The Weekly Advertiser – Wednesday, June 12, 2024

CELEBRATION: The Wimmera Filipino-Australian Club celebrated the 126th Philippine Independence Day on Saturday at Horsham Town Hall. With a Barrio-Fiesta theme, the event featured integral aspects of the Filipino culture – clothing and apparel, pottery, food and entertainment. Exhibiting bayanihan, a sense of community and volunteerism, members brought in food to share and showcased their talents through the club’s choir and dance troupe, Mae Logan, Shai and Kai Ursabia, the Vix family, and live band performances from ‘We The Youth’, and ‘The Filos’. One of the highlights of the day was the induction of new officers: Janeth Rebarbas, president; Rubylyn Mackley, vice-president; Josephine

secretary; Josie Ponseca, treasurer; and sports coordinators and community leaders in Horsham, Stawell, Ararat, Donald, Warracknabeal, Nhill and surrounding areas. Pictured is Pam Labordo, Gwen Agustin and Sam Howard.

Community mourns

BY LAUREN HENRY

The Horsham and district community is mourning the death of 19-year-old Gavin Brown who died in a car crash on Monday.

Mr Brown was on his way to relocate to live with family in Queensland at the weekend when his vehicle was involved in a crash near Dubbo, New South Wales.

The crash, at 5.10pm on Monday, involved a car and cattle truck on the Newell Highway at Peak Hill.

Mr Brown, a former Horsham Col-

lege student, was involved in volleyball, football and played in Horsham Darts Association, alongside his father Simon, and friends.

His sister Shelby Eagleson said her family were utterly devastated to lose their son and brother.

“I’d like to remember him for being that cheeky 19-year-old who was obsessed with his cars,” she said.

“Gavin adored his Commodores and spent all his time finding a way to modify them.

“He was a gorgeous soul on his way

to begin a new chapter in his life. He was supposed to arrive at lunch time on Tuesday, but unfortunately never made it.”

Simon Brown said he wanted his son to be remembered for his happy-golucky personality and cheekiness.

“Gavin was there for anyone who needed him and was respected by all the lives he touched along the way in his short time with us,” he said.

Ms Eagleson has set up a GoFundMe page to help assist her family with funeral expenses.

“I hope by us coming together, we can help get Gavin the proper funeral he deserves and help his family travel down to be with him,” she said.

Mr Brown was a Volleyball Horsham member for many years, representing the association at various tournaments, including being the 125th Country Championships representative and a member of its A Grade competition.

“On behalf of the Volleyball Horsham community, we would like to pass on our deepest sympathies to Gavin’s

family and friends,” Volleyball Horsham’s David Berry said.

“Gavin was a loyal and valued member and he will be missed.

“The Volleyball Horsham community would like to send their condolences to Gavin’s family and friends at this difficult time.”

The association also offered support to its members, many team-mates and friends of Mr Brown, encouraging people to reach out if they were struggling.

Continued page 3

Macalinga,

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

HRCC NEWS

Reopen The Wesley Campaign hits $500,000 milestone

The Reopen The Wesley Campaign has reached a significant milestone, raising $500,000 in donations – marking the halfway point of its fundraising goal.

The campaign aims to restore the Roberts Avenue building and give it a fresh purpose as a multifunctional community venue.

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

The Wesley Committee is now seeking to raise an additional $550,000 from community donations and contributions from corporate and philanthropic entities.

This will allow the Committee to seek a dollar-for-dollar government grant to reach the final target of $2 million.

“We are incredibly grateful for the generosity and support we have received,” the Wesley Committee’s Meryn Eagle said.

“Reaching this milestone is a significant step towards our goal, but we still have a long way to go.”

The “Reopen The Wesley Campaign” was launched in response to the closure of The Wesley institution, a cornerstone of the community that has been greatly missed by many. The campaign’s goal is to raise $1 million to cover the costs of reopening and operating the institution.

As the campaign continues to gain momentum, the organisers are hopeful that they will reach their fundraising goal. They are calling on the community to continue their support to help bring The Wesley back to life.

“We are halfway there, and with your continued support, we can make this dream a reality,” Mrs Eagle said.

“For those interested in contributing, donations can be made through the campaign’s webpage.

“Every contribution brings The Wesley one step closer to reopening its doors,” she said.

The Re-Open The Wesley Campaign aims to restore the Roberts Avenue building and give it a fresh purpose as a niche performing arts space.

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

The Wesley Committee is now seeking to raise an additional $550,000 from community donations and contributions from corporate and philanthropic entities.

This will allow the Committee to seek a dollar-for-dollar government grant to reach the final target of $2 million.

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO SELL LAND AT HENTY HIGHWAY, DOOEN

Horsham Rural City Council gives notice under Section 114 of the Local Government Act 2020 of its intention to sell land at the Wimmera Agricultural and Logistics Hub (WAL Hub), Henty Highway, Dooen as described in the Notice of Proposal to Sell Council Property on Council’s website. As part of its community engagement process, Council is inviting submissions on the Proposal. Submissions must be in writing and received no later than 5pm, Friday 5 July 2024. Further information regarding the proposal may be obtained from Council’s Manager Investment Attraction and Growth on 03 5382 9777.

Specialised Container Transport (SCT), a leading freight transport service, is celebrating a decade of serving the Wimmera region with its freight trains.

A tour of the Wimmera Intermodal Freight Terminal is on offer as part of a port logistics industry event in Horsham next week.

Hosted by Horsham Rural City Council in partnership with SCT and Port of Melbourne, the event will showcase the logistics industry in our region and provide an opportunity for networking.

Find out more or register to attend by scanning the QR code or visiting the HRCC website.

Current Community Engagements

HORSHAM AIRPORT MASTERPLAN

The Draft Horsham Airport Master Plan, which aims to transform the Horsham Aerodrome into a regional flight hub, is available for public comment.

Feedback period closes 10 July, 2024.

HOUSING STRATEGY

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

Consultation open until 16 June 2024.

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

tip - Many items

to dispose of at transfer stations

Did you know you can bring the following items to any of HRCC's four transfer stations at no cost?

• Batteries

• eWaste

• Fluorescent lights

• Gas cylinders under 9kgs

• Cardboard

• Glass containers

• Household and motor oil

• Paint

• Polystyrene

• Whitegoods

• Scrap metal

• DrumMuster (drums must be triple rinsed)

Online orders for Horsham Rural City Council’s Rural Revegetation program are now being taken.

People who live in the municipality with a property that is 0.4 hectares (one acre) or larger are eligible to order a selection of subsidised native plants.

The tube-sized trees are just 50c each and people can order up to 300 plants depending on the size of their property.

Infrastructure Director John Martin said the program had been popular for many years.

Orders close Friday 21 June at 4pm Pickup will be from the HRCC Depot:

• Friday 12 July 8am to 6pm

• Saturday 13 July 8am to 4pm

Speeding offences on radar

Police detected 122 driving offences as part of its Operation Regal over the King’s Birthday weekend.

In Northern Grampians Police Service Area, there were 40 speeding offences; seven unregistered vehicles; two mobile phone offences; and one impoundment.

In the Horsham Police Service Area, police detected 44 speeding offences; six disobeying signs or signals; four unregistered vehicles; three seatbelt offences; and one drink driver, one drug driver, one disqualified driver, one unlicensed driver, and one mobile phone offence.

Across the state, more than 7000 offences were detected during the fourday major road safety effort.

Operation Regal involved police

Gold award for city hotel

The Comfort Inn May Park in Horsham has been recognised as one of Choice Hotels Asia-Pacific’s top performing hotels, taking out a gold award.

The award recognises exceptional customer service, hospitality and guest experience.

It is the third time The Comfort Inn May Park had won the award.

“We are proud to be acknowledged for our dedication to our valuable guests’ comfort and service, and our commitment to continued improvement to the property to ensure the best experience possible,” owner Liz Dahlenburg said.

The hotel has been updated with new beds and a new generator in the past year. Plans are also underway to install electronic vehicle charges.

“We have taken steps to reduce our energy footprint by installing an 80-panel rooftop solar system and double-glazing all windows to reduce noise and to enhance room temperature control,”Ms Dahlenberg said.

Grant failure

West Wimmera Shire Council was unsuccessful in its recent funding applications for the Federal Government’s Growing Regions Fund.

Council submitted applications for two community projects: the upgrade of the proposed $1 million Edenhope Lions Park and construction of a new $1 million Kaniva Splash Park.

There were 40 projects, including six in Victoria, that were selected.

“It is much harder to avoid a collision in wet weather if you’re speeding, distracted, or driving while impaired, and yet

we caught so many people taking those risks”

– Assistant Commissioner Glenn Weir

targeting high-risk driving behaviour across the state over four days in an effort to drive down road trauma.

Speeding made up 40 percent of all offences detected.

The operation involved 107,025 preliminary breath tests, and 2263 drug tests, while automatic numberplate recognition technology helped police detect 410 unauthorised drivers across Victoria.

There were two fatalities in Victoria over the long weekend, taking the total lives lost to 126.

Motorcyclist fatalities have increased to 33, from 19 at the same time last year.

Pedestrian fatalities have doubled to 20 from 10 at the same time last year. With wet weather and poor visibility increasing as winter sets in across Victoria, police are urging motorists to take extra care on the roads and be on the lookout for vulnerable road users – particularly motorcyclists and pedestrians.

Road Policing Assistant Commissioner Glenn Weir said police would remain highly visible on the roads across the state, with targeted operations to take place over the coming weeks focusing on vulnerable road

user safety. “It was very disappointing that we detected so many people disregarding the road rules over the long weekend, especially considering there was some fairly poor weather to contend with,” he said.

“It is much harder to avoid a collision in wet weather if you’re speeding, distracted, or driving while impaired, and yet we caught so many people taking those risks.

“It only takes one poor decision and a split second to cause a tragedy, and yet we’ve seen far too much of that on our roads this year.

“Police will continue to enforce against those who engage in risky driving behaviour – there will be zero tolerance for those who blatantly disregard the road rules.”

Fabulous night of dancing, singing assured

Wimmera people are in for a treat on June 21, as the Wimmera Pride Project prepares to host its popular Pride Night at Wilson’s Nightclub. Two special guest performers will travel to Horsham for the night –RuPaul’s Drag Race Down Under season three winner Isis Avis Loren, and Melbourne’s hottest act Max Drag Queen will take to the stage to perform.

A movement led by Wimmera

residents to enrich the lives of those who identify as lesbian, gay, bisexual, transgender, queer, intersex, asexual and other identities, the Wimmera Pride Project committee regularly hosts events designed to be safe, welcoming and inclusive for all.

The committee invites people to attend for a fabulous night of dancing, singing and fun with likeminded people.

People who would like to join the fun, but are nervous to attend alone, are encouraged to reach out to the committee and one its members will happily accompany anyone to the event.

The Wimmera Pride Project can be found on Facebook, or email wimmeraprideproject@gmail.com.

Tickets are $20 online, or $25 at the door and can be purchased at trybooking.com/CSETP.

Accused bailed

The man accused of dangerous driving causing the death of Pimpino 18-yearold Trent DeZoete at a Stawell motorsport event in November 2023 has been granted bail.

Bryce Dridan was granted bail at the Supreme Court in Melbourne on Thursday, after he was originally denied bail at Ballarat Magistrates Court on May 7.

Dridan had been arrested and charged over a separate incident that occurred in Wendouree on May 3, where he allegedly lost control of a Lamborghini and crashed through the garage of a home, causing major structural damage.

Dridan was charged with reckless conduct endangering life, reckless conduct endangering serious injury, and failing an oral fluid test following the Wendouree incident.

In relation to the death of Mr DeZoete, police have charged Dridan with dangerous driving causing death, reckless conduct endangering life and reckless conduct endangering serious injury.

Mr DeZoete, a spectator at the motorsport event, died at the scene.

Dridan will face Ballarat Magistrates Court tomorrow.

Gavin Brown Teen mourned

From page 1

Mr Brown was also a Natimuk United Football Club football player –playing reserves grade football this year – up until the Laharum game on June 1.

Natimuk United released a statement on its Facebook page: “With heavy hearts and much sadness, NUFNC expresses its deepest condolences to the family of team-mate and friend Gavin Brown on his sudden and tragic passing as a result of a motor vehicle accident. Gavin’s friendly nature and cheeky grin will remain forever in our hearts.”

To donate to the GoFundMe page in Mr Brown’s honour, visit www. gofundme.com/f/hphcrw-gavinbrown.

INVITATION: Loucas Vettos and Rowena Stewart invite people to attend Wimmera Pride Night at Wilson’s Nightclub next week. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Art Is… Festival – Flinders Quartet

Women’s charter divides councillors

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

Northern Grampians Shire Council will explore becoming a signatory of the Victorian Local Government Women’s Charter after it came to light at last week’s council meeting it was one of only five local governments not to sign.

The charter, which was developed in 1996, promotes principles of gender equity, encouraging diversity in representation and participation, and women’s active citizenship.

Northern Grampians Shire Council is one of only five non-signatories among Victoria’s 79 councils, and resident Veronica Monaghan asked why during public question time at this month’s meeting.

“In 2018, the charter celebrated its 21st year. Seventy-four of Victoria’s 79 councils have become signatories to the charter, affirming their commitment to improving the representation

of women as elected representatives in Victorian councils. Will the Northern Grampians Shire commit to the charter with a formal motion?,” Ms Monaghan asked.

In response to Ms Monaghan’s question, Cr Karen Hyslop moved that council adopt the charter as a matter of urgent business.

Cr Hyslop noted the charter was discussed during a council briefing in 2018, but never brought to a meeting for a decision.

Council acting corporate services director Camille Buntsma said councillors at the time felt ‘that council was already actively working towards gender equity, and that signing the charter would be a duplication of efforts’.

Cr Hyslop, who was a councillor at the time the charter was discussed in 2018, said she supported it then and continued to do so.

“At the time I was in support of council adopting the charter,” she said.

“There’s no cost to council, but it

Contemporary showcase

Horsham Regional Art Galley’s exhibition Conflated is bringing disparate artists together to explore bodies, environments and cultures through contemporary art.

Drawing on the inflatable form as both material and metaphor, Conflated gains inspiration from the process of bodies inhaling and exhaling, transforming through the process of inflation and deflation.

The cycle of breathing serves as a framework through which a wide array of experiences, behaviours and expressions are examined.

The artists investigate the possibilities of the inflatable through participatory works that encourage audiences into finding new forms of COVID-safe intimacy, audio that draws parallels between autonomous sensory meridian response, ASMR, breath and the ecological destruction of glaciers melting, and a video of convulsing bodies that morph with inflatable objects.

Featured artists include Zoë Bastin, Andy Butler, David Cross, Bronwyn Hack, Amrita Hepi with Honey Long and Prue Stent, Christopher Langton, Eugenia Lim, James Nguyen and Steven Rhall.

Curators Zoë Bastin and Claire Watson said Conflated presented a range of inflatable materials, from balloons to digital audio and video

can be another avenue and another platform that women can be part of.

“I can’t see why we wouldn’t want to be part of it.”

The charter requires the nomination of a ‘charter champion’ within each council to advocate for genderequality issues.

Cr Hyslop nominated Cr Lauren Dempsey as champion in her motion.

“We are one of very few councils that are not signatories to the charter. I feel there’s no reason why we can’t be,” Cr Dempsey said.

“Why shouldn’t we when gender inequality is very relevant in the strong connection to family violence?

“Disrespect towards women is the beginning of family violence and violence towards women.”

All five male councillors voted against Cr Hyslop’s motion.

Cr Eddy Ostarcevic called for councillors to receive more information on the charter before making a decision.

“With respect to Cr Dempsey and Cr

Hyslop, I don’t see that just because everyone is doing it we have to do it,” he said.

“I don’t have enough information to make that decision today, honestly.

“To that end a question was asked of our officers to find out some more information about the VLGA and what it does. Is it just a wallflower or is it active? If it’s active, sign me up; if it’s not active, I’m not interested.”

Councillors Murray Emmerson, Kevin Erwin and Rob Haswell echoed Cr Ostarcevic’s call for more information, while Cr Trevor Gready said a decision to sign the charter should be left until after council elections in October.

“This council is heading towards the end of its term, and I think this sort of thing should be left to whoever is on the next council,” he said.

Cr Dempsey said Cr Gready’s approach amounted to ‘kicking the can down the road’.

“What are we doing? We seem to be

informed by inflatable processes.

“Positioning the inflatable as the medium of our times, the exhibition prompts us to explore the inherent plasticity and transformative potential of that which can be blown up,” Bastin said.

“The works conflate synthetic forms with human vulnerabilities, the

abject, uncanny, eco-anxiety, colonised land and breath.”

Gallery director Lauren Larkins said the gallery was delighted to present Conflated until October 20.

“This remarkable exhibition brings a unique perspective to the Horsham community,” she said.

“We’re looking forward to these

inflated works challenging and inspiring our audience.”

Conflated is a NETS Victoria touring exhibition, co-curated by Zoë Bastin and Claire Watson.

The project has been assisted by the Federal Government’s Visions of Australia program and the State Government through Creative Victoria.

not even reactive, we’re just behind the eight ball completely and it’s not what our community is asking for,” she said.

“I think there were a number of current councillors who were around in 2018 who might have discussed it and it somehow didn’t get to a council meeting for a decision.

“I’m sick of this council sweeping issues under the carpet and letting the new council deal with it.

“I think we need to get on and deal with stuff, not keep pushing it down the track.”

Cr Hyslop’s motion was defeated, with Cr Hyslop and Cr Dempsey in favour and Cr Haswell, Cr Erwin, Cr Gready, Cr Ostarcevic and Cr Emerson opposed.

After the motion was defeated, Cr Ostarcevic moved that council’s status as a charter signatory be revisited at next month’s council meeting subject to further information being provided.

Freight industry networking event

Freight service Specialised Container Transport and Horsham Rural City Council are hosting an industry event tomorrow, featuring a tour of the Wimmera Intermodal Freight Terminal.

The event will also include guest speakers from various sectors of the logistics industry.

The Wimmera Regional Port Logistics Industry Event 2024 will showcase the industry in the region, and provide an opportunity for networking with representatives.

SCT is celebrating more than a decade of serving the Wimmera with its freight trains, operating services for the region’s exporters to reach the Port of Melbourne.

Guest speakers at the Horsham Town Hall event include SCT Group ports and government relations general manager Matt Eryurek, who brings over 20 years of experience in leading business development, marketing and high-performance team management in air, road, and rail landside logistics. Other speakers include head of business development at the Port of Melbourne, Leatrice Treharne, who is responsible for the port’s trade growth strategy; National Farmers Federation president and Murra Warra farmer David Jochinke, and HRCC manager of investment attraction and growth Fiona Gormann.

For information, visit eventbrite. com.au/e/wimmera-regional-port-logistics-industry-event-2024-tickets-86 6022154577?aff=oddtdtcreator.

EXPLORING: Horsham Regional Art Gallery director Lauren Larkins and gallery curator Lauren van Katwyk with works at the Conflated exhibition.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

$160,000

for native nursery Honour music to his ears

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

Horsham’s

Don Papst has been awarded an Order of Australia Medal, OAM, in the general division of the King’s Birthday honours.

Recognised for his service to the community of Horsham in music, Mr Papst has provided a soundtrack to a myriad of Horsham and district events for more than 70 years, and has a full social calendar to this day.

He plays regular gigs at Cancer Council fundraising dances, Haven market with band Key Change, and singalongs for the ‘oldies’ at nursing homes.

He has also supported Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Horsham for 60 years in music, ushering and maintenance, and been a member of the Hamilton Lamb Memorial Hall committee for 20 years.

“I love it – I can’t say no to anybody, it’s been a very busy life,” Mr Papst, aged 90, said.

He has performed solo or with bands at weddings, fundraisers, debutante balls and old-time 60-40 dances, playing the accordion, mouth organ, piano, and piano accordion – all by ear.

“I started playing the accordion when I was seven,” he said.

“My mother tried to teach me how to read music, but I just couldn’t.”

Mr Papst has been surrounded by music all his life – his mother played piano as a hobby, his father was a member of the ‘Merrymakers Orchestra’ band, and played side drum in the Horsham pipe band.

Mr Papst joined the pipe band around the age of 10, but did not enjoy the strong sound of the bagpipes.

As a teen, he enjoyed playing both accordion and harmonica, as well as dancing.

He taught his fiancé Val how to

waltz and the Pride of Erin in preparation of their 1956 wedding.

The couple’s five sons had piano lessons, about the same time Mr Papst received lessons to play the McPherson Street Lutheran Church organ, which he did for two years, but more enjoyed playing the keyboard downstairs among the congregation.

“I do find it encouraging when people dance, tap their feet or sing to my music,” Mr Papst said.

His passion for entertaining and music continues – he has a ukelele in the cupboard that he would like to master ‘one day’.

Mr Papst had challenges in his young life – born during the Great Depression, losing an infant sibling, working three part-time jobs as a mechanic,

taxi driver and school bus driver at the same time to equate to a full-time job, all in-between music gigs.

Later, he suffered the loss of two sons to cancer, followed by the death of his wife two years ago.

Music has been one of Mr Papst’s greatest, consistent pleasures in life, with the recognition of an OAM coming from very little hardship.

“I have thoroughly enjoyed playing music, and the company of the people I’ve met along the way,” he said.

“I reckon it’s an honour, really, an honour for an old bloke like me. But I’ll just keep going – I won’t stop.”

Mr Papst will attend an investiture ceremony at Government House in coming months to receive the insignia of his award.

AWARD ON SONG:

Don Papst received an Order of Australia, OAM, in the King’s Birthday honours announced on Monday. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

OAM for councillor

Southern Grampians Shire councillor Mary-Ann Brown, of Dunkeld, was also awarded an OAM for services to local government and the communities of Dunkeld and Hamilton.

A councillor since 2016, including mayor for three years, Mrs Brown has also been Rural Councils Victoria chairperson since 2019.

Community groups Mrs Brown has served include Dunkeld Progress Association, Dunkeld Visitor Information Centre, Hamilton Performing Arts Centre, Sterling Place Dunkeld Community Centre, Dunkeld Writers Festival Committee, and Dunkeld Tourism Committee.

Wesley committee calls for continued support

Reopen The Wesley Campaign has reached a significant milestone – raising $500,000 in donations, marking the halfway point of its fundraising goal.

The campaign aims to restore the Roberts Avenue, Horsham building and give it a fresh purpose as a multifunctional community venue.

Horsham Rural City Council previously matched the Wesley Committee’s cash contribution to the project of $225,000 enabling it to kick-off a fundraising campaign with $450,000.

The Wesley Committee is now seeking to raise an additional $550,000 from community donations and con-

tributions from corporate and philanthropic entities.

The $1 million target will allow the committee to seek a dollar-for-dollar government grant to reach the final target of $2 million.

“We are incredibly grateful for the generosity and support we have received,” Wesley Committee member Meryn Eagle said.

“Reaching this milestone is a significant step towards our goal, but we still have a long way to go.”

The Reopen The Wesley Campaign was launched in response to the closure of The Wesley, a cornerstone of the community that has been greatly

missed by many. As the campaign continues to gain momentum, organisers are hopeful they will reach their fundraising goal.

They are calling on the community to continue their support to help bring

The Wesley back to life.

“We are halfway there, and with your continued support, we can make this dream a reality,” Mrs Eagle said.

“For those interested in contributing, donations can be made through the campaign’s webpage.

“Every contribution brings The Wesley one step closer to reopening its doors.”

The Wesley Committee is a non-

profit group with deductible gift recipient and donations more than $2 are tax deductible.

Donations are accepted at Horsham Town Hall box office, in cash, cheque, card or electronic funds transfer.

Donations can also be made via electronic funds to Wesley Performing Arts, BSB: 033 629; account number 362 747, and people requiring a receipt can contact the committee via email TheWesleyHorsham@gmail. com.

For more information about the ReOpen Wesley campaign, people can visit hrcc.vic.gov.au/reopen-wesley.

The State Government has allocated $160,000 for infrastructure repairs at Barengi Gadjin Land Council’s Dalki Garringa Native Nursery at Wail. Emergency Services Minister Jaclyn Symes announced six recipients of the $800,000 Aboriginal Culture and Healing Flood Recovery Grant Program, for traditional owner-led recovery after the October 2022 floods. Other projects to receive funding include $100,000 for Eastern Maar Aboriginal Corporation to train 10 staff in flood recovery, waterway management and rehabilitation; $160,000 for Wurundjeri Woi Wurrung Cultural Heritage Aboriginal Corporation to investigate flood affected areas on Wurundjeri Country through remote sensing including flood mapping; and $160,000 for Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation for impact assessments of cultural heritage sites.

“We know we achieve better outcomes when we work together and let locals lead the way,” Ms Symes said.

“This program recognises the unique challenges and opportunities recovery presents for Aboriginal Victorians.”

Parliament Prize

Member for Lowan Emma Kealy is encouraging students to enter the 2024 Parliament Prize competition.

Ms Kealy said entries were now open for this year’s Parliamentary Prize, with Victorian students in years five to 12 being asked what they would say to Parliament if they were a Member of Parliament.

“To enter, students need to record a video of themselves delivering a Member’s Statement,” Ms Kealy said.

“A Member’s Statement is an opportunity to make a brief statement of up to 90-seconds in State Parliament on matters of interest or concern to them and those living in their electorate.”

A prize of $500 and a commemorative trophy will be awarded to the first-placed entry in each category –years five to six, years seven to nine, and years 10 to 12.

There will also be prizes for secondand third-placed entries in each group. An award of $1000 will be made to each first-placed student’s school.

For more information visit www. parliament.vic.gov.au. Entries close 5pm on June 14.

Society meeting

Guest speaker Alan Bedggood will speak about improvements to the Wimmera River at Horsham Historical Society’s 7pm meeting tonight. Members and visitors are welcome to attend the gathering at Mechanic’s Institute building in Pynsent Street.

Mates rallying for a cause

BY SARAH MATTHEWS

Good mates Tom Netherway and Ethan Miller will embark on an adventure of a lifetime on Saturday as they attempt to drive their $700 ‘bomb’ 3600 kilometres from Melbourne to Alice Springs for a good cause.

Mr Netherway, 21, of Quantong, and Mr Miller, 22, Horsham, are first-time participants in the ‘Shitbox Rally’, which in the past decade has raised more than $46-million for Cancer Council research.

The Wimmera men are participating in the Winter 2024 edition, which starts in Melbourne.

All teams must drive a car valued at less than $1500.

Mr Netherway said Mr Miller spent a long time scouring Facebook Marketplace before the pair settled on a Holden Commodore VX wagon.

“It had done 400,000 kilometres and cost $700,” he said.

“Ethan and I are both pretty mechanically minded and spend a lot of time in the shed. We replaced a few things, like the radiator and the water pump, but obviously we couldn’t spend too much.

“Hopefully we make it to Alice –we’ll see how we go.”

Mr Miller said he was nervous about whether the car would make the distance.

“We did have a few cooling issues and there is a bit of nervousness about her reliability, but hopefully we’ve ironed out the kinks,” he said.

“I’m really excited. I’m hoping this rally will be the first of many.”

Their team The Freebirds, has raised $6900 to date.

“To participate you had to raise $2500 by April and $5000 by the time you go,” Mr Netherway said.

“We’ve been pretty lucky to have a lot of businesses come on board, mostly through people we know.

“They’ve been very generous and we’ve also had a few odd donations from randoms as well. It’s blown us away.”

Mr Netherway said his employer, Laser Plumbing and Electrical Horsham, was among major sponsors, while Wes Davidson Real Estate – where Mr Miller worked as an agent – was also a key supporter.

He said he was excited to participate in the event, which emphasised camaraderie and friendships made throughout the journey over ‘winning’.

“The rally is really hard to get into because so many people want to do

it – we got knocked back a couple of times,” he said.

He said Mr Miller’s father, Jay, had previously participated in the rally and put in ‘a good word’ for the pair.

“Ethan’s dad is doing it again this year and there is another team from Horsham as well,” he said.

“We go off in groups and we’re all in the same group, so we are all in charge of looking after each other.”

Jay Miller and Bill Norton will drive a Holden Commodore and Daniel Ross and Baillie Farley have registered as The Mexicans.

The winter rally stops in Hay, Silverton, Tibooburra, Windorah, Bedourie and Tobermorey before ending in Alice Springs on June 22.

“We’re going to be averaging about 500 to 600 kilometres a day,” Mr Netherway said.

HITTING

THE ROAD: Wimmera men Tom Netherway, left, and Ethan Miller will attempt to drive 3600 kilometres in their $700 Holden Commodore to raise money for Cancer Council.

“A lot of the towns are pretty remote and the majority of time will be spent on gravel roads and in outback towns putting money into their communities.”

Teams have so far raised more than $2.1-million for this year’s winter rally.

Mr Miller said he was keen to raise as much money as possible for the Cancer Council.

“Everyone at some stage has been affected by cancer,” he said.

“So, when you’re raising money for cancer research, it’s something near and dear to everyone.

“It’s why we jumped on board and why we’re so keen to get to the other end and continue to fundraise.”

Mr Miller said people could search The Freebirds on Facebook for updates and a link to donate.

Police call for vigilance

Police are urging car owners to secure their vehicles in a bid to help prevent thefts.

Western Region Division Four Superintendent Sharon McCrory reminded people to be vigilant in locking their vehicles.

“We’re not about victim blaming, but people really need to lock their cars, which also prevents valuables from being stolen from inside the car,” she said.

“With tradies, they need to keep their tools locked away and where possible, put some kind of identifiable marking on their tools so we that if they’re recovered, we can return them.”

It is often the case that people leave expensive and sentimental items, such as wallets, phones, laptops, handbags and cash in their vehicles – right in the sights of opportunistic thieves.

Offenders will often use stolen credit cards to purchase high value items or create credit card accounts with stolen identities.

Hand and power tools, valued at more than $33 million, were stolen from Victorian tradies in 2023, a 37 percent increase on the previous year.

Crime Statistics Agency data showed that 18,626 power tools and 14,911 hand tools were stolen across Victoria last year, an increase of 12 percent in the total number of items stolen.

Anyone who witnesses suspicious behaviour around parked vehicles should report it to police via triple zero. For any non-urgent reports call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.

Major event opportunity

The King’s Birthday long weekend is a great opportunity to cement a major event in the region.

While a few events were dotted across the weekend, Saturday fell short, leaving not a great deal to do. Wouldn’t it be wonderful to have a major event, such as a festival, to not only entertain our residents but also draw in tourists?

I took a trip to Dimboola for lunch followed by a wander along Lloyd Street to browse in some of their shops.

From all reports it had been a busy Saturday morning in Dimboola, with plenty of people around.

A drive past the caravan park saw plenty of campers, and people en-

EDITORIAL

By Lauren Henry

joying kayaking and fishing along the Wimmera River.

Pink Lake was its usual busy stopping point, with a constant flow of cars dropping by for either a rest stop or a purposeful visit to see the sights of the salt-infused waterway.

The long weekend is an ideal time for one of our smaller towns to host a major event, especially if it was on a Saturday afternoon and evening, or the Sunday as it would give people time to travel to and from the event.

With the weather being unpredictable at this time of year, the event would need to have an indoor element to it.

Sunday’s Smoke on the Water at Horsham Showground, now in its second year, is an example of an event that could really grow into a major drawcard.

It had a mixture of both indoor and outdoor elements, and the foundation of any good event – food, drinks and music.

It also has the space to expand in future years, and is in a central location on the banks of our river.

With the right people behind it, and enough volunteers, any town in our region could host a large-scale event.

Add a theme, draw in well-known

entertainment and make it appealing to a wide range of people.

And with both football and netball leagues having a bye to enjoy the long weekend, there are plenty of local people looking for something to do.

Dimboola, Nhill or Warracknabeal could even break away from the bye to host a marquee-type football and netball day to tie in with their town’s festivities.

If they were the only Wimmera league match of the weekend, it would no doubt draw a large crowd and it could be a huge fundraiser for that club.

So who is up for the challenge?

The opportunity is there for the taking.

LETTER TO THE EDITOR

Years of excuses

So typical of what we see around us in this indifferent ‘throw out ‘ society.

In May, 2015 I made suitable inquiries from the local council to ascertain with an inspection from their engineer whether a defunct CFA fire shed could be converted to a habitable dwelling.

Being a feasible proposition with suitable services already in place, I wrote to the CFA offering to buy the property.

CFA acknowledged the property to be surplus to operational requirements, along with a number of similar regional sites, but the land had first to be offered through a ‘first right of refusal’, FRR, process to Victorian and Australian government departments and agencies and local government.

Year after year excuses ensued that somehow prevented them from following through with this process – thin red tape.

In 2021, they again said if no interest was received through the FRR process, CFA would proceed to dispose of the site on the open market within the next 12 months.

By 2022, when you would think any sane person would have given up, I was told ‘whilst we haven’t yet been able to progress this site to go to the open market...’

As I said, seven years – too hard. I have a deep seated renovator’s spirit and a family-embedded hands-on work ethic, so, in all honesty, I must tell you that my intention with my money and labour would have been solely to improve the inward and outward appearance of the shed, while improving the character in my neighbourhood.

Recently the CFA bemoaned their volunteered members’ time being used with fundraising, and I don’t blame the volunteers when bureaucracy eats away valuable time and resources that could be diverted to worthwhile assets.

They could have had my money, instead a property sits deteriorating, no good to anybody, thanks to their dog in the manger approach.

Catherine Selwood, Miram

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SERVICE STATION SHUTS DOWN: Ampol closed its Horsham Poolside site on O’Callaghans Parade last week. An Ampol spokesperson said the company was working with a range of stakeholders to determine the future of the site. He said Ampol would like to thank the community in Horsham for their support over the past several years. Ampol Foodary on Stawell Road or Ampol Horsham on Baillie Street will remain open. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Doors open for Ararat tenants

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

Four of nine planned affordable-housing properties are ready to accommodate tenants in Ararat as part of the State Government’s Big Housing Build.

The $1.8 million development was funded with $1.4 million from the State Government and $400,000 from community housing provider Haven Home Safe, which will manage the properties.

Member for Ripon Martha Haylett last week inspected the four completed homes, which include one two-bedroom and three three-bedroom properties.

Another five two-bedroom homes are planned to be completed late this year as part of the development.

The properties feature electric appliances, rainwater tanks, built-in garages and reverse cycle air-conditioning, and are close to community services including schools, jobs and public transport.

Housing Minister Harriet Shing said the properties would be available to people on the Victorian Housing Register.

She said they were among more than 400 social housing properties planned for western Victoria

HONOURED:

From left, Judy Holden, Stawell, Joan Leyonhjelm, Horsham, Annette Jardine, Horsham, and Diana Holden, Stawell, were presented Australian Red Cross awards for their contribution to branch and emergency response activities.

as part of the $5.3 billion Big Housing Build.

“These four homes are the first of many properties set to be delivered in the Ararat region that directly support people experiencing or at risk of homelessness,” she said.

“We’re taking steps to address the urgent need for more housing in rural and regional Victoria and look forward to welcoming the new residents over the coming months.”

Haven Home Safe chief executive Trudi Ray said residents would be comfortable in the new homes.

“Haven Home Safe is pleased to be delivering these high-quality, energy-efficient homes for Ararat,” she said.

“It is critical for community housing organisations, all levels of government and developers to continue to prioritise investing in regional Victoria.

“Quality, affordable housing in regional and rural Victoria is fundamental to ensure we continue to support and build strong, connected communities.”

Ms Haylett said the properties would ‘mean the world’ to incoming residents.

“These safe, secure homes will save lives and change lives for Ararat families for years to come,” she said.

Awards for fire, flood response

Australian Red Cross presented service awards to four Wimmera women in recognition of work in their branches and during times of emergency.

Stawell’s Diana Holden gained a Distinguished Service Award and Judy Holden, Stawell, and Horsham duo Annette Jardine and Joan Leyonhjelm were awarded Victorian Service Awards.

Ms Holden joined Stawell Red Garters branch in 1976, where she is currently chair.

She began volunteering with Red Cross Emergency Services in 1999 and was instrumental in recruiting and establishing the Northern Grampians Emergency Services Team.

She has been involved in bushfire and COVID-19 operations, liaising with other agencies.

hand and power tools, excellent problem solving skills and committed to team success. Full on-the-job training and work vehicle provided with negotiable salary and working hours.

If you or someone you know is interested in learning more about the position we want to hear from you! For further info please email:

Dear

Ms Jardine has been involved in numerous activations, including fires, weather events, road accidents and outreach support.

She also participates in the Pillowcase Preparedness program, visiting schools to teach children how to prepare for emergencies.

Ms Leyonhjelm has been a branch member since 1978 and an emergency services volunteer since 2001.

She has served in branch positions and emergency services position of deputy emergency liaison officer, supporting people in need during activations across the state and interstate.

Ms Leyonhjelm has been involved in flood, fire, weather and road accident event responses, as well as the Pillowcase Preparedness program.

The women were presented with their awards at a ceremony at Government House, Melbourne last month.

Ms Holden has served in several branch positions since joining in 2001, and is also active as an emergency services volunteer, since 2002. She helped establish the Northern Grampians emergency services team, and has been part of the emergency response to fires, floods and road accidents.

Youth Fest 2024 celebration

Events in Horsham and Birchip will be among events across Victoria for Youth Fest 2024.

Uniting Wimmera will host a Level Up Gaming Event and Birchip Neighbourhood House is organising Youth at The Centre.

Both received State Government grants for youth-led events and activities.

Youth Minister Natalie Suleyman announced nearly $220,000 in grants for 110 recipients to host events and activities led by and for young people across the state in September.

Successful recipients included schools, local government and community organisations, which will each receive a grant of up to $2000 to create exciting, interactive events for young people.

“We are committed to supporting our state’s young people, including in regional and rural Victoria,” Ms Suleyman said.

“With these grants we’re providing opportunities for young Victorians in our regions to showcase their unique ideas, talents and skills through youth-led events and activities.”

“I am still fully committed to providing the same exceptional service; whether you’re planning a big commercial project, or small domestic job.”

After 7 amazing years, I am excited to announce JB Electrical has merged with CHS Group. Amongst this change, I wanted to take a moment to assure you that my commitment to providing you with exceptional service remains as strong as ever. For me, being an electrician has always been about more than just fixing wires and installing switches - it’s about building relationships with each and every one of you, and ensuring that your electrical needs are met with the highest level of care and expertise.

While there may be a new name on my ute & on my shirt, the things that truly matter remain unchanged. You can still expect the same friendly service, the same dedication to quality workmanship, and the same unwavering commitment to your satisfaction that you’ve come to know and trust over the years.

So, whether you’re a long-time customer or someone who’s just discovering my services for the first time, please know that I am here for you, ready to tackle any electrical challenge you may have, with the support of CHS Group behind me.

Thank you for your continued support and trust.

I look forward to serving the community for many years to come.

Warm regards, Give me a call, 0418 869 919

Careers expo a hands-on experience

Cutting edge technology and interactive attractions will headline this month’s Western Victorian Careers Expo at Longerenong.

On June 25, students, parents and jobseekers will have the opportunity to immerse themselves in different careers through virtual reality headsets, machinery simulators and hands-on activities.

VIC VICE, a new virtual reality platform being rolled out in classrooms by Victorian Local Learning and Employment Networks – VicLLENs – is expected to be a popular addition to this year’s expo.

Organiser, David Crooks of Wimmera Southern Mallee LLEN said VIC VICE helped users experience real-life job situations.

“We are partnering with Central Grampians LLEN to provide expo attendees with the chance to navigate through a digitally generated, virtual world using the VIC VICE headsets and handheld controllers. Each simulation challenges them to tackle real-life workplace activities and put their skills to the test,” Mr Crooks said.

“Our regional LLENs have just started introducing this technology at local secondary schools and the feedback from teachers and students has been amazing. This is a great opportunity for the wider public to try it out and virtually explore a wide range of industries.”

In addition to VIC VICE, the 2024 Western Victo-

rian Careers Expo will feature a new simulated early childhood centre.

The attraction will bring a range of exhibitors together to create large walkthrough space that focuses on early childhood education and care.

“The aim is to shine a light on a current skills shortage and highlight vital regional service areas,” Mr Crooks said.

“There will be plenty of professionals there on the day to promote the industry and provide information and advice on career pathways into childcare.”

A new Try VET Centre in the Alan Heard Pavilion will replace the Come and Try VET Day that previously featured in the school events calendar.

All of next year’s VET courses will be represented in the dedicated VET space, allowing attendees to meet with registered training organisations and trainers to discuss senior pathways into trades and workplace qualifications.

Mr Crooks said the biggest addition to the 2024 expo would be the new outdoor industrial zone which will feature large machinery and plant equipment.

“We are excited to have Powercor coming to provide attendees with a birds eye view of the expo from one of their cherry pickers,” Mr Crooks said. “There will be plenty of other machinery on display in the industrial zone, including farm and civil construction equipment.

COMMUNITY UPDATE

Area Action Plan (LAAP)Survey Extended to Tuesday 2 July 2024 Northern Grampians Shire Council would like to seek community feedback on the draft Northern Grampians Shire Local Area Action Plan before the plan is endorsed by council

The Local Area Action Plan (LAAP) is to assist Northern Grampians Shire Council, industry, and community to strengthen Northern Grampians Shire s visitor economy, further developing their visitor offering and, as a result, assist in building the resilience needed to mitigate economic vulnerability We want to know if the LAAP reflects the way you want your town and region to develop in the future If it does or doesn’t fit, we want to know why Please submit your feedback by Tuesday 2 July

To read the LAAP and take part in the survey visit www ngshire vic gov au/Projects-andConsultation/Have-Your-Say/NorthernGrampians-Shire-Council-Local-Area-ActionPlan

Bulgana

Green Power Hub

Community Benefit Fund is open from 3 June to 31 July 2024

The Community Benefit Fund administered by the council on behalf of Neoen Australia, (owner of Bulgana Green Power Hub) has $120,000 to contribute towards community-led projects and programs Not-for-profit groups and organisations can apply for up to $5 000 to implement a small project and up to $20,000 for a large project with a co-contribution

To be eligible for the funding projects will need to contribute to increasing health and well-being and environmental outcomes enable First Nations-led initiatives, enhance arts and culture in the shire, provide advancements in education and training support disaster relief efforts and emergency services, and enable participation in sporting and recreational opportunities

To understand more about this funding opportunity check out the Bulgana Green Power Hub website page at https://bit ly/4btn or attend an information session at:

St Arnaud on Monday 17 June at 12pm and 5 30 pm in the Community Room at the Town Hall

Stawell on Tuesday 18 June at 5 30pm and Wednesday 19 June at 12 00pm at the Stawell Library

The information sessions will provide an overview of the funding eligibility, criteria, and expectations, grant writing tips, and an opportunity for you to discuss your project ideas

To discuss any queries you may have contact Rachel Whittaker on 03 5358 0512 or by email at community@ngshire vic gov au

Wimmera CMA’s Alicia Merriam with Edenhope College students Lolah Joubert and Maizy Bentley at the Western Victorian Careers Expo.

ACE radio hosts explore region

Promotion of the Wimmera, Mallee and Grampians region as a tourist destination was the focus of ACE Radio’s two breakfast radio programs on Friday.

Presenters Sean and Monkey from 1089 3WM’s The Morning Rush, and Gabi and Dan, hosts of MIXX FM’s The Morning Crew, toured the region as part of a promotion for Grampians Wimmera Mallee Tourism.

Both programs interviewed the region’s tourist providers and encouraged listeners across Victoria to visit the Grampians, Wimmera and Mallee regions for holidays and weekend getaways.

The 3WM team visited Murtoa, Warracknabeal, Birchip and Sea Lake on Thursday, stopping at various tourist sites before broadcasting live from Lake Lascelles at Hopetoun on Friday.

The MIXX FM breakfast team broadcasted live from Dimboola on Friday morning, following a quick tour of Edenhope, Kaniva, Nhill and Jeparit on Thursday.

The outside broadcasts and tours were organised by Grampians Wim-

mera Mallee Tourism in conjunction with Yarriambiack, Hindmarsh and West Wimmera shire councils, and gave the radio program presenters an opportunity to visit unique sites such as the Murtoa Stick Shed, Lake Tyrell at Sea Lake, silo artwork and Nhill Aviation Heritage Centre.

Brendan O’Loughlin, general manager of 3WM, MIXX FM and The Weekly Advertiser, said it was great to see the public turn out and support the outside broadcasts at Dimboola and Hopetoun.

“The opportunity arose to take both our breakfast teams on the road and support the work of the newlyformed Grampians Wimmera Mallee Tourism, which now also fits perfectly with our footprint and coverage of 3WM, MIXX FM and The Weekly Advertiser,” he said.

Sales manager Mark Sulic said the ACE Radio staff had a great time on the road, meeting plenty of people along the way.

“Hopefully we’ve exposed some secrets and hidden gems of the region that even people living in our communities may not have been aware of, and will go and explore,” he said.

BOWERS

CHIROPRACTIC CENTRE

KIDS & CHIROPRACTIC

Do kids need Chiropractic Care?

Well children are subject to the same forces that adults are, however their bodies can react very differently. An adjustment on a child or infant is very different to adjusting an adult and the amount of force used when adjusting a child or infant is varied depending on the age and development of the child. E.g. The amount of pressure to adjust an infant is the about the same pressure you would gently pressure you would use

your eyeball. Techniques are very different.

A lot more mobilisation techniques in specific directions are used. Neither a child nor an infant can tell you exactly what is going on so specialised assessing techniques are used and as a Chiropractor and a number of years in practice, I did 2 yrs extra study to attain my Grad Dip in Chiropactic Pediatric Care to make sure little ones are well cared for.

I clearly remember one first time Mum coming to see me because she was told, that her 3 week old baby didn’t like breast feeding. The first thing I assured her of was that her baby did indeed like and needed to be breast-fed if at all possible, because it gives the baby the best start in life. I assessed the child and observed that he couldn’t turn his neck comfortably to attach and he would arch and pull off in frustration. So, a hungry baby, an anxious Mum and a very upsetting situation for them. With 3 adjustments the baby was back to being fully

ON LOCATION: Left, Monkey, right, and Sean from 3WM’s The Morning Rush with Sally Taylor at Murtoa Stick Shed, and above, the radio hosts at Hopetoun.

TRAVELLING: Gabi and Dan, hosts of MIXX FM’s The Morning Crew, visit Dimboola.

Bistro Open 7 Days

“We

“The

Urban network plan

Horsham

Rural City Coun-

cil’s new Bicycle and Shared Paths Infrastructure Plan 20242034 will be used as a framework to embed a connected urban network of bike and shared paths.

Implementation of the plan has already started, including planning for a shared bike and pedestrian pathway along O’Callaghan’s Parade and investigation of safety treatments for different sections of Baillie Street –from Hillary Street to the Wimmera River.

Council engaged consultants Safe System Solutions in 2021 to develop an updated municipal bicycle and shared paths infrastructure plan.

Safe System Solutions has extensive experience in the development of bicycle and shared path plans in other regional contexts including Bendigo and Mildura.

Despite the development of the 2012 Municipal Bicycle and Shared Paths Plan and an annual budget allocation of about $100,000 for cycling infrastructure, cycling activity in Horsham is low and declining.

Australian Bureau of Statistics Census data shows in 2006, 174 people cycled to work on Census Day, with the number reducing to 121 in 2011, and further reducing to 94 in 2021.

Safe System Principles found that, except in limited circumstances such as the provision of off-road pathways, current cycle and shared path infrastructure throughout Horsham does not reflect Safe System Principles; and there is no connected network of cycling infrastructure throughout the Horsham and Haven areas that meets Safe System Principles.

“While cycling participation is currently high among men, a safer and more connected network will encourage more women and girls to cycle”

– Cr David Bowe,

right

Mayor Robyn Gulline said the plan was developed with significant community engagement, including residents, cyclists, pedestrians and other stakeholders contributing their insights and feedback.

“Their input has been invaluable in shaping a plan that will guide the development of our bicycle and shared paths infrastructure for the next decade,” she said.

Cr Gulline said the plan would guide the council in its efforts to create a more connected, accessible and sustainable city for all residents.

The council adopted the plan at its May council meeting.

Cr Bob Redden said the plan was important as paths were shared between bicycles, walkers, skateboarders, scooter riders and gophers.

“Our road rules were, in some cases, made before new modes of transport evolved, such as skateboards, electric motor scooters, et cetera,” he said.

“It’s also incumbent on our carusers to respect these other users who are now on the scene. The other users need to feel safe on the pathways.

Pedestrians need to feel safe.”

Cr David Bowe said the audit revealed most of Horsham’s paths were disconnected and failed to provide safe routes, especially for cyclists and pedestrians.

“This lack of connected network

has contributed to a decline in cycling activity as highlighted by the Australian Bureau of Statistics, showing a significant drop in the number of people cycling to work in Horsham in the past decade,” he said.

“The plan includes a prioritised project designed to create continuous safe routes across intersections and different roads, ensuring everyone in our community, from children to the elderly, can move more safely and confidently.

“While cycling participation is currently high among men, a safer and more connected network will encourage more women and girls to cycle.

“The plan also supports walking as an activity, which is favoured more by women. By improving the streetscapes with better lighting, seating and shade will help.”

Cr Ian Ross supported the plan but was concerned about the costs.

“My concern is we’ve only allocated $100,000 in the budget, and the works for the first and second years is $700,000,” he said.

“It needs some really imaginative grant applications to make this work because we’re way underfunded to make an impact.”

Rides gather momentum

Edenhope’s Lakeside Living aged care residents are joining in the community’s parkrun event around Lake Wallace every Saturday – all from the seat of a triobike.

Edenhope College principal Trevor McClure, also a Murray to Moyne team member, was instrumental in raising money for Grampians Health Edenhope’s triobike.

Mr McClure picks up a different passenger each week, timing the ride with parkrun to give residents an opportunity to socialise with other participants and volunteers.

“I thought this was a good way to put the triobike to use,” he said.

“It gives me some exercise and it’s good for the residents to have a chat, so it’s awesome.”

Don Dixon was first to take up the opportunity on a frosty May morning.

“I’m a hardy old farmer, so I didn’t notice the cold,” Mr Dixon said.

“It’s not as cold as when I would go out fox hunting and shooting rabbits, that’s for sure.

“It’s good to see the lake and get some air.”

Mr McClure has organised triobike training for senior college students, so they can take residents on regular outings.

OUT AND ABOUT: Trevor McClure and Edenhope Lakeside Living resident Don Dixon tour Lake Wallace.

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Improving a ‘vital space’

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

Ararat Library is set to undergo a major interior upgrade in the next eight months, pending the approval of Ararat Rural City Council’s 2024-25 draft budget.

The library received interior upgrades in 2003, followed by a small development upgrade when the council took over management of the building from Central Highlands Library Corporation in 2012.

Council chief executive Tim Harrison said global shifts in library usage since the last upgrades had placed a greater emphasis on flexible information and learning spaces.

Dr Harrison said the post-COVID-19 environment had seen a rapid increase in demand for remoteworking and mobile workspaces among the Ararat community, reflecting wider societal changes.

The focus of the draft budget’s proposed $200,000 upgrades is to modernise the library’s interior furniture, creating a layout to support flexible use of the facility and improve access to digital technology.

The project, due to be complete by March 2025, is proposed to incorporate: increased mobile shelving, allowing shelves to be moved for programs; new furniture and quiet spaces for flexible use, in-

“These upgrades will provide improved facilities in line with the changing needs of our community and feedback received on the use of the library space”

– Dr Tim Harrison

cluding studying on a laptop and reading; replacement of carpet and flooring; two additional public-use computers; and improved signage on the building’s exterior.

Dr Harrison said the project exemplified the council’s commitment to meeting its 2021-2025 council plan objectives, including pledges to ‘support community activity and cultural life’ and ‘open arts and culture assets to greater community participation’.

“The library provides a vital space for learning, connection and growth within our community,” he said.

“These upgrades will provide improved facilities in line with the changing needs of our community and feedback received on the use of the library space.”

Residents can provide feedback on what they would like included in the Ararat Library upgrade via website engage.ararat.vic.gov.au/ ararat-library-upgrade.

MEMORIES SHARED: Memories of sport, events and local legends – including Ron Kemp, who joined Horsham City Oval grandstand’s centenary celebrations – were shared by more than 200 people. With recollections of events at the oval viewed from the grandstand, and of those taking place below, the grandstand has proven to be a versatile space that continues to serve its purpose well. The centenary organising committee, pictured at the grandstand during the celebrations last month, were thrilled by the community’s response to the event and intend to publish submitted stories and photos as a book. People who would like to share their memories can do so at the White Hart Hotel, Horsham, or by calling Neville McIntyre on 0428 846 217.

Networking breakfast for Ararat businesses

A networking breakfast in Ararat next week will aim to give local businesses a chance to connect with other local professionals, exchange ideas and explore partnerships.

The breakfast, hosted by Ararat Rural City Council and the Greater Ararat Business Network, is from 7.15am to 8.45am on Wednesday, June 19 at Ararat RSL, 74-76 High Street.

Guest speakers include council chief executive Tim Harrison, Greater Ararat Business Network president Tom Clark,

and Plastoil Australia managing director Arjuna Wimalasuriya, who will discuss the company’s development of a soft plastic circular economy.

Dr Harrison said a planned facility using Plastoil’s technology could bring more than $300 million in investment to the region.

“We’re delighted to be welcoming Mr Wimalasuriya to speak at our networking business breakfast,” Dr Harrison said.

“This is an occasion to gain valuable

insight into a company newly entering our network, whose business sits at the vanguard of environmental technology.

“We look forward to seeing business owners from all over the region attend this opportunity to discuss our community’s economic growth.”

The breakfast is free to attend but registration is essential and places are limited.

People can register by Friday via www. trybooking.com/CSKYK.

of K-Mart and Target, supermarkets, bakeries, cafes and bowling club. PRICED @ $670,000

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Allan and Trev’s Workwear

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Casey Kosch First Aid Training

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Patients thank retiring urologist

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

Urologist

Richard McMullin is retiring from practicing at Grampians Health.

The Ballarat-based doctor specialises in urological cancers, voiding problems and incontinence, as well as children’s and women’s urology.

Mr McCullin was presented a certificate of appreciation by Wimmera Prostate Cancer Support Group members last month.

Group chairman Brian Nagorcka and secretary Jack Janetzki, both cancer survivors, have seen Mr McMullin for 10 and eight years, respectively.

Mr McMullin said he had visited Horsham regularly since starting as a urologist in Ballarat in 1993 – about 25 visits a year – and would retire at the end of June.

“My working pattern has been to drive up to Horsham at lunchtime on a Thursday,” he said.

“I then do procedures in the operating theatres, stay overnight and spend the whole day Friday consulting. On average, I would do about 1000 consultations in Horsham a year.

“I have grown to thoroughly enjoy visiting Horsham and have a great affection for my country patients.

“From the very beginning, I had to learn how

to communicate well with men and women from the Wimmera. If you are straightforward, honest and have a sense of humour, I find you get on just fine.

“In recent years, I have participated in the training of prostate cancer specialist nurse Mandy Johns. We have worked together in the Wimmera Cancer Centre for the past few years.

“She is a great asset to the Wimmera.”

Ms Johns will continue to see prostate cancer patients at the centre.

“Unfortunately, we do not have a direct replacement once I retire. However, there are some young urologists who will join our team once they have finished their training and I am confident the urology service to Horsham will continue,” Mr McMullin said.

Both Mr Nagorcka and Mr Janetzki will continue their appointments using telehealth, along with Mr McMullin’s other Horsham patients, with occasional trips to Ballarat.

“A lot of people will be able to continue their appointments over the phone,” Mr Janetzki said.

“But some of the newer patients may find it difficult.”

Wimmera Prostate Cancer Support Group welcomes patients and their families – people can call Mr Nagorcka on 0448 710 628 or Mr Janetzki on 0418 555 706 for more information.

Recreation strategy feedback

Yarriambiack Shire Council is seeking feedback on its draft sport and active recreation strategy, a 10-year plan that supports the development of community sport and active recreation infrastructure within the shire.

As well as providing the council with a blueprint for facility management, programs and events, residents have the opportunity to have input into a new funding formula, and identify key priority projects that would result

in better health and wellbeing outcomes. The online form – available at www.yarriambiack. vic.gov.au/Engage-With-Us/Share-Your-

Feedback – seeks feedback in relation to prioritising funding for an Olympic-size swimming pool, pool sizes in general, and town population and usage.

Residents can share their feedback until 5pm on June 21.

EAST GRAMPIANS HEALTH SERVICE | Education

EGHS Education Department o ers quali ed Clinical Support sta and a Workplace Trainer (nonclinical) to facilitate a supportive learning environment that supports the training and development of all sta and students.

The Education department provides:

• A variety of learning experiences to facilitate clinical sta to develop knowledge, skills and con dence in the role of Registered Nurse, Enrolled Nurse or Health Care worker

• Supportive student clinical placements for nursing, health care worker, allied health and other industries

• A partnership with Federation TAFE to o er a Diploma of Nursing as a career path for local members of our community

• Opportunities for non-clinical sta to explore and progress their careers whilst working in a health care setting

• An Education Centre comprising three large education rooms and a practical laboratory that promote face to face, online and practical skill-based learning opportunities

GRATEFUL: Prostate cancer specialist nurse Mandy Johns, with Wimmera prostate cancer support group members Brian Nagorcka and Jack Janetzki, right, present urologist Richard McMullin with a certificate of appreciation.

Picture: BRONWYN HASTINGS

Council adopts early years plan

Horsham Rural City Council’s Municipal Early Years Plan 2024-2028 features an increased focus on the shortage of long daycare openings and childcare workers.

The council adopted the plan, which aims to provide strategic direction for services in the municipality for children aged 10 and under, at its May meeting.

One of the issues most raised during the council’s engagement with parents, children, and stakeholders was childcare, including the attraction and retention of staff.

Community members also addressed a lack of access to health and specialist services and the need for improved community-wide advocacy.

The purpose of the plan, which replaces the 2019-2023 version of the plan, is to provide children and their families with the best possible foundation for life success.

While not a statutory requirement, council uses the plan as a key tool in setting the strategic direction for delivery in the early years sector in the municipality.

The council provides maternal health and child nurse services, supported playgroups, library and immunisation programs and also advocates for improved early years services that are delivered in the private sector.

Mayor Robyn Gulline highlighted the importance of the plan in providing children and their families with the best possible foundation for life-long success.

“The plan is no silver bullet, but it does provide a positive plan for the future,” she said.

“We listened to parents, children, carers, agencies, grandparents and others who touch the lives of our children. We look forward to

working with families, government, community organisations and service agencies to achieve great outcomes for our community.”

At last month’s meeting, Cr David Bowe said the plan was aimed at providing the municipality’s youngest residents and their families with the best possible foundation for success.

“This plan focuses on key areas of supporting families to thrive, building blocks for lifelong learning, and ensuring strong voices for our community,” he said.

“It outlines specific actions such as developing an early years communication strategy, supporting young parents and establishing the early years network for advocacy.

“Adopting this plan will help us with challenges in addressing child care services, access to allied health and other critical support services, workforce retention and resource allocation, ensuring that every child in the Horsham Rural City communities can thrive.”

Cr Les Power said the plan was important for the future of the municipality.

“The earlier we can start the kids off with this type of education, the far better our community will be,” he said.

Cr Ian Ross said the plan was essential for attracting people for employment in Horsham.

“I know at Warrnambool, for example, they’re far worse off than we are and they’ve lost some really good professional people because they couldn’t get care for their children while they work,” he said.

“So for a regional city it’s so important to have those facilities and have them really viable.”

Cr Ross said it was also important to invest in education for the city’s children.

“We must invest in our children, because that’s the future of our community,” he said.

Stawell generosity on show

Money collected from a major annual fundraiser has paid for new vital signs monitors at Grampians Health Stawell’s oncology unit.

Stawell Hospital Auxiliary raised $11,000 at its most recent wine and savoury evening and purchased the three new monitors to replace old equipment.

Oncology acting nurse unit manager Majella Hunter thanked auxiliary members for their hard work and the Stawell community for its

generosity. “It’s important that equipment as essential as these monitors is replaced and upgraded regularly to ensure patient safety,” she said.

“It makes our job that little bit easier as well.”

Vital signs monitors provide regular readings to clinical staff of a patient’s blood pressure, heart rate and oxygen flow.

Auxiliary president Pam Byron thanked the Stawell community on behalf of her members.

“We are grateful to the community for the support they gave us for our wine and savoury evening,” she said.

“This donation would not have been possible without their support and to raise $11,000 on one night was just a wonderful result.

“We are all feeling reassured knowing the importance the vital signs monitors play in caring for our region’s cancer patients.”

8.30am-NOON MONDAY

VITAL: Patient Stuart Beasly has his vitals checked by Grampians Health Stawell’s oncology acting nurse unit manager Majella Hunter with equipment purchased from a Stawell Hospital Auxiliary fundraising event.

FESTIVE FEEL: Drumfires and mulled gin, hot coals and toasted marshmallows kept the cold of winter at bay on Sunday at Horsham’s Maydale Reserve. Pictured enjoying Smoke on the Water, a small scale food and wine festival, are, clockwise from left: Heidi Irvin and Meghan Curkpatrick; Annabelle Cadaow and Poppy; the O’Dwyer family, Mick, Lily, Madds and Ciaran; Michelle Nagorcka, Ruby Batchelor, Maddison Watts and Rachelle Franks; Grace, Lauren and Noah Povey; and Kym Bateson tastes a wine with Hadyn and Lucy Black from Black and Ginger.

NDIS Specialist Disability Housing Information Session

Do you have a disability and need a purpose-built home to help you live a great life? Then this information session is for you!

You will hear from Melba Support Services and Better Life Housing staff and discover:

Where: Centre For Participation 30 Urquhart Street Horsham Vic 3400

When: Info session at 7pm, Tuesday June 18

To register, or for more information:

Email: reception.ch@melbasupport.com.au

Phone: 03 5331 7924

Ararat Town Hall

Adults $30 • Concession $25 • Under eighteens $15 online: www.ararattownhall.com.au in person: Ararat and Grampians Visitor Information Centre by phone: 1800 657 158

Kaniva cabins boost tourism

Two new cabins at Kaniva Poolside Caravan Park are ready to accommodate visitors to West Wimmera Shire.

A new booking system, available through the council’s Visit West Wimmera website, will allow people to book powered and unpowered sites at the park, as well as the two new cabins.

The cabins are part of a council initiative in collaboration with Wimmera Southern Mallee Development.

Funded by a $3 million grant from the State Government’s Regional Tourism Investment Fund, the project aims to construct 30 cabin units across 15 caravan parks in the Wimmera region.

West Wimmera Shire Council contributed $500,000 towards the initiative.

Council chief executive David Bezuidenhout said Kaniva cabins were the first to be completed, with additional cabins planned for Lake Charlegrark, Harrow, and Goroke caravan parks.

“The aim of the cabins project is to meet the well-known gaps in the region’s accommodation options by providing consistent quality, selfcontained cabins,” he said.

The Kaniva cabins are a threebedroom family cabin and a twobedroom accessible cabin, both fully furnished.

Each features a full-sized oven,

cooktop and a dishwasher. The three-bedroom cabin is equipped with a washing machine.

Mr Bezuidenhout said it was necessary for guests to reserve and pay for a site or cabin online prior to arrival as there was no caretaker on site at the caravan park.

People can pay for sites and cabins online via a credit card. Upon booking, guests will receive a unique code to access the park’s amenities, including restrooms and laundry facilities.

Mr Bezuidenhout said he hoped the new cabins would attract people to the shire.

“Our new online booking system marks a significant step forward in enhancing convenience and accessibility for our guests,” he said.

“We’re also pleased to offer travellers the opportunity to experience the beauty of Kaniva in our new cabins, equipped with modern amenities for a comfortable stay.”

People can book a site or cabin at Kaniva Poolside Caravan Park and find more information by visiting www.visitwestwimmera.com. au/Stay/Kaniva-Poolside-CaravanPark.

The cabins are unavailable until the end of June, but people can book them from July 1. Each cabin requires a minimum two-night stay and pets are not allowed.

Bookings can also be made via email kanivacp@westwimmera.vic. gov.au.

Evie Hendy and Rebecca Hobbs, competed in the Legacy Junior Public Speaking Award.

Evie, Rebecca prepare for state level

Kaniva students Rebecca Hobbs and Evie Hendy will compete at state level after winning the Wimmera section of a Legacy junior public speaking competition.

Students gave prepared five-minute talks on a chosen subject to three judges, before giving a two-minute talk on the topic ‘should social media access be restricted until children reach 16 years of age?’.

Rebecca spoke about the power of volunteering, Evie about Anzac Day, and runner-up Saskia Albrecht, of Nhill, spoke about out of home care.

Head judge June Liddy, assisted by Denise Queale and Anita Masiero, scored students on effective use of language, content, delivery and mannersisms, as well as opening impact and conclusion.

Other entrants were Goroke’s Prim-

rose Dunstan, who spoke about the importance of mateship; Max Batson, Goroke, speaking on volunteering in a small town; Goroke’s Chardonnay Pickering, volunteering is important; and Nhill’s Riley Philip, speaking about friendships.

The competition was open to students aged 12 to 14 years, with the state final in Ballarat on September 11.

Seasonal challenges driving agriculture events

Beef and sheep growers facing challenges leading up to a ‘late break’ can find support at BestWool-BestLamb and BetterBeef conferences, with experts and consultants on hand at events.

Agriculture Victoria and its conference partners have adjusted the program for the Ballarat-based events in response to seasonal changes.

Growers are invited to bring their live-

stock information and feed inventory to discuss with experts from 8.30am next Wednesday, June 19.

Lambs Alive program founder Dr Jason Trompf, will lead a panel session, which will include livestock vet Dr Jane Gaussen, Paradoo Prime’s Tim Leeming, and Elders’ Rob Inglis.

Renowned veterinarian Dr Jillian Kelly will present on rumen function

and achieving stock maintenance and growth targets.

The BestWool-BestLamb conference on June 19, and BetterBeef conference on June 20, are at The Goods Shed, Ballarat.

To download the program or to book, visit agriculture.vic.gov.au/ support-and-resources/event-listing.

REPRESENT: From left, Goroke students Primrose Dunstan, Chardonnay Pickering and Max Batson, Nhill’s Riley Philip and Saskia Albrecht, and Kaniva’s

Community projects win support

Horsham Rural City Council has approved community grants and donations totalling $422,579.

As part of its annual budget, due to be released to the public later this month, the council allocates grants to support community and sporting groups across the municipality.

In 2024, the council has split its community grants and donations program into four streams, with the main community grants program accompanied by categories for events, youth and quick response grants.

Community donations totalled $190,695; community development grants $137,548; event grants $73,000; youth grants $10,000 and quick response grants $11,336.

Council received 57 community grant applications for specific projects, with 41 successful.

The grant money includes support for sports clubs, halls and kindergartens to assist with maintenance and operations as well as grants for specific projects and events.

The council has also allocated donations to support recreation reserves, public halls, kindergartens and welfare services.

Mayor Robyn Gulline said the council staff used a ranking system to assess the applications for 2024-25, before the final list was presented to councillors for consideration, with the final approval given at the May 27 council meeting.

The criteria includes the organisation’s ability to contribute with inkind support or cash for the project, if they have received a grant before and if the project aligns with council’s goals and strategies.

“It’s our way of supporting community groups and organisations that contribute to making our municipality better,” Cr Gulline said.

“From all corners of the municipality, community groups will receive welcome boosts to their activities.

“Maybe it’s equipment they’ve required for some time and haven’t been able to afford, or an upgrade that will make operations run smoother. I look

forward to seeing the successful projects coming to fruition over the next 12 months.”

At the council’s May meeting, Cr Les Power said it was a great opportunity for the council to allocate funding to a strong number of community organisations that applied for a grant.

“I think it’s fantastic that we, as a council, can do this with the community in mind,” he said.

Cr Ian Ross said allocating grant money was an annual process.

“I get joy out of it because we have so many volunteers and charitable groups within our community that do so much for our community and make it what it is,” he said.

“This little bit of support helps them with some of their fees, some of their aims and what they want to do, and I really support it because it really helps our community become what Horsham Rural City is.”

Cr David Bowe said the grants supported a wide range of projects and operational needs of the groups, and demonstrated the council’s commitment to innovation and continuous improvement.

“These funds are essential for sustaining our recreational reserves, gardens and service groups, all which play a pivotal role in our community’s daily life,” he said.

“Approving this budget allocation

is not just an investment in individual projects. It is an investment in the collective wellbeing and the future of our community.”

Community development grants

Arapiles Historical Society: Stage two heritage trail QR coding, $8900; Arapiles South Ag Group: Updating Clear Lake school facilities, $2200; Central Park Tennis Club: White board for teams and tournaments, $425; Central Wimmera Clay Target Club: Access path between traps, $7000; Dooen Public Hall Committee of Management: Dooen Hall toilet upgrade, $1437; Gariwerd Artists: Easy easels, $600; Green Park Kindergarten: Outdoor water play feature, $1500; Haven Bush Playgroup: Equipment upgrade, $800; Haven Community Enterprise: Disc golf in the Horsham region, $6915; Horsham and District Lapidary Club: Workshop accessibility upgrades, $4124; Horsham East Landcare Ag Group: Promoting the unique birdlife of Wimmera Wetlands, $2973; Horsham Fire Brigade: Preservation and rejuvenation of service history and achievements, $4727; Horsham Flying Club: Coolroom replacement, $6500; Horsham Golf Bowls Club: Light tower restoration, $2000; Horsham Golf Club: Driving range lighting development stage two, $7000; Horsham Pony Club: Cross country jumps, $2800; Horsham Rockets: Tri State Games, $999; Horsham Squash Club: Security upgrade, $707; Horsham Swimming Club: Upgrade race starting blocks, $10,000;

HEAD START: Horsham Swimming Club will use its $10,000 grant to upgrade race starting blocks.

Laharum Hall: Purchase of refrigerator/freezer, $1000; Laharum Sports Incorporated: Replace tables in social room, $3000; Lions Club of the City of Horsham: a REST port, $1083; Natimuk and District Soldiers Memorial Hall Committee: Landscape activation project-lighting, $3000; Natimuk Climbing Club: Wall extension and new kilterboard hold set, $5000; Natimuk Farmer’s Market Plus: Road advertising signage, $1782; Natimuk Field and Game: Transport for elderly, golf cart, $7000; Natimuk Golf Club: Septic toilet repair and upgrade, $4500; Natimuk United Football Netball Club: Gym equipment, $2000; Quantong Recreation Reserve: Inclusive seating project, $3350; Riding for the Disabled Association Horsham: New access ramp, $5626; Riverside Recreation Reserve Committee of Management: RRR Arena Rake, $4000; Rotary District 9780: Defying the Drift Program, $2000; Sailors Home Hall: Defibrillator, $1500; Taylors Lake Hall: Dishwasher and external defibrillator, $3300; The Patch Community Garden, Salvation Army Horsham: Expanding raised garden beds, $4000; Wimmera Association for Genealogy: Promotion, $600; Wimmera Filipino Australian Club: Purchase drum kit, $1250; Wimmera HPV Racing: Race equipment replacement kit, $950; Wimmera Kart Racing Club: Toilet block upgrade and disabled toilet development, $7500; Wimmera Mobility Group: Support group activities, $500; Wimmera Southern Mallee Local Learning

and Employment Network: Let’s Read Horsham program, $3000. Community donations

Community maintained recreation reserve allocations – Brimpaen Recreation Reserve: $575; Clear Lake Recreation Reserve: $575; Dock Lake Recreation Reserve: $6780; Dooen Recreation Reserve: $575; Kalkee Recreation Reserve: $780; Laharum-Camerons Oval: $13,560; Natimuk Showgrounds: $13,560; Noradjuha Recreation Reserve: $3370; Pimpinio Recreation Reserve: $6780; Quantong Recreation Reserve: $13,560; Toolondo Recreation Reserve: $575; Wonwondah Recreation Reserve: $575; Riverside Recreation Reserve Equestrian outdoor surface $575; Horsham Basketball Stadium: Lease support. $15,500; Coughlin Park: HRCC allocation of staff resources, $13,560. Community facilities Public halls: Insurance levy, $20,000; Other community facilities: Insurance levy, $13,400; Council’s five kindergartens: Maintenance support, $4800. Welfare and community services

Christian Emergency Food Centre: $5490; Haven Bush Play Group: $1000; Horsham College Chaplaincy Committee: $6275; Horsham Tidy Towns: $6165; Wimmera River Improvement Committee: $9180; Wimmera River Improvement Committee-Police Paddock: $2695. Community organisations Dadswell Bridge Community Newsletter: $300; Federation University Horsham Campus: Nursing award, $300; Holy Trinity Lutheran College: Senior achievement award, $200; Horsham City Pipe Band: Support of community events, $1910; Horsham College: Alternate pathways achievement award, $200; Horsham College: Senior achievement award, $200; Horsham Rural City Band: Support of community events, $1910; Longerenong College: Citizenship award, $300; Natimuk and District Progress Association: Community newsletter, $1910; Natimuk Brass Band: Support of community events, $1910; North West Grampians Newsletter: Community newsletter, $1910; St Brigid’s College: Senior achievement award, $200; Wimmera Association for Geneology: Community support, $360; Wonwondah North Hall: Community newsletter, $300; Charitable organisations refund of rates: $8510; Christian Ministers Association: Carols by Candlelight, $4370.

Ararat upgrades secure gas future

AusNet is planning a four-year program

to replace all of the low-pressure gas network in Ararat.

It has completed seven kilometres of low-pressure mains in Rundell Street and surrounding streets in the municipality.

It is part of more than $30 million in upgrades to several gas network projects during the past year across Victoria to ensure customers are able to continue to use gas in the future.

AusNet network operations executive general manager Andrew Linnie said the upgrades allowed AusNet to continue to distribute gas in a reliable and safe manner.

“AusNet is focused on providing a safe and reliable gas network for our customers and preparing the network for peak periods during winter,” he said.

“One of the ways we do this is by maintaining older gas mains.”

Mr Linnie said the upgrades of existing lowpressure gas mains in western Victoria involved replacing existing cast iron, PVC and galvanised

low-pressure mains with high-pressure modern polyethylene pipes – poly pipes.

“We have prioritised upgrades to existing lowpressure mains in regions of our network with higher potential gas leakage rates, which is an important safety concern,” he said.

“We’re aiming to convert the whole of our low-pressure mains network to high pressure by 2028, which is 280 kilometres of mains in the next three-and-a-half years.”

Gas tips for winter

Get gas appliances serviced by qualified gasfitters.

Install draught seals on external windows and doors; this could save you up to $30 a year.

Set heater thermostats between 18 and 20 degrees; every degree higher can add 15 percent to your bills.

Keep AusNet’s emergency numbers handy: 13 67 07 for gas leaks or interruptions to supply; 1800 818 832 for life support customers.

For more information on being gas ready this winter, visit ausnetservices.com.au/gasready.

for hydrotherapy sessions.

Driving force to hydrotherapy

Edenhope resident Kath Atwell has brought about a seniors’ weekly hydrotherapy program – by putting pen to paper.

Ms Atwell, 91, wrote to Grampians Health Edenhope asking for swimming sessions in Horsham.

“I went backwards during COVID and needed to get back to being active. I knew there would be enough interest from others,” she said.

“It’s no good sitting back and waiting for someone else to do these things, so I wrote a letter.”

Ms Atwell’s letter resulted in ongoing funding for the program, delivered by staff at the Edenhope-based health and wellbeing hub.

Primary health co-ordinator Jo Grant said it all happened because Ms Atwell asked.

“We always encourage the community to engage with us and tell us what their needs are,” she said.

“If we know, we can try and make things happen.”

The first visit to Horsham Aquatic Centre attracted 10 senior citizens from Edenhope and Harrow.

Ms Atwell, who was about a decade older than most participants, said she hoped others would be motivated to join.

“It’s a series of gentle exercises that cover the entire body, from your toes to the top of your head,” Ms Atwell said.

“You just do as much as you can, but it’s exercise, we’re not just paddling around.

“I’m determined to stay as strong as I can.”

The program is open to people aged 65 and older.

“It’s motivating and if you can keep mobile, you’ll still be functional and keep up your social life,” Ms Atwell said.

Cardiac arrest education opportunity

Yarriambiack Shire Council is facilitating a program to educate community members about the emergency treatment of cardiac arrest.

In partnership with Ambulance Victoria, the council is inviting community groups and individuals to lodge an expression of interest to participate in the Call Push Shock Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation, CPR, and Automated External Defibrillator, AED, program.

Run by Ambulance Victoria staff and volunteer

Ambulance Community Officers, program sessions will familiarise participants in recognising a cardiac arrest and teach the life-saving actions to take.

People wanting more information about the Call Push Shock program can visit www. ambulance.vic.gov.au/call-push-shock, or to register a community group, fill out the Call Push Shock expression of interest form on the council’s website forms.office.com/r/vyRqH6D33W.

ROAD TO HAPPINESS: Edenhope’s Kath Atwell is determined to stay active, and she has motivated a busload of seniors to travel to Horsham

Enter your recipe before 28 June for your chance to be chosen for the competition final in August. Scan the code for more info and to enter the competition The winner will walk (or skip) away with a $500 gift voucher to Robertson’s Furniture in Horsham!

Australia is continuing to move ahead with its converted right-hand drive Tundra trial, the full-size Americansourced pick-up now entering its third month with select customers participating in the so-called Tundra Insider Program.

Speaking with Australian motoring media, Toyota Australia vice-president of sales, marketing and franchise operations Sean Hanley said quality issues found during the trial had been small in nature, and signs were positive the Tundra would launch in the local market soon.

“We’re in contact with 189 different customers on a regular basis and our quality issues have been low,” he said.

“We’ve had a couple of small things, some from the donor vehicle, and

some just pure warranty things that we’ve had to address, but nothing major.

“We’ve had a few little things come up from a result of the conversion, again nothing major.

“So, it’s proving to be a really good exercise for us, because we’re able to get these things fixed at Walkinshaw’s and re-evaluate what we’re doing.

“There have been no major failures, which is good. It has been incredibly encouraging for us, and looking more and more positive that we’ll get approval to launch this car in the near future.”

When pressed on launch timing for the Tundra, Mr Hanley said he hoped to have a firm decision made before the end of the calendar year.

“It will not be in the near future, but I hope by the end of this year to have

some news on that – we haven’t done all of this not to launch it, but we still have a way to go with the evaluation program,” he said.

“This is a legitimate trial, it’s not a PR stunt.

“We are correcting our findings as we go because we want this Tundra to be as close to original equipment specification for our customers as we can get it, based on a local conversion.”

Mr Hanley said the Tundra was being evaluated as an on-road and heavy-duty towing vehicle and not as a replacement to the 70 Series LandCruiser, which will continue as a vehicle for mixed on- and off-road, and mining and agricultural use.

“One of the things we don’t want to portray with Tundra is that it has 70 Series-like off-road capability,” he said.

“It’s not that kind of truck and we don’t want to portray it to be that.”

The news comes just days after the Tundra and related Lexus GX600 were recalled in North America over an issue relating to excessive wear of the 3.5-litre, VA35 series twinturbocharged petrol engine.

It is understood the sleeve of the front main bearing cap is affected by machining debris causing premature wear, and in some cases, engine failure.

As a result, Toyota is recalling about 102,000 examples of the Tundra and Lexus LX produced between 2022 and 2023.

Documents filed with the US National Highway Traffic Safety Administration reveal affected vehicles might experience engine knocking, rough running, inability to start, and-

or a loss of power. It is understood the petrol-electric hybrid version of the Tundra – the one taking part in the Australian trial – is not affected by the recall.

Toyota North America said it was working on a solution and would contact affected owners by July.

Mr Hanley reaffirmed hybrid-powered Australian trial models – and locally-delivered Lexus LX models – were not impacted by the North American recall.

“There are no issues, not that I am aware of. If there was, I would let you know, and should that change, we will definitely let the market know,” he said.

“If it turns out that is an issue for Tundra, we could probably sort that prior to selling it.”

– Matt Brogan

The team at Waste Busters has been locally owned and operated in the Horsham and the Wimmera region since 1981. Their aim is to significantly reduce landfill in the Wimmera.

In 2017 they introduced skip bins to their line of recycling solutions, giving people another option for waste disposal.

Mick Morris said the company continued to stay at the forefront of recycling technologies to lead the Wimmera in waste management solutions.

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

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

Waste Busters have solutions for commercial and private recycling.

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

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

LOCAL TRADE DIRECTORY

PUZZLeS

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.

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

© bmpuzzles Distributed by Knight Features

From The Weekly Advertiser archives: June 10, 2004 –VMC band members Nick Wilson, Pat Marburg and Liam Farrelly played their final gig after 10 years together. The band formed in 1994, when all three were students at St Patrick’s College, Ballarat. Headlining a gig at Jeparit’s Hindmarsh Hotel, the band played covers of acts such as Nick Cave, the Cure, and Metallica.

10 years ago: June 11, 2014

Horsham engineer David Eltringham, Bests Wines director Eric ‘Viv’ Thomson, multiple community group representative Merv Schneider of Nhill, and retired Uniting Church Minister, the reverend Margaret Russell of Halls Gap, all received Order of Australia Medals the Queen’s Birthday honours. Halls Gap fire management expert Jillian Read received an Australian Fire Service medal.

Five years ago: June 12, 2019

Murra Warra wind farm reached the halfway mark of stage one of construction, with the erection of the 31st of 61 turbines. Depending on the weather, two turbines were erected on average each week, with between 85 and 100 workers onsite each day.

One year ago: June 14, 2023

Volleyball Horsham’s women’s division one team won the Victorian Country Championship. The team steadily gained momentum, improving each season from 2017, when they did not win a game. The team, Molly Carter, Kara Johnson, Emily Hannan, Tamikah Dockrill, Eadie Garth-Lindsay, Cleo Baker, Laelah Robertson and Anita Liu, beat Warrnambool to take out the title. on thiS Day

1. What is the name of Batman’s butler?

2. What is the primary ingredient in hummus?

3. On Sunday, June 18, 1815, which famous battle took place?

4. Which musical legend is Jay-Z married to?

5. Dimboola Memorial Secondary College has just celebrated 100 years of education at its current location. How many memorial schools are there in Victoria?

6. What is the name of the protagonist in Jules Verne’s ‘Twenty Thousand Leagues Under the Sea’?

7. What is the name of the French luxury fashion house known for its monogrammed handbags and luggage?

8. On this day in 1954, Bill Haley and His Comets released which hit single?

9. What is the only Australian insect that attracts its own dedicated government agency?

10. What is the name for the scientific study of language?

Memorial Higher Elementary School. 6. Captain Nemo. 7. Louis Vuitton. 8. Rock Around the Clock. 9. The Australian plague locust. Its potential to destroy large tracts of -crop ping land led to the creation of the Australian Plague Locust Commission in 1974. 10. Linguistics.

4. Beyonce. 5. Two. The other is Mirboo North and District

Answers: 1. Alfred. 2. Chickpeas. 3. The Battle of Waterloo.

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

Danica Cutter: dcutter@aceradio.com.au; Heidi Higginson: heidih@aceradio.com.au; Lily Olver: lolver@aceradio.com.au Newsroom 5382 1351: Lauren Henry: lhenry@aceradio.com.au; Bronwyn Hastings: bhastings@aceradio.com.au; Georgia Bailey: georgiab@team.aceradio.com.au

yoUr

LUCky StarS with kerry kULkenS

FOR THE WEEK JUNE 15 TO JUNE 21 ARIES: (March 21-April 20)

Your increased interest in health and fitness should give you a lot more to do during these next twelve months. There should also be luck in games of chance and a surprise from your loved ones.

GEMINI: (May 21-June 21)

Lucky Colour: White Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 4.9.6.7. Lotto Numbers: 4.15.29.37.9.22.

You might need to decide about someone during this period, and career matters could keep you very busy. But there are some chances to have fun, so overall, it’s a perfect time.

CANCER: (June 22-July 22)

Colour: Orange

2.3.6.5.

Things should be working out well in your career matters, and some changes for the better could be expected. Relationships are not moving too well, but improvements are expected.

LEO: (July 23-August 22)

Lucky Colour: Blue Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 1.3.6.5. Lotto Numbers: 1.12.26.35.40.5.

Your hectic social life could continue, and you could be wondering when you can get some rest. Domestic situations could be a little tense as someone is feeling neglected.

VIRGO: (August 23-September 23)

Lucky Colour: Cream Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 4.6.2.3. Lotto Numbers: 4.12.26.36.39.8.

You might have to start all over again with some people or some jobs, so do not feel discouraged at the moment. Financial matters are better left to the experts.

LIBRA: (September 24-October 23)

Lucky Colour: Peach

Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 2.3.6.5. Lotto Numbers: 1.12.25.26.33.36.

It would be best if you were reaping some of the rewards of your hard work now – however, only the hard worker benefits from this trend. New ideas are very possible in relationship matters.

SCORPIO: (October 24-November 22)

Lucky Colour: Violet

Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 4.9.3.2. Lotto Numbers: 4.12.26.36.34.45.

There is a trend to be more aggressive than usual, but keep your mind on the task at hand and do not jeopardise the chances you get. Your social life could ruin your sleep.

SAGITTARIUS: (November 23-December 20)

Lucky Colour: Yellow

Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 5.6.2.3. Lotto Numbers: 5.12.32.23.36.38.

This should be the start of an exciting relationship-wise time. But do not neglect close ones, as your availability is critical to them. Some new contacts in business should be successful.

CAPRICORN: (December 21-January 19)

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 2.3.5.6. Lotto Numbers: 2.13.26.9.22.4.

Travel plans should work out well, and they should be thoroughly enjoyable if any changes happen. More depth and understanding in your relationships now.

AQUARIUS: (January 20-February 19)

Lucky Colour: Pink

Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 5.6.2.3. Lotto Numbers: 5.12.26.34.40.45.

A wish to escape it could get you into trouble with loved ones. Do not forget to inform people of your plans. The new idea forming in your mind could be a winner.

PISCES: (February 20-March 20)

Lucky Colour: Lilac

Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 2.1.3.2. Lotto Numbers: 2.13.26.5.44.41.

It would be a mistake to promise too much during this period. Also, try to keep spending straight and narrow. Something new is starting to formulate in your career matters.

Classifieds

PIETSCH, Craig Andrew 16/8/1964 - 5/6/2024

A very special son and brother-in-law to Joy, Don (dec), Wendy, Mark and Aya.

“Treasured Memories.”

PIETSCH, Craig Andrew

The Funeral of Craig Andrew Pietsch will leave the Holy Trinity Lutheran Church, Horsham on Monday, 17 June 2024 after a service commencing at 2pm for the Horsham Lawn Cemetery.

AISBETT, Shireen

Members past and present of the Horsham Homing Pigeon Club wish to express our greatest sympathy and support to John and family over the passing of Shireen.

Our thoughts are with you at this time

~ DICKINSON ~ Rev. Clem

Passed away peacefully on Tuesday, June 4, 2024 in Melbourne. Formerly from Yanac/Nhill.

Loved brother & brotherin-law of Shirley & Colin Merrett. Uncle of Jenny & David Morrison, Daryl & Maree (dec) Merrett, Carolyn & Brad Blackwood & families.

Treasured Memories forever in our hearts.

PIETSCH, Craig Andrew

Passed away on June 5, 2024 aged 59 years.

Dearly loved husband of Rosemarie.

Loved son of Paul & Lyn.

Step father to Steph; Tyler & Demi.

Adored Pa to Harlo, Kenna and Leni.

Brother and brother-in-law to Anthony (dec), Darren & Andrea, Janine (dec), Nick & Letitia.

Uncle to Tyler, Bryce, Lucy and Charli.

Forever In Our Hearts

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

SCHNEIDER, Roslyn Kaye

March 17, 1955 to June 3, 2024

The funeral service for Roslyn will be held graveside at the Bordertown Cemetery, Monday, June 17 at 11am (SA Time).

Emiley & Mathew Bone Nhill, Dimboola & Kaniva District Funerals 0419 008 464

Thank you

I would like to thank my family and friends for the telephone calls, cards and best wishes on the occasion of my 100th Birthday.

Melva Charles

1 Honey Boy and 1 Black Girl Spoodle available now to new Furever Families, both have been raised in a family environment on our farm, socialised with other dogs, cats, horses, live stock and chickens, They love cuddles, walks and time spent with you chilling in front of the fire, microchip 956000016666706/6579578

source# EE223376 $1500 girl $1800 boy Ph 0400035456

Roberts Ave, Horsham www.horshamflowerdelivery.com.au 5382 1834

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

5mth old Guinea fowls $25 each Ph 0435124012 Dimboola

6 yr old Thoroughbred Mare, welcome to take on trail, potential hack, show or whatever, easy to catch float etc ph 0447275737

Alaskan Malamute pups , Born 21/2/24 Vet checked, microchipped wormed Source number MB168224 Boy 98514007720630. Boy 985141007720631, Girl 985141007720628 $1000 Ph Nadine 0429836214

Aust White x Dorper cross ewe lambs, no shearing, crutching or fly problems, excellent 4 legged lawn mowers, will sell in lots of 10 or over Ph 0447275737 for further details

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

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

$2000 Ph 0431982052

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

Hungarian Viszla Pups, 1 girls 5 boys, born 13th April 2024, microchip# 985141007305942 \985141007305946\985141007 305940\985141007305939\985 141007305941\985141007305

943, source# MB216417 $1750 Ph 0413926539

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

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

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

Roosters, ducks and guinea fowl wanted to buy Ph 0469740723

The Weekly Advertiser welcomes your advertising. We are required strictly by law to include specific information on some items when publishing your adv your obligations are as follows:

ANIMALS*All “for sale” or “to give away” advertisements, for either cats or dogs must include one of the following:

• Individual microchip numbers

• Vet certificate to exclude individual

Ruby Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, 2 x males, d.o.b 13/2/24, source no MB246377, microchip# 985141007305080, 985141007305078, $2000 Ph 0421094720

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

Young Muscovy ducks , available now, $15 each Ph 042992620

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

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

2003 Avan, The Robina, poptop, new awning, new battery, new tyres, diesel heater, immaculate, tare 1150kg, $16,000 Ph 0418504985

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

queen bed, RC air con, hot water, full oven with grill, 3 gas burners, electric fridge runs off solar electric, built in radio plus tv, storage cupboards over bed, storage under seats, reg until October 2024, $16,000 Ph 0409967815, Horsham

Antiques

caravans

Death Notices

caravans

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

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

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

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

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

REDUCED 2018 Jayco Swan

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

REDUCED Isuzu Outback Express Motorhome for sale, 2 seater, sleeps 3, auto, deisel, fridge, tv, shower, toilet, stove and lots more, have to see to believe, can drive on normal car licence, 3.1m long, RWC, $42,000 with 12mth rego and RWC Ph Phillip 0428173606 or Susan and ask for Phillp 0458727370 Horsham

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

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

1984 Inter Acco 1830A, 18’ tray with bulk bin and double deck sheep crate, 02697P $16,000 plus Gst Ph 0400603022

3PL Super Spreader, done no work, fair condition, $350, Ph 0400894020

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

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

Brandt 46’ auger, 8” super charge, new battery, new motor 3rd wheel drive $14,000 plus Gst Ph 0400603022

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

Caterpillar , 955kms, 955 traxcavator DROTT, TOTS, strong double ripper, GP bucket, D30T motor $35,000 plus Gst Ph 0400603022

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

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

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

Small steel sheep ramp , suit tandem trailer, $75, Ph 0400894020

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

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

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

20 ft sea container, GC $4000 Ph 0408144139 Horsham

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

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

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

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

Honda EU70is generator , almost brand new, 14 hrs, $5800 Ph 0417500311

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

Massage Machine, duo MKII Professional complete with instructional DVD, $300ono Ph 0429820692

Pine Posts S/H, good order, $5 each Ph 0429954000

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

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

Baltic pine kitchen dresser, buyer to collect, locally crafted in 1990, 2.8H x 1.32W x .52D

$1890ono Ph 0429142897 & leave msg

Household items , Diamond Creek round pedestal table

$140, buffet three door 3 draw

$140, pine dressing table with mirror $50, combination steel and timber head and foot, $100, 2x single bed Antique head and foot set, $30 each set Ph 0428504569

Pool table, slate, 2.1/1m , plus accessories, $500ono Ph 0419892890

Vax Steamcleaner, as new $120 Ph 0429918241

3 seater leather couch Ph 0439110899

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

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

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

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

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

Recliner lift

$1500, Ph 0435787449, pick up Horsham

Brand Permobill dry

and cushion cover, $250 ono, Ph 0435787499

Seat Walker, GC, $175ono, Ph 0435787499

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

Electric

chair,

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

Roho

flotation pressure cushion

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

Paramount

2011 Mercedes E Class , 250 CGI, AMG pack, motor travelled,130,000kms excellent condition, RWC,registered Feb 2025, ZUC413, $17,900ono Ph 0481285906

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

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

2019 Subaru Impreza Hatch back, AWD, glass electric sunroof, safety, comfort, Pearl White, EC, 40,000kms, 1PA8PJ $27000 Ph 042782290

Holden WB Panel Van 1983, 6 cylinder petrol/gas, 3spd manual, VGC, extra parts included, FSE369 $25,000ono Ph 0407614706

46,000km, $25,900 Ph 0408881137

REDUCED ISUZU DMax 3.0 litre, TD, 2017, diesel, auto, 4x2, 170,128kms 1XH1TC

$28,000 Ph 0423967449

REDUCED Silver 2007 Toyota Landcruiser GXL V8 Diesel, EC with accessories, locally purchased and owned, 298,000kms, WEU939 $45,000 Ph 0428 820 445

2 bedroom house for rent in Horsham Ph 0432774645

2BR unit for rent - Kaniva, suit professional or retiree with good history, quality rental, excellent brick unit, single garage, 2BR with BIR, walk in shower, neutral decor, open plan living kitchen with dishwasher, lounge, split system, secure backyard, $1256 p/month, bond req Ph 0419546410

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

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

Massage

REQUEST FOR TENDER

Horsham Apex are a local community group who facilitate this Event, and we are looking for expressions of interest for Tender from other local community groups, sporting groups, etc...

To cook and serve breakfast (food supplied) and Site Cleanup at the 2024 Longrenong B&S Ball, Blue Ribbon Speedway Site at Kalkee on Sunday 18th August 2024.

For a tender brief, and questions about the tender: EMAIL - info@apexclub15.com

Phone - Tim Batchelor 04 0953 8238

Closing Date - 17th of June 2024 at 5pm

NOTICE OF APPLICATION FOR AN EXPLORATION LICENCE

Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990 – Section 15(5) Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) (Mineral Industries) Regulations 2019 – Regulation 22(1) and Schedule 1

1. Name and address of applicant(s)

Donald Mineral Sands Pty Ltd C/-PO Box 563, East Maitland NSW 2323

2. Contact details of applicant (for map and other information requests): Belinda Ingram, Authorised Agent (as employee of Australian Mining & Exploration Title Services) Mobile: 0428 158 374. Email: vic@amets. com.au

3. Applicant’s Website (see notes) Further information about this application is available at the following websites: www.amets.com.au/victoriatenements/ and www.earthresources.vic. gov.au/licenceapplications

4. Details of the application:  Application number: EL008516

Mental health contacts

Lifeline 13 11 14

1800Respect 1800 737 732

MensLine 1300 789 978

Suicide Callback Service

1300 659 467

Beyond Blue 1300 224 636

Kids Helpline 1800 55 1800

Headspace 1800 650 890

Mental Health Access Line 1800 011 511

Black Dog Institute www.blackdog institute.org.au

Suicide & Mental Illness www.mindframe. org.au

Locality of the land to which the application relates: 8km east of Murtoa, 2.5km west and 5km north of Rupanyup, including Lallat.

Approximate area of the application (Graticular Sections): 80

Date of the application: 30 May 2024

Term the licences are applied for: 5 years Outline of the proposed programs of work: Desktop studies, geological mapping, drilling.

5. Objections and Comments:

Any person may object or comment to a licence being granted. (Sections 24 and 24A, Mineral Resources (Sustainable Development) Act 1990).

A person who objects or comments must:

a. put the objection or comment in writing; and b. include the grounds on which it is made. All objections or comments must be lodged within 21 days after the latest date on which the application was advertised and can be lodged online or posted to:

The Minister for Energy and Resources   c/- Manager Licensing, Earth Resources Regulator, PO Box 500, East Melbourne Victoria 8002

It is recommended that objections or comments are lodged online at https://rram-vic-gov.my.site.com/Objection Submission to ensure timely consideration.

Enquiries can be made by writing to the Manager Licensing at the above address or by phoning the Earth Resources Information Centre on 136 186.

6. Other information:

a. Subject to other requirements being satis ed, an exploration licence, if granted, entitles the holder of the licence to explore and search for minerals in the relevant land, but does not entitle the holder to undertake mining.  b. Further information regarding the requirements that must be complied with prior to work being undertaken is available on the department’s ‘Community and land use page: https://resources.vic.gov.au/ community-and-land-use

Dimboola Natimuk

Lutheran Parish

Sunday, June 16

Edenhope 11am HC

Goroke 9am HC

Natimuk 10am LR

Vectis 10am LR

Dimboola 10am LR

Concongella Reserve Management Committee

Notice is given of a Public Meeting to be held at Concongella Hall on 10 July 2024 commencing at 7pm. The purpose of the meeting is to nominate no less than three (3) or more than nine (9) persons as the Committee of Management for the Concongella Reserve for a term of three years. The current committee’s term will expire on the 19th August 2024. All positions will be declared open and nominations will be accepted prior to or on the night. Nominations from women, Aboriginal people, people with disabilities, young people and people from culturally diverse backgrounds are encouraged.

Further information, nomination forms and nominee declaration forms may be obtained by contacting your local Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action office or at the meeting. For further enquiries please contact the Secretary, Ms Dana Woltjen on 0429 388 215 or concongellahall@gmail.com

HINDMARSH SHIRE COUNCIL FARMER CONSULTATION SESSIONS JUNE 2024

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

Sessions will be held in the following locations:

Rainbow

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

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

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

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

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

Morning Tea will be provided.

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

Monica Revell Chief Executive Officer

Community & Stakeholder Engagement Coordinator

BayWa r.e. is the home for change makers. We r.e.think energy – how it is produced, stored and can be best used to enable the global renewable energy transition that is essential to the future of our planet.

What You Will Do

As a Community Engagement Coordinator for renewable energy projects in Victoria, NSW, and Queensland, you’d organise events, support project teams, build relationships with stakeholders, create written materials, implement community benefit programs, craft clear communication materials, and represent the company at industry events.

What You Bring

• Bachelor’s degree in related field or equivalent relevant experience.

• Minimum 3 years of experience in community engagement and stakeholder relations.

• Proven experience in implementing and evaluating community engagement strategies.

• Excellent communication, interpersonal, and relationship-building skills.

• Strong understanding of renewable energy transition in Australia.

• Experience working in regional Australia (preferred).

• Valid Australian driver’s licence and willingness to travel regionally (essential).

What We Are Ready To Offer You Join us for flexible work, a supportive team culture, and the chance to shape a sustainable future in renewable energy. If you as an applicant require additional assistance or accommodation throughout the recruitment process, please reach out to us.

Contact - Ramya Dakshnamoorthy - People and Culture Coordinator - email - hr.aus@baywa-re.com

Please scan the QR code for full job description. We look forward to your application! If you have any questions about the job offer, please get in contact with us.

TEACHERS WANTED

We

If

Contact:

Contact:

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

Customer Service Officer

(Fixed Term 12 Months)

Position number VG/CSO - Multiple positions available

We are looking for a customer-focused, enthusiastic person to join our Customer Service team!

As Customer Service Officer, you will be part of our Customer Service team who are the initial point of contact for GWMWater. You will be responsible for answering incoming calls through both our general enquiries and faults lines, as well as greeting and assisting customers at our McLachlan Street office reception. When you are not answering customer calls you will be responsible for processing change of ownerships, information statements, customer payments and shutdown notifications, as well as other general administrative tasks.

If you have a friendly ‘can-do’ approach to customer service, an eye for detail and a willingness to learn and adapt to changing task priorities, this is the job for you.

While this position is advertised as a full-time ongoing role, we will consider part-time/job-share arrangements for a strong candidate.

To apply online please visit: gwmwater.org.au/careers

Applications close: Wednesday 26 June 2024

GWMWater contact:

Olwen Reynolds, People Talent and Culture Officer

GWMWater is an EEO employer and is committed to continuously improving our quality, safety and environmental systems.

To receive information in relation to this vacancy in an accessible format such as large print, please contact our People Talent and Culture team on 1300 659 961.

Subscribe to receive GWMWater job alert emails by visiting gwmwater.org.au/careers

Mark Williams Managing Director

11 McLachlan

Homelessness

$36.00 to $41.52 per hour

Contact: Gemma Bayliss

for more

about the position and to apply.

Located in Horsham, Victoria, Holy Trinity Lutheran College provides quality, independent Christian education that is studentcentred —

Twilight hockey returns

BY SIMON KING

After a weekend off while senior country championships were played in Melbourne, Wimmera Hockey Association competition resumes with round six at Dimboola on Friday evening and all day Saturday.

With the competition already a third of the way through a regular season that will see each opponent played three times, all teams now know where they stand among their peers and what they must do over the next 10 matches to stake a claim to play finals.

Open

In open division, two pivotal matches will be played, with third meeting fourth, and the top two playing off.

Two teams with patchy recent form will meet to try to strengthen their hold on a place in the top four, when Kaniva Cobras and Horsham Hurricanes do battle on Saturday.

These teams occupy third and fourth places on the ladder, and with fifth-placed Nhill Rangers, who have the bye this week, starting to look threatening, both could use the points from a win to relieve some pressure to stay among the leaders.

The winner of the clash between Yanac Tigers and Warrack Hoops will finish the round on top of the ladder.

The Tigers deserve to go in as favourites, having not lost a game since late in the 2019 season, but if any team is able to mount a serious challenge, it is the Hoops.

Regardless of the result, this will be a top game of hockey, as these two always put on an entertaining show.

Women

The opening women’s match of the round will be on Friday evening, featuring Dimboola Roos and Nhill Thunderbirds, where a comfortable win by the ’Birds could see them displace the Roos in the top four, while with a victory, the Roos will create a buffer of eight points between these two teams and could rise one place into third.

Yanac deserves to start its match with the winless Warracknabeal as favourites, and if they play to recent form, should come away with the win, but Warrack’s mix of young and inexperienced players has shown considerable improvement during the first third of the season and should still give a good account of themselves.

Kaniva and the Horsham Jets meet in one of the matches of the round, and a win by either team keeps them within reach of the top of the ladder. Having played out a scoreless draw the first time they met this season, they have proven that when

they can both field their best players, they are evenly matched, but when missing a key player or two, this dynamic can change dramatically.

Under-16

The first under-16 match will see Dimboola Kangaroos take on Nhill Leopards.

On their home turf, playing the Friday twilight time slot, the Kangaroos have the best opportunity to field their strongest team as they search for their first win, but the Leopards should still have their measure as they strive to stay in touch with the leaders.

Kaniva Raiders hold the top spot by percentage ahead of Yanac Warriors, so they must keep winning if they are to stay there, which could be a challenge as they face Horsham Bombers this week, who are coming off a big win in the last round.

After a slow start, the Bombers are finding form and are poised to push the leading teams.

This week will be a good opportunity for them to test if they are a serious threat to the leaders.

In the encounter between second and fifth, Yanac Warriors should continue their good form and remain undefeated when they tackle Warrack Revengers, who have only managed one win so far this season.

ATTENTION SPORTING CLUBS & COMMUNITY HALLS!

Club revives trilogy event

Horsham Motorcycle Club revived a unique race during round three of its club championship at the weekend – the trilogy.

The trilogy consists of three enduro races across the club’s motocross track, grass track and quarry, dodging obstacles including waterholes and logs.

Riders were split into age categories of over-16, top-age juniors between 12 and 16, and bottom-age juniors under 12.

Senior enduro races were an hour on each surface, top-age juniors rode for 40 minutes on each surface and bottomage juniors rode for 20 minutes on each surface.

Secretary Kenny Watts said the trilogy

was a unique race on the club’s calendar that riders looked forward to each year.

“We created this event ourselves because of the different areas we have at our venue. We want to take advantage of the grass track and the quarry down the back,” he said.

“It takes the motocross rider out of their comfort zone, it takes the grass track rider out of their comfort zone and it takes the quarry rider out of their comfort zone by having to do the other two tracks.

“We try to run this event every year, but we lost it a bit with COVID, so we’re getting it back up again.”

ENDURO RACES: Kade Geddes competes in Horsham Motorcycle Club’s trilogy event at Dooen.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Horsham invitation

BY TONY LOGAN

Competitors

for the 33rd edi-

tion of the Decron Horse Care Noel Smith Memorial Horsham Invitation Drivers

Championship have been confirmed.

Ten of Victoria’s leading drivers will gather at Horsham Racing Centre on Monday, continuing the tradition which commenced under lights at the showgrounds in 1990 and saw Gaita Pullicino crowned the winner.

“Ellen Tormey returns to defend the title she won last year with two wins, a second and a third in the four heats,” Horsham Harness Racing Club president Terry Lewis said.

“She does battle against Greg Sugars, Chris Alford, Nathan Jack, James Herbertson, David Moran, Chris Svanosio, Jack Laugher, Jason Lee and Glen Craven in a five round battle this year.

“The invitees really enjoy the competitive aspect of the day, with bragging rights up for grabs, but we also make a big effort for all industry participants who have a starter at the meeting.”

Three of the five ratings-exempt heats should be especially attractive for connections of lower-rated horses. These include a $6000 up to

NR45 pace selected from the bottom upwards, a $6000 pace for up to NR49 under the same conditions and the same again for a $6000 NR up-to-49 trot.

The two other ratings-exempt heats, for more highly-assessed pacers, are a $9000 NR 57-65 and $8000 NR 52-56.

Rounding out Horsham’s program are a $7000 three-year-old maiden, $7000 two-year-old, $6000 trotters’ handicap and a $7000 standby for two and three-year-olds.

“This is the sixth year of Decron as naming rights sponsor of the Noel Smith Memorial Horsham Invitation,” Lewis said.

“Merv Butterworth will present the perpetual shield to the winner, along with Decron Horse Care product and merchandise showbags to the winning trainers of each heat.

“Carbine Chemicals was on board for our very first Horsham Invitation in 1990. Their support has continued every year since, with Carbine Chemicals product for trainers of placegetters in every race on the card thanks to Jensen Baker.”

The 2024 field includes several young bloods along with veteran horseman Chris Alford, who first competed in the 1993 series. It was an inauspicious debut by the then 21-year-old reinsman with a fourth, fall and seventh in the three heats,

but he returned to take the crown in 1994 and again in 2011 and 2017.

Along with Tormey, other past winners in Monday afternoon’s line-up are Sugars, 2015, Lee, 2021 and Laugher, 2022.

However, Daryl Douglas and the late Gavin Lang won four Horsham titles each – Douglas in 1998, 2001, 2002 and 2004, and Lang in 1991, 1992, 1996 and 2014 and are still the ones they all have to catch.

Racing at Stawell

Stawell Harness Racing Club staged a successful nine event card on Thursday last week and local duo Toby Ainsworth and Ada Massa made the winner’s circle when their four-year-old gelding Robert John led throughout in the Halls Gap Maiden Trot.

It was ‘lucky start 13’ for the wellbacked son of Aldebaran Eagle USA, after posting only two fourth placings from his first dozen tries.

Armstrong trainer Leroy O’Brien’s small team is never far away and such was the case at Stawell when Rockin Gemma, with Jason Lee aboard, strolled to a 15metre victory in the E-Cycle Solutions three-year-old pace.

Owner Kirsty Peacock’s beautifully bred filly looks set to add plenty to her record four wins and two minors from 13 starts.

IN HIS STRIDE: Garry George-trained Tresspassing in its first grade five race.

George continues stellar run

Beulah’s Garry George continued his golden run of form with a treble of winners at Horsham last week, leading in Moonlight Grand, Alley Oop and Trespassing as victors, then following up at Ballarat with Patriot Bradley.

Team Fullerton also led Good Innings back to the winners’ stalls, while Andrea Gurry, after a string of minor placings at Horsham, went one step further on the road, winning with Napier Bale at Warrnambool.

Moonlight Grand started the ball rolling for George at Horsham when she jumped to the front and displayed a brilliant front running display, winning by more than five lengths in 23:28sec.

Alley Oop then exited the coveted red box in the 485 metre journey, gaining the upper hand by the first corner and turning for home with a break on the field.

But La La Rapid, belonging to Horsham’s Bill and Helen Hartigan, was not going down without a fight. Alley

Oop just held off the fast finishing La La Rapid to win by a head in 27:49sec. Trespassing brought up George’s final leg. Stepping up to grade five for the first time, Trespassing took it all in his stride, going away a two length victor in a very quick 23:25sec.

George then snuck to Ballarat with Patriot Bradley, who was able to rail up and take the lead turning for home, putting his rivals to the sword, winning by six lengths in a best of the day 25:55sec run.

Team Fullerton of Red Cliffs broke through at Horsham with Good Innings who was simply too strong for his rivals as he greeted the judge a two-length victor in a best of the day time of 27:37sec. Gurry struck with Napier Bale in Warrnambool.

Napier Bale jumped straight to the front and obliterated his rivals winning by five lengths in a flying 22:04sec run. – Peter Carter

HorsHam District league

Can the Roos be stop

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

As the Horsham District Football Netball League prepares for the second half of the 2024 season following a King’s Birthday weekend break, the most pertinent question in the minds of onlookers is a simple one – can Harrow-Balmoral be stopped?

The reigning premiers are yet to falter in their quest for back-to-back senior football premierships, sitting atop the ladder with a 7-0 record and a percentage of 190.

While the Roos remain the competition benchmark, they have yet to consistently display the dominance they showed last season when they finished 16-0 with a percentage of more than 450 en route to the premiership.

In 2023 the Roos recorded a staggering 11 wins by 100 points or more, and won by fewer than 80 points only three times including finals.

By contrast, only one of their seven wins this season has come by triple digits, with four teams coming within 25 points of the reigning premiers – including three of their past four opponents.

Harrow-Balmoral deservedly retains premiership favouritism, with a host of talented veterans including Nick Pekin, Will Plush and coach Jai Thompson, while Cody Deutscher has slotted seamlessly back into the

side after two years at Coleraine and former AFL-listed forward Michael Close is working his way back into the team after a month on the sidelines.

But the gap between the Roos and the rest of the competition has seemingly narrowed.

The contenders

Six teams are within eight premiership points of the Roos – Swifts, Rupanyup, Laharum, Noradjuha-Quantong and Pimpinio.

The Baggies have a league-best percentage of 224, as well as the league’s top goal-kicker in Paul Summers.

With 48 majors through seven matches, Summers tops the leaderboard by 18 from Taylors Lake coach Justin Beugelaar and doubles the tally of third-placed Judah Hobbs from Noradjuha-Quantong.

Ryan Folkes is shining with the Swifts after returning from a one-year stint at Great Western and Kobe Lowe is finding form in place of coach Brett Hargreaves, who has been out of the side since round four.

The third-placed Panthers have seemingly hit their stride after a surprise round-two loss to Pimpinio, winning five of their next six matches, with the only loss a 20-point defeat at the hands of the Roos.

Reigning Dellar medallist Mitch Gleeson remains among the league’s elite players, with Jacob Christie, Bill

Hansen and coach Brayden Ison giving the team plenty of high-end talent. Laharum is one of the feel-good stories of the season, rising from a winless 2023 campaign to fourth place with a 5-3 record.

Veteran leaders including Daniel Easson, Brett Ervin and co-coaches Shannon Argall and Robbie Miller have been integral to the Demons’ success.

Noradjuha-Quantong is neck-andneck with Laharum, with an identical record and a gap of less than one percentage point.

The Bombers, after making a preliminary final last season, are yet to consistently find their best form, but remain within striking distance of the top through the efforts of a potent onball division that includes the likes of ruckman Jack Vague and midfielders Jayden Besford and James Hallett. Sixth-placed Pimpinio is a surprise riser, nearly matching last season’s win total of six already.

Under new coach Guy Smith, the Tigers have leaned on brothers Adam and Jason Westley, Dimboola import Matt Rosier, Dylan Bates and forward Nick Groves.

Developing teams

While the gap between the league’s top side and its other teams has seemingly narrowed, so too has the gap at the bottom.

ped?

While Laharum went winless in 2023, each team has recorded at least one victory so far this season.

Natimuk United is unlucky to be ninth with a 1-6 record, having been on the wrong end of two losses by less than a kick.

Taylors Lake, which inflicted one of those losses, won its first two games of the season before a tough slate of games, while Kalkee is fulfilling coaches Steve Schultz and Andy Devereaux’s vision of youth development with two wins and a competitive loss to Noradjuha-Quantong in its past three games.

Edenhope-Apsley has fallen out of the finals mix from last season after a summer of high roster turnover, but showed it can remain competitive with a close win against Natimuk United and competitive losses to Taylors Lake and Laharum.

LEADER: Talented veteran Nick Pekin will be hoping for back-to-back premierships.

Kaniva-Leeor United earned its first win with a one-off appearance from former AFL star Harley Bennell, but it was the performance of senior leaders such as Billy King, Jock Maddern and Hamish Bennett that most pleased coach Jono Hicks.

The back half of the season will kick off with an intriguing series of matches, including a clash between Swifts and Laharum at Stawell’s North Park. Natimuk United will be hard pressed to earn its second win when it hosts Rupanyup, while Pimpinio will attempt to entrench itself in the finals race in a road game against EdenhopeApsley.

Harrow-Balmoral will host Kalkee and Noradjuha-Quantong will host Kaniva-Leeor United, while Taylors Lake will have a second consecutive week of rest with a bye.

Laharum a clear frontrunner at halfway point

At the midpoint of the Horsham District Football Netball League season, the A Grade netball competition seems to have everything required for a compelling run towards the finals.

A clear frontrunner? Tick. Laharum is undefeated with a league-best percentage of nearly 170.

Several credible contenders? Tick. Second-placed Rupanyup’s only loss came by a single goal, while Noradjuha-Quantong and Kalkee have just two losses apiece.

A deep pool of finals aspirants? Tick. Swifts, reigning premier EdenhopeApsley and Kaniva-Leeor United are all vying for post-season berths.

The only teams that appear out of finals contention are Harrow-Balmoral, Taylors Lake, Natimuk United and

Pimpinio, which sit eighth to 11th respectively, but even then there is no clear-cut wooden spoon contender, as there was last year when the Roos went winless.

Every team has recorded at least one win in 2024, and only seven percentage points separate the bottom four sides.

Laharum is a deserving premiership favourite and has not put a foot wrong after last season’s grand final defeat.

The Demons are the league’s highest-scoring team, and are equal with Noradjuha-Quantong for its stingiest defence.

Caitlin Jones-Story tops the league scoring table, with goal attack Maddie Iredell in sixth place, while Ema Iredell, Rebecca McIntyre and Keely

Elliott control the defensive end of the court and captain Liv Jones-Story roams the midcourt.

While the Demons have been the league’s pacesetters in 2024, narrow three-goal and two-goal wins against Noradjuha-Quantong and EdenhopeApsley, respectively, show they are not unbeatable.

The Bombers are also laden with veteran talent, with goal shooter Shannon Couch in third place on the scoring table, while Yolanda Molineaux and Brooke Pay form a formidable defensive tandem and young centre Holly Nuske has shone after crossing from the Wimmera league’s Horsham Demons.

Rupanyup has coalesced well under new coach Jedda Heard, who has

teamed with Victoria Taylor to form a strong defensive end, while goalies Zanaiya Bergen and Maddi Morgan give midcourters Meg Cashin and Ally Hiscock a pair of potent targets in attack.

Kalkee rounds out the top group of contenders and is the only team to have beaten Rupanyup this season.

Defence has been the Kees’ calling card, with the team allowing only one more goal per contest than Laharum and Noradjuha-Quantong, thanks to the efforts of Clair McDonald and Penny Fisher.

Other prominent players this season include Swifts midcourt pair Lisa Monaghan and Isabella Robson, Edenhope-Apsley goal attack Lavinia Fox, Kaniva-Leeor United micourter

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Zoe Hawker, Harrow-Balmoral defender Megan Little and centre Febey McClure, Taylors Lake co-captains Tayla Eltze and Kayla Kelm, Natimuk United’s Emily Hateley and Pimpinio defenders Holly Ross and Steph Runciman.

The season will resume on Saturday with Laharum away to Swifts, Edenhope-Aplsey hosting Pimpinio, Noradjuha-Quantong at home to Kaniva-Leeor United, Harrow-Balmoral welcoming Kalkee and Rupyanyup travelling to Natimuk, while Taylors Lake has a bye.

– Colin MacGillivray

Top three charge away from pack

BY LAUREN HENRY

With seven rounds of the Wimmera Football Netball League season played, the top three senior teams have set themselves apart.

Ararat and Stawell each have six wins, and just one loss, with the Rats sitting atop with superior percentage.

Southern Mallee Thunder has only lost one game too – a 15-point loss to Ararat – and is in third spot, with 20 points to its name.

Due to the Stawell versus Ararat round nine game being played on Good Friday, the league’s newest team hasn’t played as many matches as the top two teams.

The reigning premiers’ ability to consistently kick a high score, averaging 113 points a game, is a worry for any opposition.

Led by co-coach and former Carlton player Tom Williamson, who is atop of the league goal-kicking leaderboard with 25 goals, Ararat is blessed with home-grown talent.

Other than Tatyoon products Sam Cronin and Ryan Bates, the Rats regularly field a team of one-point players – meaning they all played juniors at Ararat.

Since their Good Friday defeat to Stawell, the Rats have won six games and are going to be hard to beat again this season, especially with reigning Toohey Medallist Jake Robinson again in fine form.

But hot on their heels is Stawell,

ON

who this year celebrates its 150 years, and what a way to celebrate if the Warriors were to add another piece of silverware to their premiership cup cabinet.

The Warriors made a statement in the Wimmera league opener when they beat the reigning champs, and then went about notching up victories against Horsham Saints, Minyip-Murtoa, Dimboola and Nhill.

But they came crashing back down to earth in round six when a lacklustre second half proved costly against Horsham Demons at city oval.

The Warriors have added some star power to their line-up with former

Port Adelaide player Marlon Motlop, and will face its biggest test so far this season on Saturday when it travels to Beulah to play Southern Mallee Thunder.

The Thunder know how to win, and win big. Their average score for this season is 116 points, but it’s their defence who have shone.

In the Thunder’s five wins, their opponents have not scored more than 52 points.

After finishing runner-up as the Southern Mallee Giants, an off-season merger with Horsham District league club Jeparit-Rainbow has strengthened numbers in the football depart-

ment. And while they are quite a different look team to last year’s Giants, coach Kieran Delahunty’s side would still have a fire in the belly to go one step better in 2024.

With 11 rounds remaining, there is still quite a bit to play out with who is going to round out the top five.

In fourth place, Horsham Demons have lacked consistency this season.

Losing three out of their first four games, the Demons have struggled to kick straight in front of goal.

“We’re not in a position to really look too far ahead because we just haven’t been consistent enough,” Demons coach Jordyn Burke said.

“With the type of comp it is, it’s probably easier to only focus on one week ahead, because we haven’t played everyone yet to make sure that we tick every box.”

This Saturday, the Demons face the winless Warrack Eagles – but it will be a road trip they aren’t taking lightly.

“They’re getting better. You can see that – they have a really young side, and you can see that with their results,” Burke said.

“They’re well-coached, have some good young talent and they’re continually getting better and better.

“Warrack at Warrack has never been an easy proposition.”

Minyip-Murtoa, who has an extra week off with a bye this weekend, sits in fifth spot, but has lost more than they have won so far this season.

The Burras have always been threatening but have struggled with injuries in season 2024.

A highlight of their season has been the break-out of young gun Oscar Gawith, who has been the talk of the Wimmera league.

Imposing in whichever position he has played, Gawith has booted 18 goals and leads the Burras’ goal-kicking.

Nhill, Horsham Saints and Dimboola all sit on eight points, and will be hoping for their performances to improve in the second half of the season.

Dimboola, whose coach Jack Landt was bullish about making the top three in season 2024, is yet to live up to its own expectation despite an influx of new recruits.

The Roos will need to turn things around, starting this week against Horsham Saints, if they are any chance of achieving their goals.

In exactly the same boat, the Saints will be hoping its three-point win against Minyip-Murtoa in round seven will be enough to swing their season, and get their young side in a position to push into the top five.

The final game in round eight involves Nhill, who has the long trek to Ararat on Saturday, in hope of causing an upset to notch up its third win of the season.

• The Wimmera Football Netball League has launched a new website: https://wimmeraleague.com.au.

Saints netballers on track to add another flag

Reigning Wimmera league A Grade netball premiers Horsham Saints are on track to add another flag, so far undefeated in season 2024.

The closest match the Saints have had this season was in round two against Horsham Demons – the same side it faced in last year’s grand final.

The Saints have scoring power, resulting in a percentage of nearly 30 ahead of the Demons, in second place.

Many of the Saints’ goals have come through sharp shooter Jorja Clode, who leads the goals tally on 279 in A Grade.

The young gun, still eligible for under-17s, where she has scored 138 goals this season, also plays for the

Bendigo Strikers 23 and under team in the Victorian Netball League.

The Saints are also giving two other under-17s players exposure to senior netball, with Maddi Bethune and Cara Tippet impressing in several matches.

While Horsham Demons are still favourites to meet the Saints in this year’s grand final with just one loss, to the Saints, after seven rounds, Dimboola has impressed.

This season has seen the introduction of the rolling substitute rule, with some teams using the new rule – which allows players to exit and enter the court at any time rather than having to wait for a time-out to be

called – more than others, including the Roos.

Sitting third on the ladder, the Roos have just one loss to their name too –to Horsham by 18 goals – but are yet to play Saints.

That clash is set for round eight this weekend, when the Saints host the Roos.

Nhill is tipped to add another four points this Saturday when it plays the winless Ararat, solidifying fourth spot on the ladder.

How the final five will pan out is anyone’s guess at this point in the season – Minyip-Murtoa and Stawell each have three wins, while Southern Mallee Thunder is not far behind

on eight points. The Thunder host Stawell in round eight – which could be the match of the round.

Coming off a hot start to the season, the Thunder came so close against Dimboola in round six and then lost to Nhill by eight in round seven, so it will be itching to return to the winner’s list.

Warrack Eagles have the tough task of facing the Demons this weekend.

While they may have a win-loss record of one-six this season, three of their losses have been by 10 or less goals.

Minyip-Murtoa has a bye this weekend.

TALLY RISING: Ararat co-coach and former Carlton player Tom Williamson is atop of the Wimmera league goal-kicking leaderboard with 25 goals.

TARGET: Jorja Clode leads the A Grade goals tally on 279.

Championship success

BY DAVID BERRY

Volleyball Horsham has returned from the 2024 country championships with two division-one medals.

A women’s team received a silver medal, while a men’s division-one team returned to the dais for the first time since 2019, winning a much-deserved bronze.

The women’s division-one team qualified for the gold medal match finishing in second place on the ladder. All four teams in the division won three and lost three matches, in one of the tightest competitions ever seen at a country championship.

The girls were able to defeat Latrobe Valley twice and Bendigo once, but in the final could not find the same winning formula, going down to Latrobe Valley in three tight sets – 21-25, 22-25, 23-25.

Captain Kara Johnson was full of praise for her team despite not repeating their gold-medal winning effort from last year.

“The competition was amazing and our girls really stood tall under intense pressure as every game had something on it, you had to be on your game from the first whistle,” she said.

“Our two juniors, Sophie Quick and Paige Hemley, playing in their first division-one championships, played their roles to perfection and showed the rest of the competition they have a future at the level.

“The rest of the team played great volleyball, but in the final when we made an error, it turned into four errors and we lost momentum, forcing ourselves to play catch up in each set, which proved too

great a bridge to cross.” To top off a great weekend, both Johnson and Laelah Robertson were named in the All Star Seven team of the tournament.

In the men’s division-one bronze medal match, the Volleyball Horsham team came from 12-14 down in the deciding set to win 16-14 amid wild scenes of joy from a team that gave their all every time they pulled on the navy-and-red uniform.

“This competition is brutal with the standard of play by all teams equal to anything you would see at the premier level of state league,” captain Matthew Berry said.

“I couldn’t be prouder of my team as we fought hard all tournament, especially taking both Sunraysia and Latrobe Valley

to five sets in the round-robin phase of the tournament.

“We dug deep in the final as we were so determined to go home with a medal and while it was only bronze, it was a bronze medal that was well deserved by a team that played for each other.”

Three other Volleyball Horsham teams participated in the tournament with a men’s division-three team enjoying a win against Sunraysia to finish in ninth position, while both division-two teams improved on last year’s results, in a promising sign for the future from two young teams.

Volleyball Horsham would like to thank team managers and coaches who gave up their time to look after the teams in what was a big weekend for all involved.

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Dimboola

Closing date: ASAP

Duties:

• General earthworks

• Pick up materials/load from quarry and delivery to surrounding sites/farms

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• HC Truck Licence

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Munyard focused

Levi Munyard is hoping to add his name to a proud lineage of Wimmera basketballers to represent Australia.

The Horsham product was last week announced as one of only 16 Victorians picked to attend the 2024 National Performance Program – a multi-day camp at Basketball Australia’s Centre of Excellence in Canberra’s Australian Institute of Sport, AIS.

Munyard, 15, has excelled in the past year, winning selection to the Ballarat Miners’ top under-18 squad and making two appearances in the Miners’ under-23 development squad in the Big V competition.

Earlier this year he was named an emergency as a bottom-age player for the Victoria Country under-18 squad at the Australian National Championships in Queensland.

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Coaches from NBA Global Academy, the Centre of Excellence and other elite programs will be in attendance.

“It’ll be pretty tough, but it’ll be great experience,” Munyard said.

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“I’m focusing a lot on basketball and hoping to make the NBL1 for Ballarat as a development player next year,” he said.

“Then when I’m 18 or 19, I’ll hopefully be an NBL development player. If I get college offers I’ll see, but I’m hoping to make the NBL, just because I’d prefer to play that.”

Levi’s father Grant said it was ‘pretty cool’ to see his son succeed after hours of driving from Horsham to Ballarat and Melbourne for his basketball.

“It’s a good opportunity and he’s worked really hard,” Mr Munyard said.

More juniors selected Horsham juniors Chavi Sulic, Ruby Bethune and Rani Potter were last week announced as part of Victoria Country teams to take part in Basketball Victoria’s under-14 Country-Metro Challenge.

The trio was picked by Basketball Victoria’s high performance staff after taking part in tryouts earlier this year.

The challenge will be in Bendigo on June 30 and July 1. – Colin MacGillivray

Among Wimmera basketballers to play for their country are Mitch Creek, Chloe Bibby and Aaron Bruce, and Munyard said he aspired to follow in their footsteps.

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HARD FOUGHT: Volleyball Horsham’s medal-winning team members following the weekend’s country championships.

Three state titles on race calendar

KBY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

alkee’s Blue Ribbon Raceway is gearing up for a ‘massive’ 2024-25 season after last week announcing it would host three state title races in February and March.

The club will host title events in the Victorian Wingless Sprints series, the Victorian Speedway Council Unlimited Sedans series, and Speedway Sedans Victoria’s Production Sedans series.

The wingless sprints and unlimited sedan races will be on February 1, with the production sedan titles on March 15.

Blue Ribbon Raceway’s Dylan Simpson said it was the first time he could recall the club hosting three such prestigious events in the same season.

“We haven’t had three state-level events this close together before. We have had our fair share of big titles, but I don’t think I’ve ever seen three in the same season,” he said.

“A substantial amount of work has gone into securing these races. You have to put in an application and they look at everything including your facilities, your track and how smoothly any title events you hosted previously went.

“We were competing against some of the top-level tracks in Victoria to host them, so it’s definitely a win that our little club has managed to get one, let alone three of them.”

Mr Simpson said the races were set to attract drivers from across Victoria, as well as interstate.

“The February 1 night will be massive. It will

be the biggest race of the season hands down for us,” he said.

“The wingless title should see a field of about 60-plus cars, and the unlimited we would like to think will get 12 or 15. The production sedan race will be massive, too.”

Several Wimmera drivers are set to take part in the races, with locals Danny Smith and Jaryd Carman eligible to compete in the unlimited sedan category; Robert Whiteside, Tyler Bish, Jeremy Beddison and Steven Hateley in the wingless category; and Dean Hughes, Shaun Queale, Ryan Queale, Belinda Taylor and Alex Miller potential entrants in the production sedan titles.

Mr Simpson said the club was determined to upgrade its facilities ahead of the races, with plans to upgrade pit toilets and repaint walls.

He encouraged potential sponsors to reach out to the club in order to help with the costs of running events that he said would benefit the entire region.

“There will be a lot of interstate drivers, so local motels, fuel stations, et cetera are all going to be well used,” he said.

“A lot of teams will travel the night before or even a couple of days prior just to be here, so it will definitely give the local economy a boost.”

Businesses interested in sponsoring the events can contact Blue Ribbon Raceway by emailing sec@blueribbonraceway.com.au.

VICTORIOUS: Kaniva’s team who won the Wimmera District Pennant Competition, back, from left, Geoff Vivian, Mark Williams, captain Braden Clark, Danny Ansell, Andrew Hood and Chris Meyer, and front, Zac Vivian and Josh McCabe.

Kaniva breaks 30-year drought

Kaniva Golf Club’s men’s pennant team won the 2024 Wimmera District competition on June 2, breaking a 30-year drought.

Eleven teams entered this year’s competition, which was played over five weeks.

Teams from Stawell, Horsham, Warracknabeal, Hopetoun, Jeparit, Edenhope, Natimuk, Nhill and Kaniva were represented.

Kaniva has not won a men’s pennant final since 1994 when a team won the division two competition.

This year, eight golfers from Kaniva played five qualifying rounds, with five playing in both the semi-final and the final.

Played at Edenhope Golf Club, the semi-final in the morning, saw Horsham 1 beating Horsham 2 3-2, while Kaniva defeated neighbours Nhill. Andrew Hood defeated Trevor Polkinghorne 5-4, Danny Ansell defeated Kim Croot 4-3, Geoff Vivian defeated Todd Alexander 4-3, and Mark Williams defeated Brian Dufty 2-1. Chris Meyer and Shane Grover did not com-

pete as Kaniva had already won, but Shane was three up with three to play.

After lunch, the final between Horsham 1 and Kaniva took place with Kaniva’s Andrew Hood playing off eight against Horsham’s Nick Thompson, off one.

Hood chipped in on the 16th, his final shot of the day, to win three-up with two to play.

The second match was Kaniva’s Chris Meyer 15, playing Brett Cookson, also off one.

Meyer made short work of it, winning on the 14th, five up with four to play.

Kaniva’s Danny Ansell, 15, had a great tussle with Ian Nischke, four, from Horsham – Ansell went to the 20th hole to win the game.

Geoff Vivian, 17, from Kaniva was matched against Craig Klemm, 14, with Vivian winning on the 16th being three-up with two to play.

The final match saw Kaniva’s Mark Williams, 18, going down to Brian Thomson 3-2, taking the final score to 4-1 with Kaniva victorious.

Vol. 26 No. 48

June 12, 2024

Hoops dream

will attend an elite National Performance Program Graduation Camp in Canberra in September.

the Victorian Junior Basketball League and A Grade in Horsham ‘for the fun of it’. The year-10

16 basketballers from across Victoria invited to the camp. Story, page 50.

for the

College

Horsham basketballer Levi Munyard

Munyard, 15, plays

Ballarat Miners youth team in

Horsham

student is one of

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER