The Weekly Advertiser – Wednesday, November 13, 2024

Rallying for Natimuk

BY LAUREN HENRY

Natimuk residents have vowed to continue fighting Parks Victoria’s plan to ban a majority of rock climbing at Mount Arapiles. The small community turned out in force on Wednesday evening to oppose the changes to the Dyurrite Cultural Landscape draft management plan.

News of an updated plan was released by the State Government late last Monday, prior to the Melbourne Cup public holiday, when a media release announced a ‘$1.7-million investment’ for planned upgrades to facilities, tracks and signs at Mount Arapiles-Tooan State Park, also called Dyurrite Cultural Landscape.

The management plan seeks to protect areas of cultural significance to the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagulk Indigenous groups, represented by Barengi Gadjin Land Council.

The area is home to one of Australia’s largest stone quarry complexes with rock art and scar trees dating back 3000 years. Natimuk resident

and long-time climber Pat Ford said he returned to live in the town because he loved the community and what climbing at Arapiles brought to the town.

Mr Ford called for a more transparent process in consulting Natimuk residents and the climbing community.

“I guess for me, it’s just sad there’s been a lack of consultation, with the climbers and with the local townspeople, as to what it’s actually going to mean to Natimuk,” he said.

“We need to protect the cultural heritage, there’s no doubt about that.

“But taking a broad brush approach to it, when we could be a little bit more granular and work together, so we can protect it and make sure that our town stays viable.”

Mr Ford said he had accepted the initial closures in 2020, when the Minister for Aboriginal Affairs placed an interim protection declaration on rock art sites, and he respected the decisions to protect cultural heritage sites.

“For me, I was saying to people ‘look they’ve done what they need to do, so we need to let the process play

out. So having this now – all these extra areas banned – everyone’s a little shocked,” he said.

Mr Ford said the closure of rock climbs not only affected the climbers but the township, and wider region. It is estimated about 25 to 30 per cent of Natimuk’s population are rock climbers.

Mr Ford said out of the local rock climbers there were 14 people with PhD doctorates – four of which were medical.

“These people actually work in Horsham, including a neurologist, an obstetrician and MDs. Those people are probably going to move on now,” he said.

“That’s a huge impact, not just for Natimuk, but also for the whole Wimmera region, losing all those medics.”

Mr Ford said the effect would also be felt on Natimuk businesses.

He said the town’s only hotel, The Nati Pub, employed about 20 people.

“Fifty per cent or more of The Nati Pub owner Bill Lovel’s business comes from people climbing and visiting at the mount, so that’s going

to hugely impact his business, which means he’s going to employ less people,” he said.

“It affects the footy team. We have climbers who are directly involved with the footy team, so it’s very broad, the effects that it’s going to have over the whole community.”

Residents are also concerned about the effect the climbing bans would have on the town’s population, particularly enrolment numbers at Natimuk Primary School.

“The young climbers with children that are now going to our local primary school – there’s only 20 at the primary school – that’s going to impact on our viability to have our own school,” Mr Ford said.

Natimuk resident Lachlan Hick was emotional at the rally.

“I’ve worked here for 25 years, and trying to build a life, and to have it smashed overnight is just totally heartbreaking,” he said.

“That nobody ever asked us in town how we would be affected, how our health and how our town would be affected by this decision. It’s going

to destroy people’s lives and a community.”

In a statement, Horsham Rural City Council acknowledged it did not have a decision-making role regarding the management plan, but would consider lodging a submission to Parks Victoria.

The decision on whether to lodge a submission, and the nature of any submission, will be guided by the newly elected council.

Member for Lowan Emma Kealy attended the rally in Natimuk last week, and has condemned the State Government for failing to consult the community or climbers, describing its four-year process to investigate cultural heritage at Arapiles as ‘secretive’. Ms Kealy said up to half of all climbing routes would be closed, devastating the local community.

“Mt Arapiles is a world-renowned, iconic climbing destination that attracts tens of thousands of climbers to the region every year and underpins tourism and the economy in Natimuk and the wider area,” she said.

Continued page 10

HRCC NEWS

National Gallery’s Wimmera masterpieces to visit Horsham

A group of 21 artworks ranging from paintings to furniture will be on loan to Horsham Regional Art Gallery (HRAG) from the National Gallery of Australia for two years.

The collection will serve as a reflection of local landscapes of the Wimmera, interpreted across various mediums and periods of Australian art since the 1800s.

The loan includes paintings, works on paper, photographs and furniture by some of Australia’s most revered artists including Arthur Boyd, Sidney Nolan, John Olsen, Arthur Streeton and more.

The artworks will arrive at HRAG from 8 March 2025.

Gallery Director Lauren Larkins said HRAG was excited to share these significant works with our community, highlighting the expansive and detailed landscapes of the Wimmera region through the eyes of significant artists.

“The exhibition View From Here: Highlights from the National Gallery Collection will serve to showcase the national significance of works made in our region and celebrate the rich source of inspiration for artists that is the Wimmera landscape,” Ms Larkins said.

“Thank you to the National Gallery of Australia for allowing our regional gallery to be a part of this important initiative,” she said.

The National Collection holds over 155,000 artworks of great beauty and cultural value, but at any one time 98 per cent of it is in storage.

Sharing the National Collection is part of Revive, Australia’s new national cultural policy, which sees the Federal Government fund the costs of transporting, installing and insuring works in the national art collection so that they can be seen across the country for extended periods.

Image credit: Nicholas Chevalier, Mount Arapiles and the Mitre Rock, 1863, National Gallery of Australia, Kamberri/Canberra, gift of Dr Joseph Brown AO OBE 1979. This work of art is on long term loan from the National Gallery of Australia with support from the Australian Government as part of Sharing the National Collection.

Keep all plastic out of your food and garden organics bin.

Plastic items (like packaging, fruit stickers and plant pots) won’t break down with your food and garden scraps. They are difficult to remove and can contaminate the compost made from your scraps.

Bin liners are not allowed in the green FOGO bin - even if they are labelled compostable or biodegradable.

Kitchen waste can be placed in the bin loose or wrapped in newspaper.

HAVE YOUR SAY

HORSHAM SOUTH STRUCTURE PLAN

Council has released the Draft Horsham South Structure Plan, outlining a comprehensive vision for the coordinated development of the area.

The plan is the culmination of community feedback and technical analysis, aiming to guide future development effectively.

This round of community consultation offers residents a crucial opportunity to provide feedback on the proposed changes.

Council is seeking feedback on the Draft HSSP over a seven-week consultation period, ending on Friday, 13 December 2024.

Various engagement opportunities are available, including:

Webinar: A webinar was held on 31 October. The recording is available on the website.

In-person meetings: Book a session Tuesdays or Thursdays during the consultation period.

Community drop-in sessions: Attend sessions at Haven Hall on:

• Wednesday, 20 November 4.30pm to 6.30pm

• Friday, 22 November 12noon to 2pm.

During the consultation period, written feedback can be submitted directly through the online form on the Council’s website or via email at strategic.planning@hrcc.vic.gov.au.

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

Next Council Meeting: November 21, 2024 - 5.30pm Horsham Rural City Council: 18 Roberts Avenue

TENDERS AND RFQ

Q09-2025

HRCC ACTIVE RECREATION AND SPORT STRATEGY Closes Monday 2 December 25-012

NORAJUHA TOOAN EAST ROAD WIDENING Closes Monday 25 November

Q07/2025

RIVERSIDE BRIDGE EARTHWORKS AND GUARD RAILS Closes Friday 15 November

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

Annual Report adopted

Council has adopted its Annual Report for 2023-24.

The Report highlights Council’s challenges and key achievements over the past 12 months as well as our performance against the Council Plan actions and budget.

Any person can view the Annual Report via Council’s website (scan QR code). Hard copy versions are available from the Civic Centre.

HRCC statement on Dyurrite Cultural Landscape Management Plan

Parks Victoria has announced plans to close additional rock-climbing routes at Mount Arapiles (Dyurrite) to protect Aboriginal heritage sites.

Council acknowledges that it does not have a decisionmaking role regarding the Dyurrite Cultural Landscape Draft Management Plan.

However, HRCC may consider lodging a submission through the public feedback process during Parks Victoria’s consultation period.

The decision on whether HRCC will lodge a submission, and the nature of any submission, will be guided by the new council.

The updated draft management plan is now available for public consultation on the Engage Victoria website until December 2.

Parks Victoria will host an online community information session on the Engage Victoria website on Wednesday 13 November from 5.30pm to 7pm.

Second instalment notices have been distributed

Instalment notices have been distributed by post or email.

If you have chosen to pay your 2024/2025 rates in instalments, please ensure your second instalment amount is paid by Monday 2 December as outlined on your notice.

If you have not received a second instalment notice and want to pay via instalments, are having difficulty paying by the due date please contact our office on 5382 9777.

New team ready to make a difference

BY LAUREN HENRY

New councillors across the Wimmera and Grampians regions will be sworn into their roles after local government elections were declared last week.

Horsham Rural City Council, HRCC, includes six new councillors out of the seven elected.

Ian Ross, representing Pine Lake Ward, was the only incumbent councillor re-elected, and is the front-runner to be elected mayor at a statutory meeting on November 21, where all councillors will be formally sworn in.

The first-time councillors are as follows: Dean O’Loughlin, Green Park; Todd Wilson, Horsham North; Rebecca Sluggett, Kalimna; Cam McDonald, May Park; Angela Munn, Oatlands; Ian Ross, Pine Lake; and Brian Klowss, Wyn Wyn.

Following the meeting, the councillors will begin their induction and training program as they settle into their roles.

The 2024-2028 term will be the first in HRCC’s history to incorporate wards, following a 2023 State Government review.

At the declaration of results on Friday, councillors thanked voters, their families and employers for their support, congratulated their fellow councillors, acknowledged all candidates who stood in the election, and vowed to work as a team to achieve results

for Horsham. HRCC chief executive

Craig Niemann thanked all candidates for their efforts and congratulated those elected.

“As an organisation, we’re really looking forward to working with you going forward. Our job is to help you be really great councillors and a great council, and we’ll do our best to do that,” he said.

“If we do that, you’ll do it well and we’ll get on and achieve some great

things together. And we’ll have a bit of fun doing it.

“It won’t all be easy – there’s difficult decisions coming already. There’s challenges in progress.

“That’s part of local government. That’s part of being elected.

“We’ll have to work through those, and hopefully represent the community well, make a difference in our community, and make it a great place to be.”

Ararat

There will be three new faces on the Ararat Rural City Council with Teli Kaur, Peter Joyce and Luke Preston elected.

The first-time councillors will join experienced councillors Jo Armstrong, Rob Armstrong, Bob Sanders and Bill Waterston.

Cr Kaur said she was deeply grateful and humbled to be elected.

She said her focus would be listen-

Changes ahead at Northern Grampians Shire

Two incumbent councillors Karen Hyslop and Murray Emerson were reelected on Northern Grampians Shire Council.

Four new councillors have been elected – Jenny Greenberger, Justine Hide, Jack Blake, and Karen Probst.

Four of the councillors are women, and are part of the More Women for Council – NGS group, which advocates for more diversity and more women on councils.

Former councillor Lauren Dempsey had accused the previous council of sexism and bullying.

Ms Dempsey, and former councillors Kevin Erwin, most recent mayor Rob Haswell, and Trevor Gready were not re-elected.

Ahead of this year’s election, Northern Grampians Shire Council moved to a multi-councillor ward structure comprising two councillors in each of the three wards. Previously, the council structure had seven councillors representing four wards.

The councillors elect will be sworn

in at a statutory meeting at Stawell council chamber at 6pm tonight, where they will take the oath or affirmation of office.

Councillors will also consider whether to set a mayoral term of one or two years and whether to establish the position of deputy mayor.

Council chief executive Brent McAlister said it was an exciting time for the municipality.

“On behalf of the organisation I congratulate the new councillors on being elected,” he said.

“I very much look forward to working with the incoming council to see fantastic outcomes for our community and to see the shire prosper in every sense of the word.”

Mr McAlister said councillors would complete mandatory induction training in the next few months.

“Councillors will be well-supported by staff and will have plenty of opportunities to liaise with the community as they set the priorities for their term,” he said.

The statutory meeting is open to the public and will be livestreamed via council’s YouTube channel, which people can access at ngshire.vic.gov. au.

West Wimmera

West Wimmera Shire Council has a new councillor with Helen Hobbs elected.

She joins incumbent councillors Tim Meyer, Jodie Pretlove, Richard Hicks, and Tom Houlihan to be elected onto council.

Longtime councillor Bruce Meyer was not re-elected.

The councillors were officially sworn in yesterday, with a new mayor also elected at the statutory meeting.

Council chief executive David Bezuidenhout welcomed the new councillors, highlighting the energy and enthusiasm the elected members would bring to the shire.

“We look forward to working with the new council to strengthen and support our community,” he said.

Hindmarsh

Chan Ouy and James Barry were successfully elected in East Ward of Hindmarsh Shire Council elections.

In North Ward, Tony Clark and Roger Aitken were elected, while in West Ward, Rosie Barker and Ron Ismay were elected unopposed.

Councillors will be sworn in at a statutory meeting at 6pm tonight, where they will also elect a new mayor, deputy mayor and appoint delegates to committees.

Yarriambiack

Yarriambiack Shire Council election was declared on October 28, as all three wards were uncontested.

The six councillors are Warracknabeal Ward: Kylie Zanker and Karly Kirk; Dunmunkle: Melinda Keel and Corinne Heintz; and Hopetoun Ward: Chris Lehmann and Andrew McLean.

The statutory meeting will be on November 22 to fix the mayoral term, elect a mayor and adopt delegations for the 2023-24 term.

ing to what the community wanted, supporting local businesses and assisting multicultural and diverse groups in the municipality.

“I really appreciate my community who supported me and believe in me as this is the first time I’ve run for council, especially as no one knows who I am, but my role at the neighbourhood house as a manager helped me build a strong connection with my community,” she said.

The councillors took their oaths and affirmations of office on Friday, where they were sworn in by Ararat Rural City Council chief executive Tim Harrison.

A statutory meeting to elect the mayor and deputy mayor was held last night after The Weekly Advertiser went to print.

“The role of councillor is a challenging job and can differ greatly from public perceptions” Dr Harrison said.

“Councillors will play a crucial role in determining council’s strategic direction, and the community will see this reflected through our annual budget and four-year council plan.

“Congratulations to all candidates as it takes a great deal of courage to put yourself forward. The fact that 12 people did so reflects positively on our community.

“I look forward to collaborating with all our new councillors in our efforts to continually improve all service areas of Ararat Rural City.”

Horsham parkrun theft

Essential equipment from Wimmera River parkrun was stolen prior to the Horsham event’s Saturday morning start.

Horsham police believe between noon on Thursday and 6.30am on Saturday, a storage locker on Horsham’s Hocking Street was forced open and numerous items were taken, including a defibrillator and parkrun finish tokens.

Wimmera crime scene officers attended the scene, and the stolen items have since been recovered. No arrests have been made in relation to the theft at this stage, but the incident is under investigation by Horsham Crime Investigation Unit, CIU.

Anyone with information is urged to call Horsham CIU on 5382 9200, or Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or visit www.crimestoppers vic.com.au/report-a-crime.

ELECTED: Newly elected Horsham councillors, from left, Dean O’Loughlin, Ian Ross, Todd Wilson, Rebecca Sluggett, Brian Klowss, Angela Munn and Cam McDonald.

We invite you to a

HEAVY VEHICLE SAFETY EVENT

November 26 & 27, 2024

4pm to 11pm

@ Nhill Trailer Exchange

Event includes:

• Shaker and Portable Scales Demonstration

• Free Health Check Logbooks

• Tug Test

• Fatigue and Distraction Management

• Alcohol and Drug test awareness

• Road Safety Presentation

• Rollover Simulation Presentation

• Guest speakers from DTP, VicPol, LRTAV and various other agencies

EVENT SESSIONS

Tuesday, November 26

Welcome

Speech from Hindmarsh Mayor – Cr Brett Ireland

Talks from VicPol Asst. Commissioner

Event briefing by MC

Shaker and Scales Demonstration

Shaker and Scales Demonstration

Evening Tea/Snacks - 15 minutes

Industry Expert Presentations

Peter Anderson (CEO - VTA)

Alina Hawkins (COO of LRTAV)

Mike Wood (Managing Director - LATUS)

Rollover Simulation Video

Shaker and Scales Demonstration

General Q&A Session

Road Safety Videos

Discussions

Economic productivity vs community amenity

Effluent code presentation

• Practical application of HV control systems

• Keeping on the right side of HV legislation

Tea/Snacks - 15 minutes

Educational Videos

Wednesday, November 27

Road Safety Videos

Rollover Simulation Video

Shaker and Scales Demonstration

Tug Test Demonstration / Alcohol & Drug Test Awareness

Evening Tea/Snacks - 10 minutes

Industry Expert Presentations

Mike Wood (Managing Director - LATUS)

Greg Fleming (Organiser - TWU Victoria)

Fatigue and Distraction Management Presentation

• Load Restraint

• Practical application of HV Fatigue Control

Tug Test Demonstration / Alcohol & Drug Test Awareness / Health Check Log Books

Tea/Snacks - 30 minutes

Demonstration and Videos

Rollover Simulation Video

Shaker and Scales Demonstration

Road Safety Videos

Discussions

Grain growers urged to monitor US

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

Experts are divided on what

Donald Trump’s recent election as president of the United States will mean for grain and other agricultural exporters in the Wimmera and the rest of Australia.

In the lead-up to the election, Mr Trump espoused an agenda of raising US trade tariffs while lowering taxes.

Australian industry body Grain-

Growers chief executive Shona Gawel said Mr Trump’s election would have serious ramifications for farmers across the Wimmera and Australia.

“With approximately 65 to 75 per cent of Australian grain exported annually, the sector is heavily exposed to international trade dynamics, with external shocks and events beyond its control,” she said.

“It is vitally important that potential changes in the trade landscape are recognised and fully considered.”

Ms Gawel said while the US imported relatively little Australian grain, a

Trump presidency could see ‘substantial shifts’ in US agricultural, environmental and trade policies, with effects on global grain markets.

“We need sustained investment in trade diversification programs and stronger partnerships with south-east Asia to ensure our industry’s resilience in the face of rising global uncertainty,” she said.

Commonwealth Bank agricultural economist Dennis Voznesenski said there were potential upsides and downsides to a Trump presidency for Australian exporters.

“Donald Trump is saying he’s going to put a 60 per cent tariff on most if not all things coming from China,” he said.

“Over the last few years as the demand for crop-based fuels or biofuels has risen in America, there has also been a demand for used cooking oil.

There’s actually been a very large financial incentive given by the US government for anyone who creates fuel out of waste products like used cooking oil.

OUT WEST FEST:

Curated by homegrown indie artist and producer Bel Kil, aka Annabel Kilpatrick, the inaugural Out West Fest music event at Ararat Town Hall on Saturday featured an electric mix of Australia’s best up-and-coming and established acts. Pictured, clockwise from above: Umbra Moon entertains; Kahlia Grant and Nick Cooper, aka DJ Relaxative; and Linda Nguyen, Ashleigh Hoffmann and Katie Zhou. Pictures: PAUL

“If you put tariffs on Chinese goods including used cooking oil, it will reduce the imports into America and improve the demand for the likes of canola oil … which would be beneficial for the likes of us.”

Mr Voznesenski said if China imposed retaliatory tariffs on US imports, it could also benefit Australian exporters.

“It means China will have to go elsewhere for their oilseeds and seed crops. Maybe instead of getting US soybeans, they’ll get Australian canola, and instead of getting US corn, they’ll get Australian feed barley,” he said.

“The big downside is while there are possible benefits we could get from a trade war between the US and China, the other result might be that it makes other countries increasingly tariff trigger-happy.

“For a small, open economy that is very export-oriented like Australia, that could be problematic.

“Any disruption to the free flow of commodities around the world in the

longer term, or even the medium and shorter term, could have a negative impact.

“There are just as many uncertainties as there are upsides and downsides.”

RaboResearch Australia and New Zealand general manager Stefan Vogel said Mr Trump’s potential to withdraw support from Ukraine in its war with Russia could also have implications for local growers, as both countries are among Australia’s largest wheat export competitors.

“Ukraine is an important exporter for wheat, barley, canola and corn. Right now those volumes are still moving through one port, but it’s only about 120 kilometres from the front line where the Russians are. If that port was taken by the Russians, the export volumes out of Ukraine would be significantly less,” he said.

“Now the risk is that Ukraine faces less support, and that will make it more difficult for them to withstand the Russian move.”

Mr Vogel said potential restrictions on the use of agrochemicals by the US

Department of Agriculture under Mr Trump could also have global trade consequences.

Ms Gawel urged grain growers to monitor the US closely and take a cautious approach.

“The return of Donald Trump to the US presidency has varied implications for Australian grain growers,” she said.

“Some US policy shifts could present short-term market opportunities, such as increased demand for Australian grain.

“If American exports are hampered by protectionism or if US farmers face regulatory changes however, these benefits come with considerable uncertainty and potential challenges.

“Protectionist trade policies, if reinstated, may lead to increased market volatility, while a rollback on climate initiatives could slow global progress on sustainable farming, increasing environmental pressures that ultimately affect grain production worldwide.”

Fire destroys Rainbow home

A house on Darts Avenue Rainbow was destroyed by a non-suspicious fire last month.

Volunteer firefighters from Rainbow, Werrap, Kenmare, Yaapeet and Pigick responded to the fire at 11.50pm on October 29 and were assisted by police, PowerCor and Ambulance Victoria. Police reported there were no injuries sustained in the fire.

CARRACHER

Horsham paramedics rate highest

Horsham paramedics scored the best code one response times in the state, with decreased response times also recorded in Ararat and Northern Grampians local government areas, Ambulance Victoria’s most recent data showed.

AV also recorded a state-wide drop in wait-times for code one – lights and sirens – cases during the July-to-September quarter, alongside a decrease in demand for the critical service.

AV has two official response time targets – to respond to 85 per cent of code one incidents within 15 minutes statewide, and 90 per cent of incidents in centres with populations greater than 7500.

Horsham’s paramedics attended 87.2 per cent of code one patients within 15 minutes, while response times in the

Ararat LGA decreased by 29 seconds, Northern Grampians’ decreased by 45 seconds, and Horsham’s decreased by one minute and 11 seconds.

AV executive director regional operations Danielle North said paramedics and first responders were called to almost 100,000 code one patients during the quarter.

“The 2.7 per cent drop in demand resulted in patients being reached by AV by an average of 16 seconds less than in the previous three months, which was the busiest quarter on record for code one cases,” she said.

“Between July and September, we attended over 3000 more ‘lights and sirens’ cases compared to a year ago and 27.6 per cent extra code one cases than before the pandemic, five years ago.”

During the quarter, AV crews across Victoria responded to 65.4 per cent of

03 5225 5225 info@ha.legal harwoodandrews.com.au

code one cases within the state-wide target of 15 minutes – an improvement from 64.2 per cent in the previous quarter. The statewide average response time to code one emergencies was 15 minutes and 21 seconds.

In the Grampians region, crews responded to 4227 code one cases between July and September.

Performance against the 15-minute target for code one cases improved in 59 of Victoria’s 79 local government areas, compared with the previous quarter.

“Our dedicated paramedics and first responders do an incredible job working under pressure to provide the best care to communities across the state every day,” Ms North said.

Acting Grampians regional director Aliesha Robertson recognised that although the quarter showed improvement, there was more work to do.

“Ambulance Victoria continues to work with hospitals to transfer patients as quickly as possible and ensure all Victorians receive the right care at the right time,” she said.

“Our expert secondary triage team of nurses and paramedics also make a real difference by connecting patients with the care they need while helping free up crews for patients in timecritical emergencies.

“From July to September, 41,142 people who did not need an emergency ambulance were instead connected to more appropriate care by paramedics and nurses in secondary triage.

“In 2023-24, paramedics referred nearly 43,000 patients to the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department, with over three quarters cared for without transport to a physical ED.”

Ms Robertson said it was also important that everyone did their part – if

a matter is not an emergency, people should consider using alternative care options and keep highly skilled paramedics available for patients most in need.

“In less urgent cases, there are many options people can access when they need timely medical care and health advice all day every day – but not an emergency ambulance or calling triple zero,” she said.

“This includes the Victorian Virtual Emergency Department, urgent care clinics and other options such as your GP or pharmacist, or Nurse-On-Call on 1300 60 60 24.”

Response times is one of the measures AV uses to gauge the effective delivery of an ambulance service, and are measured from when the triple zero call is placed to when the first AV resource arrives on scene.

PAYING RESPECTS: Horsham marked Remembrance Day on Monday with a service at the city’s cenotaph. Pictured, clockwise from left, are 2024 captains Rebekah Wundke and Alannah Johns of Holy Trinity Lutheran College, and year11 students elected 2025 school leadership roles Maddie Carracher, St Brigid’s College, and Zane Joseph and Ella Hion, Horsham College; Jo Ellis plays the Last Post; Horsham RSL president Don Pirouet and Horsham Rural City Council chief executive Craig Niemann; while the Ararat service attracted many school children to pay their respects. Pictured at Ararat cenotaph is bugler Rod Lewin.

Working alone is a contributing factor in the majority of farm workplace deaths.

No matter if it is a perfect day, or a storm is coming and you only have a short window to get the job done. Whatever it is, take a minute to think through what you’re doing.

For strategies to stay safe while working alone, visit worksafe.vic.gov.au/working-alone-farms

It’s never you, until it is.

Independent starts ‘bottom up’ plan

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

Independent candidate for Wannon Alex Dyson visited Ararat last month to meet with residents and hear their concerns as the build-up begins towards next year’s federal election.

Mr Dyson has contested Wannon at the past two federal elections as an independent candidate, emerging as a serious challenger to incumbent Liberal member Dan Tehan.

In 2019, Mr Dyson received 10.39 per cent of the primary vote across the electorate, and improved to 19.29 per cent in 2022 – receiving more primary votes than Labor candidate Gilbert Wilson.

On a two-candidate preferred basis Mr Dyson received more than 46 per cent of the vote, losing to Mr Tehan by less than 8000 votes after the distribution of preferences.

After his Ararat visit, Mr Dyson said he remained committed to being an alternative voice for Victoria’s south-west region.

He said people in the region had shared several concerns with him that he hoped to address.

“Integrity is a big concern. We’ve seen the way politicians often say one thing and do another, so people are definitely worried about that,” he said.

“Mental health around the region is big as well. A lot of people have either directly or indirectly been affected by suicide in the town, which is really heartbreaking to hear.

“The state of the roads is a complaint that’s pretty common across the entire western district. I think it’s a daily reminder of the neglect we’ve been feeling from Canberra.

“Similarly, housing in Ararat came up. It’s a problem everywhere, but in areas like Ararat … when it comes to improving health and education services, getting people moving to the town and

stimulating the economy, we’ve got to make sure we’ve got housing for them.”

Mr Dyson said he was thrilled to hear from a diverse cross-section of Ararat residents during his visit, from small-business owners to retirees.

“It’s really encouraging to see everyday Australians having a stake in their political future and the direction the country goes,” he said.

“That’s the way it should be – decision-making in this country should be bottom up from the people it affects, rather than top down and Canberra telling us what to do.”

At the 2022 election, Mr Dyson received about 9.5 per cent of primary votes at polling places across Ararat – well below the figures in his hometown of Warrnambool, where he outpolled Mr Tehan.

But while Mr Dyson said he hoped to improve his primary vote in the Ararat region, he was focused on representing the entirety of the Wannon electorate rather than ‘playing a numbers game’.

“I think the major parties have traditionally treated politics as a numbers game rather than a people game, so I don’t want to get sucked into trying to win certain places,” he said.

“It’s not about winning, it’s about representing people. If I do that well, I think the result will take care of itself.”

Cleanliness

STAFF IN SILLY SOCKS: Ace Radio Horsham staff get into the McHappy Day spirit by displaying their Silly Socks from McDonald’s, which raises money to support Ronald McDonald House Charities Australia. The annual contribution assists Ronald McDonald House Charities to support families with seriously ill children. Last year, $6.4 million was raised through McHappy Day. People can support the day by visiting a McDonald’s restaurant on McHappy Day, and buying a $2, $10 or $50 Helping Hand; $5.95 Silly Socks; donating directing to the donation bucket or through the mymacca’s app. McDonald’s also donates 10 cents from every 600-millilitre bottle of water sold and $2 from every Big Mac sold on McHappy Day to RMHC. People can also choose to round up their order total to the nearest dollar. Picture: PAUL

Gender equality, cultural change in sport focus

Women’s Health Grampians’ annual general meeting at Horsham Golf Club on November 20 will play to the theme of gender equality and cultural change in sport.

Following formal proceedings at 11am, there will be a presentation from awardwinning filmmaker and activist

Mitch Nivalis, who will speak to gender equality and culture change on the sporting field and beyond.

‘Equal the Contest: gender equality on and off the field’ will feature a discussion panel with AFL Victoria region manager for Wimmera Mallee and Sunraysia, Ange Ballinger,

Wimmera Regional Sports Assembly executive officer David Berry, QAFLW player and emerging sports management professional Gemma Sounness, and CoRE consultant Vernetta Taylor.

For more information, people can visit whg.org.au.

Alex Dyson

CARRACHER

Drop-in road safety forum

Heavy vehicle owners and drivers will have the chance to hear from industry experts at the Nhill Trailer Exchange on November 26 and 27.

The road safety event will address critical themes such as vehicle safety, roadworthiness, overloading, towing, fatigue, speed, and other road safety issues.

Horsham Rural City Council, HRCC, is partnering with several organisations to deliver the event, which will feature multiple road safety displays and presentations.

The event was initially scheduled for February this year but was cancelled due to Grampians fires, which tied up resources of police and other agencies that had planned to be involved in the road safety event, and temporarily closed the Western Highway.

Representatives from Victoria Police and the National Heavy Vehicle Regulator will be there with a focus on providing information and education, rather than enforcement.

Other participants in the event include the Livestock and Rural Transports Association of Victoria, WorkSafe and several municipalities including host Hindmarsh Shire Council.

The event is an opportunity for the heavy vehicle community, both local and interstate, to engage with industry experts and provide feedback on how to enhance road safety measures.

Transport operators can give feedback to key agencies about how safety and productivity can be improved for truck drivers.

HRCC infrastructure director John Martin said the aim was to give the heavy vehicle industry a chance to find out the latest tips to improve road safety.

“The agencies there will also be keen to hear concerns from transport operators themselves,” he said.

“The Western Highway is one of the nation’s key interstate freight routes, and unfortunately, it is over-represented in fatalities and serious injuries. We are keen to do everything we can to help reduce the occurrence of these incidents.”

Mr Martin also emphasised the event’s relevance to transport operators, including farmers and livestock transporters.

“We thank the Department of Transport and Planning, which has funded this event through its Community Road Safety Grants,” he said.

The event will be on from 4pm to 11pm on both days.

Emergency recovery sessions

Five communities across Ararat Rural City will receive free information sessions on emergency recovery this month.

Directors of emergency management specialist group The Six C’s, Mat Deans and Sue Rondeau, will host the sessions, offering specialist knowledge about how to plan and prepare for disasters including floods, storms and fires. The pair have led front-line teams during environmental emergencies, performed leadership roles in incident control centres, and worked as consultants for the government and business

sectors. Their seminars are based on leading-edge emergency-management advice and will be free to attend.

Sessions will be at: Willaura Memorial Hall, November 18, 6-9pm; Streatham Memorial Hall, November 21, 6-9pm; Moyston Recreation Reserve, November 22, 6-9pm; Wickliffe Recreation Reserve, November 25, 6-9pm; and Lake Bolac, November 27, 6-9pm.

Mr Deans and Ms Rondeau will be out in the municipality this month to make people aware of the free seminars and answer people’s questions.

Rally, petitions to save Natimuk

From page 1

“It is to climbers what Bells Beach is to surfers. Imagine the government closing Bells Beach with no notice, no right of appeal, no transparency, and no accountability.

“Locals and climbers care deeply about cultural heritage and have always supported its protection, but had been waiting for an opportunity to provide input into these plans – it never came.

“I have already heard from climbers across Australia and overseas, some of whom have already cancelled planned trips to Mt Arapiles next year.

“Climbing attracts young professionals such as doctors, teachers and lawyers to the area, who can combine a career with a world-class pastime.”

Ms Kealy said while the government had opened a ‘so-called consultation’, it had admitted that feedback about the areas identified as needing protection would not be considered.

“It is a bitter blow that we will fight,” she said.

Ms Kealy said the Nationals and Liberals would review the decision

if they won the state election, as part of a broader review of Victoria’s cultural heritage laws.

“We saw the same thing happen five years ago when Labor cut access in the Grampians National Park without any consultation, and through its continued failures to engage with communities on many other projects,” she said.

A petition to Parliament against the plan, which has so far attracted more than 1300 signatures, can be found at www.parliament.vic. gov.au/get-involved/petitions/rockclimbing-in-mt-arapiles.

Another petition at change.org has attracted more than 5000 signatures.

A Climbing Victoria spokesperson said the peak climbing group was ‘working tirelessly’ to work with the government to alter the plan, including securing a meeting with Environment Minister Steve Dimpolous to raise the concerns of the climbing community and other affected stakeholders.

“We shall also be seeking a guarantee of a genuine and comprehensive consultation to be undertaken and with climbing and the local community, not the sham process

that is currently in place,” the spokesperson said.

“We are working with a network of other key climbing organisations across Australia that have come to our assistance. This demonstrates the value and importance of Dyurrite Mt Arapiles to interstate and international visitors that then visit other parts of Victoria.”

Climbing Victoria is also seeking greater detail and clarity from Parks Victoria on the details of the plan.

“We continue to fully support and respect the Barengi Gadjin Land Councils’ right to protect cultural heritage and Climbing Victoria is keen to work with BGLC to continue to find solutions so that climbing and the preservation of cultural heritage can coexist in harmony,” the spokesperson said.

The plan is available at engage. vic.gov.au/dyurrite, with submissions open until December 1.

Parks Victoria will host an online community information session on the Engage Victoria website today from 5.30pm to 7pm, but as of Monday it was listed on the website as being ‘at capacity’.

• Editorial, page 13.

wellbeing and safety for everyone.

To build an empowered and engaged leadership across the health system, our priority areas are people of all ages, First Nations people, people who live with a

backgrounds, people who identify as

and

EMOTIONAL: Lachlan and Joanne Hick, with their children River, 4, and Indi, 3 of Natimuk at a Mt Arapiles climbing ban protest.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Daikin: A world leader in solutions

Traditionally, the Wimmera is a part of Australia that experiences extreme temperatures.

Historically our summers were usually long and dry, but in recent times they are also becoming more humid every year making refrigerated systems such as split systems more effective.

On the other side of the scale, winters can be bleak, damp and extremely cold, making the added advantage of the heating cycle of these units very convenient.

While the warmer weather this year has been somewhat limited, so far, it’s critical to have the right technology and systems in place to ensure homes and businesses are a cool and are a comfortable place to be.

Daikin, the world leader and trusted name in heating and cooling solutions sets the benchmark in quality, reliability and product efficiency.

They offer a range of products for your comfort — including the highwall air-conditioning system, also known as a split system.

A split system is an air-conditioning system with two units — one located inside a home or building, and the other unit outside.

These systems cool and heat a space by expelling hot or cold air using the outside unit, and replacing it with circulated cool or hot air using the inside unit.

SURROUND YOURSELF WITH CLEANER AIR: Come in and see Craig Irvin at Wade’s to start your transformation to the Daikin range! Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Inverter split systems increase air circulation to a space, as well as allowing people to control temperature and humidity. This makes the space healthier and more comfortable year-round.

Daikin split systems are ideal for air-conditioning one room, or a specific area of a home or business.

They are particularly useful for

rooms that are semi-detached or have a limited ceiling space. Every space is different, and the right air-conditioner location and size will depend on a range of factors — including room orientation, window size and ceiling insulation. These are important factors to consider — because an air-conditioner that’s too small won’t adequately heat or cool a home or

business space; and an air-conditioner that’s too large will be inefficient and expensive to run.

Daikin is not only a world leader in solutions; it’s a company thinking about the health and wellbeing of those using its systems.

Daikin’s split system air conditioners are approved by the National Asthma Council Australia Sensitive Choice® program, and

are the only split systems that carry the blue butterfly symbol — recognising the outstanding effort the units undertake in purifying the air.

After years of the COVID-19 pandemic, air purity has been a much-discussed topic, with people having gained a greater appreciation of the importance and benefits of clean air in a home or business space.

Cleaning the Daikin split system is also a simple process.

To clean a Daikin air filter, people can simply vacuum away any dust on the filter or wash the air filter with natural detergent thinned with lukewarm water.

Then, allow the filter to dry outside in a shaded area.

Wade’s are a certified Daikin ‘super dealer’. As such, they offer full professional installation, after-sales support and general know-how for new and existing units.

As an added bonus, the Daikin five-year parts and labour warranty applies to all Daikin products.

Daikin is a smart choice for anyone seeking a reliable and robust heating and cooling solution for their home or business.

It’s no wonder when you consider that Daikin Industries are nearly a 100-year-old Japanese manufacturer, with their first overseas operations established more than 50 years ago in Singapore and Australia.

Lack of consultation clear in emotional week

What an emotional week it has been for many people in our region since the release of the updated Dyurrite Cultural Landscape draft management plan.

For the Indigenous people in the region, the process of how this played out and the reaction of many must have been challenging.

As a non Indigenous person, I find it incredibly difficult to comment on Aboriginal issues. I hesitated whether to even touch this subject matter in my editorial this week. But after watching a video posted on Barengi Gadjin Land Council’s Facebook page, I wanted to encourage our readers to watch it.

The post refers people to visit a

website www.dyurrite.com.au to read more about why the Dyurrite Cultural Landscape is important to the Wotjobaluk, Jaadwa, Jadawadjali, Wergaia and Jupagulk people. It was quite a compelling watch as the three Wotjobaluk men – Stuart Harradine, Damien Skurrie and Michael Douglas – discussed the importance of Dyurrite Cultural Landscape.

The information on the website is a timely reminder about why Indigenous heritage is so important to both Australian history and future.

There is no doubt about the Indigenous connection to the land they call Dyurrite, which is more commonly referred to as Mount Arapiles-Tooan State Park. And it’s not just a connection through tangible means such as

LETTERS TO THE EDITOR

Nuclear debate

Dr Anne Webster says, at taxpayers’ expense, The Weekly Advertiser, November 6, that new generation zero emissions nuclear is a proven technology. It is not.

What would the LNP buy? The Utah NuScale SMR program for which the US Department of Energy approved $US1.35-billion over 10 years was abandoned after the project failed to attract enough subscriptions.

SMRs in other countries also face financial and technological obstacles.

Webster says there is a growing global consensus supporting zero emissions nuclear power. There is not. Some do and some don’t.

And, all of them don’t have the comparative advantages of wind and solar that Australia has.

Opposition Leader Peter Dutton has repeatedly claimed that in Ontario, Canada, nuclear reactors have driven down power prices. But they have not.

According to Professor Mark Winfield from York University in Canada, who specialises in energy and the environment, the reaction to these comments from the Ontario public ranged from disbelief to ‘you couldn’t make this up’.

Winfield says household bills were kept artificially low in Ontario despite the high cost of refurbishing ageing nuclear facilities.

Electricity bills were effectively subsidised about $C7.3-billion per year out of general revenue. This is most of the budget deficit for that province and is money that would otherwise be spent on schools and hospitals. Do we want this?

Opposition Energy spokesman Ted O’Brien cited dramatic falls in bills when Finland switched on its most recent reactor.

But it took 17 years to build and its costs blew out from $5-billion to $18-billion.

The Opposition’s nuclear offering is not a policy but an idea which they have been very slow to put any meat on.

We have no nuclear industry, no experience, no licences – Victoria, NSW, South Australia and even Queensland after the recent state election of the LNP still don’t want it, no plans for waste storage, no plans for protection against terrorist

EDITORIAL

By Lauren Henry

rock art and artefacts – it’s a spiritual connection to the land.

On the flipside, there is also no doubt about the connection that many in the rock climbing community, and many Natimuk residents, have to Arapiles.

The mount has attracted millions of people over the years – many who have formed an emotional connection, many of whom have deeply cared for the area, and many of whom are genuinely upset by the notion of being shut out to future climbing at the rock. The

threats and no guarantee of the millions of litres of water they will each use. And Dutton’s seven nuclear reactors would only provide 12 per cent of the power we would need by 2050.

By the 2040s there is no need for them as renewables are already providing 40 per cent of our national energy needs.

I understand the LNP want to help those communities at those seven proposed sites.

But tapping into the renewables and storage revolution is much cheaper and better than nuclear. For instance, the $4-billion Golden Plains Windfarm of about 40 sheep farmers near Rokewood has just begun feeding energy into the Victorian grid.

When complete it will meet nine per cent of Victoria’s energy requirements.

Yes, there is community resistance to wind farms, but the Golden Plains project shows landholders and regional communities stood to benefit from large-scale projects.

Just ask Rokewood landholder Kevin Blake who continues to farm and provide food for people under the towering wind turbines. And we all get cheaper electricity than nuclear.

Robert Blakeley, Horsham

Save the ‘Pines’ campground

People of the Wimmera and beyond have enjoyed many a picnic and pleasant Sunday afternoon under the shady pine trees at Mount Arapiles over the years.

The ‘Pines’ were planted in the 1930s by many of our descendants for the enjoyment of all.

Subsequent generations have planted trees there too. The latest being the native Callitris.

Parks Victoria gave a group of climbers permission to collect seed and propagate these trees.

This time children from the Natimuk Primary School came out to plant the Callitris.

Numerous working bees were held to water and monitor their growth.

Now the picnic/camping ground is under threat under the new management plan for Mount Arapiles. This area is the community’s heritage and must be saved. Please have your say before it’s too late.

Sally Lockwood, Natimuk

outpouring from rock climbers around the world who have formed a deep connection to one of the world’s best climbing destinations has also shown the distress they are experiencing.

For many, Arapiles is the centrepiece to many personal milestones and family memories, and for some local people it holds a special place among generations of their families.

The couple of hundred of Natimuk residents who turned out in front of The Nati Pub last week showed just how much Arapiles means to them, and also pointed out the many flow-on effects that closing much of the climbing at the mount would have on the town and its local economy.

Many climbers have great respect for the cultural heritage places at

Arapiles, and want to work with Indigenous leaders to protect them.

I don’t have the answers on what is the right outcome to this issue. But I do know that a lack of consultation and communication between all parties involved is not the correct process to achieve the best outcome.

The State Government has had four years to get the consultation right, and has so far failed on that front.

The details of the plan are not clear, with lots of misinformation spreading about what exactly the changes are, and the communication and process of the consultation has been poor.

But, given the limited scope of the consultation, maybe that’s exactly how the government wanted it to play out.

We are thrilled to announce that our very own Dean Winfield has been named a finalist for the prestigious 2024 ACS Aged Care Adviser of the Year Award!

The ACS Aged Care Adviser of the Year Awards stand alone in celebrating the financial advisers who excel in guiding clients through the complexities of aged care planning. This annual event honours the dedication, expertise, and compassion that make a true di erence in clients’ lives, empowering them with choice and control over their future.

JoinusincongratulatingDeanandcelebratingthebestinagedcareadvice. Hiscommitmenttoexcellenceexemplifiesthemeaningfulimpactadviserscan haveinhelpingfamiliesnavigatethesecriticaldecisions.

Additional social housing approved

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

More than 150 new social and affordable homes are set to be built in the Mallee and Wimmera South-West regions under a recent State Government announcement.

Premier Jacinta Allan, Housing Minister Harriet Shing and Planning Minister Sonya Kilkenny last week announced the government would build 1300 homes across Victoria through its $1billion Regional Housing Fund.

Of the first 1000 homes set to be built, 98 will be in the Wimmera South-West region and 68 in the Mallee.

A spokesperson for the Department of Families, Fairness and Housing was unable to confirm locations at which housing would be built, saying further details would emerge when projects were finalised.

He said the new announcement was in addition to 3600 homes already completed or underway in Victoria through the government’s Big Housing Build and Regional Housing Fund.

“The $1-billion Regional Housing Fund is ensuring housing is delivered not just in our urban areas, but in regional and rural Victoria too, with allocation of homes informed by waitlist demand data and other housing indicators, as well as regional housing investment to date,” he said.

“Of the first 1000 homes with locations announced, 98 will be in the Wimmera South-West region and 68 in the Mallee region. More projects and locations will be announced as future programs are finalised.

“This is on top of the more than $52-million that has already been invested in the Horsham, Ararat, Hindmarsh and Northern Grampians local government areas under the Big Housing Build and other social housing programs, to build 149 new homes. Of these, 100 homes have already been completed.”

In last month’s announcement the government said it also planned to liaise with members of its Housing Affordability Partnership working group to create a system requiring large-scale property developers to contribute money towards local infrastructure, services and parks.

Ms Allen said only 14 of Victoria’s regional councils applied developer contributions when multiple homes were built on a site.

She said the working group would meet this month to consider potential systems that worked for industry, councils, government and communities.

Other announcements last month included $500,000 to support town planning cadetships in regional areas, a reduction in stamp duty aimed at making it easier for people to subdivide blocks, and a new building quality watchdog.

While Ms Allen said the announcements would ‘make sure more young Victorians and families can get the chance to live’ in the state’s regions, shadow Housing Minister Richard Riordan said social housing had stagnated under the government.

Mr Riordan said in the six months to December 2023, social and public housing stock declined by 54 and 446 homes respectively, while the number of available bedrooms in the state had reduced by 2733 since the government announced its Big Housing Build in 2020.

“Despite Labor already spending billions of taxpayer dollars, Victoria’s social housing stock remains stagnant, public housing is going backwards and the waitlist of families looking for a roof over their heads continues to climb,” he said.

“The government’s approach to the housing crisis is failing. More spending is not resulting in better outcomes for vulnerable Victorians.”

More information on the government’s housing announcements is available at www.vic.gov.au/ more-homes.

THANKS: Theo and Lilyana practise their high-fives ahead of High-Five a Librarian Day next week with librarians Belinda Huggins, back, and Ruth Lindsey.

High-fives for librarians

Northern Grampians Shire residents can thank their hard-working librarians at Stawell and St Arnaud in a unique way next week.

Monday is High-Five a Librarian Day, a day to celebrate why people love their local library and give thanks to the people who make the magic happen.

Northern Grampians Shire Council chief executive Brent McAlister said while Stawell and St Arnaud branches were closed on Mondays, their librarians would accept high-fives all week.

“The international day was created by an American librarian as a fun way to acknowledge the work they do for their communities, and I encourage our residents to get behind it,” he said.

“Our libraries offer a welcoming place for study, learning, leisure and lounging as well as opportunities to connect.

“Each month, our staff put together an actionpacked calendar full of opportunities for people of all ages and diverse interests. If you haven’t been lately, I encourage you to call in and have a chat with the team.”

Highlights of the November calendar include a board game session in Stawell on Saturday, story time with guest author Susea Spray at Stawell and St Arnaud on November 21 and the continuation of popular ‘How’s it going?’ and ‘Ladies Cuppa Chat’ sessions in Stawell.

St Arnaud branch hosts its popular Topic of Conversation and Poetry Society on the first Tuesday of each month.

People can visit www.ngshire.vic.gov. au/Residents/Library-Services or follow ‘Northern Grampians Libraries’ for more information about upcoming events.

BENEFITS FOR THE REGION

ECONOMIC BENEFIT FOR THE REGION

♦ 588 jobs per annum over 30 years.

♦ Add an extra $3.5 billion in Gross Regional Product.

ECONOMIC DIVERSITY & OPPORTUNITIES

♦ Avonbank will help attract and retain young people to regional Victoria.

♦ Avonbank will help provide more diverse job opportunities for the region.

SUSTAINABLE MINING PRACTICES

♦ Avonbank trial mining and successful rehabilitation completed.

♦ Land will be restored to productive farms within four years of mining.

SUPPORTING AND WORKING IN PARTNERSHIP WITH OUR COMMUNITY

♦WIM has completed and will continue extensive consultation with a variety of stakeholders.

♦WIM proudly supports several community partnerships and sponsorships.

OOo

JOB CREATION -A BOOST FOR THE VICTORIAN ECONOMY.

♦ 967 jobs per annum over 30 years for the State of Victoria.

CRITICAL MINERALS

♦ Avonbank will produce zircon, rare earths, and titanium minerals.

♦ Crucial for the global transition to net zero emissions and energy security.

TE te Product by $5.77 billion.

Wimmera talent in The Push tour

Two Wimmera performers will be among musical acts at The Push youth concert at Horsham’s Maydale Pavilion on November 22.

Jack Doolan and the Scrubs, of Horsham, and triple j Unearthed competition winner Kailee Rose will both be part of The Push All-Ages Tour, which will take place across various regional Victorian venues as part of Always Live music celebration this month.

After listening to hundreds of artists from regional Victoria, triple j Unearthed and The Push All-Ages teams announced the line-up for the All-Ages Tour, providing opportunities for regional artists to perform their

“We’re stoked to be bringing The Push All-Ages Tour back across regional Victoria in 2024”

– Kate Duncan

music to young audiences across the state.

Also at Horsham will be The Rions, South Summit and Jem Cassar-Daley.

The Push chief executive Kate Duncan said the multidate tour was being staged and programmed by The Push in collaboration with teams of local young people, through the State Government FReeZA program – a youth development initiative that provides young people with industry skills and experiences

in staging events in their communities.

“We’re stoked to be bringing The Push All-Ages Tour back across regional Victoria in 2024,” she said.

“We know there are limited opportunities for young artists to perform across regional areas, which is why The Push All-Ages Tour provides such an important platform for young artists to connect with a new generation of young live music audiences, right in their hometowns.”

Tickets for the The Push AllAges Tour are $30, plus booking fees, and are available through Moshtix.

Visit alwayslive.com.au for program and ticket details.

Ararat secures blood bank service

The Australian Red Cross Lifeblood blood bank service has returned to Ararat.

A trial mobile donor centre bus visited Ararat in September and was booked out quickly, demonstrating the interest in the region, with the Red Cross to return later this year, from December 30 to January 4.

East Grampians Health Service Community Consultative Com-

mittee advocated the return of blood bank services, with EGHS chief executive Nick Bush writing to the Australian Red Cross. Made up of EGHS board directors, executive staff, volunteers and consumers, and chaired by board director Lisa Davidson, the committee acted following the Ararat community’s dismay of the service ending.

“I encourage everyone to con-

tinue to support the service by booking appointments for the December return of the mobile service, as the more people who use it, the more opportunities there will be for its continued return,” Mr Bush said.

People can book by visiting www.lifeblood.com.au and searching for Ararat.

PROGRESS: Northern Grampians Shire Council co-ordinator economic development

Jennifer Thomas oversees progress on the Halls Gap Visitor Information Centre upgrade.

Information, inspiration at new hub

Northern Grampians Shire Council leaders have invited Halls Gap residents, businesspeople and visitors to view what they termed a ‘transformation from information to inspiration’ as the town’s visitor information centre reopens on Friday.

The Halls Gap Hub has been closed for the past five weeks as the redevelopment – which includes a new floor plan, the installation of graphics and signs incorporating Discover Northern Grampians branding, new furniture and upgrades to information technology systems – took place.

The project was funded by a $50,000 State Government Tidy Towns Fund grant and $80,000 from Northern Grampians Shire Council.

Council chief executive Brent McAlister said the redevelopment resulted in an inspiring space that fostered a sense of place and

belonging for both visitors and the community.

“The project has a long list of enhancements, from a new layout and dedicated areas showcasing local produce to improved lighting and an advanced IT set-up,” he said.

“A lot of work has gone into this project and I commend all involved.

“The result is a very inviting space for people visiting our wonderful part of the world – I think it looks fantastic.

“I look forward to connecting with the community at the grand opening and showcasing the upgrades to everyone.”

People can visit ngshire.vic.gov.au/ Projects-and-Consultation/Ongoingprojects/Halls-Gap-Visitor-InformationCentre-and-Hub-Upgrade for more information about the project.

POSITIONS VACANT Casual Bistro Weekend Workers

Friday, November 22

Horsham welcomes “The Push” youth music event – 5pm – 9pm Maydale Pavilion.

Board

Board director opportunities at Rural Northwest Health

The Minister for Health, the Hon. Mary-Anne Thomas MP, is pleased to invite applications for part-time board director positions at Rural Northwest Health.

These positions start on July 1, 2025, and appointments are for up to three years.

Why: These positions provide an exciting opportunity for Victorians to contribute to the health and wellbeing of our communities.

How: Applicants are selected for their capabilities, including personal and professional experience, knowledge, and skills thay contribute to the strategic leadership and oversight of healthcare for the Victorian community.

The Victorian Government is committed to ensuring that government boards reflect the rich diversity of the Victorian community.

This includes diverse leadership of the health system that represents the variety of backgrounds and cultures of Victorian communities to enable the vision of achieving the best health, wellbeing and safety for everyone.

To build an empowered and engaged leadership across the health systems, our priority areas are people of all ages, First Nations people, people who live with a disability, people from culturally diverse backgrounds, people who identify as LGBTIAQ+, the promotion of gender equality and upholding human rights.

Applicants must be able to demonstrate the capabilities they identify in their applications.

Applications close at midnight Sunday 24 November 2024. Further information about Victorian health service boards and how to apply can be found at www.health.vic.gov.au/board-applications

NOVEMBER 22, 23, 24

Saturday, November 23

Maydale Reserve & Horsham Showgrounds. Free Entry Sawyer Park – 8am Wimmera River Park Run – Run, Jog, Walk –family fun Hsm Showgrounds – 10am-10pm Carnival rides and amusements

Maydale Pavilion – from 6 - 9.15pm Family musical bingo, dancing and band Hsm Showgrounds – 9.30 pm. MiXX FM Fireworks spectacular

Sunday, November 24

Maydale Reserve & Horsham Showgrounds - Free Entry 9am - 2pm – Market – indoor/outdoor, magician, dress-ups, Hsm City Brass Band, Mini Goats, face painting, “paint a car”, balloons, games, Box Car Derby, water play, slime play, Come n Try Soccer, Historical vehicles, Army Display and Vehicles, music, dancing, dress ups, mini golf, Scouts and Guides activities and our NEW Sensory Nook. Come and try pickleball! 10am - 2pm – Carnival rides and amusements, Jim’s Jumping Castle 2pm - Santa arrives

Moran health service guest

E

ast Grampians Health Service

will host its annual general meeting in Ararat this month, with Federation University chancellor Terry Moran as guest speaker.

Staff members will receive longservice awards at the meeting, as well as scholarships enabling them to undertake additional study and further their careers.

Mr Moran’s career includes serving as the most senior member of Australia’s public service – secretary of the Department of Prime Minister and Cabinet.

Appointed by former Prime Minister Kevin Rudd, Mr Moran continued in the position under Julia Gillard.

Previously, he also spent more than seven years as secretary of the Victorian Department of Premier and Cabinet.

Mr Moran led the department’s work on national security and international policy, environment, industry and economic policy, social policy and reforms negotiated by the Council of Australian Governments.

The reforms included a package of initiatives to reshape funding, governance and accountability for Australia’s public hospitals.

During the global financial crises, Mr Moran helped lead Australia’s highly successful policy responses.

He is also a leading figure in Australia’s education sector as former chief executive of the Office of the State Training Board in Victoria and the first

chief executive of the Australian National Training Authority in Brisbane.

He said he looked forward to attending East Grampians Health Services’ annual general meeting.

“Ararat is part of the catchment of Federation University and the location of our Ararat Jobs and Technology Precinct on Laby Street, which undertakes valuable research for the local community and industry. I look forward to meeting the board, staff and volunteers,” Mr Moran said.

Health service chief executive Nick Bush said hearing from Mr Moran would be interesting for all in attendance.

“The health service has a strong affiliation with Federation University, which delivers the Diploma of Nursing and Certificate III in Individual Support on site at EGHS in Ararat, and it will be good to hear Terry’s perspective on tertiary education and the delivery of courses in regional areas,” he said.

“We are also very much looking forward to presenting our long serving staff with awards, and education scholarships to staff who will be taking on further study, which in the long run improves the quality and range of services we can offer.”

The meeting is open to the public and will be on Tuesday, November 26 at the Ararat Town Hall from 6pm.

People wishing to attend must RSVP to Amelia Miller at amelia.miller@ eghs.net.au by November 25.

Oscar Furniture wins supplier of year

Horsham’s Oscar Furniture has won Peak Group’s major ‘supplier of the year’ award for its contribution to the national health care furniture industry.

Oscar Furniture market director Matthew Op de Coul said the award showed the strength of their service and products.

“It’s a great recognition of our hard work and the high level of customer service our team delivers,” he said.

“The award is voted by the Peak members as the best company to deal with, from quality of product, trust, innovation, customer service and integrity, just to name a few.”

Yarto-Speed Road, Patchewollock

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Comprising of 3 titles - C/A 25,29 & 30 - located 36k north of Hopetoun. To be sold as a whole. Undulating country with a mix of soil types. Approx. 53% arable with the balance remnant vegetation. Suitable for cropping or grazing. GWM pipeline water connected, tanks & troughs.

Expressions of Interest close Friday 4.00pm 13th December 2024

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The first time the company has received the recognition, Mr Op de Coul travelled to Queensland to accept the award from Paralympian Ellie Cole at the annual Peak conference in Brisbane.

“With Oscar being possibly Horsham’s biggest manufacturer, we are extremely proud, not only for the efforts of the whole Oscar team, but also to bring this award home to country Victoria and the Wimmera region,” Mr Op de Coul said.

Mr Op de Coul’s grandfather Leo started the business in the 1950s fcusing on upholstery, then with the help of his son Anthony moved to

furniture manufacturers in the early 1980s, supplying the likes of Harvey Norman and Myer.

“As the importing of furniture impacted profitability, the business moved into healthcare furniture, and now we’re one of the largest manufacturers of lift chairs in Australia,” Mr Op de Coul said.

“Now we cater almost entirely to the aged care market, selling a range of highly customisable lift chairs, which are distributed nationally.” Oscar Furniture now has factories in Horsham, Adelaide and Melbourne, with shopfronts in Horsham and Hamilton.

Central Haven location on offer

68 Hunts Road, Haven

Cnr Blue Ribbon Road & Keam Road,

as mixed cropping & range from grey to red rising clay type soils, ideal cropping/hay country.

Expressions of Interest close Friday 4.00pm 6th December 2024

Mark Clyne M 0417 568 200

This ideal lifestyle allotment of 5435m2 / 1.35 acres is set amongst other established properties with plenty of space for a new home & shedding in the sought after Haven area. GWM Town water is connected with power available at the front pit ready to connect .

Price $265,000

Mark Clyne M 0417 568 200

your site and start planning your

location. Completion & Titles expected late 2024.

prices range from $565,000-$1,100,000 plus GST

Clyne M 0417 568 200

ACCOLADE: Daniel, Anthony and Matthew Op de Coul, front, with some of Oscar Furniture’s 130 staff. Oscar Furniture won a supplier award for its contribution to the health care furniture industry.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Bistro Open 7 Days

Warracknabeal Town Hall committee, Jenny Taylor:

“We

“They

“We

“We

Mosquito protection

The State Government is continuing its free vaccine program to protect from the Japanese encephalitis virus, JEV, this mosquito season.

The program is expanding eligibility to people living or working in 24 local government areas across Victoria.

Residents in Hindmarsh, Horsham, Northern Grampians, West Wimmera, Yarriambiack and Buloke are eligible for the Japanese encephalitis vaccine as they are classified high risk local government areas for mosquito-borne diseases.

Most people with JEV infection do not have symptoms or have only mild symptoms.

However, a small number –about one in every 250 people – can develop severe infection of the brain – encephalitis.

Symptoms may include fever, headache, nausea, vomiting and muscle aches, and people with severe infection can develop encephalitis or meningitis which can be fatal.

The free JEV vaccine is available for eligible people through GPs, Aboriginal health services, community pharmacies and some local councils.

Health Minister Mary-Anne Thomas said as well as getting

vaccinated against JEV, Victorians in high-risk areas should take simple actions, like wearing loose-fitting clothes and using mosquito repellent.

“Following expert advice from the chief health officer, we’re expanding this important program to ensure more Victorians can access the free JEV vaccine and protect themselves and their loved ones this summer,” she said.

Victorians can contact their local public health unit for further information or assistance with locating their local immunisation provider.

Steps to reduce the risk of being bitten by mosquitoes include: wearing long, loose and lightcoloured clothing when outdoors; using mosquito repellents that contain active ingredients including Picaridin or DEET; spraying or rubbing repellent on children’s clothes is recommended, avoiding their skin; limiting time spent outdoors when mosquitoes are most active such as at dawn and dusk; removing stagnant water where mosquitoes can breed around the home or a campsite; making sure windows are fitted with mosquito netting or screens.

To learn more about mosquitoborne diseases, visit betterhealth. vic.gov.au/campaigns/protectyourself-mosquito-borne-disease.

of,

Bringing a new level of enchantment

Smart Artz Theatre Inc will bring Shakespeare Under the Stars to Horsham Botanic Gardens next year, with the production of William Shakespeare’s comedy A Midsummer Night’s Dream.

To be directed by Maddi Ostapiw, the twilight performances from October 31 to November 2 will include on-site food trucks and the opportunity for people to picnic while experiencing Wimmera talent.

“We’re thrilled to present this outdoor production and bring a new level of enchantment to the Horsham Botanic Gardens,” Ostapiw said.

“Our goal is to make this a memorable experience for everyone, offering both

locals and visitors one more reason to stay in the Wimmera over the long weekend and enjoy the best of local talent in a beautiful setting.”

Smart Artz Theatre Inc president Amy Anselmi said auditions for actors and dancers would be in February.

“We welcome performers of all experience levels to audition for lead roles, supporting roles, and our energetic fairy chorus,” she said.

“Audition details will be posted on Smart Artz Theatre Inc’s social media channels, so keep an eye out for updates.”

The production will be produced by Ms Anselmi and Onella Cooray, with

set dressing elements by Milly Henley, costumes by Natasha Kuchel, Jessica Wilson and Becky Bone, choreography by Emily Grieger with assistance from Kara Crabb, graphic design by Tom Miatke, live piano by Gavin Fry, and makeup design by Lauren Larkins.

Wendy Preece will provide pre-show children’s entertainment, including face painting and fairy storytime.

Horsham Rural City Council is supporting the event with ticketing, grounds preparation and event management services.

– Bronwyn Hastings

Expressions of Interest are invited from suitably experienced Artists for:

CONTRACT NO. 2024-2025-23 –EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FOR ART ACTIVATION OF LLEW SCHILLING SILO, RAINBOW, VICTORIA

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

The closing time for the above Expression of Interest is 2:00pm on Thursday 12 December 2024

All enquiries should be directed to Laura Sonnberger, Contracts & Procurement Officer on (03) 5391 4444 or via Council’s online tender portal eProcure.

Scan the QR code to subscribe to Hindmarsh Shire Council’s fortnightly e-newsletter.

For

Cleaner - Dimboola

Riverside Holiday Park

(Part time, 12 hours per fortnight, including weekends)

We are seeking a cleaner to join the fantastic team at the Riverside Holiday Park. Experience in a previous cleaning position highly regarded, but not necessary! Perfect for someone looking to work within school hours.

Cleaner - Rainbow Library

(Part time, 1 hour per week, with potential for extra shifts)

We are seeking a cleaner for the Rainbow Library Customer Service Centre for 1 hour per week. This role will also have the potential to fill in at the Rainbow Caravan Park as required.

Health and Safety Officer

$37.92 per hour

We are looking for a highly motivated person with exceptional communication skills to support initiatives to ensure the health, safety and wellbeing of our team. This is a fantastic opportunity for an organised person who strives to improve processes. If this sounds like you, we want to hear from you! Workplace safety qualifications and experience are desirable, but training opportunities can be provided for the right candidate.

Intern Engineer

Hindmarsh Shire Council has the opportunity for a person who is undertaking Civil Engineering, or who has recently graduated, to complete an internship over the Christmas holidays. A fantastic way to increase your knowledge and get real life experience to prepare you for the workforce!

Applications for these roles close Wednesday 27 November 2024 at 12noon.

Scan the QR code for details about these role and how to apply, or for more information, visit our website at www.hindmarsh.vic.gov.au/work-in-council or contact our Customer Service Centre on (03) 5391 4444.

Hindmarsh Shire Council is committed to increasing diversity across the organisation. We encourage anyone to apply for our vacancies regardless of their gender, race, religion, sexual orientation, or disability status.

Join the Hindmarsh team and contribute to our beautiful Shire.

New Vacancies!

EXCITED: Smart Artz Theatre Inc will bring Shakespeare’s Midsummer Night’s Dream to Horsham Botanic Gardens under the guidance

from left, Onella Cooray, Akala Heinzel, Emily Grieger, Becky Bone, Maddi Ostipiw and Amy Anselmi.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

MINIMISE YOUR DOWNTIME

A benchmark for stroke care

Typically, healthcare professionals focus on people, not statistics.

But Grampians Health Horsham stroke coordinator Deidre Rennick’s preoccupation with statistics won the health organisation two national awards.

Ms Rennick has access to stroke-related data from more than 60 hospitals across Australia and is constantly comparing Horsham’s performance.

If, on average, it takes longer for someone in Horsham to receive life-saving medication than someone in a major city, she investigates why.

If another hospital improves its treatment times, recovery rates or rehabilitation outcomes, Ms Rennick and the Horsham team try to figure out how to match them.

Ms Rennick’s determination to keep up with the latest research earned Grampians Health Horsham two national awards for stroke care – one for data quality, as well as an Australian Stroke Coalition Quality Stroke Service Distinction Award recognising that outcomes for stroke patients in Horsham were among the best in Australia.

Ms Rennick said the awards were inextricably linked.

“We benchmark our performance with the top hospitals, in real-time, and we’re always trying to look at ways to improve,” she said.

“We are often asked how Horsham does so well in this space and in many ways, our smaller size is an advantage.

“We have daily multidisciplinary meetings, with everyone involved in a patient’s care, and that’s invaluable. Everything is also colocated; a CT scan is 50 metres down the hall and the rehabilitation ward is literally next door to the stroke unit.”

Ms Rennick is involved in a patient’s care from the moment they present to hospital to their discharge from acute or rehabilitation care.

She and other allied health professionals, doctors and specialists, assess and document every step of patients’ progress.

Ms Rennick said meticulous attention to detail had transformed outcomes for Australian stroke victims.

“In the 1980s, every person that had a stroke

would be badly disabled and often end up in nursing homes,” she said.

“We now have far better drugs, for managing strokes, and a lot more understanding about neuroplasticity where, with the right support, the brain re-models itself.

“There are far less of those big, bad, strokes and that’s because we’ve got better primary health care, better management and more public awareness.”

But Ms Rennick said there was still room for improvement.

“We’re taking part in a trial focused on patients who may develop specific complications within 72 hours of a stroke– a fever, high blood sugar or impaired swallowing,” she said.

“If we respond to those signs quickly, with certain interventions, we stop the process and reduce the brain damage, giving patients better outcomes.”

With retirement on the horizon, Ms Rennick said her next challenge was finding someone as excited as she was about data.

“It’s unusual for a rural hospital to have a stroke co-ordinator working four days a week, and that’s why we are so successful,” she said.

“After doing it alone for several years, I’m now excited to job share with Bobbie Pitt, who joined us this year; it’s really important to have a succession plan and be training the next generation of stroke co-ordinators.

“We need this work to continue, because I absolutely know we’re making a difference.”

Turning hobbies into business

Graduates of a micro-business program were celebrated last week with a ceremony at Horsham’s Centre for Participation.

Viktoriia Prykhodko, who has been in Horsham for almost two years, aims to turn her small Ukrainian food business into a bigger enterprise while balancing life with a young family.

“I need to make my life the best, and because I’m a single mum, I need to worry about my kids and save money,” she said.

“I think I’m very lucky to live in Australia, and Horsham is like my home city, Izum.”

Micro-business tutor Sokan Sat said the program supported people who were looking for an opportunity to own their micro-business.

“It’s for people who are starting to turn their hobby into business, and also for the people who are trying to look for skills to build themselves for job-seeking purposes,” she said.

“We talk about the basic understanding of how to run a micro-business, having a business plan, a marketing plan, going digital for a micro-business owner, customer service and hospitality.

“Graduates get a chance to get another certificate on top of the graduate certificate from micro-business as their food safety preparation supervisor as well.”

Ms Sat said the program was open to everyone.

“If you’re looking to turn your hobby into business or looking for a job, I think we are a good place for you,” she said. People can find more information about Centre for Participation and available courses online at centreforparticipation. org.au.

Luna Ball invitation for Hindmarsh youth

Hindmarsh Shire Youth Council will host a Luna Ball at Nhill Memorial Community Centre later this month for people aged 12 to 18 years.

People are encouraged to dress in their finest, with a best-dressed

prize awarded. There will also be free food and refreshments at the event, on November 29 from 6.30pm to 9.30pm, which will be free of drugs, alcohol, smoking and vaping.

Return buses with adult super-

vision from Rainbow, Dimboola, and Jeparit to Nhill will be provided.

Registration, via form.jot form.com/242947636300861 by 5pm on November 27 is essential for a seat on the bus.

GRADUATES: Centre For Participation micro-business graduates, from left, Viktoriia Prykhodko and husband and wife Anil and Madhu Sharma, with project tutor Sokan Sat. Viktoriia has started a Ukrainian food business while Anil makes bracelets and Madhu caters Indian food.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Deidre Rennick

Anglers hook into project

Wimmera Catchment Management Authority is again calling on the community to participate in a research project involving a popular native fish –yellowbelly.

Wimmera CMA leaders are asking for Wimmera River users visiting areas around Horsham, Dimboola and Jeparit weirs to become citizenscience monitors during the next few weeks.

Specifically, authorities are encouraging anglers to note any signs of fish spawning or fish aggregation in those areas.

Yellowbelly, also known as golden perch, are sought after by anglers and the subject of widespread stocking programs across south-eastern Australia.

Currently they are in good health across the Wimmera catchment.

The research project is in its second year after the Victorian Fisheries Authority noted small massing of fish in the river following a 200 megalitre release of water.

In November 2021, yellowbelly spawned in the Wimmera River just below Horsham weir after spring rains in the upper catchment delivered a pulse of about 500 megalitres, ML, of water per day across four days.

An annual Native Fish Report Card monitoring survey the following April detected higher numbers of juvenile yellowbelly, indicating successful breeding.

Wimmera CMA chief executive David Brennan said it was an unusual occurrence because yellowbelly rarely breed in the Wimmera River.

“If we can replicate the conditions for yellowbelly to breed naturally, it will be a game changer and will influence the use of water for the environment,” he said.

This year CMA staff have monitored water temperatures and are planning a combined delivery of 400-500 ML a day of water for the environment in early and mid-November, which will be reduced to 40ML a day. Delivery will depend on water temperatures warming up to the right level.

Wimmera CMA is inviting people to provide photographs and information about what they see.

People can contact the Wimmera CMA office on 5382 1544, send an email to wcma@wcma.vic.gov.au or submit details online at wcma.vic.gov. au/fishing4info.

Mr Brennan said the release of water might impact some users below

Delays in centre plan

EYES ON THE PRIZE: Right, Campbell Stasinowsky from ‘Cams One Last Cast’ caught some big yellowbelly in the Wimmera River on October 3; and below, keen Wimmera angler Brady Mann with a yellowbelly he caught in the Wimmera River on October 13.

Horsham weir for two or three days, with water levels potentially inundating one of the walking tracks and lowlevel river crossings along the length of the river.

He said the high flows would likely be the last until after summer, with

flows set to be managed more conservatively due to dry climatic conditions.

Mr Brennan encouraged people to follow Wimmera CMA’s social media accounts for updates.

Warracknabeal’s leisure centre repair works and reopening have been delayed, with the completion now expected in March next year.

The centre is expected to remain closed while extensive works are undertaken to repair damage caused by a broken underfloor water pipe in the canteen.

Repair works include the replacement of damaged footings, the removal and replacement of timber flooring, various plasterwork, painting and new floor coverings. The works are part of an approved insurance claim.

Yarriambiack Shire Council chief executive Tammy Smith said discussions with the project’s contractor found a revision to the repair program, delaying the completion date.

“The delays have been attributed to the engineering specifications, which required a deeper excavation for the footings than initially anticipated,” she said.

“This has extended the duration of the works and increased the volume of soil to be moved. As a result, the contractor has indicated they will not meet the initial completion date set before Christmas.”

Mrs Smith said although the delay was frustrating, it was outside council’s control.

“Well over $100,000 was recently invested into the basketball facilities and we would like nothing more than to see it used and enjoyed by our community,” she said.

“While this is outside of council’s control, we certainly apologise for the inconvenience and disruption this extended delay will cause.”

Awards celebrate best in business

Business leaders gathered on Thursday night to celebrate the Ararat region’s top performers at the 2024 East Grampians Business Awards.

Hosted at Ararat Town Hall, the gala night recognised Ararat Rural City’s best business innovators across private, public, and not-forprofit sectors.

Renowned Kirrae Whurrung artist Brett Clarke opened the ceremony with a welcome to country, followed by a speech from Greater Ararat Business Network president Tom Clark.

Ararat Physio and Co took out top honours with the Business of the Year award. Judges cited a team of ‘friendly and knowledgeable professionals’ who took pride in providing care and professional service as the reason for giving the award to Ararat Physio and Co.

The Best New Business award went to Wirreanda Farm. The farm contains Victoria’s only tiny chapel, aimed at private elopements or for use as a sunset paddock picnic with social media appeal.

The People’s Choice award went to SEDE Café, whose owners and staff were recognised as providing warm and friendly service with a speciality à la carte-style menu, and daily specials using locally sourced ingredients.

SVFit picked up the Innovation and Change award for fostering a supportive and motivating environment that provided clients an opportunity to enhance their physical and mental wellbeing.

The Trades and Construction award went to local builder G.J. Gardner Ararat, recognising more than 16 years of building homes across the Ararat, Horsham, and

Hamilton regions. Judges chose to split the Retail and Hospitality into two separate categories due to what they described as a ‘high calibre of applicants’.

A Retail award went to community-based retailer Priceline Pharmacy Ararat for providing a range of services to the local community with modern facilities.

The Hospitality award went to Barney’s Bar and Bistro, which judges recognised as becoming a go-to location for locals and tourists alike.

Bistro owners Sue and Colin Macaffer were thrilled to be acknowledged with the award, and were quite emotional following a challenging year due to bushfires hitting Pomonal in February.

“It’s been a big year for us, with the bushfires in Pomonal. To be the best hospitality business for us is about the people caring and the people supporting us,” Mrs Macaffer said.

“We’ve found the support, locally and wider, has just been remarkable. People are wonderful.”

The award for Professional Services went to Budja Budja Aboriginal Co-operative, which opened its doors as a bulk-billing medical clinic in Ararat this month, with a team of clinical professionals delivering a culturally safe environment and services to members.

Lauren Walker of Ararat Wellness was named Young Person of the Year for her impact on the lives of her clients.

As a dedicated counsellor, Ms Walker provides personalised care to help clients overcome challenges, often leading to lasting positive change.

Ararat Rural City Council chief executive Tim Harrison said it was important to recognise successful local businesses and the people who ran them.

“The annual East Grampians Business Awards gala presentation

offers a unique opportunity for local businesses to network as well as celebrate business excellence,” he said.

“We’re incredibly proud of our local businesses. Congratulations to all finalists and winners for their outstanding contributions to our community.”

G.J. Gardner Ararat’s Ash and Sally Heard collect the Trades and Construction award from Regional Development Australia Grampians chair Stuart Benjamin.

Young Person of the Year Lauren Walker of Ararat Wellness accepts the award from James Remington of Nevetts Lawyers.

People’s Choice award winner SEDE Café, represented by Bishal Khana.

Colin and Sue Macaffer of Barney’s Bar and Bistro won the Hospitality award.

John and Kate Kirkpatrick, of Wirreanda Farm, with their Best New Business award.

SVFit won the Innovation and Change award. Pictured are Jeremy Leslie, Paige Brewster and Ashlea Knight.

Priceline Pharmacy Ararat won the Retail Award. Pictured are Nichole Corbett, Fiona Cochrane and Ararat RSL’s Maria Whitford.

Ararat Physio and Co’s Abbie Bates, Alicia Birtles, Thea Hinchcliffe, Jane Astbury, Lisa Haddow, Jessica Tucker, Jacqueline Grayling, Blake Cox and Wian Stears collect the Business of the Year accolade.

Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

Julia Maasland and Melissa Perry collect the Professional Services award for Budja Budja Medical Clinic.

THUNDER A IMI Lentil

Connection turning point

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

Stawell resident Corey Fox’s life transformation in the past year was, by his own admission, driven by a deep-seated fear.

Mr Fox has lived with type-two diabetes for about 20 years, but said he had not always managed the condition well.

“For a long time, I had very poor control of my diabetes, wouldn’t take my diabetes medication and had very poor health,” he said.

“I developed a generous and healthy fear of death.”

It was that fear that drove Mr Fox to make changes.

After weighing as much as 164 kilograms at one point, he recently tipped the scales at 113kgs.

“That weight loss has taken a few years of patient effort and my diabetes control is as good as it has ever been,” he said.

Mr Fox attributed the turnaround to support from Grampians Community Health’s Diabetes Connect program and his personal trainer, along with his willingness to buy into the support.

“I wasn’t living a good life, with a lot of self-loathing, health challenges and I didn’t take diabetes seriously,” he said.

“I made a decision a couple of years ago that enough was enough.

“I decided to get fit, lose some weight and joined the gym, got myself a personal trainer, and connected with Sue Fontana at Diabetes Connect and started taking that seriously.”

Mr Fox said he encountered Dia-

“That positive feedback really helps, but you can have people telling you what to do until the cows come home, you’ve still got to have some personal accountability and buy into it and actually do it”

– Corey Fox, right

betes Connect at a perfect time.

“I had been training for a while but this year I decided to get serious about it and really committed to the Diabetes Connect program,” he said.

“It’s not just ‘this is your condition and this is the treatment’ – it’s about educating me and that gives you a bigger buy-in.

“You’re learning with the goal of being able to manage it better.”

Through the program, Mr Fox received access to new 24-hour sensor management control options instead of using finger pricks to monitor his blood sugar.

He said he felt like a new man after previously being hospitalised for diabetes-related medical issues, and his family and friends had also noticed his improvement.

“I’m at that point where people who haven’t seen me for a while are making nice comments,” he said.

“That positive feedback really helps, but you can have people telling you what to do until the cows come home, you’ve still got to have some personal account-

ability and buy into it and actually do it.”

At age 48, Mr Fox said he was now considering becoming a football umpire in 2025.

Diabetes Connect is a free program supporting people living with type-two diabetes to manage their health and wellbeing.

The program offers care-coordinating assistance to deter-

mine what supports and services patients might need to manage their health and wellbeing, reduce avoidable disease progression and avoid hospitalisation.

People can find out more about the Diabetes Connect program by visiting www.health.vic.gov.au/ integrated-care/diabetes-connect or the Grampians Community Health website at gch.org.au.

New sniffer drone

Environment Protection Authority, EPA, Victoria has upgraded its fleet of high-tech aerial drones, which now have the capability of detecting air pollution.

The environmental watchdog has equipped its drones with a new aerial air pollutant detection and mapping system, which detects gas emissions and provides detailed information to EPA officers on the ground in real time.

EPA executive director of operations Joss Crawford said the system added to the existing uses of drones, which include collecting water samples, detecting hotspots and fire risks in waste stockpiles, and inspecting landfills, illegal dumping sites and spills.

“The sniffer drone gives us real-time gas concentrations and distributions that will help assess total emissions from the landfill, oil and gas refinery, wastewater treatment plant or other industrial site we’re inspecting,” she said.

“The new technology also enables us to pinpoint significant sources at these sites so we can then target the real cause of pollution and direct measures to do something about it.”

The new system will allow EPA officers to measure the pollutants including carbon monoxide, hydrogen sulphide, particulates including dust and smoke, and methane, a common byproduct of landfills.

The collected data is fed to software that provides a three-dimensional visualisation of the pollutants to pinpoint the polluting source, enabling targeted intervention by EPA officers.

Ms Crawford said the new drone technology would coincide with a greater EPA focus on landfills this year.

“Each pollutant comes with its own challenges; hydrogen sulphide creates immediate problems with odour, while carbon monoxide is a poison with no smell at all, particulates mostly affect the old, people with heart or lung disease, pregnant women and small children, and methane is a greenhouse gas associated with climate change,” she said.

Ms Crawford said EPA Victoria carried out more than 500 drone flights across the state each year.

“EPA’s drones give our frontline officers practical tools that make the job of detecting and stopping pollution faster and more effective,” she said.

Awards are more than trophies

Tomorrow evening, I have the privilege of attending the 2024 Victorian Early Years Awards in Melbourne.

Yes, it’s a joy to enjoy some canapés, dress up, and secretly cross your fingers that your name might be called as a winner.

For some, awards may seem like a self-indulgent celebration, but they are so much more than just glass-cut trophies.

First, a nomination represents the dedication and innovation that early years’ professionals bring to their work.

It isn’t about self-promotion or seeking praise; rather, it’s a moment to spotlight the high standards, creativity and compassion that go into nurturing young minds.

Early years education lays the foundation for children’s cognitive, emotional and social development, shaping their futures in profound ways.

Recognising excellence in this field through award nominations brings public attention to this invaluable work, inspiring a greater appreciation and understanding of its importance.

It also highlights the collective impact of early childhood education on society, especially now, when investment in early years is essential for lasting educational and social outcomes.

For those working in early years, a nomination validates their often-overlooked efforts and affirms that their dedication is valued.

Unlike many professions, early childhood work rarely receives public recognition, even though it demands immense patience, skill and commitment.

A nomination, therefore, serves as a moment of acknowledgment that can inspire educators

COMMENT

with Jo Martin By Five Executive of cer

to strive for similar standards, creating a ripple effect across the sector.

Moreover, award nominations foster trust within communities, reassuring parents and families that their children are in skilled, caring hands.

It’s a testament to the commitment of early years providers to deliver the highest quality of care and education, strengthening bonds between parents and educators.

When a local organisation or individual is nominated, it signifies the community’s young children are a priority, deserving of the best possible start.

As I prepare to stand alongside Rainbow P-12 and Royal Far West, celebrating their extraordinary collaboration in bringing allied health services to children in remote and rural areas, I will have my fingers crossed – not just for a win, but for the shared hope that these nominations remind us of the deep, collective commitment to early childhood.

This is so much more than ‘just an award’. Good luck to all.

Opportunity to pedal for a cause

DBY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

ennis Sharkey is on the lookout for new team members as he prepares to ride his 25th Murray to Moyne cycling event in support of Grampians Health Edenhope.

The annual ride involves cycling 520 kilometres from Mildura to Echuca across two days in teams of between eight and 16 people.

Each participant from the Edenhope team seeks sponsorship, with the money put towards Edenhope-specific programs, equipment or services.

Mr Sharkey is an avid cyclist but said he usually preferred solo bike camping trips.

“I usually ride by myself, I like being alone,” he said.

“Murray to Moyne is kind of weird; it’s the one time I enjoy the teamwork and riding with a group.”

Mr Sharkey said he was also driven to support Grampians Health Edenhope.

“For me, it’s a way of making a statement about our health service, to say it’s important and that we need it to continue,” he said.

“I actually stayed in a hospital room that was financed by Murray to Moyne a few years ago –there was a plaque on the door.

“None of us want to be in there, but everyone needs a local hospital and to have it stocked with all the best equipment.”

In the lead up to the 2025 event on April 5 and 6, Mr Sharkey said his team hoped to attract some younger cyclists.

“I haven’t got a bad word to say about the team, but we’re a bit of an old man’s club at the moment,” he said.

“We figured out the average age, in 2024, and the number was in the high 50s. It would be really great to get some younger people involved, and some more females.”

Mr Sharkey said the event’s relay-style approach made it more achievable for amateur cyclists.

“We break it up into blocks, depending on conditions and people’s fitness, so if you can hang onto your bike for 20km, at a go, you’ll be right,” he said.

“Everyone has their own personal goal and we match our approach to them; some are pushing

Dennis Sharkey

just to make it through, others are trying to break their own records.

“We’ve had plenty of people come for the first time and their sense of self-pride is very evident.”

This year Mr Sharkey’s brother Kevin joined the Edenhope team and raised $890 for Grampians Health Edenhope.

“Kevin recognised that Edenhope people really support each other, and our golden rule is that no one is left behind,” Mr Sharkey said.

“It’s a great team and a great event, so hopefully we’ll have some more numbers in 2025.”

The 2024 team has allocated more than $25,000 to a Grampians Health Edenhope project, which Mr Sharkey said would be revealed in a few weeks.

More information about Edenhope’s Murray to Moyne team and the 2025 event is available by phoning Grampians Health Edenhope engagement co-ordinator Dani Grindlay on 0409 215 696.

Ararat drainage works complete

A months-long project to upgrade drainage in Ararat’s Queen Street is now complete.

Ararat Rural City Council started upgrades in July this year, including laying large pipework at the Blake Street intersection along with kerb and pavement upgrades at the MacLean Street intersection.

The works aim to improve the transportation of water upstream, as well as alleviating increased pressure on the drainage network downstream. The project was funded through the council’s

capital works program, under its urban drainage initiative. The initiative targets improvements to the municipality’s drainage network and aims to improve the capacity of the drainage system to manage high-rainfall events, as well as implement improvements to areas with long-term drainage issues.

Council chief executive Tim Harrison said a reliable urban drainage system was ‘crucial for preserving the quality of our roads and ensuring community safety’.

Joining forces for a safe summer

This year’s Victorian fire season has officially begun, with fire restrictions already in place in some parts of the state following the declarations of fire danger periods.

CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan said it would be a hotter and drier summer following reduced rainfall in the first half of this year.

“The lack of significant rainfall has led to an above average fire risk and an earlier start to the fire season,” he said.

“CFA’s 50,000 volunteers are ready to protect our communities, as we do every year, and have been working

Volunteers prepared

Volunteer firefighters have come together in pre-summer preparation activities, with brigades attending CFA pre-fire season group exercises across the state.

Horsham group’s session gave firefighters from Horsham, Jung, Vectis, Pimpinio and Dooen the opportunity to practise firefighting activities at Longerenong’s Victorian Emergency Training Centre, VEMTC, a purposebuilt training ground.

VEMTC practical area drill, PAD, supervisor Chris Rosewall said the exercises gave all CFA volunteers an opportunity to revisit other brigades’ equipment and collaborate with members outside of their own brigades.

“The main benefit of a group exercise is firefighters are learning and training alongside members from other brigades with different types of equipment,” he said.

“Not every brigade in Horsham group has the same truck.

“People can also pick up skills from others and collaborate in their approaches to the exercises.”

Mr Rosewall said hosting activities at Longerenong gave PAD operators the opportunity to assist members to brush up on their skills before fire season.

“Practising skills isn’t just about fighting the fire – putting the wet stuff on the red stuff – it’s about working as a team, practising radio, leadership and driving skills, and being ready for a variety of different emergency

with our Victorian emergency service partners throughout the cooler months to prepare for fire season, and this year is no exception.

“We ask people to find some time to sit down with their families or household and make a bushfire survival plan, and if they already have one, it’s a great time to review it.

“It’s important for the community to understand fire safety is a shared responsibility – we ask Victorians to be prepared and stay informed.”

Mr Heffernan encouraged people to clear gutters, prune branches away from roofs or walls, keep grass shorter than 10 centimetres and remove leaves and twigs from around properties.

“People who live near areas with bush, forest, long grass or scrub, may find these actions and decisions could save their lives and property in the event of a bushfire,” he said.

Mr Heffernan said burning off was not permitted during the fire danger period without a permit to burn, which people could apply for through the Fire Permits Victoria website, www. firepermits.vic.gov.au.

CFA declares the fire danger period for each municipality at different times in the lead up to the fire season, depending on the amount of rain, grassland curing rate and other local conditions.

Restrictions are already in place for

the Hindmarsh, Horsham, West Wimmera, Yarriambiack, Buloke, Loddon, and Northern Grampians municipalities.

Ararat and Pyrenees municipalities will enter the fire danger period on November 18, with Southern Grampians on November 25.

Restrictions will remain in place until May 1 next year.

Mr Heffernan said people could find out more about the fire danger period by visiting www.cfa.vic.gov.au/ firedangerperiod, and could find out what can and cannot be done during the period at www.cfa.vic.gov. au/can or by calling VicEmergency Hotline on 1800 226 226.

“The fire danger period is not the same as a total fire ban,” Mr Heffernan said.

“Each municipality might have their own local laws about lighting fires – people should contact their local council to find out what laws might be in place.”

Mr Heffernan also encouraged people to download the VicEmergency app to stay informed of incidents and fire danger ratings in their areas.

For more information about the fire danger period, total fire ban days, and planning for fire, people can visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au.

scenarios,” he said. “Overall, our main objective at any incident is safety first for firefighters, and training out here helps PAD operators reinforce that with our volunteers.”

Longerenong’s centre is one of eight State Government-owned and CFAoperated training facilities state-wide, serving all people in the emergency services with training in their own unique areas.

Mr Rosewall said an average of 1000 people had trained at the centre

each financial year across the past 10 years.

“Currently, we have had more than 900 people train here already,” he said.

The centre offers more than 20 custom-made fire props, including cars, sheds, a ride-on mower, skip bin, plane, building, powerpole, LPG gantry and truck fuel, as well as salvage, confined space, tunnels, forcible entry, and search and rescue.

Firefighters can practise skills gained

from the entry-level general firefighter course to the second-highest qualification CFA offers volunteers, ‘respond to urban’.

As well as emergency services, school and other community groups visit the centre.

“The Scouts visit us every year,” Mr Rosewall said.

“We show them how to use fire extinguishers and blankets, we talk to them about fire safety, show them videos, and do some work with them

around safety with aerosol cans, fuel and device chargers.

“But the centre is not just about firefighting – we’re enhancing people’s skills in driving, truck driving and four-wheel driving.

“In addition to these, our new safe working at heights structure is almost complete and will be signed off in the coming months.”

– Bronwyn Hastings

REFINING: Volunteer firefighters Ambrose Hose, Vectis, and Raine Mackley, Horsham, extinguish a fire in a purpose-built car at a mock service station at Longerenong’s Victorian Emergency Training Centre during a Horsham Group exercise last month. Practical area drill operator Marc Ampt supervises the activity.

Picture: BRONWYN HASTINGS

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Be aware and be fully prepared

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

Having a fire plan, understanding individual risks and knowing the fire danger rating each day will better people’s chances of survival should a fire event occur during extreme or catastrophic-rated days.

CFA’s fire danger rating system determines a day’s risk level using weather data from the Bureau of Meteorology as well as other environmental conditions, such as fuel load.

CFA West Region community engagement co-ordinator Jenny McGennisken said the fire danger rating scale showed how dangerous and unpredictable a fire could be.

“Fire danger ratings provide information so people can take action to protect themselves and others,” she said.

“The higher the fire danger, the more dangerous the conditions and the greater the impact will be if a fire starts.”

Mrs McGennisken said fires could start and spread quickly on hot, dry and windy days.

“If the fire danger rating is extreme or catastrophic, leaving early before a fire has started is the safest option,” she said.

“Fire danger ratings provide information so people can take action to protect themselves and others” – Jenny McGennisken

where up-to-date warnings and information can be found during emergencies.

“Never wait for an official warning before you leave, as you may not get one,” Mrs McGennisken said.

“Fires can start quickly and threaten homes and lives within minutes. Make sure you know your weather district and have a plan.”

Victoria has nine weather districts based on council boundaries – Mallee, Wimmera, South West, Northern Country, North Central, Central, North East, West and South Gippsland, and East Gippsland.

There are four fire danger ratings: moderate – plan and prepare; high – be ready to act; extreme – take action now to protect life and property; and catastrophic – for your survival, leave bushfire risk areas. Each district is given its own rating for each day during the warmer months, with ratings forecast up to four days in advance and updated daily.

“People leaving after a fire has started will likely drive through smoke, fallen trees and powerlines, risking collisions, being trapped by fire, and even serious injury or death.”

People are encouraged to visit the CFA website, www.cfa.vic.gov.au, for tips such as creating fire plans to include property preparation in the lead-up to fire season, and plans for during catastrophic days with escape routes, considerations for pets and other animals, and knowing

“We have developed a range of stakeholder communication kits to help spread our key fire safety messages, which are updated regularly,” Mrs McGennisken said.

People can find more information on preparing for fire at www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare, and in languages other than English at www. cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/fire-safety-in-otherlanguages.

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Grants boost operational capacity

Apsley, Moyston and Laharum fire brigades will each receive a new vehicle in the latest round of Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program grants, with several more brigades to benefit from the program.

Horsham-based CFA acting deputy chief officer Mark Gunning said there were some significant amounts awarded to brigades this year.

“Apsley is getting a replacement forward control vehicle, as well as a fuel pod,” he said.

Hay season arrives early

Hay season arrived early in western Victoria, where fire risks are already increased with low winter rainfall and early grassland curing.

The CFA is now urging farmers to take extra care to prevent haystack fires.

Across the past financial year, CFA brigades responded to 121 haystack fires in regional areas, with 66 per cent occurring in the west and northwest of the state.

Haystack fires are often caused by spontaneous combustion when hay is baled with excess moisture.

High moisture levels, combined with the compact nature of hay bales, can create internal heat, which leads to ignition.

Green Lake Fire Brigade first lieutenant and farmer Daniel Mibus said there were risks associated with the early hay season and dry conditions.

“Compared with the past two years, because it has been so dry, hay season has started more than a month earlier, with bailing already having begun in some parts of the west,” he said.

“Although haystack fires can occur in both wet and dry conditions, the drier conditions this year could make fires more destructive if they spread.”

Mr Mibus said the timing of hay baling was key to reducing the risk of spontaneous combustion and one of the best safety measures people could take.

“If you’re baling too early in the day when it’s dewy, or just after

“Laharum is getting an ultralight tanker as an addition, not a replacement, and Moyston will also get a forward control vehicle.”

Apsley will receive $96,500 for the vehicle and $12,500 for the fuel pod, Moyston $145,833, and Laharum $140,833.

Halls Gap and Penshurst each received $66,667 for minor facility improvements, while Minimay will receive $10,000.

“Minimay will also install a fuel pod, which is a good result as they have nowhere close to fuel up their

appliances,” Mr Gunning said. Kadnook’s $4700 grant will fund a weather station, and Benayeo and Langkoop will each install water fill points with their respective $3045.

“Langkoop has tanks at the back of their station, so this is for plumbing to put a hydrant out the front, so they can come back and fill up after incidents,” Mr Gunning said.

Bringalbert South will purchase a fuel trailer with its $2533 grant; and Willaura will use its $1492 on volunteer amenities.

“Lorquon brigade asked for $950 for

some chairs for their meeting room – the small things make a big difference in our small communities,” Mr Gunning said.

Pigick received $550, which will fund a UHF radio.

“The grants have increased the operational capacity of the Wimmera,” Mr Gunning said.

“To get a fleet addition is nearly impossible, so to get an ultralight tanker at Laharum has been a big coup for us.”

Volunteer Emergency Services Equipment Program, VESEP, grants

it’s rained, there could be too much moisture in the bales, which may lead to problems later,” he said.

“Keep an eye on your stacks. If something smells off, check it out.

“Conditions within the bales can change quickly, so if you’re unsure, check them every day.

“Investing in a temperature probe to monitor the haystack’s condition is a great starting point, which could ultimately prevent your haystack from burning down.”

CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan reinforced that early preparation and proper storage were essential in reducing the risk of haystack fires.

“With more than 120 haystack fires in the past year, the impact on farm-

ers and their livelihoods is clear,” he said.

“Haystack fires can have far-reaching effects beyond individual properties, impacting neighbouring farms and emergency services.

“Make sure you store your hay in separate stacks or in sheds away from farm equipment and other buildings to prevent the spread of fire.

“Farmers need to ensure they’re well-prepared – regular monitoring can prevent a small issue from becoming a much larger one.”

To reduce the risks of haystack fires, farmers can ensure hay is wellcured before baling, know the history of purchased hay, keep haystacks separate from each other and to a

limited size, keep hay dry, monitor for unusual smells, and allow air to circulate by not stacking to a hayshed’s roof.

Temperature should also be monitored, by using a thermometer or a crowbar inserted into the middle of a stack for two hours – this will give varying temperatures, from less than 50 degrees celsius when the crowbar can be handled without discomfort, to over 70 degrees when the bar is too hot to hold, and has the potential for fire.

For more information, people can visit www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/how-to-prepare-your-property/ farms/hay-fire-safety.

fund is open to CFA, Life Saving Victoria, VICSES, marine search and rescue units, and other pre-determined volunteer emergency services groups, to purchase operational equipment, vehicles, refurbishments and amenities.

For more information or to apply, people can visit www.emv.vic.gov. au/how-we-help/grants-and-awards/ volunteer-emergency-servicesequipment-program-vesep.

Rappelling anniversary

Forest Fire Management Victoria’s helicopter rappelling program will celebrate its 40th anniversary this summer.

The program has helped deploy forest firefighters to fight some of the state’s most remote and inaccessible bushfires to control them before they impact communities and the environment.

The rappelling program uses specialist equipment to transport firefighters from a hovering helicopter to the ground, meaning fire crews can be deployed quickly to remote and mountainous locations where there might not be road access or space to land a helicopter.

Rappelling firefighters can bring small fires under control quickly using dry firefighting techniques to slow the spread of fires until other resources can reach them, or clear areas to allow helicopters to land.

Since its establishment in 1985, more than 350 firefighters have taken part in the program, with crews based at Heyfield and Ovens that can be deployed statewide.

When not deployed to fires, rappel teams help deliver FFMVic land and fire-management works, including assessing and treating hazardous trees and clearing tracks.

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action, DEECA, senior aviation operations officer Bryan Rees leads the helicopter rappel training program, and said the 40-year milestone was a big achievement for the program.

“I’m proud to have been involved in the program over 40 seasons and to see how far it has come,” he said.

INCREASED RISK: Across the past financial year, CFA brigades responded to 121 haystack fires in regional areas.

•

• develop cash flow budgets

• apply for grants/allowances

• negotiate with lenders/creditors

• explore options/opportunities

• formulate a wellbeing strategy

Representing our volunteers

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

H

orsham firefighter Matt Webb will represent CFA District 17 volunteers as a state councillor with Volunteer Fire Brigades Victoria, VFBV.

One of two councillors for the district, Mr Webb will work alongside Maurice Dumesny and representatives from other CFA districts to advocate for volunteers to CFA and other key stakeholders.

They will work with the VFBV board to bring volunteer input to policy development and the management of issues.

Mr Webb said he aimed to raise awareness among volunteers of the VFBV’s role in assisting with development of operational firefighting policy and member wellbeing.

“VFBV is an organisation for volunteers, to represent and look after our 50,000 members,” he said.

“I want to make sure those volunteers are aware that we’re here and if they have anything they need support with, they know who to get in contact with.”

Mr Webb said members were offered a range of support services, from legal and financial assistance through to counselling, which does not have to be fire-related.

“Members facing financial hardship can apply to the VFBV welfare fund – most recently, a number of members were assisted with quite a few thousand dollars following this year’s Pomonal fires,” he said.

Mr Webb brings more than 30 years’

volunteer experience to his VFBV role, from starting as a competition runner, to lieutenant positions at rural brigade Rupanyup, to his current standing as firefighter and third lieutenant at Horsham.

He has fought campaign fires across the state, including at Ovens, the Grampians and Dadswells Bridge, and has seen firefighting practices change dramatically throughout his firefighting career.

“Community safety and firefighting practices have come a fair way, most of that has been as a result of inquiries into disastrous fire events involving fatalities,” he said.

“The Linton fire in 1998 and the 2009 Black Saturday fires were a catalyst for quite a few new processes, such as crew protection systems for firefighter appliances, burn over/ entrapment procedures and a process for declaring red flag warnings.

“There certainly is a focus on continuous improvement in operational and non-operational practices, examples being the rollout of new radios, and tablets for truck crews.

“Tablets will automate a few of the necessary operational processes, and reduce the amount of radio communications that are necessary for each job.”

“I’m eager to play a part in the ongoing development of the way we’re doing things as an organisation, with continuous improvement front of mind”

– Matt Webb, left

Resources available

Agriculture Victoria and CFA are encouraging people to maintain their properties throughout the year to reduce the risk of fire.

The authorities offer several online resources and tips to ensure people, particularly farmers and landholders, are prepared in the event of a fire.

Farmers and landholders should have a written emergency plan that takes family members, employees and visitors into account.

The plan should include whether to stay and defend, triggers of when to leave, what to take and where to go, and what to do if it is too late to leave.

Livestock and pets should also be considered, to reduce their risk and help the financial and emotional wellbeing of producers.

Ploughed or bared-out paddocks and wetted-down stockyards can act as emergency stock containment areas.

CFA recommends gates are not locked and electric fencing turned off.

Mr Webb said he had also nominated to participate in joint committees, involving CFA and VFBV partnering to develop several key areas such as member services, training, and operational performance and capability.

“I’m eager to play a part in the ongoing development of the way we’re doing things as an organisation, with continuous improvement front of mind,” he said.

“It’s a developing space, but there’s plenty more to be done.”

CFA members can phone Mr Webb on 0427 802 707.

Farmers and landholders should also consider insurance cover for homes, farm buildings, machinery, fencing, major crops, livestock, electronic equipment, and working dogs.

CFA has developed resources to assist in developing a bushfire plan, which people can find at agriculture.vic. gov.au/farm-management/emergencymanagement/bushfires/how-toprepare-for-a-bushfire.

Agriculture Victoria has developed a fire preparedness toolkit to assist with preparing farms, which can be found at agriculture.vic.gov. au/farm-management/emergencymanagement/bushfires/fire-toolkit.

AI early fire detection trial

Forest Fire Management is exploring how artificial intelligence, AI, could be used to help detect bushfires early to keep Victorian communities safe.

The federal and state governments are each contributing $1.5-million to a Remote Sensing Bushfire Detection project through the Federal Government’s signature Disaster Ready Fund.

The Remote Sensing Bushfire Detection project is assessing the reliability and timeliness of smoke-detecting AI software using ground cameras mounted on specific fire lookouts across the state.

A fire tower at Big Hill, Stawell, will be the next to be a part of a trial, with cameras to be installed ahead for the 2024-25 fire season.

As part of phase two, the cameras will also be fitted to a fire tower at Mt Ida, near Heathcote, and Mt Mittamatite, in north-east Victoria, with further expansion planned for additional sites.

Forest Fire Management Victoria chief fire officer Chris Hardman said the trial would provide valuable information to inform how the technology could be used in the future to keep Victorian communities and environment safer from bushfires.

“FFMVic welcomes advancements in technology that can help us detect

bushfires early and keep communities safe,” he said.

The Remote Sensing Bushfire Detection project is at trial stage and is investigating the accuracy of commercially available AI bushfire detection technology.

Phase one of the trial took place during the 2023-24 fire season with cameras installed on fire lookouts at Mt Gordon, Mt Wombat, Peters Hill, and on a mobile trailer stationed in Mt Vandyke.

The cameras will operate 24/7 and have been configured to only detect smoke.

The software and cameras will complement and support the work of FFMVic’s specially trained fire lookout observers, who work across 64 fire lookouts – especially at times when lookouts are not staffed after hours or due to health and safety concerns such as operating or climbing in the dark and extreme weather conditions.

Early detection of bushfires is critical as it provides the biggest opportunity to suppress bushfires before they impact communities, the environment and important assets such as drinking water and energy infrastructure.

Depending on results, FFMVic might extend the trials to fire lookouts on third-party infrastructure and also develop a remote detection strategy to plan future investment in the technology.

Mock collision sets scene for training

Emergency services personnel used a mock aircraft collision at Stawell Aerodrome as a training exercise last month.

Country Fire Authority brigade members from Stawell, Halls Gap, Dadswells Bridge and Pomonal joined Victoria Police, VICSES and Ambulance Victoria personnel on October 23 to use the collision scenario as a test for agency procedures and the airfield’s emergency response plan.

The exercise was also used to encourage inter-agency communication at incidents with multiple responders, and to test the Municipal Emergency Management Planning Committee, MEMPC, arrangements.

Deputy group officer Peter Jackman was the CFA agency controller at the exercise and said when crews arrived on scene, they were confronted with a collision between a water bomber and a small passenger aircraft with 10 people on board.

The collision had also caused a

grass and scrub fire on the airport verge that needed to be extinguished.

“The exercise was extremely beneficial, especially getting familiar with the airfield and multi-agency response,” he said.

“I can see how effective these trainings would be in my area where Dadswells Bridge Fire Brigade often responds to truck crashes or fires with all agencies attending.”

Participants attended a debrief after the event and all agreed there were many benefits from the exercise.

A more formal debrief with exercise organisers will also feed back through MEMPC.

Mr Jackman made a special thanks to the drama class at Stawell Secondary College that provided casualties for the exercise.

UNITED: Emergency services personnel, above and below, respond to a mock scene at Stawell Aerodrome.

Planned burns a step ahead

Forest Fire Management Victoria plans year-round strategic burns to manage bushfire risk to protect life, assets and infrastructure across the state.

During the past year, FFMVic has reduced bushfire risk across more than 138,000 hectares of public land, including the Grampians region, building on the 90,000 hectares treated last year.

Department of Energy, Environment and Climate Action Grampians deputy chief fire officer Jason Hellyer said several planned burns had been successful across the area.

“This year, we’ve successfully completed fuel reduction burns across the Wimmera, including areas in Halls Gap, Dunkeld, Fyans Creek and Little Desert National Park,” he said.

Mr Hellyer said a range of actions including planned burning, mechanical works, hazardous tree management, mulching and maintaining strategic fuel breaks were a critical tool in reducing the size and intensity of future bushfires.

“We have a duty to manage bushfire risk across Victoria and our priority is always to protect lives, property and the environment,” he said.

“Planned burns keep our communities and wildlife safer from risk yearround.”

Fuel management works, including mulching, were also undertaken in Ararat Regional Park to the northwest of Stawell, and along the Western Highway near Ararat, to prepare for summer.

Victoria is one of the most bushfireprone areas in the world.

The spring seasonal outlook indicated continued below average rainfall, which is likely to further increase risk of bushfires for the Wimmera and southwest regions again this summer.

“More bushfire risk reduction activities will be undertaken in the coming weeks, weather conditions permitting,” Mr Hellyer said.

“Conditions are monitored daily to identify any opportunity to safely de-

works to reduce bushfire risk and fuel loads like grass, leaves, bark, shrubs and fallen branches.”

This summer, the FFMVic workforce will be bolstered by up to 550 seasonal firefighters to help deliver fire and land management activities and respond to bushfires and other emergencies.

FFMVic’s firefighting equipment includes more than 500 ultralight tankers and close to 100 heavy tankers, as well as more than 300 additional plant and

trucks including bulldozers, tractors, graders, loaders, forklifts and excavators. The ground fleet is supported by an aerial fleet of 54 aircraft contracted for the 2024-25 summer season. The fleet includes a mix of firebombing aircraft, air supervision and aerial information gathering aircraft.

People can find more information and offer feedback about planned burns at website www.ffm.vic.gov.au/ bushfire-fuel-and-risk-management/ planned-burning-in-victoria.

Preventing header fires

Farmers are urged to take proactive steps to reduce the risk of header fires this harvesting season, with low rainfall, dry soil and frost damage elevating fire risks in key agricultural areas. Last fire season, CFA responded to 27 header fires, with 77 per cent occurring in the northwest and west of the state.

Lower crops cause headers to take on more dirt during harvesting operations, creating a build-up of dust, which farmers need to clear regularly to reduce the risk of fire.

Fine dust from pulse crops such as lentils and lupins can accumulate around the engine and exhaust system, which can smoulder and ignite spot fires, particularly in windrows.

CFA chief officer Jason Heffernan stressed machinery safety was not only a priority for farmers, all Victorians should focus on equipment maintenance and fire-safe practices.

“During the last fire danger period, CFA responded to 114 vegetation fires caused by machinery and vehicles, including slashers, tractors, ride-on mowers, caravans, and trailers,” he said.

“Each incident posed a risk not only to those on the ground but also to neighbouring properties.

“By prioritising equipment maintenance and simple safety protocols, we can significantly cut down on these preventable fires.”

People can find more information at www.cfa.vic.gov.au/plan-prepare/ operating-farming-machineryequipment-and-vehicles.

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IN CONTROL: Forest Fire Management Victoria conduct a prescribed burn at Mount Cole.

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Off-road SUV surge

Off-road SUV sales are surging, with a number of key models scaling new peaks as Australian buyers want to have their cake and eat it too, thanks to these vehicles’ unique combination of ruggedness, towing ability and family friendliness.

Traditionally the large off-road SUV segment has been dominated by the Toyota LandCruiser Prado, which has averaged about 20,000 sales per annum for much of the past decade.

However, with stocks of the previous generation exhausted – just a solitary example was sold in September – and the all-new model only just hitting showrooms, Prado deliveries have plummeted 72.5 per cent yearto-date as of September 30, with only 3523 finding homes.

The Prado’s mantle has been picked up by the Ford Everest in an emphatic manner.

Everest sales are up a whopping 79.3 per cent year-on-year and the 18,613

sold as of September 30 already sets a new full-year record, easily surpassing 15,701 units in 2023.

Ford’s new-generation Everest has been a revelation for the Blue Oval brand.

Whereas annual sales of 6000 units were deemed a good result for its predecessor, the latest Everest’s popularity has vaulted it well into the overall top 10 and the September result was a key contributor to Ford nabbing second place overall on the sales charts.

A Ford Australia spokesperson told GoAuto the company was ‘extremely pleased with how many customers are choosing Everest this year’ given it is the nation’s seventh most-popular model overall and leading its segment at the end of September.

The segment’s star performer in terms of percentage increase is the Mitsubishi Pajero Sport, with sales up 93.7 per cent year-on-year.

In part, this result is a consequence of a soft 2023, Mitsubishi telling GoAuto supply was constrained in the

first half of last year, while this year’s numbers, 5901 units, were bolstered by a run-out campaign on MY23 models ahead of the recent arrival of the facelifted MY24.

Another model enjoying record sales is the Isuzu MU-X, its 14,228 units as of September 30, up 31 per cent year-on-year and already eclipsing last year’s record full-year result of 14,129.

Like the Everest, Isuzu’s new-generation MU-X has been well received, sales climbing steadily and substantially since its introduction.

The segment’s newest arrivals, the GWM Tank siblings, are also enjoying moderate success.

After a slow start – which explains its eye-opening 685.5 per cent yearon-year improvement – Tank 300 sales have settled at about 300 a month, with the larger Tank 500 adding a further 200.

Records are also at play in the sub$120,000 upper large SUV segment, home of Australian off-road stalwarts

the Nissan Patrol and Toyota LandCruiser.

The former’s late-life renaissance continues, 2024 year-to-date sales up 5.6 per cent on 2023’s 7812 record –itself a 36.5 per cent increase over the 2022 record – a remarkable result for a model that was launched internationally in February 2010.

The LandCruiser 300-Series’ interminable wait lists are now seemingly a thing of the past, its 2024 sales up a healthy 13.5 per cent putting the model in with a strong chance of recording the strongest result in its long and storied history, beating the 2020 record of 15,078 deliveries.

Unfortunately, not every manufacturer is popping champagne.

LDV D90 sales are down 26 per cent year-on-year and, at the other end of the pricing scale, the Land Rover Defender is down 17 per cent over its 2023 results.

Of most note, for all the wrong reasons, is the Jeep Grand Cherokee.

Despite recent heavy price cuts, just

519 Grand Cherokees have left the showroom this year, a 48.8 per cent fall year-on-year and a mere shadow of the 16,582 that were sold a decade ago.

It appears buyers have not been swayed by the more premium positioning and pricing of the latest generation introduced in 2022. Looking at these results, it is clear to see why car-makers lobbied so hard to have this segment classified as light commercial vehicles, LCV, rather than passenger cars for the forthcoming new vehicle efficiency standard. Combined with an increase in the proposed LCV limit, this means the average emissions produced by an offroad SUV must be 110g/km by 2029, rather than 58g/km had they been classed as passenger cars.

The only remaining question is how hard the new-generation Toyota Prado bounces back and whether it can wrestle top spot back from the Ford Everest in 2025.

– Scott Newman

One million sales and counting...

recorded 98,375 new vehicle sales in October, taking the year-to-date tally to beyond the one-million mark.

Despite the cheerful headline, the Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, FCAI, warns the growth was easing in the last quarter of 2024, with the October result down 7.9 per cent on the same time last year.

October sales were 8434 fewer than the same month last year, or 512.1 vehicle sales per day, despite the higher number of selling days – 26.4 versus 25.2.

FCAI chief executive Tony Weber said while not at the record levels of 2023, the October result was solid.

“However, we remain concerned about the continuing performance of the private buyers, which was down 14.2 per cent this month following a reduction of 17.2 per cent in September.

“This does indicate that economic pressures are a concern for families across the country.”

Mr Weber further noted that battery electric vehicle sales had subsided, despite an increasing number of new brands entering the market and what he described as the substantial tax benefits available to some purchasers through the fringe benefits tax, FBT, concession.

Conventional internal-combustion

ON TRACK: Despite easing growth, Australian new car sales passed the million mark in October.

engine vehicles continue to dominate the Australian new vehicle sales landscape with year-to-date figures showing petrol, 443,861 units or 43.3 per cent, and diesel, 310,837 units or 30.3 per cent, ahead by a considerable margin.

Petrol-electric hybrid vehicles placed third in the mix with 144,071 units or 10.1 per cent, ahead of battery-electric vehicles, 66,082 units or 6.4 per cent, plug-in hybrid electric vehicles, 17,953 units or 1.8 per cent, and hydrogen vehicles, 10 units.

The remainder comprises predominantly diesel-powered heavy-commercial vehicles.

SUV sales continue to dominate with October sales tallying 56,512 units – a decrease of 3107 vehicles on the same time last year.

This year to date, 577,077 SUVs were sold in Australia with medium SUVs capturing the lion’s share of the segment with 232,768 sales.

Private buyers form the majority of those purchasing SUVs so far in 2024 with 349,360, ahead of business,

181,321, rental, 31,447, and government fleets, 14,949.

Light-commercial vehicle sales place second with 4WD dual-cab utilities leading the charge with 179,389 year-to-date.

In all, 22,171 light commerical vehicles, LCVs, were sold across October, taking the year-to-date tally to 229,979 units, a decrease of 3510.

Business buyers comprise the majority of those purchasing LCVs to date in 2024 with 140,586 units, ahead of private buyers, 67,864, govern-

ment, 13,936, and rental fleets, 9571. Passenger models sold in October tally 15,527 for a year-to-date total of 175,758.

That figure shows the passenger vehicle market down 2089 vehicles when compared with the same month last year.

Small passenger cars are by far the year’s biggest seller with 79,303 units registered. The segment appeals primarily to private buyers with 101,912 unit sales year-to-date. Business, 54,494, rental, 15,010, and government buyers, 4342 round out the field. Heavy vehicle registrations numbered 4525 in October, and 42,807 year-to-date. The monthly total is up 272 units on the same time last year.

Toyota was the market leader again in October with sales of 18,471, followed by Ford, 8581, Mazda, 7656, Hyundai, 7086, and Kia, 6602. Toyota led Ford with a margin of 9890 vehicle sales and 10.1 market share points, registering an October market share of 19.7 per cent.

The Toyota RAV4 was Australia’s top-selling vehicle with sales of 4841 followed by Ford Ranger, 4757, Toyota HiLux, 4523, Ford Everest, 2668, and Isuzu D-Max, 2295. Four of the top 10 vehicles sold in October were from the light-commercial segment. – Matt Brogan

Toyota adds classic design touches

Toyota will introduce a mildly updated GR86 range from December, the sporty coupe line-up to introduce a limited edition variant the Japanese importer says is ‘distinguished by unique, classic design touches’ and priced from $49,600 plus on-road costs.

That price tag places the limited edition entrant at a $6360 price premium over the entry-grade GR86 GT, priced from $43,240 plus on-road costs and $4210 more than the highly specified

pUZZLEs

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

Quick Workout

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

On This Day

From The Weekly Advertiser archives: November 18, 2004 –Stef Walter, Steve Conway, Josie Nelson and Luke Hobbs were set to be joined by hundreds of dancers in Nexus Youth Place’s former skate park for a formal Christmas ball. Themed ‘Dancing Under the Stars’, the event would include live music and a big-screen appearance by Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Proceeds of the ball and its auction were to go towards Nexus’s youth programs.

10 years ago: November 12, 2014

Nhill-based Luv-a-Duck was to use $28-million to develop its production base, which would also create another 80 full-time jobs. Luv-a-Duck would invest $14-million, with contract growers doing the same, to develop a new kitchen and administration facilities, connect potable water from the Wimmera-Mallee Pipeline, invest in a back-up power generator, and upgrade fire service infrastructure.

Five years ago: November 13, 2019

Laharum-based cut flower business Australian Wildflowers was reaping the benefits of timely rain, boosting the quality, quantity and length of harvest compared to the previous season. The business started in 2013, and had seen significant growth in staff numbers.

One year ago: November 15, 2023

About 400 people visited Army open day ‘Open Gate at the 128’ in Horsham’s Baillie Street on Remembrance Day, bringing together military personnel, veterans and the public. Supprted by cadets, including Stawell’s 303 Army Cadet Unit, the event saw people participating in activities, seeing exhibits of vehicles and uniforms, and hearing from active members. The 128th Transport Troop and the 8/7 Royal Victorian Regiment Charlie Coy were both based at Horsham.

TaKE a BrEaK

yOUr LUCKy sTars

1. Born on this day in 1955, was which American comedian and actress, most famous for her roles in The Colour Purple, Sister Act and Ghost?

2. When travelling west, does the Wimmera Highway that branches off at Natimuk continue on to Edenhope or Goroke?

3. How old was Boris Becker when he first won Wimbledon?

4. What word is used to describe the shape of the moon’s orbit around Earth?

5. Honeysuckle and Forget-Me-Not were part of which toy range?

6. The seed head of which plant can be blown into the wind to make a wish?

7. What 1990s sitcom starred Tim Allen as a handyman with a popular show?

8. Our region is home to many ephemeral lakes – what does this mean?

9. Which actress wed television writer and producer David E. Kelley in California, on this day in 1993?

10. True or false – according to the official rules of table tennis, players can use a racquet, bat or paddle of any size, shape or weight?

Answers: 1. Whoopi Goldberg. 2. Edenhope. 3. 17. 4. Ellipse. 5. My Little Pony. 6. Dandelion. 7. Home Improvement. 8. A lake that is usually dry, but will fill briefly with enough rain. 9. Michelle Pfeiffer. 10. True. Getting in touch with The

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

Lily Olver: lolver@aceradio.com.au

WiTh sarah KULKEns

FOR THE WEEK NOVEMBER 16 TO NOVEMBER 22

ARIES (March 21 - April 19)

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Friday

Racing Numbers: 4, 5, 6, 7

Lotto Numbers: 1, 4, 12, 23, 34, 41

Exciting opportunities are within your grasp, but tread carefully – keeping business and pleasure separate is crucial right now. Don’t risk your assets for the sake of friendship. When seeking advice, trust the experts, as they’ll help smooth over any bumps that arise.

TAURUS (April 20 - May 20)

Lucky Colour: Silver

Lucky Day: Wednesday

Racing Numbers: 7, 8, 3, 4

Lotto Numbers: 4, 23, 31, 34, 49

Good fortune is smiling upon you, Taurus! Expect some amazing opportunities to come your way soon. Relationships built during this time could blossom into something special. Your generosity will not go unnoticed, so keep lending a hand – it will be appreciated in ways you can’t yet imagine.

GEMINI (May 21 - June 20)

Lucky Colour: Cream

Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 6, 7, 8, 9

Lotto Numbers: 1, 14, 23, 35, 45, 5

A financially rewarding period is ahead, but don’t get too comfortable! Be sure to check the fine print before signing any contracts and make sure everyone involved is on the same page before making major moves. Double-checking now will save you headaches later.

CANCER (June 21 - July 22)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Thursday

Racing Numbers: 7, 8, 9, 5

Lotto Numbers: 1, 14, 23, 35, 45, 5

It may seem like an uncertain time, but keep your spirits high! If you haven’t seen it with your own eyes, don’t believe everything you hear. Financial concerns are easing up, and you’re likely to feel more in control soon.

LEO (July 23 - August 22)

Lucky Colour: Violet

Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 6, 7, 8, 4

Lotto Numbers: 1, 14, 23, 35, 41, 11

Get ready, Leo! This is a busy period with lots of social events and invitations coming your way. Trust your gut – your hunches could lead to some lucky outcomes, even through a gamble. Be careful with your words at work, though; tact will prevent unnecessary conflicts.

VIRGO (August 23 - September 22)

Lucky Colour: Apricot

Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 7, 8, 3, 4

Lotto Numbers: 1, 5, 23, 36, 41, 22

This is your moment to tie up those loose ends, Virgo! Prioritise the tasks that have been waiting for your attention and stay organised. Miscommunication could lead to mistakes, so make sure instructions are clear. For some, a fresh career opportunity may be on the horizon!

LIBRA (September 23 - October 22)

Lucky Colour: Yellow

Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 7, 8, 3, 4

Lotto Numbers: 1, 14, 23, 34, 41, 22

Now’s the perfect time to get those unfinished tasks out of the way! Stay calm at home, and avoid stirring the pot in your current household arrangements. The unexpected may be lucky for you, and some Librans might even find themselves relocating to exciting new places.

SCORPIO (October 23 - November 21)

Lucky Colour: Pink

Lucky Day: Sunday Racing Numbers: 7, 8, 9, 4

Lotto Numbers: 1, 14, 23, 34, 45, 22

It might feel like a calm period, Scorpio, but it’s the perfect time to take stock of your finances. Don’t let unexpected events throw you off balance – stay adaptable, and you’ll handle any surprises with ease.

SAGITTARIUS (November 22 - December 21)

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 1, 4, 5, 2

Lotto Numbers: 1, 13, 23, 32, 5, 8

Now’s the time to maintain harmony at home, Sagittarius. With health becoming a priority, many will start fitness routines. Someone from your past could reappear, bringing unexpected joy and memories into your life.

CAPRICORN (December 22 - January 19)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 1, 4, 2, 3

Lotto Numbers: 1, 12, 23, 34, 41, 22

Well-planned investments are likely to pay off, and many can profit from a lucky bet. Outdoor activities and travel will take up more of your time. Meanwhile, your partner might surprise you with some fantastic news!

AQUARIUS (January 20 - February 18)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Saturday Racing Numbers: 8, 9, 4, 5

Lotto Numbers: 1, 14, 23, 34, 41, 22

It’s time to keep your spending in check, Aquarius – stick to the essentials. Love is in the air, but there’s a hint of mystery in your romantic life. Your magnetic charm is at an all-time high, attracting new admirers.

Lucky Colour: Blue

on ^ _ ` a b c d e f g h i

PISCES (February 19 - March 20)

Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 1, 4, 2, 3

Lotto Numbers: 1, 13, 23, 34, 41, 11

Love and social activities will keep you busy, Pisces! While it’s a great time for matters of the heart, don’t expect major financial shifts just yet. Use this period to catch up on everything that’s been on the back burner.

With the weather heating up, now is a perfect time to consider installing a new airconditioner or arranging a much-needed service of your existing unit.

Preventative maintenance will help stop your air-conditioner breaking down and ensure your unit lasts longer.

Dirty or old units use more power –costing you more money in the long run.

Our highly experienced team installs and services evaporative, ducted reverse-cycle and wall-mount air-conditioning systems, as well as ceiling fans.

Don’t leave it until the family comes home for Christmas – beat the rush and call, or message us on Facebook, to book in now.

Laser Plumbing and Electrical Horsham is an industry leader and a one-stop shop, specialising in electrical, plumbing, heating, cooling and solar.

No job is too big or too small, from general powerpoints, commercial switchboards and solar panels to major infrastructure projects. Every job is backed by our ‘Totally Dependable’ guarantee, ensuring our clients enjoy great service, reliability and value for money.

Have an electrical, heating, cooling, solar or plumbing job?

Give the team a call on 5382 1375 for a free, no-obligation quote.

Classifieds

60th Wedding Anniversary ~ MUNN ~

Judith Emily (nee) Muldoon & Graham Peter

Married at the Portland Uniting Church on the 14 November 1964.

Congratulations Mum and Dad. You have loved and cared for each other, and your family sel essly.

We in turn love you dearly.

From Amanda, Ashley, Sharon and Prudence. 6 grandchildren and 8 great grandchildren.

MILLER (nee Burrows), Carmen Margaret

Passed away on November 9, 2024 aged 91 years.

Dearly loved wife of Jack (dec).

Loving mother and mother in law of Greg & Giudi; Kerryn & Duane (both dec); Net & Michael.

Adored Granny to all of her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Reunited with her loved ones

MILLER, Carmen Margaret

19-9-1933 to 9-11-2024

Adored mother and motherin-law to Kerryn & Duane (both dec), Net & Michael.

Treasured Granny to Nathan, Dan & Allie & Abbey; Kane & Jake.

Proud Great Grandma to Bonnie & June.

“Don’t cry because she is gone, smile because she has been” Rest easy Granny Reunited with Pa ❤

MILLER,

Carmen (Granny)

My mum – My friend. You gave me life, love and friendship and for that I am eternally grateful. I will be lost without you –life will not be the same. I love you forever and always. Net ❤

TUCKER, Frances Margery “Fran”

Passed away on November 7, 2024, her 72nd birthday in Horsham.

Dearly loved mother and mother-in-law of Michael & Jenni; Shayne & Aida.

Adored Nan to her seven grandchildren and great grandchild.

Forever In Our Hearts

WOOD, Frank Edward

Passed away peacefully on November 5 in Flinders Hospital, Adelaide after a long battle with cancer. Aged 89 years.

Much loved Darling Husband of Marlene.

Loved Father & Fatherin-law of Gary & Karen, Sharryn & Michael, Julianne & John.

Devoted Pa to omas & David, Ryan, Justin & Brittany, Blake, Mitchell & Shaylee.

Adored Great Pa to Cody. Now at peace, all your suffering is now over

Much loved Brother & Brother-in-law.

Jean & Jack Ivess (both dec); Stan & Heather (both dec); Dorothy; Eric (dec) & Ruth; Barbara & Ron Leith (dec).

What wonderful memories we have to keep of all the happy, fun times we shared with you. Rest in peace now, no more suffering

Special memories are ours to keep.

Many wonderful times had with my ‘favourite Uncle’ now resting peacefully.

Bryan, Chris; Carl, Nikki & family; Rachel, Tony & family.

EAST, Lillian

16-9-1945 to 22-10-2024

e funeral service for Lillian East will be held on Friday, November 22 at 1pm at the Horsham Lawn Cemetery where her ashes will be interred.

Dylan & Amity Hartwich 5382 1149

MILLER, Carmen Margaret

e Funeral of Carmen Margaret Miller will take place at The Graveside, Brimpaen Cemetery next Friday, 22nd November 2024 commencing at 2pm.

Bristlenose catfish , great tank cleaners $5ea until sold out Ph 0474159010 after 6.30pm

Pembroke Corgi Pups , male & females, source# 262769, microchip 953010006873021, 953010006873006, 953010006857644 Ph 0400058264

REDUCED 3 Mini

numbers

• Vet certificate to exclude individual animals from needing microchips

• Domestic animal-business number PLUS a source number from the Pet Exchange Register LIVESTOCK*Selling, giving away or bartering of all livestock must include a Property Identification Code (PIC number) in the advertisement.

Budgies, assorted colours $10 each Ph 0417533579

Budgies , pastel and standards $10 each Ph 0428010996 Horsham German (Aust) Koolie pups , 2 red male pup, 1 red speckled male pup, all vaccinated / microchipped, microchip# 956000017131984/ 17181902/17166017, source# MB258735, bred to work $500 Ph P Brown 53547632 or 0438522996

Ararat

Dachshund x Mini Foxy Male Pups , born May 23, 1 black/ tan 953010006753461, 1 chocolate 95301006753575, 1 brown dapple 953010006753667, source no MB255251, $800 ono Ph 0400083880

Roosters for sale Ph 0423182267

Roosters, ducks and guinea fowl wanted to buy Ph 0469740723

Very pretty & young budgies, assorted colours, ready to go $10 each Ph 0423182267

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444

AFDA Member

TUCKER, Frances Margery

An informal gathering to celebrate the life of Fran Tucker will take place at the Horsham RSL on Friday, November 15, 2024 between 2pm and 4pm.

Privately cremated.

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

Bereavement Thanks

Thank you

MITCHELL, Gordon Robert

e family of Gordon Mitchell would like to thank everyone who attended his service, sent cards, owers and kind thoughts at the time of Gordon’s passing.

To Suzanne and Sta at Wimmera Funerals and Pastor Susan Hobbs – thank you for your care and compassion in helping to celebrate Gordon’s life.

Sincere thanks to you all. From the Mitchell family.

“….Your love of the land, and we will close the gate.”

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 956000016666

706/6579578 source# EE223376 $1500 girl $1800 boy Ph 0400035456

2 Merino Rams, Moorundie Park, 4 and half years, price negotiable Ph 0407911884

Birds for sale , princess parrots, cockatiels and bourkes, all colours Ph 0408535515 Stawell

Kelpie pups, both parents are good workers, 1 black/tan female & male, 2 red/tan male, dob 23/6/24, microchip# 956000018884980 /6575 /2051 /7524, source# MB256359 $500 each Ph 0488303725

Kildare Border Collies

have a one remaining pure bred black and white female puppy for sale from our current litter at $1650, we have been breeding border collies for over 60 years, our puppies are bred true to type and have calm natures, they make excellent working dogs or family pets, she is 7 weeks of age, has a fun-loving nature and ready to find her forever home, she has been microchipped, vet checked, vaccinated and wormed, source# MB196330, microchip# 985141007722113, Ph Brendan Hogan, or Juls on 0429826899 for further information

Pair of Turks ready to breed,

Working Kelpie pups , 2m, 1f, dob 17/6/24, microchip# 9781420001291 03//937/1520/1099 source# MB238602 $550 plus Gst Ph Tim 0491895301

Portable cot as new $40, 3 wheel pusher $25, stroller $15, baby/child car seat $25 Ph 0400085025

1991 Jayco Classique single axle poptop 16ft, air conditioner, annex, double bed, 77407B, Dimboola, $5500 Ph 0490364260

Jayco Westport , full annexe, a/c, oven, microwave, always shedded, many extras $18,000ono Ph 0419514118

Jayco 16' pop-top with full annexe, VGC $9500 Ph 0400823134

caravans

Death Notices

Funeral Notices

caravans

baby needs

2009 Jayco Stirling Expander , immaculate cond, front club lounge, slide out q/bed, full ensuite, roll out awning and full annex

$45,000ono Ph 0428913307

2013 Jayco Starcraft, 21', one owner, very little use, as new, many added extras

$42,000 Ph 0427909230

2013 Jurgens Lunagzer J24 , 6.3m/21', J2403, 2 berth, shower/toilet, air con, diesel heater, always shedded, VGC $38,500 Ph 0418350445

2016 New Age Desert Rose , full off-road built tough, separate shower/ toilet, big fridge, lots of storage inside and out, solar power, loads of extras, diesel heater, full annexe, 20' plus draw bar, EC, $70,000 neg Ph 0409257256

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

$70,000neg Ph 0427911765 or 0477138363

2017 Ezytrail Stirling, excellent condition, forward folding hard floor, full annex, 600w inverter, TV, 80lt WACO fridge, memory foam mattress topper, always stored undercover, $18,500 ONO Ph 0439022870

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

CUB Escape camper, 2020, Australian made, off road camper that will go anywhere, queen size bed, all canvas awnings, very good condition $24,800 Ph 0490532715

Galaxy Scenic caravan , 2004, 19', EC, shower on outside $24,000ono Ph 0400603022

3

Majestic Knight Caravan 10/2013, queen bed, ensuite, full annex, free camp ready, many extras, $45,000 Ph 0418506271

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

Prattline Fremont pop-top 17', dual axle, island bed, A/C, solar, 2 deep cycle batteries & inverter, water tank with 12V pump, full annexe, registered, needs new pop-top struts, $4900 Ph Dan 0447323151

REDUCED 2006 Concept

Ascot pop-top, immac cond, shedded, low kms, new full annexe, R33763 $18,500 Ph Ray 0413445347

REDUCED 2018 Dingo

Ultimate Camper, heavy duty top of the line off-road trailer including boat rack, fully enclosed annexe including ensuite, lots of storage, built-in instant gas hot water to sink and shower, dual AGM batteries and built-in inverter and charger, innerspring mattress and ability to make up second double bed, two new off-road tyres, VGC, Y76535 $16,500ono Ph 0407360212

REDUCED Isuzu Outback

Express Motorhome for sale, 2 seater, sleeps 3, 4ltr diesel engine, solar panels, auto, diesel, fridge, tv, shower, toilet, stove and lots more, have to see to believe, can drive on normal car licence, 3.1m long, RWC, $40,000 with 12mth rego and RWC Ph Phillip 0428173606 or Susan and ask for Phillp 0458727370 Horsham

REDUCED MDC Highside Cruiser 2019, 3 Ton McHitch, 110L fridge, excellent condition $11,500 Ph 0493394223

Royal Flair caravan 2012, 20ft, full ensuite, 3 way fridge, electric/gas hot water, TV, diesel heater, solar panel, 2 batteries, washing machine, A/C, $38,000 for more information call Des 0428915255

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

1997 Hercules Tipper

$76,000 plus Gst Ph 0428386295

2022 Mahindra 6110 , 6 HP, front end loader, 4 in 1 bucket, FWA, a/c cab, balance of new warranty, 368 hrs on clock

$45,800 Ph 0428349401

4080 Tractor , 3pl, GC

$11,000 Ph 0419389693

CAT , 955 K traxcavator

DROTT, ROPS, strong double ripper, GP bucket, D330T motor $35,000ono plus Gst Ph 0400603022

Cox ride on lawn mower

$900 Ph 0407285097

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

REDUCED Versatile 555

Tractor, good working order

$15,000 ono Ph 0493394223

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

Tradesman trailer, off road

$4500 Ph 0407285097

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

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

3 tonne block and tackle $100, 400 gallon Poly Tank $200, 500 gallon ex fuel tank $100, Coolgardie safe $100, Briggs and Stratton fire fighter done little work no hoses $250, Galv iron rolled best offer, saw bench with tungsten tip saw and belt $100, Elec handpiece sheep or horse clippers $75, Ute crate, 6x4 tub tight $50, Bailey extension ladder 5.3 extends to 6.3 $200, Mobile co rotary hoe Briggs motor goes well $150, Surveyors chains $100 leath grain measuring sheepp feeder $1000, new Holland Mower GC with parts, best offer Ph 0429857207

A livemor electric massage chair and a proflex slider, $1100 ono for both Ph 0494077845

Archery equipment , 3 compound bows, 35 pound youth bow, 60 pound adult bow, 16 wheeler antique, 1 45 pound Samic longbow, arrows, tool boxes, apres and fletching jig $500 Ph 0429164375

Camping equipment , 2 dome tents, 10 man and 4 man, sleeping chair tent, 3 roll up tables, shower tent, 2 gas stoves, 4 spare bottles, camp kitchen, blow up q/bed $450 Ph 0429164375

Canoe 16' Canadian, elec motor and pedals $300 Ph 0429164375

Craftsmen ZTS700 ride-on zero-turn mower, good condition, 21 hp engine, reconditioned spindle and deck, many hours left in this machine $2850 Ph Eddy 0428922335

Exercise treadmill, Tempo, VGC $200 Ph 0427518053

Fuel tank, 1000ltrs $400 Ph 0419389693

Hot potato mobile van , bought new 2018, never used $980 ono Ph 0432544164

Kuvings whole slow juicer, very good condition, no further use $300 Ph 0408823136

Large quantity of second hand Merbau decking timber, 70mm, GC Ph 0353836242

Moving sale , pine bookshelves $40, large green and gray rug $70, round dining table with 4 velvet chairs $340, bookshelves $100, TV cabinet $150 Ph 53824788

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

Rare 1895 Furphy tank, both casts are in good condition $6000 Ph 0428519879

REDUCED 1 Bridgestone

Turanza Tyre , R35 55 R17, done 10,000kms $30 Ph0428504558

REDUCED 4KW 240V Generator , gauges and trolley $550 Ph 0428504558

REDUCED Firescreen , 1300mm opening, 1700mm including wings, plus tool set, all in EC $150 Ph 0408504633

REDUCED Pair of directors chairs with side tables new $100 Ph 0409799375

Shipping Containers, two 40' high-cube containers, located Haven $8000 pair Ph 0422426377

0437581171 Tradies Trailer

, containing shelving

power points $680 ono Ph 0432544164

Transformer ladder, 4.5m high, never used, cost $1,100, selling for $500 Ph 0488325634

Wagner fine finish spray gun Ph 0419359501

Yamaha Inverter Generator, EF2800i, never used, $1500 Ph 0474099355

2 hand made Kennett step ladders, 4.2m high Ph 0419359501

Large collection of Arnott & Anzac tins, old and new, 5 antique plough seats, corner TV cabinet, all negotiable Ph 0427857510

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caravans caravans caravans

5 drawer tallboy $150 Ph 0428506423

Chair $100 Ph 0428506423

Matching tallboy and dresser $200 Ph 0428506423

Mattress $250, single bed blackwood $250, as new Ph 0437688336

Old wood burning stove, GC, located in Goroke, $200 ono Ph Mick 0400005266

Outdoor spa , sapphire, 5 person $4500 Ph 0407285097

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

3.7 m boat and cover , QL624, an aussie made trailer P83061, Yamaha 15 HP motor, near new $4000 Ph 53582560

3.7m stacer aluminium 15HP Yamaha galvanised trailer and cover $3000 Ph 0427981501

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 # 09185405, $4000, Ph 0437899398

BoCam aluminium fold up boat trailer, EC, 50kg tare, GTM 250kg, $1650 Ph 0428990602

Shoprider Allrounder mobility scooter, 2yrs old, EC, hard canopy, weather proof fittings $4200 Ph 0419633821 Dimboola

Walker , 210kg, wider than normal, GC $220 Ph 0423967449

BMW K1200 RS , 2010 model, comes with panniers, top box, reg til Aug, RW, BY136 $4800ono Ph 0419508310 Stawell area

BMW R1100 RT, EC, reg till 5/25, 123k kms, YD865 $4600 Ph 0409954491

REDUCED BMW RT1200 Solo, 2007, Ex SA Police, GO, HGR, EWS, CC, RW cond, unregistered, service manuals $3000 Ph 0428154961

1987 XF Falcon sedan S pack , manual, 5 speed gearbox, power steering. 181,000km, eng JG23HE97665C, $2500 Ph 0428501109

2005 Commodore Sedan, 6 months rego, good order, 325,000kms, $2650 Ph 0407911884

Ford XA 1972 era Panel Van with rust $1500 neg Ph 0428501109

Ford XF Wagon ,1985 6 cylinder $1000 Ph 0428501109

2001 Fairlane Ghia, AU11 series, meteorite colour, QFQ527 $3250 Ph53503220

2004 Honda Accord, 3.0L V6 auto, well equipped including sunroof and cruise control, rego til 28/1/25, good tyres, 132,000kms, SQW278 $6999 Ph 0409998004

2006 Nissan Navara 4WD , diesel, dual cab, manual, bull bar, vin# JMICNUD22A0050448, RWC, 200,000km, $8500ono Ph 0419821563

2010 Holden Cruze CDX, auto, EC, reg til Jan 25, RWC, its a beauty, 71,XXXkms, YET476, $7200 Ph 0437561900

2012 Holden Cruze 2.0 ltr , diesel, auto, white, tidy condition, 163,000 kms, 1FG4PY $4250 Ph 0427957243

2013 Jeep Compass, reg serviced, suit first car buyer, reg til 7/25, 102,000kms 1PG7RK $8900ono Ph Peter 0428130555

Honda Civic, 1994, great condition with RWC, automatic & aircon, colour black, Vtech motor, vin JHME6548005203141

$10,000 Ph 0428501109

Mercedes S 350, silver, full service history, top of the range, 250,000kms ZIC400 $7500 Ph 0427828420

Mitsubishi Delica Diesel van, 4x4, 1998, 260k kms, camper conversion, GC, ubu692, reg till 4/25 $14500 Ph 0409954491

REDUCED 2013 Toyota ATARA, 2.5L sports sedan, auto, RWC, Toyota seat covers, only 2 owners, selling due to downsizing, 127,000kms, $13,500 Ph 0400728252

VW Toureg 2011 180 TDI auto , silver, one owner, good service history, one of few with low range transfer, centre & rear diff locks, no towing done, VGC, new tyres, reg till 2/25, YVD520 $10,500 Ph 0428528990

2003 Landcruiser , auto, factory turbo diesel, lots of accessories, HDJ100, 420,000km $29,500 Ph 0447159379

2014 Nissan Navara D22 2.5 turbo diesel 4X4 ute, registered until December with service books, low 91,600kms $22,500ono Ph 0492496448

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

Mazda BT 50 2021 dual cab, silver, fitted with ARB bull bar, driving lights, ascent canopy, rear step towbar, warranty 4/26, reg til 4/25, 4000kms 1NB5DX $48,500 Ph 0428528990

REDUCED 2019 Toyota

Hybrid Camry SL sedan, with all the luxury features of a top of the range Toyota, pearl white, full service history, RWC, 2AM8IL, $30,990 ONO Ph Eddy 0428922335

Palm tree for removal, free, located Goroke Ph Mick 0400005266

Massage service , very clean, full body massages available for both men and women, very discreet, you come to us or we can come to you, call for quote and booking, in the Wimmera area and beyond Ph 0404878963

Wanted Person to look after 10 yr old greyhound placid female, odd times, ongoing and will pay Ph David0427864628

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

Wanted Mackenzie punch and shear, have you got one in the shed not being used? Ph 0499911102

2004 VY SS Commodore, collectors item, black, RWC, immaculate cond, YKW598

$20,000ono Ph 0400603022

2007 BMW 650i Coupe, 4.8 V8, auto,197,000 kms, reg Jan 2025 and RWC $10,500 Ph 0490364260

1990 Nissan Patrol GQ 4.2petrol, 12months rego, 654000km, new tyres, JN1OWGY6OA0020221, 1YI5EW $10,000 neg Ph 0428501109

Kia Optima GT, 2016 fully optioned, sunroof, heated and cooled seats, sold with RWC, beautiful economical and safe car, ACJ085, $18,900 Ph 0427957243

REDUCED Nissan Navarra, STX 4x4 2017, RWC, registered until July 2025, full leather seats, keyless entry, front heated seats, dual battery (in canopy), catch can, electronic breaks, small light bar, canopy airbags, 2" lift, dual Anderson plugs, tow bar, single owned, regularly serviced, regrettable sale, never had an issue with the car, 86,400kms $37,000 Ph 0413992594

Toyota Hilux 2022, 4 wheel drive, auto, diesel, new tyres, warranty, immaculate condition, 48,747kms, 1NV4FU $42,390 plus Gst Ph 0427858264

DECLARATION

Dimboola Natimuk

Lutheran Parish

Fire Danger Period

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

DECLARATION Fire Danger Period

Sunday, November 17

Edenhope 11am HC

Goroke 9am LR

Natimuk 10am LR

Vectis 10am LR

Dimboola 10am LR

Notice to Creditors HEAD, Betty Elvina Late of Wimmera Nursing Home, deceased, who died on 5th May 2023

COUNTRY FIRE AUTHORITY REGULATIONS 2014 SCHEDULE 16 Regulation 112(2) NOTICE TO OWNERS OR OCCUPIERS OF LAND

To the owner/occupier or owners/occupiers of land described below. A notice to:

Cut all grass, weeds and undergrowth on the whole property, including fence line, to a maximum height of 100mm, not later than 4 December 2024, has been affixed on the following properties in accordance with section 41A(3) of the Country Fire Authority Act 1958 QUEENS AVENUE ST ARNAUD

Date: 13/11/2024

Name and position: Kelly Boladeras, Municipal Fire Prevention Officer Fire Prevention Officer for Northern Grampians Shire Council You may lodge an objection to this notice under section 41B of the Country Fire Authority Act 1958 and appeal the outcome of that objection under section 41C of that Act.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Rural City

ROAD CLOSURE: ONE TREE HILL ROAD

Ararat Rural City

Ararat Rural City

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

ROAD CLOSURE: ONE TREE HILL ROAD

ROAD CLOSURE: ONE TREE HILL ROAD

Council advises that a road closure will be in place at One Tree Hill Road in Ararat on Friday 15 November 2024 from 10am – 4pm, and Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 November 2024 from 8am –4pm, due to the King of the Hill event.

Signage will be present at the site to redirect local traffic between these times.

the word ‘Christ’reduced to ‘Xmas’, cutting out the very reason for Christmas.

Jesus lived only 33 years, but more than any other He changed the world forever. A carpenter, living in obscurity for 30 years, Jesus became an itinerant preacher for 3 years, was betrayed and died on the Cross. He wrote no books. A life and death such as this would normally result in the person fading into obscurity, nally forgotten. But it was not the end. It was the beginning. For, another amazing twist, God raised Him from the dead. e question is, how do we respond to this truth that is stranger than ction?

For it does require a response. We can accept His grace and believe in Him or we can ignore Him. It’s up to us to choose. “ e Word (Christ) became esh and dwelt among us.” (John 1:14.)

Jennifer Pearson, City Heart Church of Christ - Stawell

Council advises that a road closure will be in place at One Tree Hill Road in Ararat on Friday 15 November 2024 from 10am – 4pm, and Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 November 2024 from 8am –4pm, due to the King of the Hill event.

Council advises that a road closure will be in place at One Tree Hill Road in Ararat on Friday 15 November 2024 from 10am – 4pm, and Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 November 2024 from 8am –4pm, due to the King of the Hill event.

Dr Tim Harrison Chief Executive Officer

Signage will be present at the site to redirect local traffic between these times.

Signage will be present at the site to redirect local traffic between these times.

Dr Tim Harrison Chief Executive Officer

Dr Tim Harrison Chief Executive Officer

Ararat

motivated, dedicated, and ambitious person to join our professional team of accountants.

Benefits:

Graduate Accountant Public Practice

We are seeking committed and passionate people who are ready for exciting and rewarding careers in our growing community health organisation

Family Violence Case Manager

38 hours per week or as negotiated

$37.35 to $43.08 per hour

Contact: Gemma Bayliss

Homelessness Case Manager (Intensive)

38 hours per week or as negotiated

$37.35 to $43.08 per hour

Contact: Gemma Bayliss

Orange Door Practitioner (Victim Survivor Focussed)

38 hours per week or as negotiated

$49.28 per hour

Contact: Gemma Bayliss

Alcohol and Other Drug Treatment Services

(AODTS) Practitioner

38 hours per week

$33.41 to $49.28 per hour

Contact: Sarah Sargeant

Closing: 12pm

Central Park secures win

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

Central Wimmera Tennis Association’s pennant match between Central Park and St Michaels served up five tie-breaks and seven sets apiece.

The result came down to games, with Central Park 7-97 defeating St Michaels 7-68 at home, with an injury and subsequent forfeited games seemingly having an impact on the final scores.

St Michaels’ Karen Rees was paired with Kassie Peachey in their

first game of doubles, when Rees sustained a calf injury three games in, and withdrew from the remainder of the day’s competition.

Peachey went on to win two tiebreaks – in her singles match against Tara McIntyre, and against McIntyre and Courtney Cameron with partner Barb Crough.

In the doubles, a series of tiebreaks saw Central Park’s Matt Jones and Brendan Nitschke beat Steve Schultz and Chris Ellis, St Michaels’ Eli Bailey and Joel Rees defeat Reece Harman and Frazer Shurdington, and Rees and Ellis

Memorial tournament

Golfers from across the Wimmera, Victoria’s south-west and Naracoorte in South Australia converged on Horsham Golf Club earlier this month for the annual Nell Smithett Memorial Trophy competition.

The event is named for Nell Smithett, a former club captain and club champion from 1964-67.

Smithett was also Wimmera champion in 1965 and won multiple state titles.

This year saw a new format, with teams of three combining each player’s Stableford score into an overall team score.

Winning the trophy with 104 points were Horsham’s Barb

Hawkins, Heather Greenaway and Joyce Mills, with Naracoorte’s Sylvia Adams, Sandra Munn and Penny Trueman finishing only one point behind. Greenaway also won the division one singles with 39 points, while Hamilton’s Robyn Holcombe was second with 38.

Naracoorte’s Penny Trueman won division two with 40 points, with Horsham’s Julie Obst finishing second on a countback with 37.

Nearest the pin winners were: second, Liz Jackman, Toolondo; eighth, Penny Trueman, Naracoorte; 11th, Kerryn Price, Hamilton; and 13th, Glenda Clarke, Port Fairy.

defeat Nitschke and Shurdington.

Central Park’s Willow Sainsbury had a convincing win over Mia Rees, 8-1, while St Michaels’ Schultz and Bailey enjoyed respective wins against Jones and Harman.

In the other pennant match, Drung South was victorious against Kalkee.

Drung South’s Kate-Lyn Perkin had a good day out, winning both doubles with partners Sandra Casey and Shiloh Walls and her singles against Meaghan Pohlner.

Kalkee’s Anna Exell was also un-

defeated, playing well with Keeley Schultz and Emily Polack.

Drung South secured Lawn’s D’Artagnan Walls on a day pass, who was also undefeated, winning his singles match against Jordan Friberg in a tiebreak, and pairing with Mathew Hill and Dale Schmid to win their doubles matches.

Kalkee’s Jeff Friberg won two of his three games, enjoying a successful pairing with Aiden Richardson, but being defeated by Harrison Daniell and Hill with partner Tyler Pigeon.

Horsham Lawn had a bye.

Seniors

Pennant: Drung South 8-88 d Kalkee 6-85; Central Park 7-97 d St Michaels 7-68.

A Special: Central Park 12-104 d Brimpaen 2-44; Horsham Lawn Thompson 8-91 d Horsham Lawn Gillespie 6-96; Haven 13-111 d Homers 1-41.

A Grade: St Michaels 7-79 d Central Park 5-60; Haven 7-77 d Horsham Lawn McGennisken 5-66; Horsham Lawn O’Connor 7-74 d Drung South 5-79.

B Special: Drung South 8-73 d Natimuk 8-68; Central Park 14-92 d Horsham Lawn Bardell 2-50; Laharum 11-80 d Horsham Lawn Tigers 5-54. Juniors

Open: Central Park Blue 5-35 d Quantong 1-18; Horsham Lawn Green 5-33 d Horsham Lawn Gold 1-24; Natimuk 3-22 drew Central Park White 3-22.

Section 1 Boys: Horsham Lawn Green 4-29 d Central Park Blue 2-27; Central Park White 6-36 d Homers 0-8; Horsham Lawn White 5-31 d Haven 1-17. Section 1 Girls: Haven Red 6-36 d Horsham

•

WINNERS: Horsham’s Barb Hawkins, Heather Greenaway and Joyce Mills won the Nell Smithett Memorial Trophy Competition, which has been contested at the club every year since 1970.

Jasper Deckert competes on high bar under the watchful eye of coach Remi Bailey.

Natimuk success at home

BY BRONWYN HASTINGS

Gymnasts from across Victoria and South Australia converged on Natimuk at the weekend for Natimuk and District Gymnastic Club’s invitational event.

Natimuk head coach Lynette Morrow said the event ran smoothly, with many of the home club’s members performing well.

“Our gymnasts did quite well, with several finishing on the podium in overall standings,” she said.

The club’s highest level in girls’ competition saw Freya Jones, level eight, finish second overall, and Dusty Schellens third overall.

Madeline Castleman finished first overall in level five, and Elsa Drendel placed second overall.

In level four, Ava Rabone finished first overall, and it was a three-way tie for third overall between Jayda Hallam, Phoebe Burns and Grace Puls.

Level three’s Ava Hausler finished first overall, with Isla Lannin second overall.

Level one boys saw Alfred Smart win gold overall, followed by Jobe Lannin in second and Tyler Doyle, third overall.

The club also enjoyed success in the team events, with level four silver team of Jayda Hallam, Phoebe

Burns, Grace Puls and Ava Rabone winning gold, and blue team of Sophie Cook, Karla Hallam, Airlie Doelle, Zahlee McLean and Mia Yendall, bronze.

Level three white team of Cypress Kenny, Isla Lannin, Isla Connell, Edith Doelle and Rhianna McClure finished in first place, silver team Everlyn Henderson, Allira McInerney, Ava Hausler and Madeline McClure came second, and blue team Layla Glatz, Matilda Stanley, Isabel Hateley, Abbey Silcock and

Clubs rewarded

Several football-netball clubs in the region are among 223 across Victoria to receive money for campaigns promoting road safety in their regions.

The State Government and Transport Accident Commission, TAC, announced the successful applicants under the TAC Club Rewards Program – a $600,000 initiative for clubs that made efforts to prevent road trauma during the 2024 season.

Dimboola, Horsham Saints, Laharum, Natimuk United, Nhill, Rupanyup and Taylors Lake were all recipients.

Clubs will receive up to $10,000 through the program, which is delivered in partnership with AFL Victoria. Clubs can use the money for initiatives including road-safety education programs, club transport schemes, new equipment and uniforms, and facility upgrades.

TAC chief executive Tracey Slatter said the program encouraged clubs to engage with players, members and communities on key roadsafety issues.

More information about the program and a full list of recipients is available at www.tac. vic.gov.au/about-the-tac/community/grants/tacclub-rewards-program.

Devlin in form

Gary Devlin won Horsham Golf Croquet Club’s three division-one games played during the past week, with a score of two games and 22 hoops on Saturday, 2/20 on Thursday, and 1/10 the previous Tuesday.

Ian Rees was Saturday’s division one runnerup with 2/21. Gwen McCartney won division two ahead of Robyn Devlin and Lorna Mills won division three, with Joy Smith runner-up. Ian Rees was also runner-up to Devlin in Thursday’s division one event. Rosemary Rees’ 2/14 saw her win division two, ahead of Greg Phillips. Rachel Cousins won division three with Joy Smith the runner-up.

Donna Frost was the division one runner-up on November 5. Marg Pope won division two and Gwen McCartney was runner-up. Allan Meyer won division three ahead of Leanda Elliott.

Summer soccer

Ella Warrick finished in third place.

“A good variety of clubs came across the weekend, bringing a lot of people to the region,” Mrs Morrow said.

She said the invitational event was the final for this year.

“This finishes our competition season for the year, which has been very successful. We will have our display and presentation night on December 4 before we finish on December 13,” she said.

“We’re looking forward to what

next year will bring.” Although Mrs Morrow said there was a waiting list for potential members, people could still fill out an expression of interest online and visit the club to see members practise.

“People are welcome to come out any night and have a chat and a look,” she said.

The club meets at 1 Sudholz Street, Natimuk from 4.15pm each Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Friday.

Horsham and District Soccer Club welcomes people of all ages and skill levels to join its junior skill sessions and games and its senior sevena-side summer match competition.

People are invited to attend each Friday from 6pm at Holy Trinity Lutheran College oval on Peppertree Lane; juniors can register on the night, via the club’s Facebook page.

The seniors’ competition will be more structured, with teams submitted and fixtures.

Registration is free, but a gold coin donation is appreciated for venue hire.

More information can be found at the club’s Facebook page.

BOWERS CHIROPRACTIC CENTRE

BREATHING PROBLEMS

I’M HAVING TROUBLE BREATHING SINCE MY CHEST INFECTION, I HAVE A TIGHT CHEST. I’VE BEEN TO THE DOCTOR AND HE SAYS THERE’S NOTHING WRONG.

Ever had that happen to you or someone you know? Why?

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

So what can a chiropractor do?

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

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

STRENGTH: Natimuk and District Gymnastic Club’s

ALL SMILES: Warrnambool Strive gymnasts, from left, Harlow Pearce, Mia Standlye and Olive Horwill wait their turn on beam.

UNITED: Mildura and Wyndham

gymnasts enjoy the competition.

Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

Pittsburgh Pirate wins Cup

Pittsburgh Pirate added another country cup to its name taking out the Ararat Gold Cup on Sunday.

Trained by Henry Dwyer, of Ballarat, Pittsburgh Pirate won by two-and-a -half lengths to Staunch, with Lottaroc finishing third.

Pittsburgh Pirate, with jockey Neal Farley aboard, won the St Arnaud Cup last month.

After the 2200-metre race, Farley said it was great to be a part of the horse’s success.

“He makes the jockey’s life so easy, jumps well and puts himself always there,” he said.

“We controlled it from the front and he was happy just to crank it up from the half mile – he’s a rock hard fit.

“I think I’ve won five on him now, so he owes me nothing.”

Farley said it was extra special to win another cup on Pittsburgh Pirate.

“I’m really appreciative of Henry and the owners for sticking by me with this horse,” he said.

Pittsburgh Pirate came off a wide draw to take a leading position, and Farley said he thought the others might have pushed the five-year-old gelding more than they did.

“I thought they were going to make him work a little bit harder than what he did, but I had a nice long straight and worked my way across and sort of dictated after that, so it worked out really well,” he said.

In the other feature race of the day, the Ararat Bowl, Mawallock, trained by Lindsey Smith, won over Navy King and Eugenius.

Ararat Turf Club president Adam Atchinson said the club was pleased with the strong crowd on Sunday, estimated to be about 1200, who enjoyed perfect sunny weather and plenty of children’s activities to make it an ideal family day out.

Fashions on the Field was also a popular feature, with Eliza Fraser, of Minimay, taking out the Lady of the Day category; Ruby Preston winning the Local Lady of the Day, and Jack Colantuono taking out Gent of the Day.

from 6am to 9am

Cortez Bale a class above

Cortez Bale trained by Nhill local Andrea Gurry has produced two sensational runs over the past week at Horsham Greyhound Racing Club, on both occasions breaking the magical 23-second barrier.

Garry George also struck when Brutality was victorious on Saturday night. It was Cortez Bale though who was the star of the week at Horsham, saluting twice in breathtaking style.

On Tuesday last week, Cortez jumped from the wide draw but mustered up quickly to lead going into the corner and once he led it was always going to be a matter of how far as he cruised away to a four-and-a-half length victory in the flying time of 22:93 seconds.

Saturday night racing saw Cortez draw the pole position of box one and was sent out a shortpriced favourite. He did not let the punters down, flying the boxes and setting up a huge margin.

After clocking a very fast first split, Cortez cruised to another four-and-a-half length victory in the flying time of 22:98 seconds.

Saturday night also saw George strike again when Brutality claimed a last gasp victory in a thrilling head-bobbing finish.

Brutality began well but was matched for early speed by local dog Talkin Bluey. The two went stride for stride into the first corner, coming out of the corner Brutality raced very wide and gave the momentum of the race over to Talkin Bluey, who looked the winner half way down the home straight, but Brutality worked home extremely strong and swooped the leaders on the line to win by a neck in the smart time of 23:38 seconds.

– Peter Carter

DAY OUT: Above Pittsburgh Pirate wins the Ararat Cup; right, winner of the fashions on the field Eliza Fraser, and far right, Local Lady of the Day Ruby Preston.

Warriors continue to set the pace

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

West Wimmera had a point to prove as it faced Horsham Cricket Association newcomer Brim-Kellalac-Sheep Hills for the first time on Saturday.

The Warriors have set the pace in the association’s A Grade competition for much of the past two seasons, winning the two-day grand final in 2022-23 and last season’s one-day grand final.

But it was the Eagles who had impressed early in 2024-25, winning their first three matches after crossing from the Wimmera-Mallee Cricket Association earlier this year.

When the teams met at Nhill’s Davis Park at the weekend, the Warriors sent a statement after winning the toss and batting.

Opener Bradley Alexander scored a boundary on the first ball of the game and did not let up from there, notching 83 runs from 101 deliveries to set the innings up superbly.

Eagle bowler Tim Bell removed Alexander’s opening partner Jobe Dickinson for nine, while Mitch Dahlen-

burg was run out for 10, but Jeremy Weeks dug in for a valuable 31 runs in a fourth-wicket partnership of 64 with Alexander.

When Weeks was stumped off the bowling of Isaac McPherson, the innings seemed at a tipping point with the Warriors at 3-114.

The Eagles pressed in an attempt to follow up their breakthrough, but Alexander and new partner Brett Jensz batted determinedly on, putting an additional 37 runs on the board before Alexander finally fell to Bell.

Jensz batted out the remainder of the innings, making an unbeaten 28 to take the home side to an imposing 5-187.

Needing more than four runs an over, the Eagles were in early trouble when Nathan Alexander removed opening batsmen Leigh Dovaston and Sandon Schulz for nine and four respectively.

Isaac McPherson stopped the run of wickets with 41 runs at number three, but the required run rate continued to climb.

St Andrews wins Cup

St Andrews bowled their way to victory in the Grampians Cricket Association’s Henry Gunstone Cup on Saturday.

After two average scores in Saturday’s matches, the Saints’ attack was able to dismiss the opposition in both matches ensuring the cup and $250 headed their way.

Batting first in the final, the Saints’ top-order came under fire from the Combine’s Brad Carter.

The left-armer took an amazing 5-15 from his four overs to have the Saints reeling at 5/23. Josh Bibby top-scored with 20 to take the Saints to 9/97.

The Combine, after the earlier setback of losing Jacob Dunn and Stewie McPherson early, recovered to be favoured on 4-54 at the 10-over mark but then suffered the mother of all collapses losing six wickets for just three runs to be all out for 57.

The destroyer was Ethan Summers who demolished the tail with 4-0.

Earlier the Saints had qualified for the final by overcoming the Gappers by 44 runs.

Batting first the Saints tallied 7/116,

Eventually the scoreboard pressure took its toll and Xavier Bone took the valuable middle-order wickets of Bell and Jeremy Preston to all but break the Eagles.

When McPherson finally fell to the bowling of Jobe Dickinson, there was too much left for the BKSH tailenders to do, and the side was soon all out for 115.

The win moved the Warriors into third place, still trailing the secondplaced Eagles on percentage, while reigning two-day premier Homers is now the sole undefeated team after fending off a spirited Horsham Tigers at the weekend.

The visitors chose to send the Pigeons in after winning the toss – a decision that paid immediate dividends with the quick dismissals of Adam Atwood, three, Luke Miller, four, and Monty Wynne, one.

When Marty Knight ran Baxter Perry out for seven, Homers was reeling at 4-38 and in desperate need of stability.

They found it through Paddy Mills,

the principal run-scorers were Nick Pell with 35 and Tom Mills’ 33.

The Saints were able to defend the moderate score by dismissing key batsmen Charlie McIntosh, on three, and Max McMahon, four.

Both Caleb Summers and James Hosking took three wickets apiece in dismissing Halls Gap for 72.

In the other game, the Combine narrowly defeated the Tigers by nine runs.

The Combine through the agency of Will Clough, 46 from 49, and Matt Heffer, 30, were 6/120 after the 20 overs.

Needing exactly a run-a-ball, the Tigers were in it up until the last few overs when they fell short on 8/111

Best of the innings was Tyler Cronin with 36 and Matt Heffer with 3-12.

The competition will now revert to one-day matches of 40 overs with eight overs per bowler.

Round six will include: RhymneyMoyston v Swifts-Great Western, at Moyston; Halls Gap v Pomonal, at Central Park; while St Andrews has a bye.

who made a sure-handed 71 at a strike rate of better than 80 to save the innings.

Mills nearly reached a 100-run partnership with Chaminda Gamage before Gamage fell for 41, then batted on alongside Gibson Perry who made a handy 20, before finally falling to Angus Adams.

The Pigeons reached 164 before their final wicket fell, giving their bowlers a good target to defend. And defend they did, with Baxter and Gibson Perry combining to dismiss the Tigers’ top three batsmen for singledigit totals.

Adams backed up his strong 3-34 bowling performance with an innings of 69, but lacked the requisite support to truly ignite the run chase as Homers’ Luke Miller swept through the bottom order to finish with 3-23 – the same figures as Baxter Perry – and have the visitors all out for 132.

Lubeck-Murtoa’s strong innings in the field set up a six-wicket win against Laharum at Murtoa.

The Mudlarks’ Tom Eade was the

star of the show with 5-22, as only Laharum opener Brodie Foster, 26, and captain Josh Mahoney, 21, made any headway with bat in hand in an innings of 10-116.

Lubeck-Murtoa was patient in its run chase, with its top order absorbing early bowling pressure before Blake Downer made a quick 67 not out in the middle innings to win the match with more than five overs to spare.

Noradjuha-Toolondo trounced Horsham Saints at Horsham City Oval, making 7-183 after being sent in thanks to a knock of 60 from Matt Combe and 32 from Tim Crick.

The Saints’ run chase never really got going, with only Alan Dube, 17, Nick Gardiner, 10, and Zach Hamerston, 17 not out, reaching double figures as the team was all out for 76.

The in-form Bullants will now host the Colts at City Oval, with West Wimmera to play Homers in a grand final rematch at Davis Park, Laharum travelling to Coughlin Park to play Horsham Saints and Lubeck-Murtoa to host Horsham Tigers at Murtoa.

BOWLED: St Andrews opener Brody Taylor has his bails dislodged by Swifts-Great Western destroyer Brad Carter. Taylor contributed 11 runs for the Saints while Carter took 5-15 in the Henry Gunstone Cup final

Central Park, Stawell, on Saturday.

Results will probably go with the ladder positions Swifts-Great Western, in first, to defeat Rhymney-Moyston, fourth, and Halls Gap, third, to defeat Pomonal, fifth.

An improved last effort by the Tigers

would see them a chance to defeat the Gappers in the battle of the mountain men, much will depend on the performance of Gappers’ Charlie McIntosh and Max McMahon. Tyler Cronin has also been a handy Tigers recruit.

Round five results: St Andrews 7/116 d Halls Gap 10/72; Swifts-Great Western 6/120 d Pomonal 8/111; Henry Gunstone Cup Final, St

Andrews 9/97 d Swifts-Great Western 10/57. – One Short

at

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

Atelling fortnight looms for the Horsham Hornets after they rose to the top of the Country Basketball League’s south-west division ladder by crushing Hamilton on Saturday.

Playing in front of a vocal home crowd of more than 300 supporters, the Hornets smothered the visiting Hurricanes from the opening tip, leading by 17 points at quarter time and extending their lead at every break to cruise to a 109-63 win.

Austin McKenzie was on fire, scoring a game-high 33 points despite sitting on the bench for much of the last quarter, while guard Mitch Martin

showed his shooting touch from the outside and Micah Livingstone contributed 18 points.

Charlie Cambell thrilled the crowd with a pair of athletic dunks on his way to 16 points, but coach Scott Benbow was equally excited by the contributions of the Hornets’ bench players.

“They were a little bit undermanned, but we’re really focused and playing really good basketball. Our defence is unreal, and we smothered them,” he said.

“You could see by quarter time there was just going to be no stopping us with the way we were going about it.

“We rested Mitch Martin for the whole last quarter and a half, which

Tournament success

The annual Horsham Junior Classic basketball tournament was a success, with more than 80 teams playing at venues across the Wimmera at the weekend.

Some of western Victoria’s top young talent appeared at the tournament, with several Horsham-based teams victorious in their divisions.

A Horsham squad took out the under-12 girls division one grand final, winning a 21-20 thriller against Colac, with Sienna Christian hitting an important late free throw to preserve the team’s lead.

Horsham was on the wrong side of another one-point game in the girls under-14 division one competition, losing 25-24 to Hamilton despite nine points from Stephanie Plazzer and seven from Lexi Kleinitz.

The Hornets were victorious in both the boys and girls under-16 division one grand finals, with the boys defeating Colac 43-39 behind strong games from Charlie Hobbs, Aiden Reinheimer and Tyler Roach, while the girls beat Hamilton 28-19 as every player scored at least one basket.

Horsham took out the under-18 boys division one grand final with a come-from-behind 38-35 win against Terang, with Harrison Millar, Jaxon Crooks, Evan Hahn and Lewis Hofmaier doing the bulk of the scoring.

Warracknabeal also had a successful tournament, with the Wildcats’ under-16 division two girls and under-18

division two boys both winning their respective grand finals.

The under-16 girls beat Maryborough 28-20 with Milla Adams scoring 13 points and Piper Knorpp adding 10, while the under-18 boys’ 31-23 win over Colac saw Zachary Thornton, 10, and Reagan Oborne, seven, lead the way in scoring.

Horsham Amateur Basketball Association thanked participants and their families for a successful weekend following the tournament.

– Colin MacGillivray

never happens, Cody Bryan got a decent rest, which never happens, and even ‘Aussie’ came off only two or three minutes into the last quarter.

“They all had their shoes off with six or seven minutes to go, which was a nice treat for them. It was good for the kids to get a go, and they all took their opportunities as well.”

The percentage-boosting win saw the 5-1 Hornets rise to the top of the south-west division ladder, one place ahead of the Warrnambool Seahawks, who split a pair of games against Portland at the weekend.

With a game in Warrnambool this Saturday at 6pm followed by another road trip to Portland the following round, Benbow said his team would

be put to the test. “If we can get one of these next two and ideally both of them, that really sets us up to try and lock in a home final,” he said.

“I reckon Warrnambool has improved from last season. They have a gun player by the name of Liam Herbert who is an NBL1 player for Geelong. He didn’t play on the weekend and I expect him to be back against us, so he’ll make a huge difference for that side.

“We’re going to have to work on a bit of team defence to cover him. He distributes the ball very well, so we’ve got to be mindful that we’ve got someone standing on his toes, and we’ll fight over screens because he’s got a decent midrange shot too.

“They like to get up and down the floor and they’ve got decent shooters from outside, so it’s going to be a really good match-up.”

Benbow thanked the many Horsham junior players competing in the weekend’s Horsham Junior Classic for attending the game with their families.

“As always we’re really thankful for the support we get. The crowd was amazing – it was really loud,” he said.

“All the kids hung around after the game and came up to get photos and autographs.

“It’s nice to be able to inspire the younger kids with our players, and they enjoy that part of it because they get treated like superheroes.”

FOCUS: Left, Horsham’s Hannah Plazzer looks to pass; below left, under16s player Aiden Reinheimer, Horsham; and below, Kaeden Beaton, Stawell, and Ezekyal Turner, Ararat, battle for the ball.

Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

JUNIOR CLASSIC: Hundreds of basketballers competed in the Horsham Junior Classic tournament at the weekend, with 81 teams contesting matches from under-12s to under-18s across 15 divisions. Pictured in action are, clockwise from above: Horsham’s Jaxon Crooks; Jack McGregor, Stawell, out runs his Ararat opponents; Horsham’s Lani King; Hayden Polack, of Warracknabeal, stands guard; Horsham coach Cam Bruce addresses his team; Zachary O’Connor, Warracknabeal, fouls Lewis Hofmaier, Horsham; and centre, Sienna Christian, Horsham, runs through her Portland opponents.

Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

from 6am to 9am

Regatta a win for rowers, community

BY COLIN MacGILLIVRAY

More than 200 competitors congregated on the Wimmera River at Dimboola at the weekend for the annual Dimboola Regatta.

The regatta, hosted by Dimboola Rowing Club, drew 214 competitors to the region – an increase of 12 entries on last year’s event.

Dimboola Rowing Club president Mick Salter said the uptick in entries was a positive sign for the regatta, which returned last year after the COVID-19 pandemic and flooding saw its cancellation from 2020 to 2022.

“On Sunday the weather was just brilliant for the Head of the Wimmera race. It was a bit overcast on Saturday but it certainly wasn’t windy,” he said.

“Overall it was just a great weekend and our entries were up about five per cent on last year.

“We want to keep working on that and assess the regatta and keep moving forward.”

Mr Salter said about 20 clubs from across Victoria entered the regatta, including several Melbourne-based clubs.

Local Dimboola and Horsham-based crews were successful at the meet, with Dimboola winning the women’s C Grade double scull and B Grade single scull, with a Dimboola rower also finishing second in the men’s

B Grade single scull final. Horsham rowers took out the female masters coxed quad scull and male beginners quad scull.

Mr Salter said the regatta had continued to strengthen its reputation as one of the top regional rowing events.

“Our course is only 750 metres, so we’re not going to get the high-performance rowers working their way towards state selection who generally row 2000 metres,” he said.

“There are quite a few clubs in Melbourne that, although they come to Dimboola, their top-end rowers are not focused on coming here because our particular course is not suitable for their rowing program.

“But the feedback that we’ve consistently been given by rowers and

officials is that it’s all positive – they just love the weekend.”

Mr Salter thanked the Dimboola community for supporting the regatta.

“The Dimboola Regatta doesn’t just belong to the Dimboola Rowing Club, it belongs to the town, because the town benefits so much from it,” he said.

“We put it on, but we call upon people and organisations within Dimboola to come along and give us a hand. We can’t just put it on ourselves.

“On Saturday the Antwerp Tennis Club committee ran the barbecue for us, and on Sunday the junior football club ran the barbecue.

“It’s all about getting everyone in the community involved.”

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VISITORS: Pictured top, Yarra Yarra-Carrum rowers, from left, Glenn Fischmann, Lackley Zano, Drew Holman and Nick Inglis, and above, Adam Cameron, of Hamilton, at Dimboola Rowing Regatta on Saturday.

Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

Dream match-up

BY DAVID BERRY

Victorian volleyball’s dream match-up will take place in Horsham this weekend when the premier league’s men’s champions BBJSC Pakenham and the division one country champions Sunraysia squareoff in Volleyball Horsham’s 29th annual tournament.

Volleyball Horsham vice-president Matt McLoughlin said Pakenham and Sunraysia were the headline teams in the premier men’s division, but would not have it all their own way with five other opponents that represent some of the strongest men’s teams in Victorian volleyball in 2024.

“The Pakenham boys have had our tournament on their radar for a while now, as they look to make it four in a row, while Sunraysia is coming off its country championships win and a Bendigo tournament victory, which is good for our event as we have some of Victoria’s best male players going at it right here in our own back yard,” he said.

The biggest threat to the two powerhouse teams will come from Horsham’s own Good Ol’ Boys. “Sunraysia got us in four sets in Bendigo, but I believe we have a stronger team this time around, so we want to do well in our home tournament,” captain Matthew Berry said.

Pakenham and Sunraysia will battle in the round games on Sunday morning at 10am, while if they are still alive in the tournament, the Good Ol’ Boys will battle with Pakenham at noon in a mouthwatering clash in the lead-up to the final.

In the premier women’s draw, last year’s champion Ballarat is back to defend its title, but will face stiff opposition from state league powerhouse clubs Heidelberg, Renegades, Latrobe Uni and Adelaide United.

Volleyball Horsham captain Kara Johnson said she was excited about the prospects of the home team as it strengthened its squad with the return of Emily Hannan and power-hitter Cleo Baker.

“We weren’t that far away against most of these teams at the Bendigo tournament last month, so that has set us up well for a real crack this weekend. We’re all excited to play in front of our families and friends and hope to do well,” she said.

Volleyball Horsham will be represented across all divisions, with the Good Ol’ Boys team

in state league one men, favoured to do well, especially with the likes of Nathan Berry, Zac Santamaria and Lazarus Neilsen in the team.

The Volleyball Horsham junior boys under-17 team will resume acquaintances with Sunraysia in a replay of the gold medal match from the junior country championships, but will also face stiff opposition from Heidelberg, while the under-17 girls will go into their division as favorite.

Harry’s Match VI

All is ready for the sixth edition of Harry’s Match to be played on Friday night from 8pm at Horsham basketball stadium.

The match is held in memory of good friend Harry Denson and serves to shine a light on men’s mental health.

The Good Ol’ Boys – a group who grew up with Harry – will come together and play against a Volleyball Horsham All Stars team, with the Good Ol’ Boys looking to make it five wins from six matches.

Dimitrios Vettos, who has been in charge of getting his Good Ol’ Boys group together, said he was nervous but excited to be able to play in the match that meant so much to his group.

“I know the All Stars are looking stronger this year, but we have the likes of Tim Ladlow, Tim Eldridge, Matt Liston and Andrew Trigg all coming back just for this match, and we know that experience counts for a lot when it comes to playing in big matches,” he said.

“The only thing that worries me is that we don’t have any true middles, so Brady King and I will need to be at our best to slow down the likes of Oscar Jackman, Tyler Snowden and Jack Hannan.”

Captain of the All Stars Kara Johnson said it was an honor to be selected to play in the match each year.

“Our team is a representation of players who have done a lot for Volleyball Horsham this year, and we all are looking forward to the occasion, but we are a bit nervous as we’ve heard on the grapevine that the Good Ol’ Boys might be bringing in a Victorian volleyball legend,” she said.

A curtain raiser starting at 6pm featuring the under-17 boys and girls from Central Adelaide Volleyball Club and the Volleyball Horsham under-17’s will kick start what promises to be a great night of volleyball.

Horsham City bowlers victorious

A Horsham City team ran out winners of Horsham City Bowling Club’s Capitis Cup Day two bowls triples tournament last week.

A total of 12 teams from Coughlin Park, Stawell Golf, Donald Golf and Horsham City bowling clubs played three games of 10 ends to decide the winners. At the end of the day, three teams had won three games.

After a countback the runner-up was another City team of Geoff Inglis (s), Hux Mitchell and Betty Cozens.

Winners were the Horsham City team of Kevin Clyne (s), Simon McKinnon and Leo McKinnon on 83 points with the other two three-game winners tied on 80 points.

Club president Colin Morrell said the players enjoyed a great afternoon of bowls in fine weather and also enjoyed the tradition of a Melbourne Cup Day.

READY: Horsham volleyball players Bonnie Grieger, Rachel Reichelt, Hannah Gabbe, Myah Meadows and Victoria Brown prepare for Horsham Volleyball Tournament this weekend.

Horsham Basketball Association under-12 player Mahlu Thomas drives into the key during a Horsham Junior Classic basketball tournament game against Portland. Thomas and her team took out the division one title in a thrilling one-point win over Colac. Horsham teams also won grand finals in under 16 boys, under 16 girls and under 18 boys division one games. Story, pages 60- 61

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER