The Weekly Advertiser – Wednesday, September 6, 2021

Carrying a legacy

BY ABBY WALTER

TheHallam-Brook family is bearing the torch for the final three legs of Horsham’s Legacy Centenary Torch Relay tomorrow.

The Horsham family, Tamara, Brea and Cory have been receiving support from Legacy since 2019.

Tamara said her husband Anthony died suddenly at Puckapunyual Army Base in 2019.

“It was only two to three days after his death that Melbourne Legacy reached out to us and it began to open

our eyes to what support the organisation provides,” she said.

“I knew what Legacy was, but not the details of what it did – even though my grandparents were Legatees.”

Ms Hallam-Brook said the relay event was a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity.

“Lorraine Bald is our legatee and she will be passing us the torch and Cory will light the cauldron,” she said.

“Our route is along the river, across the road bridge and to the cenotaph.

“It’s a chance to honour Anthony’s

achievements during his 30 years in the army.”

Ms Hallam-Brook said the event would connect people involved with Legacy and the community.

“It’s been interesting to watch the relay. It started in France, arrived in Western Australia and has made its way across the nation,” she said.

“The relay is also a chance to be proud of all our service men and women and their families.”

Ms Hallam-Brook said the people at Legacy were wonderful and like-

minded. “Defence families just get it. There’s a connection you form with others who are the same,” she said.

“In the first 12 months, we didn’t really know what we needed, but Legacy was there for us – and every family needs different things.

“People can engage as much or as little as they wish, or need to.

“Ballarat Legacy hosts a camp in January that is for children and parents to attend and it’s great to make connections with other widows and families.”

Legacy Badge Week, the organisation’s major fundraiser, occurred last week, with Horsham Legacy volunteers selling badges in Horsham Plaza.

Ms Hallam-Brook said she volunteered on Thursday.

“It’s always hard to be on the receiving end of a helping hand, so last week was a chance to give back and support the organisation that supports us,” she said.

“I’ll never forget what Legacy has done for me and my family.”

• Ararat celebration, page 15.

READY TO RELAY: Cory, Tamara and Brea Hallam-Brook will participate in Horsham’s Legacy Centenary Torch Relay tomorrow. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

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Ararat bioenergy project progress

BY ABBY WALTER

The next stage of an Australianfirst bioenergy project in Ararat is due to start soon, as district farmers are encouraged to commit to the project.

Ararat Bioenergy, led by project developer Valorify, is a transformational bioenergy and circular economy project that will transform cereal straw and stubble into renewable gas.

Valorify managing director Scott Grierson said biogas was a process of organic waste digested in a big tank where it was broken down by microbes that in turn create a gas.

“What we’re looking to do in Ararat is to take agricultural residues, particularly a predominant base of cereal straw, some of which is currently torched in the paddock from season to season, and convert it into a form of renewable gas,” he said.

“Then we can inject that gas into the mains grid gas pipeline network.”

Mr Grierson said the next stage of

the project was the FEED, front-end engineering and design, stage.

“We have finished all the pre-feasibility assessments and are continuing ongoing vendor assessments,” he said.

“We are ready now to launch into a final FEED stage, which is where we get into the nitty-gritty that says we have proven everything up until this point is viable and makes sense.

“We have the feedstock available, there’s demand in the market for the product, now we are going to get into the detail of how we are going to design it, how we are going to deliver it and what it is going to cost.”

Mr Grierson said the process included getting estimates from suppliers for ‘every little widget up to the big tanks and gas separators’, as well as injection and connection points in the gas pipeline.

“We will do all the detailed engineering and procurement as well as preliminary contracting, so at the end of this next phase of work we hope to

achieve bankable feasibility status,” he said.

“Bankable feasibility status is where you have all of the permits submitted, or at least the development application submitted, all off-take arrangements largely identified or contracted and everything ready for investors to run a ruler over it and then make a final investment decision. That will enable us to negotiate financing to raise the capital to build it and once we achieve financial close, we’re turning sods.”

Project showcase

In line with moving to the next stage, Valorify, with Ararat Rural City Council which has partnered on the project, hosted a project showcase and supplier forum on Monday night.

Mr Grierson said the event was a chance to thank farmers and residents for their contributions and patience to date, and to encourage farmers to commit to supplying feedstock.

“We are at a critical point now,” he said.

“To make this happen we are going

to need people to sign contracts and allow the project to move forward.”

Mr Grierson said the next stage of the project would cost about $6 million, while current estimates of the build were $350 to $400 million.

“No investor is going to put the money in now unless they have confidence the underlying feed stock has been secured,” he said.

“If you haven’t got fuel to feed your plant, you don’t have anything, it’s just a big white elephant in a paddock.

“Now is the time for people to step up and get involved – that was Monday’s message.”

The preferred location for the project is an industrial-zoned site adjacent to Ararat airport precinct.

Mr Grierson said it was important for the site to have supply chain links, particularly transport corridor access.

“It’s a great location for us to be able to accept B-doubles that will be loaded with straw daily,” he said.

He said the FEED stage would likely run into the middle of 2024 and would

progress rapidly to financing arrangements with potential investors.

He said it had been a long-winded and complicated process to date, but due to its size, the level of detail and investigation, it was warranted.

“We have been working on this now for a few years in partnership with Ararat Rural City Council and a group of interested croppers,” he said.

“During that period, as well as progressing discussions and understanding of how a supply chain would work for aggregation and supply of the cereal straw to feed the plant, there’s been a lot of work we have been doing in the background.

“To validate the viability of a major piece of infrastructure there have been multiple engineering studies – what we call pre-feasibility assessments –completed. There’s also been preliminary dialogue with the relevant regulators for planning and environmental permits, including with the Environment Protection Authority.”

IN THE MIDDLE:

Harry Eastwood, Jen Sobey and Gayle McPherson and about 60 women have converged on Dimboola for a week. The ‘Meet In The Middle’ group started after COVID-19 lockdowns.

WE WARRACKNABEAL

Warracknabeal is set for a shopping frenzy on Friday as the annual ‘We Love’ campaign returns for 2023.

The Weekly Advertiser and radio stations 3WM and MIXX FM’s ‘We Love’ series is designed to highlight opportunities available to regional shoppers and promote a ‘shop local’ drive.

There will be plenty of bargains and discounted products and services available during the day.

Picture:

PAUL CARRACHER

Dimboola’

An online game of cards during a COVID-19 lockdown was the catalyst for a group of women to converge on Dimboola each September.

South Australian friends Harry Eastwood, Jen Sobey and Gayle McPherson started the ‘Meet In The Middle’ group after playing online games with women across Australia.

“After the lockdowns we thought –

we can actually meet in person,” Ms Eastwood said.

“We thought, why don’t we meet somewhere in the middle? We decided to invite people to meet at the pub in Dimboola for a meal.

“We received 25 responses and 75 people turned up last year.

“This is a lesbian group and we’ve made Dimboola our place to come

each September. Last year we welcomed people from all over Australia and this year we have about 60 people staying in Dimboola for the week.

“We enjoy all the tourist stuff and support the small surrounding towns and Dimboola. Everyone has been so accepting of us, it’s been wonderful.”

Dimboola CWA hosted a Devon-

shire tea for the women on Monday at Dimboola RSL.

The group will host a dance party at Tower Square on Saturday in conjunction with a Dimboola town market between 10am and 1pm.

“We will keep coming back to Dimboola until they say there’s no room at the caravan park,” Ms Eastwood said.

People who make purchases at participating businesses will need to remember to ask for a We Love Warracknabeal card to be eligible for one of two $250 vouchers.

Inside today’s edition is four pages of shopping deals from participating businesses.

ACE Radio Horsham promotions manager Kaycee Bould said the MIXX FM Street Team van would be set up in Scott Street during the day, broadcasting from 9am. She said shoppers who made a purchase at a participating business could present their card at the van to enter the draw, with vouchers able to be spent at any of the participating businesses.

The ‘We Love’ series occurs throughout four months, right through to December, with the next location being Horsham on September 28.

‘We will keep coming back to

PEDAL BOATS A STEP CLOSER

Interest sought from commercial operators

Horsham Rural City Council is calling for expressions of interest to launch a long-awaited water recreation initiative on the Wimmera River.

Former Mayor Mark Radford was successful in leading a 2019 campaign to acquire 10 pedal boats for people to use on the Wimmera River through the Victorian Government Pick My Project scheme.

But since then Council has not been able to attract a not-for-profit community group to operate the pedal boats.

“Volunteer availability has been the main deterrent,” Chief Executive Officer Sunil Bhalla said.

“Council is now seeking expressions of interest to find a commercial operator,” he said.

The project was completed in 2020 during the pandemic, with the boats, life jackets, timers and a purpose-built trailer delivered to Horsham.

Chief Executive Officer Sunil Bhalla said Council was committed to seeing the pedal boats project come to fruition.

“At the time of the successful proposal,

it was identified that a local community group would need to come on board to run the pedal boats as a business, offering the boats for hire,” he said.

“With warmer weather just around the corner, there is now a business opportunity for potential operators and a fantastic tourism offering for our beautiful Wimmera River.”

Mr Bhalla said the pedal boats would complement recent developments along the river including the Nature Play Park

Upcoming urban road works

Several streets in Horsham will undergo micro-surfacing works between Thursday 7 September and Monday 11 September.

Works will continue into and over the weekend.

Residents will receive a letter in their mailbox informing them on the exact days micro-surfacing will occur on their streets and what the parking arrangements will be.

The following streets will be impacted:

• Wavell Street between Frederick and Florence Street

• Cecil Street between Hazel Street and Wavell Street

• Errett Street between Edward Street and Wavell Street

• Sinclair Place

• Baillie Street between Robinson Street and Dooen Road

• Baillie Street between High Street South and Churchill Road

VICTORIAN SENIORS FESTIVAL 2023

Wimmera seniors will be treated to entertainment and fun-focused activities during next month’s Victorian Seniors Festival.

There is something for everybody, and most events are being offered at either reduced cost or free of charge.

For more information contact Community Inclusion Officer Daniel Rees. Email daniel.rees@hrcc.vic.gov.au or phone: 5382 9777.

Events schedule:

4 October: Horsham & District Community Groups Expo, Horsham Town Hall

6 October: Uke can sing together, Horsham Neighbourhood House

8 October: Come and Try Croquet afternoon, Horsham Croquet Club

11 October: Natimuk & District Senior Citizens High Tea, Soldiers Memorial Hall

18 October: A fun day for all Seniors, Kalimna Park Croquet Club

19 October: Let’s Dance, Hamilton Lamb Memorial Hall

20 October: Tai Chi Session, Haven Hall

22 October: Music for the young at heart, Laharum Hall

24 October: Horsham Seniors Concert, Horsham Church of Christ

25 October: Tai Chi Session, Horsham Seniors Citizens Centre.

Next Council Meeting: Monday 25 September 2023 - 5.30pm

and the riverfront activation project.

“They will offer more ways for residents and visitors to enjoy our riverfront.”

“The addition of pedal boats will introduce a fun activity for families and friends to get out and about on the water,” he said.

Scan the QR code to see the tender advertisement.

NATIMUK PROJECT ADVISORY COMMITTEE

Council adopted the Natimuk Economic & Social Plan in August 2022.

We are now in the process of forming a Project Advisory Committee to work with Council to implement the priority area actions within the plan.

Nominations are now being accepted for the following positions:

• A member with an interest in sustainability and the environment

• A younger person (16-25 years)

• An older person (60+ years)

• A business operator in Natimuk

• A member with an interest in tourism

• A member with an interest in recreation

HOW TO NOMINATE AND VOTE:

Nominations will be accepted until 5pm Sunday 10 September.

• Via email: business@hrcc.vic.gov.au

• Via post to: HRCC Business Team, 62 Darlot St, Horsham, 3400

• In person at Natimuk Post Office or Horsham Civic Centre

• Via the QR code below

Pre-election voting will start:

9am Monday 11 September until 5pm Sunday 24 September

In person voting will be held via show of hands at a public meeting:

Wednesday 27 September, 6pm at NC2 Community Centre.

HAVE YOUR SAY

Current Community Engagements

For full details visit the Have Your Say section of the HRCC website

PARKING REVIEW

Share feedback on the city’s parking. Visit hrcc.vic.gov.au/parking-feedback or pick up a hard copy form at the Civic Centre.

Submissions close 5pm Friday 8 September.

ACCESSIBLE PATHWAYS AND CROSSINGS

HRCC wants to hear from the community about improving pathways or crossings to increase accessibility, ease of travel and pedestrian safety.

The information you provide will assist Council to develop a Pathways and Crossings Plan.

TENDERS AND RFQ

Q23-032

NETBALL PAVILION CONSTRUCTION

Netball pavilion, associated infrastructure and landscaping at Horsham City Oval

Closes 12noon, Monday 11 September

Q07/2024

FIREBRACE ST TRIAL PEDESTRIAN CROSSINGS

Line marking, parking alterations, installation of rubber kerbing, signage, rubber speed cushions, a layback and ancillary landscaping.

Closes 12noon, Monday 11 September

24-004

LANDSCAPE DEVELOPMENT- THE STATION YOUTH CENTRE

Undertake works at the front sections of 1416 Pynsent St Horsham

Closes 12noon, Tuesday 12 September

Q08/2024

DRAINAGE UPGRADE JUNG

Upgrade of drainage at Store Street, Jung.

Closes 12noon, Wednesday 13 September

EXPRESSION OF INTEREST 24-005 MANAGEMENT AND OPERATION OF PEDAL BOATS

HRCC is seeking a commercial operator to manage and operate 10 pedal boats on the Wimmera River, Horsham.

Closes 12noon, Monday 18 September

All tender, EOI and RFQ details at hrcc.vic.gov.au

| Email: council@hrcc.vic.gov.au | Web: www.hrcc.vic.gov.au

Horsham Rural City Council: 18 Roberts Avenue Horsham | Postal address: PO

Young advocate recognised

BY SEAN O’CONNELL

Ayoung advocate for attention deficit hyperactivity disorder, ADHD, and autism, Connor Dempster has finished third in a national vote for remarkable people with disabilities.

Connor, of Horsham, was nominated for the AspireAbility Award because of his commitment to raising awareness about his own diagnoses and his work in the community to benefit others on the spectrum.

Connor, 9, said he gave a presentation about ADHD and autism to his classmates last year, hoping to help them better understand the challenges he faced.

“It was pretty scary, I was crying,” he said.

“I didn’t really want to be near the class. I didn’t know what they were going to think.

“Now I feel a lot better. I’m not really scared about telling people anymore.

“I talked about what I do when I’m stressed and how everybody with ADHD and autism is very different.”

Connor said his idea to bring a sensory tent to the Horsham Show last year, in order to create a quiet space for people wanting to escape the carnival atmosphere, became a hit.

“Most people with ADHD and autism, they want to go to the show but they don’t want to go at the same time – which is basically how I felt,” he said.

“I wanted to make a relaxing corner for people when they are stressed.

“There were kids who were little, some people were on the spectrum, some people weren’t and some people went there just to relax.”

O’Connors sold

A family business established in Birchip in 1964 and expanded to 16 dealerships across Victoria, NSW and South Australia has been sold to Titan Machinery.

O’Connors, an iconic brand across the Wimmera and Mallee, has agreed to a share purchase offer from the US-based agricultural and construction company, bolstering its Case IH dealer network in Australia.

O’Connors 16 branches are located in Ballarat, Birchip, Bordertown, Condobolin, Corowa, Echuca, Forbes, Grenfell, Horsham, Mildura, Ouyen, Shepparton, St Arnaud, Swan Hill, Warracknabeal and West Wyalong.

SHOW OF SUPPORT: Horsham’s Connor Dempster, 9, won recognition for his advocacy around ADHD and autism, finishing third in a public vote for an AspireAbility Award. He is pictured with supporters, from left, Horsham Agricultural Society secretary Andrea Cross, mum Cheree Dempster and Bart Turgoose, who nominated him for the award.

Connor’s mother Cheree Dempster said her son’s advocacy was all the more impressive for the day-to-day challenges he faced.

“School hasn’t exactly been easy for him,” she said.

“There’s been a few things that he has encountered socially and also with learning that he has struggled with.

“But he’s really good at maths and he’s a good little writer – he has a really good imagination.

“Now he’s been diagnosed and he’s medicated for school, he can actually sit still and learn, which is really fantastic.”

Bart Turgoose, who nominated

Connor for the AspireAbility Award, said as he got to know him, he came to understand what an intelligent young person he was.

“I’m really big on trying to recognise young people in the community,” he said.

“I think it’s really important Connor gets recognised for his bravery and the skills he is putting into looking after others and being involved in the community.”

Horsham Agricultural Society secretary Andrea Cross said a sensory tent would be returning to this year’s Horsham Show, which is taking place on September 22 and 23, after positive feedback received from

patrons. “I like to think that we can provide for everybody at our show,” she said.

“It’s an area that I hadn’t really considered before, but it has just become part of our DNA to have a sensory space at the Horsham Show.”

Connor will attend a ceremony for the AspireAbility Award in October, where nominees will be assessed further by a panel of judges.

“I’d been checking all the time, asking mum how many votes I had and at the end I was very proud I got third out of all the people,” he said.

“And I was proud to just be there –not many kids get to go to an award ceremony.”

Giant Koala celebrated on coin, stamp

Dadswell Bridge’s Giant Koala is part of a new coin and stamp collection from Australia Post of ‘Aussie Big Things’.

Australia Post is celebrating the country’s love affair with big, quirky sculptures with its latest $1 coin collection featuring some of the bestknown ‘Big Things’, including the Big Koala.

Australia Post general manager retail product and supply chain Kayla Le Cornu said ‘Big Things’ were colourful, entertaining and truly made their mark in so many local communities across Australia.

“We’re celebrating some of our most iconic ‘Big Things’ with this new coin collection, in partnership

with the Royal Australian Mint,” she said.

Assistant Minister for Charities, Competition and Treasury Andrew Leigh said Australia’s ‘Big Things’ were loved by all.

“Whether it’s the Big Banana, the Big Pineapple, or Canberra’s very own Big Swoop, the best ‘Big Things’ celebrate the character of our communities and give visitors a reason to smile and pop in for a visit,” he said.

“While the Mint’s ‘Big Things’ coins may be of standard size, the memories they evoke loom large.” Fans and collectors can head into participating post offices or online to buy individual stamps for $1.20,

individual coins for $3 each and the full coin set and accompanying folder for $29.

One in every 10-coin set features a coloured Giant Murray Cod coin while the other coins can also be found in till change when making a cash purchase in participating post offices.

The full coin collection includes the Big Pineapple, Big Banana, Giant Koala, Big Tasmanian Devil, Big Blue Heeler, Big Jumping Croc, Big Lobster, Giant Ram, Giant Murray Cod and Big Swoop.

The stamp collection includes the Big Tasmanian Devil, Giant Murray Cod, Big Swoop, Big Jumping Crocodile, and Giant Koala.

Ararat police officers are encouraging people to talk to others and look out for friends and family in line with R U OK? Day this month.

The station is hosting a movie night at Ararat Astor Cinema on Thursday next week, with mental health professionals attending the event.

Police Sergeant Shane Allgood said Ararat Police valued equity, diversity and inclusion and were committed to supporting people and the community.

“People of all genders, ages, races, backgrounds and abilities are welcome to attend this event. We hope to see people from all walks of life,” he said.

“Ararat Police hope to provide the ideal opportunity on R U OK? day, being September 14, for friends, family and colleagues to get together and talk to identify signs of distress.”

Sergeant Allgood said the night was designed to be fun, relaxed and alcohol and drug-free.

“All we ask is you take a minute to consider your own, your friends, your family and your colleagues’ wellbeing and enquire R U OK? should you have any concerns,” he said.

“If we can help one person, the night will be deemed a success.”

R U OK? is a public health promotion charity that encourages people to stay connected and have conversations that can help others through difficult times in their lives.

In Australia, eight people take their own life every day and more than 10 million adults know someone who has died by suicide.

Sergeant Allgood said R U OK? contributed to suicide prevention efforts by encouraging people to invest more time in personal relationships and building the capacity of informal support networks to be alert to those around them and connect someone to appropriate support.

“R U OK? literature will be available in the foyer,” he said.

“Prior to each movie commencing, a five-minute presentation will be delivered by Victoria Police Health and Wellbeing Centre team leader Shane Brennan.”

Sergeant Allgood said mental health professionals would also be on site and there were door prizes to be won.

There is no cost to the night which begins at 6.30pm and the movies are ‘The Equalizer’, ‘My Big Fat Greek Wedding 3’ and ‘Meg 2’. Movies are subject to change at short notice depending on availability.

Sergeant Allgood thanked Victoria Police, Astor Cinema Ararat, Ararat Rural City Council, RSL Ararat, Chalambar Golf Club, Lardner Bros Ararat, Grampians Community Health and Ararat Psychiatric Services for sponsoring the event.

He said bookings could be made by calling Ararat Police Station on 5355 1500 or emailing shane.x.allgood@pol.vic.gov.au

Picture: SEAN O’CONNELL

Continuing service with a smile

As Kevin and Greer Dellar close the doors at Horsham’s Barbeques Galore, an ELGAS refilling service will continue to be offered through neighbouring business Horsham Bearings.

After 45 years of servicing the Wimmera community, Kevin is handing the refilling hose to John Aisbett at Horsham Bearings on Darlot Street.

ELGAS customer service manager Dianne Koenig said the Dellar family and their staff were leaving big shoes to fill.

“Kevin, Greer, Prue and staff have been the first port of call for refilling your barbeque cylinder, which they always did with a smile on their face and a story to tell,” she said.

“Management and staff at ELGAS Horsham would like to thank Kevin and Greer for their continued support over the past 30 years.”

Ms Koenig said when the

‘Swap N Go’ service was established, all outlets that offered refilling changed to the new service delivery option.

“However, Barbeques Galore decided to continue to offer the previous personal fillup service which was a very wise decision as they were kept very busy refilling many cylinders,” she said.

“I would like to thank Kevin, Greer, Prue and staff for their continued support and service throughout the many years, and wish John and his staff all the very best for the future.”

Established in 1984, ELGAS is a leading supplier of Liquid Petroleum Gas for residential, commercial and light industrial customers in Australia and New Zealand. The company develops safe, sustainable and innovative energy solutions for more than 350,000 homes and businesses across a variety of applications and industry sectors.

It has more than 1088 depots and distribution outlets and employs more than 1000 people.

PASSING THE TORCH: Kevin Dellar and John Aisbett outside Horsham Bearings at the new ELGAS refilling spot. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Horsham, Stawell reduce waitlists

Surgery waitlists at Horsham and Stawell hospitals have decreased significantly as people who have been waiting for up to four years to receive their treatment.

Wimmera patients who were on planned surgery waiting lists at Ballarat were able to be redirected to care closer to home.

A collaborative effort between Grampians Health surgeons and theatre teams and Grampians Regional Health Service Partnership ensured 15 Horsham-based and 17 Stawell-based patients on waiting lists had their surgeries at their local hospital.

Grampians Regional Health service partnership manager of patient support unit in elective surgery reform Tristia Lakey said the move had freed up waiting lists at Ballarat and provided a great outcome for Wimmera patients.

“These patients were on really long waiting lists with some waiting more than 500 days. One patient had been waiting 1500 days and another 1300 days,” she said.

“They were patients whose surgeries were listed for Ballarat before it was identified they could just as easily be performed locally.

“The theatre teams and surgeons at Horsham and Stawell should be commended for the work they have done in getting these lists reduced and providing the best outcome for patients.”

Grampians Health Horsham surgeon James Gallagher said when he arrived as a locum in 2021 there was a backlog of patients waiting to see specialists.

“Nikky Campbell had gone on maternity leave at the time, so it was just Ya’acov Leigh and myself operating and it was a difficult time working through COVID,” he said.

“Now that Nikky is back and I am now a fulltime Grampians Health employee, the three of us have been able to work through the lists to the point where delays are minimal.”

Dr Gallagher said there had been a perceived lack of access to colonoscopies in rural areas compared with metropolitan areas, which was not correct.

“Procedures such as colonoscopies are considered category one, which means they must be performed within four to six weeks and we are comfortably meeting that target,” he said.

Dr Gallagher said the reasons Wimmera people were placed on surgical lists in Ballarat or beyond were multi-faceted.

“We looked at those lists to identify people who should have been sent to Horsham or Stawell and found one of the main reasons they were not was based around anaesthetic support because of a patient’s excessive body mass index or age,” he said.

“Unfortunately, there is another group of people who don’t want to be operated on locally because they’ve heard of a rumoured bad experience.

“The fact is our complication rate here is extremely low and when there is a complication,

“These patients were on really long waiting lists with some waiting more than 500 days. One patient had been waiting 1500 days and another 1300 days. They were patients whose surgeries were listed for Ballarat before it was identified they could just as easily be performed locally”

– Tristia Lakey

it’s usually a perfectly acceptable one because of the patient’s pathology, but stories told in supermarket car parks are unfortunately taken too literally.”

Dr Gallagher said the surgical team at Horsham deserved high praise for its work.

“I had been travelling to wherever there was work and when the Victorian Premier closed the borders, I was working in the southwest and couldn’t get home to Sydney, so I continued working in virtually every corner of Victoria,” he said.

“One of my forays was to Horsham and while working here I was particularly impressed with the level of skill of the theatre team and the working environment. So, when a full-time role was made available I applied and got the job.

“Having worked as a locum in different regional hospitals, you get a clear impression of how things are handled in different places and I can tell you the Wimmera community is very lucky to have our quality of nursing and allied health services.”

Dr Gallagher lives in Horsham and travels to Stawell fortnightly as part of a 12-strong team of visiting surgeons, with another support team that worked through 160 operations in the past month.

Grampians Regional Health Service Partnership is supporting the region’s hospitals through elective surgery reforms.

The partnership’s priorities include same-day surgical model maximisation, consolidation of care, health service partnership patient streaming, development of a regional waitlist and overview of non-surgical management pathways.

The partnership also developed the Enhanced Recovery After Surgery program to reduce the average length of post-surgery stays in hospitals

Grampians Health chief operating officer of hospitals Ben Kelly said the organisation supported same-day surgery maximisation with recruitments to various surgical positions.

“We have recruited for a same-day surgical model lead, a regional surgical navigator, a surgical optimisation lead, a changing redesign manager and east and west implementation leads,” he said.

“Our workforce expansion also includes supporting the regional workforce with additional training and placement for nurses to come and do surgical and post-operative training.”

Position Available Second Chef

We have a very exciting role to join our Kitchen Team as a Second Chef in our busy kitchen. Do you want a job in a busy, buzzing kitchen filled with support, passion, and fun? Are you keen, loyal, and driven?

Whether you’ve already had experience in a Second Chef role OR are looking for the next step in your career but have plenty of experience leading a kitchen, we’d love to hear from you!

Five (5) weeks of annual leave.

For more information and to apply, scan the code or visit - www.seek.com.au/job/69461736

TIME FOR TEA: Wimmera Hospice Care Auxiliary is hosting a Devonshire tea fundraising event on Sunday to continue raising money to support people palliating at home. Auxiliary members Maureen Webb and Lesley Lane hope to sell 100 tickets for people to attend the tea at Horsham Uniting Church Hall. Harpist Rachel Gellert will perform at the event. The auxiliary works to raise money to purchase equipment to support clients of Wimmera Hospice Care.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

St Arnaud Tourism Brand Launch

Join us to celebrate and launch our new tourism brand Discover Northern Grampians and learn more about your unique identity for St Arnaud. Discover Northern Grampians brand unites our towns to celebrate the strength of our visitor and community offering as a whole, the brand also allows St Arnaud to shine individually. Food and drinks provided. Please RSVP by Friday 29 September via www.eventbrite.com.au/e/discovernorthern-grampians-st-arnaud-tourismbrand-launch-tickets-698840329237?

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Gatherings 2023

Northern Grampians Shire Council in partnership with ACT Natimuk have teamed up again to present Gatherings 2023 on Saturday 14 October in St Arnaud and 21 October in Halls Gap. These free community events deliver art created in collaboration with local artists and communities through the mediums of projections, light, audio, Augmented Reality, and animated imagery. Visit the website for more details www.grampiansgatherings.com

Community Update

Stawell Tourism Brand Launch

Join us to celebrate and launch our new tourism brand Discover Northern Grampians and learn more about your unique identity for Stawell.

Discover Northern Grampians brand unites our towns to celebrate the strength of our visitor and community offering as a whole, the brand also allows Stawell to shine individually. Food and drinks provided.

Please RSVP by Friday 29 September via www.eventbrite.com.au/e/discovernorthern-grampians-stawell-tourismbrand-launch-tickets-698838333267?

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Transfer Station

Price Changes

Prices have changed at Halls Gap and St Arnaud Transfer Stations.

For further details, please visit www.ngshire.vic.gov.au/Residents/Binsrecycling-and-waste/Transfer-stations

Positions Vacant

Visit ngshire.vic.gov.au/careers to find the job you have been looking for. We regularly update the page with temporary, part-time, and full-time positions across each of our departments.

Subscribe to our Business ENews

Our Business Growth Program stream, Business Connections, aims to enhance communication and networking between businesses and with council. Did you know that council sends out a monthly Business E-News detailing insights and business-relevant information? If you would like to subscribe, visit www.ngshire.vic.gov.au/Business/ Business-Connections/Business-ENews to subscribe.

I Love Leftovers Challenge

Sustainability Victoria are running a 4-week email journey starting when participants sign up for the 'I Love Leftovers Challenge'.

The challenge encourages participants to reduce food waste by eating leftovers once a week, and includes recipes from Melbourne-based cook and author Julia Busuttil Nishimura, and the chance to win prizes!

Sign up dates: Sunday 13 August until Saturday

9 September

For more information visit www.campaigns.sustainability. vic.gov.au/asset-library/i-loveleftovers-challenge

United to build stronger relationships

BY ABBY WALTER

In a state-first gathering, Wimmera Police Aboriginal Liaison Officers, PALOs, met with local Indigenous leaders to continue breaking down barriers between the police force and community.

Police Inspector Brendan Broadbent said Victorian Police Commissioner Shane Patton was engaged in developing and raising the profile of the role of PALOs.

“It’s about how police liaise with Aboriginal communities in their area to build strong communication, reduce stigma around police due to its history and involvement in the Stolen Generation, and build more trust with Aboriginal communities,” he said.

“We brought all our PALOs together at Brambuk in Halls Gap – we have about 19 in the division – which hasn’t been done anywhere else in the state.

“We also invited Aboriginal people holding strong positions within their community, including Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Co-operative general manager Johnny Gorton and Grampians Regional Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committee executive officer Adina King.

“This was to build awareness within our PALOs about cultural sensitivity and understanding, so they can go back to our organisation and build awareness with members.”

Inspector Broadbent said more members had applied to become PALOs.

“A police officer has to apply and a local Aboriginal panel determines if that person is worthy of becoming a PALO. That’s based on how genuine that person is about being involved and how much involvement they have

with their local Aboriginal communities,” he said.

“We also have Robyn Lauricella, an Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer, ACLO, and her involvement is also to build and strengthen relationships.

“The PALOs work with Robyn to be involved in events, including NAIDOC Week and the Hand Up initiative.”

Mrs Lauricella said as an ACLO and Traditional Owner she worked across the region and felt the chance to come together as a group was important.

“It gives our PALOs an understanding of how to approach Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander people,” she said.

“It’s great to have these events to be able to understand everyone’s roles; so, people can understand my role as well as me understanding their role.”

Mrs Lauricella said relationships between the community and police were changing.

“During NAIDOC Week we installed Aboriginal artwork at the front of Horsham Police Station and it is something like that, that makes our mob feel comfortable about coming in,” she said.

“Visiting the station doesn’t have to be about a police matter, people might just want to come in and have a yarn with me.

“I love it because it makes them feel safer, so they can come in and they don’t have to worry about that uniform; there’s no judgement.”

Mr Gorton, who is also Grampians Regional Aboriginal Justice Advisory Committee chair, said from an Aboriginal community perspective, the event and working with PALOs was about helping Victoria Police understand how to build relationships and become integrated with the community.

“We can help Victoria Police be part of a new way of thinking – we want to make sure people feel comfortable about going to the police station,

whether it is for positive interactions or not,” he said.

“Victoria Police work for the whole community and we cannot, not go to them for whatever reason.”

Mr Gorton said making the relationship positive was a shared responsibility.

“Change so far has been positive,” he said.

“When we had the Aboriginal Justice forum in Horsham in 2021 there was a lot of angst among community members regarding Victoria Police.

“Commissioner Shane Patton, at the time, committed to change and a lot of what has happened with interactions with Aboriginal community by Victoria Police was borne out of the conversations at the forum.

“If we look at the relationship pre2021 to post-2021 it’s completely different – there’s a shift around how people interact with each other and getting to know people in the community, particularly in Horsham.”

Victoria Police priority and safer communities division acting Commander Kelly Lawson said it was important PALOs understood the barriers that have existed with the Aboriginal community interacting with police and how to move forward.

“The conversations at Halls Gap were fantastic and it’s key for PALOs to come together and share information,” she said.

“Key representatives from the Aboriginal community spoke about their experiences and the PALOs spoke about theirs to understand the knowledge they may be lacking and how to come together to make their jobs better.”

EXPERIENCES SHARED: Police Inspector Brendan Broadbent, Goolum Goolum general manager Johnny Gorton, Victoria Police priority and safer communities division acting Commander Kelly Lawson and Aboriginal Community Liaison Officer Robyn Lauricella at a Police Aboriginal Liaison Officer seminar at Brambuk in Halls Gap. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

power should be in mix

Itis time to discuss nuclear power as part of our future energy mix.

With many Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development, OECD, countries on a trajectory to implement or increase nuclear energy, Australia risks being left behind in the determination to bolster clean energy.

Despite this, Energy Minister Chris Bowen continues to rubbish its viability.

The Coalition dragged Labor into a mature debate about our energy future, firstly by signing an AUKUS deal in government that enables Australia’s nuclear future.

Now, the Nationals are driving debate about nuclear in our energy mix.

Minister Bowen claims nuclear is too expensive and a pipe dream, yet others such as German-American energy economist Robert ldel argues the full cost of renewables to an energy system needs to honestly be evaluated, saying solar is 14 times more costly than nuclear energy, and wind 4.7 times more costly.

History will not look kindly on this Energy Minister who railroads Australians into costly, unreliable renewables without guaranteed baseload power.

The Australian Labor Party needs to lift the federal moratorium on nuclear power and let the market decide before the developed world leaves Australia behind.

More than 30 countries around the world, including some of Australia’s closest friends and allies, already use nuclear technologies to provide reliable, affordable zero-emissions energy.

A further 50 countries are planning to do so in the years ahead. Ontario, France and South Korea are a just a few examples.

Next-generation, smaller-scale nuclear or Small Modular Reactors, SMRs, are a perfect

COMMENT

with Dr Anne Webster Federal Member for Mallee

companion for renewables, especially since they can ramp up and down to accommodate the intermittency of wind and solar.

The Labor Party and Greens are alone in their outdated, ideology-driven opposition to nuclear technology.

Solar and wind will continue to be an important part of the energy mix, but many rural communities are opposed to tens-of-thousandsof-kilometres of high voltage multi-story high transmission lines.

The US state of Wyoming is shifting from about 70 percent coal reliance by commissioning a zero-emissions Small Modular Reactor on its retiring coal plant – right where existing transmission networks already exist.

Australia is a major uranium exporter and has retiring coal plants which are excellent sites for these new-generation reactors.

By using existing infrastructure, this will decrease the need for new transmission lines, which would in turn leave our prime agricultural land and pristine native bushland untouched. The majority of almost 5000 respondents to my Mallee’s Biggest Survey support nuclear as part of Australia’s future energy mix.

Labor needs to stop listening to the Greens and act in the national interest.

It is time for Australia to enter into a mature and sensible discussion, but will the Albanese Labor Government oppose this?

Call to protect region’s dingoes

AFirst Nations group representing the Wimmera and Mallee has joined leading scientists to call for new action to protect Victorian dingoes.

They say the animals are being killed based on the mistaken belief they are domestic dog hybrids.

Barengi Gadjin Land Council and the Biodiversity Council said dingoes, despite being a threatened species in Victoria, do not receive the same protection as other native animals under the Victorian Wildlife Act 1975, and are ‘almost certainly’ being killed under a Victorian government program.

Recent comprehensive DNA testing has confirmed the ‘purity’ of dingoes and dispelled the previously-held belief they are predominantly wilddomesticated dog hybrids.

Land council chairperson Dylan

Clarke said Barengi Gadjin was calling on the Victorian and South Australian governments to take action to protect dingoes in the Big Desert Wilderness Park in north-west Victoria and Ngarkat Conservation Park in south-eastern South Australia.

The group hosted a cultural gathering of Wotjobaluk Nations members to discuss the remaining population of ‘Wilkerr’, the Wergaia name for dingoes, in the Big Desert park.

“Wilkerr have a very important cultural and spiritual connection with Wotjobaluk Nations mob as shown by our creation stories and rock art,” Mr Clarke said.

“It’s a significant spirit relation that was historically known as a hunting partner and companion species.

“Because of this, we need to uphold our cultural responsibilities and en-

sure Wilkerr can survive and thrive without constant persecution.

“The fact that Wilkerr are a small and isolated population subject to lethal control means they are under threat of extinction unless the governments bring in necessary protection measures immediately.”

Deakin University professor Euan Richie, who sits on the Biodiversity Council, said current treatment of Wilkerr was directly at odds with its listing as a protected species threatened under State Government legislation.

“Wilkerr is entitled to protection and conservation action under Victorian legislation, yet the Victorian government’s own wild dog bounty program is almost certainly paying people to kill dingoes,” Dr Ritchie said.

“People have been referring to

Wilkerr as ‘wild’ or ‘feral dogs’ to make their lethal control more palatable to the public, but it is utterly false and misleading.

“The majority of animals being killed are pure dingoes. A small proportion have some dog ancestry – but that is also usually a small amount.

“Wilkerr are really important to healthy ecosystems.

“As the top predator in the Big Desert area, they play an important role by reducing kangaroo, wallaby, emu, and feral goat numbers.

“This has enormous benefits to vegetation communities, and to the many other smaller animals that depend upon plants for food and shelter.

“There are other non-lethal ways to manage the impacts of dingoes on livestock, such as the use of guardian dogs, donkeys and strategic fencing.

“We can have productive farmland and healthy ecosystems that respect wildlife and culture.”

In light of the new DNA information and the determination of Wotjobaluk Nations members to conserve an important spiritual relative, Barengi Gadjin Land Council is calling on the Victorian government to stop using the term ‘wild dog’ and recognise Wilkerr for their unique dingo status; remove the unprotection order that allows targeted Wilkerr destruction in public land; stop using 1080 poison baits in the Big Desert Parks complex; develop a Wilkerr protection plan in partnership with BGLC; redirect Wilkerr destruction funding to support non-lethal livestock protection methods; and meet with BGLC representatives to discuss Wilkerr conservation in more detail.

Community Gatherings return in 2023

Northern Grampians Shire Council is partnering with ACT Natimuk to present Gatherings 2023 in St Arnaud and Halls Gap.

The free community event features art created in collaboration with regional artists and communities through projections, light, audio, augmented reality and animation.

ACT Natimuk general manager and gatherings 2023 project producer Tracey Skinner said creative producers were excited to revisit the project for 2023 after a successful 2022 event.

illuminated pop-up conservatory. Interactive night-time digital animations set to an original soundtrack start at 7.30pm and throughout the gardens will be a fully immersive light and projection experience created in collaboration with the community. During the day the augmented reality trail highlights some of the iconic spaces and murals of St Arnaud.

Halls Gap will delight visitors with ‘The Moth Trail’ developed by creative producer Jillian Pearce on October 21.

BIG WEEKEND: Naomi Walker and Jan Barnard are looking forward to Wimmera Rockers Dance Festival events this weekend. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Disco fever at rock ’n’ roll showcase

Rock ’n’ roll enthusiasts from across the region will get together for a three-day event with the theme of ’70s disco fever.

Wimmera Rockers Dance

World is hosting its annual dance on Friday and Saturday at Horsham Town Hall.

Secretary Shonie Finn said the events would start at 8pm on each night and were sold out, with 240 people expected to attend each session.

“We have a Melbourne band playing on Friday night called Honkytonk Rockers and then a band on Saturday coming from Adelaide called The Lincolns,” she said.

“Saturday night we will be having a dress-up theme, which is ’70s disco this year.

“On Saturday morning we do a demonstration at Horsham Plaza at 11am.

“We also host a free barbeque on Sunday morning at 10am at Haven Hall.”

Mrs Finn said the group has been going for 11 years.

“We host rock ’n’ roll ’50s and ’60s dance lessons every Monday night at Haven Hall, at 7pm,” she said.

“There is still a huge scene that is going on around rock ’n’ roll. You find that all ages are still coming.

“We’ve had members who

are nine, aged up to 79. It’s great fun, it keeps you fit and it is a great social scene.

“It’s a lot of fun to get dressed up and travel around the state and go to different dances, as well.

“We’ll do different bus trips to Ararat, Ballarat and other places across Victoria.

“Everybody is welcome, whether you are a beginner or already know some moves.”

Mrs Finn said people interested in learning more were welcome to call Wimmera Rockers Dance World on 0437 360 964 or 5382 0021.

– Sean O’Connell

“Continuing to build those relationships with the community to create a socially connected and accessible event that welcomes all is a key element of Gatherings 2023,” she said.

The showcase kicks off in St Arnaud with ‘Night Blooms’ on October 14, produced by Jacinda O’Sullivan. Set in the iconic Queen Mary Gardens, it features ‘The Hothouse’, an

Starting at the pop-up park at 7pm for live music and augmented reality magic; as night falls, visitors can follow the light trail to the botanical gardens and primary school.

The Northern Grampians Shire Council received support from the State Government’s Local Living Fund for Gatherings 2023.

Young leaders sworn in

BY SEAN O’CONNELL

TheWimmera’s latest community representatives have been officially welcomed into their roles, after a swearing-in ceremony at Horsham Rural City Council’s Roberts Avenue chambers.

The Horsham Young Mayors Youth Council, made up of seven young people including newly-elected mayor Tom Luke and deputy mayor Will Schache, pledged to represent the youth of Horsham, last week.

Tom is Horsham Rural City Council’s first ever young mayor and the second person to be appointed the role in Australia.

Tom said he heard about the initiative at school and put himself up for election, with about 600 voters casting a ballot.

“I signed up because I wanted to be a voice for my friends and have an impact on our youth,” he said.

Tom said the program, which includes regular meetings, had allowed him to further his interest in leadership and gain knowledge of local politics.

“I’ve been building and learning skills about being a good councillor and other things including media training,” he said.

“We’ve looked at values as a councillor, how to talk to other councillors and how

Holmes new chief

Hindmarsh Shire Council has appointed Jessie Holmes as chief executive after a competitive recruitment process.

Ms Holmes completed her schooling at Dimboola Memorial Secondary College and spent the past 12 months as Hindmarsh Shire Council director of infrastructure services.

Previously, Ms Holmes was regional manager with Victorian Skills Authority for Wimmera and southern Mallee, was chief executive at Yarriambiack Shire Council and a director at Buloke Shire Council.

Ms Holmes said she was excited to engage strongly with Hindmarsh residents to ensure rural towns are thriving, focusing on community and economic development.

Mayor Brett Ireland said Ms Holmes had built strong relationships with community groups and the general community during her 12 months with the council.

“Her experience in working with rural communities will be invaluable to the council and the wider community,” he said.

Councillor Ireland thanked current chief executive Greg Wood for leading the council since September 2016.

“Throughout his time, Mr Wood has provided strong leadership and leaves Hindmarsh Shire in a strong financial position,” he said. Mr Wood gave notice to the council in April that he would not be seeking re-appointment.

Ms Holmes will commence in the role on October 16.

Does

to gather information from your mates and relay that back to the council.”

Deputy mayor William said running for council had been a scary experience, but he was also privileged to have the opportunity.

“I was a bit scared I wouldn’t be elected, but now I’m really glad that I’m able to take responsibility as deputy mayor. It’s a really fulfilling experience,” he said.

“It was great to be able to hear what everyone has to say and what they want changed in Horsham.

“They were not just wanting to vote for me, but they wanted to vote for more change. I felt like they had trust in me.”

William said the council’s next step after the ceremony was fulfilling its election promises.

“We are planning on getting Charlie’s trees planted as soon as we can. His promise was to plant a tree for every vote he gained in the election,” he said.

“We are really looking to implement that and prove to everyone we are trustworthy for youth.”

Foundation for Young Australians program manager Adam Carter, who runs the initiative in partnership with Horsham Rural City Council, said early meetings had been used to work on ‘foundational’ aspects of the council.

“The past few weeks, the group has really been seeding its values and setting its strategic plan or priority agenda,” he said.

“The big thing about the first few weeks is to ensure they are representing young people from across Horsham and not just the group of seven who have been elected,” he said.

“The aim is that they’re doing the best they can to meet the needs of all the diverse groups of young people in the community.”

Mr Carter said after the swearing-in ceremony the group would be able to work further towards what it was passionate about and wanted to change for young people in the community.

“They are going to start working towards some of the things they have identified such as more communal spaces, changing the culture of the skate park and planting more trees in the community,” he said.

“Probably one of the first things they will be doing is getting out in the community and talking to their constituents – other young people.

“It’s also not just about their term in office for 12 months, but also what they do in the long term to make sure the next council has something to work towards.”

Mr Carter said the group had a fund of $10,000 to use for its projects.

OFFICIAL: Horsham Young Mayors Youth Council, from left, William Schache, Charlie Murray, Logan Henskes, mayor Tom Luke, Shivansh Bhutani, Ryder Reid, front, and Liam Carracher.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Opportunity to give back

BY ABBY WALTER

Ararat legatee Christine

Doak has been involved with Legacy nearly all her life – and this year she will be a torch bearer at Ararat’s celebration of Legacy’s centenary.

Ms Doak said her father was a World War II veteran and died when she was six years-old.

“My mum, my 11-month-old sister and myself were looked after by Legacy,” she said.

“They took care of anything essential at the time for standards of living.

“When I moved to Ararat, I met Dianne Radford, who asked if I would be interested in volunteering with Legacy. I became a Legatee in 2005.

“So, on-and-off I’ve had a lifelong involvement with Legacy.”

Ms Doak said Ararat Legacy cared for widows and families of veterans across a wide geographical area.

“We look after 69 widows in Ararat, Stawell, Avoca, Skipton and Beaufort,” she said.

“We make sure they have their entitlements, are warm in the winters and socialise.

“We have some Vietnam veteran widows, but most are World War II veteran widows in their 90s.”

Ms Doak said volunteering for Legacy was a chance to give back to the organisation that supported her family.

“I knew what it was like when

my mum needed support and I know what it means for people when you can do something for them when they are struggling,” she said.

“I volunteer to know the widows are looked after and they are happy.”

Ms Doak said the relay was an opportunity to raise the profile of Legacy, as well as celebrate 100 years of the organisation’s work.

“People tend to know the name of Legacy, but not exactly what

we do – we always receive great support from the community though,” she said.

“By having an event for the community, it is also a time to give back to them – the relay is going to be amazing.”

Ms Doak said Ararat Legacy received generous support from Ararat Rural City Council and the RSL.

“Both are always very supportive and, in this case, have gone above and beyond the call

Legacy celebration

A torch relay travelling across France, England, Belgium and Australia since April is celebrating 100 years of Legacy. The torch will arrive in Horsham tomorrow and Ararat on Saturday.

To honour the support given to fallen veterans’ families and acknowledge their sacrifice, the relay was a six-month campaign.

When the relay concludes, the torch would have travelled more than 50,000 kilometres through 100 locations, carried by about 1500 torch bearers.

Wimmera Legacy’s relay event will begin at 10am tomorrow from May Park, Horsham.

The route leaves May Park along Darlot Street, up McLachlan Street to the RSL, back to Firebrace Street to the Wimmera River, along the river to Anzac Centenary Bridge, along Major Mitchell Drive, back over the road bridge and along the river to the cenotaph.

The last torchbearer will light a cauldron that will be set up at the cenotaph.

Members of the community are invited to visit Horsham Legacy House after the relay for president Alan Malcolm to unveil a plaque commemorating 100 years.

Torchbearers for the Horsham 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.

On Saturday, Ararat Legacy Club, founded in 1929, will host the relay.

of duty to support Ararat Legacy in making this event a success,” she said.

Ms Doak said the event was a special opportunity to be grateful for the support the club receives and gives.

“We’re thrilled to be hosting a relay and we welcome anybody to come along to Legacy House for breakfast before the relay in the morning that will conclude with our oldest Legatee lighting the cauldron,” she said.

Elders Southern Wool Report

Ararat will have 20 torchbearers carrying the flame on its journey, which will start at Ararat Legacy House in Gordon Street with a community breakfast from 8am onwards.

There will be a display of historic military vehicles and through the support of AME Systems, a Thales Bushmaster combat vehicle will also be on show.

The torch will begin its journey at 10am up Gordon Street, Moore Street, Queen Street and Barkly Street, onto Vincent Street through to Alexandra Gardens.

From 11am onwards the torch will do several laps of the lake before the lighting of the cauldron at the west side of the gardens, near Alexandra Oval.

The relay will move on to Hamilton, Warrnambool, Colac and other Victoria Legacy towns before finishing in its founding city of Melbourne in October.

RELAY READY: Ararat Legatee Christine Doak, who will be a torch bearer during the Ararat leg of the Legacy Centenary Torch Relay, with Legatee Rosemary Perry. Picture: ARARAT ADVOCATE

Change Makers...meet the participants

THOMAS CLUGSTON GWMWater Water service delivery team leader

Q: What led you to apply for the Change Makers program? Work approached me with the opportunity to apply, and I thought it would be the perfect opportunity to challenge myself and further develop my leadership skills.

Q: What has been the highlight of the Change Makers program so far? All of the sessions have been great, but if I had to choose one, it would be the weekend retreat where a large group of strangers met for the first time and got to get to know each other and build a connection as a group. It was a great weekend, meeting like-minded people wanting to achieve the same thing.

Q: What has been your most valuable or impactful lesson so far? How have you used these lessons? We completed DiSC profiles to understand how to communicate in a correct manner and how to approach the situation, as some people require a different approach than others. Learning the DiSC profiles enabled me to be able to communicate better with colleagues and the community.

Q: What are your leadership aspirations within the community? To continue my involve-

ment as a leader in local sporting clubs and to encourage the younger generation to aspire to be future leaders of this community.

Q: What do you love about living in the Wimmera? The country lifestyle, the peacefulness, wide-open space, and the amazing lakes and rivers right at our fingertips.

AMELIA KINGSTON Regional Arts Victoria Acting grants manager

Q: What led you to apply for the Change Makers program? I was intrigued by the prospect of meeting other leaders in the community.

Q: What has been the highlight of the Change Makers program so far? The opportunities for self-discovery, and learning about best methods of working with all personalities to achieve best outcomes in a workplace.

Q: What has been your most valuable or impactful lesson so far? Reflecting on my own achievements, learning and shortcomings, in order to make me a better leader and person. My learning has come in the case of being able to maintain composure, diplomacy and manage situations in a more collected manner.

Q: What are your leadership aspirations within the community? Through my grant writing, I intend to bring about as much good fortune to organisations, schools and public institutions as possible.

Q: What do you love about living in the

Wimmera? I love the beauty of the natural environment, the quality of our schools and healthcare, the room for growth and expansion. I love the affordability of our region, the lack of traffic, and the peace and solitude.

The Weekly Advertiser continues a series profiling participants of the 2023 Leadership Wimmera program. The series seeks to provide insights into the annual program, and its participants, leadership opportunities and aspirations across the Wimmera and southern Mallee. Wimmera Southern Mallee Development delivers the program.

We would like to sincerely thank

customers for their support

loyalty over the past three decades.

Parking feedback

Horsham Rural City councillors will consider hundreds of submissions to a parking review at a public meeting later this month.

Residents have until Friday to provide feedback to the review, which asks people to rank, in order of importance, points of existing community feedback including location and useability of meters, paid and timed parking, and zones. There is also a free text option.

Community feedback provided to the council to this point, including at its Horsham Talks Expo last month, will also inform the report for the September 25 meeting.

More than 800 people had completed the online survey when the council last met on Monday last week.

It comes as councillor Ian Ross called for councillors to have more information, and input, into the parking review.

Cr Ross, in a notice of motion to last week’s meeting, called for a strategic parking meter review within 60 days and include re-establishing a parking committee, review parking zones, consider more all-day parks, that parking exemptions be allowed for people on duty doing charity work, review the economic viability of meters and consider their removal, and consider waiving fines for the past two months.

He said the new parking system was not working well and the council risked ‘significant reputational damage’ if its parking plan was not modified.

“I believe the current system was implemented without appropriate community consultation. Many businesses have concerns of reduced turnover due to the changed shopper experience. These issues need addressing with strong empathetic leadership,” his motion read.

The motion was not seconded and lapsed.

Cr Ross, speaking to The Weekly Advertiser after the meeting, said the community

was ‘angry’ about changes to parking in Horsham’s central business district, implemented in March.

He called for a business case on the rationale and cost of parking meters in Horsham, pointing to towns such as Stawell and Ararat, which do not have parking meters.

“The data must show there’s a good profit there and it creates churn. If it shows we are operating at a loss every year, we should remove them,” he said.

“Until we get the right data, we can’t make an informed decision.”

Mayor Robyn Gulline said a parking review was already underway when Cr Ross submitted his notice of motion.

She said councillors would have a chance to seek clarity and ask questions at a briefing, ahead of the public council meeting.

Cr Gulline said feedback received at the expo highlighted a number of technical issues with the meters, which would be addressed regardless of the review.

“Some people are more than happy to pay for the privilege of parking in front of the shop they’re going to; others expect it to be free,” she said.

“More and more people are using the Blinkay app. Coins are still very, very popular – which was why we deliberately chose these machines, because cash payment was important to a significant number of community members.”

The new parking system has evoked commentary, and sometimes unrest, in the community for some months.

It prompted the council and Horsham police to call on people visiting the regional city’s centre to show respect after local laws officers were subjected to abuse, threats and unsavoury behaviour.

People can provide feedback to the parking review online via hrcc.vic.gov.au or by visiting Horsham Civic Centre, in Roberts Avenue.

SHOWCASE: Regional car and motorbike enthusiasts turned out in the hundreds for a Wimmera Against Cancer in Kids, WACK, Father’s Day event at Horsham Plaza’s west carpark. The day provided vehicle owners a chance to show off their pride and joy with like-minded people, while raising money to support Wimmera families dealing with childhood cancer. The day raised $3549.50 for WACK. Above, Steve Richardson, and left, Ross Duff and his daughter Alexis Duff, 9, with friend Zoe Sacco, soak up the atmosphere. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

Criminal charges and self defence

Often when Wimmera people are criminally charged with violence-related crimes they feel they should not be found guilty as they were responding to defend themselves against an action of another person.

Sometimes a criminal lawyer might be able to use the defence of selfdefence to convince the prosecution to withdraw the criminal charge or successfully defend the charge at trial.

In this article, I will discuss what charges self-defence can apply to, the elements of the defence and other important considerations.

Criminal charges to which self defence might apply –

The defence of self-defence might apply to the following criminal charges in Victoria:

• Murder – reckless or intentional;

• Causing injury – reckless or intentional;

• Causing serious injury – reckless, negligent or intentional;

• Affray; or

• Assault.

Elements of self defence –There are two elements of the defence which must be satisfied for the defence to succeed.

The first is that the person believes the conduct was necessary in selfdefence; and the second that the conduct was a reasonable response in the circumstances as the person perceives them.

Belief in necessity –

The test is whether the accused believed that the conduct was necessary in self defence. It does not involve a consideration of what a reasonable or ordinary person would have believed in the circumstances.

it’s THE LAW

with Patrick Smith, LL.B. (Hons) B. Int. St., B.Ec., GDLP

The prosecution might succeed in disproving the defence where they can show the accused could have left the confrontation peacefully or the response was disproportionate, for example, a stabbing in response to a small push. However, these are factors that are considered and do not necessarily mean the defence will fail.

In considering necessity, the jury or magistrate should take into account the accused reacted instantly to imminent danger and so cannot be expected to carefully calculate the

Collaborative roads plan

A collaboration of councils issued a joint procurement plan to maintain a collective bitumen roads network for a five-year period.

Ararat Rural City, Pyrenees, Ballarat City, Moorabool, Golden Plains and Hepburn councils have continued a collaboration, for a third round of the Central Highlands Procurement Network – Bituminous Resealing program.

Victorian contractor VSA Roads, which has branches in the Wimmera, was awarded the contract.

Ararat chief executive Dr Tim Harrison said a road maintenance strategy generally resealed roads every 10 to 15 years and the proposed program sought to meet this standard – ensuring no renewal gap, which also increased economic and safety risks.

“Our roads are one of our most critical assets,” he said.

“By undertaking proactive maintenance, council can ensure the quality of the road and extend the life of the existing pavements, ensuring the safety of both passengers and vehicles travelling on our road network.

“I want to acknowledge the work undertaken by the members of the collaborative tendering process; this is one of the largest tenders each council undertakes in this space.

“Through this partnership, we gain organisational learning and obtain significant cost benefits in improving our various roads network.”

Works commence in the Ararat Rural City municipality in October and November, across a three-to-four-week period.

Any final works and line marking are undertaken in March.

amount of self-defensive action which is required.

Reasonable response –

The prosecution must prove the conduct was not a reasonable response in the circumstances as the accused understood them.

In determining whether an accused’s actions were a reasonable response in the circumstances, a jury can consider the accused’s personal attributes including their age, gender and state of health.

Family violence –

Where the accused has suffered family violence from the person they have acted against, both elements of selfdefence can be considered differently.

A history of family violence can lead to conduct being viewed as legitimate self-defence, even where the accused is responding to harm that is not immediate or where their response

involved force more than the force involved in the perceived threat.

Onus –

It is not for the accused to establish that they held the relevant belief and that his or her conduct was a reasonable response in the perceived circumstances. The onus is on the prosecution to disprove this defence.

If you are charged with a criminal offence, it is essential that you obtain legal advice.

• Patrick Smith is the principal of O’Brien and Smith Lawyers. This article is intended to be used as a guide only. It is not, and is not intended to be, advice on any specific matter. Neither Patrick nor O’Brien and Smith Lawyers accept responsibility for any acts or omissions resulting from reliance upon the content of this article. Before acting on the basis of any material in this article, we recommend that you consult your lawyer.

Highland extravaganza Scottish

Horsham City Pipe Band is hosting a Scottish Highland music extravaganza at Horsham Botanic Gardens on Sunday.

The event will see a mini band, quintet and solo drumming contest occur across three hours to showcase the talents of regional Victorian, metropolitan Melbourne and South Australian pipe bands.

The mini band category includes small ensembles of seven members; generally four pipers, one bass drummer and two snare drummers.

The quintet category presents an opportunity for a unique blend of

SOME HELPFUL TIPS FOR A SPRAINED ANKLE

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

1) Rest.Ice.Compression. Elevation. Wait 48hrs and reassess.

2) If there is any bruising there is most probably a ligament tear or worse a chipped bone. That may require X-ray.

3) See a chiropractor. “So how can a chiropractor help?”

tunes and styles, as groups of five perform. Highlighting the individual prowess of drummers, the solo drumming category is expected to be a showcase of raw talent, creativity and skill.

A panel of judges will evaluate the performances based on criteria including technique, rhythm and stage presence, and will determine the winners in each category.

Horsham City Pipe Band invites community members to bring a picnic rug or chair to enjoy the music in the gardens from 11am onwards. This year is the first time Horsham Pipe Band will host the event.

The chiropractor can assess the joint and let a person know how badly damaged it is. A chiropractor will also assess the rest of the spine. We can offer rehabilitation exercises and assist in recovery.

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

BOWERS

MUSIC GALORE: Horsham Pipe Band, pictured performing in Warracknabeal last month, will host and compete in a Scottish Highland music extravaganza at Horsham Botanic Gardens on Sunday.

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

DAILY CONVENTIONAL CROSSWORD 15 X 15 GRID V

Quick Workout

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

Crossword

Take a

Support of Horsham youth

From The Weekly Advertiser archives: September 5, 1998 – Horsham is lucky to have a city council that supports its young people, drug and alcohol youth outreach worker Lee Cooper says. Mr Cooper is based at Horsham’s Palm Lodge Rehabilitation Centre and looks after the interests of youth across the Wimmera. The council’s announcement it bought the old Horsham Fire Station in Pynsent Street to create a Youth Resource Centre is a prime example of the council’s good work with youth.

10 years ago: September 4, 2013

Stawell abattoir Frewstal is the toast of the Grampians and Pyrenees business community after winning a major regional business-of-theyear award. They also inducted long-standing businesses Waack’s Bakery in Stawell and Ararat and DogRock Winery at Crowlands into the awards’ Hall of Fame

Five years ago: September 5, 2018

Northern Grampians mayor Tony Driscoll has called for greater government and corporate support to ensure a ground-breaking Stawell Underground Physics Laboratory goes ahead as planned.

One year ago: September 7, 2022

Horsham’s police inspector has played a key role in the development of a statewide gender equality initiative. Di Thomson led a team involved in developing the ‘Equal, Safe and Strong: Victoria Police Gender Equality Action Plan 2022-24’.

FIVE-DAY forecast

16°

1. In the old Imperial system of weights, one weight measurement weighing about 6.35 kilograms was called a what?

2. True or false? Despite it supposedly being representative of the whole country, Australia’s floral emblem does not grow in the Wimmera.

3. Where was the first European settlement in South Australia?

4. American physicist and former aerospace scientist Jack Cover, who died in 2009, was responsible for inventing what unique type of weapon now used by many lawenforcement agencies?

5. What is dry ice?

6. In literature, what is the more common name of John Clayton, Vicount Greystoke? Who wrote the original book?

7. What German mission was established in 1859 in Wergaia Wimmera-Mallee country at a site called Banji bunag?

8. What folk percussion instrument features beer-bottle tops arranged on a pole to provide a jingling sound?

9. British performer George O’Dowd, aka, Boy George, and his pop band Culture Club, had a global hit in the early 1980s with a song that featured a reference to what type of lizard?

10. Name the primary characters from the ABC children’s television show Bananas in Pyjamas.

writer Edgar Rice Burroughs, 1875-1950, who is buried at Tarzan, California. 7. Ebenezer Mission at Antwerp. 8. Lagerphone. 9. Chameleon. The song Karma Chameleon was the group’s biggest hit. 10. Bananas B1 and B2, teddy bears Amy, Lulu and Morgan and rat, Rat in a Hat. They all live in Cuddles Avenue.

Answers: 1. Stone. 2. False. The floral emblem is the golden wattle, Acacia pycnantha, and can be found in the region. 3. -King scote, Kangaroo Island. 4. Taser Stun Gun. The gun uses jolts of electricity to subdue targets. Cover named his gun the T.A.S.E.R as an achromatic tribute to science fiction novels he read as a child. One of the books was Tom Swift and his Electric Rifle and he simply added an ‘A’. 5. The super-cold and solid form of -car bon dioxide. 6. Tarzan. The character is the creation of American

yOur lucky sTars wiTh

ARIES: (March 21-April 20)

Lucky Colour: Indigo

Lucky Day: Friday

Racing Numbers: 2-5-8-1

Lotto Numbers: 8-16-25-33-37-40

It’s the time when you would like to change a few things in your daily routine but to be on the safe side you might have to keep doing things the way you always do for a while yet.

TAURUS: (April 21-May 20)

Lucky Colour: Lilac

Lucky Day: Monday

Racing Numbers: 5-2-1-7

Lotto Numbers: 13-21-24-32-39-43

There could be more invitations around and many nights spent with friends could take a toll on your health. Some breakdown in communications could give problems to your financial matters.

GEMINI: (May 21-June 21)

Lucky Colour: Cream

Lucky Day: Wednesday

Racing Numbers: 5-6-2-6

Lotto Numbers: 2-10-28-30-34-37

Loved ones could feel neglected if you keep on working so hard that your time with them is limited. Delegation of some of your duties could give you time for things you really want to do.

CANCER: (June 22-July 22)

Lucky Colour: Yellow

Lucky Day: Saturday

Racing Numbers:4-1-8-2

Lotto Numbers: 20-24-25-34-40-42

Your health should be much better and your energy levels high and there should not be any reason for you to not get everything done in record time. Luck with a surprising person soon.

LEO: (July 23-August 22)

Lucky Colour: Red

Lucky Day: Sunday

Racing Numbers: 6-8-2-1

Lotto Numbers: 12-23-24-30-39-42

A progressive period in which you should get more work done than you have for a long time. Very well behaved person could suddenly surprise you with their attitude.

VIRGO: (August 23-September 23)

Lucky Colour: Pink

Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 4-6-2-6

Lotto Numbers: 11-13-29-35-39-44

You could find yourself interested in someone special who has been around for some time. With financial luck returning soon you could be planning travel.

LIBRA: (September 24-October 23)

Lucky Colour: Light Grey

Lucky Day: Saturday Racing Numbers: 8-3-7-3

Lotto Numbers: 7-14-23-27-34-37

There could be some obstacles on your way to success during this period but your determination should get you through. People could be looking to you for some leadership qualities.

SCORPIO: (October 24-November 22)

Lucky Colour: Dark Green

Lucky Day: Sunday Racing Numbers: 5-7-4-1

Lotto Numbers:12-29-31-34-38-40

Your personal relationships could be in need of improvement. Sometimes it’s wiser to give in instead of being pig-headed about trivial things. Try your luck with a Cancer person.

SAGITTARIUS: (November 23-December 20)

Lucky Colour: Royal Blue

Lucky Day: Wednesday

Racing Numbers: 3-4-8-1

Lotto Numbers: 5-15-24-32-33-41

Your problems with your love life could be solved during this period and happy moments could prevail. Your wishes could have a better chance of coming true during this time than any other for a long time.

CAPRICORN: (December 21-January 19)

Lucky Colour: Black

Lucky Day: Saturday

Racing Numbers: 5-6-1-4

Lotto Numbers: 3-5-8-30-34-43

You could be making lots of new friends and taking on some interesting responsibilities that have not been so obvious before. If planning a business partnership make sure all legal matters are okay.

AQUARIUS: (January 20-February 19)

Lucky Colour: Aqua

Lucky Day: Friday

Racing Numbers: 2-6-7-6

Lotto Numbers: 12-17-24-25-40-44

You could help someone much more than you know at this point. Health matters should be attended to straight away before the problem gets too big to handle.

PISCES: (February 20-March 20)

Lucky Colour: Pale Green

Lucky Day: Tuesday

Racing Numbers: 7-5-1-5

On This Day ^ _ ` a b c d e f g h i

Lotto Numbers: 3-17-22-32-37-45

Meeting up with people from a different type of life could give you a new interest in life. Your special talent could come in very handy in helping someone increase their lot in life.

The one for all your cleaning needs Locally owned and operated since 1999, The One Cleaning Service is the business for all your cleaning needs with over 21 amazing years in business!

Proud owners Michael and Jenni Tucker have made a well-known name for themselves across the Wimmera, Mallee and Grampians. After 20 years in business, they have developed a very good and loyal, but ever growing clientele across the region. A credit to their outstanding hard work.

The One Cleaning Service provides virtually any cleaning service, such as general cleaning, tile and grout cleaning, upholstery cleaning, and window cleaning inside and out.

Michael and Jenni also offer specialist cleaning service, from exit and empty house cleans, to home help, NDIS & aged care cleans, commercial and domestic cleans, steam cleaning of carpets and stripping and sealing vinyl floors.

The One Cleaning Service is available by appointment. You can call Michael & Jenni on 5382 2387 to obtain a free, no obligation quote for all your cleaning needs. Make sure to get in early for Christmas bookings by calling today!

future

Renault has revealed pricing and specifications for its allnew Megane E-Tech crossover.

The model is the brand’s first electric vehicle to be sold in Australia since the Zoe light hatch and Kangoo ZE van, rebooting the Megane nameplate in a new crossover format boasting bold environmental credentials.

The Megane E-Tech is now available for order at Renault dealers, with deliveries slated for late this year at a starting price of $64,990 before onroad costs, in a choice of six colours, but so far only the one Techno EV60 model option has been announced for Australian customers.

Based on the Renault-Nissan CMF-

EV platform, the Megane E-Tech showcases the manufacturer’s new ‘sensual tech’ design language, with a futuristic exterior and interior inspired by ‘fine home furniture’.

Laser-cut detailing, flush electric door handles and a range of LEDs around the vehicle are a nod to the high-tech design language, while inside recycled materials form a clean, texture-rich cabin.

Inside, the E-Tech features a 12.3inch digital cluster and nine-inch infotainment that appears to be angled towards the driver, with 48 ambient lighting colour options.

The Megane E-Tech is powered by a single electric motor putting 160kW-

300Nm through the front wheels, good for a zero to 100kmh time of 7.4 seconds and driving range of 454km.

Renault says the 60kWh battery is the slimmest on the market, at 110mm, lowering the centre of gravity for a more dynamic driving experience.

In terms of fast charging potential, the Megane E-Tech can be DC-fed by chargers up to 130kW, gaining 300km of range in about 30 minutes.

The Megane E-Tech features advanced safety technology including driver drowsiness alert, smart rearview mirror, autonomous braking with junction assist, lane-keep assist with road-edge detection and adaptive cruise.

In the case of an accident or emergency, there is firefighter access, a QRescue QR code for quick access to system details, and an easily accessible SD switch that allows the battery to be disconnected from the highvoltage network without the need for specific tools.

The Megane E-Tech is more than 90 percent recyclable, according to Renault, with more than 28kg of repurposed plastics and fabrics used throughout the cabin and recycled aluminium used for the panels.

The electric motor also contains no rare earths.

Renault’s global target is to use 33 percent recyclable materials in its

cars by 2030, shooting for full carbon neutrality by 2040, with the Megane E-Tech setting an early benchmark.

Renault Australia general manager Glen Sealey said the all-new Renault Megane E-Tech was a gamechanger.

“This is Renaulution in action: dynamic proportions, an engaging and efficient drive, impressive levels of comfort and safety, and committed actions to a sustainable future,” he said.

“We can’t wait to bring Megane E-Tech to Australia and herald a new dawn in automotive leadership.”

Renault is offering a standard fiveyear, 100,000-kilometre warranty, as well as an eight-year, 160,000-kilometre battery warranty.

• Mercedes-Benz to start delivering its EQE and EQS SUV models in Australia — Page 31

Mercedes-Benz delivers SUV models

Mercedes-Benz is gearing up to start delivering its EQE and EQS SUV models in Australia, sharing pricing and specification details that suggest compelling value against its pricier electric sedan range.

While the entry-level EQE300, priced from $134,900 plus on-road costs, aligns with its sedan counterpart, the mid-range EQE350 and flagship EQE53 AMG undercut equivalent sedan models by $10,000 and $25,000, respectively.

The EQE SUV range clearly offers compelling value and may well outsell the slightly zippier and longer-range sedans in Australia. But with a range of up to 539km, the SUV is down about 100km on the longest-range sedan model.

The family-friendly mid-sized SUV range consists of the EQE300, EQE350 4Matic for $144,900 plus on-road costs, EQE53 4Matic+ for $189,900 plus on-road costs, as well as a limited-time-only EQE500 4Matic for $164,900 plus on-road costs.

What separates the EQE SUV models from the sedans, which share the same underlying architecture, is a shorter 3030mm wheelbase yet larger overall body dimensions at 4863mm long, 1940mm wide and 1686mm high.

The inflated dimensions equate to a larger cabin, which Mercedes-Benz

claims will seat up to five adults comfortably, and 520 litres of luggage space with the rear seat in place or 1675 litres with the second row folded.

The EQE300 features a single rearmounted motor producing 180kW550Nm, sending drive to the rear wheels only, fed by an 89kWh battery. Stepping up to the EQE350 4Matic, dual motors produce 215kW-765Nm and send drive to all four wheels with a claimed zero to 100kmh sprint time of 6.3 seconds.

The limited-run EQE500 4Matic scores a larger 90.5kWh battery pack and more grunt with 300kW-858Nm available, good for a 4.7-second sprint to triple figures.

At the top of the ladder, the EQE53 4Matic+ offers up 460kW-950Nm and a more performance oriented allwheel drive system.

The EQE53 rockets to 100kmh in just 3.7 seconds, just a few tenths off the ballistic EQE53 AMG sedan. However, like the sedan, if you opt for the $7400 ‘Dynamic Plus’ package

the sprint time drops further – in this case to a neck-stretching 3.5 seconds.

Air suspension and a four-link rear suspension setup adds what Mercedes-Benz calls an ‘agile feel’ to the range, although more performancefocused Airmatic adaptive damping air suspension comes standard on the AMG performance model along with rear-wheel steering.

All EQE SUV models receive a long list of standard premium inclusions, like Burmester 3D surround sound, 12.3-inch driver-facing display, aug-

mented reality overlay for the navigation system, panoramic sliding sunroof, head-up display and AMG line enhancements inside and out.

Mercedes-Benz has included its ‘Driving Assistance Plus’ package, comprising attention assist, lane-keep assist, 360-degree camera system and brake assist, while also featuring 10 airbags and a pre-safe system, which will prepare the vehicle for impact in the event of an imminent collision. While model-specific driving ranges have not been outlined, the 539km range is still competitive and with DC fast charging it will take about 32 minutes to go from 10 to 80 percent charge.

The optional Mercedes-Benz wallbox charger, connected to three-phase power, outputs up to 22kW which will take the EQE SUV from 10 to 80 percent in about 6.5 hours.

Mercedes-Benz has also equipped the EQE SUV range with a heat pump, harvesting otherwise wasted heat from the inverter and motor to heat the cabin when required, leading to improved range with less battery draw. If people want a larger family hauler, the EQS450 4Matic SUV might just be the ticket. The seven-seat SUV is priced from $194,900 plus on-road costs. It uses dual motors producing 265kW800Nm and, thanks to a larger battery, offers a driving range of 592km.

– Cobey Bartels

ON THE ROAD: Mercedes-Benz will deliver EQE and EQS SUV variants in Australia from this month.

Birthdays

90th Birthday

Herb Warrick

Please come and celebrate with Herb on Sunday, September 17 between 1.30-5pm at 1 Wicklow Drive Horsham

Please NO gifts

LANG (nee Clark), Patricia Mary

Passed away on August 30, 2023 aged 96 years.

Dearly loved wife of Steve (dec).

Loving mother of Noelle, Ron (dec), Dianne, Steven & Sue.

Adored Murtoa Nan to her 12 grandchildren & 22 great grandchildren. In God’s Care

PELCHEN (née Petschel), Elsa Lois

Passed away peacefully in Ararat on 24th August 2023 aged 86 years.

Dearly loved wife of John (dec).

Loving mother and mother in law of Michael and Joy. Adored by her grandchildren Emie, Jack & Isaac.

In the care of God and the arms of her beloved John. Rest in peace Mum and Gran. Forever in our hearts.

Funeral Notices

LANG, Patricia Mary

The Funeral of Patricia Mary Lang will leave St Mary’s Catholic Church, Murtoa on Friday, September 8, 2023 after a service commencing at 1.30pm for the Murtoa Cemetery.

Murtoa Funerals

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5385 2833 AFDA Member

PALLOT, Kath

A memorial service to celebrate the life of Kath Pallot will take place at the Jung Recreation Reserve on Monday, September 11, 2023 commencing at 2pm. Please wear something bright and colourful. Privately cremated.

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

RYAN, Yvonne Melva

The funeral of Yvonne Melva “Von” Ryan will leave St Andrew’s Uniting Church, Horsham next Thursday, September 14, 2023 after a service commencing at 2pm for the Horsham Lawn Cemetery.

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

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

CLARK, Rodney Charles 16.7.57-2.7.22

1 Chocolate mini Dachshund , female, vacc, vet checked, m/chip# 953010006162922 $2500 each, located in Nhill Ph 0431725487

Black faced Dorpers joined $140 each Ph 0429912620

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*Selling, giving away or bartering of all livestock must include a Property Identification Code (PIC number) in the advertisement.

Animals & Accessories

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, great temperament, toilet trained, straight, two boys and two girls, source# MB115424, m/chip# F 95301000661546, F953010006610248, M953010006610331, M95301000661015145 Ph 0421018631

Goats Boer and boer cross from $100 each Ph 0427361940

Animals & Accessories

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

Donald

Labrador Puppies , Purebred, 5 black females and 5 black males

Born 14/7 due for pick up 8/9, vet checked, m/ chiped,vacc and wormed source# MB131530, m/chip # 985141006234027/26985 141007305210/17 $1500 Ph 0429821171 Horsham

Labrador pups, 2x chocolate, 4x black, mix sex, great natured, mchip# 96000015 967567/802076/970033/655 74/801447/969196 source# M6227250 Ph 0418519231

Pigeon fantails , lots of colours, $5 each, plus other breeds, no texts Ph 0408846796

CAMPBELL, Jeffrey “Leigh”

The funeral service for the late Mr. Jeffrey “Leigh” Campbell will be held at St Marks Uniting church, Edenhope commencing 11am on Friday the 8th of September. Interment to follow at Edenhope cemetery.

Amity Perovic & Dylan Hartwich 5382 1149

12 long months have passed since you left us, we think about you everyday.

L ove Mum, Wendy and Leroy xxx

caravans

Pure breed black faced Dorper ewe lambs, pic# 3HSDC083 Ph Liz 0419664345

Purebred Cocker Spaniel puppies , black and gold, DOB 19/06/2023, ready in a few weeks, vet checked, vaccinated, etc, Microchip no 956000014851219, 956000014847574, source no

RV185238 Ph 0429912620

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

Young pigs 2mth old, well bred, free ranged, suitable to spit or grow out, PIC# 3H5CG003 from $100ea Ph 0439834521

1995 Roadstar Voyager 17’ pop top single axle caravan, 2 single beds, has full size annex in as new cond, van presents very well $10,000ono Ph Eileen 0437899398

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

Safari 236 Caravan 2011 with roll out awning, 90 watt solar panel, 30amp solar regulator, 15” off road rims and tyres, elec brakes, battery pack with Anderson charge plug, 3 water tanks, air conditioning, ensuite shower, toilet, washing machine, vanity, storage, 4 burner stove, oven, microwave, 184L automatic 3 way fridge, television, CD/ DVD/AM-FM radio, “L” shape seating, q/bed, and much more, EC, as good as new, no catches, genuine sale, if you are serious this is a must see, too good to miss $63,000neg Ph 0429671764

2005 Caravan Excel 511 , air bag, roof lift, 2x120 AH batteries and solar, 3 way fridge, gas heating, tv, full awning annex, d/bed, plenty storage $21,000 Ph 0419566055

Safari Delta 216, 21’6” 2015 build, full ensuite, q/bed, full solar independent off road suspension, full oven, large fridge, microwave, washing machine, leather seating, large oven, full length annexe, colour coded to match van, this is the van with the lot, selling due to no further use $49,700ono Ph 0429198599 Viscount pop-up caravan with safety cord and extension cord, 2-way fridge, 4-cooker, oven, collapsible kettle, compact cookware set, foldable dish drainer, microwave, air conditioner, 1 d/bed, 1 s/bed, L-shape sofa, ample storage $5700neg Text 0419600049 or 0405516207

New Brooks Adrenaline men’s sneakers, size 12 $80 Ph 0427993510

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

Acer Swift go EVO 16 Windows 11, Norton, 4 year warranty, new, unused, $1400 Ph 0474297661

farm machinery

20 foot container, painted with kill rust paint, good condition, lockable, pick up Ararat, $ 3500 cash Ph 0400013041

Galaxy 2007 , new Tebbs annexe, a/c, oven, fridge, rego, batteries $25,000ono Ph 0402933972

A chain chamberlain Deere 4960, duals (no 3PL), farm leased $11,000 Ph 0428212996

Funeral Directors

2015 Ford Ranger PX MkII XLT, 6sp, charcoal, towbar, elec brakes, Anderson plug, iDrive throttle control, tinted windows, rola roof platform, REDARC DC/DC charger, dual battery, fridge slide, LED lights, 11mths rego, RWC supplied, 155,000kms, $31,900,BBT411 Ph 0419543815

Holden WB Panel Van 1983, 6 cylinder petrol/gas, 3 speed manual, VGC, extra parts included, FSE369 $35,000ono Ph 0407614706

2015 Hyundai FE, SUV, 2.2, 2 way diesel, towbar, full service history, excellent condition, rego 1FFSO,1,70,000 kms, $23,500 +GST Ph 0418991340

White 2011 Holden Commodore SS VE series II, selling due to upgrade to 4x4, service up to date with book, rego till May, roadworthy supplied, kept very neat and tidy, 177***kms, ZPK676 $35,000 Ph 0409579397

Musical Instruments

Farm land approx. 110 acres for shared lease, located on the fringe of Hopetoun 3396, suitable for cropping, grazing, solar farming or other use, 3 phase power is available, long or short term lease Ph Lawrence to discuss 0414587676 Wanted, Land to Lease or Share-Farm anywhere south of Horsham, from 100 acres to 700 acres, cropping country preferred Ph Roger Hallam at Mockinya 0418822700

6’ slasher or similar Ph 0419007741

Wooden wool table, cane wool basket, rabbit traps and yabby copper Ph 0400017344

2017 Toyota Hilux SR5, 4X4, manual, one owner, diesel, roof racks, bullbar, towbar, electric brakes, heavy springs, tinted windows, dual batteries, reg til 6/24, 161,000kms, AMF813 $43,000 Ph 0408504867

Airia, Fstyle, Mandolin with hard case, EC $300 Ph 0413207022

REDUCED Yamaha CLP330 Clavinova Digital Piano, EC, great sound and feel, includes stool $2000 Ph0428894232

Student Cello and Bow $500 Ph 0427712331

public notices

F250 Ute 2002 XLT Power stroke diesel V8, 284838kms, right hand column auto, tub liner, tie down points, tow bar, bucket seats, elec windows and mirrors, a/c, tyres 90%, rego 28th Aug 23 RUG765 $42,000 Ph 53826103 in business hours

Scrap metal, farm clean up, tanks, troughs, car engines, house items etc. bring your manners please Ph 53928295 leave msg

Learning from Creation - Do Not Worry

Looking out my window, I watched butterflies flying around a lavender plant with its newly opened flower heads. “Not a big deal,” you might think; we see this often. True, but the day had started with sunshine and stillness, then later a heavy thunderstorm came over. Later still, the sun came out, and the butterflies came. I wondered how those fragile forms survived such a huge onslaught of rain and wind? I am sure Others can explain it, but I find it amazing.

Jesus used nature to explain why we don’t need to worry, saying, “Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear.... 26 Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they? 27 Can any one of you by worrying add a single hour to your life? 28 “And why do you worry about clothes? See how the flowers of the field grow. They do not labour or spin. 29 Yet I tell you that not even Solomon in all his splendour was dressed like one of these. 30 If that is how God clothes the grass of the field, which is here today and tomorrow is thrown into the fire, will he not much more clothe you—you of little faith”  (Matthew 6:25-29) Trusting God helps us not to worry, for God is with us.

Susan Pearse - Baptist & Uniting Church, Hopetoun and Rainbow.

Christian Devotion

We Are Recruiting New Board Members.

This is a perfect for you if you:

• Care about having a vibrant, healthy and connected sporting community

• Believe in strengthening relationships

• Enjoy being part of passionate, dynamic and engaged team

• Can give your time and expertise

• Are over the age of

Contact

WIMMERA REGIONAL SPORTS ASSEMBLY Club Support Manager

Full Time

The Wimmera Regional Sports Assembly has a full time position available for the right person to fill the Club Support Program Manager role.

Funded by Sport and Recreation Victoria, the Club Support Program aims to support grassroots sporting clubs and communities. The WRSA’s role is to support volunteers to ensure they are growing their clubs, in inclusive and family friendly environments, and they have basic capacity to promote participation that drives active and healthy lifestyles.

If you are the right person you will be responsible for the delivery of the Club Support Program and support other WRSA programs including Regional Sport Partnership (funded by VicHealth) and other projects as they arise that will benefit the WRSA and community sporting clubs.

Position Framework

a) Full time position – 38 hours per week.

b) Wage is based on the Social Community Home Care & Disability Services Industry Award 2010 (the Award) and the National Employment Standards (NES) are the minimum terms and conditions for this position - Social and community services employee level 3 pay point 1 (depending on experience and qualifications).

c) An Assembly vehicle is available for work related travel.

d) Position is located at the WRSA Office, 22b Pynsent Street Horsham.

e) Starting date – October-November 2023.

f) The Assembly is an equal opportunity employer.

The key objectives of the program are:

The Club Support Officer position will be responsible for the overall design and implementation of the Wimmera physical activity & active recreation program plans; these include:

• Program coordination and delivery

• Provide administrative support to the Team Leader related to the delivery and reporting on the Community Sport program work plan

• Support the Team Leader to develop, report and work within the program budget

• Assist in developing, building and maintaining strong relationships with stakeholders throughout the life of project to assist in ensuring stakeholders are fully involved and engaged in the program through high quality professional communication

• Work with clubs and community organisations to generate participation and physical activity opportunities for a diverse range of people

• Identify key issues, service gaps, and service development opportunities.

Applications are invited for the position by completing a covering letter and addressing the Key Selection Criteria listed on the assembly’s website: www.wrsa.org.au.

Applications should be emailed to David Berry, Executive Officer Wimmera Regional Sports Assembly eo@wrsa.org.au by September 30, 2023.

From these applications interviews will be scheduled for mid-October 2023 with the successful applicant to start in the position by October-November 2023.

POSITIONS AVAILABLE

Pty Ltd

B-Double Truck Driver

Mainly Grain Cartage Home most nights

Must have: MC License & Good driving history 0428 121 857

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

Community Development Worker 38 hours per week - 12 months fixed term

$47.50 per hour

Contact: Sarah Sargeant

Closing: 12pm Monday 18 September 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

Opportunity This Way

Community Development & Youth Officer

Full Time or Part Time

Do you enjoy working with the community, particularly young people, to deliver projects and activities that improve social wellbeing and health? Then this is the role for you!

We are seeking a Community Development and Youth Officer to join our Community and Economic Development team. Depending on your skills and capabilities, this role will either be a full time or part time position. The role will work closely with communities, in particular youth, to develop and implement activities and projects that will improve the social wellbeing and health of communities, individuals, and youth of Hindmarsh Shire. The role will also assist with the coordination of bookings and running of movies at the Nhill Memorial Community Centre.

If you are passionate about creating opportunities for young people and you have excellent communication and organisation skills, then this is the position for you. Commencing salary of $36.91 per hour, (plus 11% superannuation).

Hindmarsh Shire Council offers a rewarding career, with excellent working conditions and a positive teamfocused culture. Take the opportunity to join our dynamic, committed team striving to make a difference to our local community.

Council is an equal opportunity workplace that offers a diverse and supportive work environment.

Position descriptions and details on how to apply are available at www.hindmarsh.vic.gov.au/work-in-council

Applications close Friday 15 September 2023 at 12 noon and must address the key selection criteria as contained in the position description.

Opportunity This Way

Karen Liaison/Customer Service Officer Casual

We are seeking a Karen Liaison Officer to assist the growing Karen population living in Hindmarsh Shire to connect with Council. This new position will be a point of contact for members of the Karen community, providing interpreting and translating services.

If you have skills in Karen-English interpreting and/or translating and a welcoming and friendly attitude, then we would love to hear from you. Commencing salary of $42.11 per hour (including 25% casual loading), plus 11% superannuation.

Hindmarsh Shire Council offers a rewarding career, with excellent working conditions and a positive teamfocused culture. Take the opportunity to join our dynamic, committed team striving to make a difference to our local community.

Council is an equal opportunity workplace that offers a diverse and supportive work environment.

The filling of this position is intended to constitute a special/equal opportunity measure under Section 12 of the Equal Opportunity Act 2010 (Vic). The position is only open to applicants with Karen language skills.

To find out more about this role and to have a confidential discussion, please contact Monica Revell, Director Corporate and Community Services on 5391 4444. Position descriptions and details on how to apply are available at www.hindmarsh.vic.gov.au/work-in-council

Applications close Friday 15 September 2023 at 12 noon and must address the key selection criteria as contained in the position description.

GWMWater is an innovative and progressive employer committed to contributing to the sustainable growth of communities within the Grampians, Wimmera and Mallee regions.

Water Services Operators

Grampians (Ararat)

• Position number VG/5105B

▪ One role available: 1x Fixed Term 12 months

Wimmera (Horsham)

• Position number VG/WSOH

▪ Two roles available: 1x Ongoing and 1x Fixed Term 12 months

We are seeking three Water Services Operators to join our Grampians and Wimmera teams, 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.

The successful applicant will gain significant work experience in a dynamic team. They will also be provided with on-the-job training 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 22 September 2023

GWMWater contact:

Ollie Reynolds, People Talent and Culture Officer

GWMWater is an equal employment opportunity employer and is committed to providing flexible working arrangements to enable the right candidate to be successful.

To receive information in relation to this vacancy 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 Director

11 McLachlan Street Horsham gwmwater.org.au

Situations Vacant

Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

CELEBRATED: Horsham District

Football Netball League crowned its best players across senior grades on Monday. Clockwise from above, C Grade best and fairest, Katrina Kerr, Noradjuha-Quantong and runner-up Maree Thompson, Pimpinio; reserves goal kicker Quentin Willmott, HarrowBalmoral, best and fairest Mathew Tober, Swifts, and runner-up Shane Oakley, Noradjuha-Quantong; A Grade best under-21 player Tahlia Thompson, Pimpinio; C Reserve best and fairest Bree Stonehouse, Noradjuha-Quantong; B Grade best and fairest and Jenny Kirchner medalists Abby Croft, Kaniva-Leeor United and Jo Taylor, Natimuk, with Jenny Kirchner, and runners-up Morgan Coventry, Edenhope-Apsley, and Alice Houlihan, Harrow-Balmoral.

weekenD Finals

COUNTDOWN: It was a big weekend of Wimmera and Horsham District league football and netball finals. Pictured, clockwise from above: Judd Wright, Horsham Saints, tackles Dimboola’s Jonathon Ross; Dimboola goalie Olivia Jorgensen; Thomas Long, Jeparit-Rainbow, tries to beat Noradjuha-Quantong’s James Gregg to the ball; Justin Cozens, Jeparit-Rainbow, tackles Brock Orval, Noradjuha-Quantong; Maddie Iredell, Laharum, shoots over Rupanyup’s Georgia Hiscock; centre, Dimboola’s Dylan Landt takes a mark; Zanaiya Bergen, Rupanyup, calls for the ball; Ebony Summers, Stawell, and Holly Ross, Dimboola, tussle for the ball; and Jacob O’Beirne, Horsham Saints, evades Tom O’Dwyer, Dimboola.

For more photographs go to theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

weekenD Finals

FINAL LEGS: Wimmera and Horsham District league football and netball finals action continues this weekend. Pictured last weekend are, clockwise from left: Meg Walker, Stawell, and Dimboola’s Ashlee Morrish have their eyes fixed on the ball; Georgia Kramm, Rupanyup, looks to pass; Horsham Saints’ Will Brennan tackles Ben Miller, Dimboola; and Antonio James, Jeparit-Rainbow, gets a kick away.

WIMMERA Football Netball League

Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

King, Queen crowned

Rebels finish with wins

win at Mars Stadium on Sunday against Bendigo Pioneers.

Stawell

Amateur Athletic Club gathered at Halls Gap for the annual Lois Trimble King and Queen of the Mountain five kilometre Handicap on Saturday.

Tom Walker dominated the senior race with the fastest time to claim King of the Mountain.

Elise Monaghan was the fastest female to claim the Queen of the Mountain title.

On adjusted handicaps, Luke Monaghan won the senior race ahead of Riley Ika, followed by Angela Baker. The course was tough and all runners did well, especially eighty-plus yearold Gary Saunders.

Jerome Baker continued his good form to finish fastest in the junior event and claimed the victory after handicaps were applied.

Sophie Fletcher ran well in second place, followed by Louis Fletcher in third.

Amber Baker was the fastest sub-junior runner on the day, but her brother Hamish won on handicap, followed by Oakley Baker then Christian Clarke.

It was good to see some new runners and locals turn out for the event. Thanks to Lois Trimble for her sponsorship and support of the club.

Saturday will be the last event for the season, a three kilometre dash around North Park athletic track at 3pm, followed by club presentations.

Greater Western Victoria Rebels boys’ team put on a show at Mars Stadium in Ballarat for the Coates Talent League wildcard round.

The Rebels 17.19 (121) defeated Murray Bushrangers 7.6 (48) on Sunday.

The team was off to a strong start, keeping the Bushrangers scoreless in the first term and continued to maintain and increase its lead to run away with the win.

Horsham Saints’ export Joel Freijah was named among best players for a third week in a row with one goal and 18 disposals.

Rupanyup export Connor Weidemann had six disposals.

The Rebels girls’ team concluded its home-and-away season with a

The Rebels started slowly and were seven points down at the first break.

A low-scoring second quarter set the game up for the Rebels’ strong performance in the second half.

The team reduced the margin to two points by the final break and pushed hard in the fourth quarter to keep the Pioneers scoreless and kick six goals.

The final score was Rebels 9.10 (64) to Bendigo Pioneers 4.3 (27).

The Rebel’s final standing at the end of the home-and-away season is ninth place.

Horsham Demons’ export Olivia Brilliant had 13 disposals.

Caris in Australian squad

Former Horsham Saints netballer Maggie Caris is named in Australia’s 21-and-under squad for 2023.

As a circle defender, Caris plays for Victoria Fury and was a member of the Melbourne Vixens squad this year.

The 17-strong Australian squad

will complete a four-day training camp at the Australian Institute of Sport from tomorrow. The camp will provide athletes with specialist coaching, match play and off-court education. It is the second year Caris has been selected for the squad.

Grand final bus service running

Horsham District Football Netball League will run a bus service to and from Quantong Recreation Reserve on Saturday for the grand final.

Buses will depart from and return to the Wimmera District Football Netball Association office at 20

O’Callaghan Parade, Horsham. Bus departure times are 10am, 11am, noon and 1pm; return times are 4pm and two buses at 5pm. Buses will also leave at the conclusion of the senior football. The cost is $5 a person per trip.

WINNER: Race sponsor Lois Trimble with King of the Mountain Tom Walker.

arOunD The leagues

Tatyoon focused on flag

BY SEAN O’CONNELL

The final weekend of the Mininera and District senior football season pits a season-long premiership favourite against a team who has battled through each weekend of the finals series.

Tatyoon recorded a single loss in 2023, coming undone against Penshurst in round 10, and has not looked back to secure a spot in the grand final for the second year in a row.

Woorndoo-Mortlake, on the other hand, finished second in the homeand-away season, before a qualifying final loss to Wickliffe-Lake Bolac put its season in doubt.

The Tigers went on to progress

through the finals bracket with a win against Glenthompson-Dunkeld before coming away victors in a preliminary final rematch against the Magpies.

Tatyoon coach Zac Tunbridge said a second grand final appearance in as many years had been the focus for much of the year, and his team had used the week off to prepare for its opportunity to set the record straight.

“We trained on the Saturday and tried to simulate what a game would be like – down to how many kilometres would be covered,” he said.

Tunbridge said Kieran Collins’ seven-goal performance and Josh Bibby’s all-around game stood out in the second semi-final win against

Wickliffe-Lake Bolac that earned the Eagles their grand final berth.

“I think we stopped their scoring runs quickly and effectively, nullifying their momentum,” he said.

The Hawks coach said his squad was also able to use the weekend off to watch the preliminary final and study their grand final opposition.

“We know they are quite physical,” he said.

Tunbridge said the Tigers’ relatively busy finals series, during which they have played three games to the Hawks’ one, had its benefits.

“Playing consistently can be quite beneficial, rather than stopping and starting,” he said.

“But having weeks off is also good.

AROUND THE LEAGUES

Wimmera

Senior football

“They are going to come out very primed and we are going to have to match it.

“I think we are really lucky; we have a very balanced team which is quick but can also be very physical when it needs to.”

Tunbridge said last year’s grand final defeat at the hands of Ararat Eagles would be in the back of many players’ minds as they took the field at Conna Wilson Reserve at Mininera on Saturday.

“This is especially the case for the guys who were playing. There was a lot of disappointment and that creates a fire in the belly – to make sure we take that next step,” he said.

Border Districts sets sights on premiership

Border Districts A Grade football team will play in a grand final on Saturday next week, for the first time in 24 years.

Goroke Football Club merged with Border Districts, based in Frances, South Australia, in 1999 and the club has not won an A Grade football premiership in that time.

The club plays in the Kowree Naracoorte Tatiara League.

In 1999, in the only grand final the merged Border Districts have played in, the Eagles lost to Mundulla.

Border Districts, pre-merger, last won a senior premiership in 1991 and Goroke won its final premiership in 1981.

On Saturday, Border Districts defeated Mundulla at Mundulla in a second semi-final.

The final score was Border Districts 10.10 (70) against Mundulla 7.9 (51).

The Tigers were leading by five points in the first quarter before Border Districts came back firing to switch the scoreboard and lead by five points at the main break.

The Eagles’ defensive pressure kept the Tigers to one goal in the second half and were able to secure a win.

Border Districts finished second on the ladder and progressed to the second semi-final after defeating Keith in a qualifying final by 22 points.

Mundulla will play Kingston in

a preliminary final on Saturday to determine which team will face the Eagles in the big dance.

During the season Border Districts lost to Kingston by 10 points in round two and three points in round 11. The Eagles defeated Mundulla by 33 points in round seven.

In netball, Border Districts’ Division Two progressed to a grand final with a 19-goal win against Naracoorte.

The B Grade and Division Three teams won their first semi-finals on Sunday and will play in a preliminary final on Saturday to continue their chances of a premiership.

B Grade will play Lucindale and Division Three will play Naracoorte.

Border Districts also recently experienced success in a history-making league vote count, with a three-way tie for the A Grade football Virgo Mail medal.

Eagles’ Zac Richards, with 23 votes, was one of three winners of the best-and-fairest award and Border Districts’ Mark Quinn was runner-up with 22 votes.

Richards, Quinn, Dylan Auciello and Dylan Schoenmakers were named in team of the year and Aaron Jelfs was named coach of the year. Richards also won most valuable player, an award voted by coaches across the league.

– Abby Walter

GRAND

gearing up with his teammates to play in their first A Grade football grand final for the Eagles.

This week: Preliminary final, Ararat v Horsham Saints at Davis Park, Nhill.

Last week: Second semi-final, Southern Mallee Giants 14.13 (97) d Ararat 11.7 (73). First semi-final, Horsham Saints 17.13 (115) d Dimboola 10.15 (75).

A Grade netball

This week: Preliminary final, Horsham v Dimboola at Davis Park, Nhill.

Last week: Second semi-final, Horsham Saints 53 d Horsham 48. First semi-final, Dimboola 60 d Stawell 51.

Horsham District

Senior football

This week: Grand final, Harrow-Balmoral v Jeparit-Rainbow at Quantong Recreation Reserve on Saturday.

Last week: Preliminary final, Jeparit-Rainbow 16.11 (107) d Noradjuha-Quantong 14.12 (96).

A Grade netball

This week: Grand final, Edenhope-Apsley v Laharum at Quantong Recreation Reserve on Saturday.

Last week: Preliminary final, Laharum 53 d Rupanyup 35.

Mininera and District

Senior football

This week: Grand final, Tatyoon v Woorndoo-Mortlake at Conna Wilson Reserve, Mininera on Saturday.

Last week: Preliminary final, Woorndoo-Mortlake 13.9 (87) d Wickliffe-Lake Bolac 7.10 (52).

A Grade netball

This week: Grand final, Ararat Eagles v Tatyoon at Conna Wilson Reserve, Mininera on Saturday.

Last week: Preliminary final, Tatyoon 44 d Woorndoo-Mortlake 24.

North Central

Senior football

This week: Preliminary final, Nullawil v Birchip-Watchem at Lord Nelson Park, St Arnaud.

Last week: Semi-final, Sea Lake-Nandaly Tigers 17.9 (111) d Birchip-Watchem 10.12 (72).

A Grade netball

This week: Preliminary final, Nullawil v Wedderburn at Lord Nelson Park, St Arnaud.

Last week: Semi-final, Boort 60 d Wedderburn 54.

• Full scoreboards and ladders for all grades are available via the league pages at playhq.com

FINAL BOUND: Border Districts’ Harry Pretlove will be

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

wiMMera league

Players pushed to believe in themselves

Horsham and Dimboola will come head-to-head on Sunday for one final chance to play in the 2023 Wimmera league A Grade netball grand final.

Horsham narrowly lost to Horsham Saints during Saturday’s second semi-final, while Dimboola showed strength to overcome Stawell in Sunday’s first semi-final.

Horsham coach Tiffany Heir said she was happy with her team’s performance on Saturday.

“Everyone makes mistakes and I told the team if we can clean up our game a bit more I still think we have a good chance,” she said.

“But first, we have to get through Sunday’s preliminary final at Nhill and Dimboola is a quality team to be playing against.”

Heir said the team’s defensive pressure was a highlight in the semi-final.

“We worked hard with our defensive pressure in the midcourt as Ash Grace and Megan Byrne are fast playmakers for the Saints, so we had to do what we could to shut them down a little bit,” she said.

“Romi Miller, in the centre, gives 100 percent and is a player who will do her best to do anything I ask of her on the court.

“Georgia Batson in goals has also lifted in the past month and is working with Imogen Worthy in goal attack, who is new to that position but making it her own this season.”

Heir said the team would need to continue playing good netball this weekend.

“It will be a tough game, but we just need to play the good netball we have been playing,” she said.

“Olivia Jorgensen has been amazing in goals for Dimboola and we will need all our midcourt pressure again this week to give them limited opportunities for her to score.”

Dimboola has not reached a preliminary final since the 1960s.

Dimboola co-coach Nicole Polycarpou said making it to this stage of the finals series meant a lot to the club.

“It’s been 50 years since we made a semi-final, so to make a preliminary, we are already so proud no matter the outcome,” she said.

“I told the team we have made a new history for the club that will be spoken about for years to come.”

AFTER THE SIREN

Polycarpou said the focus for the season had been mindset, which could be seen in the team’s recent performances.

“We all agreed we had nothing to lose and wanted to focus on being a good teammate and I think that mental side got us over the line,” she said.

“We have things to focus on for the Demons specifically, but overall, I think we want to keep focusing on the positives and lifting each other up and looking out for each other, because we have nothing to lose.

“We know how to play good netball, we proved that. We just need to believe, which has been our focus all year.”

– Abby Walter

Rats’ undefeated run ends

BY SEAN O’CONNELL

Afterthe defeat of longstanding premiership favourites Ararat last weekend, there is everything to play for in Wimmera league senior football.

Ararat’s pursuit of an undefeated season came to an end on Saturday at the hands of Southern Mallee Giants, but its shot at a premiership is still only one win away.

For the Horsham Saints, a preliminary final opportunity might feel like a bonus but, after a convincing win against Dimboola, the up-andcoming team will want to give everything it has to challenge the Rats.

Horsham Saints coach Ben Knott said its 40-point win against the Roos had been a good experience, after it fell to Southern Mallee Giants two weeks ago.

“It was good for the young group to get a win in finals. For a lot of them, the Giants game was their first final,” he said.

Knott said his team’s forward play was encouraging, with a ‘good spread’ of players recording goals against the Roos.

“I think we moved the ball well, which is something that doesn’t always happen,” he said.

Knott highlighted Jordy Keyte’s defensive efforts on Dimboola for-

ward Jonathon Ross and Angus Martin and Patrick Knott’s solid games ‘down back’.

He said the team worked hard to earn a second finals chance, finishing in the top three on the ladder.

He said a full ground defensive approach and use of the ball would be integral to challenge Ararat.

“We’re just going to embrace it and enjoy it – no one tipped us to be here,” Knott said.

Ararat coach Matt Walder said his team was looking to bounce back after coming off second best in a high-standard game against Southern Mallee Giants.

“We were a little bit off in our key areas – our ability to control the ball in the middle, create opportunities going forward and our whole defensive aspect,” he said.

Walder said centre half forward

Tom Mills had a strong game as acting captain in the loss.

He said his team’s record this year gave him confidence it would make up for Saturday’s defeat.

“You don’t win 16 in a row for no reason,” he said.

Walder said the Saints played an energetic brand of football and his team would not take them lightly.

The winner of Sunday’s preliminary final at Davis Park, Nhill will play Southern Mallee Giants in the grand final.

GOAL: Horsham Saints’ Adrianne Lupton celebrates a goal. Lupton kicked four goals against Dimboola on Sunday. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

shirtfront the

with Kuges, Cobba, Easty & Hugh

Senior football

Second semi-final – Ararat v Southern Mallee Giants

Highlight of the match: The Giants beating undefeated Ararat under finals pressure has to be one of the highlights of the season. The skill level and pace of the game made it one of the best Wimmera league games in recent years.

The player of the match: Josh Webster of the Giants is hard to stop on the lead, whether it is out of the goal square or from centre-half forward. He crashed packs against Ararat on his way to kicking five goals and had the chance to kick more.

First semi-final – Horsham Saints v Dimboola

Highlight of the match: The Saints were just too quick for Dimboola. Their defensive pressure, led by the team’s crumbing forwards, allowed them to overwhelm the Roos. The small forwards were also able to impact the scoreboard, contributing to a long list of goal kickers for the Saints. The player of the match: Adrianne Lupton kicked four goals in an impressive individual display from the Saints’ small forward. He was able to provide goal assists for his teammates and was, at times, the go-to player inside fifty on Sunday.

A Grade netball

Second semi-final – Horsham Saints v Horsham

Highlight of the match: In the final quarter, Horsham began to reduce the margin and the way Horsham Saints kept possession of the ball and worked the ball quickly, but in a controlled manner, made all the difference.

The player of the match: The standard of play was very high from both teams. Horsham Saints’ Ashlee Grace worked hard through the midcourt and her playmaking was crucial for the Saints’ fivegoal win.

First semi-final – Stawell v Dimboola

Highlight of the match: The third quarter is not called a premiership quarter for nothing. A 25-goal-all score at half time meant both teams needed to come out firing in the third and Dimboola did not disappoint. The Roos capitalised on every opportunity to score.

The player of the match: Dimboola’s Holly Ross was a standout during Sunday’s game. Her defensive pressure was solid and she had hands to every rebound.

vOTe cOunT

Gleeson wins league’s top honour

BY ABBY WALTER

Rupanyup’s

Mitch Gleeson

was awarded the highest individual Horsham District senior football honour on Monday night.

With 28 votes, Gleeson won the Dellar Medal for best and fairest in the 2023 season.

Edenhope-Apsley’s Ben McIntyre was runner-up with 22 votes.

Gleeson said this year had been his most consistent year of football.

He signed with the Panthers in 2021 and in 2022 played in a premiership with the club.

“We had a lot of team success last year – like what Harrow-Balmoral is experiencing this year and they have lots of players polling votes,” Gleeson said.

“This year we had a different team, so the umpires seemed to notice me a bit more.

“It was good to be noticed and play good football – I felt the most confident in my body playing this year.”

Gleeson said he was fortunate to win a North Central league medal when playing for Charlton in

2019 and thought that was the best achievement – until he won a premiership.

“I always thought I was an individual player and never thought I was going to win a medal, but was lucky to and thought it was the epitome of what I could achieve and how I felt,” he said.

“But when we won the premiership last year, we went back to Rupanyup with 350 locals in the club rooms of a small town and what it meant to those people – that’s the highlight.”

Gleeson travelled to play from Melbourne each weekend and said he would come with close friends, so it was enjoyable.

“It’s not only a drive but a good time to catch up with them each week and is something I’m pretty lucky to be able to do,” he said.

“We travel to play country football because it’s about the community.

“I remember my first practice match with Rupanyup, and they didn’t know me from a bar of soap, but the club just wrapped its arms around me.

“Everyone was welcoming me with

a high five or handshake and it has been that way since, and that was in 2021.

“I thought is this just a welcome thing that would fade out? But it’s the same three seasons on and it’s the

“I remember my first practice match with Rupanyup, and they didn’t know me from a bar of soap, but the club just wrapped its arms around me. Everyone was welcoming me with a high five or handshake and it has been that way since, and that was in 2021”

– Mitchell Gleeson,

left

The senior football leading goal kicker was Harrow-Balmoral’s Simon Close with 80 goals. Simon Hobbs, Kalkee, was awarded best opposition player and Lachie Weidemann, Rupanyup, won best under-21 player.

In the reserves, Mathew Tober, Swifts, won best and fairest with 22 votes and Shane Oakley, Noradjuha-Quantong, was runner-up with 18 votes.

same after a loss. I’m lucky to have played fewer losses than wins.”

Gleeson said he had not made football plans for 2024 yet, but had loved every game he had played at Rupanyup so far.

The reserves’ leading goal-kicker was Quentin Willmott, Harrow-Balmoral, with 88 goals.

Kalkee was named Horsham District league champion club for season 2023.

Burgess crowned netball best and fairest

Edenhope-Apsley netballer Emily Burgess has taken home Horsham District A Grade best-and-fairest honours for the second season in a row. The best-and-fairest award was renamed this year to honour Michele Mibus, who was a renowned stalwart of the league and Laharum Football Netball Club, and a driver of change within the football and netball space. Burgess won with 33 votes and a match ratio of 2.2, followed by runner-up Georgia Kramm, Rupanyup, with 28 votes and a match ratio of 1.86.

butions to the league and what stood out to me was her involvement in combining the football and netball leagues into one entity.

“I had never played in a league that was football and netball before, so it is pretty special.”

The circle defender said she was looking forward to another grand final appearance when the Saints take on Laharum on Saturday.

“We should embrace having such high-calibre players across our league. We hope it encourages others to come and play and continue to strengthen our competition as the standard in our league is phenomenal.”

Tahlia Thompson, Pimpinio, won best under-21 player and Burgess was also awarded best opposition player.

High growth rams for bigger lambs.

Due to clubs not fielding all teams in 2023, a ratio system was applied to the vote calculations.

“It’s exciting and I hope we can go back-to-back,” she said.

“This season we have had a great team and a supportive squad, so I have enjoyed playing with everyone.

This season, the B Grade best-andfairest award was named in honour of Jenny Kirchner for her contributions to netball and the league.

Abby Croft, Kaniva-Leeor United, and Jo Taylor, Natimuk United, won the award with 22 votes.

15th ANNUAL

High

The system averages the number of votes received by a player with the total number of games their team was eligible to play during the season.

Burgess said she was honoured to receive the award for a second season.

“We’ve had a great season as a team and it’s nice to be recognised in this way,” she said.

“Michele Mibus made great contri-

“There were lots of opportunities for younger players to step into the team as well, so I enjoyed helping them develop their netball, too.”

Edenhope-Apsley A Grade coach

Sarah Domaschenz congratulated Burgess on winning the Michele Mibus league best-and-fairest award and Shannon Freeman who polled third.

Sal e

Ram Sal e

Morgan Coventry, Edenhope-Apsley, and Alice Houlihan, Harrow-Balmoral, were runners-up with 18 votes.

With 27 votes, Katrina Kerr, Noradjuha-Quantong, won C Grade best and fairest, followed by runner-up Maree Thompson, Pimpinio, with 25 votes.

Bree Stonehouse, Noradjuha-Quantong, won C Reserve best and fairest with 27 votes and Amelia Rintoule, Pimpinio, was runner-up with 25 votes. – Abby Walter

Inspection from 10am 1pm sharp

“We are so proud of these women and feel so lucky to have them at our club,” she said.

Monday, S e p te m ber 18, 2023 690 3LK Road, Rupanyu p

Monday,

2% rebate to agents in attendance

Andrew:

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HONOUR: Edenhope-Apsley’s Emily Burgess was awarded Horsham District A Grade best-and-fairest honours for a second season in a row.

hDFnl granD Finals

Juniors start final showdown

BY ABBY WALTER

Horsham District league netball grand finals are looking to be exciting spectacles at Quantong Recreation Reserve on Saturday.

The day will begin with many yellow-and-black supporters as Pimpinio features in all three junior games. Kalkee, Harrow-Balmoral, Noradjuha-Quantong, EdenhopeApsley and Natimuk United will also feature at the courts during the day.

13-and-under: Pimpinio v Harrow-Balmoral, 8.30am

Pimpinio and Harrow-Balmoral will meet in the first premiership game of the day.

The Tigers went straight into the grand final game with a nine-goal win against the Southern Roos. Harrow-Balmoral bounced back for a 15-goal win in the preliminary final against Laharum.

Heidi Robinson and Kate McDonnell will be set for another strong game for the underdogs, while Ruby Williams and Mia Ladlow have had good seasons for the Tigers and will be looking to finish the season off with one more win.

15-and-under: Kalkee v Pimpinio, 9.30am

In a rematch of the 2022 15-and-

under grand final, Kalkee and Pimpinio will go head-to-head on Saturday.

Kalkee defeated the Tigers in the second semi-final by seven goals and during the season only won by four goals in round nine.

Pimpinio fought hard for a premiership chance and won the preliminary final by three goals after solid performances from Adele Joseph and Stella Williams.

Emma Streeter and Abbey Williams were standouts for the Kees in the semi-final and after a week off will be refreshed and ready for a good game.

17-and-under: Pimpinio v Kalkee, 10.30am

Pimpinio heads into the 17-andunder grand final undefeated in season 2023 and will be ready to aim for a perfect season.

After losing to the Tigers in the second semi-final, Kalkee showed its strength with a 19-goal win against Taylors Lake in a preliminary final.

Amalie Brown and Tahnee Brown played well for the Tigers during their finals appearance and will be preparing for another strong performance.

Molly Abbott and Jarrah Martin were crucial in the Kees’ prelimi-

nary final win and will be looking to take winning momentum into Saturday’s game.

C Reserve: Noradjuha-Quantong v Edenhope-Apsley, 11.45am

Noradjuha-Quantong went strongly into the second semi-final against an undefeated Kalkee and was able to secure the first grand final position, and with a week off, has prepared to face dark horse Edenhope-Apsley.

The teams met on two occasions, in round six when the Bombers won by 12 goals and in round 15 when the Bombers won by 23 goals.

The finals series has proved so far that anything is possible at this time of year.

Abby Hepburn and Emma Bannister have been instrumental during finals for the Saints, while Melissa Hoffmann and Carly Shields played well for Noradjuha-Quantong in the semi-final.

C Grade: Noradjuha-Quantong v Pimpinio, 1pm Pimpinio fought through every final to gain a grand final berth and will come up against favourites Noradjuha-Quantong on Saturday.

The Bombers defeated the Tigers in round five by two goals and in round 16 by 19 goals.

Our

Football

Under-14s

Football: Harrow-Balmoral by 61 points

Best-on-ground: Nick Pekin, Harrow-Balmoral

Netball: Edenhope-Apsley by four goals

Best-on-court: Emily Burgess, Edenhope-Apsley

Football: Harrow-Balmoral by 53 points

Best-on-ground: Jai Thompson, Harrow-Balmoral

Netball: Edenhope-Apsley by five goals

Best-on-court: Sacha McDonald, Edenhope-Apsley

Football: Harrow-Balmoral by 40 points

Best-on-ground: Will Plush, Harrow-Balmoral

Netball: Edenhope-Apsley by 20 goals

Best-on-court: Emily Burgess, Edenhope-Apsley

Noradjuha-Quantong also played a strong second semi-final for a comfortable run into the premiership match.

Katrina Kerr and Sharon Fedke will be looked to for another strong game for the undefeated Bombers. Maree Thompson and Cassie Hateley have played well all season and will fight hard for one more win to cap off the year.

B Grade: Natimuk United v Kalkee, 2.15pm Kalkee will have to work hard against premiership favourites Natimuk United, which finished the season undefeated.

It was only a two-point margin that progressed the Rams to the big dance, and Kalkee will be motivated by the close game.

Kalkee defeated Kaniva-Leeor United by 10 goals in the preliminary final to continue its season with standout performances from Melissa Beddison and Amy Templeton.

Natimuk United’s Tahlia Dufty and Courtney Cameron played well in the second semi-final and will be refreshed for another good game. The match is set to be a close contest.

tips

Football: Harrow-Balmoral by five points

Best-on-ground: Nick Pekin, Harrow-Balmoral

Netball: Edenhope-Apsley by five goals

Best-on-court: Emily Burgess, Edenhope-Apsley

Kaniva-Leeor United v Noradjuha-Quantong, 8.30am Kaniva-Leeor United and NoradjuhaQuantong are gearing up for a close rematch of their four-point margin second semi-final. The Cougars narrowly secured their grand final berth first after impressive performances from Lachlan Coad and Ajay Bradburn. Noradjuha-Quantong overpowered Rupanyup in the preliminary final, with Micah Erhardt and Albie Trigg as standout players.

Under-17s

Pimpinio v Natimuk United, 10am Pimpinio powered through the finals series with an impressive semi-final win against Kalkee. On the other hand, Natimuk United has fought its way through every weekend of finals to be at the big dance. The Rams will be expecting big things from Archie Sudholz and Ashton Diwell, while Fredrick Frew and Tyler Filcock have had a solid year for the Tigers.

Reserves

Harrow-Balmoral v Noradjuha-Quantong, noon With only a matter of percentage separating the two teams at the end of the homeand-away fixture, their semi-final was not a high-scoring game. The Southern Roos were too strong and bounced straight into the grand final with good showings from Lachlan Stevenson and Sam Calder. Jason Rowe and Liam Dunn will be called on again to perform for Noradjuha-Quantong.

Football: Harrow-Balmoral by 49 points

Best-on-ground: Nick Pekin, Harrow-Balmoral

Netball: Edenhope-Apsley by four goals

Best-on-court: Lavinia Fox, Edenhope-Apsley

Football: Harrow-Balmoral by 17 points

Best-on-ground: Nick Pekin, Harrow-Balmoral

Netball: Laharum by one goal

Best-on-court: Caitlin Story, Laharum

Grant kuchel

daryl eastwell

Brian ‘Cobba’ Cassidy

Rosemary Langley

Hugh Dougherty

Sean O’Connell

hDFnl granD Finals

Player profile

Strong season across grades

Horsham District league leaders say this season is evidence of how strong netball competition is across all grades.

Horsham District Football Netball League board member Sharon Fedke said it was great to see a variety of clubs participating in finals.

“To have representation from all clubs shows how strong the league is, from our juniors through to our seniors,” she said.

“Some people who play sport go their whole lives without playing finals, so it’s a chance to have fun and remember the achievement.”

Lavinia Fox

Lavinia Fox returned to play for Edenhope-Apsley this year and is one step away from achieving A Grade premiership success at a club where she played junior netball.

Fox is an experienced netballer, with time in state teams on her resume, and brought her knowledge and skills back for season 2023.

Fox said she was excited for what was expected to be a close game against Laharum at Quantong on Saturday.

She has played a majority of the season in goal attack, with some time in goal shooter and a little time in the midcourt.

“The season has gone well. We are a slightly different team from last year but we have gelled and get along well,” Fox said.

“To go through the season undefeated is an achievement in itself and I hope we can continue it with one more win in the last game of the season.”

Fox said the premiership game would be a strong contest after the result of the second semi-final.

“The feeling of finals was there and this weekend is it – it’s going to be a great rematch,” she said.

Fox said this season she has enjoyed being coached by Sarah Domaschenz.

“Sarah is a welcoming coach and with a lot of travellers who are coming back home to play, she has been really accepting,” she said.

“Travelling home to play netball and feeling that sense of community has been a great part of the season.

“I’ve been able to reconnect with people at Edenhope and the football-netball club.”

Fox said she enjoys the connection people make through netball.

“I am also a competitive person, so being part of a team and working towards the common goal of a premiership is one of the best parts of netball,” she said.

“This season I got both with success and great company.”

A mostly close finals series across all netball grades was a testament to the Horsham District 2023 season.

Leaders in the 13-and-under competition were strong this year and a majority of finals were played with convincing wins.

It was a matter of three goals in a semi-final and preliminary final that secured the top spots in the 15-and-under competition after a competitive season.

In the 17-and-under competition, early finals were close games, however, leaders quickly emerged as teams were eliminated.

FIERCE:

Laharum’s Melanie Russell will take the court against Edenhope-Apsley in the grand final on Saturday.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

There were mixed results across C Reserve and an upset that saw Kalkee, the undefeated team, not secure a grand final berth.

Across the finals series the C Grade competition has been defined by close games and third place through to sixth place was close at the end of the home-and-away season.

In B Grade, the semi-finals were decided by two-goal margins after

the top six were awarded by percentage after the final round.

In A Grade competition, a matter of less than two games separated Kalkee in third from Rupanyup in sixth after the final round.

Mrs Fedke said the fact the A Grade top six came down to the final round was exciting and proof of a good season.

“Although we have had standout teams in recent years, teams across

the league are getting stronger,” she said.

“After the top two this year, there was a log jam of teams who play at a similar standard, which is really good.

“Even the teams that might have struggled to get many wins on the board this year, or just missed out on finals, are finding their way.

“We also have clubs with juniors playing a good standard of netball, which will help them going forward.”

This year, for the first time since 2008, the Horsham District league grand final will not be hosted at Horsham City Oval.

Mrs Fedke said it would be different this year at a new location as everyone was used to playing at city oval.

“We’re looking forward to seeing the crowds and having the great atmosphere that we pride ourselves on come finals, and particularly come grand final day,” she said.

“There’s also great excitement all through the day, from juniors to seniors and across netball and football.”

Team of quick thinkers Building on physicality

The Weekly Advertiser asked Horsham District Football Netball League board member Sharon Fedke to step into the shoes of EdenhopeApsley’s A Grade coach to give a perspective on the upcoming grand final game.

Strength in ball movement: Having watched Edenhope-Apsley’s performance in the second semifinal, the team’s ball movement was something that stood out.

The Saints have the ability to read the ball well and move it quickly up and down the court.

They are also patient enough to know when to move quickly and when to work the ball around.

That understanding makes them a very strong squad.

Back-to-back pressure: There’s always pressure in a grand final and to be aiming for a back-to-back premiership.

Knowing that they’re coming up against a strong team such as La-

harum will build the pressure, too. However, the Saints have players who have experience at high levels of netball and despite the nerves that everyone playing a grand final gets, their strength will shine through.

I also think experience in front of big crowds will help them.

Starting positions: The game will come down to how the Saints start.

In the second semi-final, they worked out that it was best to have Sacha McDonald and Lavinia Fox working together in the goal ring, and that change made a huge difference. That would be the way I would start the team, otherwise, there could be a risk they play catchup like they did in the previous final.

Edenhope-Apsley will need a good start because Laharum is not a team that will back down – they will bring their all on grand final day and the Saints need to be ready to withstand that.

The Weekly Advertiser asked 3WM’s The Shirtfront’s Hugh Dougherty to step into the shoes of Laharum’s A Grade coach to give a perspective on the upcoming grand final game.

Strong presence: Laharum’s strength comes through in their physicality and having strong players across the court. Caitlin Story and Rebecca McIntyre are anchors at each end of the court, while the Iredells, Maddie and Ema, are a strong presence in goal attack and goal defence, respectively. They will all need to use their strength across the court to keep Edenhope-Apsley players on their toes.

Motivation: After coming so close last year but finishing with the short end against the Saints in a grand final, Laharum will be able to use that as motivation going into Saturday. A majority of

players were in last year’s team, so they will find some drive from that. They will also be able to use recent games as motivation and after their semi-final win know they can come close. They only have to get it right on the day. Scoring opportunities: Laharum midcourters will need to ensure they give their shooters every opportunity to score. They will want to keep the scoreboard ticking over and not put too much pressure on their defence. It will be tough for Laharum’s defence if they have to defend four or five Edenhope-Apsley possessions in a row. The Saints will be quick with the ball, so Laharum will need to look after it every time they have possession. If they get it to their shooters, between Story and Maddie Iredell, their accuracy will mean they will score off most of their opportunities.

Racing

granD Finals

2022 grand final rematch

It’s a grand final rematch. Edenhope-Apsley and Laharum are preparing for one final push to secure a Horsham District league A Grade netball premiership cup, in a repeat of the 2022 grand final line-up.

Edenhope-Apsley continued its momentum from last year’s premiership win and did not lose a game this season.

Laharum’s only losses for the year were against the Saints – in round four by nine goals and in the second semi-final by two goals.

Edenhope-Apsley coach Sarah Domaschenz said the team was excited to be aiming for a backto-back premiership.

“The players did a fantastic job in the second semi-final, and it felt good to secure a grand final spot with a week’s break,” she said.

“We have a versatile team with some players who could play anywhere on the court.

“I can’t wait to watch the girls connect on court again this Saturday – we’ve been working towards this all year.”

Domaschenz said while there would be expectations to win after the successful home-and-away season for the Saints, the team was not letting any pressure get to it.

“Everyone is quite relaxed at this point, and we have some real experienced players on the team who can perform under pressure,” she said.

“We have been here before and that’s helped us build to what we have done this year.”

Domaschenz said the players have become better netballers as the year has progressed.

“We are lucky to have experienced netballers on the team who we have been able to learn from this year and who our younger players have been able to learn from, too,” she said.

Laharum last won a premiership in 2019, with current players Rebecca McIntyre, Maddie and Ema Iredell and Rylee Hateley as members of that winning team.

Laharum co-coach Olivia Jones said the team felt privileged to have the opportunity to play another grand final.

“Some people never get the opportunity to play finals, let alone grand finals, so Laharum is lucky to have experienced multiple over the past six to seven years,” she said.

“Last year’s result is a motivation for us – we have nothing to lose, and Edenhope-Apsley has set the benchmark all year.”

Jones said Laharum’s heart and drive would leave the team with a fighting chance to win come Saturday.

“We always give 110 percent – Edenhope-Apsley is a skilled team, and so are we, but our success this year has come because we don’t give up,” she said.

Jones said while the scoreboard showed a bigger margin, the preliminary final against Rupanyup felt closer, especially in the first half.

Laharum

Coaches: Caitlin Story and Olivia Jones

Player profile

GS: Caitlin Story

GK: Shannon Freeman

GA: Maddie Iredell

GD: Emily Burgess, captain

WA: Melanie Russell

WD: Sarah Burgess, vice-captain

Caitlin Story

Int: Alarna Proffit, Nashira Lees, Sarah Domaschenz, Jessica Junor, Morgan Coventry, Jasmine McIntyre

C: Olivia Jones

C: Kristin Bowen

WD: Courtney Taylor

WA: Hayley Campbell

GD: Ema Iredell, captain

GA: Lavinia Fox

GK: Rebecca McIntyre, vice-captain

GS: Sacha McDonald

Coach: Sarah Domaschenz Assistants: Carlee Feder and Asher Grapes

“It was a warm day and that tests your fitness levels and that is something that got us over the line,” she said.

“We were also lucky to be able to give our juniors a run, which is a great experience to have during an A Grade final.”

Jones said the team was playing the grand final match for the whole club.

“We have NetSetGo players, six and seven yearold girls, who have been at our finals games with signs and cheering us on – to have them looking up to us is the best feeling,” she said.

“The premiership is on the line, but it’s a special feeling to be playing at this stage and we have loved bringing the reward of a grand final experience to our club.”

Int: Keely Elliott, Rylee Hateley

Edenhope-Apsley

“Some people never get the opportunity to play finals, let alone grand finals, so Laharum is lucky to have experienced multiple over the past six to seven years. Last year’s result is a motivation for us – we have nothing to lose, and Edenhope-Apsley has set the benchmark all year.”

– Olivia Jones

Caitlin Story is no stranger to finals netball and is excited about what Saturday could bring for her and her Laharum teammates.

“Playing in a grand final means a lot to me,” Story said.

“I have been at Laharum for nine years now and have made the finals every year.

“I have won one premiership and a minor premiership with COVID interruptions.

“The feeling of going out with your teammates on such a big occasion is what you play for and I always want the club to be successful.

“It gives me a great feeling of accomplishment as that is what every club strives for at the start of the season.”

The playing co-coach said she was looking forward to how her team would perform against Edenhope-Apsley.

“In the second semi-final we came within two goals of the Saints. We are just looking to give it everything we have got as we have nothing to lose,” she said.

“I am also looking forward to the big crowd, the excitement of the day and being in another grand final.”

Story said she has enjoyed playing with an amazing group of people this season and coaching alongside Olivia Jones.

“We are super close on and off the court and have played together for a long time now,” she said. “We have lots of laughs and heaps of fun.”

Story said she was motivated by her friends and teammates, as well as a hunger to have more success and win another grand final for the club.

“I have also enjoyed introducing our little NetSetGo mascots to the game and this has brought the club’s senior and junior programs closer together,” she said.

“The players warm up with us every home game and seeing the smiles on their faces is amazing.”

*Teams supplied by clubs

hDFnl granD Finals Player profile

‘No pushovers’ this season

TheWeekly Advertiser spoke

to The Shirtfront’s Grant Kuchel to recap the Horsham District league senior football season and get the key talking points ahead of Saturday’s grand final.

Kuchel said while Harrow-Balmoral was the standout team for much of the season, there had been strong competition from the middle of the ladder right up into the finals places.

Anthony Close

Longstanding Harrow-Balmoral ruckman

Anthony Close knows what it takes to win a premiership, having already played in six deciders for the Southern Roos and winning two.

Close said he was ‘pumped’ to be in another grand final after being eliminated last year in the preliminary final at the hands of Kalkee.

“It’s exciting to come through with a new group,” he said.

“Only five or six of us played in the 2019 grand final win.”

The ruckman said a game starts in the midfield and he would be looking to bring his skill set from the first bounce.

“It’s an important part of the game to give midfielders first-use,” he said.

Close said he also strived to provide a tall target as the Southern Roos moved from defence into attack.

“When we are trying to link up through transition, moving the ball between the arcs, I can help connect the back fifty to the midfield and forwards,” he said.

Close said he also brought guidance for some of the team’s younger players and had extensive finals experience, playing losing grand finals in 2009, 2010, 2016 and 2017, before premierships in 2018 and 2019.

“We’ve got a good group of people who have played in the AFL, VFL, SANFL and all around the place,” he said.

“We also have a lot of players who have come through the junior ranks and played in junior premierships with each other. For a lot of them, this will be their first grand final in seniors.”

Close credited the senior and reserves coaching group for creating an environment that brought significant numbers to training.

“It’s been great to be a part of it,” he said.

“We have committed for a long period of time. Pre-season starts in November, and it’s nice that we are getting rewarded. It really comes back to doing that work early.”

“Five to six teams were all extremely even, and even the bottom few were no pushover,” he said.

“The disappointment has been Kalkee, who finished well down on last year’s result.

“They lost a few players, but plenty of clubs around the league were shocked with where they ended up.”

Kuchel said the form of one of Harrow-Balmoral’s key forwards had been one of the standout features of the season.

“Simon Close has kicked 80 goals from centre-half forward,” he said.

“Nowadays, to get near 100 goals is almost unheard of.”

Kuchel said a number of early season games gave an indication

AWARDED: HDFNL 2023 best opposition player Simon Hobbs of Kalkee and senior leading goal-kicker Simon Close, HarrowBalmoral, who kicked 80 goals.

of several changes from last year’s standings.

“Kaniva-Leeor United beating Kalkee early in the year set the tone,” he said.

“The Cougars had never beaten Kalkee and that was an indication

that the Kees might not be as competitive.

“Another was Natimuk United’s draw with Rupanyup, the reigning premier, who went on to struggle to get their best team on the park.”

Kuchel said the relatively seam-

less transition of Harrow-Balmoral playing coach Jai Thompson into Horsham District league football headlined a series of impressive individual showings.

“Mitch Gleeson at Rupanyup is a big player, who is able to play as a ruckman or midfielder, and most teams find it extremely hard to match up with him,” he said.

“Todd Stephenson returned to Natimuk United and added a bit to its line-up.

“Ben McIntyre, in his second year back at Edenhope-Apsley, was also impressive.”

Kuchel said no matter the impression Harrow-Balmoral had made in the season to date, grand final day brought with it a sense of the ‘unknown’.

“Harrow-Balmoral is the hottest of favourites, but how many times have you seen a side go into a grand final undefeated and come off second best?” he said.

“Jeparit-Rainbow has got nothing to lose, but Harrow-Balmoral is doing everything possible to make it work. They had training on Sunday at Quantong and have been going over vision.”

One-percenters the key Depth through ranks

The Weekly Advertiser spoke to The Shirtfront’s Daryl Eastwell about Jeparit-Rainbow’s route to the grand-final.

Pressure from the initial contest: Jeparit-Rainbow must bring tackling pressure and spread to try to suffocate Harrow-Balmoral. They are going to need to be solid around stoppages and work off of them from the first ball up. What will get it done against a powerful opposition like Harrow-Balmoral are those one-percenters, like tackling and shepherding. I’d be stressing to my ruckman we need first use of the footy – that’s where we need players streaming past. If we lose the ascendancy in the ruck hit outs, I need midfielders to smother the contest and create repeat stoppages.

Daring: From a structural point of view, I’d be asking my players to take the game on. They have to make sure to hit targets and take chances. I’d also instruct them that

I don’t want to see kicking of the footy long and down the line. They need to run and go, using short kicks and handballs to trouble the Southern Roos’ defensive set-up. We have to go in with belief in ourselves and our structures, that if we can play to our strengths, we have a chance. We also have to make the most of our opportunities in front of goal, to have the awareness and belief to be able to convert under pressure. Defensive effort: The other thing is you have to run defensively just as hard as offensively. I’d be harping on that all week. Defensively, I’d play someone of the calibre of Will Batson on Simon Close as a shut-down defender. I’d be happy for them to just run with Close and negate his influence, not worry too much about getting the football themselves. I don’t think you can tag every one of Harrow-Balmorals players. The rest, I’d just back my defenders to play their role.

The Weekly Advertiser spoke to The Shirtfront’s Brian ‘Cobba’ Cassidy on Harrow-Balmoral’s road to the grand final.

Midfield crucial: It obviously starts with the on-ballers and Harrow-Balmoral’s are as good as any in the league. Peter Staude, Jai Thompson and William Plush will all play as centremen. Nick Pekin and Ethan Appleton will also have a run through the middle at one time or another. The depth through the midfield ranks is a real strength of the Southern Roos. Whoever is in the midfield should be able to get it in quick to the forwards in Simon Close, Pekin and James Staude.

Formidable forward line: Close is certainly a barometer for Harrow-Balmoral, while Pekin and Staude should each contribute goals. Every time the ball comes into the forward line, they have

to make a contest and allow the smaller, crumbing players to get front and centre. If the ball does come in quickly, that should create one-on-one opportunities and all of the Southern Roo forwards are good enough to hold their marks.

Defensive solidity: In the backline, they have a solid performer in Michael Close, while Dalton Burns is a stalwart who always plays his role, doing what is required for his team. Once they turn the ball over, they shouldn’t be afraid to switch the play. That is how you open up teams – but it won’t work unless you move the ball quickly. The Southern Roos frequently find ruckman Anthony Close in that corridor area and get players to run past, changing the direction of play. HarrowBalmoral also has a full ground defensive press at its disposal.

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Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Teams ready to step up

Thetwo teams that stood above the rest for much of the 2023 Horsham District league senior football season meet one last time to decide who will be premier.

A professional effort from Harrow-Balmoral was enough to see off Jeparit-Rainbow in the second-semi final, however the losing team on that day felt it had much more to give, going on to defeat Noradjuha-Quantong to secure its own place in the decisive match.

The Storm’s last grand final appearance came in 1997 and Saturday will be its first since joining the Horsham District league.

Jeparit-Rainbow co-coach Scott Driscoll said this historical backdrop would be crucial as his team looked to make good on its performance from last time the two sides met.

“It’s an honour to be coaching a side that’s got to the grand final and to be representing the community,” he said.

“We spoke on Saturday after the game and put into perspective the hundreds of people who put on the jumper. You could sense what it means.

“We are a small community, we rely on travellers and external people, but we are all really proud to pull on the jumper.”

Driscoll said Saturday’s 11-point preliminary final win against Noradjuha-Quantong, who was chasing a home grand final at Quantong Recreation Reserve, was always going to be a tough game.

“We knew the job might not get done until the dying minutes,” he said.

Despite trailing until the final 10 minutes of the game, the Storm coach said his team was not deterred.

“We knew we had to stop their momentum and we were able to always keep ourselves within striking distance,” he said.

“Our big thing was belief in ourselves and in our game plan – coming off of a big loss to switch our mindset was really important.”

Driscoll said key forward Peter Weir’s preliminary final haul was reward for effort, as he bagged eight majors including multiple in the last quarter.

“I’ve been at the club three years, that’s the best game I’ve seen him play,” he said.

“Daniel Batson in the ruck with Braxton Ah Mat, gave the midfield really good opportunities.”

Driscoll said the midfield was able to step up after a difficult showing last time out against the Southern Roos and would be required again on Saturday, along with the rest of the group.

“The midfield stepped up and took ownership of last time – they wanted to right the wrongs and winning the contested footy was one of the key parts,” he said.

“For all of us, this week is all about belief within ourselves.

Jeparit-Rainbow

FP: Thomas Clarke

BP: Stuart MacFarlane

HF: Trent Burgoyne

HB: Matt Jones

C: Matthew Synoradzki

C: Callum Hobbs

Coach: Jai Thompson

HB: Thomas Schumann

HF: Mitchell Grant

Foll: Anthony Close, Will Plush, Jai Thompson

Player profile

Coaches: Scott Driscoll and Mathew Everett

Foll: Daniel Batson, Will Hutchison, Nicholas Yarran

FP: Antonio James

BP: Dalton Burns

FF: Braxton Ah Mat

FB: Brait Headon

CHF: Peter Weir

CHB: Michael Close

HF: Ash Clugston

Inter: Jakob Cocks, Dean Perkins, Justin Cozens, Matt Thomas, Brad Stokes, Lewis Cocks, Ben Smith, Jake Parry

HB: Josh Dawson

Ashley Clugston

Veteran mobile forward Ashley Clugston will be looking to bring his craft and leadership as Jeparit-Rainbow prepares for its first grand final since entering Horsham District league.

C: Scott Driscoll

C: Peter Staude

CHB: Simon Clugston

CHF: Simon Close

FB: Will Batson

FF: James Staude

BP: Lucas Edelsten

FP: Nick Pekin

Inter: Noah Hildebrand, Scott Heath, Tyson Berg, Will Burbury, Charlie Stewart

“We know the quality side they are, but we have to create our own opportunities.

“We’re happy to take that underdog title. At the start of the season, we just set out to play finals and play an exciting style of footy.”

Harrow-Balmoral coach Jai Thompson said his team was able to put in a strong showing last time against Jeparit-Rainbow and was able to ‘shut down’ the Storm’s attacking play.

“It’s a bit of a theme for us to suffocate the opposition and force them to turn it over,” he said.

Thompson said the Southern Roos’ backline all had standout games in the qualifying final win, including Michael Close and Brait Headon who both returned after long injury lay-offs.

“Our ball movement was really good. Our smaller blokes were able to get involved, lower the eyes and were able to hit up the deeper guys,”

C: Xavier Oakley

C: Tom Conheady

HB: Jordan Leach

HF: Greg Hamilton

BP: Thomas Long

FP: Ethan Appleton

Harrow-Balmoral

he said. Thompson said his team trained at Quantong Recreation Reserve in anticipation of the grand final, using the opportunity to become more familiar with the ground.

He said his team’s mentality would be crucial going into the grand final, as it looked to complete an undefeated season and shrug off the lack of competitive football it had played throughout the past month – having progressed to the decider after only one match.

“We want to stick with what we have done all year and make defence the forefront of what we are doing,” he said.

“It’s very mental – if you can get it into to your head that it doesn’t matter how many games you have played, that goes a long way. “Footy is 80 percent above the shoulders.”

“It’s a very big deal for the club. It’s been so long and it means a lot,” he said.

“My role within the team is to keep as much pressure on the ball as possible, to keep it in the forward fifty and execute my shots on goal.”

As part of the Storm’s leadership group, Clugston said his job was as much to give direction to some of the team’s younger players.

“I’ve been appointed captain this year, which has allowed me to pass on my knowledge, not only to some of the other forwards but to the team in general,” he said.

“We have a few young kids coming through, so I try to pass on some of the things I have learned.”

Clugston said he also had previous grand final experience to draw on, which would come at a premium in the Jeparit-Rainbow squad.

“At Dimboola, I was part of the premiership side in 2013 and a couple of other losing grand finals,” he said.

“Most players get fairly nervous and the game itself goes up tenfold, so adapting to finals football is important.”

Clugston said the defining feature of his team’s 2023 campaign was the investment each of the players had in the group.

“The recruits we have brought in have had family members who have played for Jeparit-Rainbow,” he said.

“The core group of locals, they are still fairly young and growing as players.

“There are also a handful of older guys who know they might not have too many seasons left in the tank.

“We are all on the same page – it means something to all of us.”

*Teams supplied by clubs

Hockey teams ready to break records

BY SIMON KING

Three Wimmera Hockey

Association grand final matches will be contested at Yanac on Saturday, and if lead-up games are any indication, there will be some top hockey on display.

Open, Yanac Tigers v Warrack Hoops at 1pm

With Kaniva and Yanac meeting in both the women’s and under-16 grand finals, the Warrack Hoops denied the association a triple western derby when they defeated Kaniva Cobras last weekend to earn another crack at the Tigers in a grand final.

These two teams have met in 15 of the 33 grand finals since the competition began in the mid-1980s, and although the Tigers have won majority of these encounters – to be fair, they also have enviable records against every other club in the competition in grand finals as well – these two always play an exciting brand of hockey when they meet, regardless of the time of the season.

2023 head-to-head record: Round two, Hoops 0 drew with Tigers 0; round six, Tigers 1 d Hoops 0; round 13, Tigers 1 d Hoops 0; semi-final, Tigers 3 d Hoops 0.

Considering the results of their four meetings this season, the Tigers earned the right to go into the game as favourites, but the Hoops played a polished game in the preliminary final

last weekend, so they are as prepared as they can be to confront the challenge of winning their first premiership since 2014.

On the other hand, the Tigers have the incentive of claiming their 20th premiership and moving to the outright top of the all-time Wimmera hockey winners’ list, overtaking the dominant Warracknabeal women’s team of the 1980s to mid-2000s.

Whichever way this game goes, these teams will put on a great display of hockey and will entertain spectators right to the last whistle.

Women, Kaniva v Yanac at 3pm 2023 head-to-head record: Round three, Kaniva 1 d Yanac 0; round 10, Kaniva 0 drew with Yanac 0; round 14, Kaniva 2 d Yanac 0; semi-final, Kaniva 0 (3) d Yanac 0 (2).

After suffering many seasons towards the bottom of the ladder of the women’s competition, Kaniva has shown impressive improvement in the past few years, culminating in winning its first premiership last season.

This year, the team built upon that performance and goes into the premiership decider undefeated, which puts it in an excellent position to make it back-to-back titles.

The nucleus of the Yanac side has previously enjoyed premiership success, having played in six grand finals for four premierships in the past decade, and will be keen to build on this legacy.

Education Support Traineeship & Business Traineeship

Hopetoun

Closing date: September 12, 2023

3 positions available at a local school.

Requirements:

• Strong communication skills

• Patient and compassionate

• Able to accept direction and supervision

• Able to work with computers and its technology

• Willing to obtain a Police Check and/or WWCC prior to commencement

For more information contact Kate Clark on 0428 971 821.

Road Worker

Donald Closing date: ASAP

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Medium Rigid Truck Licence

• Traffic Management Certificate or willingness to attain

• Plant operator’s competency

• Current First Aid Certificate

• White Card

• Experience in a similar role advantageous

For more information contact Nathan Keel on 1300 135 008.

With both teams having significant motivation for success, this game will provide an entertaining conclusion to the season between two very evenly matched opponents.

Under-16, Yanac Warriors v Kaniva Raiders at 11am 2023 head-to-head record: Round three, Raiders 3 d Warriors 0; round 10, Warriors 3 d Raiders 1; round 14,

Business Law Clerk Traineeship

Horsham

Closing date: September 12, 2023

Requirements:

Warriors 3 d Raiders 0; semi-final, Warriors 2 d Raiders 1. Horsham Bombers and Kaniva Raiders led the under-16 competition for much of the season, but Yanac Warriors were never far behind.

In the closing rounds, Warriors made their move, and by the end of round 15, they had claimed the top spot on the ladder and were the first to book

a place in the grand final with a semifinal win.

The match that earned the young Raiders the other place in the season decider was a close preliminary final with the Bombers that almost went to a shootout and could have gone either way. With many of the Raiders squad still eligible to play in the under-12 development program, it will be a big task for them to overcome the older Warriors team in such a high-pressure game. With nothing to lose, they are sure to push the Warriors, and it only takes one extraordinary performance to spark a whole team to greater heights.

The grand finals will be followed in the evening with the annual Wimmera Hockey Association award presentation dinner, where leading players and officials will be recognised.

Preliminary final results –Open: Warrack Hoops 4 (Goals, S. Schultz, J. Harris, O. Bennett, D. McFarlane; best, J. Harris, J. Paley, C. Baldock) d Kaniva Cobras 0 (C. Beattie, A. Wallis, L. Mills).

Women: Yanac 3 (C. Zanker, A. Farmers, M. Mackley; M. Mackley, C. Alexander, E. Alexander) d Warracknabeal 0 (L. Eilola, B. McMaster, C. Hadzig).

Under-16: Kaniva Raiders 3 (C. White 2, L. Krelle; C. Dodson, C. White, L. Krelle) d Horsham Bombers 2 (T. Batchelor 2; T. Batchelor, H. Knoop, S. Schwarz).

Seasonal Field Worker Intake

Horsham

Closing date: ASAP

Duties:

• Great customer service and phone communication

• General knowledge of administration procedures

• Excellent communication skills

• Adequate keyboard skills to enable efficient data entry

• Current driver’s licence and reliable transport (desirable)

• Willing to obtain a Police Check and/or Working with Children Check

For more information contact Daryl Eastwell on 0407 346 655.

Agricultural Farm Hand Traineeship

Horsham

Closing date: September 12, 2023

Requirements:

• Genuine interest in livestock and mixed farming

• Willingness to learn and adapt

• Be physically able to carry out the work

• Willingness to commit to work and study

• Current Manual driver’s licence and reliable transport (desirable)

For more information contact Daryl Eastwell on 0407 364 654.

• Various task working in the field

• Support planting in the glasshouse & field

• Cleaning, treating & bagging seed

• Lab work

• Sowing seeds in pots

• Other duties as required throughout the season

For more information contact Nathan Keel on 1300 135 008

Aged Care Support Traineeship

Stawell

Closing date: ASAP

Requirements:

• Caring & patient individual with passion for industry

• Positive attitude and able to adapt to varying situations

• Physically fit and enjoy being active

• Current National Police Check Clearance

• This role requirements staff to be fully vaccinated against Influenza & Covid-19

For a confidential discussion, please contact Daryl Eastwell on 0407 364 654.

HOT PURSUIT: Yanac’s Natalie Harding runs with the ball with Warracknabeal’s Leah Eilola in pursuit.

Picture: SIMON KING

Volleyballers set for tournament

BY DAVID BERRY

Excitement is building for a number of junior Volleyball Horsham members as they prepare to participate in the annual Bendigo Junior Dragon City Tournament on Sunday.

Junior teams from across Victoria will descend on Bendigo, in what is shaping up as a huge month of volleyball for the central Victorian capital, with Super League finals next weekend, National Junior Championships the week after and National Club Championships after that, in a full stamp of approval for the outstanding facilities Bendigo Stadium has to offer.

Volleyball Horsham will send eight teams on Sunday, with 60 members participating including 30 playing in their first ever volleyball tournament.

Volleyball Horsham will be represented in open boys and girls divisions, under-17 boys and girls, under-15 boys and girls and for the first time an under-13 mixed team will participate.

Volleyball Horsham’s leading female player Kara Johnson said the tournament was a great opportunity for junior development.

“We are excited to see just how far our juniors have come,” she said.

“Bendigo is a soft start for our players as it is only a one-day tournament, so it comes at very little cost and commitment compared to a weekend event.”

Volleyball is on the lips of everyone at present after Nebraska’s NCAA division-one girls set the official world record for attendance for a women’s sporting match, when they played in front of 92,003 fans on a day of celebration for volleyball last week.

“We hope our members get to feel the same experience when they play in Bendigo. With 11

courts and 37 teams participating and plenty of family and friends to support them, it will be a great day, especially for those playing their first tournament,” Johnson said.

Volleyball Horsham has taken a different approach for this event, with members invited to participate.

“We wanted to give as many of our juniors the opportunity to play, which is why we went down this track,” Johnson said.

“It is not so much about results and winning, but participating and hopefully giving our juniors a chance to experience something they haven’t been exposed to just yet. Who knows? From this experience we just might see the next group of youngsters who will take the next step in their development and start on their pathway to even greater experiences going forward.”

Vipers book ticket to finals

Melbourne Vipers booked their ticket to finals in Bendigo next weekend after recording a 4-1 win against Queensland Pirates in round four of the Scape Australia Volleyball Super League.

Needing to win after going down to Perth Steel last week, the Vipers started slowly dropping the first set, but they hit their straps midway through the second set on the back of some great play from captain Nick Boesten and libero Darcy Cox. From then on, it was how far Vipers, as they wore down their opponents to record an emphatic victory.

To top off a great night, the women also kept their finals hopes alive, when they delivered Queensland its first defeat in the series.

Both teams will head to Sydney to take on NSW Phoenix full of confidence this weekend, before heading to Bendigo next weekend for semi-finals on Saturday and hopefully medal matches on Sunday.

SUPPORT: Wimmera Rockets Tri State Games team members Jeff Pekin, Julie Clark, Michael Clark and Sharon Creasey thank Murray Wilson from WIM Resource for the company’s sponsorship.

Win for Horsham Rockets

Horsham-based Australian mineral sands company, WIM Resource, will support all-abilities sporting team Horsham Rockets to compete at Tri State Games for the next three years.

The annual Tri State Games is a week-long sporting event for people with disabilities, providing participants the opportunity to compete against their peers in a range of sporting activities.

Horsham Rockets committee member Jeff Pekin said the Rockets were a stand-alone volunteer-led team, not directly supported by any support agency.

“Having WIM come on board as a major spon-

sor for the next three years will go a long way towards easing the cost burden for the team members to compete in the Tri State Games each year,” he said.

WIM stakeholder liaison officer Murray Wilson said the company was proud to be a major supporter and partner of the Horsham Rockets.

“We look forward to a close association with the team during the next three years and wish them every success at the upcoming Tri State Games being held later this year,” he said.

The 2023 Tri State Games will be in November at Cobram and in 2024 and 2025 will be at Portland.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER