The Weekly Advertiser - Wednesday, December 7, 2022 Edition

Clinics in question

BY JESSICA GRIMBLE

Federal funding for a Wimmera medical clinic operating in di rect response to the COVID-19 pandemic has almost dried up.

Horsham’s Lister House Medical Clinic has run its GP-led Respiratory Clinic, GPRC – one of 97 federallyfunded clinics – since early-2020.

Chief executive Amanda Wilson said funding was due to cease on Decem ber 31 and despite desperate contact with the government and MPs, com munication about its future was not forthcoming. She vowed the respira tory clinic would continue its work re gardless – but suggested

it could become an extension of the private-practice Lister House and con sultations might incur a fee.

“We’re not going to let our commu nity down,” she said.

“If people are genuinely sick, they go to the respiratory clinic. We’re see ing 50 people a day, on average – and these are people who would otherwise be at the emergency department or medical clinics and spreading germs and viruses to other people.”

A Federal Department of Health and Aged Care spokeswoman said the GPRC program had scaled back since August.

“This government will make fur ther decisions on Australia’s national

COVID-19 response for 2023 short ly,” the spokeswoman said.

“The government continues to invest in primary care, and is focused on strengthening Medicare and making it easier to see a doctor. The government is confident that sufficient coverage will remain in place to protect Austral ians with moderate respiratory symp toms through further waves.”

Federal Member for Mallee Dr Anne Webster wrote to Health Minister Mark Butler a fortnight ago calling for clarity on the future funding for the Horsham clinic. She is yet to receive a response.

Dr Webster said some GPRCs were transferring to urgent care clinics, but

their locations were not confirmed.

Mrs Wilson said the clinic was un successful in its bid for State Govern ment funding to continue the respira tory clinic as a priority primary care clinic, PPCC.

The state funding, akin to its federal counterpart, is designed to ease pres sure on hospitals. The closest clinic is UFS Pharmacy in Ballarat.

“We always knew the funding wasn’t forever – but we’re not get ting any direction as to what comes next and we are three weeks from the end of the contract,” Mrs Wilson said.

“We have to have staff. I know other places where staff are leav ing, right on Christmas,

because they’re uncertain about the future of their jobs.

“If the government turned GPRCs into primary or urgent care clinics, we could swap into that on January 1.”

Member for Lowan Emma Kealy ex pressed concern that after December 31, the closest free PCR testing to the Wimmera was at Ballarat.

“We have a critical shortage of GPs in this region, and a lot of people have relied on going to the respiratory clin ic to either get tested quickly, or to be seen to and have access to antibiotics or other respiratory-related treatment they would have otherwise had to wait longer to access,” she said.

• Health expert’s message, page 9

RIDE FOR MENTAL HEALTH: Horsham’s Tyler Doyle, six, has done his bit for men’s mental health this November. Tyler, not old enough to grow a moustache for the global ‘Movember’ campaign that raises money for men’s mental health, instead walked and rode his bike 60 kilometres – a kilometre for every man who will take his own life, each hour, across the world. Tyler has raised more than $1000 in his pursuit. He completed a mammoth 18-kilometre ride on the way to his goal, as well as a three-kilometre stretch on his scooter during ‘torrential’ November rain. Tyler said he was participating in Movember to save lives. People can still donate to Tyler’s Movember page at au.movember.com/mospace/14795147#

1pm

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Wednesday 14-Dec 9am to 5.30pm 8am to 10pm 9am to 6pm 9am to 9pm 8am to 8pm 3pm to 5pm

Thursday 15-Dec 9am to 5.30pm 8am to 10pm

The Voice opposition ‘political’

BY MICHAEL SCALZO

AWotjobaluk leader has ac cused a political party’s early opposition to a proposed Consti tutional change as ‘politics’ rather than policy.

Barengi Gadjin Land Council chair Dylan Clarke, also a First People’s Assembly of Victoria representative, said while he expected divergent views about the Federal Government’s proposal for representative Aborig inal-advisory council, ‘The Voice’, The Nationals had played politics with Aboriginal issues in its decision to oppose a ‘yes’ vote at least 12 months from any referendum.

Federal Member for Mallee Dr Anne Webster, of The Nationals, said the proposed advisory body would ‘un dermine’ the democratic principle of equality and remove Aboriginal repre sentation from the ‘bush’.

“Our free, liberal democratic so ciety is fundamentally underpinned by the principle that every citizen is considered equal under the law. A constitutionally enshrined advisory body to parliament based solely on

race goes against these values, and the values we share as a National party,” she said.

Mr Clarke ardently disagreed with Dr Webster’s comments and the Na tional party’s implications of ‘The Voice’s’ potential role in future parlia mentary consultation.

“Different views about ‘The Voice’ were expected, but work on Aborigi nal representation has been evolving at local and state levels for a while. Now these conversations have reached the national level, it has opened op portunities for parties to play politics,” he said.

“It was something we saw during COVID-19, too. There was unity to start with, but things went pear-shaped when parties started to play politics with it.

“Unfortunately, this is the way most Aboriginal issues have been framed, at the national level. ‘The Voice’ has the chance to evolve across the next year and beyond – it is not set in stone. So, for The Nationals to outline their opposition to it so early was rash and would limit further discussion.”

The Uluru Statement from the Heat, the final statement from the 2017 meeting of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander delegates that proposed and prioritised key structural federal reform, called for ‘the establishment of a First Nations Voice enshrined in the Constitution’.

The Federal Government has not yet announced a date for any referendum, however Prime Minister Anthony Al banese has committed to holding a vote during the 2023-24 financial year.

The Federal Government’s proposed draft additions to the Constitution were: “There shall be a body, to be called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.

“The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice may make representa tions to Parliament and the Executive Government on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. The Parliament shall, subject to this Constitution, have power to make laws with respect to the com position, functions, powers and pro cedures of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.”

Dr Webster said the Federal Govern ment was making policy ‘on the run’. However, Mr Clarke said there had been ongoing conversations about Constitutional change for ‘a long time’ in Australia and that further con sultation should be ongoing.

“In Victoria, we had already started to address these issues, with Treaty and truth-telling, but there has been a breakdown at the national level thus far,” he said.

“Not many referendums have been successful in Australia, and it proves there needs to be a solid and sound consultation period before a vote.

“The Federal Government will need to ensure it upholds consistent mes saging, so these breakdowns don’t happen.”

Mr Clarke said an uncomplicated referendum question was crucial.

“Simple is sound and something we all can agree to,” he said.

“There is still lots of work to do and consultation to bring people along.

“We need to be prepared to have these discussions about the referen dum and we are better placed in

Director ‘stunned, thrilled and deeply grateful’

The Wimmera’s Smart Artz Theatre Company has received five gongs at the Victorian Drama League Awards.

The theatre company won best dra ma production for its staging of ‘The Laramie Project’ in Horsham in April.

Amy Anselmi won best director of a drama production and Adam Roche won best supporting actor in a drama, while Shane Podolski received gold for best lighting design and Ms Anselmi received silver for best sound design.

Ms Anselmi and Larissa Riddell were nominated for the best support ing actress in a drama and Simon Risson and Josh Lloyd were nomi nated for best supporting actor in a drama.

The production is a famous ver batim stage reproduction of a small American town’s reaction to the hate crime and murder of gay univer sity student Matthew Shephard in 1998. It draws on real-life interviews with Laramie residents after the mur der, including news reporting. The 12-member cast brought to life more than 60 characters.

Ms Anselmi, who lead efforts to bring the production to the Wim mera, said she was ‘stunned, thrilled and deeply grateful’ for the recogni tion.

“I knew that we had a really great show, I could feel that in my heart, and feedback from audiences here in Horsham was amazing,” she said.

The theatre company was up against long-established companies – many metropolitan-based – for the awards.

“For us, who are a bit of a ninjastyle company, to beat 26 other pro ductions from far more established

companies was something for which I’m really grateful and very proud,” Ms Anselmi said.

“What we showed is the artistic, creative talent in the Wimmera is no less than it is in Melbourne – we just don’t have access to the resourcing and funding and the secure audience numbers that theatre companies in Melbourne take for granted.”

Denver

Smart Artz Theatre Company this week hosted auditions for its next production, ‘Shuddersome: Tales of Poe’, scheduled for April 2023 in Dimboola.

– Jessica Grimble

Victoria to have a robust discussion because of our progress with represen tation and truth-telling compared with other states.

“But even in Victoria, there needs to be massive community consultation to change any community perceptions about ‘The Voice’ and have people ac cept its proposals.”

Mr Clarke also disagreed when Dr Webster said ‘The Voice’ would shift policy away from Traditional Owners in the regions.

“‘The Voice’ would strengthen the representation of Aboriginal people in remote areas and voice-advocacy was about attracting community and economic resources back to regional communities,” he said.

Mr Clarke said Barengi Gadjin Land Council had not formalised a position regarding ‘The Voice’.

“It is something we will put to our mob and if the group wanted to de termine a position as an organisation, subject to change, we will hold discus sions and forums to do that. We have a lot of priorities on the table, and this is another,” he said.

Aerodrome master plan

A new master plan slated for Horsham Aerodrome will guide development of the aerodrome for the next 20 to 50 years.

Horsham Rural City Council re ceived $240,000 from Regional De velopment Victoria to create a master plan that would include detailed de signs for future developments.

Acting chief executive John Martin said completing a master plan was an important first step before the coun cil could attract external funding to enable the aerodrome to expand its capabilities and help pave the way for a domestic airline to begin operating in Horsham.

“The aerodrome is an essential pub lic infrastructure asset that can gener ate significant social and economic benefits to the entire community,” he said.

“But its development needs to be properly planned over the long term to realise these benefits.

“The master plan will provide a direction for the airport in terms of future infrastructure development, land use and cost recovery, balanced against the economic and social re quirements and aspirations of our community.”

BugROff

wins ‘Australian Pest Manager of the Year’ for 2 consecutive years

Centre Theatre Company first staged ‘The Laramie Project’ in 2000 and it has been reproduced across the world since.

OUTSTANDING: ‘The Laramie Project’ actor Adam Roche, left, producer Luke Mitton and director Amy Anselmi, of Smart Artz Theatre Company, with their Victorian Drama League Awards.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Flood studies update council scheme

BY ABBY WALTER

Acollection of flood studies has prompted an update to Horsham’s planning scheme with an amendment out for public re sponse.

The flood amendment is an overlay that allows Horsham Rural City Coun cil to regulate development of land to protect vegetation, heritage and build ings subject to flood risk.

Six flood studies undertaken by Wimmera Catchment Management Authority, CMA, guided the amend ment.

Horsham Rural City Council coordinator strategic planning and herit age Stephanie Harder said flood stud ies updated existing flood data and established a baseline understanding of flood risk.

“The studies inform planning con trols to be introduced into the Hor sham Planning Scheme to manage development and subdivision of floodprone land,” she said.

“This amendment to the Horsham Planning Scheme will introduce plan ning controls for developments, such

as new or modified homes, businesses and infrastructure on identified floodprone land. It will not impact agricul tural practices or current land uses.”

Ms Harder said it was vital the most up to date flood information was re flected in planning controls.

“This ensures effective flood risk management,” she said.

“Councils are responsible for the im plementation of flood studies through a planning scheme amendment in ac cordance with the Victorian Flood plain Management Strategy 2016.

“The council has been working closely with the Wimmera CMA since the completion of the Horsham and Wartook Valley Flood Investigation in 2019, in transitioning the outputs of the six flood studies into flood map ping for the planning scheme.

“Council resolved on February 28 to request the Minister for Planning to authorise the council to prepare and exhibit a planning scheme amendment.

“Since then, the council’s strate gic planning team has been working with the Department of Environment, Land, Water and Planning to prepare and finalise the amendment for ex

hibition.” The flood studies used to form the amendment were Horsham and Wartook Valley Flood Investiga tion 2019, Natimuk Flood Investiga tion 2013, Warracknabeal Brim Flood Study Investigation 2016, Mount Wil liam Creek Flood Investigation 2014, Wimmera River and Yarriambiack Creek Flow Investigation 2009-10 and Lower Wimmera Flood Investigation 2016-17.

Historic data

Wimmera CMA chief executive Da vid Brennan said the new flood maps were developed through community consultation and historic flood data.

“Educating our community and making sure they are informed about this is important,” he said.

“Homes are our biggest investments and when building on a flood plain there’s a real risk you will be flooded out, so people need to be informed.

“Also, people who move to the Wimmera would have no historic knowledge of flooding, and when it does happen, how high the risk is or how deep the water gets.

“This is a pragmatic approach to

making sure our community is safer and more protected from floods.

“Just because some land is marked with water over it does not mean something cannot be built there, it means there are conditions such as depth of septic tanks and where power points are.”

The council conducted drop-in ses sions last week and submissions to support or oppose the amendment are open until December 20.

Ms Harder said the council wel comed submissions to the amendment.

“Strategic planning officers are available to discuss any questions community members might have about the amendment and how it im pacts their land,” she said.

“Council will review all submissions received, discuss with submitters their concerns, meet with them where re quired and will aim to resolve those concerns and issues.

“A planning panel will be requested if there are objecting submissions the council is unable to resolve.

“If no objecting submissions are re ceived or are all resolved, the process to adopt the amendment can start.

“If a planning panel is required, anyone who makes a submission will have the opportunity to be heard by the planning panel, which is appointed by the Minister for Planning.

“The panel will make recommenda tions to the council following the panel hearing.”

Ms Harder said the council would then consider the recommendations of the panel and decide to adopt or abandon part or all of the flood amendment.

“If adopted by the council, the amendment will be submitted to the Minister for Planning to approve,” she said.

“If no planning panel is required, the council will determine whether to adopt or abandon part or all of the amendment, which will then be submitted to the minister to approve.”

A submission can be posted to ‘Stra tegic Planning Team, Submission to Amendment C81hors, Horsham Rural City Council, PO Box 511, Horsham VIC 3400’, emailed to strategic.plan ning@hrcc.vic.gov.au or filled out on the council’s website, www.hrcc.vic. gov.au/c81-Flood-Amendment

Apex helps to build joy Maternity clinic opens

A Horsham service group wants to ensure all children – across the region – experience joy this Christmas.

Horsham Apex Club 15 has donat ed $5000 to purchase presents from Horsham Toyworld as part of The Salvation Army’s annual Christmas Appeal.

The club’s president Tim Batchelor said the money was raised through a BnS Ball in August and other events throughout the year.

The donation is part of an ongoing initiative to return money to priority projects and people in the commu nity.

“We believe the appeal is some thing we can help with, as part of our community donations this year,” Mr Batchelor said.

“The Salvation Army does great work and this way, we’re guaranteed the presents stay local, and help local people, and that’s what our club is all about.”

Horsham Salvation Army captain Tracy Sutton said the organisation was particularly seeking donations for children aged seven and above.

Its donations for babies and chil dren aged three to six are strong.

“We have 145 children on our list,

in total, and there are more and more added every day,” Mrs Sutton said.

“It’s my favourite time of year, be ing able to help families.

“It gives families a lot more dignity than if I tried to choose for them.

“They still get to go shopping and

it brings a big amount of joy. When you’re struggling to put food on the table, to pay your bills and pay your rent... we all know the cost of living is going up and even those who are working are struggling.

“So to be able to help them and for

the children to still receive toys at Christmas is massive.”

Mrs Sutton said people could do nate to the appeal by visiting Hor sham Toyworld or Horsham Kmart and placing their donation under the wishing tree.

Grampians Health will open the doors to a new maternity outpatient clinic in Horsham this week.

The clinic, at 20 McLachlan Street, opens today and will provide services such as lactation support as well as antenatal care and is the base for the service’s ‘postnatal care in the home’ team. It will also offer pregnancy, labour, birth, postnatal and breastfeed ing education programs.

Project lead Michelle Coutts said the clinic would provide continuity of care to women.

She said the clinic came in response to a review of Grampians Health’s maternity service in Horsham.

Wimmera Health Care Group had formed a ‘maternity consumer adviso ry group’ last year to gather feedback to design a contemporary maternity service that met current and future needs of families.

“This clinic and the new model of maternity care will improve collabora tion between the obstetric, midwifery and allied health workforce to meet the needs of pregnant women and babies and ensure Grampians Health Horsham provides safe and highquality maternity care that fits within the maternity and newborn capabil ity framework for Grampians Health Horsham,” Mrs Coutts said.

SPIRIT: Salvation Army captains Tracy Sutton, left, and Chris Sutton, right, with Horsham Apex Club 15 members Tim Batchelor, Dylan Fulton and Ash Batchelor and Toyworld’s Kerryn Golder spend up big for The Salvation Army’s Christmas Appeal.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

New wave encourages safety focus

The COVID-19 pandemic has been hugely influential on our lives for almost three years.

Thankfully, the medical advice and so cial rules for the control and management of the virus have eased.

But, regardless, this advice and oncestringent rules have meant health experts and politicians have influenced individual decision-making independence and pow ers for some time. The impacts of this period – physically, socially and emotion ally – are beginning to emerge.

The Wimmera’s Dr Rob Grenfell, a pub lic health specialist and the strategy and regions officer at Grampians Health, has pleaded for vigilance as a new wave of COVID-19 infection prompts a timely reminder the pandemic is far from over.

Dr Grenfell says the reports of positive cases account for only about 10 percent of

More work to be done

The 2022 Victorian State Election is done and the Andrews Labor government re turned with a reduced majority.

But Labor and the Liberal-National par ties both have more work to do.

Opposition Leader Matthew Guy moved away from the unsuccessful law and or der strategy of 2018 and concentrated on health, copying the recent winning formula of the SA Labor government.

Thus, he proposed more hospitals and better rail and road infrastructure, can ning the Suburban Loop. Nevertheless, the basic strategy focused on Premier Daniel Andrews, COVID and appeals to freedom.

This strategy worked in the outer regions with the Nationals regaining three seats from independents – ‘Dictator Dan’ was seen to be on the nose. The Libs also are likely to win in Kew, Mornington and Hawthorn.

But attacking Dan did not tend to work in Melbourne and bigger regional cities.

Despite big swings against Labor in the northern and westerns suburbs, the eastern suburbs held up for them.

Statewide, the swing against Labor was only 3.5 percent.

The Coalition may not be able to rely on the Andrews government making mis takes – although it could over the Suburban Loop, which is hugely expensive and does not have a strong cost benefit analysis; or the SEC 2.0, which sounds good but lacks detail.

The trouble is that the Liberal Party in Victoria, and Australia, needs to broaden its electoral appeal. It is still seen as too male, too white, too old and too monied – the party of landlords and not tenants.

Federal shadow finance spokeswoman Jane Hume said: “Multicultural communi ties, younger people and women are clearly gaps in our representation.”

Despite this, the Federal Liberal Election Review has just rejected female quotas, yet again. But quotas work. Back in 1994,

EDITORIAL

By Jessica Grimble

the actual outbreak – while hospitalisation rates continue to rise and people lose their lives to the virus.

We’ve come a long way since the pan demic declaration in March 2020.

Health experts know more about the virus and its impacts and required treat ments. People have access to vaccinations for preventative care, rapid antigen testing in the event symptoms arise and, for some, anti-virals should they become sick and require medical intervention.

But at a time when the community is experiencing increasing instances of ill

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

women were 14 percent of Federal Labor MPs and now they are 50 percent.

The Libs have to attract more multicultur al communities into their ranks, but some of their branches have been captured by narrower groups such as the City Builders Church, which is against gay marriage and in favour of gay conversion therapy.

The Libs must realise that the demograph ics have changed and Baby Boomers and Gen Xers are rapidly being overtaken as the dominant age groups by Millennials and Gen Zers. These latter groups can’t buy a house and pay soaring rents.

As a Liberal insider recently admitted: “Millennials hate us.”

The Libs and Labor must develop better policies to attract these young people.

Victoria needs more new builds in inner and middle ring suburbs and much more social and affordable housing to help make renting and first home ownership afford able.

Both Labor and the Coalition must do bet ter on health. Both parties have splurged on new hospitals. But all the health experts say we should rethink this.

We need to empower the public to better manage their own illnesses. We need to boost care in the community which will then reduce the need for expensive hospital beds.

There are many other issues that could be addressed but the elephant in the room is state debt.

Labor and the Coalition have ignored it.

Net state debt, as a proportion of gross state product, sees the NT with the highest state debt at 19.42 percent, closely followed by Victoria with 19.4 percent. Then fol lows SA, 13.6 percent, ACT, 10.7 percent, and NSW, 7.8 percent.

But Victoria will have the biggest state or territory debt by 2026.

Both parties should fess up and develop policies to correct it.

A good start would be to follow the NSW LNP government’s plan to give home buy

ness and at a time when the year’s social gatherings are often at their peak, the po tential that funding may cease for the only remaining clinic to access PCR testing at no cost is a concern.

The clinic consults people experiencing a range of respiratory illness, diagnosing and supporting them to get well – without the added risk of entering the next-door medical clinic or contributing to the pres sure and demand of emergency depart ments and hospitals.

While we can’t influence the outcomes of the pending funding decisions, we can influence the way in which we manage ourselves and our response to the virus.

And that’s going back to the known protocols for COVID-19: Consider wear ing a mask, exercise social distancing and sanitise your hands. It’s the least we can do to protect ourselves and our loved ones.

ers the choice of paying an annual land tax or stamp duty. Both Labor and the Coalition have more work to do.

Robert Blakeley, Horsham

Advocating for regions

This election has shown that regional Vic torians are looking for a strong, local voice to represent them in Parliament.

Someone who knows what makes our smaller communities tick, and who will hold the government to account as it con tinues to overlook our rural and regional communities.

The voters of Shepparton, Morwell and Mildura sent a clear message to the inde pendents that previously represented them that it was time for a change; and the com munities of our incumbent MPs once again renewed their support of a party prioritising people living outside of the city.

The Nationals have deep roots in our country communities and a long history of strong advocacy for all regional Victorians.

Our grassroots campaigns, led by candi dates who are fierce advocates for their re gions, brought the issues regional Victoria faces to the fore. And regional Victorians chose to support a party that would lower their cost of living, address our crumbling roads, fix Victoria’s health crisis and deliver agricultural innovation for Victoria, among myriad other things.

Labor said they’re doing what matters, and we’re here to ensure they’re doing it for all Victorians, and not just the inner-city.

The Nationals now cover Victoria from border to border. We will ensure the Labor Government knows it must do more for regional Victoria.

The Nationals is the only party solely representing regional Victoria. It is our core focus and it should be a focus for the Labor Government.

We have a great team that will work to gether to make sure regional Victoria has a very loud, very proud, very strong voice in Parliament.

Peter Walsh, leader, The Nationals

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Health specialist urges vigilance

BY JESSICA GRIMBLE

AWimmera public health specialist says there are thousands of positive COV ID-19 cases going undetected as a new wave of the virus spreads through com munities.

Grampians Health chief strategy and regions officer, Dr Rob Grenfell, said for every case re quiring hospitalisation, thousands more existed and many were going unreported, untested – or both.

As of yesterday, there were more than 23,000 active cases across Victoria – an increase of more than 20 percent to the previous week.

“Positive tests are likely only 10 percent of the actual cases of COVID-19. We are looking at tens of thousands of positive cases in the com munity,” Dr Grenfell said.

“I look at the hard data. Hospital data is accurate and that usually means there will be thousands of positive cases for each one hospital case.”

Dr Grenfell said hospitalisations due to COVID-19 were increasing ‘rapidly’ with 700 people statewide in hospital fighting the virus.

He said 50 people were dying from the virus every week in Victoria.

“These are sobering statistics,” he said. “Many of us have probably had COVID-19 and certainly many of us have had vaccinations –which in one sense, has decreased the amount of sickness in our community, but it has not taken it away.”

Dr Grenfell said people might be eligible for COVID-19 medications, known as anti-virals.

“Anyone over the age of 70 who contracts COVID will have a much less severe disease if they get onto the anti-viral within five days,” he said.

“Before vaccinations and anti-virals, COVID had a fatality rate of 30 percent in aged care facilities; with vaccinations and new treatment, that rate is down to 0.5 percent.

“That relies on being boosted with vaccines, testing for any cases and starting anti-virals as soon as possible.

“This is an essential fact people need to know.”

Dr Grenfell stressed that subvariants of COVID-19 would continue to emerge and the virus was not seasonal.

He cited an American study, published last week, which found the more times people caught the virus, the worse impacts it had on the body.

He said while knowledge of symptoms and the extent of ‘long COVID’ was still evolving, persistent fatigue was common.

“Winter months generally allow viruses to spread more readily because we are indoors,” he said.

“If a new variant arrives, we might find we have limited coverage from medications and vaccinations – which is still a concern we hold globally about where this virus might come and go.”

Dr Grenfell encouraged people hosting and attending events in coming weeks to remain vigilant and exercise precautions such as hosting events outdoors, wearing masks when mixing with people outside of their regular household, and isolating and testing when symptoms arose.

A mask mandate remains in vulnerable settings

such as hospitals and aged care facilities and in instances, such as visiting an aged care facility, a negative COVID-19 rapid antigen test is re quired prior to entry.

Dr Grenfell said while many PCR testing clinics at services such as hospitals had closed, people could still access them through GP-lead respiratory clinics such as Lister House Clinic in Horsham.

He said rapid antigen tests required ‘adequate’ sampling.

“They’re only as good as the person collecting the sample. Some people are not sampling ade quately – twist it around eight times, and stick it where the sun don’t shine – then run through the criteria on the RAT,” he said.

Horsham’s Lister House Medical Clinic chief executive Amanda Wilson said regardless of the illness, if people felt unwell they should seek

Dr. Pauline Walsh

Hamstring Injuries

medical advice to best manage the diagnosis.

She said seeking medical advice also meant a better understanding of how a person’s body was dealing with illness.

“You can go and get medical care if you get COVID – don’t sit and wait it out,” she said.

Mrs Wilson stressed that people experiencing chest pain, shortness of breath, dizziness and-or challenges with speech required medical advice.

She said the respiratory clinic, next to Lister House Clinic in Baillie Street, was open from 9am to 5pm on weekdays and 10am to noon on weekends – though it would stay open if people were in attendance. People do not require an appointment to attend.

Dr Grenfell said people could report a positive COVID-19 case by phoning the Coronavirus hotline on 1800 675 398 or go to www.corona virus.vic.gov.au for more information.

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

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

When chiropractors are looking at your back, we’re looking at all of it seeing what’s working and what’s not. Chiropractic can help you move better and get more out of your game.

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Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

HORSHAM ARE YOU READY TO

‘Proper’ return of carols

Inspectorate declares ‘no further action’

The Local Government Inspectorate has found there is no evidence to support allegations of misconduct against a former Horsham council lor.

Horsham councillors voted, during an online meeting in June, to refer then-councillor Di Bell to the Inspectorate, alleging she had failed to declare a conflict of interest and her conduct had amounted to a ‘misuse of power’.

The matters related to urgent business discus sions about Australian Services Union’s alle gations of bullying, considered confidentially during the council’s May meeting.

The Inspectorate declared, in written commu nication to Mrs Bell on Thursday, there was ‘no evidence’ to support the allegations against her.

The Weekly Advertiser understands the council also lodged a third allegation – that Mrs Bell did not declare a conflict of interest, and leave the chamber, when councillors discussed the com plaint against her. The Inspectorate declared Mrs Bell ‘prima facie’ breached two sections of the Local Government Act 2020.

Mrs Bell went on to resign from her elected role in August, citing safety and culture con cerns, and impacts to her physical and mental health, as drivers behind her decision.

Because she has resigned, no further action will be taken regarding the third allegation.

Mrs Bell said the allegations, and subsequent investigation, had a ‘devastating’ effect on her

mental health. “It’s been taking over me,” she said.

“I didn’t feel I was guilty, but for someone who is so down the line, it’s very hard to explain what it does to you inside to have someone accuse you of this. It’s your very soul.”

Mrs Bell has continued working with the com munity through initiatives such as the Commu nity Matters – HRC group.

A spokeswoman for the Local Government In spectorate said the Inspectorate dealt with com plaints, or requests for investigation, ‘in strict confidence’ and declined to comment further.

A Horsham council spokesman said councillors were required to disclose conflicts of interest and exclude themselves from the decision-making process – including discussions and voting.

The Local Government Act 2020 identifies two categories of conflicts of interest – a general conflict, where private interests could result in the councillor ‘acting in a manner contrary to their public duty’; and material conflict, where the councillor would ‘gain a benefit or suffer a loss depending on the outcome of the matter’.

The council’s governance rules require the council to maintain a conflict of interest register, which is available via its website.

Mrs Bell was elected to the seven-member council in 2020 – one of six first-time council lors.

– Jessica Grimble

Horsham

Carols by Candlelight is re turning to its roots by the Wimmera River with the 2022 event scheduled for Sunday evening at Horsham Soundshell.

Event co-ordinator Simon Dandy said it would be the first time since 2019 the event would be ‘in-person’.

“It’s exciting to be able to host it as a prop er community event again,” he said.

“Traditionally, the carols are a week ear lier, but I still think the event kicks off the Christmas feel.

“The Horsham carols make it feel like Christmas is in full swing, when everyone comes together and sings and gets into the spirit. It’s always a good time and everything tends to go smoothly.”

Jess Wilson and Simon Risson are return ing as masters of ceremonies.

Children’s entertainment and music from 6pm will be provided by Horsham Rural City Band and Aaron Murray, with the main event to begin at 7.30pm.

Mr Dandy said this year the carols would feature lots of local performers.

“In the past we’ve had guest artists, but after the past few years this is a great way to get our local performers in front of the community,” he said.

“They perform at a high level. We get lots of good feedback about the standard of our performers, so we are going to focus on that. People like to see people they know on stage doing well.”

Mr Dandy said organisers would be con tinuing the tradition of donating to a local group after the event.

“This year the local cause is the Christian Emergency Food Centre,” he said.

“They do great work supporting people across Horsham and the Wimmera, partic ularly at Christmas time, which can be a difficult time for people.

“We encourage anyone who can to bring along cash to donate, or we will have details for people to direct deposit to the centre.”

Mr Dandy said there was a contingency plan in place in case the weather turned poor on Sunday.

“We can’t control the weather, but the longrange forecast is looking positive,” he said.

“We will be flexible and have a backup plan in case we need it.

“We also expect mosquitoes to be out and about so encourage everyone to dress appro priately and bring insect repellent.

“We hope to see plenty of people down at the soundshell.”

Getting

in touch with The Weekly AdverTiser

Getting in touch with The Weekly AdverTiser

Our office is at 2 Stawell Road, Horsham. Mail: PO Box 606, Horsham 3402. Telephone: 5382 1351. Fax: 5381 1147. Website: www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au Email: weeklyadvertiser@team.aceradio.com.au

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

For classified advertisements: 5382 1351 – email: horshamreception@team.aceradio.com.au

Advertising: Mark Sulic: 0407 313 456, marks@team.aceradio.com.au; Lee Meadows: 0407 046 864, leem@team.aceradio.com.au; Nathan Henry: 0418 657 247, nathanh@team.aceradio.com.au

Advertising: Mark Sulic: 0407 313 456, marks@team.aceradio.com.au; Lee Meadows: 0407 046 864, leem@team.aceradio.com.au; Tristan Cameron: 0437 956 278, tcameron@aceradio.com.au; Michelle Reid: 0428 870 511, mreid@aceradio.com.au; Danica Turvey: 0488 473 562, dturvey@aceradio.com.au; Heidi Higginson: 0438 759 220, heidih@aceradio.com.au

Newsroom: Dean Lawson: 0448 571 811, deanl@team.aceradio.com.au; Lauren Henry: 5382 1351, laurenh@team.aceradio.com.au

Newsroom: Jessica Grimble: 0400 836 483, jgrimble@aceradio.com.au; Michael Scalzo: 0409 786 036, mscalzo@aceradio.com.au; Abby Walter: 0483 027 536, awalter@aceradio.com.au; Georgia Bailey: 5382 1351, georgiab@team.aceradio.com.au

The publisher and general manager is Scott Grambau, C/- 2 Stawell Road, Horsham, for Ace Radio Broadcasters Pty Ltd, ACN 064 882 042. The Weekly Advertiser is a free paper printed by Newsprinters Pty Ltd, 7940 Melbourne Rd, Shepparton, and distributed by regional distributors and Australia Post.

CHRISTMAS SPIRIT: Horsham choir prepares for Horsham Carols by Candlelight at Horsham Soundshell in the lead up to Sunday’s main event.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

“I

Cardiac

you don’t think it could happen to you, and if it did, you’re inclined to believe someone will be there to help. Right?

Gold for Peaks Trail team

BY MICHAEL SCALZO

Apremier Grampians business has confirmed its tenacity for state-wide excellence after winning tourism accolades for the secondyear running.

Absolute Outdoors and Grampians Peaks Walking Company has led a surge of Grampians-based businesses that claimed awards and recognition at Victorian Tourism Industry Council’s Victorian Tourism Awards ceremony last week.

The outdoor walking-trails company, offering hiking experiences across the Grampians ranges, won gold in the industry council’s adventure tourism category, while fellow Grampians tourbased operator Grampians Wine Tours won bronze in a tour and transport op erators category. Grampians Helicopters was ‘highly commended’ in the tour and

INTERCEPTED:

McAlpine Smash Repairs staff have had the pleasure to work on a Mad Max replica car built in Stawell. From left, Shannon Smart, Corey Brizzi, Harley Smart, Jade Lyall and Darren McAlpine.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

transport category. The annual awards recognised ‘business excellence and performance’ across the tourism indus try, with 111 2022-award submissions from Victorian tourism operators in 31 categories across the state.

Absolute Outdoors and Grampians Peaks Walking Company won the same award in 2021, and was subsequently nominated, and then recognised, as a ‘highly commended’ business at the 2021 Australian Tourism Awards.

Absolute Outdoors managing director Adrian Manikas said the company was not resting on its laurels.

“We are obviously pretty happy with our second gold Victorian Tour ism Award for Absolute Outdoors and Grampians Peaks Walking Company,” he said.

“It is a great marketing opportunity, but more for us, it is fantastic recogni

tion that the decisions we make and the actions we take are taking us in the right direction.

“There was a lot of great feedback from the judges that commended our dedication to the environment and the customer experience, both things that we care deeply about, so it was great to see that recognised.”

‘Absolutely

thrilled’

Grampians Tourism chief executive Marc Sleeman said the region’s tour ist-operator peak body was ‘absolute ly thrilled’ about Absolute Outdoors and Grampians Peaks Walking Com pany’s industry recognition.

“The team’s hard work and dedica tion to providing premium outdoor experiences has greatly contributed to the Grampians remaining a number one destination for adventures in Victoria,” he said.

Victorian Tourism Industry Council chief executive Felicia Mariani said the awards showcased some of the most compelling experiences in Victorian tourism.

“More than 950 tourism and events operators came together last night to acknowledge and celebrate the efforts of their teams and the industry as a whole,” she said.

“This has been another challenging year for tourism businesses in Victoria, with so many experiencing ongoing staff shortages, and many affected by the cur rent flood disaster. But these operators still found the energy and commitment to prepare submissions and to enter this important recognitional process.

“We congratulate all our gold winners and wish them every success in repre senting Victoria at the national awards in Sydney in March 2023.”

Natimuk Christmas market

The Christmas install ment of Natimuk’s Farm ers Market Plus is on this weekend.

The market returns to Natimuk Showground, in Jory Street, from 10am to 1.30pm on Sunday.

More than 100 stall hold ers have booked a site.

People can expect a range of stalls and food and drink options.

Bands from Natimuk and Horsham will perform throughout the market.

Carparking is available at the primary school oval. Entry is via gold coin donation.

Mad Max Interceptor on its way to Canada

A Stawell man’s tribute to one of the most iconic machines in Australian movie his tory has hit the end of the road and been sold to an international buyer.

A working replica of the famous In terceptor car from the Mad Max movies arrived in Horsham last week for final touches to its paint job after a very pas sionate movie fan’s years of work.

The car’s owner, who wishes to remain anonymous, sold the car to a Canadian buyer who often works in film and televi

sion in Hollywood. Darren McAlpine of McAlpine Crash Repairs said he received a call 15 months ago to see if he was inter ested in helping with some ‘final touches’ on the Mad Max project car’s paint job.

“We took on the project and repainted the whole car,” he said.

“The car had been stripped and was a rolling shell while we painted it, before it was sent back to the owner and reas sembled.

“The fully working and assembled car

has just come back into the shop for a couple of retouches and a final buff and burnish.

“There is $100,000 of parts in the car, not including the paint or body work.

“The police siren works, the lights work and the huge supercharger works, too.”

While the car was not expected to make an appearance in any forthcoming film, perhaps the new owner will have it on display for the next generation of Mad Max fans.

BY JESSICA GRIMBLE

Social connection, naturebased play and improved aesthetic and amenity are among the proposed outcomes of a development plan for Ha ven.

Horsham Rural City Coun cil’s concept plan for ‘Anzac Park’– involving land east of the Henty Highway near Haven Hall – includes a focal entry point, Anzac memorial, gathering area including a barbecue and seat ing, performance space, natureplay area including ‘natural’ play equipment, pedestrian and traffic connections and carparking.

It would support a range of plants and habitat that would ‘en courage and value’ Indigenous birds, insects and plants.

Horsham councillors, at their latest meeting, voted 6-1 to en dorse the concept plan.

A Community Reference Group, CRG, has worked with council officers since April 2021 to assess opportunities to improve commu nity use and amenity. The group comprises representatives from the community and user groups.

The council will consider costs for a detailed design process and construction in future budgets.

Councillor Bob Redden said Ha ven offered significant benefits to the wider community, including its tennis courts and market.

“It’s to the complement of the people who have been strong sup porters of Haven, often at times from childhood, have a strong

dedication to the area and have provided excellent facilities to the area,” he said.

“This will provide additional facilities, both for passing traffic and for local users.

“I think it’s very important that there are facilities such as modern toilets and relaxation areas as out lined in this proposal.”

Cr David Bowe congratulated the reference group and council staff on their work to develop the concept plan.

“Here is another example of a reference group, co-users and the community working together to plan and to share the use of the park while improving Anzac Park for all. This will complement any future development of the Haven reserve,” Cr Bowe said.

“It will also provide a safe space for all to gather, stay and socialise throughout the year, making a significant impact on the health and wellbeing of all.”

Strong support

Cr Les Power said Haven con tinued to grow in population and popularity and Cr Penny Flynn said the concept plans had strong community support.

Cr Claudia Haenel said she sup ported the proposal but expressed concerns about children’s safety with the close proximity to the highway and Horsham West Ha ven Primary School. Her call for a feasibility study, ensuring a safe place for children, was not sup ported.

Acting chief executive John Martin told the meeting the coun

cil would complete a traffic study as part of a detailed design stage of the project.

The community reference group endorsed the concept plan in July, following seven months of planning, a 14-week community engagement period and review of almost 100 submissions and amendment of the plan to reflect feedback.

Anzac Park is located on Crown land and the council is its commit tee of management.

The project is the first stage of a larger development plan for the area. Other related projects include the Horsham South Struc ture Plan, in development, and the Wimmera regional multi-sport feasibility study, in progress.

A report to the council noted that planning for the reserve halted in September 2021 due to emerging opportunities from the multi-sport feasibility study.

The report said Haven reserve was initially excluded from the six options within the study pro gram, however its 12 tennis courts could provide a viable site option to be considered as a regionallevel tennis facility.

“Until the multi-sport study is concluded, further planning can not proceed within Haven Recrea tion Reserve,” the report said.

“The CRG agreed to apply the principles they had identified for the reserve to Anzac Park, with an understanding that when the multi-sport study is finalised, the CRG will resume its focus on the larger area of the Haven Reserve.”

‘Tuck Shop Ladies’ in Murtoa

The first of a series of concerts showcasing original Australian talent takes the Murtoa Mechanic Hall stage this week.

The hall’s committee, in collaboration with Federal Government initiative Live Music Australia, will host ‘Tuck Shop Ladies’ on Friday at 8pm.

Hall secretary Andrew Clark said the Tuck Shop Ladies were an amalgamation of folk music darlings Sam Lohs, of Fruit, and Ro sie Burgess, of the Rosie Burgess Trio.

“Strapping on a pair of ukuleles, their live show is a hilarious and laugh-along event,”

he said. “They had people hollering for more in the Guinness tent at Port Fairy and they’re coming hot from sell-out shows at Queenscliff and Bendigo Blues and Roots Festival.

“If you want a great night’s entertainment, round-up a few friends, book some seats and enjoy a top Christmas show.”

Mr Clark said pre-sale tickets cost $10 via www.trybooking.com/CENZG or $15 at the door; people can bring their own refresh ments.

CENTENARY CELEBRATION: From left, Horsham Rural City mayor Robyn Gulline, Ivan Smith and Brimpaen Recreation Reserve Committee of Management chairperson Sarah Matthews celebrate a successful afternoon in Brimpaen Hall. Past and present residents gathered on Saturday to celebrate 100 years since the hall’s official opening on November 30, 1922. Attendees enjoyed perusing memorabilia as well as official proceedings, which included information about the hall’s history and a thank-you to all who had played a part in its creation, maintenance and continual improvement.

BY MICHAEL SCALZO

of migrant settlement in the Wimmera has highlighted how a gap in multicultural

with COV ID-19 health directives became a catalyst for a public-service reassessment.

Migrant communities met with health and emergency service groups at an event late last month, to put a ‘human face’ to the uniform. Wimmera Development Association and Hor sham Neighbourhood House hosted the event.

WDA settlement services manager Sara Bar ron said the event also encouraged service organisations to consider barriers to their own multicultural community engagement.

“COVID-19 health restrictions and govern ment directives exposed really obvious ways it could be difficult for migrant communities to access information, especially given public health directions were consistently changing,” she said.

“It illustrated the integral role health and emergency services have as a touch point for communities.

“These ‘meet the services’ events have been about elevating the profile of services among migrant communities, as well as better equip ping services with an understanding of the mul ticultural barriers to their public engagement.”

Mrs Barron said the events, a ‘two-way’ en gagement opportunity, had practical benefits for dealing with a similar COVID-style public crisis in the future, as well as benefits that could improve everyday service communication.

“If we were to be in that COVID-19 situation again, multicultural communities could have a more detailed understanding of, as well as a greater trust and relationship with, a variety of

different services that operate in the region –where the services are and what each service offers,” she said.

“The events give our service providers a great er understanding of the migrant user experience and their barriers to increased engagement.

“Often migrant communities haven’t accessed public services because they don’t know they are there, or sometimes, because they don’t feel comfortable engaging with certain uniforms – sometimes there is a negative experience attached to emergency services in some coun ties.”

Exhibitors at the event at Horsham Neigh bourhood House included representatives from Federation University, Salvation Army, Centre for Participation, University of the Third Age, Uniting Wimmera, Horsham Library, Jobs Vic toria and Ballarat Regional Multicultural Coun cil, as well as health and emergency response services including Country Fire Authority, Vic torian State Emergency Services, Victoria Po lice, Ambulance Victoria, The Orange Door and Grampians Community Health.

Mrs Barron said there was scope for a future ‘Meet the Service’ event to host representatives from more service organisations.

“The event in Horsham was very positive. It was a fun day with a great atmosphere. Some attendees spoke about their eagerness to host an event like this in Horsham every year,” she said.

“There is always an opportunity for commu nities to engage with more services at future meetings. I would encourage organisations such as Wimmera Sports Assembly, headspace and Lister House, which run health checks for refugees, to be involved with our future events.”

A ‘Meet the Services’ event has been planned at Nhill on December 19.

Students complete Young mural

As Stawell residents await a finished Stella Young memo rial destined for a redesigned setting at Cato Park, school students have helped to add another artistic element to the project.

Three senior students from Stawell’s Skene Street Spe cialist School have worked alongside Stella Young memo rial project creative consult ant Danny Fraser to paint a silhouette mural of Ms Young at Stawell Pop up Park.

The mural also features a quote from Ms Young: ‘I would like to live in a world

where disability is not the ex ception but the norm’.

The mural will also have a plaque with an attached QR code that people can use to access more information about Ms Young.

Skene Street student Ama rina Richards, 17, said the pro ject would always remind her of how much Stella meant to her.

“I am very proud to do this for her,” she said.

A bronze statue of Ms Young has been scheduled for a March 2023 instalment and celebration at Cato Park.

Northern Grampians Shire mayor Kevin Erwin said it was ‘fantastic’ to see the commu nity come together to ‘create and collaborate through art’.

“This mural of Stella re ally strengthens the overall ‘Remembering Stella Young’ project intent, which is to celebrate, commemorate and remember Stella and her mes sage,” he said.

Ms Young, a Stawell-born activist and comedian, was born with osteogenesis im perfecta, otherwise known as ‘brittle bone disease’.

PROJECT: Northern Grampians artist and Stella Young project creative consultant Danny Fraser with Stawell Skene Street School students, from left, Lexi East, Amarina Richards and Amber Farrow, work on a Stella Young mural for Stawell Pop Up Park. The mural is an addition to Cato Park memorial.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Turduckens

BY ABBY WALTER

Leadership Wimmera is one of nine community leader ship programs ‘in limbo’ with no guarantee of future funding from State Government.

This year, the State Government provided $1.8 million across Bar won, Central Highlands, Gippsland, Goulburn, Great South Coast, Lod don Campaspe, Mallee, Ovens Mur ray and Wimmera regional partner ship areas.

The Regional Community Leader ship Program did not feature in the 2022-23 State Budget.

Leadership Wimmera is delivered by Wimmera Development Associ ation.

Association chief executive Chris Sounness said there was uncertainty moving forward with the program.

“We’re running one program next year, but we have no idea what will come after that, so we are in limbo,” he said.

“The main challenge we face is that it is hard to deliver effective programs and to work with Leading Teams who facilitate our programs when we don’t know if the program will be long-term. It’s hard to assure Leading Teams they can spend time planning and developing the course for future years.”

Mr Sounness said State Govern ment funding subsidised program costs and supported alumni events.

“It’s been great to receive the fund ing so that participants could do the courses at a reduced cost,” he said.

“A three or four year program would allow us to make better use of

resources and have better outcomes for the Wimmera and southern Mal lee, and across the state.

“The programs are designed to have a legacy and when we’re working one year at a time it’s hard to build that, because we’re not sure if we’ll exist the following year.”

Victorian Regional Community Leadership Programs Secretariat is seeking $10 million across four years for Regional Leadership programs.

Resilient communities

Regional Leadership chair Jennifer Cromarty said the statewide program helped Victorians in regional, rural and remote areas to build leader ship capacity in themselves and their communities.

“From leading recovery efforts in Victorian communities devastated by bushfires to running volunteer programs that provide nursery items and baby clothes to families in need – Regional Leadership’s alumni span the state, making their communities stronger and more resilient,” she said.

“The recent flood crisis devastating regions across the state highlights the ongoing need to build the capacity of community-focused leaders, who will be out there on the front-line helping locals get back on their feet.”

Regional Leadership was estab lished in 2012 to support the nine programs across the state, including Leadership Wimmera.

Ms Cromarty said a funding com mitment of $10 million across four years would provide funding cer tainty to retain existing staff, de liver high-quality programs, further increase the diversity of program

participants and increase alumni en gagement.

“Regional Leadership alumni de liver hundreds of initiatives that ben efit rural and regional communities across Victoria every year – a capa bility and commitment to building community resilience that will be lost without secure funding,” she said.

Since 2002, more than 600 people have been supported through Leader ship Wimmera programs.

Mr Sounness said the leadership program built resilient communities with ‘hope for the future’.

“At all levels of society, we talk about needing resilient communities to handle the challenges we seem to face more and more often,” he said.

“One major benefit of Leadership Wimmera is people learn who they are and how they contribute to their community and gain tools that better equip them to handle challenges.

“They step up and get better results for their communities in times of natural disaster, businesses closing down, or someone dying.”

Mr Sounness said another benefit was communities would get better at talking with levels of government about the support they need.

“Communities don’t often have the tools to engage with government and that frustrates people at both ends, from government officials to the community,” he said.

“Through the development people have in these programs they look at what others need and are looking for, which makes them better at working for the community.”

New role ‘a pefect fit’

Grampians Health executives have welcomed a new leader at its Dim boola campus.

Keshia Roche, a Warracknabeal na tive, has taken on the campus manager role at Grampians Health Dimboola after crossing from Rural Northwest Health.

Ms Roche studied in Ballarat and worked as a general practice nurse in Brisbane before she returned to Warracknabeal with her family, to work as a nurse and later as nurse unit manager and acute-care executive manager at RNH.

She said she transferred to Grampi ans Health for ‘different opportuni ties’ and a ‘change’.

“Working in a place that was not my hometown gave me a chance to meet

new people and gain new opportuni ties in leadership,” she said.

“Nursing leadership is my passion. I got a taste for aged care in my most recent role as an executive at RNH, when I was spending one day a week working at the Hopetoun campus.

“It gave me real insight into residen tial aged care and I loved the home environment and the opportunity to engage with residents and team mem bers. Hopetoun and Dimboola are very similar campuses, so it was a perfect fit.”

Ms Roche said she ‘loved everyday at work in Dimboola’.

“Every morning I see every resident, say good morning to them and ask if I can help with anything. It’s a great team here,” she said.

WELCOME: Grampians Health chief executive Dale Fraser welcomes Keshia Roche to her new role of Dimboola campus manager.

Passion for care industry

BY MICHAEL SCALZO

Social-work professionals in the Wimmera have lauded the personal satisfaction their vocation offers, as well as satis faction it can offer their clients, in light of a national day of dis ability awareness.

Saturday was International Day of Disabled Persons and staff from Horsham allied health group Func tion Therapy Allied Health Services have encouraged people who have ever considered working in the care industry to ‘give it a go’.

Function Therapy carer Kate Kelly has worked in disability services for 17 years.

She said after considering a change of career after more than a decade and a half in the industry, she dis covered she worked in a sector that was too good to leave.

“I started my first placements at McGregor House in Ararat, and then I worked at the Department of Health and Human Services in residential care,” she said.

“After 17 years I thought I wanted a career change, but ultimately, I came back to disability work.

“I transferred to Horsham to con tinue in the industry, because I really enjoy what I do.

“I am really passionate about de livering quality care and making a real difference in people’s lives.

“There are so many different roles available in the industry, so I en courage people to check out their options – they might like it.”

Dustin Boak has worked in the care industry for 15 years, and this

year joined the team at Function Therapy.

He said he enjoyed seeing his cli ents smile.

“My job is to look after people with needs that mean they are un able to do certain things for them selves,” he said.

“It is a rewarding job, and I really

couldn’t see myself doing anything else. All my clients are different and I see them as friends who just need some extra help.”

Mr Boak said carers needed ‘un derstanding’ and ‘patience’ for the role.

He said it was always satisfying to see clients smile while doing every

day activities that some people took for granted.

“I take them out into the commu nity. We might do some shopping, some everyday activities out and about in town, and these are things that my clients enjoy, even though they might be things some people consider ordinary,” he said.

Wilson leads ‘green’ tour

Ross Wilson and The Peaceniks will headline a ‘green’ concert at Moonambel’s Summer field Winery this weekend.

People can expect to hear the well-known hits from Daddy Cool and Mondo Rock –such as ‘Eagle Rock’, ‘Come Said the Boy’, ‘Chemistry’, ‘Come Back Again’, and ‘Cool World’.

Wilson has support from The Badloves and King Canyon featuring Jimmy Cupples.

The show, the mid-point of the ‘Cool World’ tour, runs from noon to 6pm on Saturday.

Wilson said the five-show run would take a ‘greener’ approach to touring and entertain ment.

Performances are at regional wineries, with a cap of 500 people per event, and held dur ing the day to lessen the need for lighting and electricity.

Bands travel to and from the venue by elec tric cars; and venues provide water refill sta tions and seek local providores to minimise their own environmental impact. The tour is the result of a partnership with registered charity, Green Music Australia.

“As Aussie musicians start to embrace this responsible movement, the ‘Cool World’ tour is also contributing to setting a new template for the music industry,” Wilson said.

“It’s important to ensure the industry not only continues to strive post pandemic, but for fans to continue to enjoy shows, know ing they, too, are a part of embracing a new sustainable way to hold events.”

The tour will donate $2 from each ticket sale to Green Music and $1 per ticket sale to Support Act.

Shuttle bus services will run from Horsham, St Arnaud, Avoca, Maryborough and Ballarat to the winery.

People wanting more information, and to purchase tickets, can go to www.ticketebo. com.au

SUPPORT: Function Therapy Allied Health Services carers Dustin Boak and Kate Kelly with client David Ey, have noted the satisfaction their work offers both workers in disability-services as well as their clients.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Horsham 50 Plumpton Road

3598sqm

Located in the heart of the Horsham Industrial Estate this versatile commercial / industrial warehouse premises offers many opportunities due to its suitability to a multitude of enterprises and business applications (STCA). Set on a 3598 m2 securely fenced allotment with a generous 40 metre frontage to Plumpton Road this wellpresented property comprises a 15m x 23m x 4.2m steel portal framed warehouse with sliding door access to the side yard.

FOR AUCTION: Friday 9th December 2022 @ 2.00pm

Venue: On-site

Tim Coller M 0418 504 415

Horsham Noradjuha Road, Lower Norton

357 Acres (144.6ha)

An opportunity to secure a productive cropping / grazing property in a highly regarded area within 20 minutes of Horsham with extensive frontages to the Norton Creek and the Wimmera River.

Held in the same family for over 153 years this undulating property offers mixed soil types, a solid cropping history and excellent grazing opportunities. Contact agents for full details and to arrange an inspection.

AUCTION: Friday 16th December 2022 @ 2.00pm

Venue: Haven Public Hall

Tim Coller M 0418 504 415

Horsham 2 Ashwin Walk

Located in a quiet pocket of town where local amenities are just a short stroll away, is this neat and tidy unit, where you can simply walk in and enjoy. Situated on a low maintenance approx 348m2 allotment is this fantastic unit is sure to impress.

View: Saturday 10th December 10.00AM to 10.30AM Price: $425,000 Chris Schirmer M 0409 554 955

Bungalally Peuckers Road

178 ha (439 Acres)

Located 10min/14km South of Horsham in a tightly held area is this manageable 178ha/439ac parcel of self mulching clay.

The property has dual road frontage to Peuckers and One Tree Road.

Offered on a 5 year term commencing the 1st March 2023.

Tenders close at 5pm on the 16th December.

Jock Uebergang M 0418 815 770

The Rural Northwest Health Board of Directors would like to thank all staff for continuing to deliver outstanding care to their communities throughout 2022 and a sincere “thank you” to the community members and partners.

Fire restrictions come into force

BY ABBY WALTER

Fire danger period restrictions have started across Country Fire Authority districts 16 and 17.

Restrictions began in Hindmarsh and Yar riambiack shires on November 28, and Hor sham Rural City municipality and West Wim mera shire on Monday.

Restrictions in Buloke and Northern Gram pians shires begin on December 12 and Ararat Rural City municipality on December 19.

The annual Victorian fire season campaign commenced on Monday.

CFA District 17 assistant chief fire officer Mark Gunning said Wimmera grassfires made up more than half of all the hectares that burned in Victoria last summer.

“Widespread rainfall in winter and spring has led to high fuel loads across the region and in some areas, the fuel loads are predicted to be higher than last year – so we can expect to see significant grassfires to start the fire season,” he said.

Fire restrictions are based on assessments of the amount of rain, grassland curing rate and conditions.

Fire restrictions mean a fire cannot be lit in the open air unless a permit is in place.

Some conditions allow fires to be lit for cooking and under specific weather condi tions during the fire danger period.

The ‘Seasonal Bushfire Outlook’ for sum mer identified potential for increased grassfire conditions for the 2022-23 fire season, due to significant grass growth and delayed harvest activities.

Based on the latest outlook, the fire season is expected to be ‘normal’ in Victoria, except for parts of central, north-east and eastern Vic

toria where the potential is ‘below normal’. CFA District 16 acting assistant chief fire of ficer Wayne Rigg said growth this year had been ‘unprecedented’.

“Now is the time, regardless of the weather, to start cleaning up,” he said.

“Slash the grass, rake the leaves and pick up the sticks, particularly on the back of the wind events we’ve been having. Remember there is a lot more fuel on the ground that needs to be cleaned up before summer.”

Burn-offs can be registered at Fire Permits Victoria website, www.firepermits.vic.gov.au or by calling ESTA on 1800 668 511.

No burning off is permitted during the fire danger period without a permit to burn.

There are strict conditions attached to these permits and the liability is with the permit holder to ensure they always act safely.

As of September 1, the fire danger rating system changed and is now nationally con sistent across every state and territory. The system reduces the number of danger levels from six in the previous system, to four – be ing moderate, high, extreme and catastrophic.

A moderate rating asks people to ‘plan and prepare’, while a high rating asks people to ‘be ready to act’. An extreme rating advises people to ‘take action now’ to protect life and property, while catastrophic states people should leave the area for their survival.

People can tune into local emergency broad casters – 101.3 MIXX FM, 1089 3WM, or ABC Wimmera 594 AM – during an emer gency.

Victorians can find out “Can I or Can’t I?” information at www.cfa.vic.gov.au/warningsrestrictions/can or by calling the VicEmer gency Hotline on 1800 226 226.

Invitation to Karen celebrations

Saturday marks Karen New Year 2672 with celebrations in Hor sham including dancing, perfor mances and food.

Victoria Karen Community Network Group is hosting an event at Ian Maroske Hall, Hor sham, from 10am on Saturday to celebrate the occasion.

Event organiser K’lu Say Say said the event included tradi tional dance and historical per formances and sharing of tradi tional food.

“It’s so exciting to be able to

have the event after two years of COVID-19 restrictions stopping us,” she said.

“We are looking forward to celebrating with each other.

“The significance of the event is that it is a chance to pass on our traditions and history.

“Most of our children don’t even speak our language, so it’s a chance to let them know that this is a part of who they are.

“The traditions belong to the children now.”

The program includes Doe,

Christmas Gift Ideas

Bamboo and stick dances. K’lu Say said Saturday was an open event for everybody to join the celebrations.

“We want to invite all of the Wimmera – people can invite their family and friends and come along to see our perfor mances,” she said.

“We have invited the local In digenous community, Horsham Rural City councillors and spon sors.

“It’s definitely going to be a great day.”

GIVING CHRISTMAS PRESENTS: Lowan Lodge 107’s John Dunbar and Nhill RSL subbranch treasurer Bill Howarth with Nhill St Patrick’s School students Claire, Ben and Gu Thay Paw and teacher Kate Williams send away Christmas parcels to those serving with the Australian Defence Forces. Since 2018, serving troops have sent St Patrick’s students patches, letters, cards and photos to thank them for sending parcels. Lowan Lodge 107 engagement officer and Nhill RSL sub-branch secretary Rhys Webb said the yearly donation to serving troops was a great way for the community to understand more about defence force members and why their service was important to keeping the community safe.

BY MICHAEL SCALZO

Afinancial-counselling service executive says any uptick in western Victo rian flood-recovery requests would be evident after pro ducers enter the harvest sea son.

Non-for-profit charity organi sation Rural Financial Counsel ling Service, RFCS, Victoria West provides ‘impartial’ finan cial counselling and wellbeing services for primary producers and small businesses in western Victoria.

RFCS Victoria West execu tive officer David Stafford said demand for the group’s ser vices after October floods was concentrated in the northern and central areas of regional Victoria.

However, he said he had ‘con cern’ for Wimmera producers and what any impacts of a late harvest could mean for people.

“Wimmera farmers will be late to harvest and there could be untold damage to crops be cause of all the rain,” he said.

“Community feedback about the Wimmera has been that some people remain unsure about where they are going to land after harvest.

“If they get into trouble, I urge them to give RFCS a call and we can do our best to guide them towards an array of gov ernment assistance packages, which can be tricky to navigate at times.”

Mr Stafford said there had been a ‘steady stream’ of as sistance requests from produc

ers in the most directly floodimpacted regions of central and northern Victoria, and that assistance requests were track ing the ‘flow’ of flood waters across the state.

“There are support measures available, not just for riverine flooding, but for flash flooding, and our staff can guide pro ducers on the best support for them,” he said.

“Every community has been impacted in different ways, so there are nuances in govern ment support available.”

Mr Stafford urged regional producers and small business operators suffering from finan cial distress, either because of floods, or otherwise, to call the western Victorian branch of the RFCS on 1300 735 578.

New buildings for Murtoa students

A building at Our Lady Help of Christians School in Murtoa will be demolished to make way for a new general learn ing and administration building and outdoor learning space.

Senator Jana Stewart said work on the project would be delivered with funding of $2 million through the Federal Government’s Capital Grants Program.

“These new facilities will pro vide school staff, teachers and students at Our Lady Help of Christians School with better, more modern spaces in which to work, teach and learn,” she said.

“The teachers, staff and stu dents at Our Lady Help of Christians School have built a strong and positive school community and these new fa

cilities will further enhance education opportunities in re gional Victoria.

“Congratulations to Our Lady Help of Christians School on their successful grant applica tion.

“I look forward to seeing the positive impact these new fa cilities will have on the school community.”

Dimboola captains get to work

Dimboola Memorial Secondary College cap tains for 2023 are Maryam Yahiat and Tilli Menzel.

Tilli said it was ‘exciting’ to be selected as captain.

“It’s good we get to do this together because we work well as a team,” she said.

“We went through an interview process for the roles, as you would if you were applying for a job.

“Our first job was at the Remembrance Day service this year – we hosted the service, ex plained about the poppy and read poems.

“As a memorial school we take it very seri

ously. We do lots of services and learn a lot in class.”

Maryam said it was a long process of apply ing, interviewing and making a speech, but she was glad to get the role of captain.

“We are both excited to represent the school, internally and externally, and to see the respon sibilities we will have next year,” she said.

Principal Sally Klinge said both captains were keen to work with other people.

“They’re both studious and are very keen to do the best they can,” she said.

“Both of them aim to work with others and help others in the future.”

STEPPING UP: Tilli Menzel and Maryam Yahiat are Dimboola Memorial Secondary College 2023 captains.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Eureka Garages & Sheds EW Bulte Timber, Hardware & Paint Farmhouse Providore and Cafe Forty Winks Horsham GIO Horsham

Harvey Norman Ararat

Harvey Norman Horsham Superstore Hermans Of Horsham

Horsham Amcal Pharmacy

Horsham Aquatic Centre  Horsham AutoGlass

Horsham Betta Home Living

Horsham Camera House

Horsham Electronics

Horsham Golf Club

Horsham PaintRight Horsham RSL

House & Party Stawell

Jerrams Auto Parts & Electronics Centre

KLM Concreting & Soil Yard

Lardner Bros M Mart

Magic Maids

Maria Da Ros Fashions

McPhersons of Brim

Nu Life Health Foods

Onya Back Bedding & Furniture

Premix King Ararat

Pyrenees Premium Cuts Ray White Ararat

River Bamboo Massage & Beauty Senor Mex

Shopthis Horsham

Simply Skin Body

Smallaire

Spotlight Horsham

Stawell Toyota

That Little Shoppee Place

Victoria Hotel Horsham

VV Electrical and Solar

Waacks Bakery Stawell

Wastebusters Wimmera Recycling Horsham  West Side Horsham

West Wimmera Health Services

Western Victorian Wholesalers

Westonvic Waste

Wimmera Aquatrail

Wimmera Bearings

Wimmera Mallee Ag Wimmera Outdoors

Be sensible this festive season

Move over debit and credit cards, consumers are now flocking to Buy Now Pay Later services.

Afterpay, Zip Pay and several similar pay ment solutions allow shoppers to take home their goodies now, while paying them off via a few weekly, fortnightly or monthly payments.

There’s no interest payable as such, al though fees are charged for late payments.

A survey by Mozo reveals that 30 percent of Australian adults have one or more Buy Now Pay Later, BNPL, accounts and are not afraid to use them.

Afterpay, the most popular BNPL ser vice, achieved sales of $4.3 billion across Australia and New Zealand in the 2019 financial year – nearly double its sales of the previous year.

With the nation set to splurge about $23.9 billion on Christmas, it’s a safe bet that plenty of that spend will be by BNPL.

But with 60 percent of those surveyed by Mozo admitting that BNPL led them to buy things that they wouldn’t have otherwise, it begs the question: how to use this payment option sensibly during the silly season?

Set your limits: Make sure you have a budget for your Christmas spend, and use it to help resist the temptation of impulse purchases.

Track your spending: Don’t just track your BNPL spending. Make sure you re view credit and debit card purchases, too. Are you staying within budget across all your spending methods?

Avoid fees: About one-third of BNPL us ers have missed at least one payment.

FINANCE focus

GradDipFP Consortium Private Wealth

While late fees might seem modest, they can add up.

Do not repay BNPL loans with a credit card: If you don’t pay off your entire credit card bill within the interest-free period, adding your BNPL repayments to the card might see you paying a high rate of interest on your purchases. It is better to use a debit card or direct debit from your bank account, and making sure there’s enough money in the account to meet payments.

Avoid BNPL if you are saving for a home loan: Lenders might look at your use of BNPL as a sign that you don’t have sig nificant savings and are living from payday to payday. The lower your debt, of all types, the easier it will be to get a mortgage.

Have a happy festive season: Used wise ly, BNPL can help you jingle your bells and put the merry in your Christmas. Just make sure you know what you are signing up for and that you can meet all of the regular payments.

Take care, and you will be able to enjoy the start of the new year without a financial hangover.

• The information provided in this article is general in nature only and does not consti tute personal financial advice.

Service awarded for stroke care

An Australian medical advocacy group has honoured a Wimmera health service’s treatment of stroke patients with a national award.

Grampians Health’s Wimmera Base Hospital in Horsham was one of 12 hospitals across Aus tralia to win an award for ex cellence at the 2022 Australian Stroke Coalition’s Quality Stroke Service Awards.

The award, announced at the 31st Annual Scientific Meeting of the Stroke Society of Aus tralasia, recognised the hospital’s ‘quality, evidenced-based stroke treatment and care’, measured against the stroke coalition’s nine best-practice stroke treatment benchmarks.

Grampians Health stroke care co-ordinator Deidre Rennick said

she was ‘proud’ of the health service’s record in treating and caring for stroke patients.

“Not only does Wimmera Base Hospital have a dedicated stroke co-ordinator, we also have im mediate access to the Victorian Stroke Telemedicine Program, which enables us to connect di rectly to a neurologist for advice on how to proceed with treat ment,” she said.

“Small is better, in terms of the time to get someone from coming in the door to having their CT scan, to being able to know what type of stroke they’re having and what’s the most appropriate treat ment for them.

“There is also the ability to administer clot-busting medica tions here, so we can get patients in, diagnose and treat them very

quickly and that’s where small sites have a big advantage over large metro hospitals.”

Ms Rennick said a key phrase in stroke treatment was ‘time is brain’.

She said the success of the hos pital’s record in stroke care was testament to its team of paramed ics, nurses, doctors and its radiol ogy department.

“That is the key. The quicker you can get that blood supply re stored, the better chance the per son has for recovery,” she said.

Grampians Health regional di rector hospitals – west, Carolyn Robertson said she was ‘extreme ly’ proud of the teams involved.

“This is a wonderful achieve ment with excellent outcomes for our patients who have had a stroke,” she said.

Schier Perfection...

with Robert Goudie CFP

CARE AWARD:

Grampians Health stroke care co-ordinator Deidre Rennick said the Wimmera Base Hospital’s ability to diagnose and treat stroke victims quickly was key after the hospital won a national award for stroke care excellence.

SPLATACULAR: Horsham Primary School 298 students tried to beat the heat on Friday with a Colour Splatacular involving water sprays, slime and coloured chalk. The event was a fundraiser with students raising $1200 for the school. Pictured enjoying the event, clockwise from above are: Highest fundraiser Quinn Riley; Elise Osmond, Piper Taylor, Torey Holland and Ella Thomas; Grady Lawes and Chassidy Loresco; Ryder Thomas, Karla Hallam, Lola Bales, Deklan Baker, Grady Lawes, Erica Johnson and Josh Saunders; and Grace Cooper and Sadie Buwalda.

Pictures: ABBY WALTER

ACTION: A Christmas pantomime and steam-punk-style showing of Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs takes the stage next week. ‘Horsham Little Theatre’ will present two shows — on Monday at Horsham’s Holy Trinity Lutheran Church hall from 7.30pm, and on Friday during a Christmas festival in Horsham’s Ward Street from 5.15pm. Entry is free. Pictured during a rehearsal are, clockwise from above: Jess Flett, centre, with Annabelle Heal, Annie Wilde, Mia Frawley and Isaac Arnold; Kathleen Johns, centre, and the Snow White cast, from left, Scarlett Munday-Terry, Annie Wilde, Bailey Eder, Annabelle Heal and Isaac Arnold; Annabelle Heal and Isaac Arnold; Orlan Hart and Leah Eilola; Abbey O’Connor and Bethany Arnup; and Leah Eilola.

For more photographs go to theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

Ford will introduce a highly specified Platinum variant to its Ranger line-up as part of the model’s MY23.5 overhaul.

The model is due in showrooms from May, priced from $76,990 plus on-road costs.

The dual-cab Ranger Platinum vari ant features styling and equipment up grades, bringing it in step with rivals such as the Mazda BT-50 Thunder and Toyota HiLux Rogue.

Powered exclusively by Ford’s 184kW-600Nm 3.0-litre turbocharged V6 diesel engine with permanent fourwheel drive and a 10-speed automatic transmission as standard, the Ranger Platinum adds 20-inch wheels with all

season tyres, Matrix LED headlights, a Platinum-specific grille, powered roller shutter and flexible rack system on top of features found on a Ranger Wildtrak.

The model is further identified by Platinum bonnet badging, silk chrome garnishing and a dampened tailgate.

A unique Equinox Bronze paint finish previously available only on Everest models is optional on the Platinum, among a choice of exterior colours – premium paint remains a $700 upgrade – and comes standard with a black-painted roof that can be optioned in body colour.

Ford Ranger chief platform engineer Ian Foston described the Platinum as

‘focused on owners who need a work truck that combines both premium luxury for the family and the flexibil ity of a work truck for their business’.

“We’ve really focused on creating a premium exterior and gold-class interior experience with the Ranger Platinum,” he said.

Inside, the variant includes quilt ed and perforated leather accented trim familiar to the Everest Platinum, heated and ventilated front seats with 10-way power adjust and position memory for the driver, a 12.4-inch digital instrument cluster, and a heated steering wheel.

The cabin also sports a 12.0-inch infotainment array, B&O premium

audio system, auxiliary switch bank, accented stitching and other decora tive finishes again borrowed from the Everest Platinum.

Further, an Everest-style lidded up per glovebox and Platinum-badged front seats and floor mats round out the model’s interior enhancements.

Ford Australia cheif executive and president Andrew Birkic said the com pany had listened to its customers throughout the design and develop ment of the next-generation Ranger.

“In doing so, we reinvented the pickup truck segment,” he said.

“We’ve seen growth in high-end variants in this segment over recent years, so we challenged ourselves to

create a vehicle that provides all of our customer’s wants and needs.

“Ranger Platinum gives customers the chance to have their cake and eat it, too; they get the next-gen Ranger’s inherent capability with a serious dose of class and sophistication.”

National sales figures released by the Federal Chamber of Automotive In dustries, FCAI, show the Ford Ranger second in the 4x4 ute segment with 34,536 deliveries to the end of Octo ber. The segment is led by the Toyota HiLux with 40,058 sales, while third place goes to the Mitsubishi Triton with sales of 21,783 units in the same timeframe.

– Matt Brogan

• Mercedes-Benz launches the EQV electric luxury people mover in Australia –

Mercedes people mover arrives

Business and celebrity groups, musicians, hotel guests and large families can now travel Aus tralia with a clear conscience in the lap of luxury following the ar rival of Mercedes-Benz’s electric EQV people mover, priced from $155,338 plus on-road costs.

The EQV joins the more utilitarian $116,115 plus on-road costs eVito Tourer people mover that arrived in Australian Mercedes showrooms in September, but serves as the German brand’s first luxury electric people mover as part of an onslaught of EQbranded pure electric models.

Designed to meet varying needs, the EQV is a configurable sevenseat minivan built on adapted internal combustion engine architecture that Mercedes-Benz says combines a carlike drive feel with low-emissions mobility and high functionality in an aesthetically pleasing design.

A high-voltage battery is positioned under EQV’s floor to maximise pas senger space with two second-row armchairs and a three-person bench seat in the third row followed by a luggage compartment with an electri cally operated tailgate complete with separately opening glass.

Optionally, the EQV can be specified with four individual leather armchairs in the rear compartment for use in the

airport transfer and executive shuttle space. Equipped with a high roofline to facilitate walk-in access, the EQV features electrically operated side sliding doors and generous interior proportions for enhanced passenger comfort.

A luxury leather ambience pervades the interior starting with driver and front passenger seats that have power adjustment with memory settings, lumbar support and seat heating.

In-dash is Mercedes’ acclaimed MBUX infotainment system which, through voice commands and a 10.25inch touchscreen, controls audio, te lephony, navigation and vehicle set tings.

Further improving comfort in the EQV is pre-entry climate control that can be activated in advance to heat or cool the cabin before departure.

The MBUX system also provides a menu of information including charg ing current, energy flow and a con sumption histogram.

The display also facilitates the use of the EQV’s navigation system, charge functions and drive modes.

From a practical standpoint, the EQV delivers generous storage space of up to 1030 litres of cargo space provided depending on seating con figuration.

Powering the EQV’s front wheels is a single e-motor with maximum pow

er of 150kW and maximum torque of 365Nm, fed by a 90kWh lithium ion battery that M-B says provides a range of up to 418km using an aver age 26.32kWh per 100km.

The vehicle has a DC charging capa bility of up to110kW, which translates into a top up from 10 percent to 80 percent in 45 minutes.

With the provided Mercedes-Benz

Wallbox that kicks out 11kW of AC power, a full recharge takes about 10 hours.

Mercedes says locating the battery underfloor gives handling and ride benefits to the EQV as it has a low centre of gravity despite being a tall vehicle.

Also contributing to the vehicle’s capable dynamics is standard ‘Air

matic’ air suspension that M-B says enhances the EQV’s plush, controlled ride as it continuously adapts to road conditions.

Four drive modes are available through the MBUX control system, comprising two Eco modes plus Com fort and Sport. In addition, five levels of regenerative braking are provided.

As expected, the EQS provides a comprehensive suite of safety and driver assistance technologies ranging from radar cruise control through 360degree camera views, active parking assist, active brake assist, hill-start assist, lane-keep assist, blind-spot as sist, crosswind assist and LED intelli gent light assist with high-beam assist along with the obligatory reversing camera and sensors, and rain sensing wipers. Standard kit is also generous.

Though essentially a one-box vehi cle, the EQV’s external appearance is made a little more special by black and chrome highlights and some AMG-designed aerodynamic accou trements as well as anodised roof rails and 18-inch gloss black alloys wheels.

Mercedes-Benz offers a five-year, unlimited-kilometre warranty on the EQV for private use or five years and 250,000 kilometres for commercial use.

EQV buyers receive a 12-month Chargefox subscription for compli mentary public charging.

– Peter Barnwell

LUXURY: Mercedes-Benz has launched the EQV electric luxury people mover in Australia from $155,000 plus on-road costs.

Australia could learn from the overseas experience in rela tion to EV truck recharging as the process is dramatically ratcheted up when compared to replenishing an electric car because every facet is of a much greater scale.

Providing adequate truck recharge facilities is an expensive game as they take up more real estate than a regular service station and are ‘next level’ heavy-duty in terms of their power de mands, which experts say require grid infrastructure similar to that which feeds a factory.

A large and busy service area pro viding charging facilities for all road vehicle types will go from the equiva lent energy consumption of a profes sional sports stadium to that of a small town – and it is feared that the market for the vehicles will move faster than the underlying grid infrastructure is able to develop.

The current crop of electric trucks overseas – mainly Europe, China and the United States – have ranges of between 320 kilometres and 800 kilo meres on a single charge, which is considered acceptable for local and regional routes, but falls short for over the road, OTR, hauls that can some times exceed 1600 kilometres.

Fast charging is possible with many electric trucks, but there are few pub lic fast-charging stations for them,

meaning the cost of installing depot chargers in a back-to-base scenario must also be factored into the spread sheets of fleet managers considering the switch away from diesel.

The challenge is how quickly highspeed public chargers will need to deliver electricity at a single place and time and where to build them – often in remote highway locations.

Experts say the easiest way to imag ine the problem is to think of electric ity like water flowing through a hose. It would take a few months to fill an Olympic pool with a garden hose, but a fire hose would fill it in a few hours.

Building on that analogy, in the world of EVs, a semi-trailer is like a

swimming pool and the connections available at today’s highway stops are like garden hoses.

Tesla appears to be ahead of the curve with its forthcoming semi trucks boasting a range of up to 800 kilome tres on a single charge while hauling a full 40-tonne load, though this is still only halfway to where it needs to be in terms of economic range. However, as with its passenger cars, Tesla will back its trucks with suitable charging infrastructure.

Daimler and Volvo also have sim ilar-sized vehicles that only operate on an overnight charge-back to base program.

Referred to in some quarters as

‘massive batteries on wheels’, the Tesla heavy vehicles might accelerate the transition to electrified transport, but according to a report in media outlet Bloomberg, those responsible for delivering the power are starting to ask: Are we ready for this?

The answer is probably not, accord ing to a new study of highway charg ing requirements conducted by British utility company National Grid Plc.

Bloomberg reports researchers found that by 2030, electrifying a typi cal highway service station would re quire as much power as a professional sports stadium – mostly for charging electrified passenger vehicles.

RMI energy research institute prin

cipal of carbon-free mobility Dave Mullaney said as more electric trucks hit the road, the projected power needs for a big truck stop by 2035 would ‘equal that of a small town’.

“Put 50 trucks somewhere for re charging and what you end up with is the equivalent of a factory,” he said.

“Utilities know how to build facto ries, but it’s the process and sequenc ing required that’s scary to me.

“Utilities need to be starting half a decade ahead of the trucks in order to not be bottlenecking the transition to electric trucks.”

The media reported even the authors who penned the study were caught off guard by how quickly highway power demands would change.

It said connection to the grid that could handle more than five mega watts would take up to eight years to build, at a cost of tens of millions of dollars.

National Grid vice-president of clean energy development Bart Franey said if power upgrades did not start soon, the transition to electric vehicles – let alone electric trucks – would quickly be constrained by a grid unprepared for the demand.

“We need to start making these in vestments now,” he said.

“We can’t just wait for it to happen, because the market is going to outpace the infrastructure.”

– Peter Barnwell

www.consortiumpw.com.au

1. True or false? One of the features that help us distin guish an ant from other in sects is elbow-like bends in each of its antenna.

2. All around us, members of the animal kingdom are con stantly producing chemicals that influence the behaviour of each other. What are these chemicals called?

4 We owe much of our pop-music culture in Aus tralia to what two Europeanborn musical collaborators responsible for much of the success of acts such as The Easybeats, Flash and the Pan, ACDC, John Paul Young, Rose Tattoo and The Angels, some of which have performed in the Wimmera?

5. We farm a lot of canola, also known as rape, through out the Wimmera-Mallee for its unsaturated fat. Is canola oil polyunsaturated or mon ounsaturated fat?

6. True or false? It is impos sible for a human to drink too much water.

7. What Australian prime minister claimed election victory on March 25, 1990?

8. Australia’s first excursion into international conflict and battle was in what coun try?

9. It can be extremely hard in the Wimmera to protect fruit on apple trees from being attacked by the troublesome Cydia pomonella. What is its common name?

10. What defining character istic of mammals has inde pendent parts that include a cuticle, cortex and medulla?

Afternoons with Adam Afternoons filled with the music you love and light discussions about topics that matter to our community Weekdays 1pm - 5pm Scan to listen live

ARIES:

(March 21- April 20)

Lucky Colour: Mauve

Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 2.3.2.1.

Lotto Numbers: 2.13.26.25.24.42. Not a very good period for taking chances; leave speculations until a later date. You might not have the right answers now, so do not advise others in important matters.

TAURUS:

(April 21- May 20)

Lucky Colour: Cream Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 2.3.6.5. Lotto Numbers: 2.13.36.35.9.4. A very good period in your career matters and progress in business can be expected. Plenty of energy and interest in new ideas and more harmonious relationships with loved ones.

GEMINI:

(May 21- June 21)

Lucky Colour: Violet Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 2.3.6.3. Lotto Numbers: 2.13.36.39.8.44. You could be ready for some changes in your relationships. Not the right time to push your favourite issues; gentle persuasion will work a lot better and will leave you a chance to negotiate.

CANCER:

(June 22- July 22)

Lucky Colour: White Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 5.6.3.2. Lotto Numbers: 5.12.23.32.20.33. You could be guessing very right during this period and it’s time to reap what you have sown earlier on. Try to keep away from quarrelling people and compromise will be better than defeat.

LEO:

(July 23- August 22)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 5.3.2.6. Lotto Numbers: 5.12.24.40.11.3.

Lots of social contacts and a busy period for entertaining are indicated. Good news from a distance and financial benefits coming your way. Keep your head clear for some interesting new ideas?

VIRGO:

(August 23- September 23)

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Saturday Racing Numbers: 2.3.6.9.

Lotto Numbers: 5.12.26.36.34.45.

Some important decisions to be made concerning your future security, including your career aspects. Some very good opportunities coming your way very soon.

LIBRA:

(September 24- October 23)

Lucky Colour: Peach Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 8.9.5.2. Lotto Numbers: 8.15.42.20.32.11.

A much better mood is prevailing and friends could surprise you in a happy way.

Now is the time in which you should be able to gain most of the things that have been on your mind.

SCORPIO:

(October 24- November 22)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 2.6.9.4. Lotto Numbers: 1.12.26.36.34.40.

Very irritating aspects operating and your patience is put to the test. Try to take it all in good humour and it will become less frustrating. There is some good luck through a partner.

SAGITTARIUS:

(November 23- December 20)

Lucky Colour: Yellow Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 5.6.4.2. Lotto Numbers: 5.12.32.26.9.44. Not the time to trust anyone with your secrets; they could use them against you at a later date. Business will not mix with pleasure or family matters even during this period; keep them separate.

CAPRICORN:

(December 21- January 19)

Lucky Colour: White Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 5.6.3.2. Lotto Numbers: 5.12.26.30.36.33. People seem to be expecting more for you and your time will be very much taken up by the demands of others. If planning to travel, you must be rather ruthless in your demands to get what you want.

AQUARIUS:

(January 20- February 19)

Lucky Colour: Violet Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 1.3.2.5. Lotto Numbers: 1.15.23.30.6.44. You might not be in agreement with loved ones about an important issue. Do not let it get too big to handle. There are more demands on your time and your ability.

PISCES:

    For the week December 11 - December 17

   

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(February 20- March 20)

Quick Workout

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

CROSSWORD

Wear this for sun safety (3)

In summer it stays — for longer (5)

The desert is — than the rainforest (5)

The yellow parts of eggs (5)

The Abominable Snowman (4)

Another word for potato (4)

Take back what you just did (4)

The rim or border of something (4)

Simple and easy (5)

Portal to another — (5)

A healthy Japanese snack (5)

Wooden structure that leads out to the ocean (4)

What comes after eight (4)

Man’s best friend (3)

ACROSS 3 Another word for vacation (7) 7 Hawaiian word for ‘hello’ (5) 8 What you do to meat on a barbecue (5) 9 If she colours her hair, she — it (4) 12 What you take with a camera (8)

What you feed a canary (8)

Opposite of shut (4)

Breakfast 9:00

10:00 The Pool (PG) 11:10 Walking The Dragon With Benjamin Law (M) 12:00 ABC

6:00 Sunrise 9:00 The Morning Show 11:30

Seven Morning News 12:00 Movie: “Karen

Kingsbury’s Maggie’s Christmas Miracle” (PG) (’17) Stars: Jill Wagner 2:00 Cricket: Pre Game 3:00 Cricket: Australia v West Indies: Test 2: Day 1 *Live* 5:00 Tea Break 5:40

Cricket: Australia v West Indies: Test 2: Day 1 *Live* 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Cricket: Australia v West Indies: Test 2: Day 1 *Live* 7:40 Dinner Break 8:00 Cricket: Australia v West Indies: Test 2: Day 1 *Live* 10:30 Heroes & Legends (PG) 12:00 Fantasy Island (M) 1:00 Home Shopping

12:00 Hellfire Heroes (PG) 1:00 Scrap Kings (PG) 3:00 Billy The Exterminator (PG) 3:30 No Man’s Land (PG) 4:30 Aussie Lobster Men (PG) 5:30 American Restoration (PG) 6:00 Tea Break 6:20 Cricket: Australia v West Indies: Test 2: Day 1 *Live* 7:00 Pawn Stars (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Resident Evil: Apocalypse” (M h,l,v) (’04) Stars: Jared Harris 10:25 Hardcore Pawn (PG)

12:00 Teletubbies 12:35 Buddi 12:55 Peppa Pig 1:35 Mister Maker

Around The World 2:05 Bananas In Pyjamas 2:30 Wolf Joe 3:00 Remy & Boo 3:30 Play School 4:00 hoopla doopla! 4:35 Fireman Sam 5:00 Odo 5:30 Ginger And The Vegesaurs 6:05 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom 6:25 Octonauts 7:00 Odd Squad 7:30 Spicks And Specks (PG) 8:30 Would I Lie To You? (PG) 9:00 Starstruck (M l,s)

6:00 Today 9:00 Today Extra 11:30 NINE’s Morning News 12:00 Bondi Vet (PG) 1:00 Dream Listing Byron Bay 2:00 Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News 4:30 Millionaire Hot Seat 5:30 WIN News 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 Great Getaways (PG) 8:30 Paramedics (M) 9:30 Police After Dark (M) 10:30 NINE News Late 11:00 Emergency Call (M) 11:50 Pure Genius (M) 12:40 Tipping Point (PG) 1:30 Home Shopping 4:00 Religious Programs 4:30 A Current Affair (PG)

6:00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert (PG) 7:00 Friends (PG) 8:00 Becker (PG) 9:00 The King Of Queens (PG) 10:00 Friends (PG) 10:30 The Middle (PG) 12:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 1:00 Frasier (PG) 2:00 Becker (PG) 3:00 The King Of Queens (PG) 4:00 Becker (PG) 5:00 Frasier (PG) 6:00 Friends (PG) 8:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 9:30 Seinfeld (PG) 11:00 Frasier (PG) 12:00 Home Shopping

6:00 News Breakfast 9:00 ABC News Mornings 12:00 ABC News 12:30 National Press Club Address 1:35 ABC News Day 3:00 ABC News Afternoons 4:00 Afternoon Briefing 5:00 ABC News Hour 6:00 ABC Evening News 7:00 ABC National News 7:30 7.30 8:00 ABC News Tonight 8:45 The Business 9:00 ABC Nightly News 9:30 The Spying Game 10:00 The World 11:00 The Drum

6:00 Sunrise 9:00 The Morning Show 11:30 Seven Morning News 12:00 House Of Wellness (PG) 1:00 Australia’s Deadliest (PG) 2:00 Cricket: Pre Game 3:00 Cricket: Australia v West Indies: Test 2: Day 2 *Live* 5:00 Tea Break 5:40 Cricket: Australia v West Indies: Test 2: Day 2 *Live* 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Cricket: Australia v West Indies: Test 2: Day 2 *Live* 7:40 Dinner Break 8:00 Cricket: Australia v West Indies: Test 2: Day 2 *Live* 10:30 Movie: “Hitch” (PG) (’05) Stars: Will Smith 1:00 Home Shopping

5:00 Worldwatch 9:00 Peer To Peer (PG) 10:00 Paul O’Grady Little Heroes 11:00 The Shape Of History (PG) 12:00 Worldwatch 2:00 Saving Lives At Sea (PG) 3:00 Luke Nguyen’s Railway Vietnam 3:30 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:00 The World’s

Most Scenic Railway Journeys (PG) 4:50 Grand Tours Of Scotland’s Rivers (PG) 5:30

Football: FIFA World Cup Extra 6:30 SBS World News 7:35 The World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys (PG) 8:30 Costco: Is It Really Worth It? (PG) 9:30 War Of The Worlds (MA15+) (In English/ French)

6:00 Home Shopping 8:00 Pooches At Play 8:30 Australia

By Design 9:00 I Fish 9:30 Reel Action 10:00 MacGyver (M) 12:00 NCIS: Los Angeles (PG) 1:00 NCIS (PG) 2:00 Bull (M) 3:00 Bondi Rescue (PG) 3:30 The Love Boat (PG) 4:30 Star Trek: The Next Generation (PG) 5:30 MacGyver (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M) 8:30 Bull (PG) 10:30 The Code (M) 11:30 48 Hours (M d) 12:30 Home Shopping 2:00 Tommy (M v) 12:00 The Carrie Diaries (PG) 2:00 Full House (PG) 3:00 The Nanny (PG) 3:30 3rd Rock From The Sun (PG) 4:00 That 70’s Show (PG) 4:30 Everybody Loves Raymond (PG) 5:30 The Nanny (PG) 6:00 3rd Rock From The Sun (PG) 6:30 That 70’s Show (PG) 7:00 Young Sheldon (PG) 7:30 Survivor (PG) 8:30 Love Island Australia (M) 9:30 Naked Attraction (M) 10:30

l,s) 8:30 The Curse Of Oak Island (PG) 10:10 Betraying The Badge (MA15+)

12:00 Days Of Our Lives (PG) 12:55 The Young And The Restless (PG) 1:50 Explore 2:00 As Time Goes By (PG) 3:20 Antiques Roadshow 3:50 Movie: “Silent Dust” (PG) (’49) Stars: Sally Gray 5:30 Murder, She Wrote (PG) 6:30 Antiques Roadshow 7:30 Grantchester (M) 8:40 Movie: “Live And Let Die” (PG) (’73) Stars: Roger Moore 11:10 Snapped (M) 12:05 House (M) 1:00 Home Shopping

6:00 Today 9:00 Today Extra 11:30 NINE’s Morning News 12:00 Movie: “Long Story Short” (M l) (’21) Stars: Rafe Spall 2:00 Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News 4:30 Millionaire Hot Seat 5:30 WIN News 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 Taronga: Who’s Who In The Zoo (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Fred Claus” (PG) (’07) Stars: Vince Vaughn 10:50 Movie: “Four Holidays” (M s) (’08) Stars: Vince Vaughn 12:35 Tipping Point (PG) 1:30 Home Shopping 4:00 Religious Programs 4:30 Home Shopping

6:00 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert (PG) 7:00 NBL Slam 7:30 Seinfeld (PG) 9:00 Becker (PG) 10:00 The Middle (PG) 11:30 The King Of Queens (PG) 12:30 Frasier (PG) 1:30 Seinfeld (PG) 3:00 The King Of Queens (PG) 4:00 Becker (PG) 5:00 Frasier (PG) 6:00 Friends (PG) 8:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 9:30 Mom (M d,s) 11:00 Frasier (PG) 12:00 Home Shopping 1:30 The Late Show (PG)

Panda: Legends Of Awesomeness (PG) 6:00 So Awkward 6:35 Operation Ouch! 7:05 Horrible Histories (PG) 7:40 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles (PG) 8:05 The Penguins Of Madagascar 8:25 Good Game Spawn Point 8:50 Log Horizon (PG)

1:00 Belgravia (PG) 1:45 Doc Martin (PG) 2:35 Poh’s Kitchen 3:00 Gardening Australia 4:10 Long Lost Family (PG) 5:00 Back Roads (PG) 5:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 6:00 The Drum 7:00 ABC News 7:30 Gardening Australia 8:30 Vera (M d,v) 10:00 Troppo (M l v) 11:00 ABC Late News 11:20 Adam Hills: The Last Leg (M) 12:00 rage (MA15+) 12:00 Pawn Stars (PG) 1:00 Hellfire Heroes (PG) 2:00 Scrap Kings (PG) 3:00 STIHL Timbersports (PG) 3:30 No Man’s Land (PG) 4:30 Aussie Lobster Men (PG) 5:30 American Restoration (PG) 6:00 Tea Break 6:20 Cricket: Australia v West Indies: Test 2: Day 2 *Live* 7:00 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:30 Carnage (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Rambo: First Blood” (M l,v) (’82) Stars: Sylvester Stallone 2:05 Bananas In Pyjamas 2:30 Wolf Joe 3:00 Remy & Boo 3:30 Play School 4:00 hoopla doopla! 4:35 Fireman Sam 5:00 Odo 5:30 Ginger And The Vegesaurs 6:05 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom 6:25 Octonauts 7:00 Odd Squad 7:30 Spicks And Specks (PG) 8:00 Hard Quiz (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Two Hands” (MA15+) (’99) Stars: Heath Ledger 10:00 Doctor Who (PG) 10:45 Back (MA15+) 11:10 Archer (M)

6:00 News Breakfast 9:00 ABC News Mornings 12:00 ABC News 3:00 ABC News Afternoons 4:00 Afternoon Briefing 4:30 Friday Briefing 5:00 ABC News Hour 6:00 ABC Evening News 7:00 ABC National News 7:45 Ticket To Qatar 8:00 Fault Lines 2022 9:00 ABC Nightly News 9:30 Close Of Business 10:00 The World 10:35 ABC Late News 10:50 ABC News Video Lab 11:00 The Drum

6:00 Home Shopping 8:00 Pooches At Play 8:30 Australia

By Design 9:00 I Fish 9:30 Reel Action 10:00 MacGyver (M) 12:00 NCIS: Los Angeles (PG) 1:00 NCIS (PG) 2:00 Bull (M) 3:00 Bondi Rescue (PG) 3:30 The Love Boat (PG) 4:30

Star Trek: The Next Generation (PG) 5:30 MacGyver (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M) 8:30 NCIS: Los Angeles (PG) 10:20 Evil (M) 11:15 Star Trek: Discovery (PG) 12:25 Home Shopping

12:00 The Carrie Diaries (PG) 2:00 Full House (PG) 3:00 The Nanny (PG) 3:30 3rd Rock From The Sun (PG) 4:00 That 70’s Show (PG) 4:30 Everybody Loves Raymond (PG) 5:30 Transformers: Cyberverse (PG) 5:45 Movie: “Kung Fu Panda 3” (PG) (’16) Stars: Jack Black 7:30 Movie: “The Great Wall” (M v) (’16) Stars: Matt Damon 9:30 Movie: “Mortal Engines” (M) (’19) Stars: Hera Hilmar

5:00 Worldwatch 9:00 Specially For Me 9:20 Peer To Peer (PG) 9:50 Paul O’Grady Little Heroes 10:50 Employable Me (UK) (M l,s) 12:00 Worldwatch 2:00 Saving Lives At Sea (PG) 3:00 NITV News: Nula 3:30 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:00 The World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys (PG) 4:50 Grand Tours Of Scotland’s Rivers (PG) 5:30

Football: FIFA World Cup Extra 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Engineering Reborn (PG) 8:30 Inside Central Station (PG) 9:30 Autun: Rome’s Forgotten Sister (MA) (In English/ French)

World News Tonight With David Muir 4:05 PBS Newshour 5:05 Shortland Street (PG) 5:35 The Joy Of Painting With Bob Ross 6:05 Forged In Fire (PG) 6:30 Football: FIFA World Cup 2022 Daily World Cup Show 7:30 NITV News Update 7:35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M l,s) 8:30 Hoarders (M l) 9:20 The Language Of Love (M) (In English/ Spanish)

12:00 Days Of Our Lives (PG) 12:55 The Young And The Restless (PG) 1:50 Grantchester (PG) 3:00 Explore 3:10 Antiques Roadshow 3:40 Movie: “Watch Your Stern” (PG) (’60) Stars: Kenneth Connor 5:30 Murder, She Wrote (PG) 6:30 Antiques Roadshow 7:30 TBA 8:30 Movie: “The Man With The Golden Gun” (PG) (’74) Stars: Roger Moore 11:05 New Amsterdam (M) 12:05 House (M)

Stars: Juliet Mills 1:10 Movie: “Please Turn Over” (PG) (’59) Stars: Julia Lockwood 3:00 Movie: “My Brother Jonathan” (G) (’47) Stars: Michael Denison 5:15 Movie: “Curse Of The Pink Panther” (PG) (’83) Stars: David Niven 7:30 Movie: “The Spy Who Loved Me” (M v) (’77)

Roger Moore 10:05 Movie: “The Bourne Ultimatum” (M v) (’07)

12:00 ABC News 12:30 Landline 1:00 Gardening Australia 2:00 Wil Anderson: Wilogical (PG) 3:00 Fake Or Fortune? 4:00 The Pacific In The Wake Of Captain Cook With Sam Neill 4:55 Nigella’s Cook, Eat, Repeat 5:30 Antiques Roadshow 6:30 The ABC Of Garry McDonald (PG) 7:00 ABC News Sunday 7:30 Death In Paradise (PG) 8:30 Movie: “The Post” (M l) (’17) Stars: Meryl Streep 10:25 Ridley Road (PG)

3:00 TBA 3:30 Our Town (PG) 4:00 Penelope Keith’s Hidden Villages 5:00 Escape To The Perfect Town 6:00 Air Crash Investigation (PG) 7:00 Border Security - Australia’s Front Line (PG) 8:30 Heathrow (PG) 9:30 Air Crash Investigations (PG) 12:30 TBA 1:30 Air Crash Investigations

4:00 The Fairly OddParents 4:35 The Beachbuds 5:00 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Cat Noir (PG) 5:30 Born To Spy 5:50 Spirit Riding Free 6:35 Robot Wars 7:40 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles 8:05 The Penguins Of Madagascar 8:30 Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs 8:50 Danger Mouse

12:00 House Of Wellness (PG) 1:00 Border Security International (PG) 1:30 Surveillance Oz: Dashcam (PG) 2:00 Cricket: Pre Game 3:00 Cricket: Australia v West Indies: Test 2: Day 4 *Live* 5:00 Tea Break 5:40 Cricket: Test 2: Day 4 *Live* 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Cricket: Test 2: Day 4 *Live* 7:40 Dinner Break 8:00 Cricket: Test 2: Day 4 *Live*

10:30 Movie: “Red Sparrow” (M) (’18) Stars: Jennifer Lawrence

3:00 Mark Berg’s Fishing Addiction (PG) 4:00 Barrett Jackson: Revved Up (PG) 5:00 Shipping Wars (PG) 6:00 Cricket: Australia v West Indies: Test 2: Day 4 *Live* 7:00 Pawn Stars (PG) 8:30 Movie: “X-Men United” (M v) (’03) Stars: Hugh Jackman

3:00 Waffle The Wonder Dog 3:30 Play School 4:00 hoopla doopla! 4:35 Fireman Sam 5:00 Odo 5:30 Ginger And The Vegesaurs 6:05 Interstellar Ella 6:25 Octonauts 7:00 Andy And The Band 7:30 Australia Remastered 8:25 Pilgrimage: The Road To The Scottish Isles (PG)

10:00 Fishing Australia 10:30 Surf Boat Tsunami 11:30 Reel Destinations 12:00 Great Australian Detour 12:30 Aqua Rugby 2:00 Driving Test (PG) 2:30 Great Getaways (PG) 3:30 Bondi Vet (PG) 4:30 Explore 5:00 NINE News: First At Five 5:30 Postcards Summer (PG) 6:00 NINE News Sunday 7:00 Snackmasters (PG) 8:40 60 Minutes (PG) 9:40 NINE News Late 10:10 The First 48 (M v) 11:10 Untold Crime Stories (MA15+)

12:30 Friends (PG) 1:30 Two And A Half Men (PG) 2:00 Basketball: Round 10: South East Melbourne Phoenix v Adelaide 36ers *Live* 4:00 Basketball: Round 10: Sydney Kings v Tasmania Jackjumpers *Live* 6:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 9:00 Friends (PG) 4:00 ABC News 4:30 Landline 5:00 ABC News With Auslan 5:30 The World This Week 6:00 ABC Evening News 6:30 Kurt Fearnley’s One Plus One 7:00 ABC News Sunday 7:30 David Brill’s Story On The Frontlines 8:30 ABC News Tonight 9:00 ABC Nightly News

12:00 Everybody Gourmet With Justine Schofield 12:30 The Living Room (PG) 1:30 Taste Of Australia With Hayden Quinn 2:00 Christmas With Australian Women’s Weekly 3:00 Jamie’s One-Pan Wonders (PG) 3:30 Well Traveller (PG) 4:00 All 4 Adventure (PG) 5:00 10 News First 6:30 The Sunday Project (PG)

12:00 Truck Hunters (PG) 12:30 Scorpion (PG) 1:30 Pooches At Play 2:00 Destination Dessert 2:30 Football: Central Coast Mariners v Newcastle Jets *Live* 5:30 Reel Action 6:00 Bondi Rescue (PG) 6:30 MacGyver (M) 7:30 NCIS (M v) 10:20 48 Hours (M)

3:00 Full Bloom (PG) 4:00 Dance Moms (PG) 5:00 Movie: “Megamind” (PG) (’10) Stars: Will Ferrell 7:00 Movie: “Dr Seuss’ How The Grinch Stole Christmas” (G) (’00) Stars: Taylor Momsen 9:05 Movie: “The Fate Of The Furious” (M l,v) (’17) Stars: Vin Diesel 11:45 Duncanville (M)

5:30 Football: QF: Match 52 Winner v Match 52 Winner *Live* 8:30 Football: QF: Match 55 Winner v Match 56 Winner *Replay* 11:30 Football: QF: Match 51 Winner v Match 52 Winner *Replay* 2:30 Football: QF: Match 55

Winner v Match 56 Winner *Replay* 5:30

Football: FIFA World Cup 2022 Daily World Cup Show 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Peter O’Toole: Along Sky Roads To Aqaba (PG) 9:10 Franklin (PG)

(MA15+)

3:00 Movie: “Irma La Douce” (PG) (’63) Stars: Jack Lemmon 6:00 Bondi Vet 7:00 Movie: “Moonraker” (PG) (’79) Stars: Roger Moore 9:30 Movie: “The Bourne Legacy” (M v) (’12) Stars: Donna Murphy 12:00 House: Here Kitty(M) 1:00 Home Shopping

6:00 Today 9:00 Today Extra Summer 11:30 NINE’s Morning News 12:00 Snackmasters: Allen’s Lollies (PG) 1:45 Talking Honey (PG) 2:00 Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News 4:30 Millionaire Hot Seat 5:30 WIN News 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 Snackmasters (PG) 8:45 Inside The Superbrands 9:45 Australian Crime Stories (MA15+) 10:45 NINE News Late 11:15 The Equalizer (M v)

The Last Stand” (M

Jackman

Batty’s One Plus One 10:00 The World 11:00 The Drum

Pines” (AKA ‘A

Crossed

(PG) (’17) Stars: Jonna

(PG) 3:00

(PG) 6:00

News 7:00 Cricket: BBL: Sydney Thunder v Melbourne Stars *Live* 11:00 The Spin (M) 11:30 Chicago Fire (M) 10:30 Becker (PG) 11:30 Frasier (PG) 12:30 The King Of Queens (PG) 1:30 Seinfeld (PG) 3:00 The King Of Queens (PG) 4:00 Becker (PG) 5:00 Frasier (PG) 6:00 Friends (PG) 8:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 9:30 Mom (M d,s) 11:10 Frasier (PG) 12:00 Home Shopping

12:00 NCIS: Los Angeles (PG) 1:00 NCIS (PG) 2:00 Bull (M) 3:00 Bondi Rescue (PG) 3:30 The Love Boat (PG) 4:30 Star Trek: The Next Generation (PG) 5:30 MacGyver (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M) 10:20 The Code (M v) 11:15 MacGyver (M) 12:15 Home Shopping

3:30 Everybody Loves Raymond (PG) 5:30 The Nanny (PG) 6:00 3rd Rock From The Sun (PG) 6:30 That 70’s Show (PG) 7:00 Young Sheldon (PG) 7:30 The Weakest Link USA (PG) 8:30 Love Island Australia (M) 9:40 Movie: “21 Jump Street” (MA15+) (’12) Stars: Jonah Hill

Worldwatch 2:00 Saving Lives At Sea (PG) 3:00 Luke Nguyen’s Railway Vietnam (PG) 3:30 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:00 The World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys 4:50 Grand Tours Of Scotland’s Rivers (PG) 5:30 Football: FIFA World Cup Extra 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 From The Heart Of Our Nation: A Celebration (PG) 10:30 SBS World News Late 11:00 Reunions (PG) 11:55 Medici (MA15+)

12:00 Dr Phil (M) 1:00 Bondi Rescue (PG) 2:00 Entertainment Tonight 2:30 Good Chef Bad Chef 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) 3:30 Freshly Picked With Simon Toohey 4:00 Farm To Fork 4:30 Jamie’s Easy Meals For Every Day 5:00 10 News First 6:30 The Project (PG) 7:30 Bondi Rescue (PG) 8:30 FBI: Most Wanted (M) 11:30 The Project (PG) 12:30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert (PG) 1:30 Home Shopping 5:05 Shortland Street (PG) 5:35 The Joy Of Painting With Bob Ross (PG) 6:05 Forged In Fire (PG) 6:30 Football: FIFA World Cup 2022 Daily World Cup Show 7:30 NITV News Update 7:35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M l,s) 8:30 Taskmaster (PG) 9:25 Hypothetical 10:20 Spiralling (M) 2:50 Antiques Roadshow 3:20 Movie: “Piccadilly Incident” (G) (’46) Stars: Anna Neagle 5:30 Murder, She Wrote (PG) 6:30 Antiques Roadshow 7:30 Death In Paradise (PG) 8:40 Movie: “For Your Eyes Only” (M v) (’81) Stars: Roger Moore 11:20 New Amsterdam (M) 12:10 House (M)

3:00 Luke Nguyen’s Railway Vietnam (PG) 3:30 The Cook Up With Adam Liaw (PG) 4:00 The World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys 4:50 Grand Tours Of Scotland’s Rivers (PG) 5:30 Football: FIFA World Cup Extra 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Who Do You Think You Are? (PG) 8:30 Navalny (PG) (In English/ Russian) 10:25 SBS World News Late

Love Norm, Warren, Charles, Grant and families. Best wishes

Happy 80th birthday Enjoy your day

FREW, Maree

Rest easy Maree, Always there for us.

Love to Neil, Jodi, Nicole & families.

Much loved sister-in-law of Joanne, Neville & family.

MACKLEY, Simon Marcus

Passed away suddenly on November 27, 2022, aged 55 years.

Dearly loved son of Evan & Barb (both dec).

Loving and adored brother of Lynn.

Friendship and loyalty forever

MACKLEY, Simon Marcus

My dear brother Simon, We shared a special bond that grew stronger over the years.

Looking back on things we’ve done, some of the happiest memories are of times we’ve shared.

You will always be in my heart.

Love your sister and friend, Lynn.

PARISH, Rowie

I still remember your last breath.

I can still hear words that you said just before your death.

I can still fell your hands entangled warmly in mine.

I can still envision your smile, faint, but so fine. Although I do remember the last promise I made to you and that was to take care of Isabella, and that wish I will make come true.

Until we meet again, fly high Mum xx Your daughter, Robyn

PARISH, Rowie

Remembering you is easy, I do it every day.

But missing you is a heartache, That will never go away.

Rest in peace Nan, forever in my heart.

Jessie xx

PARISH,

WOODHART (Mills), Lorna Joyce

Passed away December 1

Much loved sister of Gwen and brother-in-law of Derek.

Loved aunty of Kerry, Darrin and family; Paul, Robyn and family. Forever in our hearts R.I.P.

WOODHART (Mills), Lorna Joyce

Passed away 1-12-22 Aged 85

Dearly loved sister, sister-inlaw and aunty of Allan, Trish and families R.I.P.

WILLIAMSON, Maria Theresia

The Funeral of Maria Theresia Williamson will leave Ss Michael & John’s Catholic Church, Horsham on Friday, December 9, 2022 after a service commencing at 1.30pm for the Horsham Lawn Cemetery.

~ MARTIN ~ Thomas Edward 1874-1909

Descendants, relatives and friends are invited to an unveiling of a plaque at his unmarked grave.

Stawell Cemetery, Sunday, December 18, noon Tom married Jane Middleton in 1900 and had five children, Thomas, Emma (Mrs Moller) John, Michael and William. Inquiries 0409 701 580

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

WOODHART, Lorna Joyce

The funeral service to farewell Mrs Lorna Woodhart will be held at St Andrew’s Uniting Church, Horsham on Tuesday, December 13 commencing at 2pm Interment to follow at Horsham Lawn Cemetery.

ANDERSON, Annabel Joan (Annie)

Rowie

Of all the special gifts in life, However great or small, To have you as our nan, was the greatest gift of all. Forever in our hearts.

Luke and Kellie xx

ANDERSON, Annabel Joan (Annie)

Passed away suddenly on November 22, 2022 aged 56 years.

Devoted life partner and soul mate of Shane.

Much loved daughter of John & Bev.

Adored sister and sisterin-law of Philippa & Jason; Garry (dec); Brendan & Gina; Maryanne and their families.

Daughter-in-law of Bob (dec) & Val.

Sadly missed by all

BUTLER (Cooney), Mavis Jean Aged 84.

Much loved “cheekiest” sister of Jack, Sylvia Penny (both dec), Rene Fox, June McPhee & Barb Bull.

Sister-in-law of Faye, Doug, Doug (dec), John & Tom(dec).

A fun-loving Auntie & Great Auntie to all her nieces & nephews.

R.I.P. Maymay you will be sadly missed XXXX.

“Last Tig!”

MACKLEY, Simon Marcus

A cherished cousin gone too soon.

Love Donna, Andrew, Oliver (Tallie) & Imogen (Shortie).

~ MOTT ~ Elvie

Fondly remembering our great friendship and neighbour of many years.

Sadly missed Betty and girls.

PARISH, Rowena Rita 21-1-1931 to 1-12-022

Wife of Bob (dec).

Mother to Darrell (dec), Julie (dec), Mark (dec) & Robyn.

Sister to Wilma (Billie). Nana to Luke, Jess, Brett, Robert, Donna & Melissa.

Great Nan to nine.

WILLIAMSON (nee Relouw), Maria Theresia

Passed away peacefully surrounded by family on November 28, 2022 aged 84 years.

Dearly loved wife of John (dec).

Loving mother and motherin-law of Damian & Bernie; Terry; Loretta & Joe; Diane & Leon.

Adored Nanna of eight grandchildren and eight great grandchildren.

Reunited with Dad

WOODHART, Lorna Joyce 15-6-1937 to 1-12-2022

Passed away at Matron Arthur Nursing Home, Horsham.

Loving wife of Edward ‘Ted’ (dec).

Loving mother & mother-inlaw of Peter & Karen, Shane & Michelle, Darren, and Leanne & Matt.

Much Loved Nanna of Hollie, Brooke, Keigan (dec), Gabriel, Will and Marla.

‘Forever In Our Hearts’

Horsham & District Funerals

Amity Perovic & Dylan Hartwich 5382 1149 NFDA

The Funeral of Annie Anderson will take place at the Horsham Church of Christ on Thursday, December 8, 2022 commencing at 1.30pm. Private cremation. The service may also be viewed online at https:// youtu.be/bH7i7unIAts

Amity Perovic & Dylan Hartwich 5382 1149 NFDA

Thank you

~ SCHMIDT ~ Robert (Bob)

4-3-1928 to 11-10-2022 Mark, David, Graeme, Helen and families wish to express our sincere thanks for the many cards, flowers and messages of support on the passing of our Dad. We wish to also thank the staff at the Sunnyside Lutheran Retirement Village who cared for Dad over the past five years. Please accept this as our personal thanks.

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

MACKLEY, Simon Marcus

Funeral arrangements for Simon Marcus Mackley have not yet been finalised. Details will be advised as soon as possible.

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

PARISH, Rowena Rita

The Funeral of Rowena Rita Parish will take place at the graveside, Horsham Lawn Cemetery on Friday, December 9, 2022 commencing at 10am

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

2 Black faced Suffolk Rams Orange Tag, 4 yr old, no further use due to farm leased, excellent for Maiden Ewes, pic# 3WWJU185 $200 each Ph 0429838793

Birds for sale, hand raised green cheek conures, lovely coloured aviary bred cockatiels, opaline turks, Bourkes all colours, all young birds, ring for prices Ph 0408535515

Bristlenose

Budgies, just out of nest, pastel colours and lace wings $10ea Ph 0419505737

Budgies, young, asstd colours $10ea Ph 0423182267

Ferretts ready to go Ph Adrian 03 5392 8225

Goats wanted Ph 0427361940

Japanese quails, 4 colours, male and female $5 each Ph 0414851313

Muscovy ducks $10, drakes $20 Ph 0429842236

Pembroke Welsh Corgi puppies are waiting for new owners and forever homes, 4 Red-White long tail male and 2 fawn /white bobtails. Puppies born on 21.8.2022 are available to loving new forever homes. They have wonderful personalities, happy adored babies raised in love and affection. All babies are very special and we will only consider full of love and responsible family. Mum and Dad are available to meet, Puppies will come with the first vaccination / vet checked / wormed every two weeks since two weeks of age / microchipped / puppy pack / pedigree paper, Interstate enquiries are welcomed and puppies can be delivered to most area of Australia at buyers cost, Welsh Pembroke Male Pups . Males ONLY Pedigree Papers . Red and White Males and Fawn and White Males . 953010005823666, 953010005822557/7598/3710/2565/3

667, photos available of parents and pups and and other info, Transport at Buyer Cost,MBDA 14545 Ph or text for info 0448024815

Pet carrier crate for cat or dog, large $50 Ph 0473870476

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

1985 Viscount Aerolite, 15ft poptop, annex, d/bed, 2 bunks, fridge, stove, 6 months rego, minor interior work, $3,600, 0490364260 Dimboola

91

Antique

Arock

2000 Regent Cruiser, 18ft tandem poptop, rollout awning, d/bed, solar & battery pack, fridge, stove, 6 mths rego, $14,750 0490364260 Dimboola

2003 Canterbury Signature series caravan,

2005

Salami pigs wanted Ph 0481864397

White Suffolk Flock Ram, located Drung, OB-Free Certified, Gudair Vac, born Sept 2021, pic# 3HSJU041 Ph Brierwood 0400792111 or 0429935382

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

15’ Millard caravan, annex, registered, d/bed, kitchen, neat tidy clean van $4250 Ph 0419505737

1950 Bondwood caravan, 12’ 4 berth small, porthole window, restoration started, windows not fitted, W2 x H2.4m $2500 Ph 0400696362 Horsham

1960s Bondwood caravan 14’ white, alloy roof, 4 birth, W2.1x H2.5m, light grey and red interior, almost complete restoration, needs trim inside and out etc $4500 Ph 0400696362 Horsham

1981 Viscount caravan, 16’ pop-top, roll out awning, full annex, shower, porta loo, double bed, microwave, 240v fridge, external gas hot water, 12v tv and aerial, reg till April 23, cover included, photo on request $8500 Ph 0428146771

Heavy

Barbers

Bricks, approx 350 red blue clinkers, unused $200 Ph 0417507882 Stawell

Husqvarna

Lightforce

Carpet mat, heavy quality, GC, 1.6x2.3 $60ono Ph 53822267

Clearance of plants, some citrus 53844274

Craft generator, 5.5hp, 240v $400 Ph 0487313892

Deutz mag air seeder, motor with fan, all accessories $700ono Ph 0407911884

Makita compound saw with stand $1000 Ph 0428525970

Lounge Suite, quality 3Pc by Morgon Furniture. Excellent condition, solid hardwood frame, high density foam cushions, zip off covers. Piping detail on cushions and arm ends. $450 Ph 0407340226

Engel 3.5kw generator, near new, only been started to keep battery charged, paid $1800 sell for $1500ono Ph 0407812480

Multiple

New truck tyre, Triangle 265-70R 9.5, 16PR, suitable for drop deck trailer $250ono Ph 0407338811

Nordic Style Swing Walker $100 Ph 0491483336

Period style Queen bed ensemble, GC, linen not included, pick up Horsham $100 Ph 0428146918

Set of drawers $40 Ph 0428844245

Solid timber dining suite , with extension and 6 wooden chairs, two being captain style, EC $350 matching wooden coffee table $50, inspection welcome Ph 0448624141

Steel/timber coffee table with magazine rack $400 Ph 53522691 TV

Two single beds with mattresses, EC $300 Ph 53911628

Panel

wanted

municipalities listed below.

The Fire Danger Period will commence at 0100 hours on the date shown and unless varied by a subsequent declaration, will end at 0100 hours on 1 May 2023.

vehicle is not registered.

Municipality Date of Commencement

Northern Grampians Shire Council

12/12/2022

DECLARATION

Fire Danger Period

The Chief Officer of CFA will be introducing the Fire Danger Period for all land within the municipalities listed below.

The Fire Danger Period will commence at 0100 hours on the date shown and unless varied by a subsequent declaration, will end at 0100 hours on 1 May 2023.

Municipality Date of Commencement

Northern Grampians Shire Council

12/12/2022

Certain restrictions on the lighting of fires are in force during the Fire Danger Period.

Information about fire restrictions within the Country Area of Victoria can be obtained from www.cfa.vic.gov.au, your local CFA District Office or Municipal Fire Prevention Officer.

Jason Heffernan

Chief Officer, CFA

Certain restrictions on the lighting of fires are in force during the Fire Danger Period.

Notification of low water pressureStawell

Information about fire restrictions within the Country Area of Victoria can be obtained from www.cfa.vic.gov.au, your local CFA District Office or Municipal Fire Prevention Officer.

Jason

Heffernan

Chief Officer, CFA

Due to maintenance works on the Stawell town water supply, it is possible that you may experience low water pressure during the following period: 10 pm Monday 12 December to 6 am Tuesday 13 December.

Planned maintenance works are necessary to ensure a continued and reliable water supply to customers. For more information on these works, visit gwmwater.org.au/service-disruptions

We will make every effort to return water supply to normal as soon as possible. If there are any changes to the scheduled works, an update will be published on our website at gwmwater.org.au/service-disruptions

We ask customers to minimise their water use during the above times.

We apologise for any inconvenience these works may cause.

Please call us on 1300 659 961 during business hours if you would like more information.

Christian Devotions

Christian Devotion

Last week we considered the possibility that peace comes, not through the absence of hardship but in the presence of God, as revealed through Jesus Christ. This might be difficult to comprehend, considering the birth of Jesus is recorded about two thousand years ago. How can the birth of a child have any bearing today? Isn’t it ridiculous to consider a God we can’t see coming in human form? Perhaps. It’s incredible to think that it has lasted this long. But endure it has. Many have found life, not because of a fanciful story, but in a personal and life-changing relationship with God. Many have found life in an enduring story, not because it is simply a story and not through old-fashioned rules. Many have found life because they discovered a meaningful, healing and hope-filled relationship with God. The one who has created heaven and earth. The one who reveals himself in human form enters into a relationship with humanity. The distant and fanciful one identifies with us in our work, family, disappointments, and troubles, even to death. This is where I have found life. In my most desperate hours, I have encountered and known God. I have experienced the love of God being poured into my life. I am reminded that I am not alone. I am not a sum of mistakes, bad choices, false starts and disappointments. As I persevere, God shapes my character, and as my character is shaped through His love, my hope grows.

It is a hope that informs and shapes this present reality and points me to a future yet to be revealed. All this is because God has come in human form. Because God identifies with us through the life, death and resurrection of Jesus.

Simon Risson, Horsham Church of Christ

Motorcycles

motor vehicle accessories

Sing Australia

HINDMARSH SHIRE COUNCIL BUSINESS ASSISTANCE GRANTS PROGRAM ROUND TWO

Round Two applications for the 2022/23 Business Assistance Grants Program will open Monday 19 December 2022 and close 5:00pm Friday 10 February 2023. Applications will be presented to the March 2023 Council meeting.

Application forms will be available on the Hindmarsh Shire Council website www.hindmarsh.vic.gov.au/apply-forgrants when the program opens and can be downloaded for completion, or an online application can be completed.

If your business has a project that requires financial assistance, the Business Assistance Grants Program may be able to assist.

For more information, please contact Jennie Hauselberger, Community Development and Project Officer on 5391 4444 or via email to grants@hindmarsh.vic.gov.au

Greg

Wood

Chief Executive Officer

•

•

•

Team Leader, The Orange Door

Full time Ongoing Horsham location

The Orange Door Team Leader is responsible for the management and coordination of an integrated team as well as the support, mentoring, development of Uniting Practitioners and Senior Practitioners, in a matrix supervision model.

The Orange Door Program brings together workforces from Community Service Organisations, Aboriginal Services, Family Safety Victoria and DFFH, to deliver an integrated practice model and a cons olidated intake point

About you

A Bachelor of Social Work or equivalent in line with the mandatory minimum qualification requirements for family violence practitioners or a willingness to complete further training and/or study. Or significant experience and/or a lived experience.

Significant management experience within child, youth and family welfare sector.

Learn more For more information visit: www.unitingvictas.org.au

Interested?

HINDMARSH SHIRE COUNCIL

COMMUNITY ACTION GRANTS PROGRAM

ROUND TWO

Round Two applications for the 2022/23 Community Action Grants Program will open Monday 19 December 2022 and close 5:00pm Friday 10 February 2023. Applications will be presented to the March 2023 Council meeting. Application forms and guidelines will be available on the Hindmarsh Shire Council website www.hindmarsh.vic.gov.au/apply-for-grants when the program opens and can be downloaded, or an on line application can be completed.

If your club or organisation has a project that requires finan cial assistance, the Community Action Grants Program may be able to assist.

For more information, please contact Georgia Gelligen, Com munity Development and Youth Officer on 5391 4444 or via email to grants@hindmarsh.vic.gov.au

Greg Wood Chief Executive Officer

•

•

Kinship Care Case Manager

Full time Maximum term Horsham location

The Kinship Care Case Manager will work in partnership with kinship carers, birth parents, extended family and professionals to strengthen the carers’ capacity to provide a safe and stable environment which nurtures child development. The position involves: Providing short and longer term support for children and young people in statutory kinship care placements who are unable to live with their own parents. Ensuring kinship care placements are established, supported, and monitored well to ensure they meet each child/young person’s ongoing safety, stability and developmental needs and harnessing the capacity of extended family networks to provide the best possible kinship care arrangements for children and young people.

About you

A relevant tertiary qualification in Social Work, Welfare Work or Social Sciences, or less formal qualifications with significant industry experience, are desirable but not essential and experience in providing case management within complex family circumstances where multiple service providers may be involved and/or there are complex family issues.

Learn more visit: www.unitingvictas.org.au

Interested?

If this sounds like you, apply today. Please upload the following as part of your application to https://careers.unitingvictas.org.au

• Cover Letter

• Current Resume (no more than 3 pages)

Get in touch

For more information, please reach out to Belinda Elliot, Team Leader M:0466 934 401

Position closes: Friday, 16 December 2022

Dimboola

Education Support Person –Administration

Dimboola Memorial Secondary College is seeking an enthusiastic person wishing to work the equivalent of 3 days per week in an administrative role. This is an ongoing position. Start date: 27/01/23 Please contact the school on 53891460 or dimboola.memorial.sc@education.vic.gov.au

Nhill Lutheran School

Classroom

Nhill

For a job description please phone (03) 53 912 144 or email admin@nls.vic.edu.au with the subject line of ‘Classroom Teacher Position’ or ‘Integration Aide’. Applications can be sent to principal@nls.vic.edu.au or 2 Mackay St, Nhill 3418

Applications close: Monday 12th December 2022 Position commences Monday 23rd January 2023

Wimmera Southern Mallee Local Learning and Employment Network

Project Officer

(0.4-0.6 EFT)

We are looking for a confident, well organised ‘people person’ with strong communication skills to support the delivery of LLEN programs across the Wimmera Southern Mallee. You will work with a wide range of stakeholders to improve the education outcomes of our region’s young people.

MATES Mentoring Coordinator

(0.4-0.6 EFT)

Do you have a passion for helping young people and the community? Here’s a great opportunity to support and coordinate MATES mentoring programs across our region.

These positions have the potential to be combined for a full time role. Applications for the above positions close at 5pm, 20 December 2022.

Please include a cover letter, response to key selection criteria, current resume and details of three professional referees.

For further information or a position descriptionwww.llen.com.au, or contact Tim Shaw on 0427 810 122 or eo@llen.com.au

Career Opportunities

If you want to join the HRCC team and serve our diverse, close-knit, and engaged local community, check out the roles below!

Creative Services & Events Lead

• Band 8 ($109,896 - $123,028pa)

• Permanent Full-time

• Flexible working arrangements available

• Located at the Horsham Town Hall

Truck Driver/Plant Operator

• Band 3 ($62,104 - $65,318pa)

• Permanent Full-time

• 8-day working fortnight

To find out more, visit hrcc.recruitmenthub.com.au OR scan the QR Code.

ACE Radio Broadcasters are offering a fantastic opportunity for the right applicant to fill a key role in Horsham. Their radio stations 3WM, MIXX FM and The Weekly Advertiser newspaper are seeking a motivated individual to join an administration team. This administration position’s main role is as ‘Traffic Coordinator’. This position has a high degree of responsibility and involves accurately scheduling commercial airtime and radio-station promotions using the company’s online system.

You will work closely with a sales-marketing and programming teams to ensure the radio stations offer an efficient service for clients and agencies. Also, the role will include receptionist duties and general customer service. Ideally the successful applicant should possess the following attributes:

• Willingness to learn and use relevant in-house software

• Excellent administration, communication and organisational skills

• Attention to detail

• Ability to analyse and interpret data

• Ability to work independently but also as part of a team

• Self-motivated with an ability to prioritise work and display problem-solving skills

• Ability to work effectively under pressure, react quickly and meet deadlines

• Enthusiasm to explore opportunities within the media industry

This position is ideal for someone eager to learn administration skills and professional growth. There is an option to undertake a nationally recognised and accredited qualification of a ‘Certificate III in Business’ with Skillinvest.

To apply submit your resume and application letter to kellys@aceradio.com.au

Applications close 5pm Wednesday, December 14, 2022.

Phone Kelly 5382 1351 for more information

ACE Radio Broadcasters is an equal-opportunity employer.

tenders

Hindmarsh

CONTRACT NO. 2022-2023-16

SUPPLY, CONSTRUCTION AND INSTALLATION OF PEDESTRIAN BRIDGES

The specific requirements are detailed in the tender documents, which can be downloaded via Council’s website at www.hindmarsh.vic.gov.au/tenders

Closing time for the above tender is 2:00pm on Friday 27 January 2023.

All enquiries should be directed to Phil King, Manager Economic and Community Development via email to pking@ hindmarsh.vic.gov.au or telephone (03) 5391 4444.

Greg Wood Chief Executive Officer

team environment where there is an opportunity for professional growth?

you have good attention to detail and thrive in a process-driven environment?

might be the next administration job for you!

Captain Pins in winning form

BY TONY LOGAN

Beautifully bred former Kiwi pacer Captain Pins, now in the care of St Arnaud owner-train er Denis McIntyre, proved too smart for a handy field at Horsham on Wednesday last week.

The handsome four-year-old geld ing was restrained at the start to the back of the bunch by driver Michael Bellman, content to find his rhythm through the first lap of the 1700-metre journey.

Bellman latched onto the back of Royal Speech, Lochie Cook, at the 700m mark and was poised to pounce by the top of the home stretch.

Captain Pins finished full running and scored by a neck in a rate of 1:57.2 – his fifth win from 11 starts for Denis and wife Elise.

Show Me The Moolah

McKenzie Creek owner-trainer Janet Exell does a great job with her small team and was rewarded with a hometrack victory on Wednesday last week, courtesy of her honest trotter Show Me The Moolah.

The seven-year-old gelded son of Allawart Ray made his usual quick beginning from the 20-metre handicap and driver David Murphy continued to press forward until crossing to the lead after they travelled 700 metres. ‘Moolah’ relaxed through the mid

dle stages before the race changed complexion at the bell, when Michael Bellman worked his chestnut mare Tictok up outside the leader to in crease the tempo Show Me The Moolah and Tic tok trotted smartly past the post and around the bend, then posted a very slick quarter in 28.4sec before Tictok galloped under pressure with 450m to go.

Show Me The Moolah tired a little up the home stretch but held Alde baran Rocky, with Jackie Barker, at

bay to notch up his ninth career vic tory from 75 starts for the Exell emer ald green silks.

He’s A Cool Mach

A large group of Wimmera and southern-Mallee owners – the TED Syndicate – cheered their four-yearold gelding He’s A Cool Mach to vic tory at the Horsham meeting.

Driver James Herbertson took the race by the scruff of the neck from the start, powering from the gate and quickly finding the lead with the light ly-raced, rising five-year-old.

‘Herbie’ kept them running through the 2200m journey and He’s A Cool Mach cruised to the post untouched to score by a length from Curyo Gentle man, Michael Bellman.

It was the gelding’s fourth career win and the first from six outings since joining the Matty Craven stable during winter.

Jeparit breeder Wayne Schulze man ages the TED group.

He has enjoyed lots of success over the years with the mighty ‘Cool’ fam ily of broodmares.

Racing at Stawell

All roads lead to Laidlaw Park, Stawell on Sunday for the running of the $45,000 Stawell Toyota Pacing Cup and $20,000 Wimmera Mallee Vet Services Trotters Cup.

It’s free entry, family fun with nine races, pony trots, children’s activities, live music, Santa visit and giveaways including a 58-inch smart TV; get in quick to secure one of the few remain ing dining packages by calling 5358 1237.

Twilight

WIN: He’s A Cool Mach, James Herbertson, scores at Horsham last week for trainer Matty Craven and Wimmera and southern-Mallee owners, the TED Syndicate.

Drung South shows class

Drung South stunned Kalkee in hot conditions during pennant competition on Satur day as the Central Wimmera Tennis Association season heats up.

Drung South was looking to bounce back after a loss last week to St Michaels and was successful in putting a second win on the board.

Drung South’s Logan Casey is in career-best form winning all of his

Junior profile

sets at the weekend. Casey defeated Kalkee’s Jeff Friberg 8-2 in his singles match.

Kate-Lyn Perkin also won her three sets for Drung South, in cluding a singles win against Anna Exell, 8-1.

Most of the doubles matches went set for set in a close battle for wins, while players competed in the hot test conditions this season as the temperature reached 34 degrees.

Drung South defeated Kalkee sev en sets, 74 games to Kalkee five

sets 54 games. In the other pen nant match of round nine, Horsham Lawn hosted Central Park.

Horsham Lawn got off to a great start winning the opening doubles and singles matches.

From then on it was even through out the day, with Central Park’s Brendan Nitschke and Willow Sainsbury providing much-needed wins in their singles matches and doubles late in the afternoon to give Central Park the win.

Central Park’s seven sets 81

games defeated Horsham Lawn’s five sets 64 games.

Central Park moves back to the top of the pennant ladder with Kalkee second and Horsham Lawn in third place. Drung South sits in fourth, while St Michaels is fifth with two rounds before a Christmas and January break.

Next week, St Michaels takes on ladder leader’s Central Park at St Michaels, while Drung South will host Horsham Lawn. Kalkee has the bye.

Round eight results

Seniors

Pennant: Drung South 7-74 d Kalkee 5-54, Central Park 7-81 d Horsham Lawn 5-64.

A Special: Haven 7-83 d Kalkee 7-81, Telan gatuk East 12-103 d Drung South 2-56, Central Park 9-99 d Homers 5-77, Horsham Lawn Dorman forfeit to Brimpaen, Natimuk 10-103 d Horsham Lawn Thompson 4-69.

A Grade: Drung South 7-72 d Homers 5-57, Horsham Lawn Bardell 6-78 d Central Park 6-60, Haven 8-72 d Horsham Lawn O’Connor 4-59.

B Special: Central Park 9-85 d Haven 3-50, St Michaels 6-67 d Natimuk 6-64, Horsham Lawn 7-68 d Laharum 5-70.

Juniors

Open: Homers 3-27 d Horsham Lawn Green 3-25, Natimuk Yellow 5-34 d Horsham Lawn Gold 1-21, Natimuk Blue 6-36 d Central Park 0-6.

Section 1 Boys: Natimuk 4-29 d Quantong 2-26, Central Park 6-36 d Haven 0-14.

Section 1 Girls: Homers forfeit to Haven Red, Horsham Lawn 5-31 d Haven Purple 1-17.

Section 2 Boys: Haven forfeit to Central Park, Homers White 3-25 d Horsham Lawn Green 3-24, Horsham Lawn White 3-32 d Homers Red 3-22.

Section 2 Girls: Central Park 4-31 d Horsham Lawn Gold 2-19, Haven 5-33 d Horsham Lawn White 1-23, Homers forfeit to Horsham Lawn Green.

Section 3 Boys: Haven 5-35 d Horsham Lawn White 1-19, Horsham Lawn Green 6-36 d Hor sham Lawn Gold 0-14.

Section 3 Girls: Homers forfeit to Haven, Hor sham Lawn Gold 4-28 d Horsham Lawn White 2-26, Horsham Lawn Green 5-33 d Natimuk 1-14.

Section 4 Boys: Natimuk 6-36 d Horsham Lawn White 0-8, Horsham Lawn Red 4-27 d Haven 2-26.

Why do you play tennis or what do you like most about tennis? I like how there are many little things to work on and practice to keep getting stronger.

What is your favourite tennis memory? Representing the Wimmera at Kooyong and in Gippsland and seeing Ash Barty play in Ade laide.

Who is your favourite player? Ajla Toml janovic.

Who is the toughest player you have played against? The players I competed against when I filled in for the open section. They were really welcoming and friendly and had great sports manship.

Do you think you could beat your family members? I can beat my sister Ellua.

Section 4 Girls: Central Park 4-31 d Haven Pink 2-23, Horsham Lawn Green 6-36 d Hom ers 0-9, Horsham Lawn Gold 6-36 d Horsham Lawn White 0-13.

Match Play Section 5: Natimuk 5-21 d Hor sham Lawn Purple 1-11, Horsham Lawn White 5-23 d Central Park 1-12, Horsham Lawn Yellow 4-21 d Haven 2-16, Horsham Lawn Red 4-21 d Horsham Lawn Pink 2-10, Horsham Lawn Gold 5-22 d Horsham Lawn Green 1-13.

Match Play Section 6: Homers 3-16 drew with Natimuk 3-16, Haven 4-18 d Horsham Lawn Green 2-15, Central Park forfeit to Hor sham Lawn White, Horsham Lawn Blue 5-21 d Horsham Lawn Orange 1-11, Horsham Lawn Gold 4-21 d Horsham Lawn Red 2-13.

Lydi Boyd, 10 Horsham Lawn Tennis Club Section one

CLOSE COMPETITION: Central Park’s Keith Starick makes a return to his Horsham Lawn Bardell opponent in Central Wimmera Tennis Association A Grade competition on Saturday. Starick won all his sets for the day, 8-7, 8-4 and 8-3. At six sets each, Horsham Lawn Bardell defeated Central Park by 18 games.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Return to early Saturday races

Horsham Greyhound Racing Club will conduct another early Satur day race program this weekend.

Race one will start about 8.30am, so if you have ever thought about coming to the greyhounds but haven’t, then this is a perfect opportunity to see these beautiful animals up close and personal.

Likewise, if you love coming to the races but can’t due to our normal Tues day slot falling in work hours, Saturday presents a great opportunity. Entry is free.

Wimmera trainers have been on a seri ous hot streak lately, but last week was just one of those ‘almost’ weeks with a couple of winners and a multitude of mi nor placings at various tracks.

Andrea Gurry of Nhill, John Weir-Smith, Horsham, Garry George, Beulah, and Ian Bibby, Warracknabeal, all trained minor placings spread across various tracks at Warrnambool, Horsham and Bendigo.

It was Ballarat on Monday last week that proved a happy hunting ground for Heather Baxter, of Murtoa, when her white dog Corporate Box was successful across the 450-metre journey.

Having his first start at the Ballarat circuit, Corporate Box began well to position second early. Holding that for ward position on straightening, he always

Box ONE

looked to have the leader covered and he reeled in early leader Oxidation and went on to win comfortably in the time of 25:75sec to improve his record to two wins and two minor placings from six starts.

The Hammerstein team took the choco lates in the 10th race on the card at Hor sham when Limiting used the wide draw to his advantage.

Picking a path through the field to come from sixth position early to win in the last bound, Limiting stopped the clock in a smart 23:48sec and has been a nice pickup for the Hammerstein team having won two races in the short time since joining the kennel.

Reinforcements for Peter and Dezi Car ter, of Horsham, rounded out the day for the locals taking out the On-Site Engineering mixed 4-5 grade event across 485-metres.

Reinforcements led throughout and stopped the clock in the time of 27:17sec.

Miller qualifies for world championships

Horsham triathlete Kelly Miller has qualified to head to Kona next year to compete in a third Ironman World Championship.

Miller swam 3.8 kilometres, rode 180 kilometres and ran 42.2 kilo

metres in 10 hours and six minutes at the 2022 Ironman Western Aus tralia in Busselton at the weekend.

She finished first in her age group, 40-44 female, out of 36 competi tors.

She finished 20th out of 258 fe male competitors and 152nd overall out of 1074 competitors.

Miller has competed in the world championships at Kona in 2019 and 2022.

Libby

with Peter Carter

KOOYONG EXPERIENCE: A team of four young Wimmera tennis players headed to the porous red courts at Kooyong Tennis Club, Melbourne, last week for the prestigious Alicia Molik Cup tournament for 12-and-under girls and boys. From left, Archer Reading, Elizabeth Holmes, Frazer Shurdington and Sienna Wood were selected to represent the Wimmera at the Kooyong Foundation-supported development event. The Wimmera finished 17th in the final standings, with Bayside Regional Tennis Association first.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

BY ‘ONE SHORT’

The top-two Grampians Cricket Association teams have continued on their win ning way in the latest round of competition.

Combine2 replaced Halls Gap1 in third position and Saints entered into fourth spot.

Combine1 defeated Halls Gap1 by 118 runs.

Batting first, the Combine, through half-centuries to Sam Cocks and Aiden Graverson, reached 7-213 in their allotted overs.

In reply the Gappers could only manage 9-99 thanks to bowling efforts of Matt Delzotto, 3-8, and Harvey Evans, 2-23.

Combine2 recorded their best win of the season against Chalambar.

The Combine chased down Chal ly’s 180 to record 5-187 from just 25 of the scheduled 40 overs.

Mainstays of the Combine in nings were again Travis Nicholson, 106 not-out, and Craig Marrow, 60. Nicholson’s innings included 18 fours.

Earlier, Eric Habib, 61, and Ross Kettle, 70, had recorded a first-wicket partnership of 126.

Combine veteran Gary Ranton took bowling honours with 5-24.

An interesting inclusion for the Combine was Stawell Strikers’

player Ayva Mitchell. Combine captain and Strikers coach Leon Moloney knew of Ayva’s worth and opened the bowling with her.

Ayva is tall, with a strong overthe-top action, and she succeeded with 2-34 from eight overs.

Ayva is a regular regional repre sentative in women’s cricket.

Pomonal Tigers, 1-69, made a meal of Rymston2, 58, in just 42 of the scheduled 80 overs.

Rymston’s Glenn Cosgriff, 27, was the only player to reach double figures.

Lachy Dalkin, three wickets, and Clinton Mackley, with two, were the Tigers’ best with the ball.

Tigers only lost Josh Abbott in running down the target.

Unfortunately, Gappers2 forfeited to Rymney-Moyston. St Andrews had the bye and, as such, gained fourth spot.

This week

This week’s draw is RhymneyMoyston2 v St Andrews at Moyston, Rhymney-Moyston1 v Swifts-Great Western1 at Ararat’s Alexandra Oval, Halls Gap2 v Po monal at Halls Gap, Swifts-Great Western2 v Halls Gap1 at Great Western; Chalambar, bye.

The feature match is between Combine2 and Halls Gap1 at Great Western.

Combine2 has recently recorded some milestone wins, which have seen them jump to third on the ladder, thanks mainly due to Tra vis Nicholson’s stellar season with the bat and the efforts of veteran bowlers Gary Ranton and Marc Brilliant.

The Gapper’s recent batting has been poor and will need to lift to match the Combine’s batting.

With 696 runs so far this sea son, the Saints, having entered the top-four, will be keen to consoli date with a win against Rymston2, who are finding the going tough and might have to wait until the mid-season grading to record their first win.

James Hosking, Adam Haslett and Luke Spalding have too much talent for the battling RhymneyMoyston’s Trevor and Nathan Quick, Glenn Cosgriff and com pany.

Pomonal Tigers will still be eying off top spot and will show no mercy to Gappers2.

Clayton Mackley, Lachy Green, Lynden Brewis and Corey Taylor will realise they can’t afford to drop a game to the Gappers at this stage of the season.

Picutre: PAUL CRRACHER

NINE DECADES: Kalimna Park Croquet Club associates celebrated the club’s 90th birthday last week, with members and ex-members gathering at the club rooms for a ‘catch-up’ and an afternoon of photo and memorabilia gazing. A book that outlined the club’s history from 1932 to 2022 was given as a present to all attendees, while a cake made by club secretary Lorraine Bald was ceremoniously cut by four of the club’s life members. Former Kalimna Park Croquet Club players, from left, Dawn Reading, Norma Close and Marj Ward help celebrate the club’s 90th anniversary last week.

West Wimmera takes early lead

BY ABBY WALTER

West Wimmera has taken the lead on Horsham Cricket Association A Grade ladder after defeating Homers in round 10.

Homers batted first and could not hold the crease for any major length of time, with Luke Deutscher making the most runs with 27 before going out leg before.

Wickets continued to fall quickly and Homers were all out for 99 at the start of the 30th over.

Warriors’ Liam Preston took two wickets in three overs, while Xavier Bone and Nathan Alexander also took two wickets each from six overs.

West Wimmera made quick work of its batting opportunity with 2-101 in the 28th over.

Mitch Dahlenburg batted the entire time, making 43 runs, while Brad Al exander made 20 before being caught by Baxter Perry.

Preston went out for a duck, caught by Monty Wynne, however, Nathan Alexander stepped up to the crease and made 25 to finish off the Warriors’ win.

Noradjuha-Toolondo Bullants con tinued its winning streak, outperform ing Rupanyup-Minyip at the weekend.

The Blue Panthers went into bat first, with the team featuring four Weide mann siblings playing together for the first time. Connor, Hugh, Adelle and Lachie Weidemann made 34 runs be

tween them, with the youngest, Hugh, making 20 runs.

Corey Morgan was Rupanyup-Miny ip’s top scorer with 70 off 90 balls.

At the end of 45 overs, the Bul lants had Rupanyup-Minyip six for 139 with Bullants’ Heath Lang taking three wickets from nine overs.

Garrett Liston was the most impres sive batter for the Bullants with 79 from 44 balls, however, wickets fell quickly.

Tony Caccaviello, Tobey Anson and Deegan McKenry made ducks.

Rupanyup-Minyip looked close to getting the Bullants all out before making the total but it was not to be.

The Bullants passed the score in the 27th over to take the win.

Billy Foorde-Engelsman took four wickets, Lachie Weidemann, two, and Connor and Adelle Weidemann and Morgan one each.

Next week marks the first round of two-day cricket, which will conclude the 2022 portion of the season.

On December 10 and 17, Jung Ti gers will play Homers and a top-ofthe-table clash will occur when the Bullants meet the Warriors.

This week: A Grade – Noradju ha-Toolondo v West Wimmera, Horsh am City Oval; Homers v Jung Tigers, Sunnyside Recreation Reserve; Rupa

nyup-Minyip, bye. B Grade – Horsh am Saints v Laharum, Coughlin Park; Colts v Blackheath-Dimboola, Dud ley Cornell Park; Rupanyup-Minyip v Noradjuha-Toolondo, Minyip Recre ation Reserve; Lubeck-Murtoa v Jung Tigers, Murtoa Recreation Reserve.

C Grade – West Wimmera v Lu beck-Murtoa, Davis Park, Nhill; Jung Tigers v Horsham Saints, Dimboola Road Oval; Colts v Homers, Dud ley Cornell Park; Laharum v Black heath-Dimboola, Laharum; Natimuk v Quantong, Natimuk Recreation Re serve.

Last week: A Grade – Noradjuha-Toolon do 9-140 (G. Liston 79, B. Foorde-Engels

man 4-23, L. Weidemann 2-46) d Rupa nyup-Minyip 6-139 (C. Morgan 70, H. Lang 3-15 K. Lang 2-27); West Wimmera 2-101 (M. Dahlenburg 43, N. Alexander 25) d Homers 99 (L. Deutscher 27, L. Preston 2-11, N. Alexander 2-15, X. Bone 2-36). B Grade – Lubeck-Murtoa 5-152 (S. Reddie 56, B. Downer 55, J. Carroll 2-12, H. Crute 2-18) d Horsham Saints 5-151 (G. Davidson 40, A. Dube 30, O. Garth-Lind say 3-32); Colts 5-214 (J. Colbert 104, L. Miller 52, L. Jakobi 38, T. Iredell-Burke 3-34) d Jung Tigers 153 (P. Bandara 49, S. Marks 45, R. Frew 3-15, D. Newell 3-17, N. Keel 2-12); Blackheath-Dimboola 195 (S. Leith 55, D. Polack 54, E. Braithwaite 32, J. Landt 25, J. Mahoney 4-31) d Laha rum 9-164 (H. Hoffmann 38, D. Wilfred 29, D. Collins 3-32, E. Braithwaite 2-20); Rupanyup-Minyip 3-130 (B. Hudson 54, G. Young 35, J. Heard 2-21) d Noradju ha-Toolondo 129 (R. Hudson 3-13, G. Young 2-18). C Grade – Blackheath-Dim boola 151 (N. Schorback 53, D. Sexton 34, D. Schultz 3-21, A. Morrison 3-35) d Lubeck-Murtoa 6-128 (D. Schultz 50, C. Newell 37); Laharum 4-121 (J. Hutchinson 50) d Jung Tigers 120 (S. Anstis 37, A. Marra 3-5, J. Matuschka 3-26); Natimuk 2-94 (J. Schmidt 41, Z. Smith 33) d Colts 10-89 (L. Cutter 4-6, J Schmidt 3-11); Quantong 6-188 (P. Brand 51, N. Robinson 43, J. Dickinson 2-18, A. Dickinson 2-21) d West Wimmera Warriors 129 (J. Dick inson 69, T. Brand 6-20, P. Brand 2-16); Homers 7-149 (P. Hopper 37, C. Garwood 34, J. Henry 26, R. Kirkwood 2-10, A. Kuriakose 2-14, C. Marcroft 2-15) d Hor sham Saints 7-146 (R. Kirkwood 50, D. Pike 25, P. Hopper 2-20, J. Officer 2-20).

Libby

TEAM WEIDEMANN: Four Weidemann siblings, from left, Connor, 16, Hugh, 13, Adelle, 15, and Lachie, 18, line up for Rupanyup-Minyip’s A grade team – their first time playing together. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Redbacks and Hornets meet

BY MICHAEL SCALZO

Ararat Redbacks are confirming they are men’s Country Basket ball League south-west conferences’ apex threat, with the provisional minor premiers gearing up for a Horsham Hornets rematch.

The Redbacks’ men’s team will travel north on Saturday to play the Hornets at Horsham for round 11 of competition, after the red and black found its touch at the weekend against the only side that has got the better of them this season – Mount Gambier.

The Lakers bettered the Redbacks at their Mount Gambier court in round seven by four points, but could not replicate their success this time around.

Horsham Hornets handed the Lakers their first loss of the year in round nine, and Ararat, not content to give any accolades to their Western Highway-cousins, gave the Lakers their second loss in as many games on Sunday.

Ararat ended the afternoon 26-points bet ter than the former ladder leaders and rele gated the Lakers to second – within reach of chasing pair Millicent and Portland.

Ararat would probably start favourites against Horsham on Saturday evening, but

the Hornets have been consistently inconsis tent this season – their best certainly enough to take the Redbacks right to the buzzer.

Perhaps the Hornets, confident after their two away wins in round nine, have readied themselves to be at their best for the import ant half of the home-and-away season.

The Hornets men’s side also play Surf coast Chargers on Sunday at Horsham.

Two wins this weekend would set the side up to be defending a top-four spot come round 12.

Horsham Hornets women’s side will host Surfcoast Chargers on Sunday – a match that should offer Horsham a win and a chance to remain in touch with the top two.

The Lady Hornets sit third, but precari ously placed within sight of Portland below them, and even within sight of Warrnam bool Mermaids who have a back-ended fixture with few byes.

Hornets’ men’s and women’s sides had a bye at the weekend.

This week: Women, Lady Hornets v Surf coast Chargers at Horsham, Sunday. Men, Horsham Hornets v Ararat Redbacks at Horsham, Saturday; Horsham Hornets v Surfcoast Chargers at Horsham, Sunday.

Last week: Women, Lady Hornets, bye. Men, Horsham Hornets, bye; Ararat Red backs 110 d Mount Gambier Lakers 84.

Heavy Parts Sales Apprenticeship –Horsham

Location: Horsham, Closing date: ASAP Requirements

• Strong memory retention

• Be a team player with high attention to detail

• Computer literate

• Current driver’s licence and reliable transport (desirable)

• Client focused and excellent customer service skills

• Willingness to commit to work and study

• Evidence of COVID 19 certificates may be required

For more information contact Chris Barber on 0427 346 655.

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Business Administration Traineeship –Horsham

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WATTLE WIN: Horsham Wattle croquet players are Wimmera Croquet Association’s golf-croquet premiers, after the side defeated Dimboola Green in a tense game at Horsham Croquet Club. Horsham Wattle, six games, 66 hoops defeated Dimboola Green, six games, 62 hoops, to wrap up the region’s golf-croquet season. Dimboola Green’s Jan Post, left, and Horsham Wattle’s Bev Keogh, above, run hoops on a sunny day at Horsham Croquet Club greens. Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

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• Willingness to commit to work and study

• Evidence of COVID 19 certificates may be required

For more information contact Chris Barber on 0427 346 655.

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• Evidence of COVID-19 vaccination certificates may be required

To discuss this role further, contact Nathan Keel on 0408 109 324.

Riley appointed Rebels coach

BY ABBY WALTER

Former Adelaide Crows and Gold Coast Suns midfielder Sally Riley is Greater Western Victoria Rebels girls’ first full-time head coach.

Riley takes on the role for the 2023 NAB League season after serving as an assistant coach in 2022.

She was part of the Crows’ premiership side in the inaugural AFLW season and an assistant coach of the Under 23 All-Stars team that took on the AFLW Academy earlier this year.

The AFL has committed to boosting the re sources available to girls’ pathway programs in Victoria and Tasmania.

For the first time, all regional pathways pro grams participating in the NAB League in Victoria and Tasmania will have a dedicated full-time coach for each of their boys and girls teams in 2023.

David Loader will continue as head coach of the boys’ program for a third season.

Loader served as North Melbourne develop ment coach and led the VFL team for five sea sons before his role with the Rebels.

Riley said she felt very lucky to be selected as head coach of the squad for 2023.

“I never saw it coming, becoming a head coach so soon after being a player,” she said.

“Having a full-time position is a sign of where the sport is going and it’s a credit to the AFL for putting more resources into girls.”

Riley said being full-time would enable her to put more time and energy into the squad.

“Starting now it will be about building con

nections with the players, especially those in the satellites in Horsham, Hamilton and Warrnam bool,” she said.

“I want players to know that no matter what level they are at, the team is a safe space to learn something new.

“After Christmas, we will get into more tech nical skills, but so far we’ve had great numbers turn out.”

Riley said girls’ and women’s football was tracking in the right direction.

“Having a full-time coach is a huge stepping stone and will enable us to get out into commu nities more,” she said.

“Having people and resources to help players and coaches, particularly in rural and regional areas, is important.

“There’s no reason that people in those areas can’t get drafted.

“There’s so much talent that is not seen and I’m hoping that starts to decrease and we see more of it.

“Football is being played by girls much young er now and they can see genuine pathways that are achievable.

“I want to build the whole region, not just Ballarat.”

Riley said the 2023 season would see some great talent coming through the Rebels ranks.

“Looking at this group, they are so much more advanced with depth and skills,” she said.

“They’re coming into the program having ex perience playing since a younger age.

“A longer preseason is also going to have huge benefits.”

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Briggs celebrates range launch

A Horsham golfer on the path to professional golfing success helped celebrate the launch of Horsham Golf Club’s new driving range last week.

Jordy Briggs, fresh from his Professional Golf ers Association-traineeship completion at Royal Canberra Golf Course, was at Horsham Golf Club’s launch of its newly renovated driving range to talk about his professional path and the competitiveness of elite-level golf.

Briggs, speaking to MIXX FM’s The Shirtfront broadcasters live at the driving range, said after three years at Canberra, he had moved back to the region to train, and to spruik the region’s golfing credentials.

He said his traineeship, a PGA initiative that allowed competitive golfers to turn profession al while completing tertiary education, was a resource other sporting administrations should consider for its young athletes.

“I got my business degree while completing my traineeship at Canberra,” he said.

“The PGA has done a great job in making sure its golfers have something to fall back on after golf.

“It is tough to make a living from golf. A train eeship program could be a space that other codes could catch up on.”

Briggs turned professional at Canberra in 2019 and said COVID-19 had limited his competitive time on the golf course, but he had travelled across Australia playing competitive golf in recent months.

“I did not try and pre-qualify for the Australian Open this year, but I know I’ve got it in me,” he said.

“I have to be patient because my time will come.”

HOME: Young Horsham and PGA golfer Jordy Briggs was on hand to open Horsham Golf Club’s new driving range alongside MIXX FM’s The Shirtfront team at the weekend.

Penny milestone

The Penny family donned their Haven Tennis Club colours to play together for the first time in Central Wimmera Tennis Association competition on Saturday. Peter Penny, son Daniel Penny and granddaughter Indilly Penny took to the court in B Special. Daniel’s wife Trish joined them in making up half of the team against Central Park. Although the family did not win the round nine encounter, they were ‘excited’ to play together. Peter has played tennis for Haven for 55 years. He said it was a thrill to play tennis with his son and granddaughter. “I used to play with my dad as well. He still comes down for a look from time to time. It makes me nervous to play with these two, but it is great and we all do our best each week,” he said. Weekend tennis report and scores, page 50.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Shop locally this Christmas

The Weekly Advertiser proudly pres ents our BIG Christmas Catalogue to valued readers.

It’s packed with gift ideas for all ages and stages of life and all budgets.

The BIG Christmas Catalogue is in its sixth year and our 2022 edition is about promoting the breadth of products and services available in the Wimmera and Grampians.

The ‘shop local’ message has never been more important.

What we came to understand during the COVID-19 pandemic is the vast majority of people across the region not only want to shop in their towns and localities; but to also indulge in shopping experiences. To gather, to connect, to enjoy each other’s com pany.

There is also something encouraging about seeing people in the streets.

It is foot traffic on the shopping strips of Horsham, Ararat and Stawell and the constant coming and going of business activity in places such as Nhill, Warracknabeal, Murtoa, Kaniva and Edenhope, that gets our towns

buzzing. This is particularly obvious in the lead-up to Christmas.

Our Christmas catalogue features many businesses, which again collec tively represents a potential shopping bonanza.

Christmas shopping, in particular, is where people living in the Wimmera and Grampians and also visitors, can benefit.

While mystery online sites can sometimes provide products at cheap

er prices, to say it occurs across the board is a misconception. Sometimes the process can be more expensive and depending on the product, fraught with uncertainty.

Prices in our shops are usually more

than often competitive and of course come with the confidence generated with better follow-up services than are available online.

Happy shopping — and Merry Christmas!

SHOP IN THE WIMMERA: Account managers Danica Turvey, Mark Sulic, James Davidson, Heidi Higginson, Michelle Reid, Tristan Cameron and Lee Meadows hit the streets to shop locally for Christmas. The Weekly Advertiser’s Big Christmas Catalogue features all the best-buys across the Wimmera.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER