The Weekly Advertiser – Wednesday, August 7, 2024

Council in firing line

BY LAUREN HENRY

Local Government Victoria has referred Horsham Rural City Council’s delay in adopting its annual Budget to the Chief Municipal Inspector.

Local Government Minister Melissa Horne did not grant council an exemption to adopting the Budget before the June 30 deadline.

The failure for a council to adopt its budget before June 30 is a breach of the Local Government Act 2020.

Horsham council has attributed the delay to ‘a switch to a new finance management system as part of the

Regional Councils Corporate Collaboration Project’.

The other councils involved in the project were Hindmarsh, West Wimmera and Loddon – all of which adopted their respective budgets before June 30.

In a letter sent to Horsham council chief executive Sunil Bhalla on June 26, Local Government Victoria executive director Mike Gooey said he was replying as the minister had delegated Mr Bhalla’s letter requesting an extension on June 19.

“I can advise that due to the timing of your request, it is not possible to consider a different date for the adop-

tion of the annual Budget by a council,” the letter read.

“As you know, the adopted annual budget is the legal instrument by which a council raises lawful rates and charges on properties. It authorises a council’s administration to expend the consolidated revenue of a council for the financial year.

“Without an adopted budget for 2024-25 in accordance with the requirements of the Local Government Act 2020, these may be in jeopardy.

“I would urge your council to seek urgent legal advice on this situation and the consequences for Horsham Rural City Council in failing to meet

the statutory deadline of June 30 for the adoption of the annual budget.

“As per our discussion, I am obligated to notify the Chief Municipal Inspector of this matter.”

The Chief Municipal Inspector did not respond to The Weekly Advertiser before yesterday’s print deadline.

When councillors debated whether to adopt the Budget at a July 22 meeting, Cr Claudia Haenel questioned Mr Bhalla about the validity of adopting the Budget and whether there would be ramifications for councillors in doing so.

The lengthy debate about the Budget raised the ire of three councillors, and

the meeting was paused while councillors left the chambers to discuss privately whether the motion could be amended, as per the request of Cr Ian Ross.

On return to the council chamber, the decision to not allow the amendment to proceed because it would change the make-up of the Budget and the rates system resulted in a disgruntled gallery, with one person being ejected, and Mayor Robin Gulline shouting.

Letters of complaint about Cr Gulline’s behaviour have been lodged with the Local Government Minister.

Continued page 3

HIJINKS: Horsham’s Holy Trinity Lutheran College students will take to the stage in A Lighter Shade of Noir this week, including, from left, Ilze van Zyl as Miss Flannagan, Orlando Heal as Eustache, Edward Jones as Trent Trowel, and Hannah Polack as Clarice. Jones said the comedy play was a parody of old noir films and classic detectives, with ‘a bit of a spin on them’. Tickets are available from the college’s office for the Thursday and Friday shows. Story, page 7.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

HRCC NEWS

Street tree planting underway

Horsham Rural City Council is planting 500 trees as part of a plan to ensure every house has a tree on its nature strip.

Crews are planting in the Southbank area while also backfilling nature strips that are without a tree across the city.

The initiative is a key deliverable in the Greening Greater Horsham Municipal Tree Strategy adopted in 2021.

Every property that is missing a street tree has been identified using satellite imagery and species have been strategically chosen for each nature strip.

We are planting mainly natives, with some deciduous varieties in certain spots. Where there are power lines we are using smaller trees and larger trees wherever there is an opportunity. Other factors such as neighbourhood character and traffic are also considered.

The goal is to have a street tree outside every house (where possible). Next year we will focus our attention in other parts of the city.

New street trees are established by HRCC’s tree management team with two years of watering and ongoing formative pruning.

The best time for trees to be planted is during the cooler months when they are not exposed to heat stress and can establish quickly.

If the street where you live is not part of this year's street tree program, you can request a new tree for your nature strip by submitting an online request.

LAST CHANCE FOR VOTERS TO ENROL

Eligible residents and ratepayers are being urged to make sure they are enrolled to vote for the upcoming Horsham Rural City Council elections before it’s too late.

Enrolment closes at 4pm Wednesday 7 August.

Australian citizens who have recently turned 18 or changed address can enrol or update their state enrolment details at vec. vic.gov.au/enrolment.

There are also additional enrolment categories for ratepayers, including non-Australian citizens who are not already on the state roll for that council.

People in these categories should contact HRCC for information.

Further information on enrolment is available by calling 131 832 or at vec.vic.gov.au, where voters can also sign up to the free VoterAlert service to receive important election reminders by SMS and email.

Next Council Meeting: August 26, 2024 - 5.30pm Horsham Rural City Council: 18 Roberts Avenue Horsham |

TENDERS AND RFQ

Info sessions for potential councillors

MAV Stand for Council

The Municipal Association of Victoria sessions aim to provide information about the role and purpose of local government and the responsibilities and expectations of a Councillor.

The nearest MAV information sessions are:

• Session 1: Thursday, 8 August in Ballarat

• Session 2: Wednesday, 14 August in Nhill

HRCC is arranging free group travel between Horsham and Nhill for the event on the evening of August 14.

To register for the session or express an interest in taking advantage of free group travel, scan the QR code.

VEC Horsham Candidate Information Session

• Session details the election rules and process of nominatig as a candidate

• Wednesday 4 September, 10.30am and 6pm at the Civic Centre

Mandatory Candidate Training, Local Government Victoria

Candidates must undertake mandatory online training delivered separately by Local Government Victoria.

The training is available now, via the Local Government Victoria website: localgovernment.vic.gov.au.

VicGrid seeking feedback

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

AState Government agency tasked with mapping the future of Victoria’s renewable energy generation and transmission has committed to consulting further with Wimmera-Mallee landowners as it seeks to establish renewable energy zones in the region.

VicGrid last month announced guidelines for the development of a 2025 Victorian Transmission Plan, which will shepherd the state away from coal power and towards its commitment of 95 per cent renewable energy by 2035.

Federal Member for Mallee Anne Webster and state Member for Lowan Emma Kealy both expressed concerns that the plan would target prime agricultural land in the Mallee and Wimmera, but VicGrid chief executive Alistair Parker said preserving

Man arrested at Hopetoun

Police arrested a man near Hopetoun on Monday night following a series of alleged carjackings and vehicle thefts.

It is alleged a man produced a weapon and damaged the window of a building on Splatt Street at Swan Hill at about 2.40pm.

Police were called to reports the man then forced entry to premises on High Street a short time later. It is understood nothing was taken.

Officers responded to an alleged carjacking on Purtons Lane, where the man allegedly threatened a driver with a weapon and then stole a black Toyota.

The Toyota then crashed in Lake Boga, where the male driver fled the vehicle, and allegedly threatened another driver with a weapon, before stealing a blue Toyota Camry and fleeing the scene.

The Toyota Camry was later located in Mystic Park.

The man then allegedly forced entry into a house on Mystic Park Road East, where he stole a Toyota Prado.

Following a pursuit through rural areas near Hopetoun, the Toyota Prado came to a stop, where the driver dumped the vehicle and fled on foot.

He allegedly stole a gold-coloured Toyota in Manderville Street, Hopetoun, which crashed a short time later.

The Swan Hill man, 21, was arrested on Burroin Road at about 11pm.

He is currently assisting police with their enquiries.

farmland was one of the agency’s top priorities.

“We used 60 data sets to determine study areas, and that included information about the agricultural value of land, how strong the wind is, how strong the sun is and other environmental factors,” he said.

“We wanted to publish these maps to get a lot of local communities to have their say and to hear from people.

“We want people to tell us ‘you might have used this data set, but here’s a bit of local knowledge that you didn’t know and you’re wrong about this’.”

Mr Parker said only a small fraction of land in the outlined study areas would be used for renewable energy zones.

“I know people can see the map and think there’s going to be renewable energy infrastructure across everything on the map, but that’s absolutely not the case,” he said.

“As we go to the next stage, we’ll rule out a lot of areas that looked like they were suitable when we did our initial analysis, but when we talked to local people it didn’t work out as well as we’d hoped.

“We are also looking at how this infrastructure co-exists with farming.

“I’ve seen examples where a solar plant has sheep grazing underneath it and it actually provides a bit of shade for the sheep, and the dew that comes off it means you get better grass in certain areas.

“We have to get food security right, we have to get water security right and we have to get energy security right.”

VicGrid hosted community drop-in sessions in Warracknabeal, Birchip and Horsham between July 29 and August 2 to speak with local landowners, but while more than 50 people attended the sessions, Mr Parker acknowledged people needed more opportunities for consultation.

“We got a bit of feedback that we hadn’t advertised it far enough in advance, so we’ve said we’ll come back to those areas to make sure we’ve heard from everybody,” he said.

“If there’s a group of a dozen people who would like to hear from us, they’re welcome to email us or call us and we’re happy to arrange events with people if they’ve got several who are interested.

“We’re desperate to hear from people – we’re really keen to get them along and hear their information.”

People can view guidelines for the forthcoming Victorian Transmission Plan, including study areas, at engage. vic.gov.au/victransmissionplan.

Mr Parker encouraged people to contact VicGrid by calling 1800 418 341 or emailing vicgrid@deeca.vic. gov.au to provide feedback or discuss the plan.

Growing machines expand site

This year’s annual Mallee Machinery Field Days at Speed showcased agricultural and lifestyle products and services to about 6000 people across the two-day event last week.

Event secretary Matt Brady said organisers were pleased with the crowd and the exhibitors, including the headlining autonomous tractor.

“The tractor was one of the most

popular demonstrations,” Mr Brady said.

“We have found that sites are getting a lot bigger and exhibitors are booking multiple sites to show machinery.

“Construction has snuck into agriculture and looks to be there to stay – there was plenty of interest in bulldozers and earthmoving, landholders

are doing things such as cleaning up dams and channels, and making on-property allowances for bigger farming machinery.”

Mr Brady said organisers were already looking ahead to next year’s event.

“Next year we are looking at having exhibits of chainsaws and caravans,” he said.

Under fire

From page 1

Mr Bhalla said on Friday that ‘council has not received correspondence from Minister Horne’ on either the Budget delay or Cr Gulline’s behaviour.

A media release from Crs Haenel, Ross and David Bowe last week expressed their ‘extreme disappointment’ about the Budget delay, and appropriate community consultation period.

The three councillors, who voted against the adoption of the Budget, pointed the fingers at the council chief executive and mayor.

“We believe the appropriate governance position should have been that council resolve to move a resolution, as soon as they were aware of the potential delay, to request an extension from the Minister,” the media release read.

“The failure to do so has placed our internal staff under immense pressure and has caused significant reputational damage to council. We believe this has been a failure by our leaders.”

The councillors said if council had been briefed appropriately, it could have applied for an extension earlier.

“The relevant documentation regarding the request for extension, as requested prior to the budget meeting on July 22, was only provided to all councillors on July 29, one week after the budget meeting,” it read.

“We believe we were not fully briefed with the relevant deadline extension information, as requested prior to the meeting, where the responsibility of setting the agenda lies directly with the CEO and the mayor.”

Mr Bhalla said councillors were briefed in detail ‘on the progress and issues with the Budget including the decision to delay the presentation and adoption of the final budget’.

But council documents show Cr Haenel only attended one of the past 10 council briefing meetings since April, while Cr Ross missed two in early June and Cr Bowe attended all.

“It was a difficult decision to delay the adoption of the budget ... part of this decision was also about ensuring our councillors had sufficient time to fully consider the budget prior to finally adopting it,” Mr Bhalla said.

In her column in council’s newsletter last week, Cr Gulline said it had been a ‘challenging week’ in regards to the Local Government Inspectorate asked to investigate the Budget process.

“With the importance of truth in mind, I look forward to the outcome. While there are some inflammatory claims being made in the media, I want to reassure you that we have a valid operating budget that is fiscally responsible and provides the facilities and services that our community needs,” she said.

SNAPSHOT: Tyrrell College students Sienna Allan, Archie Alday, Abby Smith and Taylah Bailey explore the Mallee Machinery Field Days site at Speed. More pictures, page 21.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Your feedback will help us plan Victoria’s future renewable energy infrastructure.

Visit us at a session near you:

Horsham

Horsham Golf Club

304 Golf Course Rd, Haven

Thursday 1 August, 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Friday 2 August, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm

Stawell

Stawell Town Hall

59-69 Main St, Stawell

Thursday 8 August, 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Friday 9 August, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm

Ballan

Ballan Neighbourhood House

143 Inglis St, Ballan

Monday 12 August, 4:00 pm – 7:00 pm

Tuesday 13 August, 10:30 am – 12:30 pm

Look and Play

At sessions, we’ll be talking through:

• how we will develop the 2025 Victorian Transmission Plan

• the study area, which will show parts of Victoria that we’ll investigate further, as we work with communities to find the best places to host future wind and solar generation.

• how community feedback will help refine the study area to proposed renewable energy zones.

Trauma unit drives message

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

Secondary school students gathered at Horsham for The Alfred’s ‘PARTY’ last week, in a bid to Prevent Alcohol and Riskrelated Trauma in Youth.

Horsham’s St Brigid’s College teacher Tamika Burdett organised the event, attended by 450 year nine, 10 and 11 students from St Brigid’s, Holy Trinity Lutheran, Nhill and Warracknabeal secondary colleges.

“I went to it a couple of years ago when they were here and knew it was something that should come back, so I organised it with our welfare staff member Bridie Hutchinson,” she said.

PARTY is an initiative of the National Trauma Research Institute and has been running at The Alfred since 2009.

The dynamic and interactive injury awareness and prevention program was established in 1986 by an emergency nurse in Canada and now PARTY operates worldwide, using true stories and experiences to show the impact of injury.

Program presenters come from a broad range of clinical qualifications and specialties including pre-hospital services, medical, nursing, allied health, researchers and guest speakers.

They contribute to the program as a way of reducing the mortality and morbidity associated with trauma in youth, while paramedics present information about how to recognise and respond to health emergencies and look after their friends if they cannot look after themselves.

“We had Victoria Police’s highway patrol, paramedics and Casey Kosch from Horsham, with a team from The Alfred – trauma nurses Sue and Paul, trauma physiotherapist Ben, and burns nurse Emma,” Ms Burdett said.

“It was a great opportunity to get highly qualified people to talk to students to show them what can happen if you make the wrong choices.

“Road accident survivor Jacob Fry also spoke – he was filmed at The Alfred for an emergency medical television show, and that clip was shown to the students.

“They were asked how they thought

he was now, and they didn’t think he would be doing too well.

“Then he walked out on stage. It was so powerful.”

Ms Burdett said Mr Fry gave strong messages about making the right choice.

“He said split-second decisions can be life-changing,” Ms Burdett said.

“He spoke about the decisions that

can impact not only you, but the people around you – the students were captivated.

“Really, the take-home message was to think before you act.”

Westwind Energy sponsored the event, along with Horsham Rural City Council and Horsham Town Hall.

“We have had some great feedback from parents, and that’s what we want.

If it creates conversations at home, we’re on a win,” Ms Burdett said. She said PARTY would return to Horsham in two years to again deliver to secondary students.

For more information about PARTY and resources from emergency services, people can visit www.party alfred.org.

Tourism group to develop ‘visitor inspiration

A State Government grant will allow Grampians Wimmera Mallee Tourism to create an app to provide visitors with maps and up-to-date information on the region.

The tourism body will partner with local governments to create a Grampians and Wimmera Mallee Visitor Inspiration Passport, VIP, which will provide information about what to do, where to go, and what is open in the region.

The project will include online maps and curated itineraries that encourage people to visit all municipalities across the region.

A QR code web-based visitor inspi-

ration tool, linked to the new app, will also be developed to promote local content.

The VIP app will also support the Wimmera Mallee’s Silo Art Trail to attract visitors from new markets to the region.

To be the first of its kind, the project will also include the creation of three totally off-grid multi-functional digital kiosks positioned across the Grampians region to support the $34m Grampians Peaks Trail investment and help to disperse visitors across all parts of the Grampians and Wimmera Mallee regions.

The kiosks will provide wi-fi hot-

spots for visitors to download the VIP app for up-to-date visitor servicing information, post on social media, and make wi-fi phone calls.

Grampians Wimmera Mallee Tourism chief executive Marc Sleeman said these sustainable digital solutions were projected to help the region be more connected and encourage higher visitation to all corners of the region.

Mr Sleeman said to ensure the project captured all opportunities and feedback, consultation with stakeholders including visitor information centres, traditional owners, Parks Victoria, the community and visitors would occur over the next few months.

The hub will be open Tuesdays from 13 August 2024 10am to 5:30pm or by appointment

“We are incredibly grateful to be receiving the funding to allow us to upgrade our current visitor servicing and create a more streamlined way for visitors to access up-to-date information on the region,” he said.

“This will be heavily influential in encouraging greater visits and longer stays to more diverse areas in the region, and overall increase visitor spending.

“We believe these updates will help our local communities thrive, and we look forward to working with our local councils, businesses and communities across the Grampians and Wimmera Mallee to implement these

exciting upgrades.” The projects came to fruition after application to the government’s $3 million Visitor Servicing Fund, where it was successful as a recipient of both A and B grant streams. It was one of four regions in Victoria to receive funding for the stream B grant – $480,000.

Grampians Wimmera Mallee Tourism will receive $50,000 from stream A to collaborate with local governments in the Grampians region to update the 2018 Visitor Servicing Review of the region with new visitor and stakeholder research to improve the design and offerings of visitor information centres.

RESPONSE: From left, Horsham Holy Trinity Lutheran College student Cadel Hawken, TAFE teacher Jason Hay, St Brigid’s College Horsham students Matilda Horvat and Enid Knight, The Alfred trauma physiotherapist Ben Tilley, HTLC student Lyla Sachse, The Alfred burns unit nurse Emma Layley and emergency department trauma nurse Paul Liston at the ‘PARTY’ event at the Horsham Town Hall. Picture: BRONWYN HASTINGS

New workers’ village for Minyip

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

Yarriambiack

Shire Coun -

cil has approved a building permit for the construction of a 62-unit workers’ accommodation village in Minyip.

The workers’ village will be built at 21 Church Street in association with mining and processing company Astron’s Donald Mineral Sands project, which is in the final approval stages.

Councillor Tom Hamilton moved the recommendation be adopted, and said although he understood there would be some angst in the community, he could see a benefit in a long-term housing option in the town.

“I think it’s really important as council we keep pressure on Donald Mineral Sands to ensure they’re working on housing for the future, that it is not just camp-style housing,” he said.

“We want to attract permanent residents to our community, no doubt there’s going to be a need for the temporary housing to establish this mine.

“I hope Donald Mineral Sands and council continue to make housing a big priority. It’s important we get this right to encourage families to move into our area in the future.”

The site will have single-storey single occupant modular ensuite units, laundries, dry mess with alfresco area, administration office, shower

and lockers facility, undercover outdoor areas, internal road, 47 parking bays, bus pick up and drop off and parking area, delivery truck loading area, and waste storage and collection area.

The residential buildings will have a white or cream Colorbond façade and grey skillion roof, with a verandah connecting each unit to the amenities buildings and carpark via a pathway.

Cr Graeme Massey, who seconded the motion, said the workers’ village would be valuable to the town.

“It’s a great decision by the company to locate their workers in town, rather than on-site,” he said.

“I think the shire can only benefit by

having people coming into the town to access the facilities.”

Although the village can be used by 62 workers – for 18 months during the construction of the mining project, an occupancy rate of 80 per cent is expected, or about 50 workers. It is expected the occupancy rate will be 60 per cent during the 19 years of ongoing operation, or about 40 workers.

Once it has reached its end of life, it will be decommissioned.

The applicant has proposed to engage the community closer to the end of life of the facility to explore options for the decommissioning, which could include the sale of the modular

Purpose-built studio for dancers

Horsham’s Avenue Dance Studio has moved into a purpose-built studio in Firebrace Street – part of a development by Glenn and Louise Ryan that also includes eight executive short-stay apartments.

Dance school owner Mrs Ryan, best known to hundreds of Horsham dancers as Miss Louise, said the new studio space was inviting for dancers of all ages.

“The new studio has a fully sprung Tarkett dance floor and a full wall of dance mirrors,” she said.

“It’s fully air-conditioned and is light and bright with vibrant colour.

“We welcome the opportunity to collaborate with other similar groups to fully utilise the facility.”

Mrs Ryan has been teaching dance in Horsham for 42 years, originally as Miss Louise School of Dancing teaching tap and jazz, before introducing lyrical classes.

“This year is the first year we have offered hip hop to students,” Mrs Ryan said.

“In all my time of teaching, I have been a member with the Australian Academy of Dancing.

“Our tap students sit examinations each year with the academy, performing set dance routines in front of an examiner, who travels from Melbourne.”

Students also perform for the public at an annual concert, after learning dance skills and routines with Mrs Ryan or the school’s other instructors – Kim Adams, Amy Anselmi, Sophie Koschmann and Jessica Grimble.

“We will be presenting our 42nd concert at the Horsham Town Hall on Sunday,”

Mrs Ryan said.

“Our students from the ages of five years to adult will be performing routines in full costume in tap, jazz, lyrical and hip hop.

“Students and instructors have spent many hours over the past months preparing for the concert.

“Performing at the Horsham Town Hall gives our students the opportunity to dance in an amazing venue with the latest techniques in sound and lighting.”

Mrs Ryan said tickets were available on the Horsham Town Hall website or at the box office.

“We are renowned for our commitment to extending and challenging our students with the latest in dancing techniques in a fun and encouraging environment,” she said.

Avenue Dance Studio will be taking more enrolments after the concert, more information is available on the Facebook page.

– Bronwyn Hastings

units to be repurposed for housing, or repurposing the facility for private accommodation.

The currently-vacant site is a 1.21-hectare lot located on the outskirts of the Minyip township and has a shed, remnant vegetation and a dirt access road.

Neighbouring the site is a medical centre, a grain cleaning and packing facility, the Minyip Recreation Reserve, and some residential homes.

The Donald Rare Earth and Mineral Sands Mine project will commence construction 15 kilometres east of Minyip late this year.

Journey into the noir

Audiences are set for a night of comedy and hijinks when Horsham’s Holy Trinity Lutheran College students take play A Lighter Shade of Noir to the stage this week.

Director Michelle Hahn said it was the college’s first stage play.

“Normally we do musicals, and a lot of these kids are often the backstage crew as they’re not really into musicals where they have to sing and dance,” she said.

“This is an opportunity for them to be on stage and they’re really keen to be acting. A play is harder in some ways, they haven’t got the music and the dance numbers to cover and move the story on.

“It’s all about the acting and remembering the lines and the blocking and the movement, so it’s been quite a journey.”

The play, at the college’s multi-purpose centre, starts at 7pm tomorrow and Friday. Tickets are available from the college office, adults $10 and children $5.

SHOWTIME: Avenue Dance Studio owner Louise Ryan with her group one tap and jazz dancers in her new Firebrace Street studio.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Bistro Open 7 Days

Invitation to Open Board Meeting

❖ Tuesday, August 27, 2024

❖ 1pm until 2pm, with afternoon tea from 2pm ❖ Education Room – RNH Warracknabeal Campus

The open board meeting will foster interaction between the Rural Northwest Health Board of Directors, the community, team members and stakeholders; increase awareness and understanding of what is happening at Rural Northwest Health; and provide a forum for information sharing.

You will have the opportunity to gain an understanding of the rationale, context and environment for board planning and decisions.

RSVP by Tuesday, August 20, 2024 to Carolyn Conners 5396 1221 or carolyn.conners@rnh.net.au

Agenda available from August 22, 2024. This meeting will be held in compliance with the Victorian Public Sector Code of Conduct.

and District

Erin Paech: At Hopetoun and District Neighbourhood House

run the community gym and we need to keep our equipment up to date and the $1500 from Horsham Sports and Community Club will go towards a titanium USE HS40 Legpress hack squat combo machine.

The community house has recently moved into the main street of Hopetoun and we cater for VicRoads, Centrelink, Yarriambiack Library and school holiday programs. The grant was very easy to apply for and the sports and community club has been very supportive of our previous grant applications.

Support for Ararat headspace clinic

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

Federal Member for Wannon

Dan Tehan and Shadow Minister for Health and Aged Care

Anne Ruston met with Ararat health leaders last week, backing a push to establish a headspace clinic in the rural city.

Headspace is a federally funded service offering mental health, physical and sexual health, work and study support, and alcohol and other drug

services to people aged between 12 and 25 years.

Mr Tehan and Ms Ruston attended a meeting with local leaders including Ararat Rural City councillor Jo Armstrong and Mayor Bob Sanders, East Grampians Health Service chief executive Nick Bush and director of community services Sarah Woodburn, and Ararat psychology clinic One Red Tree founders Carly McKinnis and Tammie Meehan to discuss the possibility of establishing a headspace

Back in business

Horsham’s Kids Capers reopened on Friday, almost a year to the day after closing when a new owner could not be found.

Twelve-year owner Bernie Dyer said the workload of owning and running three Horsham-based businesses – including cafes Up Tempo and Alley – became too much and she closed the indoor play centre.

“We sold Alley Café, so thought we might as well reopen Kids Capers,” she said.

“We had about 40 people come through on our first day back.”

Mrs Dyer said the venue was popular with mothers’ groups and preschool children throughout the week, as well as older children on weekends.

“Although we have slightly different trading hours now, everything else is the same – same venue, same equipment,” she said.

The centre is open five days a week, closed on Mondays and Tuesdays.

in Ararat. Mr Bush said a headspace clinic would complement the work already undertaken in the region by One Red Tree.

“The significant funding boost for services a headspace would bring is much needed and this would integrate and strengthen the wonderful service One Red Tree is offering,” he said.

Mr Tehan said he would lobby the government on behalf of Ararat in an attempt to establish a headspace clinic.

“Young people in Ararat face signifi-

cant challenges such as pressures from social media, the cost of living and housing affordability,” he said.

“Headspace can support these young people through a variety of services, to be mentally and physically healthy at critical moments in their lives, giving them the best chance of having a meaningful future.

“I’ve been advocating with the Ararat community for a new headspace.

“We have been lobbying the Albanese Labor government for a new

service and will continue to do so.” Cr Sanders said the council would also continue to advocate for a headspace.

“The establishment of headspace would be such a great development for the youth of our community, especially if the service operated in tandem with the One Red Tree group, which already has such an innovative setup to challenge issues of mental health within our young people,” he said.

New councillor opportunities

Prospective candidates for October’s council elections have an opportunity to attend information sessions presented by the Municipal Association of Victoria, MAV.

MAV is presenting sessions that people can attend in person or online via a Microsoft Teams video call.

Sessions will cover topics including the role of local government, responsibilities of council figures, development opportunities and required procedures for candidates.

Sessions are underway, with two upcoming dates for potential candidates in the Wimmera, Southern Mallee and Central Highlands regions – tomorrow, hosted by the City of Ballarat; and Wednesday, August 14, hosted by Hindmarsh Shire Council.

Potential candidates are able to attend information sessions outside of their municipality, and can also attend more than one session.

People can register their interest in the sessions by visiting www.mav.asn. au/stand-for-council-2024.

LOADS OF FUN: Georgie, 4, and Harriet, 2, Ellis explore the ball pit at Kids Capers. The venue reopened on Friday after being closed for 12 months. Picture: BRONWYN HASTINGS

Governments... it’s time to act

In what has been dubbed a ‘green drought’, the south-west of Victoria is facing some tough times.

A ‘green drought’ is a winter occurrence where paddocks appear green on top, but desirable pastures are suffering from soil moisture stress and stunted growth.

There has been a significant lack of rain this year, anywhere south of Horsham.

Usually a reliable region when it comes to rain, farmers are struggling with the longevity of low rain totals. Some parts of the south-west have experienced in the past six months, their lowest ever rainfall.

Planning is underway in case the low rainfall continues into spring, which is when it will really be felt.

A drought forum in Hamilton last week gathered producers to discuss the challenges and ideas for ways forward, and an opportunity to hear from Agriculture Victoria, the Victorian Farmers Federation and financial services.

Drought is nothing new for Victoria – anyone living in our region across the Wimmera and Mallee knows it all too well.

So it should be no surprise for our governments and knowing how to deal with it.

But here we are.

Shadow Agriculture Minister Emma Kealy, also Member for Lowan, has called on the State Government to provide assistance.

Ms Kealy said livestock and dairy producers in the south west of Victoria who have been financially crippled by the green drought, have been met with complete silence from the government.

The State Government must declare a drought in order to trigger financial support from the Federal Government.

EDITORIAL

By Lauren Henry

Ms Kealy said producers were facing soaring costs for feed and fodder and being put in a position of having to destroy stock or borrow more money from the bank to feed their stock.

“Without government support, there is no doubt many growers will be facing bank foreclosures in numbers that could in the future devastate Victoria’s growing potential and agricultural contribution to the economy,” she said.

“A simple and quick first step is for the government to produce a simple map of areas affected by extremely low rainfall, then banks have no excuse not to offer interest and repayment relief or waive fees and charges to provide a bit of financial breathing space for our growers.”

Early last month, Aussie Hay Runners delivered 31 trucks carrying 992 bales to farmers in the Colac district. It is always the volunteer and community groups who come to the party first with assistance. Why does it always take our governments so long to act?

After covering stories on many natural disasters, including drought, it’s always the same story.

I feel like I’m suffering déjà vu.

Obviously it is an extra cost governments do not want to fork out for, but we live in Australia – a land where fires, floods, droughts and other weather events are expected.

It is time governments have reserves and processes ready and waiting to assist those in times of need.

Office Administration

Green Taylor Partners are seeking a dynamic and motivated individual to join our Administration team to support our current team on a part-time basis. Ideally, the successful candidate will be working in our office each weekday on agreed parttime hours.

Our firm enjoys assisting a diverse group of fantastic clients throughout the Wimmera, greater Victoria and nationally. Our Vision is ‘to build relationships so that we enrich the lives of others’.

The successful candidate will be working in a team environment where caring for our clients is key. The role includes being a friendly face for our clients and key contacts (including the Australian Taxation Office), administration support for our accounting team and performing general office administration tasks. Ideally, candidates will have:

• Excellent verbal and written communication skills

• Excellent customer service skills, including ability to be discreet with confidential matters.

• A team orientated focus, while being able to work autonomously when required.

• Ability to work to deadlines and effectively prioritise multiple tasks.

• Experience using Microsoft Office suite of software.

The following will be considered, but are not essential requirements:

• Administrative or secretarial studies

• Experience in previous Administration roles.

• Experience with social media for business.

To apply, please email your resume and covering letter to careers@greentaylor.com.au

include “Office Administration Application” in the subject line. Any further information required contact Vicky McClure on 5382 4761.

Green Taylor Partners is an equal opportunity employer.

We encourage applications from candidates of all backgrounds and experiences.

Items sought for display

A display of historical items depicting the different eras of Stawell Secondary College is now on display.

Librarian Gay Rahley said the display came about after a Stawell High School hat, tie and blazer were donated to the school.

Ms Rahley said the uniform items were displayed on a mannequin, to complement the new display cabinets.

“I’ve got a lot of old magazines from the high school,

dating back to 1916, and we have a couple of workbooks from past students,” she said.

“We’ve a few things from the tech school because the history of the college is the high school and the tech school joined together.

“I’d really like if anybody has an old school tunic to complete the uniform.”

Ms Rahley said she would like the display to show the history of how the college formed, through the amalga-

mation of Stawell High School and Stawell Technical School.

“With the tech school items, we really don’t have a lot,” she said.

“I’ve got a few magazines from 1955 to 1967, but if anybody has any old tech school magazines that they’d like to get rid of, we’d be happy to have them and add to the display.”

Items can be dropped off at the college at 79-97 Patrick Street, Stawell.

AGED CARE

Wednesday 12 June 2024 | 6:30pm

To secure your seat please email advice@planrite.com.au or phone 03 5381 1951

HISTORICAL SHOWCASE: Stawell Secondary College librarian Gay Rahley shows a donated Stawell High School uniform. The college is seeking more historic items to showcase at the school.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Opening doors for community

BY LAUREN HENRY

Teli Kaur has formed a deep connection to her community through her work at Ararat Neighbourhood House.

Having lived a life of disadvantage before migrating to Australia, Ms Kaur can relate to facing challenges in life, holding her in good stead when relating to attendees at the neighbourhood house.

She became manager in 2022, after initially being a volunteer – but prior to 2018 Ms Kaur did not know that neighbourhood houses existed.

A trip to the library with her ‘little one’ led her to reading a local newspaper to discover Ararat Neighbourhood House.

“I started volunteering in I reckon 2021. I was really enjoying my role. I was helping a bit everywhere in the house at that time,” she said.

The manager at the time moved to Sydney and asked Ms Kaur to apply for the position.

“I said, no, no, I can’t do that. I don’t know what to do because I’m a chef by trade,” she said.

“Even though I was studying a bachelor in applied management, I still didn’t know anything about community development, but she said ‘no, I see you’ve a kind heart, and that’s more than enough, and you will learn every day these things and everyday activities’.”

Ms Kaur said it had been a learning curve to become the manager since she found out she was successful in her application for the role.

“One of the committee members said ‘okay Teli, this is your kingdom and you’re the queen of this’. But from there was when the work began,” she said.

“I thought, at that time, ‘oh I got the job’, but I don’t know what to do. Now it all begins.

“But I was so lucky. I never feel shy to ask questions. I love engaging with the community. We’re getting people every day from all walks of life.”

Ms Kaur said the role provided many heartwarming moments among the vast challenges.

“We’re getting lots of homelessness here, lots of people with low incomes and they’re struggling with basic life problems. They haven’t got food on the table. When we provide them with free food or any sort of help they just are so grateful. I can’t describe their smiles, I love it when I see their faces,” she said.

“Even though they’re not coming to get any support, they just want to sit with us. They just want us to listen to their stories.

“They just want some connectivity with the community or with us, and that also makes their day.

“I’m so happy to be part of this community because I’m making their day. I’m making them smile.”

Similar paths

Mrs Kaur said the hardships and challenges she had faced as migrant helped her relate to many of the clients’ stories.

“I can understand totally from their inner voice, especially for the migrants, because where they come from – what hassles they have tackled through their life, what was the culture, the language difference they were facing,” she said.

“Even for the Australians, I can understand who is suffering from food and who doesn’t have any family members or anything that belongs to them.

“Once you have been through your hard time, I reckon you understand their life better.”

Mrs Kaur said her connection to the community had seen her love grow for Ararat.

“I’ve been in Ararat for 12 years. I was working before in hospitality, but I didn’t have community connections then,” she said.

“But then I started volunteering and officially took the role as a manager, I now have a very strong community connection.

“I love Ararat. It’s a small town and it’s easy to raise kids.

“We’ve good schools and good health services.”

A highlight of Mrs Kaur’s time at the neigh-

bourhood house was when it won Best NotFor-Profit Award at the 2023 East Grampians Business Awards.

“I love my job. I truly enjoy my role and take pleasure in working with local people, listening to their needs, and implementing new programs for the community,” Mrs Kaur said.

Growing list

Ararat Neighbourhood House has a long list of programs available to educate, assist and entertain the community – and the list is growing, with Mrs Kaur and her team always adding to accommodate the needs of the people of Ararat and district.

As a Learn Local provider, Ararat Neighbourhood House offers a range of pre-accredited courses including computer courses, iPads for beginners, digital skills training, English classes for new migrants, as well as courses for Responsible Service of Alcohol, food safety, first aid and CPR.

There is also a variety of community activities such as Chatty café, creative writing workshop, free legal services, Justice of the Peace assistance, craft groups, art groups, and book club. One of its most important roles is providing food parcels to those in need in the community – a service that has experienced a considerable increase in demand this year due to rising costof-living expenses. And it requires a team effort to pull it all together.

When The Weekly Advertiser visited on a cold winter’s day, the house was a hive of activity – as staff and volunteers worked together to keep the operation running smoothly.

An excerpt from their award’s submission reads: ‘Their passion and commitment are evident in every aspect of Ararat Neighbourhood House’s operations, from program planning to outreach efforts. Through their efforts, Ararat Neighbourhood House has become not just a service provider but a trusted ally and friend to the community.

‘Nevertheless, the impact of Ararat Neighbourhood House on the Ararat community cannot be overstated. Beyond the tangible benefits of its programs, Ararat Neighbourhood House serves as a symbol of solidarity and resilience, reminding residents they are never alone in their struggles.

‘It embodies the true spirit of community, where neighbours come together to uplift and support one another through life’s challenges.

‘In conclusion, Ararat Neighbourhood House stands as a shining example of grassroots activism and community empowerment. Through its diverse programs and unwavering commitment to service, it continues to enrich the lives of countless individuals and families in Ararat and beyond.’

People wanting more information about Ararat Neighbourhood House can visit www.facebook. com/araratnh.

Teli Kaur

DREAM JOB:

Horsham DJ Taylor Fedke, also known as DJ Fedd3rs, will compete in a DJ competition in Melbourne. Picture: BRONWYN HASTINGS

Fedd3rs amping up the battle

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

Horsham-based Taylor Fedke will enter one of Australia’s most competitive and revered DJ contests, ‘Your Shot’, at Royal Melbourne Hotel on Sunday.

Better known as Horsham’s Royal Hotel regular DJ Fedd3rs, Mr Fedke said he was looking forward to the opportunities participating in the competition might bring, while promoting young people’s mental health.

“I have entered competitions before, including one in Ballarat and one in Queensland,” he said.

“I wasn’t good enough for those, I guess, but this one just felt different.

“I want to give it a go, especially being one of Australia’s biggest competitions going around. So I thought, throw your arm in, see how you go, worst case scenario you lose, but best case, you win.”

Mr Fedke said each competition entrant would showcase their image and music taste in a halfhour set, which could be viewed by the public, giving a realistic ‘Saturday night’ club experience.

“My style is more Melbourne techno EDM – electronic dance music. It’s a little bit harder than the commercial kind of scene, but I like to throw in those singalongs to keep the crowd enticed,” he said.

“It’s more kind of mixed and remixed to my genre, so that way they know what the song is, but I give them a bit of a taste of what I like.”

‘Your Shot’ gives 100 people the chance to compete in two categories – contestants and wildcards.

Contestants are a group of about 60 people who have never performed as a DJ before, but are given six weeks’ training prior to the competition.

The wildcards, Mr Fedke’s category, includes 40 people who have anything from six months’ experience.

“The wildcard winner can play overseas. There are about 10 different places to choose from, but the main one I’m looking at is in Canada,” Mr Fedke said.

“The winner this year goes and plays in their chosen location next year, with a lot of big international artists.

“Your Shot puts on the competition to spotlight who you are. There are heaps of promoters from different clubs in Melbourne and everywhere, and if you win, there are all these clubs that now know who you are.

“But even if you don’t win, and the promoters like your style, you might get a gig or two and a chance to play anywhere.”

Mr Fedke, who by day works as a refrigeration technician at Laser Electrical, started on the music scene about 10 years ago.

Describing DJing and music production as his ‘dream job’, Mr Fedke recalls where it all began.

“I was at a Nexus event in 2015 – they had social nights on Thursdays for teens and young adults – and I remember seeing a young fellow up there DJing, and since I loved playing music, I thought I’d like to try that, so I got in touch with the manager of Nexus and they gave me a shot,” he said.

In keeping with events and wellbeing for youth, Mr Fedke, now 24, said he had a chance to speak with the man who had started the Your Shot competition 10 years ago.

“The competition was to provide a platform for young teens and adults who never had a stage or a platform to represent who they are, especially in the music scene,” Mr Fedke said.

“He made it so anyone can come in, show who they are, and be comfortable with it.

“Youth mental health was a big thing then, and still is, and I want to support mental health in youth and teens.

“Whatever earnings come from using my ‘Your Shot’ promo code, I will donate half to headspace to provide support for youth and young adults struggling with mental health.”

People wanting to support Mr Fedke can purchase a ticket online at www.intix.com/event/ your-shot-vic-2024-showcase-2 and use the promo code FEDD3RS, or donate directly to headspace at headspace.org.au/get-involved/ donations.

Horsham council engagement expo

Residents will have the chance to help shape Horsham Rural City Council’s long-term strategic planning at a two-day public engagement event on Friday and Saturday.

The Horsham Rural City Talks Expo, in the Heritage Hall at Horsham Town Hall, will allow council’s user groups and the general public to influence the development of documents such as the council plan, the health and wellbeing plan, annual action plan and its budget.

People’s contributions to the expo will also inform the planning and design of projects slated for the municipality in the future.

Mayor Robyn Gulline said the event would include information and displays and people would be able to provide feedback to council staff.

“There will be giveaways, door prizes and competitions,” she said.

“The expo has been designed to provide a transparent process that gives all members of our community an equal voice in planning for future priorities of council.

“All feedback provided by the community during the expo will be included in an engagement outcomes report, which will be made available to the community and considered by council when reviewing the council plan and annual action plan and developing the council budget for 2025-2026.”

The event will provide participants with a chance to vote on selected topics for discussion.

There will also be an online version of the expo on council’s website where the community can view the exhibits and provide feedback on the plans and projects.

The expo will run from 10am to 7pm on Friday, and 10am to 1pm on Saturday.

Road safety campaign continues

Apolice road safety operation across western Victoria continues to detect offences, with more than 130 infringement notices issued in July.

Operation West Connect involved highway patrol units enforcing across major arterial roads and targeting high-risk driving behaviour associated with road trauma.

It comes as 141 lives have been lost on the state’s roads so far this year, with 44 of those occurring on roads in western Victoria.

Bendigo, Campaspe and the Mac-

THANK YOU:

Dimboola Good Friday Appeal volunteers, from left, Nick Pietsch, Kate Clark, area manager Debbie Clark, Amanda Ingeme, Raylene Britten, Wayne Anderson, Kaylene Pietsch, Kellsie Anderson, Tony Ingeme and Michael Pickford.

edon Ranges division has been the worst affected area in the state’s west with 13 lives lost this year, followed by the Ballarat and Moorabool division with nine lives lost.

There have been seven fatalities in the Horsham and Northern Grampians division, five fatalities each in the Geelong-Surf Coast, WarrnamboolSouthern Grampians, and the MilduraSwan Hill divisions.

There were 11 fatal collisions on roads in western Victoria in July.

Western Region Road Policing Inspector Justine Ryan said Operation

West Connect was an ongoing operation focused on detecting speeding, distracted and impaired drivers.

“We’re continuing to run Operation West Connect to help keep all road users safe on roads in the state’s west, and drive down the high levels of road trauma we’re experiencing,” she said.

“Speeding continues to be a major contributing factor to serious injury and fatal collisions on regional roads, and yet overwhelmingly throughout this operation, we continue to catch so many people going over the speed limit.

Good Friday road trip visits Dimboola

The Good Friday Appeal team has embarked on its annual road trip, to thank and celebrate the volunteers, groups and individuals who support the Royal Children’s Hospital fundraising efforts, and to announce the service’s expansion into regional areas.

Funding for regional paediatric health services at major hospitals, including Grampians Health, will aid in training scholarships, state-ofthe-art equipment, and will enhance the care and outcomes for children in regional areas.

The initiative will also help keep

children closer to home while receiving health care, making access to specialist care more seamless.

The Good Friday Appeal has raised $468-million since 1931.

The statewide tour also included celebrations in Stawell and Hopetoun.

You’re invited

to the Horsham Rural Cit y Talks 2024 Expo

You are invited to learn more about what’s happening with specific projects at Council at the Horsham Rural Cit y Talks 2024 Expo. All contributions will inform further planning and design of projects currently under consideration by Council.

“Slowing down and sticking to the speed limit, as well as something as simple as putting on your seat belt, are things we can all do to remain safe on the roads.”

Almost half of the offences detected in July were for speeding, with the majority of speeding drivers detected between 10 and 25 kilometres an hour over the speed limit.

The 132 offences detected on July 22 included 62 speeding offences; 15 unregistered vehicles; 12 drug driving offences from 44 roadside drug tests; seven disqualified/suspended

and unlicenced drivers; six seatbelt offences; five heavy vehicle offences; three vehicle impoundments; two mobile phone offences; one drink-driving offence from 469 preliminary breath tests; and one disobey traffic signal.

Operation West Connect will continue across western Victoria – encompassing major arterial roads from Geelong, Bacchus Marsh, Bendigo and Echuca as far west as the South Australian border, and from the Surf Coast, Warrnambool and Portland as far north as the New South Wales border.

Drug testing at Jeparit

Police in Jeparit will have their sights set on drug drivers following an expansion of the force’s roadside testing regime.

Victoria Police is doubling the amount of police stations and units across the state with the ability to perform roadside drug testing over the next 12 months, including several one-member police stations and smaller stations in regional areas.

Jeparit has been selected as part of the expansion, with officers to be trained and equipped to carry out drug testing at the roadside.

Roadside drug testing started at Jeparit last week.

Senior Constable Aari Mellington, of Jeparit police, said testing would occur at various days, times and locations in the area as part of a broader ‘anywhere, anytime’ enforcement approach.

“Roadside drug testing in Jeparit is

a win for the community – it means we can detect and remove dangerous drug drivers from our roads and help keep all road users safe from harm,” he said.

“Drug driving is a major contributor to road trauma, and we know particularly in regional areas there’s a greater perception that you’re unlikely to be caught.

“Put simply, if you take drugs and drive the chances of getting caught have never been greater.

“If you choose to drive on drugs, there is nowhere to hide – we can be anywhere, anytime.”

Failing a roadside drug test carries a $593 fine and six-month licence suspension for a first offence, with repeat offenders required to attend court and face further penalties including significant fines and licence cancellation.

Topics & Projec ts include

•Community Inclusion Plan

•New ward structure

•Horsham and Natimuk Housing strategy

•Horsham City Urban Renewal Project

•On-site waste water management

• Drop in

• Add your ideas

• Talk to staf f and Councillors

Broadcast live on MixxFM

• Friday 9 August 10am to 7pm

• Saturday 10 August 10am to 1pm at Horsham Town Hall

71 Pynsent Street, Horsham, 3400

Council Elections

Southern Wimmera and Northeast Pyrenees Water Supply Project - Project Update Sessions

Pyrenees Shire, Northern Grampians Shire and Central Goldfields Shire

Online Mandatory Candidate Training now available

All candidates in any council election in Victoria are required to complete the online Local Government Candidate Training. All candidates must also declare to the Victorian Electoral Commission (VEC) when they have completed the training in order to nominate.

The online Candidate Training is available to complete now on the Local Government Victoria website and takes around one hour to complete.

For more information on the Local Government Candidate Training visit www.localgovernment.vic.gov.au/councilgovernance/candidate-training

Keep up-to-date with the latest news!

If you’d like to keep up-to-date with council activities, please keep an eye out for our council news by subscribing to Latest News via the council website at www ngshire vic gov au/latestnews

residents are invited to project update sessions that will present the findings of the business case developed for the Southern Wimmera and Northeast Pyrenees Water Supply project

GWMWater representatives will be there to explain the next steps in the project and answer your questions

Natte Yallock

Recreation Reserve

Wednesday 7 August 2024 from 6pm Navarre

Recreation Reserve

Wednesday 14 August 2024 from 5pm

All welcome - no bookings required Catering provided

Northern Grampians Shire Council together with Central Goldfields Shire Council, Pyrenees Shire Council, Regional Development Victoria, GWMWater and Central Highlands Water

Current vacancies!

To check our current positions available, visit www ngshire vic gov au/Careers/CurrentVacancies

COMMUNITY UPDATE

Maternal and Child Health Drop-in Sessions

Worried your baby isn’t feeding well? Wondering how to switch to solids? Baby/toddler not sleeping?

Visit our Maternal and Child Health drop-in sessions where our nurses can help you with these questions and any others you have about sleeping settling and all things feeding including breastfeeding

This support is available for parents/carers of babies and children up to 6 years of age

St Arnaud

First Wednesday of each month between 2pm and 3 30pm St Arnaud Maternal and Child Health Office 7 Walker Street St Arnaud Stawell

Second and third Wednesday of each month 2pm and 3 30pm, Stawell

Maternal and Child Health Office, 87 D’Arcy Street Stawell

Grants are now open!

A range of grants are now open! Visit www.ngshire.vic.gov.au/Residents/Grants to find out more information or contact our Community Development Team on 03 5358 0512 to discuss a project idea and they will assist you to select the most suitable funding stream.

Local Women Leading Change

The VLGA recently launched the Local Women Leading Change - Your campaign toolkit, a resource designed to equip women with the tools that they need when considering running in local government elections. The handbook can be found www.vlga.org.au/resources/women-in-

Long journey to citizenship

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

Following years of uncertainty, heartbreak and sacrifice, three of Edenhope’s newest residents have become Australian citizens.

Christian, Lady Anne and Paulo Vidal spent most of Paulo’s first few years of life separated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

When Paulo was three months old, Mrs Vidal travelled to Sydney from Angeles City in the Philippines alone, to study nursing.

Her husband followed her shortly after and together they set themselves up in Australia before bringing Paulo to the country.

However, COVID-19 restrictions forced the couple to wait two years before Mr Vidal could secure a flight to return for their child on compassionate grounds.

Although having planned for a trip that would only take ‘a few days’, it was another four months before Mr Vidal returned to Australia and Mrs Vidal was reunited with her son.

Mr Vidal said the family waited ‘a very long time’ to become Australian citizens.

“It was a very hard time, we were very helpless,” he said.

“The way we’ve struggled, to where we are now, we are very happy.”

By the time the family was reunited, the Vidal family owned a house in Edenhope and settled into jobs at the town’s hospital and care facility.

The isolated farming town was a contrast to their bustling home city, famous for its shopping and nightlife.

“I’ll be honest, we didn’t like Edenhope in the beginning,” Mr Vidal said.

PROUD: Darwin and Laurence

“We decided to stay for two years, to be fair to the hospital, because they’d been so good to us.”

Five years on, the family has settled well into the Edenhope community.

“We love our work and the people, and we love the peaceful country life,” Mr Vidal said.

“Now we are encouraging and recruiting more people to come because it’s really the best life here.”

Grampians Health Edenhope now employs 17 Filipino staff, with two more due to start in the coming weeks. Grampians Health chief peo-

ple officer Claire Woods said staff were delighted and grateful to the cohort of staff for making Australia and Grampians Health their home.

“Highly professional migrants are essential to our service provision, and we are proud our Edenhope campus has a strong reputation in the Philippines,” she said.

“There are so many flow-on effects for rural schools, businesses, sporting groups and the like; I’m sure the whole community is celebrating our newest Australian citizens.”

Mr Vidal said he never dreamed

he would end up in a rural farming town, but now he promotes Edenhope to anyone who’ll listen.

“It’s hard to pitch because we’re very far from the city, but I tell them about the nice balance with workload and family time,” he said.

“You don’t get that in the city; you’re just a number in the city.

“The hospital is very flexible and understanding, that’s mainly why we stayed.”

Six Grampians Health Edenhope staff and their children were made Australian citizens.

Glenorchy celebration

A celebration of Glenorchy’s history will also double as a chance for current and former residents to gather, swap stories and celebrate their connections.

Planned for September 15 at Glenorchy Memorial Hall, an event titled Glenorchy: Then and Now will feature historic and contemporary photos of the town.

Organiser Linda Fearon said a Glenorchy local who missed a previous town gathering event urged her to organise this year’s reunion.

“He’s getting on now and we’ve lost a few of the older residents from around the town, so we’re just trying to get everyone together and bring back some people who have moved away,” she said.

“After COVID-19 a lot of people stopped socialising and doing things, so we’re trying to get the hall a bit more active and start having a few events for the locals.”

The event will feature a photo competition, with prizes for best historic and current photos of the town or a local farm, as well as the best nature photo.

“We’d like to make a feature wall and get photos blown up to stay at the hall,” she said.

Ms Fearon said she hoped people of all ages, including former Glenorchy residents, would attend the event.

“We’re hoping the older ones who know a bit of history can pass it on to the younger ones so they know what’s happened in the town in the past and keep that history alive,” she said.

Glenorchy: Then and Now will begin at 2pm on September 15, with $5 entry for adults and free entry for children.

Competitions winners will be announced on the day, with entries closing on August 31. Entry to the photography competition is $5. People can call Ms Fearon on 0438 581 068 for more information.

De Luna; Aidan, Alvin and Chloe Velasco; and Christian, Lady Anne and Paulo Vidal individually accepted certificates and gifts from West Wimmera Shire Council mayor Tim Meyer. Six Grampians Health employees, along with their children, have gained Australian citizenship.

Money for bushfire preparedness

Schools across the state will be able to better prepare for bushfires following the announcement that 332 government schools will share in $8.4 million to carry out essential fire reduction and maintenance work.

Implemented in 2018, the Bushfire Preparedness Vegetation Program

supports schools to undertake essential vegetation clearance around buildings in the lead-up to the bushfire season and in accordance with municipal fire danger periods.

The program also provides school support, where an accredited bushfire planning and design consultant visits a school twice a year to help staff prepare for the upcoming bushfire season

Brigade rehearses at theatre

Horsham fire brigade volunteers responded to a mock fire involving Horsham Town Hall staff, as part of a community asset familiarisation training last week.

Brigade captain Marc Ampt said the exercise was based on a fire breaking out in the venue’s 500-seat theatre.

“Our members treated the exercise like we would a real fire – we responded from the station, turning out in personal protective equipment, and tasked our members on the way,” he said.

“We thought about vehicle placement when we got to the scene, then as some firefighters rolled out hoses and sourced water, others prepared to enter the building.

“As would be the case in the event of an alarm, town hall staff met our incident controller outside the building, and briefed them on the situation as they knew it.”

Mr Ampt said in the training sce-

– of weighted dummies, from the smoke-filled, dark theatre,” he said.

Mr Ampt said following the formal training, the group of about 20 firefighters toured the building, with town hall staff identifying hazards and various areas of the gallery where alternative firefighting practices should be considered to preserve valuable items.

Water sources and the venue’s layout and access points were also discussed.

“Each week our volunteers train to maintain their skills and be ready for emergencies in our community,” Mr Ampt said.

“Being able to do practical training in our community ensures we are well-equipped in a variety of scenarios.”

Horsham Rural City Council chief executive Sunil Bhalla said the training session, one of many undertaken by brigade volunteers, ensured the brigade was ready to respond when the community needed it most.

while also making sure they complete a vegetation management plan every three years.

Education Minister Ben Carroll said the funding was to support schools to be as fire-ready as possible.

“We know how devastating bushfires are and just how long-lasting their impacts can be,” he said.

“These grants will help more than

330 schools at risk of fire to clear vegetation and protect their classrooms and facilities in the event of a bushfire.”

Schools receiving funds are listed on the Bushfire at Risk Register, and include Dimboola Memorial Secondary College, $30,956; Dunkeld Consolidated School, $23,625; Horsham College $17,972; and pri-

mary schools at Apsley, $23,012; Ararat North, $25,164; Beulah, $20,801; Concongella, $20,124; Great Western, $20,213; Halls Gap, $20,497; Laharum, $19,622; Landsborough, $19,912; Marnoo, $21,697; Moyston, $20,427; Navarre, $19,515; Pomonal ,$18,154; and Yaapeet, $18,219.

Emma King, who has been a volunteer firefighter with Horsham Urban Fire Brigade for 12 months, prepares to don breathing apparatus and enter ‘a burning building’ for the first time, during a Horsham Town Hall training scenario. Ms King is currently studying the Respond to Urban Fire course, which will allow her to enter a burning building to carry out a direct attack on a fire. Picture: BRONWYN HASTINGS

Survey guides council

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

Hindmarsh

shire residents have rated council performance in the ‘appearance of public areas’ highest and ‘unsealed roads’ the lowest, in a quarterly community satisfaction survey, with an improvement in the ‘overall performance’ rating from last year.

Council is higher than, or on a par with, the state average in –appearance of public areas, this year with an index score of 76 compared with last year’s 77 and a state average of 68; waste management, 75 this year, up on last year’s 74 and the state average of 67; and recreational facilities, scoring 68 this year, 66 last year, and on a par with the state average.

The three lowest-performing areas, which are on par with other small Victorian rural councils, are unsealed roads, 36 this year and last, and on a par with the state average; planning and building permits, 43 this year, 42 last year, and the state average of 45; and slashing and weed control, 45 this year, 46 last year, and on a par with the state average.

Chief executive Monica Revell said the survey provided council with valuable information on areas of importance to the community, and showed areas for improvement.

“Although the results show improvements from last year, we understand from the feedback our community would like us to pro-

vide more activities for seniors and younger people, give more support and encouragement to businesses, increase communication and consultation with the community including talking to people more, deal with planning permits more quickly, and have younger councillors,” she said.

Similar to last year, council’s ‘overall performance’ rated significantly higher among residents aged 65 years and older, while residents aged 18 to 34 years gave it the lowest score.

“We have commenced improving our communication and consultation with the community, including talking to people more, through the introduction of monthly chief executive dropin sessions in each town, farmer consultation sessions, sporting club barbecues, and drop-in sessions for specific topics,” Mrs Revell said.

“A focus has also been informing the community through fortnightly e-newsletters, monthly hard copy newsletters available at our customer service centres and libraries, and the new quarterly hard copy newsletter delivered to mailboxes by Australia Post and local catalogue distributers.”

Mrs Revell said community members were encouraged to read council’s newsletters to stay upto-date with events and activities planned for youth and seniors, including the youth council’s ‘Let it Glow’ disco, monthly classic movies, weekly cuppa connections, school holiday activities,

and senior’s week activities. She said the council was advertising for a panel of suppliers for the provision of town planning and associated services.

“Our aim is to establish a panel that ensures responsiveness to requests, increased communication through the planning application process, and delivers planning decisions within the statutory timelines,” Mrs Revell said.

“We have also recently implemented GreenLight for planning applications, which will improve the planning process by enabling applicants to track their planning permit as it progresses.”

Survey feedback also indicated the community would like younger councillors.

“With the elections due to be held in October this year, now is the time for community members to consider standing for council or

Hindmarsh youth councillors deliver

Hindmarsh Shire youth council members continue to plan events and projects for young people, including themed discos and a mental health podcast.

The 13 youth councillors began their roles with a retreat, where they received guidance on what to expect and what they could achieve as a team during their terms.

Hindmarsh Shire Council chief executive Monica Revell said a 90s disco at Dimboola was successful for the group, with another planned for Rainbow.

“If the upcoming ‘Let it Glow’ disco in Rainbow is anything like the 90s-themed disco at Dimboola earlier this year, youth from across the shire are in for a fantastic night of entertainment, so I encourage them to register early to avoid missing out,” she said.

encouraging a community minded person to nominate for council,” Mrs Revell said.

Council will host Municipal Association of Victoria’s Stand for Council session on August 14 from 6.30pm at Nhill Memorial Community Centre.

Hindmarsh Shire has six councillors representing three wards – east, west and north.

Hindmarsh Shire scored higher than the average of small Victorian rural councils in 12 of the 19 areas – overall performance, value for money, overall council direction, appearance of public areas, waste management, recreational facilities, local streets and footpaths, lobbying, consultation and engagement, community decisions, sealed local roads, and unsealed roads.

Residents were surveyed between June 2023 and March 2024.

Youth councillors have recorded episodes of their mental health podcast, which will be available on platforms such as Apple Podcasts or Spotify, with the latest two episodes titled ‘how to cope with bullying’ and ‘what to do when your friend is not okay’.

“Podcasts have become an influential medium for addressing youth mental health,” Mrs Revell said.

“The podcasts the Hindmarsh Youth Council are preparing will provide youth from across the shire and beyond access to information about mental health topics that will be delivered in a language they relate to.

“Segments will include discussions with and advice from mental health professionals who can offer strategies on how to cope with issues including, but not limited to, mental health, depression, anxiety, self-esteem, and resilience.

“Podcasts can be listened to at any time, making it easier for the listener to hear the messages and advice at an appropriate time suitable to their lifestyle.”

Youth councillors aim to finish the 12-episode mental health podcast series by the end of this year.

Youth councillors have also attended public events, including laying wreaths with Hindmarsh Shire councillors on Anzac Day, creating a video about belonging to show their support for Harmony Day, and dressing up to help spread awareness for ‘Do it for Dolly Day’.

The youth council meets monthly at the Jeparit hall.

Hindmarsh Shire Council chief executive Monica Revell.

SHOWCASE: Blue skies greeted exhibitors and patrons at this year’s Mallee Machinery Field Days at Speed last week.

Pictured enjoying the agricultural showcase are, clockwise from above: Lyle MacDonald and Kevin Thompson of Wycheproof; triplets Scarlett, Lilly and Charlee Shine with Leading Senior Constable Brad Bond and Senior Constable Abby Harrisson; Jettson Trigg with his dad Nathan; Adrian Meehan of Pine Plains; Tyson and Luke Vivian and Simon Finlayson chat to Ashley Dinning of Southern Spreaders; Kobe Hallam and Lenny Carter of Horsham, with George Cook of Hopetoun; and centre, the iconic circular layout.

Next step in pipeline project

GWMWater has awarded a tender to Mitchell Water Australia to construct the second stage of the East Grampians Rural Pipeline, to start in October.

The works involve laying pipe to transfer and deliver high-quality water from Lake Fyans and other reserves to properties in rural areas surrounding Ararat.

The first stage of construction is underway at Lake Fyans Pump Station.

Lake Fyans will be the main water source for the pipeline, with smaller volumes of water being sourced from Mt William headworks and Mt Cole Reservoir.

The contract for the second stage of the project involves construction of trunk mains and distribution network pipelines, additional pump stations and water storages.

GWMWater managing director Mark Williams said the tender awarding was a major milestone for the project.

“This project has been in the works for some time, and the next stage of construction is an exciting step forward,” he said.

“We have remained committed to getting the best value for money for our custom-

ers and we thank them for their patience throughout the process.”

Mr Williams said work had been progressing in readiness for the next stage of construction to start.

“We continue to work with Cape Dunstans to deliver the early works package, and have been engaging with landholders to mark out their preferred meter point connection locations based on the current design,” he said.

Landowners who are yet to sign up to connect, but have pipeline designed to run past their property, can still submit an Expression of Interest, EOI.

GWMWater can no longer accept EOIs for land parcels not included in the updated project footprint and design.

More information about the East Grampians Rural Water Supply Project, and a live map updated as the project progresses, is available on website gwmwater.org.au/ egrp.

The East Grampians Rural Water Supply Project is jointly funded by the Federal Government through the National Water Grid Fund, the State Government and GWMWater.

Time to nominate an active senior

West Wimmera Shire Council is seeking active and engaging seniors to be nominated in this year’s Senior Citizen of the Year awards.

People aged 60 and older who have a positive attitude to community wellbeing, are active in the community and who encourage others to do the same, are ideal

candidates. Nomination forms are available online at westwimmera.vic.gov.au or at customer centres at Edenhope and Kaniva; nominations close at 5pm on August 30.

The winner will be selected by an independent panel and announced at the council’s seniors’ concert at Edenhope on October 24.

Brooke Taylor and Delsinki will take the stage at Ararat Town Hall tonight from 8pm.

The Deserters duo in Ararat

Ararat Live will host the first of two live music performances planned for August tonight at Ararat Town Hall.

The Deserters, a duo comprising Brooke Taylor and Delsinki will take the stage from 8pm, bringing a unique combination of instrumentation and vocal harmonies.

The pair describe themselves as ‘drawing on a myriad of influences’ and will play several new songs along with some covers.

Hailing from St Kilda, Taylor said The Deserters were excited to hit the stage in Ararat, and promised an energetic live performance.

She said her music contained influences from rock, blues, soul and pop, describing the overall blend as ‘alt-country’.

Taylor has previously played an Ararat Live show with Mick Thomas’ Roving Commission.

For Sale 37B Rennison Street, Horsham

Stunning townhouse on Wimmera River

Located on the corner of Menadue Street and Rennison Street this stunning two-bedroom townhouse boasts one of the best views of the Wimmera River. Finished with meticulous attention to detail, this property is truly a one-ofa-kind opportunity to perhaps downsize and live on the river.

Key Features:

Spacious Living: Enjoy the large open living space, including 2 bedrooms and 2 bathrooms, perfect for retired living and entertaining.

Brand new Kitchen: The kitchen boasts, new appliances, custom cabinetry, and a large island, making it ideal for meals with visitors or enjoying quiet family meals.

The other half of the duo, Delsinki, has played with the Quiet Coachmen and earlier this year released a track written and recorded with Mick Thomas and members of the Keep the Circle Unbroken cast for his late friend and musical partner Dion.

Later this month, Jordie Lane will visit Ararat as part of a tour promoting his new studio LP Tropical Depression.

Lane’s genre-defying sound incorporates elements of Americana and 1960s-inspired folk music, but remains unique.

The songs on Tropical Depression address his obsession with extreme weather, ignited by a close call with an EF-3 tornado and its subsequent impact on his mental health.

Lane has previously performed as part of Ararat Live, but his show on Wednesday, August 28

Brand new Bathrooms: Ensuite to master bedroom and large central bathroom both featuring floor to ceiling tiles.

Outdoor Areas: Step outside to a beautifully landscaped backyard yard and paved pergola as well as an internal private court yard, both with views to the Wimmera River providing an exquisite setting for outdoor gatherings or quite relaxation.

This prestige property offers the perfect blend of luxury and lifestyle. Don’t miss this opportunity to make it your own.

Contact us today to schedule a private tour and discover why this home is the perfect place to create lasting memories

Property ID: 8074259

will be his first time playing at Ararat Town Hall.

He said he looked forward to returning to Ararat with his band to share new songs and stories. Ararat Live shows at Ararat Town Hall feature cabaret seating, with BYO snacks and a bar open from 7.30pm.

Tickets are available online through the Ararat Town Hall performances website at www. ararattownhall.com.au/event/ performances.

Adult tickets are $30 online or $35 at the door, with concession $25 online or $30 at the door. Children under the age of 18 can enter free of charge.

Ararat Live is a not-for-profit collective supporting original live music.

People can follow Ararat Live’s Facebook page for more information. ORIGINAL:

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

Quick Workout

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

four letters or more

* Find at least one nine letter word

* No swear words

* No verb forms or plurals ending in ‘s’ * No proper nouns and no hyphenated words

Reference: Macquarie Concise Dictionary Focus No. 3928 TODAY’S Good: 15 words FOCUS Very good: 22 words Excellent: 34 words

Fit the given numbers into the hexagons so that where the hexagons touch, the numbers will be the same No number is repeated in any hexagon

Micro-mobility

manufac -

turer Segway-Ninebot has launched a trio of in-line two wheelers – as opposed to the Segway parallel self-balancing twowheeler – with Australian Design Rules compliance and learner and provisional rider approval.

Incorrectly called e-motorbikes, they are, like a Vespa or Lambretta, electric powered step-through motor scooters that require road registration, unlike stand-up e-scooters seen on footpaths.

The newcomers arrive this month in flagship E300SE, mid-spec E125S and E110S entry models. Pricing is $8990, $6990 and $4999, respectively, all ride-away.

Targeting a range of potential users, the new Segway-Ninebot’s main audience will likely be people stepping up from an e-bicycle – urban commuters doing short trips for shopping duties,

food delivery riders who want a legal conveyance, and people going to work avoiding public transport.

Segway-Ninebot says the E300SE eMotorbike offers a ‘smooth, comfortable, driving experience perfect for commuting in all urban terrain’.

It is equipped with a 10kW motor that provides a maximum speed of 105 kilometres an hour with acceleration from zero to 50kmh in 2.9 seconds. The model has a claimed range of 130 kilometres.

Segway-Ninebot says with the innovative RideyGo smart functions riders can remotely turn their E300SE on and off, lock and unlock, track and analyse vehicle performance through the Segway-Ninebot app.

The E300SE is equipped with two 2000WH removable batteries and can support an additional third battery to increase the range by up to 50 per

cent. Charging time is 4.5 hours to 80 per cent and 5.5 hours to 100 per cent.

The model also features safety features including dual-channel anti-lock and electronic assisted braking systems, to aid grip under heavy and emergency braking.

Other assist features are cruise control, hill hold control slope park, assist pushing and one-touch reverse, making the commute easier.

The lower priced ‘everyday rides’, the E125S and E110S, are described by Segway-Ninebot as designed for the urban explorer, with the dual removable battery E125S equipped with a 3.5kW motor giving a maximum speed of 45kmh and with a claimed range of 108 kilometres.

The E125S charging time is two hours and 40 minutes to 80 per cent and four hours to 100 per cent.

The E110S with a single removable

battery runs a 1.8kW motor with a claimed range of 57 kilometres, a charging time of three hours to 80 per cent and four hours to 100 per cent.

The entry model features what Segway-Ninebot calls a ‘comfortable ride with extra-large and extended seat cushions perfect for two and a large storage seat bucket’.

The model is also equipped with dual-channel braking combined with electronic assisted braking system and Smart Connectivity features accessed through the Segway-Ninebot app.

This provides riders with access to real time information, such as GPS positioning, how much range is left and Airlock, which means commuters no longer need to use a key to start their machine.

The company says the electric scooters include state-of-the-art motor design and safety features along

with smart battery management. Segway-Ninebot Australia head Gino Casha said the launch marks an exciting new chapter for Segway-Ninebot Australia.

“We’re thrilled to be launching into the Australian electric vehicle category by introducing a range of sleek, stylish and innovative e-Motorbike’s that will make commuting easier, economical and more enjoyable,” he said.

“Segway-Ninebot has been a leader in transportation for many years, our team has taken their expertise in this field to deliver a premium quality eMotorbike experience. We can’t wait to see the positive impact they will have on people’s daily lives.

“This range will bring to the Australian commuter a high-quality, hightech and eco-friendly solution to their commute.”

– Peter Barnwell

STAWELL TOYOTA

TaKE a BrEaK

On This Day

From The Weekly Advertiser archives: August 5, 2004 –Judy Miller and Ian Brilliant opened Horsham’s newest wining and dining establishment, Brills Wine Bar and Cafe, at 77 Pynsent Street. The menu featured entrees of pot-roasted quail, smoked salmon roulade, and herb-crusted brie, and main courses of baked barramundi, duck breast and lamb rump. The venue featured three separate areas, each with a fireplace and unique ambience – a wine bar, dining room, and atrium. Mr Brilliant spent 12 months planning and calculating to bring his vision to fruition.

10 years ago: August 6, 2014

Stawell Rotary Club called on the Stawell and Ararat communities to raise $7500 to purchase 100 chairs for Skene Street Special School’s multipurpose room. The school was redeveloped in 2011 and a new multipurpose room added, but seating was lacking in the popular new space. Rotary members asked members of the communities to sponsor a chair for $75.

Five years ago: August 7, 2019

Ararat’s Aradale was closed to the touring public during a lead decontamination and clean-up. The contamination risk stemmed from lead residue in dust, from the deteriorating paint in the ageing building, which dates back to the 1860s in parts.

One year ago: August 9, 2023

Two major accommodation redevelopments for Northern Grampians shire marked the beginning of a significant period for investment and change – developments of the luxury Mount Zero Resort, the advancement of a 59-room hotel at Great Western and expansion of camping and caravan park Grampians Getaway to include a wellness spa and yoga retreat. Grampians Tourism chief executive Marc Sleeman said the area was building momentum with its wine, and was ‘well on the way to being the number one wine region in Victoria’.

1. Best known for his roles in The X-Files and Californication, is which American actor, born on this day in 1960?

2. What element does the chemical symbol au stand for?

3. What is the deadliest animal in the world?

4. What are the names of the four March sisters in Little Women?

5. In metres, how big is an Olympic-sized swimming pool?

6. Where did Winnie the Pooh and his crew live, serving as the setting for their adventures with Christopher Robin?

7. What’s the only vegetable that is also classified as a flower?

8. Who is the first black woman with a sole songwriting credit on a number one country hit?

9. What’s the name of the iconic dance that starts with ‘a jump to the left’ in The Rocky Horror Picture Show?

10. What iconic Old Hollywood actress is famous for saying ‘when I’m good, I’m very good, but when I’m bad, I’m better’?

West.

‘Fast Car’.

Answers: 1. David Duchovny. 2. Gold. 3. The mosquito – it spreads diseases such as malaria, dengue, West Nile, yellow fever, Zika and lymphatic filariasis. 4. Meg, Jo, Beth and Amy. 5. 50 metres long and 25 metres wide. 6. The Hundred Acre Wood. 7. Broccoli. 8.

yOUr LUCKy sTars WiTh KErry KULKEns

Take nothing and no one at face value, as your judgment may not be up to scratch. Making progress in your love life could be most important. Your social life is about to become very hectic. There could be a slight hitch in your moneymaking scheme.

TAURUS: (April 21-May 20)

5.12.23.36.39.8. Have a very pleasant period ahead, and take advantage of any invitations forthcoming. Many could be in the grip of wanderlust, and many could soon be travelling for money or better career prospects.

GEMINI: (May 21-June 21)

Lucky Colour: Yellow Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 2.3.5.6. Lotto Numbers: 2.13.25.40.5.44.

Avoid confrontations with authority. It’s a very impatient period, so be extra careful on the roads. Many could be in for significant changes in their relationships. A career change is also indicated.

CANCER: (June 22-July 22)

Lucky Colour: Lilac

Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 2.3.6.2. Lotto Numbers: 2.13.5.19.7.22.

Personal relationships will be prominent during this period, which will also be a happy time for family gatherings. Ensure you allow plenty of time to enjoy social activities rather than getting involved in all the hard work behind the scenes.

LEO: (July 23-August 22)

Lucky Colour: Blue Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 5.6.2.3 Lotto Numbers: 2.13.26.24.40.11.

A happier and more relaxed period and for many luck through lotteries, legacies or wise investments. Unexpected opportunities in career ventures and for some a traveller returns. There should soon be happiness in your present love.

VIRGO: (August 23-September 23)

Lucky Colour: Cream Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 2.3.2.1. Lotto Numbers: 2.13.26.36.34.40.

Many will be thinking about buying property or moving interstate. People you meet during social activities could become permanent fixtures. Many will become engaged or married or reconcile past differences with present lovers.

LIBRA: (September 24-October 23)

Lucky Colour: Silver

Lucky Day: Saturday Racing Numbers: 5.6.2.3. Lotto Numbers: 5.12.26.36.30.22.

Looking after your health during this period could become very important to you. Improving your career performance is also very much on your mind right now.

SCORPIO: (October 24-November 22)

Lucky Colour: Blue Lucky Day: Sunday Racing Numbers: 2.3.5.2. Lotto Numbers: 2.13.25.40.6.20.

It is a marvellous period for lovers and people who are young at heart. Social life could become too much if you do not watch it. In business and your career, your achievements will be talked about for themselves.

SAGITTARIUS: (November 23-December 20)

Lucky Colour: Pink

Lucky Day: Sunday Racing Numbers: 5.6.9.8. Lotto Numbers: 5.12.26.36.37.44.

Someone exciting from your past could suddenly come back to your life again. Do not offer shelter to anyone during the next few weeks, as you could put yourself in an awkward position.

CAPRICORN: (December 21-January 19)

Lucky Colour: Yellow

Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 4.6.2.1. Lotto Numbers: 4.12.15.26.34.44.

A venture you have not been too happy about could be a very successful move. Travel is in the cards for this period, either yours or someone close to you.

AQUARIUS: (January 20-February 19)

Lucky Colour: Peach

Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 1.3.2.5. Lotto Numbers: 1.12.15.24.40.22.

Special people in your life could turn sour if you are unprepared to spend more time with them. Don’t let someone irritating ruin your otherwise pleased period with loved ones.

PISCES: (February 20-March 20)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 5.6.9.3. Lotto Numbers: 5.12.26.36.30.11.

Good progress in business and career matters, and people willing to listen to your side of the story. Happy reunions with long-lost friends will also be something to look forward to.

Tracy Chapman, via Luke Combs’ cover of her hit song

9. The Time Warp. 10. Mae

Based on unprecedented reader and listener demand, we encourage regional trade-based businesses to become part of The Weekly Advertiserʼs Local Trade Directory.

The Local Trade Directory offers the only true multimedia platform combining print, radio and online services for businesses to ʻspread the wordʼ in across the Wimmera, Mallee and Grampians.

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GRAYSON, Brad Graham

7-8-1968 to 3-8-2024

Brad passed away peacefully at his home in Quantong surrounded by loved ones.

Son of Margaret.

Adoring husband to Jenny.

Cherished father & fatherin-law of Nicole & Jack; Cameron & Immy.

BIRD (nee Demllo), Judith “Ann”

Passed away in Merbein on August 5, 2024 aged 88 years.

Dearly loved wife of Trevor (dec).

Loving mother of Pauline, Elle and Ruth.

Adored Granny to Beau & Maria, and Leah; Jade and Amber.

Great Gran to Jordan. In God’s Care

Poppy to Jonah.

Horsham & District Funerals

Dylan & Amity Hartwich 5382 1149

JACKSON, Judith Catherine

Born 1/9/1952, passed away at the Ballarat Base Hospital 3/8/2024.

Wife of Tony, mother of D’Arne and Jason, Anthony (dec), Rachel and Rick, Luke and Kim. In God’s Care

JENNER (nee Roberts), Glenys Elaine

Passed away peacefully 2-8-2024

Devoted wife of Graeme for 50 years.

Much loved mother and mother-in-law of Mereeka & Daniel, Georgina & Colin, Benjamin & Renee, Felicity & Simon.

Nan to Tara, Keisha, Jayla & Beau, Baxter & Jack, Cooper, Hamish, Riley, Darcy & Lachlan, Brock, Stevie & Nash.

Dad and Pop.

Reunited with Lois.

Private farewell at Horsham Cemetery.

EALES (nee Robertson), Clare

Passed away peacefully on August 2, 2024 aged 91 years.

Dearly loved wife of Johnny (dec).

Loving mother and mother in law of Andy & Janett; Chris & Chris; Rob & Sherie; Helen (dec) & David.

Adored Nanna to Tim, Cameron, Stephanie and Ally; Josh and Jessica; Emily and

Great Nanna to

LINGHAM (McDonald),

Eileen Margaret

Passed away on 31st July 2024

Dearly loved wife of Ron (dec.)

Loved sister-in-law and friend of Gwenda & Jack (both dec.), Ken, Evelyn & Jim (all dec.), Joy & Stan (both dec.), John (dec.) & Margaret, Janice (dec.) & Ian.

Much loved, kind and caring “Auntie Marg” of the Johnston, Lingham and Morgan families. Forever in our hearts.

MUEGEL, Noel William

14.03.1947 – 02.08.2024

Passed away in Horsham after a short illness.

Youngest son of Alan & Winifred. Brother to Leon & John (both dec).

Horsham & District

Funerals

Dylan & Amity Hartwich 5382 1149

~ MUEGEL ~ Noel

Loved uncle of Lynette and Bopp.

Private interment. Forever in our hearts

LINGHAMMCDONALD, Eileen Margaret

30.10.1936 – 31.07.2024

Beloved Wife of Ron (dec)

Dearly loved Sister & Sisterin-Law of Ron (dec), Pam (dec) & their family; Shirl (dec); John (dec), Liz & their family; Gwen, Ron & their family.

Horsham & District Funerals

Dylan & Amity Hartwich 5382 1149

LINGHAMMCDONALD, Eileen Margaret

Entered eternal life 31.07.2024

Dearly loved Sister of Gwen.

‘Another limb has fallen from our family tree, Now at peace with your God’

Horsham & District Funerals

Dylan & Amity Hartwich 5382 1149

I am sure you are busy up there recruiting Collingwood supporters, but know we miss you, our hearts are sore, as time goes by, we will miss you more. R.I.P.

PARKIN, Douglas Herbert George

01.11.1933 – 15.07.2024

When family chains are broken, Nothing is the same, But as God takes us one by one, He links the chain again. Forever in our hearts.

Ann, Ray, Helen, Julie, Glen, Megan, Darren, Kate, Nicole, Shaun, Damien, Heidi & His 13 Great Grandchildren.

Horsham & District Funerals

Dylan & Amity Hartwich 5382 1149

SAVAGE,

Glen

12-12-35 to 26-7-24

Passed away peacefully at Bill Crawford Lodge, Ballarat.

Dearly loved husband and father of Sandra, Nadine, Tamara & Corryn.

Poppy of Patrick, Sarah & Joshua and Jessica.

Loved brother of Neville. He was ours and we loved him.

Celebration of Glen’s life at HGC, Tuesday, August 13 at 2pm.

WILLIAMS (Morrish), Elma Ellen

Passed away at Highton Gardens Aged Care, August 2, 2024, aged 100 years.

Loved and loving Wife of Charlie (dec) and Mother of Mervyn, Linda and Rosanne and Leon.

Dearly loved Grandmother of Stef and Rhys, Dean and Gianna, Justin and Sanja and Matthew and Millie.

To us you were someone special,

Someone good and true, You will never be forgotten,

As we thought the world of you, At Peace

GRAYSON, Brad Graham

The funeral service to farewell the late Mr Brad Grayson will be held at the Quantong Recreational Reserve, Monday, August 12, 2024 commencing at 1pm A private cremation will take place following the service.

Dylan & Amity Hartwich 5382 1149

JACKSON, Judith Catherine 1/9/1951-3/8/2024

Judith Catherine Jackson will be farwelled at a private ceremony to be conducted at the Minyip Cemetery.

LINGHAMMCDONALD, Eileen Margaret

A Requiem Mass will be offered for the Repose of the soul of the late Mrs. Eileen Margaret Lingham at St. Mary’s Catholic Church, Murtoa on Tuesday, August 13th 2024 commencing at 10am.

Interment to follow at the Rupanyup lawn cemetery.

MUEGEL, Noel William

The graveside service for the late Mr. Noel William Muegel will be held at the Horsham Lawn Cemetery on Friday, August 9th 2024 commencing at 11am.

Amity & Dylan Hartwich 5382 1149

WILLIAMS

A graveside service will be held for the late Mrs Elma Ellen Williams at the Rupanyup Cemetery on Friday, August 9, 2024 at 11am

In the care of Fred Crouch & Son STAWELL 5358 1043

WILLS, Athol

19-4-1930 to 30-8-2006

Sorrows have a way of strengthening the heart.

If it were not for hope, the heart would break.

My best friend always. Heather

Amity & Dylan Hartwich 5382 1149

BIRD, Judith “Ann”

The funeral of Ann Bird will leave St John’s Anglican Church, Horsham on Tuesday, August 13, 2024 after a service commencing at 1.30pm for the Horsham Lawn Cemetery.

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

EALES, Clare

The Funeral of Clare Eales will leave St Andrew’s Uniting Church, Horsham on Monday, 12 August 2024 after a service commencing at 1.30pm 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

I would like to thank my family and friends for the many cards, flowers and good wishes on the occasion of my 100th birthday.

Alma Brain

Budgies, assorted colours $10 each Ph 0417533579

Budgies, pastel and standards

$10 each Ph 0428010996

Horsham

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

$2000 Ph 0431982052

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

German( Aust) Koolie pups, 2 red male pup, 1 red speckled male pup, all vaccinated / microchipped, microchip# 956000017131984/17181902/1 7166017, source# MB258735, bred to work $500 Ph P Brown 53547632 or 0438522996

Ararat

Horse rug, 6 foot wanted Ph 0427361940

Merino Sheep, 1 Suffolk merino cross, 1 whether suffolk merino cross, $600 and no separation Ph 0481756063

Miniature Dachshund

Puppies,1 black/tan M $3000, 1 black/tan F $3000,1 blonde M $4000, vacc, vet checked & m/ chip 953010006206969/70/71, source# MB257827, ready for collection Ph Grace 0499005268 Nhill

Purebred black faced Dorper rams, pic# 3HSDC083 Ph Liz 0419664345

Roosters, ducks and guinea fowl wanted to buy Ph 0469740723

Self shedding sheep for sale, $60 each, pick # 3HSDH097 Ph 0419293500

Spit pigs $140 each, Salami pigs $350 each, extra large Ph 0427361940

Suffolk Rams , 18 months old,fully vaccinated, OB accredited, PIC3SGP010, ready to work, good bloodlines, well grown, $800 plus GST, can arrange delivery Ph 0429196337

Working Kelpie pups , 3m, 1f, 7 weeks old, microchip# 978142000129103// 937/1520/1099 source# MB238602 $1000 plus Gst Ph Tim 0491895301

Young Muscovy duck s, available now, $15 each Ph 042992620

2022 Goldfields camper trailer as new, used once, loads of extras $20,000 Ph 0438722796

A large elephant ornament carrying a baby elephant in its trunk, 36cms tall and 53cms long, a quick sale for $600 Ph 53824788

1998 Jayco Westport , full annexe, a/c, oven, microwave, always shedded, many extras $22,000ono Ph 0419514118

2009 Roma Elegance Pop Top, 18ft 6, air bags, full canvas annexe, has new awning and hot water service, VGC, $25,000ono Ph 0429951322

2010 Galaxy Odyssey , combined shower/toilet, queen bed, air con, battery, awning, annexe, tare 1900kg, $24,990 Ph 0418504985

2013 Jayco Starcraft, 21’, one owner, very little use, as new, many added extras $42,000 Ph 0427909230

2016 Supreme Spirit Limited Ed 11, exterior black and white, 24’6”, long full front wardrobe, cafe style kitchen, big ensuite toilet, shower, 5kg washing machine, 4 brand new tyres L/T, diesel heater, big fridge, lots of cupboards, annexes winter and summer solar power, 2 x 120 watt batteries plus more, medical reason for selling top unit $70,000neg Ph 0427911765 or 0477138363

CUB Escape camper, 2020, Australian made, off road camper that will go anywhere, queen size bed, all canvas awnings, very good condition

$24,800 Ph 0490532715

Galaxy Scenic caravan, 2004, 19’, EC, shower on outside $18,000 Ph 0400603022

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

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

New Age 2013, queen bed, TV, large fridge, microwave, gas/electric hot plates, toilet, shower, washing machine, full annex, sway bars, $45,000 Ph 0427778747

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

REDUCED 2011 Pinnacle camper trailer - full off-road, hard floor, a full canvas annexe, tag hinge towing included, 2 new tyres- spare is brand new, 2 batteries, Anderson plugs for charging batteries are included, 2 power points, light in camper, queen size bed and mattress, new fly screens in windows and doors, 4 burner gas stove, includes 2 gas bottles, 60L water tank,sink with water tap and electric pump to sink and outside tap, carries 2 large fuel containers, portable gas heater, portable toilet with pop-up shower or toilet cubicle, folding camp table, Rego till Sept 2024, U28090 $9,000ono Ph 0429942936

REDUCED Concept Ascot caravan, 2006, 18’, pop-top, tare 1420, low kms, kept undercover, regularly serviced, EC, many extras inc, near new full annexe, easy to tow, R3373 $20,000 Ph Ray 0413445347

REDUCED Goldstream RV

Off Road 2007, solar panels, new deep cycle battery, roll out awning, pull out flys each end, outside shower, new porta loo, full annexe, queen bed, RC air con, hot water, full oven with grill, 3 gas burners, electric fridge runs off solar electric, built in radio plus tv, storage cupboards over bed, storage under seats, reg until October 2024, $15,500 Ph 0409967815, Horsham

REDUCED Isuzu Outback

Express Motorhome for sale, 2 seater, sleeps 3, auto, diesel, fridge, tv, shower, toilet, stove and lots more, have to see to believe, can drive on normal car licence, 3.1m long, RWC, $40,000 with 12mth rego and RWC Ph Phillip 0428173606 or Susan and ask for Phillp 0458727370 Horsham

Toyota Coaster camper , 2 seater, diesel heater, 1hz motor, solar and 12v awning much more $40,000 Ph 0418325662

Vintage 1964 Viscount Ambassador alumvan, excellent original condition, rewired to 240v, 14f, plus more $9500 ono Ph 0431820493

CAT, 955 K traxcavator DROTT, ROPS, strong double ripper, GP bucket, D330T motor $35,000 plus Gst Ph 0400603022

Chamberlain Countryman 354 plus Cabin & Front end loader, 1960s, going well/good tyres Ph 0477275737

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

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

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

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

Sunbeam twin box electric wool press, good order, $1000 plus Gst Ph 55877233 evenings please

Tractor Tyre , 1/2 the new price, 16.9 x 28, near new Ph 0353870522 AH or 0413073478

Trailing Grain Feeder, with canopy, good condition, $1100, Ph 0400894020

Carryall 6’ x 3’, suit type 1 + 3 3PL $150 Ph 0429491426

New Holland T8 360, 2250 hrs, one owner, non- smoker, never pulled an air-seeder, add blue switched off, linkage, UHF radio, auto steer ready, 50km box, excellent condition, upgraded to articulated, $270,000ono plus Gst $297,000 inc GST Ph 0418504408

2016 Ramco C Dolly trailer registered X17337 $4000 Ph 0407542856

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

Eddy 0428922335

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

Engine hoist, 1500kg, 8 ton ram, foldable extendable legs, hardly used VGC, $250 Ph 0432654420

2018 Dingo Ultimate Camper, heavy duty top of the line off-road trailer including boat rack, fully enclosed annexe including ensuite, lots of storage, built-in instant gas hot water to sink and shower, dual AGM batteries and built-in inverter and charger, innerspring mattress and ability to make up second double bed, two new off-road tyres, VGC, Y76535 $18,500ono Ph 0407360212

REDUCED 2018 Jayco Swan Camper, hardly used, as new, front & rear double beds, couch & table bed, can sleep 6 easily, battery pack, 4 Burner gas stove & grill, microwave, 3 way fridge, awning, lots of cupboards, $20,000ono, Ph 0427467622

Kaniva

Falken 2 65=60R=18, as new $950 Ph 0423967449

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

Firescreen, 1300mm opening, 1700mm including wings, plus tool set, all in EC $250 Ph 0408504633

Fuel tank, 1000ltrs $400 Ph 0419389693

Half size pool/billiard table,

Heaslip

Marking cradle, GC $300 Ph 0419389693

Massage Machine, duo MKII Professional complete with instructional DVD, $300ono Ph 0429820692 Pine Posts S/H, good order, $5 each Ph 0429954000

REDUCED Horse hames, old, 8 pairs $10 pair ono, McCormick deering 2236 tractor, front wheel $120ono Ph 0407911884

Ryobi router $100, Triton router table $150, Triton jaws $150, band saw $200, band saw small $50, angle

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

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

4.0m Stessl Aluminium Runabout , on galvanised trailer, 25HP evinrude outboard motor, electric trolling motor, not used over 2 years, trailer reg V82175, boat reg DT917, serial no 09185405, $4000, Ph 0437899398

Single electric/adjustable bed , includes mattress,used but in EC, Includes as new Health Flex mattress topped with bamboo fabric, designed for pressure redistribution, purchase price $5000, sell for $2500ono Ph0435787449

Walker , 210kg, wider than normal, GC $280 Ph 0423967449

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

BMW RT1200 Motorcycle , 2007, Ex SA Police, GO, HGR, EWS, CC, reg til 8/24, service manuals, 1H1SM $4000 Ph 0428154961

Yamaha Scooter, excellent condition, 6100km, RWC, 6 months reg, ideal for learner, $1800ono Ph 0408824739

2011 Nissan Navara 4WD diesel dual cab, manual, canopy, roof rack, tow bar, bull bar, runs well, no longer required, unregistered, no RWC, Vin # MNTVCUD40A0019094, 330,000kms $6500 Ph 0407861009

Kia Cerato Koup 2 door 2013, 1.6L turbo, 6 speed auto, 7L/100km, bluetooth, reverse camera, new tyres, VGC, RWC, 3mths rego, 285,000kms, ZTD649, $6800 Ph 0429857255

Price reduced to sell Ute 2012 Nissan Navara D40 S6 MY12 RX cab chassis, single cab 2dr, manual, 6sp 4x4, 1222kg 2.5DT, one owner, a 92yo retired farmer who no longer needs the ute, excellent condition, serviced with log book and with RWC, seats have been covered since purchase so “as new”, solid fitted rubber matting in tray, YYU634, $10,000 Ph 0402135520

REDUCED 2010 Hyundai i30 diesel wagon, GC, RWC, economical, XWS504 $6000 Ph 0419132137 Ararat

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

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

2018 Mitsubishi Outlander, 2.0i PHEV Auto, plug-in hybrid, Mitsubishi serviced, superb condition throughout, near new tyres, 30-40km electric range, reg to April 2025, RWC supplied, 100,732 kms, 1XN2NP $24,500 ono Ph 0413832765 Ararat area

2019 Subaru Impreza Hatch back, AWD, glass electric sunroof, safety, comfort, Pearl White, EC, 40,000kms, 1PA8PJ $26000 ono Ph 0427822909

storage, Engel fridge on slide, Titan single drawer, battery charger, solar/battery controller, 240 volt inlet, 3 inside powerpoints to run fridge & charge battery etc, USB charging points, cig lighter plugs, inside canopy lights, 2m x 2.5m awning, excellent condition, reg Gadga, 75,360kms $62,000 Phone 0429909210 2 bedroom house for rent in Horsham Ph 0432774645 2BR unit for rent - Kaniva, suit professional or retiree with good history, quality rental, excellent brick unit, single garage, 2BR with BIR, walk in shower, neutral decor, open plan living kitchen with dishwasher, lounge, split system, secure backyard, $1256 p/month, bond req Ph 0419546410

Housemate wanted , clean home in Haven, large furnished bedroom, double carport, private yard, no pets, $200 per week includes bills Ph 0407043917

Gypsum, lime, compost and all granulated fertilizer spreading, modern 4wd trucks, Floatation tyres, GPS and scales, call Adam Ph 0427552432

Massage Service , full body massage, 1 or 2 masseuses available, call for a quote and booking Ph 0460500827

Wanted Person to look after 10 yr old greyhound placid female, odd times, ongoing and will pay Ph David- 0427864628

Wanted, Land to “Share-Farm” or “Lease”, anywhere south of Horsham and accross to the Grampians, from 50 to 700 acres, cropping country preferred, Ph Roger Hallam at Mockinya 0418822700

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

Oscar remote electric lift chair as new hardly used, bargain $1200 Ph 0408504682

and

Antique German violin,

0435787499

with books, late model 4ltr engine, auto, air, cruise etc, runs and drives well, no rego, duco average, vin# 6FPAAAJGSWWT37628, 191,000kms $2490ono Ph Max 0477317809

ute

2004 VY SS Commodore , black, RWC, VGC, YKW598 $16,000 Ph 0400603022

2009 Holden Colorado, auto, 3.0 diesel, tow bar, steel tray, toolboxes, Sept 2024 rego, RWC, tub with hard lid included, 312,000 kms, XBV738 $12,000 Ph 0458991202

2019 Toyota Hybrid Camry SL sedan, with all the luxury features of a top of the range Toyota, pearl white, full service history, RWC, 2AM8IL, $32,250 Ph Eddy 0428922335

2022 Isuzu Dmax X terrain

Valencia orange for sale, 25,318 kms,still under new vehicle warranty until 2028 or 150,000 kms, 7 months rego, RWC, BVI103 $60,000 Ph 0438918240

Roho Brand Permobill dry flotation pressure cushion

cushion cover, $250 ono, Ph

Wheelchair

Pre-booking

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

Land Liaison Officer (Fixed Term 2 years)

Position number VG/6028

The Land Liaison Officer plays a key role connecting landholders to the East Grampians Pipeline.

Responsibilities include providing landholders with information on water allowances, costs and service connections, as well as coordinating service installations. You’ll will also be responsible to prepare, coordinate and finalise customer Land Access Agreements.

If you enjoy building customer relationships and have a strong attention to detail, we’d like to hear from you.

Applications close: Wednesday 14 August 2024

GWMWater contact:

Ollie Reynolds, People Talent and Culture Officer

Water Register Administration Officer

Position number VG/2220A

The Water Register Administration Officer will be responsible for processing water trading, amalgamations and subdivision applications and ensure the seamless operation of our integrated billing systems. Maintaining accurate water trading records in the Victorian Water Register is also a requirement.

The successful candidate will assist with raising customer accounts and liaising with customers about their water allowance and account enquiries.

If you have strong attention to detail, we’d like to hear from you!

Applications close: Wednesday 14 August 2024

GWMWater contact:

Ollie Reynolds, People Talent and Culture Officer

in our fresh new shop.

Retail Casual Position 20+ Hours Per Week, could be more hours for the right person

• Some heavy lifting (15 - 20kg) is involved.

• Some early mornings will be required.

• Must have some knowledge or prior experience in Fruit & Veg.

Please submit Resumes by 30th August, in store at 40 Urquhart Street, Horsham Or email: jkgriffiths71@gmail.com

Production & Processing

– Casual & Full Time Position Available

Seeds Pure

Foods

An opportunity exists to join our successful family operated rural business located approximately 13km from Horsham.

We are looking for the right person to join our production team, working within our grain processing and packaging plant. If you are interested in a career in agriculture then we want you! Your role will be to work in a small team environment performing the daily activities involved in processing & packing grains and pulses. You will be involved in the dayto-day operations, including receiving and out-loading grain, weighbridge operations, palletising/container packing for export and cleaning plant operations. Shift work will be required on a rostered schedule, working hours may vary due to increased production schedules in peak periods.

TEACHERS WANTED

Horsham West and Haven Primary School’s vision is to empower all students to achieve their personal best.

Our mission is to maintain a community of learners who are happy and confident in their ability to learn, grow and succeed.

Our Mission ‘To create partnerships between industry, education and the community that develop positive futures for young people’.

ADMINISTRATION

– the largest circulating newspaper in the Wimmera, southern Mallee and Grampians.

Telephone (03) 5382 1351 Email horshamreception@ team.aceradio.com.au Place your situation vacant advertisement in

OFFICER

0.6 EFT - Full time negotiable Applications close: 19th August 2024

and Passion Fast

The ideal applicants will enjoy working hands-on in an outdoor environment with experience and knowledge of the grain industry.

We are looking for GRADUATE AND EXPERIENCED CLASSROOM TEACHERS AND SPECIALIST TEACHERS to join our dedicated team in 2025 Fulltime, part time and ongoing positions available If you would like to discuss this opportunity further please contact Lee McKenzie 0438 824 580 or email your resume to: lee.mckenzie@education.vic.gov.au

For full details visit: www.llen.com.au/employment or email eo@llen.com.au

Heavy Vehicle, Forklift, Fumigation and Authorised Officer Licences would be desirable.

varieties to growers Quality Assurance

Written Applications including a Resume and Cover Letter to hr@pbseeds.com.au

For further information regarding this position please call Angela (03) 5383 2212.

To apply, contact The Weekly Advertiser distributor Shannon by emailing horsham.distribution@gmail.com or phone/text 0438 064

Employment Opportunities Inroads are seeking to recruit the following positions

CONTRACTS MANAGER

The ideal applicant would have the following attributes:

• Previous experience in the civil construction industry – highly regarded but not essential.

• A strong attention to detail

• Effective organisational & time management skills

• Pro cient in Microsoft Of ce suite

PROJECT ASSISTANT

The ideal applicant would have the following attributes:

• Experience in an Administration role.

• Ability to manage time effectively and prioritisation of key requirements.

• A strong work ethic to operate autonomously when required.

• Pro cient in Microsoft Of ce suite

Please send applications, including cover letter and current CV to reception@inroads.com.au

Area: Horsham Ph: 03 5382 4406 Email: reception@inroads.com.au

Mallee Building, Federation University 289 Baillie Street, Horsham Vic 3400 Email: eo@llen.com.au EO Mobile: 0418 312 556

Much to play for in final matches

WBY SIMON KING

ith just three rounds remaining before the Wimmera hockey finals, the under-16 ladder is unlikely to change, but there is still much to play for in the two senior competitions.

Round 13 action will take place at Davis Park, Nhill on Saturday and will feature several pivotal matches.

The home teams in both the open and women’s competitions will be playing for their last chance to qualify for the finals when they take on their Warracknabeal counterparts, and Kaniva Women can almost assure themselves of a top-two finish if they defeat Dimboola Roos.

Open

A win for Warrack Hoops, who will be fresh off a bye, will almost assure them of a top-two finish, but they will not want to take fifth-placed Nhill Rangers too lightly.

The Nhill team has shown plenty of improvement this season, but its slim chances of making the finals rely on defeating more than one of the top three teams in the next three weeks, which might be just beyond them.

Horsham Hurricanes face the undefeated Yanac Tigers, and while recent form suggests the Tigers will be favourites, the Hurricanes will want to put in a good performance to gain some confidence in the lead-up to fi-

nals. Kaniva Cobras have the bye and will remain safely in third place on Saturday evening.

Women

With four teams battling for the last three places in the women’s finals, every game this week has significant implications on who will progress beyond round 15 and from what position they will mount their assault on the finals.

Another Yanac win will assure them of the minor premiership, but they will come up against Horsham Jets, who still need another win or two to stay in the top four – this probably won’t be one of them.

The biggest game of the round will see Kaniva and Dimboola Roos clash.

A Kaniva victory will confirm a toptwo finish and put Dimboola at risk of falling out of the top four, but a Roos win will give them more confidence that they will play the finals.

Warracknabeal has shown significant improvement in recent games, but Nhill Thunderbirds go into their game knowing a win could see them back in the top four by the end of the round, so they will be hard to beat, particularly on their home ground.

Under-16

In another round that sees the top three teams taking on the lower three

IN CONTROL:

Nhill Rangers’ Joseph Knoll controls the ball while Horsham’s Charles Hassall tries an unconventional tackle to try to spoil in open competition on Saturday. The game resulted in a draw. Picture: SIMON KING

Women: Kaniva 1 (L. Stimson; I. Williams, H. Pearse, L. Stimson) drew with Yanac 1 (E. Alexander; M. Mackley, E. Alexander, A. Farmers). Nhill Thunderbirds 2 (C. Shurdington, Z. Wilson; K. Clark, C. Kessler, C. Shurdington) d Horsham Jets 0 (H. Werner, H. Knoop, L. Schilling). Dimboola Roos 2 (P. Pretorius 2; J. Hauselberger, P. Pretorius, A. Baker) d Warracknabeal 1 (S. Williamson; E. Eichberger, B. Cannell, E. Williamson, S. Williamson).

Under-16: Yanac Warriors 4 (T. Rethus 2, S. Pedie 2; Archie Zanker, Annabella Zanker, S. Pedie) d Kaniva Raiders 1 (L. Doyle; C. White, L. Krelle, F. Dodson). Nhill Leopards 5 (O. Bone 2, B. Clark 2, D. Clark; D. Clark, B. Cannell, Z. Wilson) d Horsham Bombers 0 (H. Mackereth, J. Schwarz, O. Knoop). Dimboola Kangaroos 2 (J. Ward 2; J. Ward, V. Ward, L. Hauselberger) d Warracknabeal Revengers 0 (J. Nuske, E. Williamson, S. Williamson).

Under-12 development program: Kaniva Rampagers 1 (R. Williams) v Yanac Lowan Stars 6 (M. Campbell 2, C. Alexander, M. Zanker, P. Dart, R. Dickinson). Horsham Black Hawks 2 (A. Neumann, J. Mackereth) v Nhill Bandits 0. Dimboola Kookaburras 5 (R. Hadzig 2, R. Wallace, L. Hauselberger, L Elliott) v Warrack Avengers 1 (M. Peters).

in the Under-16 competition, form across the season suggests the results should reflect the team’s relative ladder positions. Yanac Warriors should be too strong for Horsham Bombers, Nhill Leopards should be able to account for Warrack Revengers, and despite a boost in confidence from their second win for the season last weekend, Dimboola Kangaroos will find Kaniva Raiders too strong. Round-12 results –Open: Yanac Tigers 1 (goal, S. Alexander; best, S. Farmers, S. Alexander, J. Honeyman, L. Reichenbach) d Kaniva Cobras 0 (L. Mills, C. Beattie, R. Smith, T. Krelle). Horsham Hurricanes 0 (C. Hassall, P. Mackereth, T. Werner) drew with Nhill Rangers 0 (D. Reichelt, B. Tischler, D. Clark, C Shultz).

Sportsmanship in the spotlight

League award one under-17 footballer and one 17-and-under netballer a spirit of sport award each playing round. The Spirit of Football and Spirit of Netball awards are presented by either Victoria

or

William Hobbs – WFNL

Horsham Demons footballer William Hobbs was awarded for his exceptional dedication to the game and outstanding sportsmanship, combined with his commitment to fair play and teamwork. He is pictured with Horsham Blue Ribbon Foundation committee member Les Power.

Amara Jagan – HDFNL

Stawell Swifts netballer Amara Jagan is described as a ‘shining example of dedication, sportsmanship and community spirit’ by her club. She is hardworking and always ready to lend a hand, and is respectful of her team-mates, opponents and umpires. Amara, pictured with Stawell police first constables Amy Strutterfield and Andrea Machado, is also a Mods assistant coach and B Grade team manager.

Blue Ribbon Foundation spirit of football and netball awards are presented to players when Blue Ribbon and police members are available, which may result in awards presented during a later round. Awardees from both Horsham District and Wimmera leagues will be published as they are presented with their awards.

Jamie DeZoete – HDFNL

Pimpinio footballer Jamie DeZoete has been involved in the club for many years. He has a great work ethic and is well-respected by his team-mates and coaches. After taking last year off for work, he returns to a key role in his team’s push towards the premiership this season. The highlight of his career so far is experiencing a 2022 premiership alongside his late brother Trent, who won this award in 2022. Jamie is pictured with Blue Ribbon Foundation’s Les Power.

Lauren Clyne – WFNL

Warrack Eagles netballer Lauren Clyne, pictured with Warracknabeal Senior Constable Laura Cole, is dedicated and passionate about netball, her team and club, and is always willing to learn, teach and help out where she can. Lauren also umpires junior games. Her commitment to her netball has seen her join the Eagles’ A Grade team and league 17 and under representative team.

Laharum

a damaging long kick, explosive gather and step, and clean disposal with excellent decision-making. Archer shows a willingness to be coached and engages in any role needed. His genuine desire to get the best out of his peers has earnt him the respect of his team-mates, coaches and supporters. He is pictured with Blue Ribbon Foundation member Les Power.

the ranks to become a senior player, which she is doing with ease. Taya is pictured with Jeparit Senior Constable Aari Mellington.

through instructing teammates, backing them in their decisions, training hard, and being a mate on and off the field.

Warrack Eagles footballer Cody Polack has shown care and compassion both on and off the field, in his second season of football. He uses his height as an effective ruckman and forward, and also shows great leadership for his club, team-mates, opposition players and the community. He is pictured with Warracknabeal Leading Senior Constable Peter Taylor.

Ava Bell – HDFNL

Laharum netballer Ava Bell, pictured with Blue Ribbon Foundation member Les Power, has always been a determined, zippy player. She has won best and fairest and two runner-up best and fairest awards with Laharum. Ava generally plays goals or centre, but will play wherever she is needed in her senior games.

and willingness to improve.

moved into the ruck this year and his game has gone from strength to strength, now being one of the moreimproved players. Cody is pictured with Hor-

Police officers

Blue Ribbon Foundation members.

Holly Whitehead – HDFNL Edenhope-Apsley netballer Holly Whitehead, pictured with Blue Ribbon Foundation member Les Power, is an exceptional player and an asset to her team. She is quick to adapt her game and is always seeking to improve where she can, learning from her mistakes. Holly is determined to see her team-mates succeed on the court, bringing support and intensity to the game.

Taya Horman – WFNL Southern Mallee Thunder netballer Taya Horman was awarded for her fierce and determined approach to her game. She exemplifies everything an ideal junior netballer has, as she rises through

Round nine

Round 10

Round 11

Round 12

Lenny Weir – HDFNL

Southern Mallee thunder footballer Lenny Weir, pictured with Jeparit police Senior Constable Aari Mellington, is a talented footballer who has the desire to do the best he can. He has taken a great leap this year in his leadership on the field, which has shown

Cody Keddie – HDFNL Natimuk United footballer Cody Keddie, only in his second year of football, is having an outstanding season, showing good dedication

Cody

sham Sergeant Jason Bergen.

Cody Polack – WFNL

Archer Cameron – HDFNL

footballer Archer Cameron has

ROUND 15: The Weekly

Advertiser photographer PAUL CARRACHER caught some of the action between Wimmera league teams Stawell and Horsham on Saturday. Stawell’s senior footballers ran out victorious 15.10 (100) to Demons’ 10.5 (65), while in A Grade netball competition it was the Demons who came out on top, 60-38. Pictured in action are, clockwise from above: Horsham goal attack Georgia Batson; Stawell’s Cody Driscoll;

Morning Crew Weekdays from 6am to 9am

Tahlia Thompson, Horsham; Stawell’s Ebony Summers and Madi Taylor; Sean Mantell, Stawell, tackles Tyler Blake, Horsham; Ethan Marrow, Stawell; Horsham’s Georgie Carberry; Hugo Papst, Horsham, tackles Sean Mantell, Stawell; and centre, Sienna Manserra, Horsham, guards Stawell’s Ayva Mitchell.

Hendy top scores

Lachlan Hendy was high gun at Sunday’s CFA District 17 fundraising shoot at Natimuk, with a score of 47.

A Pimpinio fire brigade team won the aggregate with 569 points, ahead of Vectis on 272 and Laharum with 166.

The winners of the brigade three-person team section all scored 122 points – count-backs determined the placings.

Natimuk fire brigade’s Noel Taylor, Zakk Taylor and Richard Emmerson placed first, followed by Pimpinio 2’s Roger Thamm, Daniel Baker and Luke Ellis, and

Pimpinio’s Simon Porter, Jock Baker and Shanan Baker, third.

Jayden Newcombe won the members of gun clubs section with 46 points, with Thamm placing second on a count-back from Bruce Ervin, both on 45.

Brendan Smith won the nonmembers’ section on 40 points, just ahead of Wally Wheaton in second place on a count-back from Barry Parker, both on 39.

Kirsty Baker led the ladies with 33 points, with Becky Wallis on 27 and Emily Farrugia on 25.

Chase Porter won the junior section on 42 points, with Jardy Ellis in second place on 40

points, and Ayden Nolte in third with 33.

Doug Glasgow won the NASA with 19 points.

Shoot co-ordinator Dale Russell said he was pleased with the response to the event.

“We had 89 competitors, which is good for this time of year, and $1600 was raised for The Alfred hospital’s burns unit,” he said.

The annual event has raised $26,150 since the first shoot in 2001.

“The day was a great success, and all going well, we’ll do it again next year,” Mr Russell said.

Arlo McCartney, 3, helps his grandfather Sean McCartney release the targets

Bruce Ervin

Richard Emmerson

arOUnD ThE LEaGUEs

Clear cut road to finals

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

There was little joy for the Mininera and District Football League’s northern teams at the weekend, with Ararat Eagles, Great Western, Tatyoon and Moyston-Willaura all suffering defeats.

The Eagles had a chance to make a finals berth a certainty against Lismore-Derrinallum, but were outplayed after half time in a 14.5 (89) to 10.4 (64) loss.

Ararat, with co-captain Naish McRoberts leading the charge, led by nearly two straight kicks at the long break.

But the resurgent Demons held the Eagles scoreless in the third quarter, and a four-goals-to-three final term was not enough to drag the home side back to the lead.

Adrian Reid, Ryan Weppner and Brady Miller joined McRoberts among Ararat’s best performers,

with a three-goal performance from Liam Rigby helping secure victory for the Demons.

Tatyoon, which trails fifth-placed Ararat by six premiership points, had an opportunity to make up ground on the Eagles, but faced the daunting task of playing the powerful Penshurst on the road.

The Hawks kept themselves in the game with six scoring shots to their opponents’ eight in the first quarter, but the Bombers blew the hinges off the game with nine goals to two in the second term, en route to a 21.11 (137) to 8.9 (57) win.

Despite the lopsided score, Tatyoon full forward Marcus Darmody still managed four goals, while Angus Johnston, Sam Phillips and James Shanhun were other standouts for the visitors.

The finals equation is now simple for Ararat Eagles and Tatyoon – the Hawks must win their remaining

two matches against Moyston-Willaura this weekend and Glenthompson-Dunkeld in the final round, while hoping Ararat loses both of its remaining games against the Rams this weekend and Penshurst the next.

If the Eagles win either of their two remaining games, Tatyoon, the reigning premier, will be eliminated from the finals race.

Moyston-Willaura showed its supporters improvement despite a 13.16 (94) to 8.6 (54) loss to Glenthompson-Dunkeld at Moyston on Saturday.

The Pumas lost by 128 points in their first meeting with the Rams in round three, but displayed stronger efforts on both sides of the ball at the weekend.

The game was still alive at three-quarter time, with MoystonWillaura trailing by only 16 points thanks to errant kicking from the

DETERMINED: Swifts defeated Harrow-Balmoral 56-50 in round 16 of Horsham District league A Grade netball competition.

Pictured in action on Saturday are, clockwise from above: Emily Langley, Harrow-Balmoral, guards Michaela Armer, Swifts; Swifts goal defence Edwina Flakemore guards Tori Dunstan, HarrowBalmoral; Swifts keeper Isabella Robson and Tara McIntyre, Harrow-Balmoral, tussle for the ball; and Harrow-Balmoral centre Jorja Jones passes. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

visitors, but seven last-quarter goals from the Rams finally ended the Pumas’ chances.

Half back Sam Lehmann and ruckman Josh Fiegert were the best on the day for the Pumas.

Great Western was no match for Wickliffe-Lake Bolac, losing 16.20 (116) to 5.5 (35) on the road, with Renn Lovitt, Sam Raeck and Tom Parsons among the best.

The Lions will have an opportunity for redemption this week when they take on Woorndoo-Mortlake, which lost to SMW Rovers 18.10 (118) to 10.7 (67) on Saturday.

The Bulldogs, meanwhile, will take on Caramut, which is coming off a 16.18 (114) to 5.4 (34) defeat at the hands of HawkesdaleMacarthur.

This weekend’s other games will pit Lismore-Derrinallum against Wickliffe-Lake Bolac and Hawkesdale-Macarthur against Penshurst.

shirtfront the AFTER THE SIREN

with Kuges, Cobba, Easty & Hugh Match in review

Stawell 15.10 (100) d Horsham 10.5 (65)

Horsham got a good start. They opened Stawell up through the corridor really well in the first quarter and got a couple of nice goals that way.

After the first quarter Stawell did a good job of making them go wider into their forward line and shut the corridor down.

I thought that’s what got Stawell back in the game. You could always see Stawell was a little bit better. Except for the first couple of goals that Horsham got, when they kicked one Stawell always had an answer.

You could see Stawell was just going to be a little bit too good. Horsham wasn’t allowed to run the ball as well as they had in the first few weeks.

The midfield battle was pretty even. Tyler Blake and Brody Pope were really good for Horsham, and Sean Mantell and Tom Eckell were really good for Stawell. The ruck contest probably went Stawell’s way a little bit – Aiden Graveson was very good. Horsham started with Rhys Barber in the back line, but when they put him in the ruck he started getting his hands on it a bit.

Stawell’s forwards, and especially the two Driscolls, Cody and Ash, were too good. They take the ball at the highest point when it comes in and if it’s a good kick, they don’t drop too many. Cody kicked four goals.

Stawell had Jacob Welsh and Mitchel Taylor back in. Taylor straightened them up down back and gave them some run.

The standout player: Sam Jenkinson played on Horsham’s Ryan Kemp and did a great job on him. Kemp didn’t kick a goal the whole game – he had one shot on the run from about 30 metres that he should have kicked but missed, and that’s about the only shot he had.

For Jenkinson to do what he did all day was exceptional. They gave him a job and he did it really well.

Kemp is very dangerous – if you let him off the lead he can kick six or seven goals, so to hold him to nothing was excellent.

The rising star: Archie Elliot from Horsham is only 15 – he’ll be 16 next week – and he doesn’t look out of place playing senior footy. We’ve seen him play a couple of times and he’s been very impressive. He was in Horsham’s best on the weekend. He hits the ball hard and kicks it well. I think he’ll be a very good player.

BOWERS CHIROPRACTIC CENTRE

BREATHING PROBLEMS

I’M HAVING TROUBLE BREATHING SINCE MY CHEST INFECTION, I HAVE A TIGHT CHEST. I’VE BEEN TO THE DOCTOR AND HE SAYS THERE’S NOTHING WRONG. Ever had that happen to you or someone you know? Why?

Unfortunately, sometimes when we have a chest infection or bronchitis which can cause a lot of coughing or difficulty breathing, we change our breathing patterns. We can overuse some muscles which can result in the upper back and neck tightening up. It doesn’t necessarily cause a lot of pain, you just feel as though you can’t take a deep breath.

So what can a chiropractor do?

Chiropractic care can help the rib-cage move more freely by adjusting the fixated (subluxated) areas of your spine and relieve the tightness in those muscles allowing a person to breathe more easily.

If that sounds like you or someone you know, give us a call to see how we can help move and breathe better.

hOrshaM DisTriCT LEaGUE

Panthers find previous form

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

Inaccuracy and a sloppy secondquarter defensive effort were the only blemishes on an otherwise encouraging performance as Rupanyup beat Taylors Lake in the Horsham District senior football competition on Saturday.

The Panthers, looking to get back on track before finals after dropping four of their previous five games, jumped out of the blocks against the Lakers, with only an errant goal-kicking display of 5.6 preventing them from ending the contest by the first change.

The Lakers fought back gallantly in the second term, kicking five goals of their own to Rupanyup’s one to draw within 10 points.

But in the second half it was all oneway traffic, as Rupanyup’s Kieran Sait cracked in to win the hard ball in the midfield, limiting the Lakers’ forward entries.

Bill Hansen also found plenty of the ball, kicking 3.6 for the afternoon as Rupanyup cantered to a 14.23 (107) to 6.7 (43) win.

Panthers coach Brayden Ison said if his team could straighten out its kicking in the two weeks before finals, it would stand a chance of beating any other team.

“It was promising to see that after half-time we defended the ground well and got the game on our terms,” he said.

“We probably defended by winning the ball.

“They didn’t have a lot of the ball in the second half, so we got back to winning the ball like we did in the first quarter and we transitioned the ball really well into our forward line.

“Bill Hansen came away with three goals, so if he’d kicked 6.3 instead of 3.6 that’s a heck of a game.

“Hopefully he can go into finals kicking straight and he’s going to be a hard man to stop.”

For the Lakers, it was coach Justin Beugelaar who stood out with five goals, while Trae Martin, Bray Cullinan and Beau Monaghan worked hard.

Rupanyup’s win, combined with Pimpinio’s 23.15 (153) to 8.6 (44) thumping of Kaniva-Leeor United, mathematically eliminated Edenhope-Apsley from finals contention.

The current top six of Harrow-Balmoral, Swifts, Noradjuha-Quantong, Laharum, Rupanyup and Pimpinio will play finals, although the order in which they finish is yet to be determined.

Harrow-Balmoral is guaranteed to

claim the minor premiership as it bids for back-to-back flags, but Noradjuha-Quantong and Laharum remain capable of dislodging Swifts from second place after the Baggies went down to the Roos 16.14 (110) to 12.6 (78) on Saturday.

Leading by only 14 points at the long break, the Roos hit the accelerator in the second half, with Rhys Daffey and Cody Deutscher each kicking five goals, while coach Jai Thompson and Nick Pekin won plenty of the ball.

Ryan Folkes continued an outstanding season for the Baggies, with Liam

Scott and Angus Murray providing support.

Natimuk United can lay claim to being this season’s unluckiest team, losing its third game by two points or less against Edenhope-Apsley on Saturday.

The bottom-of-the-table Rams led throughout the contest, but found themselves trailing in the last quarter.

A captain’s goal from Callum Cameron brought them within three points, but while Natimuk peppered the forward 50 with entries, it was unable to find a winning goal.

Dylan Newell’s set shot from a dif-

ficult angle with only seconds remaining could have won the Rams the game, but it cannoned into the post, and the Saints hung on for a 9.9 (63) to 8.14 (62) win.

The Rams will have a bye this weekend before closing their season against Swifts.

Other games on Saturday will see Edenhope-Apsley and the Baggies clash at Edenhope, Harrow-Balmoral hosting Laharum at Harrow, Noradjuha-Quantong welcoming Rupanyup, Pimpinio travelling to Taylors Lake and Kalkee on the road at Kaniva.

Fighting Swifts keep their finals berth in play

Swifts fought out an important sixgoal win against Harrow-Balmoral to keep a Horsham District Football Netball League A Grade finals berth in play on Saturday.

The Baggies trail sixth-placed Kaniva-Leeor United by eight premiership points and about 11 per cent, but with the Cougars scheduled for a last-round bye, the Swifts are still capable of snatching the last finals spot.

change, but the determined Roos, led by a hot-shooting goal tandem of Tori Dunstan and Tara McIntyre, refused to lie down.

They scored 16 goals in the final quarter to eat into the Baggies’ lead, but were unable to get their noses in front as Swifts held on to win 56-50.

slowly extending the margin from there on as Kahli Maddern blanketed Pimpinio opponents Ada Binney and Jayde Ellis in goals.

Lake 71-31 at Rupanyup Recreation Reserve.

Panther goalie Zanaiya Bergen was on fire, missing only 10 of her 64 goal attempts, with Meg Cashin ascendant in the midcourt.

A loss at the weekend would have all but ended their chances, however the Baggies had to endure some nervous moments against the Roos.

Playing at North Park, the home side led by three goals at quarter time, six by the half and nine at the final

Michaela Armer and Rebekkah Seeary were on song for the home side in goals, while goal defence Edwina Flakemore did well to limit McIntyre through the first three quarters.

Kaniva-Leeor United did all it could to keep ahead of Swifts, downing Pimpinio 51-39 on the road.

The Cougars got a dream start to lead by eight goals at quarter time,

Natimuk United gave its home crowd plenty to cheer about with an upset 53-37 win against EdenhopeApsley, led by a 48-goal performance from Emma Uebergang.

In the absence of star goalie Lavinia Fox, the Saints relied heavily on Tahlia Sailor to score, but could not find an effective foil for her as Krystal De Jong, Amy Geary and co-coach Sarah Domaschenz rotated through goal attack with limited success.

Rupanyup cruised to the most dominant win of the round, beating Taylors

Laker Lilly Weir gave her all, playing three different positions in the loss.

Edenhope-Apsley will attempt to bounce back against the Baggies at Edenhope this weekend, with HarrowBalmoral to play Laharum, NoradjuhaQuantong and Rupanyup to face off in a top-three clash, Kaniva-Leeor United to host Kalkee and Pimpinio on the road against Taylors Lake. – Colin MacGillivray

GOAL: Harrow-Balmoral’s Jai Thompson celebrates a goal. Thompson kicked two goals in his team’s win against Swifts on Saturday and was named in the best players.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Harrow-Balmoral goal shooter

Tori Dunstan

Pressure on in final three rounds

BY LAUREN HENRY

With just three rounds remaining in Wimmera league football, Nhill will need to continue its good form to solidify a finals’ spot.

Minyip-Murtoa is just four points behind fifth-placed Nhill on the ladder, and Tigers coach Jake McQueen said his team must win at least two of the next three games to make finals.

“It’s kind of cut-throat footy at the moment,” he said.

“But I think we play alright when the pressure’s being put on us.”

Other than Jake Harrap missing with a hamstring injury, the Tigers are expected to go into this Saturday’s match at full strength against Southern Mallee Thunder.

The Tigers then face Ararat and Horsham Saints.

The Thunder sit atop of the senior ladder, scoring another percentageboosting victory at the weekend when they defeated Dimboola by 102 points.

The home side was no match for the Thunder, who had the game wrapped at half time, leading by 83 points.

While the margin was a little closer at Davis Park, the Tigers were back in the winner’s circle after dropping the game against Horsham the week before.

digenous guernsey, as Uncle Warren Nelson performs a smoking ceremony and welcome to country, while special Indigenous round medallions will be presented for best players in the football and netball.

At Central Park, Stawell, the Warriors showed their superiority with a 35-point win against the Demons. Horsham was off to a solid start, leading 25-10 at the first break, but a six goal to one second quarter put the Warriors back on track.

Stawell, through Aiden Graveson, Josh Fowkes and Cody Driscoll, with four goals, continued to build in the second half to take the win – in a milestone match for Jackson Dark who played his 200th senior game.

The other match of round 15 saw Ararat record a 67-point win against Minyip-Murtoa, with Ben Taylor, James Jennings and Jack Ganley leading the way.

“Dylan Redding kicked five, and Darcy Honeyman was really good down back – he’s our general back there, taking a fair few intercept marks and used the ball really well off the back flank.

“Jared Dahlenberg, he had a ripper

“Credit to Warrack, they came out pretty good in the first half, but we started to actually play our brand of football in the second half and it showed on the scoreboard, which was nice,” McQueen said.

first half and just gives his all like he does every week and Lucas Dahlenberg did the exact same thing, so it’s good having them in the middle as both love having a crack.” McQueen was named Nhill’s best in the win, but said he hadn’t been happy with his own form this season.

“It’s been a challenge, juggling coaching and playing, but I feel like

I’m starting to get the hang of it and can start focusing a bit on myself and leave it up to all my coaches on the sidelines, and that’s what I’ve started to learn a bit the last few weeks, which has been good,” he said.

The Thunder versus Nhill match, at Rainbow, will be played as an Indigenous round, with the Thunder wearing a Tommy Long-designed In-

Playing at Minyip, a 10-goal third quarter from the reigning premiers bumped the margin out to 65 points as co-coach Tom Williamson booted five goals.

The Rats will host Dimboola this Saturday in what should be a sure win, while Minyip-Murtoa will take on Horsham Saints, coming off a bye.

The other round 16 match on Saturday is Warrack Eagles against Stawell, while the Demons have a bye.

Upset win inspires Southern Mallee Thunder

An upset win against Dimboola on Saturday may just be the inspiration needed for Southern Mallee Thunder to earn a finals spot in Wimmera league A Grade netball.

But with Nhill, Stawell and Horsham slated for their final three rounds, the Thunder is going to need to keep up its good form.

Last time the Thunder and Nhill played was in round seven on June 1, where the Tigers won 46-38.

Fast forward to August and with three rounds remaining, the match means a lot more to both sides going into finals.

While Nhill, coming off a strong 6334 win against Warrack, sits third and will play finals, the Thunder needs to

keep winning to ensure it plays in the September action.

Southern Mallee Thunder co-coach Steph Thomson said her team was well aware it needed to keep winning to make the finals, but was concentrating on this weekend’s match against Nhill first.

“It’s going to be a hard game. They got us by six goals last time, but we’re in a different headspace in the second part of the season,” she said.

“They have a good defence, and they’ve a really good midcourter Ellen Bennett who controls a lot, and their shooters are fairly accurate, so it’ll be a tough one.

“But we just want to play well. We’ll take every 15 minutes as we can and

hopefully we can come away with a win – I just want to play like we did last week where everyone was levelheaded and didn’t worry too much about the score. It is amazing what happens when you just actually enjoy playing netball.”

Thomson said the win not only came as a shock to Wimmera netball followers, but to the players themselves.

“I don’t think anyone was expecting that result,” she said.

“We had a really good conversation at training the week before about just not being able to have consistent four quarters and what we needed to do to come together as a team.

“And we came out firing and we wanted it, which was really exciting,

and I’m really proud of it. It was very much a team effort.”

The Thunders’ 20-goal fourth quarter meant they finished the match strongly, 60-49, after only two goals the difference at half time.

Captain Codie Robins, in wing attack, and Thomson, playing goal attack and shooting 39 goals, were judged best for the Thunder, while for the Roos, Paige and Stephanie Glover were standouts.

“Codie had a really great game. She always provides an option and has really fast movements and able to get the ball down quickly,” Thomson said.

“We’ve been working really hard on our attacking and being able to move the ball a bit smoother.

“We had been getting a bit lost. But on Saturday, it just worked.”

In other matches at the weekend, Minyip-Murtoa defeated Ararat 69-34 as Burras defender Lauren Dodgshun and Taylor Forster excelled, and Horsham was too strong for Stawell 60-38.

Goal attack Georgie Carberry, with 24 goals, and wing defence Keely Pope were key in the win for the Demons, who remain in top spot on the ladder.

In round 16 action, Ararat host Dimboola, Horsham Saints come off the bye to play Minyip-Murtoa and Stawell travel to play Warrack Eagles. – Lauren Henry

MILESTONE: Stawell’s Jackson Dark runs out for his 200th club senior game. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Winner for Dunn

BY TONY LOGAN

Horsham horseman Aaron Dunn notched up his 28th training winner for the season last week at Bendigo when his smart three-year-old gelding Komodo outstayed older rivals to capture the $9000 VHRC Pace.

After Dunn took a bit of an early but unsuccessful look to see if the lead was up for grabs, it seemed the combo would have to sit outside them for the entire trip, but were given cover shortly after, when Jack Laugher took Ozzie Punta forward, up into the death seat.

Dunn made his final move with Komodo three wide from the 700 metre mark and the son of Fear

The Dragon USA responded with a quick sprint to find the pegs half-way round the final bend.

In the final charge to the line, Komodo proved too strong and scored by two metres in a rate 1:59.1 for the 2650-metre journey. His record now stands at five wins and a third place from 13 starts and no doubt will head to Kilmore for the Vicbred Super Series heats on August 29.

Ideal Assassin success

The Allbenz Park team of Ker-

ryn Manning and Grant Campbell also enjoyed success at Bendigo with four-year-old mare Ideal Assassin too tough for the opposition in the $8000 Benstud Mares Pace.

Drawn gate nine on the second line, Ideal Assassin slotted into the running line shortly after the start and enjoyed a sweet trip for the first lap of the 1650-metre journey.

Manning made her move heading into the back stretch and Ideal Assassin maintained a long sustained run to score by a half-neck from Didafull Oneeighty, Amy Day, with Delightful Charm, Chris Svanosio, and You Beauty, Aaron Dunn, close up third and fourth.

The daughter of American Ideal USA stopped the clock in a rate of 1:54.8 to notch up her sixth win from 17 starts for her owner-breeder Greg Bettiol. Robert John’s win Stawell owner-trainer Toby Ainsworth and driver Ada Massa combined to capture the $6000 Aldebaran Park Trot at Bendigo with four-year-old gelding Robert John.

Massa bought Robert John’s well-timed run from the tail of the field with 500-metres remaining, to over-run Blackrange Glo-

ry, Peter Sanderson, and Judielle, Grant Campbell, in a rate of 2:02.9 for the 2150-metre journey.

The team has done a great job with the squaregaiter, which was unplaced in all 10 outings during its last preparation.

Since returning to racing in May, the son of Aldebaran Eagle USA has shown steady improvement, leading to a victory at Stawell in June and a second success with just a single start in between.

Mildura treble

After a winning treble at Mildura on Friday night, Horsham reinsman Ryan Backhouse headed to Gawler on Sunday with a book of six drives and hoping to add a few more to the season’s tally of 40 at a strike rate of 23 per cent.

Unfortunately for the 18 year old, Lady Luck was not by his side over the border and a second, third and fourth placing were his best results for the day.

The Taswegian has two drives at Horsham on Wednesday for Concongella trainer Ken Taylor Jnr and no doubt is set for another busy day at Mildura on Friday. Safe passage and may Ludy Luck smile, Ryan.

Swimmers off to championships

Seven Horsham swimmers have qualified for Victorian Short Course Country Swimming Championships at Traralgon this weekend.

Of the seven, five will compete for their respective clubs – Ballarat Gold’s Sebastian Smith, 18, Chase Briggs, 16, and Ellua Boyd, 14, and Horsham Sharks’ Abel Neuman, 11, and Grace Sansom, 11. Horsham Sharks’ Poppy White, 13, and Ballarat Gold’s Vincent Brennan, 12, are not able to compete.

Supporter and parent Jennifer Briggs said the short course events in a 25-metre pool offered a different style of swimming than the 50-metre long course event.

“The short course focuses more on the skill and speed in the turns and diving, whereas the long course is more about the speed and stamina of swimming the length,” she said.

Mrs Briggs said the competitors had also been motivated by the Olympic Games.

“We’ve been up all night – sleep is not a priority at the moment,” she said.

“Hopefully we’ll see them there one day.”

The competitors will swim a variety of distance and stroke events, from 50 metres for 11 years and under, and 18 and older, 100 metres in events for specific age groups, and varying distances in open events.

• Patient, caring, responsible, supportive, flexible and resilient

• Ability to communicate and work well with people of all ages

• Hold & maintain a current First Aid & CPR Certificate

• Current NDIS Worker Screening Clearance

• Evidence of Up-to-Date COVID vaccinations

Closing date: August 13, 2024

• Current Driver’s Licence

• Current Construction Induction White Card

• Exposure to civil works desirable

• Willing to undertake mandatory pre-screening test including medical assessment, drug and alcohol screening, driver history checks and reference checks.

• Previous experience in a similar role.

• Negotiation skills with the ability to build and maintain strong working relationships.

• Strong ethical and collaborative focus

• Excellent communication skills, written and verbal.

• Excellent design and presentations skills.

• Excellent attention to detail

NEXT STAGE: Horsham-based swimmers, from left, Ellua Boyd, Vincent Brennan, Sebastian Smith, Chase Briggs, Abel Neumann, Grace Sansom and Poppy White qualified for Victorian Short Course Country Swimming Championships.

Strong season start

BY DAVID BERRY

Volleyball Horsham’s new season opened with two close games in A Grade competition.

The tone was set in the match between Phantoms and Heidelberg when the first set took 26 minutes, with Phantoms opening their account in a nailbiter 29-27.

Noah Werry was ever consistent with his setting, combining well with the high leaping Oscar Jackman, while Sam Peachey did a great job with his Heidelberg team, keeping them in what proved to be a close contest.

The second game started well for Hellenic Nuggets when they won the first set against Tsunami 25-18. But the young Tsunami team, who are the under-19 boys representing Volleyball Horsham in the upcoming country championships, dug deep and showed some great resolve to win the second set 30-28 and tie the game up at one set a piece.

Kara Johnson was back to her brilliant setting best for Hellenic Nuggets, ably supported by the returning games-record holder Nathan Berry.

Logan Young was in everything for Tsunami, while Jasper Ponseca was good in his libero role.

The splitting of the women’s competition proved to be a wise move, with the three women’s A Grade games all close, while some teams in women’s B Grade got a win on the board for the first time.

Phantoms had to work hard for their win, accounting for the under-19 girls in the first game, while Ballbusters welcomed back star veteran Alysha Cozens with a first-up win against Tsunami and Lakers scored a points win against Heidelberg. The HTLC teams Thorns and Ladybugs have set the bar in women’s B Grade with strong wins, while new team Glam Slammers enjoyed their first win of the season accounting for Stars in four sets.

Phantoms’ mixed results

Phantoms State League One men featuring Volleyball Horsham’s Tyler Snowden, were the

Ben Sawyer took out the annual Horsham Badminton Association A Grade championship over Luke Dunn in the hotly-contested singles finals, where plentiful entries allowed two divisions. Nine pairs competed in an intense round robin competition for the men’s A Grade doubles, with Sawyer and Brendan Nitschke winning against Luke Dunn and Peter Brennan on a count-back.

Mixed A Doubles was a close competition, with Ben and Caitlin Sawyer overcoming Nitschke and Sue Goudie in the final.

only team to enjoy quarter final success in the first week of Victorian Volleyball League finals and will continue their quest for a grand final spot this week.

The day started with the Phantoms Premier Two men going down to Dandenong in straight sets to exit the finals, while the Premier One men fought all the way but could not get over a hot Monash team, going down in an agonisingly close five setter.

The scene was set early on when the first set went for 35 minutes, with Monash prevailing 32-30, then another nailbiter in the second with Monash winning 25-23.

Phantoms fought back hard in the third winning 29-27, and then came from 21-22 down in the fourth to win 25-22 and send the game into a deciding set. But two hours of fighting and counter punching took its toll in the fifth, with Monash running out victors 15-9, to end Phantoms’ season on a disappointing note.

The Premier One women looked on track to cause the upset of the season when they levelled their quarter final with top team Dandenong at one all, only to drop away in the third and fourth in a brave effort.

Maroske was undefeated in the women’s singles, with Ally Baker only suffering one loss. Maroske and Treesa won the women’s doubles over Ashley Ooi and Regina Chia.

Sawyer also dominated the women’s A Grade singles, with Amy Barton the runner-up. Sawyer and Barton also claimed the doubles against Helen Francisco and Goudie. B Grade, largely made up of new players to the club, was won by the undefeated Glenn Jenkinson ahead of runner-up Harry Foster. Jenkinson and Foster teamed up in the doubles, winning ahead of Mark Ngoi and Alvin Chong. Jenkinson paired with Jenny Maroske to narrowly win the mixed against Avin James and Deni Treesa.

Volleyball Horsham’s Tyler Snowden

Vol. 27 No. 6

Roos jump Baggies

Harrow-Balmoral veteran Nick Pekin gives Swifts player Jesse Galea-Portelli a ‘gentle tap’ during a Horsham District Football Netball League top-of-the-table clash at North Park in Stawell. The Southern Roos stamped their authority on the second-placed Baggies to win by 32 points in what many perceive to be the grand final preview, to be played at the same ground. The Roos sit three games clear at the top of the ladder while Swifts have Noradjuha-Quantong and Lahraum sniffing at their heels in fourth and fifth spot respectively, with two rounds to go. Story, page 44.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER