L. Krelle; R. Smith, A. Wallis, C. Beattie, L. Mills).
Women: Yanac 3 (M. Mackley, N. Harding, T. Croot; S. Hedt, E. Alexander, A. Blackwood)
d Nhill Thunderbirds 0 (K. Clark, R. Clark, J. Rowe). Kaniva 3 (J. Hauselberger, H. Pearse, L. Stimson; J. Hauselberger, Q. Pearse, H. Pearse, L. Stimson) d Warracknabeal 0 (B. McMaster, L. Eilola, C. Hadzig, A. Rintoule).
Under-16: Yanac Warriors 4 (Asher Zanker 2, Archie Zanker, L. Cramer; Archie Zanker, Asher Zanker, S. Pedie) d Nhill Leopards 0 (D. Clark, O. Bone, J. Rowe). Kaniva Raiders 6 (C. White 3, L. Krelle 2, F. Dodson; C. White, L. Krelle, R. Williams, F. Dodson) d Warracknabeal Revengers 0 (E. Williamson, S. Williamson, J. Nuske, M. Bentley).
Under-12 development program: Kaniva Rampagers 1 (L. Williams; encouragement award –M. Maddern) v Yanac Lowan Stars 0 (encouragement award – I. Hedt). Dimboola Kookaburras 2 (C. Elliott, J. Ward; encouragement award – R. Wallace, W. Hadzig) v Nhill Bandits 4 (D. Bee, C. Bee, B. Clark, R. Wheeler). Horsham Black Hawks 2 v Warracknabeal Avengers 5 (S. Williamson 2, H. Lomax 2, Z. Nuske).
A WorkSafe Club Safety Fund has returned this season, with all AFL Victoria Country football and netball clubs eligible to submit an application.
WorkSafe executive director of external affairs
Sam Jenkin said the program, formed in 2002, was one way the workplace health and safety regulator could support country clubs. It provides financial assistance to country
clubs, of up to $5000 per application, to improve the safety of grounds or for players, volunteers and spectators.
Applications close on August 6.
Documentation must provide evidence that a grant is needed to improve safety of grounds and surrounding buildings.
People can read full eligibility criteria, and apply, viaaflvic.com.au/worksafe-club-safety-fund
Great Western training team of Michelle and Craig Wight made a welcome return to the winner’s circle on Thursday.
The Wright’s three-year-old filly Nosweetsforyou out-toughed the opposition to capture the $7000 The Storm Inside at Alabar Pace at Horsham Racing Centre.
It was a fine effort by team Wright to get the cash, with Nosweetsforyou having her first start for nearly six months.
Driver Kerryn Manning found a spot in the running line shortly after the start, but made a forward move at the 1200-metre mark to be up outside the leader at the bell.
The duo looked to be under pressure 300 metres out, but knuckled down to overhaul the leader Chillin, Glen Craven, in the shadow of the post.
Nosweetsforyou was a winner at Stawell in her two-year-old season and took on some hot competition during that preparation.
Given the fight shown at Horsham, the filly should deliver another victory for team Wight sooner rather than later.
Stawell owned and trained six-yearold mare Tic Tact once again showed her liking for the spacious Horsham circuit with a strong staying victory.
The former Queensland pacer has raced at Horsham on five occasions since joining Blake’s stable in January 2020, for a tally of three wins and a second placing.
Tic Tact with driver Abbey Sanderson aboard was left in the running line
If Wimmera trainers were under the guise of a head coach, he or she would have nothing but praise for his team, just like Carlton coach Michael Voss, as the winners continued to roll on for local trainers.
Andrea Gurry, Nhill, and Garry George, Beulah, struck with their individual charges Raven Quail and Haarland on Tuesday last week in Horsham. George then headed to Bendigo on Wednesday with two runners both returning victorious.
Pat and Cliff Smith were the final team to win away from home in what was a wide-ranging week for the Wonwondah duo, securing victory at Shepparton with He’s Classified, placing at Horsham, then winning the last race on the card at Warrnambool on Thursday.
The first victory of the week was the win of He’s Classified at Shepparton, positioning up second early in the 385-metre journey to hit the front literally on the finish post to win by a head in the nice time of 21:84sec.
Krakatoan then struck away from home for the team, taking out the last event at Warrnambool. After surrendering the early lead, Krakatoan kicked back strongly to win by more than two lengths in 22:48sec across the 390-metre trip.
Raven Quail was victorious at home
outside the leader when the field settled after the start of the 1700-metre journey.
With the benefit of a leisurely midrace tempo, the combo was still there at the top of the home stretch and looked like being thereabouts at the
finish, but unlikely winners. Driver and horse had other ideas and the combo pushed through the middle of four horses late, to snatch victory by a half head from $2.50 favourite Ultimate Dealer, Michael Stanley, with Cheerstolou, Declanm Murphy,
a head further away and Mykorona, Aaron Dunn, right on their hammer in fourth spot.
Blake has done a great job with Tic Tact and connections have been rewarded with eight wins and eight minors from 54 starts since taking over the mare.
Training treble
Honours at Horsham on Thursday were with the Terang district stables of Paddy Lee and his mother Marg who shared a training treble.
Paddy started the ball rolling in the opening event when his cousin Glen Craven piloted lightly-raced fouryear-old gelding Keayang Chucky to an impressive 40-metre victory in a rate of 1:59.4 across the 2200-metre journey.
Craven combined in the following event, with his aunt Marg Lee, to salute with Keayang Blue Jeans.
The three-year-old filly notched up her maiden victory in slick time at just her fourth start.
Keayang Fitzy gave Marg her double with Lochie Cook aboard in the $10,000 Alabar Vicbred Platinum Pace.
The four-year-old gelding had not started since narrowly defeated by the now 14 times winner Cobber in the Silver Vase at Terang, nearly two years ago – a mighty effort by horse and trainer.
HOME STRAIGHT: Beulah trainer Garry George’s runner Haarland, pictured, was not challenged in his latest Horsham outing, winning by close on two lengths.
for Gurry. Looking in early bother, Quail pushed through from third buried in a pack, into second, then unwinding a big finish to win by a neck on the line in a smart 23:42sec.
George’s runner Haarland was sent to the boxes a short-priced favourite from the wide box-eight draw and when he pinged the lids and stacked a few greyhounds up as he carved across, he put the race to bed turning
for home and was never challenged, winning by close on two lengths in 23:45sec.
George then travelled to Bendigo the following day and did not disappoint, with both his runners saluting.
Moonlight Storm was buried midfield early but found the fence turning for home and railed up hard to go underneath the early leaders going away a length-and-a-half winner.
Zapatron was almost a mirror image replay of Moonlight Storm’s race, coming from midfield after being dragged down early, working his way to the fence and railing his way to a 24:49sec win saluting by two-and-ahalf lengths.
Racing continues in Horsham Greyhound Racing Club’s normal Tuesday twilight timeslot.
HARD FOUGHT: Mixed fortunes greeted both Dimboola and MinyipMurtoa in their Wimmera league round-15 encounters on Saturday, with Minyip-Murtoa victorious in senior football and Dimboola winning the A Grade netball clash. Pictured, clockwise from above: Minyip-Murtoa’s Rhys Pidgeon ‘handpasses’ in front of Dimboola’s Jonathon Ross; Simon Nuske, Dimboola, beats Nic Ballagh, Minyip-Murtoa, to the ball; MinyipMurtoa’s Jessica Newell shoots over Indy Ward, Dimboola; Charlie Gibson, Minyip-Murtoa, gets the jump on Dimboola’s Lachlan Mackley; Tyler Pidgeon, Minyip-Murtoa, gets away from Patrick Lindsey, Dimboola; Meg Cashin, Minyip-Murtoa, looks for options; and centre, Dimboola’s Billie Barber in control.
Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER
SHOW OF STRENGTH: Jeparit-Rainbow senior footballers and A Grade netballers were victorious in their Horsham District league clashes against Pimpinio on Saturday. Pictured, clockwise from left: Jeparit-Rainbow’s Penny Fisher gets a pass away; Pimpinio’s Nick Groves tackles Justin Cozens, JeparitRainbow; Jeparit-Rainbow’s Thomas Long and Matthew Thomas tackle Dylan Thomas, Pimpinio; Jeparit-Rainbow’s Meg Werner reaches for the ball; Tegan Rudolph, Pimpinio, is a picture of concentration; Xavier Oakley, JeparitRainbow, handballs; and centre, Annie Felini, Pimpinio, on the run. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER
The top five is yet to be finalised in Mininera and District league senior football with two games of the home-and-away season remaining.
Fifth-placed Glenthompson-Dunkeld will look to bounce back from a loss that leaves the last finals spot in dispute, against Lismore-Derrinallum.
Glenthompson-Dunkeld coach Tom Waters said the loss to seventh-placed Hawkesdale-Macarthur last round was ‘disappointing’ but was a bigger challenge than the Eagles’ ladder position would suggest.
“Maybe they have under-performed in a few of their games this year, but right from the start we could tell it was going to take a four-quarter effort to beat them,” he said.
Waters said his team had chances to cause a similar result to its two-point victory against the Eagles in round three, but was unable to follow through.
“When we had leads in the final quarter, we weren’t able to make the most of them,” he said.
The Rams coach said the same players who had been performing ‘consistently’ throughout the year led his team on Saturday, including Tyler Staude, Nathan Fall and Jezza Woods.
“We’ve probably had a fair bit of interruption outside of those key players,” Wa-
Horsham Demons women’s and youth girls’ teams have one more opportunity to secure a position in the Western Victoria Female Football League big dance.
ters said. “It has been about trying to find out how everyone works around them.”
He said the opportunity to earn a finals berth was exciting.
“As it’s been so far this season, we’ve been lucky and some surprise results have gone our way,” he said.
“That’s meant our destiny is in our hands.”
Waters said he was not willing to take anything for granted against Lismore-Derrinallum, despite the host side sitting ninth on the ladder.
“We had a good win against them last time, but they can be a better side – we are definitely not counting it as four points just yet. Fifth-spot has been in our hands for two weeks and we haven’t been able to claim it,” he said.
Demons coach Alec Wiltshire said he was hoping to ‘upset the applecart’ when his side returned to its home deck on Saturday.
“That’s a part of it, but we are also looking forward to gaining momentum to take into next season,” he said.
Wiltshire said it was five-to-10-minute lapses that cost his team last time out against the in-form Penshurst in trying conditions.
He said ruckman Henry Walsh, midfielders Steven Ryan and James Halloran, who was stand-in captain, thrived in the tough conditions and will be called on again this weekend.
Both teams will play in a preliminary final at North Park, Stawell as South Warrnambool progresses to the grand final in both grades.
The women’s team will take on Hamilton, who defeated Tyrendarra in an elimination final on Sunday, to keep its finals berth alive.
The Demons have defeated Hamilton twice and lost once throughout the season. Hamilton also defeated Horsham in the grand final last season.
In a qualifying final on Sunday, South Warrnambool defeated Horsham by 40 points in wet and windy conditions at Cavendish.
A goal after the siren to Horsham at the end of the first quarter ensured there was only a twopoint margin in favour of the Roosters at the first break.
However, South kept the Demons scoreless in the second term to establish a 20-point lead.
The Demons continued to chase South and a wet second half allowed the Roosters to continue building a lead.
Demons’ Dellie Brown played a tough game in the middle and
worked hard for her team all day. Hailey Puls also played well for the Demons.
Madeleine Huggins and Elle Treloar were the Demons’ goal kickers.
The final score was South Warrnambool 7.11 (53) defeated Horsham Demons 2.1 (13).
The girls’ team will play TerangMortlake in the preliminary final after the Bloods defeated Warrnambool Blues in an elimination final.
The girls’ team defeated Terang-Mortlake by 23 points in round two and was defeated by 17 points in round nine.
The Demons had a tough game
at Cavendish in a qualifying final against South Warrnambool.
South Warrnambool was 15 points in front at the first break and kept Horsham to one point by halftime.
The Roosters continued to build on their lead and won 7.12 (54) to 0.1 (1).
Poppy Peters played a strong game and was supported well by Ashlee Ison.
The girls’ team will play at noon on Sunday followed by the women’s team at 2pm. The winners of both games will progress to the grand final against South Warrnambool on August 13.
Over 100 varieties of fruit and ornamental trees
2024 READY: Jordyn Burke, right, is returning to the senior football coaching role at Horsham Demons next season. He last coached the team in 2022 and is pictured speaking to Local Footy Live’s Daryl Eastwell after a match against Horsham Saints.
Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
Jordyn Burke is returning to the top job at Horsham Demons and will coach the senior football team in 2024.
Burke coached the team in 2013, to a premiership in 2014, through a disrupted 2021 and in a joint role with Tyler Blake in 2022.
He said he had always enjoyed coaching and took the year off in 2023 to refresh.
“I stayed heavily involved with the club, but the refresh was something I needed,” he said.
“The parts of coaching I enjoy are building relationships and developing our young players.
“I am quite attached to the team we have, and it has been great to see our young players move out of juniors and into seniors as well.”
Burke said while this year the Demons had not been as successful as in previous years and would not play finals, there were still successes to be noted.
“You can separate success into two parts and this year our younger players have developed well, and our leaders have learned to lead in tough times,” he said.
“We don’t shy away from the fact that we do need to see some drastic improvement though.
“Injuries have hurt in the second half of the season and a couple more wins would have given the team more confidence, but they are showing enough going forward.”
Burke takes the reins from Blake, who headcoached solo this year, with assistant coach Ben Lakin. Blake and Lakin signed to continue playing with the Demons in 2024.
Burke said the club’s retention was ‘fantastic’.
“Across the club, the netball and the football is strong and structured,” he said.
“We’re getting behind each other and heading in the right direction.”
The Greater Western Victoria Rebels boys’ team returned from three weeks off to pull out a big win against Geelong Falcons at the weekend.
The final score of the round 14 clash at Reid Oval, Warrnambool, was 17.14 (116) to 6.6 (42).
Horsham Saints export Joel Freijah had 18 disposals and kicked a goal, while MinyipMurtoa’s Oscar Gawith had seven disposals and Rupanyup export Connor Weidemann had 14 disposals.
Wimmera
This week: Round 16, Minyip-Murtoa v Ararat at Minyip, Horsham Saints v Dimboola, Southern Mallee Giants v Nhill at Beulah, Stawell v Warrack Eagles. Horsham, bye.
Senior football
Last week: Ararat 15.9 (99) d Southern Mallee Giants 5.6 (36), Minyip-Murtoa 10.7 (67) d Dimboola 5.8 (38), Stawell 10.11 (71) d Nhill 10.10 (70), Horsham 14.11 (95) d Warrack Eagles 4.15 (39).
Ladder: Ararat 52 points, 272.61 percent; Horsham Saints 40, 133.6; Southern Mallee Giants 36, 142.18; Dimboola 32, 111.96; Minyip-Murtoa 32, 107.15; Stawell 24, 74.79; Nhill 14, 77.81; Horsham 10, 61.4; Warrack Eagles 0, 49.15.
A Grade netball
Last week: Southern Mallee Giants 43 d Ararat 38, Dimboola 64 d Minyip-Murtoa 54, Stawell 32 d Nhill 31, Horsham 67 d Warrack Eagles 26.
Ladder: Horsham Saints 52, 169.05; Horsham 48, 172.51; Stawell 40, 106.73; Dimboola 32, 92.82; Nhill 24, 105.69; Ararat 20, 90.12; Southern Mallee Giants 12, 80; Minyip-Murtoa 12, 65.45; Warrack Eagles 0, 59.67.
Horsham District
This week: Round 15, Pimpinio v Swifts, Jeparit-Rainbow v Kaniva-Leeor United, Harrow-Balmoral v Laharum, Kalkee v Rupanyup, Edenhope-Apsley v Noradjuha-Quantong, Natimuk United v Taylors Lake. Senior football
Last week: Noradjuha-Quantong 13.7 (85) d Natimuk United 12.6 (78), Rupanyup 22.32 (164) d Laharum 4.4 (28), Swifts 20.19 (139) d Taylors Lake 2.2 (14), Jeparit-Rainbow 15.13 (103) d Pimpinio 10.9 (69), Kalkee 22.17 (149) d Kaniva-Leeor United 9.9 (63), Harrow-Balmoral 10.13 (73) d Edenhope-Apsley 9.3 (57).
Ladder: Harrow-Balmoral 56 points, 443.24 percent; Jeparit-Rainbow 48, 176.77; Noradjuha-Quantong 40, 143.27; Rupanyup 38, 158.39; Swifts 36, 144.99; Edenhope-Apsley 32, 99.32; Pimpinio 24, 86.53; Kaniva-Leeor United 20, 56.08; Natimuk United 18, 75.45; Kalkee 16, 79.85; Taylors Lake 8, 34.16; Laharum 0, 28.75.
A Grade netball
Last week: Noradjuha-Quantong 51 d Natimuk United 47, Laharum 72 d Rupanyup 30, Swifts 45 d Taylors Lake 40, Jeparit-Rainbow 47 d Pimpinio 37, Edenhope-Apsley 75 d Harrow-Balmoral 27.
The Rebels held a lead all game and a strong third-quarter push ensured they would take the win.
The Rebels are fifth on the ladder with three rounds remaining for the season. In round 15, the team will head to Preston City Oval to face the Northern Knights on Saturday.
The girls’ Rebels team will face the Western Jets at Mars Stadium, Ballarat, for round 16 on August 25. They are ninth on the ladder with four wins.
Ladder: Edenhope-Apsley 56 points, 262.46; Laharum 52, 165.3; Kalkee 44, 135.89; Noradjuha-Quantong 36, 119.93; Rupanyup 34, 115.63; Pimpinio 32, 105.59; Jeparit-Rainbow 30, 107.17; Swifts 20, 63.79; Natimuk United 16, 73.01; Taylors Lake 12, 64.81; Harrow-Balmoral 4, 49.59.
Mininera and District
This week: Round 15, Caramut v Tatyoon, Wickliffe-Lake Bolac v Moyston-Willaura, SMW Rovers v Great Western, Ararat
Eagles v Penshurst, Lismore-Derrinallum v Glenthompson-Dunkeld, Hawkesdale-Macarthur v Woorndoo-Mortlake.
Senior football
Last week: Woorndoo-Mortlake 33.16 (214) d Caramut 1.0 (6), Tatyoon 10.13 (73) d Wickliffe-Lake Bolac 6.8 (44), SMW Rovers 34.28 (232) d Moyston-Willaura 7.9 (51), Great Western 10.15 (75) d Ararat Eagles 8.17 (65), Penshurst 17.15 (117) d Lismore-Derrinallum 4.4 (28), Hawkesdale-Macarthur 12.6 (78) d Glenthompson-Dunkeld 10.8 (68). Ladder: Tatyoon 52 points, 357.56 percent; Woorndoo-Mortlake 48, 275.44; Wickliffe-Lake Bolac 44, 239.55; Penshurst 40, 143.75; Glenthompson-Dunkeld 32, 173.93; Ararat Eagles 32, 148.56; Hawkesdale-Macarthur 28, 143.57; Great Western 24, 100.35; Lismore-Derrinallum 18, 80.47; SMW Rovers 12, 74.48; Moyston-Willaura 4, 17.43; Caramut 2, 8.33.
A Grade netball
Last week: Woorndoo-Mortlake 65 d Caramut 10, SMW Rovers 44 d Moyston-Willaura 28, Ararat Eagles 82 d Great Western 20, Penshurst 37 d Lismore-Derrinallum 28, Hawkesdale-Macarthur 63 d Glenthompson-Dunkeld 45.
Ladder: Tatyoon 56 points, 203.99 percent; Ararat Eagles 48, 216.85; Woorndoo-Mortlake 44, 195.95; Hawkesdale-Macarthur 44, 147.64; Penshurst 40, 142.72; Lismore-Derrinallum 36, 159.58; SMW Rovers 20, 93.87; Glenthompson-Dunkeld 20, 92.96; Caramut 16, 59.74; Great Western 8, 59.42; Moyston-Willaura 4, 36.03.
North Central
This week: Round 16, Wedderburn v St Arnaud, Boort v Birchip-Watchem, Donald v Nullawil, Wycheproof-Narraport v Sea Lake-Nandaly Tigers. Charlton, bye.
Senior football
Last week: Donald 18.13 (121) d St Arnaud 2.6 (18), Birchip-Watchem 15.10 (100) d Wedderburn 11.8 (74), Nullawil 13.12 (90) d Wycheproof-Narraport 7.6 (48), Sea Lake-Nandaly Tigers 21.14 (140) d Charlton 8.7 (55).
Ladder: Sea Lake-Nandaly Tigers 52 points, 248.28 percent; Birchip-Watchem 40, 156 percent; Nullawil 36, 157.28; Donald 36, 126.98; Wycheproof-Narraport 30, 96.69; Wedderburn 20, 98.54; Boort 14, 81.03; Charlton 12, 53.04; St Arnaud 0, 28.92.
A Grade netball
Last week: Nullawil 44 d Wycheproof-Narraport 31, Sea Lake-Nandaly Tigers 32 drew with Charlton 32, Donald 54 d St Arnaud 25, Birchip-Watchem 46 d Wedderburn 45.
Ladder: Boort 48, 151.81; Birchip-Watchem 44, 118.63; Wedderburn 40, 132.19; Nullawil 40, 125.32; Wycheproof-Narraport 24, 97.82; Donald 16, 99.68; Charlton 14, 93.29; St Arnaud 8, 59.21; Sea Lake-Nandaly Tigers 6, 53.41.
• Full scoreboards and ladders for all grades are available via the league pages at playhq.com
The match of the round: Edenhope-Apsley came the closest of any team to defeating Harrow-Balmoral this year, giving other top-six sides the belief that maybe the rampaging Roos can be defeated this season. The scoring ability of the Southern Roos’ Simon Close, Peter Staude and Jai Thompson was ultimately enough to see off the challenge of the Saints. One concern for the Roos would be its conversion rate in front of goal, which will need to be sorted out in the lead-up to finals.
The standout player: Todd Stevenson has carried his side on his shoulders most of the year and last week he nearly got Natimuk United over the line for a massive upset against premiership contender Noradjuha-Quantong. Returning to his home club after stints in the WAFL, Geelong and Essendon District leagues, Stevenson leads the young Rams magnificently. Only missing the best players’ list once this season, he is likely to feature prominently in the Dellar Medal count for the league’s best-and-fairest.
The rising star: Noradjuha-Quantong’s James Hallett does not know how to play a bad game. Shift work prevents him from playing every week, but when he is able to take to the ground, he adds another dimension to the Bombers midfield.
The match of the round: If Jeparit-Rainbow still harboured finals ambitions, the away side had to beat Pimpinio. In a solid four-quarter effort, the Storm extended its lead at every change to run out comfortable 10-goal winners. With two games to go, the team need results to fall its way and pick up a fair chunk of percentage to advance to finals action.
Team to watch: Tipped to be the game of the round, Laharum had other thoughts as it put Rupanyup to the sword and gave notice to the competition that it will be legitimate challengers for the premiership. Led by Maddie Iredell and Caitlin Story, the Dees blew Rupanyup away to finish with a margin of 42 goals.
The rising star: In a star-studded Edenhope-Apsley side, Carlee Feder tends to slip under the radar. Opposition teams often focus on Lavina Fox and this allows Feder to play her own game and be a very consistent goal shooter. As the Saints charge towards back-to-back premierships, Feder will be critical in making sure the dream becomes a reality.
An up-and-coming team is hoping to hold onto its finals position in round 15 of Horsham District league A grade netball.
Pimpinio is clinging to sixth after a loss to its closest threat on Saturday leaves it slightly ahead with two games to play.
Swifts come into their clash with the Tigers in eighth and would enjoy upsetting the favoured side this weekend.
Pimpinio coach Jayde Ellis said she took plenty of positives from the loss to Jeparit-Rainbow, who are two premiership points behind the Tigers and jostling for the last finals spot.
“We were right in it the whole time, but couldn’t get the job done,” she said.
“Our attacking end flowed really well and our defensive pressure was up.”
Ellis said Annie Felini led the charge at the attacking end, while Victoria Taylor had a standout game in defence.
Ahead of the Swifts game, Ellis was happy to recall a previous win, but acknowledged the stakes were higher this round.
“We played them in the middle of the year and had a good win, so we are hoping to replicate that,” she said.
Ellis said getting the four points were important to her team’s finals chances, but so was the manner in which it plays, with a four-quarter effort vital as the Tigers prepare for the eventuality that they will make finals as a relatively inexperienced side.
“I’m super pleased with where we have ended up, with two games to go,” Ellis said.
“It’s really exciting for the players and for the club, for us to be in this position.”
In other games, Kalkee will play Rupanyup in a potential finals preview.
The Kees return from a bye refreshed to take on the Panthers, who will be looking to put last week’s drubbing against Laharum behind them.
A top-four match is scheduled between Edenhope-Apsley and Noradjuha-Quantong.
The undefeated Saints were led to a comfortable victory by Lavinia Fox and Emily Burgess against bottom of the ladder Harrow-Balmoral last weekend.
The Bombers’ credentials were momentarily put in doubt before they emerged four-goal winners against Natimuk United.
Jayne Tucker and Georgia Lowe were the winning team’s best players.
Natimuk United, encouraged by
its performance against NoradjuhaQuantong, will be looking to secure a win against Taylors Lake.
The Lakers reside in 10th spot after falling to Swifts.
Harrow-Balmoral face a tough ask against an in-form Laharum. Jeparit-Rainbow will be hoping results go its way as it goes into a bye.
A clash between two well-ranked teams could all but decide the topsix in Horsham District league senior football.
With two home-and-away games to play, Noradjuha-Quantong travels to face Edenhope-Apsley, with the Saints looking to cement a place in the finals picture.
Bombers coach Damien Cameron said he was not surprised with the resistance Natimuk United showed before his team finished sevenpoint winners last round.
“I sort of predicted it really, they match up really well with us,” he said.
“The positive thing for us this year – we’ve been able to win those close ones which in previous
years we might have lost.” Cameron said nullifying the opposition’s key players would be a focus going forward after Todd Stevenson and Jono Lovel starred for the Rams last weekend.
“We sometimes let oppositions off the leash,” he said.
“Once you come into finals, the other teams are going to have more of those players.”
With challenging games against Edenhope-Apsley and Pimpinio rounding out the home-and-away season, Cameron said capitalising on scoring opportunities was another area for improvement.
“It’s about getting all the small things right at the moment,” he said.
Cameron said Declan Bushby, who missed the game against the Rams, had been enjoying a ‘breakout year’ from the wing position, with Zach Kelly also playing well at half forward.
He said midfielders James Hallett and Jayden Besford had shown their work-rate in the middle.
In other games, Pimpinio, who are two wins behind EdenhopeApsley and still an outside chance of making the six, take on Swifts.
The Baggies are certain to make the finals and fresh off a comfortable win against Taylors Lake in which Matthew Healy kicked six goals.
Jeparit-Rainbow should have enough to see off the challenge of
Kaniva-Leeor United. The Storm was pushed last week against Pimpinio but came out on top with a 34-point win.
The Cougars were not so lucky and fell to a Kalkee team which has been missing for large parts of the season.
Harrow-Balmoral should be far too good for bottom of the ladder Laharum.
Kalkee will play Rupanyup, with the Panthers looking to hold on to fourth spot. Kalkee’s Blair Thomas will play his 400th club game, in the reserves.
Natimuk United will aim to follow up its impressive display last weekend with a win against Taylors Lake.
Pending any upsets in Wimmera league A Grade netball, the top five teams heading to finals are almost finalised.
Ararat, in sixth, is within reach of a finals berth, one win behind Nhill in fifth, however, the final three rounds will provide a challenge they will need to overcome to break into the five.
Ararat will come up against Minyip-Murtoa, Horsham Saints and Dimboola in the final rounds.
An upset win against the Saints or Dimboola could, mathematically, place them in the top five.
If Nhill unexpectedly loses to Southern Mallee Giants or MinyipMurtoa in coming weeks, it will also give Ararat a chance to jump
up from sixth. Ararat coach Tahnee Walker said the team was in good spirits to tackle the week ahead against Minyip-Murtoa.
“We’re hoping to be competitive in the final rounds of the season,” she said.
“I wasn’t disappointed with our performance against Southern Mallee Giants on Saturday, but the result wasn’t what we hoped for.
“We’re hoping to bounce back and build some confidence going into the last few games.”
Walker said the team was using great pressure and patience down the court, with the defensive and attacking players implementing what they had learned during training.
“We’re working towards great things,” she said.
“Laney McLoughlan has been standing up in recent weeks and is in the top-five goal-scorers for the league.
“She’s always been accurate, but this year has developed into a real threat, with Jesse Bligh and Jessica Taylor giving her the ball right when and where she needs it.
“Georgie Peel and Bella Westbrook are also a strong team in defence.”
Ararat finished the 2022 season in sixth position by percentage and if the same circumstances occur for a second year, the Rats are sure to be out for redemption in 2024.
After not fielding a team in 2022,
Nhill has defied all expectations and has maintained a top-five position for most of this season.
The Tigers will be favourites heading into round 16 against Southern Mallee Giants and are likely to retain their finals berth.
Stawell is set to be too strong for Warrack Eagles, who have been unable to secure a win this year and will be ready to put season 2023 behind them.
Stawell, in third, defeated Nhill by one goal on Saturday, showing how close the fight could be once finals hit.
Premiership favourite Horsham Saints is hosting Dimboola this weekend and will again challenge a team gearing up for finals.
Horsham Saints and Dim-
boola are expecting a repeat close game of their Wimmera league senior football round-seven clash when they face each other for the second time this season.
Saints, sitting second and unlikely to drop out of the top three, defeated the Roos, in fourth by percentage, by four points earlier in the season.
Saints coach Ben Knott said he was expecting another tight battle this weekend.
“It will be a similar outcome I would expect and whoever can hold out the longest will come away with the win,” he said.
“It will be an open, free-flowing game.”
Knott said he had been happy with his young team’s consistent performance this season.
“Something would have to go drastically wrong for us not to finish in the top three now,” he said.
“You don’t want to come into finals having dropped a couple of games, so we will make amends for our loss to the Burras and get that winning momentum back.”
The Saints lost to Minyip-Murtoa in round 14 by two points.
Knott said the Burras were a professional team who worked well
defensively. “We didn’t handle that pressure at the start of the game, and we did give them a scare late in the game coming back, but they were too strong,” he said.
“Angus Martin in centre-half back is leading well, Mitch Martin is playing well and currently league leading goal kicker.
“At 17, Jordy Keyte would be our youngest player and he has gone from strength to strength. He started the year in the wing, but has moved to a back pocket and he hasn’t looked back.”
Dimboola coach Jack Landt said he expected a full team would take the field for round 16.
“It was a pretty close game against Saints last time and we’re ready to beat them at their home ground this time,” he said.
“The weekend gone against Minyip-Murtoa was strange because we beat them in every part of the game except on the scoreboard.
“Getting that scoreboard pressure this weekend would go a long way towards a win.”
Landt said despite the tight contest for finals positions, his team had its sights set on finishing in the top five.
“We’re going to focus on this weekend and then Ararat in the final round – hoping for a good run at finals,” he said.
LEAPS AND BOUNDS: Minyip-Murtoa’s Jye Walter and Harper Harradine, Dimboola, attempt to outpace and out jump each other to the ball on Saturday at Dimboola. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
“Billy Hayes has returned from injury and is playing well in the middle, alongside Ben Miller.
“Young Dru Pilmore is also playing well in the ruck.”
After a comfortable win against Southern Mallee Giants, Ararat remains at the top of the ladder and cannot drop its position in the final three rounds before finals.
After two successive wins, Minyip-Murtoa will be challenged by the
Rats this weekend. The Giants will look to bounce back against Nhill, while Stawell will battle to look a chance at finals against Warrack Eagles.
Stawell could catch Minyip-Murtoa and Dimboola in games won for the season, however, unless it wins the next two rounds by significant margins, a matter of percentage could see them miss out on a topfive finish.
The match of the round: There was heartbreak again for Nhill as it fell to Stawell by the smallest margin possible. Nhill had a chance to end the mathematical chance of Stawell making finals, but poor kicking in the first half allowed Stawell to stay in the game. Young Nhill gun Drew Schneider was the standout forward on the ground with four goals, but two goals apiece from Tom Eckel, Mitch Thorp and Kynan Mellor meant Stawell registered its sixth victory of the season.
The standout player: After sharing time between the VFL Bullants and Ararat in previous seasons, Tom Mills decided to play a full year in the red and white of Ararat, and the Rats reaped the rewards. The vice-captain is a vital cog in the Rats’ forward line and against premiership contender Southern Mallee Giants, Mills slotted five goals and put opposition on notice – he is in top form.
The rising star: Dimboola found a rising star in the form of young ruckman Dru Pilmore. In only his fourth senior game, the spindly youngster’s tap work was a sight to behold and with a few more kilograms on his frame, he could well be one of the premier ruckmen of the competition for a long time to come.
The match of the round: It isn’t often the netball margin mirrors the football score, but for Stawell, it was ecstasy; for Nhill, it was heartbreak. After being two goals down at three-quarter time, Stawell dug deep in the last quarter to register a onegoal win. With the win comes the spoils of a finals appearance for Stawell, while Nhill gets another chance next week to try to lock away a finals berth.
The standout player: With a couple of tricky weeks coming up, Dimboola needed a win last weekend to ensure it would play in finals and it was Olivia Jorgensen who went to work to make sure a lot of pressure was taken off the team. The key shooter was critical in the Roos’ victory as she shot 57 of her team’s 64 goals.
The rising stars: Watch out for these names to be regulars in the best players for Horsham in coming years. Youngsters Zarli Knight and Lexy Wade are both eligible for 15-and-under but have been regulars in the 17-and-under and are now getting time in the main game.
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They say the game is a matter of inches. Whether it be the golfer putting to win a major and watching his ball rim out of the cup, a tennis player hitting a massive forehand only to see the big screen show it missing by a millimetre or the Olympic swimmer hitting the wall to win gold only to miss by a fingernail – an inch here or there could change the course of sporting history.
The same could be said for Phantoms premier men in their Victorian Volleyball League preliminary final. A four-set loss to arch rival Monash could have been so much different if only for a matter of inches.
The first set was one for the ages and set the tone for a match that had spectators sitting on the edge of their seats for 100 pulsating minutes.
In a set that went 33-31 to Monash, an inch here and there could have turned the result in favour of Phantoms when four 50-50 line calls went two the way of Monash, one a replay and a back court foot fault that went
Monash’s way. “The call and the resulting furore that gave Monash the first set could have seen the team lose focus, but to our boys’ credit they put that quickly behind them and we came out firing to win the second set easily,” team member Nathan Berry said.
With the game locked at a set a piece, very little separated the two teams in the third set and when former Volleyroo Paul Sanderson went back to serve at 23-23, the Phantoms boys were confident of getting the two points needed to take the set. This is where the next inch came into play.
Sanderson hit one of his trademark big booming jump serves, which Monash got behind only to see the ball head towards the roof some eight metres high.
As the players waited for what seemed an eternity, the Phantoms were hoping for the ball to at least touch the roof and give them the point, but it only went 7.995 metres high and in a gutsy show of patience, the Monash setter, who had time to wipe his hands twice on the back of his shorts before
Light Vehicle Mechanic Apprenticeship
Donald
Closing date: ASAP
Requirements:
• Patience and perseverance
• Good hand-eye coordination
• Aptitude for all things mechanical
• Willingness to work in awkward positions in or under vehicles
For more information contact Kate Clark on 0428 971 821.
Business Administration Traineeship
St Arnaud
Closing date: August 8, 2023
Requirements:
• Great customer service and phone communication
• Excellent communication skills
• Adequate keyboard skills to enable efficient data entry
• Willingness to commit to work and study
• Willing to obtain a Police Check and Working with Children Check
For more information contact Kate Clark on 0428 971 821.
playing the ball, hit the perfect set and Monash hit the winner to give them set point, which they duly converted.
At two sets to one down, the Phantoms showed true character and fought hard to gain the lead and at 22-20 looked as though they could take the game into a fifth set.
But they failed to deliver the knockout blow and the fairytale run to a first grand final appearance came to an end.
“It wasn’t the way we wanted to finish, but at least we could hold our heads high and say we gave it our best shot,” Berry said.
“The main thing we learned from this season is the need to finish off a lot of our good work and play the back end of sets a lot tougher.
“Many times we hit 22 first, but failed to close the set out.
“If we can hold this group together and pick up a few more premier players I think we can take the next step, but for now we’ll lick our wounds and go back to our associations and make them the best they can be from the lessons we have learned.
“Oh for an inch or two our way.”
Natimuk and District Field and Game and Country Fire Authority’s District 17 are raising money for The Alfred hospital burns unit on Sunday.
Natimuk and District Field and Game life member and CFA shoot co-ordinator
Dale Russell said the event had been running for 23 years.
“During that time, we have raised $23,000 for the burns unit, which is good,” he said.
“The shooting day is well supported, and we generally get about 130 shooters.
“Natimuk and District Field and Game is a great supporter of the community.”
Water Operations Traineeship
Donald
Closing date: August 23, 2023
Requirements:
• Possess a strong customer service focus
• Physically Fit
• Attention to detail
• Strong desire to work in a team environment
• Possess creativity and innovation *2023 School Leavers encouraged to apply.
For more information contact Daryl Eastwell on 0407 364 654.
Agricultural Parts Interpreter Apprenticeship
St Arnaud
Closing date: August 8, 2023
Requirements:
• Aptitude for mechanics and electronics
• Willingness to commit to work and study
• Basic Automotive knowledge (highly regarded)
• Current driver’s licence and reliable transport (desirable but not essential)
For more information contact Kate Clark on 0428 971 821.
Mr Russell said while the day was titled a CFA shoot, all members of the public were welcome to attend.
“You don’t have to be a shooter, but you do have to be with a licenced shooter if you want to be involved,” he said.
“Everyone is welcome to come and enjoy the day – we will have a raffle which raises most of the funds we donate to the unit.”
The annual clay target shoot is scheduled from 10.30am at Natimuk and District Field and Game shooting ground on Wyn Wyn Road, Natimuk.
Mechanical Workshop Allrounder
Bordertown/Kaniva areas
Closing date: ASAP
Skills and Experience:
• Keen eye for detail
• Excellent time management skills
• Prioritise multiple responsibilities
• Current full driver’s licence to access 2 work sites
For more information, contact Paul Barnett on 0458 706 272 .
St Arnaud
Closing date: August 8, 2023
Requirements:
• Genuine interest in agricultural motor mechanics
• Willing to commit to work and study
• Be a team player who takes pride in their work
• Enjoy practical work
For more information contact Kate Clark on 0428 971 821.
BY ABBY WALTER
Atrip home to visit family and friends for Horsham basketball export Mitch Creek turned into a weekend of basketball clinics for Wimmera children.
The South East Melbourne Phoenix player, in the National Basketball League, took four clinics across the weekend.
Creek said the turnout at the Horsham Basketball Stadium was ‘amazing’.
“I wanted to come and teach more about the development side of basketball rather than just having a fun camp,” he said.
“We always do those and they are great, but I wanted to try and bring a lot of value – we had booklets I’ve designed, home workouts for strength conditioning for all ages that is nice and safe, and a lot of home programming for basketball as well.
“I was trying to do a lot of everything, but it went well, and the
– Mitch Creekreception has been amazing.” Creek said the event was fun for everyone involved, no matter their age or skill.
“There’s the star appeal people might say, but for me, it’s just a Horsham kid coming back and enjoying being back and coaching,” he said.
“It was about bringing some of my expertise back to where I’m from –the coaches here are doing an amazing job, but sometimes you reinforce some of the stuff they’ve taught.
“Sometimes it resonates because Mitch has said it, too. We can say something a thousand times as parents
or coaches, but it doesn’t always sink in like it does when someone else says it.”
Eight-year-old Georgia Skurrie attended the clinic on Sunday.
“I liked the clinic because of how it was challenging but also fun,” she said.
Creek will return to Melbourne to start preseason for Phoenix on Tuesday.
“It’s a great team and it’s amazing to be able to be part of Phoenix again,” he said.
“We’ll hopefully take it one better this season and make finals.
“At some point in my career, I’d like to do a development program.
“ I’m trying to build an online platform to help with that, too – programs to teach the mental and physical.
“I will transition from online to a coach eventually, but for now I’m enjoying playing and doing clinics like this part-time.”
“Sometimes it resonates because Mitch has said it, too. We can say something a thousand times as parents or coaches, but it doesn’t always sink in like it does when someone else says it”FOCUS: Mitch Creek discusses tactics with Georgia Skurrie during a clinic at Horsham Basketball Stadium. For more photographs go to theweeklyadvertiser.com.au
