The Weekly Advertiser – Wednesday, June 14, 2023

JOY: Historic tools and trades of early European settlement were on display at Jeparit at the weekend when the Wimmera Mallee Pioneer Museum hosted its annual vintage rally. Wendy Bywaters of Nhill was among people to get into the spirit of the rally, which also featured vintage engines and cars, horse carriage rides, working horses, market stalls, blacksmith demonstrations and tractor and truck displays. More pictures, page 29.

Jobs growth

BY SEAN O’CONNELL

OFFICIAL PROGRAM INSIDE

20-PAGE LIFT-OUT

Industry leaders say employment and training opportunities in regional areas are changing – for the better.

Wimmera Southern Mallee Development chief executive Chris Sounness said he projected jobs growth across the region in the next five to 10 years, with the agriculture, renewable energy and mining sectors playing a central role.

He said people entering the workforce stood to benefit from these developments and living in a regional area had great lifestyle advantages.

“I think people in the Wimmera and southern Mallee really appreciate the region – you can get ahead, have a family and a career,” he said.

Mr Sounness’ comments come ahead of the Western Victorian Careers Expo on Tuesday.

Careers expo organiser David Crooks said more than 75 exhibitors would welcome more than 2000 people to the Wimmera Events Centre at Longerenong.

He said the event offered a crucial resource for jobseekers and students seeking advice about employment, careers and other opportunities.

He also encouraged people considering a career change to visit the expo and explore their options.

“Certainly all the major industries are present,” Mr Crooks said.

He said trades, engineering and healthcare were among the major industries to support the event, demonstrating demand for employees in the sectors.

The event includes try-a-trade activities and a seminar program.

Federation TAFE Wimmera campus manager skills plan delivery Vanessa O’Loughlin said the education and training provider would high-

light opportunities it had available. It will be among many higher education and training providers to attend the expo.

“We have really been revitalising the campus, revitalising the offerings, ensuring that they align with the Victorian Skills Plan and the priorities for the region – including investing in those programs where we know there is demand such as health, early childhood education and the trades sectors,” Mrs O’Loughlin said.

The expo runs from 9.30am to 2.30pm.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

HRCC NEWS

How the Commonwealth Games can benefit Horsham

Regional Cities Victoria (RCV) has launched ‘The Winning Formula for Regional Victoria’, a document outlining the priorities to ensure a lasting legacy is created for the whole of regional Victoria as part of the 2026 Commonwealth Games.

The document aims to ensure all regional cities realise the long-term infrastructure benefits of hosting an international sporting tournament.

It is particularly relevant for Horsham –which will not host any competitions as part of the Games.

Ballarat, Geelong, Shepparton, Bendigo and the Gippsland region are the five regional hubs that will see a flurry of activity in the lead up and during the two weeks of competition in March 2026.

Horsham Rural City Council Mayor Robyn Gulline, at last week's launch of the document at Dudley Cornell Park, said the Games were a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for all Victorian regional cities to create a lasting legacy.

“Community sport and emerging athletes should have proper sporting infrastructure in their regions to foster their talent and becoming sporting stars of the future,” she said.

HRCC is seeking $2 million from the Victorian Government as a Commonwealth Games legacy.

"We would use this funding for

developing and enhancing local sporting facilities," Cr Gulline said.

“Council is currently redeveloping the facilities at Horsham City Oval and is seeking government support to develop a modern pavilion with a multi-purpose community space and compliant change rooms.”

“We are also completing a feasibility study into multi-sports facilities which will deliver a plan to upgrade local venues, particularly for our sports that will feature in the Commonwealth Games,” she said.

While Horsham missed out on hosting competitions in 2026, it stands to benefit from by-products of the event, including increased tourism and the pre-Games opportunity to host training and practice events.

"Tourism is vital for our regional economies. Each region is unique and has its offering, so the job is to ensure we promote what we offer, including bushwalking, rock climbing, water sports, art, and cultural activities.

"Our region boasts 86 per cent of Victoria's culturally significant rock art and hosts the northern trailhead of the Grampians Peaks Rail," Cr Gulline said.

Regional Cities Victoria comprises the 10 largest regional cities in Victoria –Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Horsham, Latrobe, Mildura, Shepparton, Wangaratta, Warrnambool and Wodonga.

Nature Stewards Program now open

Are you interested in rocks, soil, fungi, plants, and animals? Do you want to learn about climate change and seasons? Or ways to care for country and manage private property?

A subsidised course for nature lovers in the Horsham region is now taking registrations.

Nature Stewards is a program that connects people with their local environment, teaches them practical skills and introduces them to like-minded individuals.

There are six classes and four field sessions to be held from July 22 to August 26.

Experts such as ecologists, volcanologists, climate scientists, traditional owners and landcarers will be part of the program.

It’s a great way to gain knowledge, learn practical skills and meet like-minded others in the local community.

Participants will discover ways to help nature at home and through volunteering.

Open to everyone over the age of 18 and hosted at Horsham Neighbourhood House, the course is $250 for people over the age of 30, $125 for under 30s, and $65 for full-time students and concession card holders.

Applications close July 9. For further information and to apply head to vnpa.org. au/naturestewards.

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TENDERS AND RFQ

Q58/2023

AUDIT OF ACCESSIBLE CAR PARKING SPACES

Closes 5pm, Monday 19 June

23-041

PROVISION OF ARCHITECTURAL SERVICES, HORSHAM AQUATIC CENTRE HYDROTHERAPY FACILITIES

Closes 12noon, Thursday 29 June

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

FUTURE BENEFIT: Joel Plazzer, Sophie Quick, Ella Vanduren and Paul Barnett (back) and Hannah Plazzer and Mayor Robyn Gulline (front) at Dudley Cornell Park last week. Representatives from Horsham's little athletics, volleyball and soccer clubs joined Cr Gulline to call on the Victorian Government to invest in local infrastructure to ensure the 2026 Games bring a lasting legacy of improved sports facilities for our future stars.

Download 'The Winning Formula'

New pilot program for homeless

BY ABBY WALTER

Community service organisa-

tion Uniting Vic.Tas is piloting a Wimmera Street to Home program to support rough sleepers across the region.

Uniting Vic.Tas western division senior manager of homelessness

Adam Liversage said Street to Home programs were funded across the state – except for the Wimmera.

“Street to Home, better known as assertive outreach, is a program where workers go out and primarily work with rough sleepers,” he said.

“We know rough sleepers might not tend to come in and seek services, especially through our entry point in Horsham, so the idea is that workers go out into free campgrounds, bushland and near lakes and rivers to provide the service to them in person.

“So far it’s been successful – we’re about three months into this pilot and exceeding expectations in terms of numbers.”

Mr Liversage said about 687 people presented to the Horsham entry point, and 25 percent were homeless, during the past financial year.

He said Wimmera Street to Home assertive outreach worker Glenn Kimberley had identified 58 rough sleepers since the beginning of the program

that might not have otherwise sought help.

“We know that homelessness is quite prevalent in this region,” he said.

“Mental health, alcohol and drug use, relationship breakdowns, fleeing family violence and, at the moment,

a squeeze in the rental market are contributing factors to homelessness.

“We find a lot of homeless people have been homeless or rough sleepers for a significant time and because the Wimmera, and Horsham in particular, didn’t have programs such as assertive

outreach and Street to Home in the past, we couldn’t reach those people and support them, so they have continued to remain homeless.”

Mr Liversage said Uniting was currently identifying the number of rough sleepers in the Wimmera and their needs.

“Then we will be putting a submission to the State Government to have an ongoing Street to Home outreach program funded across the Wimmera, to be to be able to support the growing number of rough sleepers in the region,” he said.

“Our entry points don’t have the resources and this financial year, we have turned away 713 people.

“There are people we can’t get to because we don’t have the resources, the crisis accommodation or supports necessary to help everyone.

“This is what makes the assertive outreach program important because workers can link in and provide a crisis response by taking out sleeping bags, blankets, food and water, doing assessments and making sure people are safe.

“They are socially isolated, have no supports and no social networks, so an outreach worker is all they have and the worker fills a gap between being homeless and accessing services they

need such as mental health support, alcohol and other drugs support.”

Mr Kimberley said the number of rough sleepers in the region was growing each week.

“My role is to build trust with rough sleepers,” he said.

“Sometimes that takes a little while because they feel let down by the system and have suffered some sort of trauma.

“My goal is to become their friend and that’s what I do, so I can help them to make sure they are fed and warm.”

Mr Kimberley works across the Wimmera, apart from Ararat, and keeps in touch with rough sleepers he has identified weekly.

“What is concerning to me is the age of some rough sleepers. I am helping a 79 year-old and two 73 year-olds who are sleeping in their cars,” he said. “I don’t think that should happen to the elderly, but it is a reality.

“The community support has been overwhelming, with mainly church groups sending donations of material aid to Horsham from as far as Warrnambool, Timboon and Beaufort.

“You don’t have to be rich or perfect to change someone’s life; you just have to care, and that’s what we do –we care.”

The Wimmera experienced its first notable rain tally for winter last week and the largest since April this year.

Wimmera Catchment Management

Authority chief executive David Brennan said it was great to receive a decent amount of rain in one hit.

In June to date, Horsham recorded 31 millimetres, Stawell 54.8mm, Ararat 61.8mm, Warracknabeal 29.4mm, Nhill 21.6 and Edenhope 43.4mm.

By the end of May, Horsham had recorded 113.6 millimetres of rain, Stawell 118.2mm, Ararat 140.8mm, Nhill 104.8mm, Warracknabeal 88mm and Edenhope 166.4mm.

“It has given a big boost to the winter and spring inflow season and we are seeing that in a number of our storages, and parts of our rivers and creeks are flowing,” Mr Brennan said.

“Over the past couple of weeks, we have had the odd showers of rain and, in particular, in the upper catchment.

“Wednesday, two weeks ago, the Wimmera River at Glenorchy just ticked over seven megalitres of water going through the weir, which was the first time this year and since the floods last year, that the river has flowed.

“As of Thursday, we had 99 megalitres a day going through there, which is pleasing.”

Mr Brennan said rivers and creeks were now set-up to receive good inflows in the coming months.

“It was pleasing the rain was across three days catchment wide, and most places had anywhere between 20mm at the bottom end, an average of about 30mm and some places having up to 60mm,” he said.

“Places such as Halls Gap had more than 100mm, so it has been a very good, welcomed rain by everyone.

“There was some good rain during the Easter period, which was the last time we had any decent quantity.

“It has been reasonably cold since, so we have had low evaporation levels and it won’t be long before the rain last week meets up with a lot of the moisture that’s in the ground from the floods last year.

“That significantly increases the likelihood of continued flows for several months.”

VicEmergency issued an emergency warning on Wednesday last week to shelter indoors for the Wimmera and

Mallee forecast districts due to possible destructive winds and heavy rain. In Halls Gap, VicEmergency issued a flood watch and act advice due to flash flooding.

Victoria State Emergency Service, VICSES, advises people not to drive through flood waters and call 000 in an emergency.

Mr Brennan said there was a sense of irony that on the day of most rain for the year, an El Niño alert was issued.

“An El Niño alert means the more rain we get at the moment, the more we can conserve water and think about our choices of management and how people use water more broadly in the Wimmera,” he said.

“The outlook isn’t great at this stage, so hopefully it continues to rain.

“The alert is a bit of an indicator of what the season might look like, but you can still have a very wet year during an El Niño as Australia is such a big landscape and it is difficult to get the forecast right everywhere.”

– Abby Walter

‘A decent amount of rain’

MORE SUPPORT: Uniting Vic.Tas western division senior manager of homelessness Adam Liversage, left, and Wimmera Street to Home assertive outreach worker Glenn Kimberley are working to pilot a Street to Home program in the Wimmera to support rough sleepers across the region. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

SPLASH: Harry Gosling, 2, enjoys playing in a puddle at Jeparit at the weekend after storms and heavy rain during the week across the Wimmera. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Regional cities establish games plan

Horsham Rural City Council is advocating for $2 million of State Government funding as a 2026 Commonwealth Games legacy for regional Victoria.

Horsham joined nine regional cities across the state on Wednesday last week to launch a Victorian Regional Cities document, ‘The Winning Formula for Regional Victoria’, which calls to maximise opportunities stemming from the games.

Horsham mayor Robyn Gulline said the games were a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity for not only the host cities of Geelong, Ballarat, Bendigo, Gippsland and Shepparton; but all Victorian regional cities.

“This is about extending the benefits of hosting a global sporting event to all parts of the state,” she said.

“We want our community to embrace the games. We hope the games will showcase all the regions have to offer as an amazing place to live, work, play, visit and invest.”

Regional Cities Victoria, RCV, is calling for the government to fund projects relating to pre-event opportunities, infrastructure, cultural experiences, people, procurement and tourism.

The representative body is asking for facilitated partnerships between regional cities and Commonwealth countries to host teams before the games for training purposes.

It is calling for the establishment of a $30-million Regional Parks and Civic Space Program to create parklands and upgrade existing open spaces to be used as ‘live’ sites during the games. It wants all equipment from the games to go to regional sporting groups.

Victoria’s largest regional cities –Horsham, Ballarat, Bendigo, Geelong, Latrobe, Mildura, Shepparton, Wangaratta, Warrnambool and Wodonga –requested $2 million each to repair or upgrade sporting infrastructure.

To encourage cultural experiences, RCV is asking the government to sponsor free activities in regional ar-

Space to relax, research, read

A revitalised Stawell library will offer residents a modern environment for learning and social connection.

Northern Grampians mayor Kevin Erwin and Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora officially reopened the library to the public last week.

Cr Erwin said the Sloane Street building, built in late 1979 and opened in early 1980, had only undergone minor cosmetic upgrades, such as new carpets, until the redevelopment – which offers a multi-purpose space with private program and meeting rooms, a children’s reading area, spaces to write, relax, research and read, an elevated roof and new lighting.

Cr Erwin said State Government funding worth $640,000 and Federal Government funding worth $300,000 enabled the redevelopment, which took seven months to complete.

“The Northern Grampians Library Service is a key community asset, servicing a membership of almost 3400

residents,” he said. “I’m very proud of the variety of learning and programs the service offers its users, and the diverse collection of print, audio visual and digital formats it provides in an accessible and welcoming environment, both in Stawell and St Arnaud.”

Ms Ermacora said the council had prioritised the library redevelopment, which recognised its importance as a place for life-long learning and social connection – and gained the attention of funding bodies.

“Libraries are more than just books,” she said.

“There are those who believed increased access to technology would affect public libraries. The opposite has happened, with libraries evolving to embrace technology and deliver a range of community services.

“After all, technology is called information technology for a reason – it’s just a mechanism that holds information; just like a book is a mechanism that holds information.”

eas to bring the games to all parts of the state, and involve people who might not otherwise participate in activities in the five hubs or attend sporting events.

Skills and training

To connect the right workers to the right jobs, RCV is calling for a threeyear funding commitment to create Victorian Skills Authority local liaison officer roles in each regional city.

The organisation is also encouraging the establishment of a Commonwealth Games Regional Volunteer Program to provide training and a preemployment qualification, and supported accommodation for volunteers aged 16 to 21.

RCV is calling for regionally based businesses to make up 100 percent of opportunities created through the procurement processes, with priority given to First Nations businesses and employers.

It wants the government to invest in a $30-million tourism campaign, pro-

filing each regional city to domestic and international visitors, and tourism packages for people purchasing games tickets.

It wants the Royal Baton Relay to visit the 10 regional cities, with a regional Indigenous artist to design the baton.

Cr Gulline said regional Victoria wanted improved sporting facilities for emerging athletes.

“Community sport and emerging athletes should have proper sporting infrastructure in their regions to foster their talent and become sporting stars of the future,” she said.

“The games provide an opportunity to do this and then use these communal spaces to celebrate once the sporting events commence.

“Council is redeveloping the facilities at Horsham City Oval and is seeking government support to provide a modern pavilion with multi-purpose community space and compliant changerooms.

“Council has almost completed a

feasibility study into multi-sports facilities, which will include and enhance Commonwealth Games sports venues.

“The facilities at Dudley Cornell oval in Horsham are tired and need to be upgraded to meet community expectations and enhance sporting options and opportunities for our community members.”

Cr Gulline said the council would refer to its wishlist to best-place an application for the $2-million cash injection, once potential grant conditions were finalised.

“The Grampians, Wimmera and southern Mallee region is blessed with a diverse array of natural assets from bushwalking, rock climbing, water sports, art and cultural activities,” she said.

“Our region is home to a vibrant wine and local produce sector with much available direct from the farm gate or local cafes and restaurants.”

The Commonwealth Games is scheduled for March 2026.

GET READING: Avid readers, sisters Nadine, 9, Amelia 11, Stephanie, 18, and Sophie Buijs, 14, visit the redeveloped Stawell library at its reopening last week.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Previous electoral experience is not essential. However, you must:

• be able to effectively lead a team

• be a strong communicator

• be able to manage and direct multiple activities within a tight timeframe

• be able to follow procedures to ensure elections are fair, impartial and conducted according to the law.

Support for leadership program

BY ABBY WALTER

Co-ordinators of community leadership program, Leadership Wimmera, are welcoming support to transition to a new way of funding the long-running program.

Leadership Wimmera is one of nine facilitators of the Victorian Regional Community Leadership Program that did not receive funding in the 2023-24 State Budget.

Previously, the State Government provided $1.8 million annually across Barwon, Central Highlands, Gippsland, Goulburn, Great South Coast, Loddon Campaspe, Mallee, Ovens Murray and Wimmera regional partnership areas.

Wimmera Southern Mallee Development, formerly Wimmera Development Association, delivers Leadership Wimmera. Since 2002, more than 600 people have developed and enhanced their leadership skills through its annual program.

Wimmera Southern Mallee Development chief executive Chris Sounness said while the leadership program did not receive ongoing government funding, there was good news.

“There will be some funding for the leadership programs this year,” he said. “We were cut off altogether, but Re-

gional Development Victoria worked hard to identify some funding that will support the leadership programs’ transition in the coming months, so that is much appreciated.”

Regional Development Minister Harriet Shing announced funding worth $700,000 for the Regional Community Leadership Program, which provides existing and emerging regional leaders across the state with a range of opportunities to acquire experience, develop networks and practice important leadership skills.

The funding will assist the program team to plan a transition to alternative funding arrangements, with the support of Regional Development Victoria.

It will also support 213 participants across rural and regional Victoria to complete this year’s program.

Ms Shing said the funding would enable the regional program to continue until the end of the year, providing time for facilitators to plan and prepare for the future.

“Participants in the 2023 intake of the community leadership program will be supported to complete their 2023 program and to take their valuable skills, experience and networks into a range of industries, sectors and regions,” she said.

Mr Sounness said the end of leadership

program funding from the State Government was disappointing.

Sponsorships, business and participant contributions also fund the program.

ACE Radio, through the Handbury Foundation, has supported the program since its inception.

“We will be running the program differently going forward and the extra funding will help us identify how we will do that,” Mr Sounness said.

“I think the Victorian Regional Community Leadership board made a great effort, along with individual programs, to communicate the cut would be tough for a lot of these programs across the state.

“So the State Government has given support to help the transition, because it was going to be hard work for the programs to go into 2024.

“I think most of them will be able to identify a pathway forward now.”

Mr Sounness said the State Budget did not include many grant opportunities.

However, he said there would be some opportunities for small towns to apply for funding for various initiatives.

“I know our Local Government Areas are keen to work with communities to think about opportunities when that funding is released during the year,” he said.

Hundreds entered for annual show

Wimmera Poultry Club’s annual June show on Saturday welcomes about 350 entries, making it the largest show since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Show secretary Michael Lloyd said the event at Horsham Showground was a chance for patrons to see the work of breeders.

Mr Lloyd said the vast range of birds entered meant there was something for everyone.

“A large variety of birds are entered for the show, with breeds that represent different historical purposes, such as breeds originally for egg production, meat yields, cockfighting or purely for the show bench,” he said.

Mr Lloyd said the poultry shed at the venue, which Wimmera Poultry Club constructed and has used for many years, was fitted out with plenty of pens.

“The showground also has updated toilet facilities and a space positioned beside the poultry shed which gives us an area to operate a barbecue under shelter, where food and beverages can be purchased on the day,” he said.

Mr Lloyd said judging would begin at 10am, with experts travelling for the event.

“Two judges are travelling to judge our show: Neil Penny, who will be judging all of the soft feather and waterfowl and

Michael Patterson, who will be judging all the hard feather,” he said.

“The birds will all be judged against the Australian Poultry standards, which outline how each breed should look and any attributes they should have.

“The judges have the job of deciding which birds best represent their breed standard and will present a large number of awards for each section.

“This leads to the champion bird in show, which will be the bird that both

EXCITED: Wimmera Poultry Club show secretary Michael Lloyd holds a white pekin bantam cockerel as he gears up for this Saturday’s June Show in Horsham.

judges decide is the best representative of its particular standard on the day.”

Mr Lloyd said there would be cash prizes up for grabs, including a sponsored award by the Belgian Club of Australia for best Belgian bird.

“This show also awards the Wimmera Poultry Club’s champion true bantam in show, which goes to the best individual from all of the breeds that do not have a large variety, such as pekins, Belgians and Japanese bantams,” he said.

Pharmacists call on minister

BY ABBY WALTER

Wimmera pharmacists continue to join a national stand against a proposed 60-day dispensing scheme they say could have serious consequences for residents.

Horsham Amcal Pharmacy owner Carlie Streeter joined colleagues from the Pharmacy Guild of Australia in Canberra to discuss the proposal and its possible consequences.

Under the new scheme, stable, chronic patients will be able to purchase 60-day prescriptions instead of 30-day prescriptions, at no higher cost, from September 1.

Ms Streeter said she met with various ministers during her visit to Parliament, but the group was unable to secure a meeting with Health Minister Mark Butler.

“We are very supportive of more affordable medications and understand the impacts of cost-of-living,” she said.

“There has been no consultation on the scheme, so we want to nut out the issues, ensure the government understands the risk and pharmacies understand how it works to make sure it is successful.

“We want people to access the medicine they need and ensure pharmacies still exist.”

Ms Streeter said the current plan would create a huge financial cut for regional health care.

“Community pharmacies are integral to the health care system and are typically family-owned businesses that employ local people and sponsor their local clubs and organisations,” she said.

“The consequences would cause a reduction in services, jobs and some

pharmacies might not remain viable.

If the scheme is to go ahead from September 1, we need a new community pharmacy agreement so that the financial viability of pharmacies is maintained.”

Member for Mallee Dr Anne Webster was among ministers who met with pharmacy representatives in Canberra.

Dr Webster said the health minister needed to meet with peak pharmacy bodies and listen to their concerns.

“As the many pharmacists present during question time made clear, they had sought to meet with the health minister and had been refused,” she said.

“The minister at least acknowledged them in the chamber under persistent questioning, but it is a very poor performance from the health minister when you consider pharmacists’ important roles in local communities to be healthcare champions.”

Patient safety

Dr Webster said pharmacists told her they were not consulted about the 60day dispensing scheme.

“The current agreement the government has with pharmacists needs to be adjusted and a funding arrangement agreed to make sure their businesses are viable,” she said.

“No town can afford to lose their pharmacies.

“There are many concerns, from the viability of regional pharmacies and the significant impact on patients, if those pharmacies close.

“There are also concerns about the 60-day dispensing, and of patients taking medication with reduced interactions with health professionals.”

Dr Webster said Mallee pharmacists, and those from across Australia, did

their profession proud with a strong showing in Canberra at personal cost.

“The ball is in Minister Butler’s court,” she said.

“He cannot keep denying the impact on regional pharmacies. He must meet with them and put money on the table to compensate for the impact of this change.

“If he did, it would be the first and welcome step from the minister acknowledging health policy is unique in regional Australia.

Arrested for theft

Ballarat Crime Investigation Unit detectives have charged a man and woman following an alleged burglary and aggravated burglary in Horsham.

Officers executed a search warrant at a property on Geelong Road in Mount Clear on June 2 and uncovered drugs and assorted stolen jewellery. They arrested a Lucas man, 31, and a Sebastopol woman, 26.

Police have since charged the pair with two counts of aggravated burglary, theft of motor vehicle, burglary and theft.

The Lucas man will appear at Ballarat Magistrates’ Court on July 5, while the Sebastopol woman is due to appear on July 28.

The charges relate to three alleged incidents that occurred in the early hours of June 1 – theft from a car in Hains Close, Beaufort; aggravated burglary and theft of two cars from Market Lane, Horsham; and burglary and theft of jewellery from a jewellery store on Firebrace Street, Horsham

“As the shadow assistant minister for regional health, I know that regional health and regional aged care are in crisis and this government needs to acknowledge it and work with the opposition to fix it.

“The dismay from pharmacists has come from the four corners of the Mallee electorate and is very concerning.

“We cannot afford to lose our community pharmacies with regional health services, which are in such a dire state.”

No one was injured during the incidents.

Police are appealing for public assistance to help locate another offender.

People who witnessed an incident, had CCTV or dashcam footage, or other information that could assist investigators could contact Crime Stoppers on 1800 333 000 or submit a confidential report online via crimestoppers. com.au

CONSEQUENCES: From left, Horsham Amcal Pharmacy owner Carlie Streeter, Member for Mallee Anne Webster, Melbourne pharmacist George Tambassis and Kerang pharmacist Kin Chong discuss challenges that might arise from a proposed 60-day dispensing scheme.

Be part of every part of life

A career as a nurse or midwife means you’re part of an incredible workforce with all the support, training opportunities and job security you need.

Right now we’re recruiting 5000 nurses and midwives. To be part of it, start your career in nursing or midwifery now at health.vic.gov.au/jobs

Authorised by the Victorian Government, 1 Treasury Place, Melbourne

COMMUNITY FOCUS: The ACE Radio Horsham team traded their regular uniforms for ‘Flannie Friday’ last week. Wimmera Health Care Group Foundation called on people to wear a flannelette shirt to work or school and make a donation that will go towards the purchase of equipment and support initiatives at Wimmera Base Hospital in Horsham. Pictured, from left, are Jessica Grimble,

Sam Samyal, Kayla Wilson, Adam Roche, James Davidson, Sean O’Connell, Danica Turvey, Bonnie McClure, Abby Walter, Heidi Higginson, Chris Thomas and Brendan O’Loughlin. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

The benefit of choice

The

The popular event attracts thousands of people in a showcase of the further education, training and employment opportunities available locally and further afield.

And it’s not just for secondary school students and their caregivers, with the event offering value for people seeking employment or a career change at any age.

Businesses and employers face the ongoing challenge of navigating worker shortages, and attraction and retention of employees, in a competitive market.

There are more jobs than people in many regions – including the Wimmera, Grampians and Mallee.

For employees, it’s an exciting time to be entering the jobs market. Options are plentiful and diverse, for all ages and stages of a career. Technology is transforming the way we work, and the pandemic’s restrictions of working at home has encouraged renewed thought and opened doors to where, and when, we work.

Significant transformational change continues to support people and aspirations that, once, would have been unattainable due to individual circumstance.

No longer do people choose a career – and an employer – for life.

Whether it’s seeking a best-fit for career aspira-

sky is the limit for the region’s secondary school students, who will take a deeper dive into their career options next week when the annual Western Victorian Careers Expo returns to Longerenong.EDITORIAL

By Jessica Grimble

tion or access to varied experiences of work and learning opportunities.

For others, work doesn’t come first – and so they are seeking a work-and-life integration that allows them to spend time and energy on projects, and with the people, they most value.

Environmental and social consciousness is also driving choice.

There’s a lot of pressure on students in their final years of secondary school.

But the career choices they make now might not be the pathway they always follow; opportunities or technologies might not even exist yet.

They might create those opportunities or technologies themselves.

The ability to retrain and evolve is more accessible than ever. Skills are transferable and life-long learning encouraged.

The careers expo will offer patrons the benefit of choice when it opens at the Wimmera Events Centre on Tuesday – and for some, it could feel overwhelming, too much, to narrow down what’s right for them.

Following interests, talent, passions is the natural choice – and a fulfilling career is there for the taking.

17°

Sunny.

Construction of WIM Resource’s Avonbank mining project could begin from 2025.

WIM Resource projects director Michael Winternitz said the mine was in an Environmental Effects Statement, EES, process and pending its outcome, and subsequent approvals and finance, construction could start from 2025.

An article in The Weekly Advertiser last week stated construction would finish by 2025. This is incorrect.

Mr Winternitz has moved to clarify that farmland would be lost to mining for up to four years, and rehabilitation of land at the mine site would be progressive.

He also moved to clarify studies conducted as part of the EES process.

“We studied the air quality baseline for 12 months and modelling indications are showing we will not exceed limits and the health risk is minor, which is positive. We also studied how much noise

would impact Longerenong College or residents at Dooen and Jung and we modelled a worst-case scenario,” he said.

“The noise levels did not exceed recommended levels and we will work to keep noise levels as low as possible and not exceed operational noise criteria as we will run the mine 24 hours a day.

“In terms of water, farmers in the area do not typically use groundwater or rainwater for their crops as we are in a dryland farming area.

“In the end, we will be freshening the groundwater because any water we lose and cannot recycle will be fresher than the current water, which is highly saline – so that’s a positive.”

The original article has been updated via theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

People can visit WIM Resource’s showroom on the corner of Hamilton and Darlot streets in Horsham for more information about the project.

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Avonbank update

King’s Birthday Honours

KevinBye has the gift of the gab.

It is his self-confessed love of a chat, and ability to connect with others, that has served him well in supporting his beloved community of Nhill for decades as a volunteer.

And it is that volunteer service that has awarded him an Order of Australia Medal, OAM, for his tireless contribution to lawn bowls, and to the community.

Mr Bye’s involvement with Nhill Bowling Club began in 1961 and he received life membership in 2006, going on to celebrate the club’s 100-year milestone last year.

He was the club’s president in 1974-1976 and again 2000-2001, secretary for the terms of 19671971, 1979-1982 and 1988-1995 and a member of the general committee from 1970 to 2014.

His club involvement also includes 28 years as a national accredited bowls coach and 25 years as a national accredited bowls umpire, a 30-year club licensee along with service as pennant team and club historian.

He was Wimmera Bowling Association president from 2005 to 2007, is an umpire, and is a former selection committee member.

He has won 30 lawn bowls championships at club, association and regional level.

The OAM will take pride of place beside a Bowls Victoria ‘outstanding service award’, presented

in 2012. “It’s an absolute, wonderful joy really. Being a working guy and happy-go-lucky, I never thought I’d have a chance at an OAM – but there you go. It was a wonderful surprise when I received word,” Mr Bye said.

A tireless contributor Ryan honoured

“Not only for myself, but for my wife Shirley and our sons and grandchildren and my loving sister in Horsham – they’re all involved in this.”

Mr Bye is a 46-year member of Lowan Lodge 107 Nhill, Freemasons Victoria with an additional 11 years of service to Kaniva Lodge No. 208; and a 35-year church steward for Nhill Uniting Church.

His community service also includes Nhill’s Probus, football and cricket clubs, as a foundation committee member of Lowan Sports Centre, and volunteering with Nhill Tourist Information Centre and as a taxi driver.

“I really grasped being a volunteer taxi driver. Of all the times I was doing that, I only ever picked up one man, once – all the rest were widows and I looked after them exclusively,” he said.

“I did the banking for them, went to the post office, went to the supermarket, dropped them off at the doctors, took them to the pharmacy.

“I did that for considerable time and I really enjoyed that.”

Mr Bye spent 38 years working

in the motor trade, at the Ford garage in Nhill, before 10 years as a purchasing officer for West Wimmera Health Service.

“I love talking. I talk to people all the time and it was part of my working life, working behind a counter,” he said.

“I love talking to the farmers about their crops and about the weather and how their machinery is going – all those sorts of things.

“Shirley often says, ‘you talk too much’ – but I just love talking.”

He said his passion for quality administration had been pivotal to his work and volunteer service.

“I’ve been in administration work nearly all my life – whether being the secretary or treasurer or on a committee. I love administration work,” he said.

“The problem is, nowadays, it’s very hard to get people to come onto a committee. People don’t want to take responsibility anymore, like we used to.

“Nowadays, everything is electronic and a lot of people aren’t up with that sort of thing – including myself – so that’s another reason I would say a lot of people don’t get involved in different organisations.”

A former Horsham mayor has received an Order of Australia Medal, OAM.

Michael Ryan was the regional city’s mayor in 2010-11, having served as a Horsham Rural City councillor from 2005 to 2012, and was a representative of Regional Cities to the Brumby State Government.

Now living in Ballan, Mr Ryan’s OAM recognises his service to the community through a range of organisations.

In his sporting pursuits in the Wimmera, this included his contributions to St Michael’s, later Horsham Saints Football Club, where he received life membership in 1990 and served in various executive roles including president.

He was administrator of Western Victoria Cricket Zone in 1985, a member of St Michael’s Cricket Club from 1986 to 1991 and treasurer of Horsham Cricket Association in 1980-81.

An accountant, Mr Ryan also offered his expertise to various groups including Horsham Golf Club, Wimmera Uniting Care and Ss Michael and John’s Parish council.

Mr Ryan received an Honorary Doctorate from Federation University in 2021.

He was involved with various committees at the university including infrastructure, audit and risk management, and investments from 2012 to 2020.

TOWN PRIDE: Nhill’s Kevin Bye is a recipient of an Order of Australia Medal, OAM, named among the King’s Birthday Honours List. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Michael Ryan

Manning helps drive awareness

Kerryn

Manning will add another honour to her decorated career as a champion reinswoman and trainer.

The Great Western woman was appointed a Member of the Order, AM, for significant service to harness racing, and to ovarian cancer awareness as part of the King’s Birthday Honours List.

It is the latest accolade in a long and successful career.

She became a driver in 1992 and won her first race at age 16.

She became the youngest driver to win a Group One in Victoria when she captured the Tatlow Memorial with Allbenz – a horse she picked out of a paddock and purchased for $500.

The win went on to set-up her training establishment, Allbenz Park.

“He’s still in the paddock – and will be 31 this year,” Manning said.

“He certainly got me on my feet, you could say. A cheap buy. He repaid me in plenty and he’s living out his best life here now.”

Manning’s successes include becom-

ing the first Australian female winner of a Group One race in Europe, the Norway Harley Davidson Trot, in 1996; in 2001, the first female driver to win an Australian Harness Drivers Premiership; in 2015, the first female

winner of the New Zealand Trotting Cup; and winning the International Women’s Day All Star Series in Teal for Ovarian Cancer the following year. She was the first female winner of the New Zealand Cup, in 2019; and

Councillor recognises strong partnership

Rob Gersch says community service requires a partnership.

Cr Gersch received an Order of Australia Medal, OAM, for his service to local government, and to the community – but he said the King’s Birthday honour is not an individual accolade.

“My wife Marian and I have been married 61 years. We have a family of four and have been in business most of that time. This award is recognition of a partnership rather than an individual,” he said.

“When I look at the history of my involvement with different things, Marian was working in the business and bringing up a young family – and there’s no way known that anybody who receives one of these awards can achieve that without a partnership and I’m emphatic about that.

“Whether it was the fire brigade, when the siren went, or football training or the shire – Marian was there.

“Then my family came onboard and as they grew older, they were very supportive also.”

Cr Gersch is a life-long Nhill resident.

Cr and Mrs Gersch owned and operated the Commercial Hotel and Zero Inn Motel in Nhill from 1986 to 2004; he also worked casually as a truck driver for 30 years.

Cr Gersch’s 39-year local government career began as a Lowan shire councillor in 1983 and he was shire president from 1983 to 1986.

Following amalgamation, he continued as a Hindmarsh Shire councillor, including mayoral terms in 2007-08, 2011, 2013-14 and 2019-20.

He received a Municipal Association of Victoria honour in 2020, recognising 35 years of service.

Hindmarsh shire was a key driver behind the formation of Rural Councils of Victoria, where he served 11

years as chair – and Cr Gersch said he felt immense pride for this work.

“By combining the efforts of all the small, rural councils, the lobbying has more weight than an individual council,” he said.

“While I look at my own backyard of Hindmarsh, I also have a great affinity with the bigger picture of the complete state of Victoria and rural councils.”

Cr Gersch has a 67-year involvement and is a life member of Nhill and District Sporting Club. He is also a life member of Nhill Fire Brigade. He began volunteering as an umpire of West Wimmera Cricket Association in the 1980s and has been a Justice of the Peace since 1983.

He is a former chair of Wimmera Development Association.

“I’ve lived in Nhill all my life. Someone asked me recently why and

surpassed 1000 wins as a trainer in 2021.

A long list of recognition includes the Vin Knight Medal, Harness Racing Weekly, in 2000 and 2001; the Pearl Kelly Award, Harness Racing Victoria, in 2001; inductee, Victorian Women’s Honour Roll, in 2006; the first female inductee into the Hall of Fame of Harness Racing Victoria, in 2012; the Gordon Rothacker Medal, Harness Racing Victoria, in 2014; and namesake, Kerryn Manning Trotting Mares’ Triple Crown, Harness Racing Victoria, last year.

Welcome signs to Great Western have acknowledged the town as the ‘home of Kerryn Manning’ since 2000, while the women’s drivers room at Tabcorp Park, Melton, was named in her honour in 2020.

Manning’s father, Peter Manning, was also a champion trainer.

“I’ve had the chance to drive a lot of good horses for my dad over the years and my former partner, Andy, and I had a good run for quite a while,” Manning said.

“Lately, it’s been on the quieter side. I’ve scaled down and training a few, rather than a lot, and am doing a bit more driving.”

Harness racing’s Team Teal campaign, WomenCan Ovarian Cancer Research, nominated Manning as ambassador in 2016; she had become involved in 2010.

“It’s been going for quite a few years now and all the ladies wear the teal pants. I’ve been lucky to be an ambassador and wear the silks, along with four or five other ladies. It’s extra responsibility to get the awareness out there and raise funds,” Manning said.

“It’s through harness racing I’ve been able to do that; and same with the breast cancer month of May, we wear pink pants.

“It’s nice to be able to help out, and doing what you do every day to boot.” Manning will be invested with her AM in the coming months.

“It was a thrill to be nominated and to be accepted was very special,” she said.

I said there were three words – quality of life,” he said.

“My family has been very happy in Nhill.

“We’ve been able to put a bit of tucker on the table and a cool drink

at the end of the day. The old saying is, you put your money where your mouth is – and instead of leaving it for someone else to do, you put your hand up and have a go.”

LIFELONG LOVE: Kerryn Manning was appointed Member of the Order, AM, for significant service to harness racing, and to ovarian cancer awareness. She is pictured with 30-year-old Allbenz whose successes led to the purchase of her Great Western property, called Allbenz Park. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

HONOUR: Rob Gersch received an Order of Australia Medal, recognising 39 years of service to local government among a life-long commitment to his community. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Festival future burns bright

The Wimmera’s annual multiday, multi-disciplinary art festival has come to an end after art and music sparked interest across the region for a fortnight.

This year’s Art is… festival was based on fire and was the second instalment of a five-year ‘Fundamentals’ theme.

Festival manager Alistair Shaw said the whole event had been ‘awesome’.

“The gallery openings across the Wimmera went nicely, the Wotjobaluk puppet show was good, and the work has all been high quality,” he said.

“The opening night in Rainbow was sensational with a fire dancer.

“The Art is… Classical concert was as good as you could experience anywhere, with local artists and a local composer.

“The quality of the creative writing competition entries was outstanding and the illustration of those has also been going well.

“We have had high levels of participation, and a great example of that is 100 students’ work displayed in Horsham Plaza.

“We exceeded our expectations for numbers on our two outings and they modelled the great experiences people can have outside of Horsham on day trips.

“It puts a seed in people’s minds that they can stay longer in the Wimmera, or for people who live in Horsham to share a great thing they can do with someone who comes to visit.”

The festival concluded with the opening of ‘The Possible’ exhibition at the Goat Gallery in Natimuk on Friday and Simone Dalton’s exhibition

as part of the Galleries on the Side Walkaround on Saturday.

“The final exhibitions in Natimuk and Horsham, combined with the opening in Rainbow, were nice bookends for the event because they were other projects that we were able to integrate into the theme and the festival,” Mr Shaw said.

“They are spontaneous community art activities that we could link to the festival, so were able to add value to each other.

“I think people seeing one thing and another thing on at the same time expands their experiences.”

Mr Shaw said the community embraced the theme of the festival.

“I thought one of the highlights was how creative people were in the idea of approaching the theme of fire, from the different ways it can be a medium for producing art to all the different ways people can think about fire as inspiration or as a subject,” he said.

“Next on the calendar, in 2024, is the theme of air.

“We’re going through the elements, but in our own order, and we also decided to separate air from spirit as I thought people might similarly think about them because they are both

Elders Southern Wool Report

ethereal. So, water will be between them as a contrast to think about.”

Mr Shaw said organisers were grateful for grant support from Horsham Rural City Council before the event.

“Mayor Robyn Gulline and councillor Penny Flynn have been to almost everything and we are grateful for that support from our elected representatives,” he said.

“We also received a grant to help us create the book illustration project, which is important, and we are grateful to see what we are doing is being supported in that way.”

The official opening of Horsham’s riverfront activation project and nature and water play park was postponed on Wednesday last week due to storms.

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese was due to join Horsham Rural City mayor Robyn Gulline and Legislative Assembly Member for Western Victoria Jacinta Ermacora to mark the occasion.

The play park, near Horsham Rowing Club on Barnes Boulevard along the Wimmera River, is an all-accessible play space for children of all ages. Riverfront activation projects included timber platforms overlooking the river, pergolas, barbecue shelters, pathways and landscaping for a café site.

A spokesperson for the Prime Minister said severe weather meant the outdoor event to officially open the water play park could not proceed as planned.

“The Prime Minister was very much looking forward to attending the opening of the Wimmera Riverfront projects in Horsham and, in particular, congratulating the activation project community reference group on all their hard work,” the spokesperson said.

“The Prime Minister looks forward to visiting Horsham in the future.”

Cr Gulline received a personal phone call from Mr Albanese on Wednesday morning to inform her that he could not attend the event.

“He was very disappointed he was not able to attend and made a promise to visit Horsham when he was able to,” she said.

Details of the rescheduled official opening of the projects have not been confirmed.

FIRE: Aunty Hazel McDonald narrates a Wotjobaluk puppet show at Horsham Town Hall for the annual Art is... festival that started on May 26 and concluded on Saturday. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

All the ambience, no mess

piece of your home,” Mrs Khan said.

With many people and families leading busy lives, the functionality of the ilektro electric heaters offers control options — whether they are in or out of the home.

The team at Wade’s Horsham are encouraging people to consider their range of ilektro electric heaters as a well-suited option to provide a calming ambiance and focal point in their homes as the days turn cooler and skies turn grey.

Wade’s has a range of options available now for simple installation.

General manager Michelle Khan said the ilektro electric heaters were highly efficient, with a high heat output and clean energy.

She said electric heaters were a common solution in the event people had removed a wood heater from a chimney but still wanted the ambiance of a fire.

Electric heaters are best suited to a secondary source of heat, paired with options such as a split-system.

“Electric heaters are the perfect choice for anyone wanting to get ahead and install a new fire ready for winter,” Mrs Khan said.

There are options for all budgets, needs and tastes.

This includes contoured realistic flame technology with a custom-designed, hand-crafted log bed.

Those who enjoy the ambience of a wood-heater can also enjoy

the crackle of a fire, despite this electric-powered option.

Audio volume control allows people to set the crackling of their fire to create an experience akin to an authentic fireplace.

An ultra-quiet fan heater has a seven-day programmer to control the thermostat.

“The ilektro range offers a host of options to enable you to turn your electric heater into a statement

People can switch on your heater before you arrive home through an app control system, which is available and compatible with most smartphones and tablets.

And when at home, people don’t even need to leave the comfort of the couch.

Remote control

An infrared remote control has special features settings including temperature and heat, sound and lights and timing, among other functionality, for your convenience.

Optional extras such as anti-reflective glass and a scene-lighting LED kit are available on request.

An ilektro electric heaters is sold with a two-year warranty for added assurance.

People can check out Wade’s ilektro electric heater display units from their showroom in Pynsent Street, Horsham; open from 8am to 5pm on week days.

electric fireplaces

HIGH DEFINITION

Contoured realistic flame technology with a custom designed hand crafted log bed.

OPTIMAL CONTROL

Your flame is able to be controlled and customised by you along with the log fuel bed.

SOUND EFFECT

With audio volume control, you can set the crackling of your fire to create your authentic fireplace.

REMOTE HANDSET

With your infrared remote, control your fire settings from the comfort of your sofa.

APP CONTROL

Convenient App control available and compatible for most smart phones and tablets.

THERMOSTAT

Ultra quiet fan heater with a seven day programmer thermostatically controlled. (1-2kW).

OPTIONAL EXTRAS

Anti reflective glass and scene lighting LED kit available upon request.

WARRANTY

2 year warranty for added assurance.

As the temperature drops and wintery weather arrives in the Wimmera and Mallee, people are looking for ways to feel more relaxed and warm — on the inside and out.

Michelle Khan warms up with an ilektro fireplace

New alert signals El Niño planning

BY ABBY WALTER

TheBureau of Meteorology has announced an El Niño alert for Australia, meaning there is about a 70 percent chance of an El Niño developing this year.

Bureau senior climatologist Catherine Ganter said climate models and indicators now met the Bureau’s El Niño alert criteria, progressing from an El Niño watch.

“While the models show it is very likely tropical Pacific Ocean temperatures will reach El Niño levels during winter, we have seen some movement in the atmosphere towards El Niño conditions,” she said.

“While our El Niño alert criteria has been met, these changes will need to strengthen and sustain themselves over a longer period for us to consider an El Niño event.”

El Niño is a change in the tropical Pacific Ocean that affects global weather and occurs, on average, every three to five years.

During El Niño, there is a higher chance of drier weather in eastern Australia and it is more likely to be warmer than usual for the southern two-thirds of Australia.

Ms Ganter said even if an El Niño developed, its impact could vary depending on location in Australia, as well as from event to event.

Changes during El Niño include reduced rain for eastern Australia, warmer daytime temperatures for the southern two-thirds of Australia, increased risk of extreme heat, increased bushfire danger in south-eastern Australia, increased frost risk linked to clear skies at night, decreased alpine snow depths, a later start to the northern wet season and reduced tropical cyclone numbers.

Ms Ganter said the bureau’s long-range winter forecast was for drier and warmer conditions across most of Australia.

“The long-range forecast for winter also shows an increased chance of below-average rain for almost all of Australia and the move to El Niño alert does not change this forecast,” she said.

“The bureau currently forecasts Australia’s rain and temperature up to three months ahead.

“We use a climate version of our weather model to make these long-range forecasts and this model uses information about ocean and land temperatures, wind patterns and more.

“This model already takes into account the likely conditions in the Pacific Ocean, but also conditions elsewhere across the globe, such as the tropical Indian Ocean and how they are likely to influence Australian weather and climate.”

Vic Drought Hub regional director Fiona Best encouraged producers to plan as the chances of an El Niño increased. Ms Best, also Birchip Cropping Group chief executive, said while there was no guarantee that El Niño would occur at this stage, the alert signalled that some of the typical signs were in place.

“Therefore, it’s a good time for all farm businesses to put various elements of their operation under a drought-resilience microscope,” she said.

Review, assess

Ms Best said the process involved reviewing and assessing the capacity of an entity to withstand extended periods of dry weather, or drought. She said some elements would be common across all enterprises, with others enterprise-specific.

“In our region, we can break these elements down into five categories — business, finance, people, livestock and cropping — and look at each using a drought resilience microscope,” she said.

“For example, when analysing whether the finances are drought-proof, it is important to understand your business’s equity ratios, cost of production, cash flow requirements and reserves as well as the ability to access cash.”

Ms Best said people were just as important to examine as other elements.

“Consider, how is the business managing the most valuable asset – people?” she said.

“How can each person be actively building resilience to draw upon in dry times? Is there flexibility for people to build connections through local clubs, time allocated to activities outside of the farm business? It’s all important.

“For those with livestock, looking through a drought resilience microscope means knowing fodder requirements and your supply – is there enough, and if so, for how long? Will feed need to be bought in? When? What? From where? Do I have a stock containment area established and is it fit for purpose?”

Ms Best said farmers had many resources at their fingertips to access the latest agronomic information.

“Talking with other farmers about strategies they are putting in place in readiness for drier times is one of the best ways to exchange ideas and learn new approaches,” she said.

People wanting more information can visit Vic Hub via vicdroughthub.org.au

NEWEST CITIZENS: A ceremony at Horsham Civic Centre celebrated 11 residents becoming Australian citizens. Individuals and families from the United Kingdom, the Philippines and India pledged their loyalty at the ceremony. Mayor Robyn Gulline conducted the event, which the council undertook on behalf of the Department for Home Affairs. Cr Gulline said the day was important for citizenship recipients and was an opportunity to welcome them into the broader community. Pictured, from left, is Jean Ponseca, Marianne Langley, John Ponseca, Josie Ponseca, Jesna KakkattikkalayilGeorgekutty, Kelvin Magill, Bernaditte Abuda, Iman Ali, Cr Gulline, Ishtyaq Mohammad and Aafiya Ashfaq; and, front, Zayyan Hussain. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Co-operatives unite to amplify voice

Eight Aboriginal co-operatives have launched the Western District ACCO Collective, WDAC, to formalise a partnership to advocate for the self-determination of rural and regional communities.

The membership organisations are Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Co-operative, Ballarat and District Aboriginal Co-operative, Budja Budja Aboriginal Co-operative, Dhauwurd Wurrung Elderly and Community Health Service, Gunditjmara Aboriginal Co-operative, Kirrae Health Service, Wathaurong

Aboriginal Co-operative and WindaMara Aboriginal Co-operative.

WDAC represents the largest regional Victorian Aboriginal population, 28 percent of Victoria’s Aboriginal people, who live on 38 percent of Victoria’s country.

Aboriginal Community Controlled Organisations, ACCOs, are critical for community and cultural strengthening.

Western Victorian ACCOs run specialist wraparound health and wellbeing support services for families and communities from pregnancy through to the Dreaming.

Services include cultural and community engagement, primary and allied health, social and emotional well-being and recovery, maternity services, early childhood, youth programs, family services, homelessness and housing, National Disability Insurance Scheme, NDIS, and aged care services.

A statement from chief executives of member organisations said WDAC was the western division’s self-deter-

mination in action to change the way the organisations did business.

“We will call others to us and work on our own terms,” the statement read.

“WDAC is a united group of Aboriginal community-controlled organisations from across Victoria’s western district that advocate as a strong voice at the highest levels for our communities’ needs and aspirations.”

The chief executives are Jason Walker of Winda-Mara Aboriginal Corporation, Karen Heap of Ballarat and

District Aboriginal Co-operative, Simon Flagg of Wathaurong Aboriginal Co-Operative, Tony Craig of Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Co-operative, Tamika Amos of Dhauwurd-Wurrung Elderly and Community Health Service, Tim Chatfield of Budja Budja Aboriginal Cooperative, Danny Chatfield acting chief executive of Gunditjmara Aboriginal Cooperative and Nonnie Harradine of Kirrae Health Service Inc.

The statement read WDAC would

“WDAC is a united group of Aboriginal communitycontrolled organisations from across Victoria’s western district that advocate as a strong voice at the highest levels for our communities’ needs and aspirations”

“We want to lead the systems changes so that we can again be places of cultural and community connection, with solutions that are led by us, for us.”

WDAC has committed to being accountable to the self-determined needs and aspirations of western district families, communities and ACCOs, with the backing of and funding from our government and regional partners.

The collective aims to be a powerful voice and advocate at regional, state, and national forums for families, communities and ACCOs and use Aboriginal ways of knowing, being and doing to lead, design and facilitate solutions to achieve equity and beyond for communities.

be a strong voice, advocating together for every Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander person in the region.

“We will test and push the government’s obligation and agenda of selfdetermination,” the statement read.

“We are an ACCO collective working together to give community a voice to all levels of government and to support each other with one goal – to better serve community by addressing, advocating and reforming current systems.

EGHS Education Department offers qualified Clinical Support staff and a Workplace Trainer (non-clinical) to facilitate a supportive learning environment that supports the training and development of all staff and students.

The Education department provides:

• A variety of learning experiences to facilitate clinical staff to develop knowledge, skills and confidence in the role of

Registered Nurse, Enrolled Nurse or Health Care worker

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

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

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

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

For further information, please call Claire Sladdin, Manager Training and Development, 5352 9404.

•

3 Standard & 2 Wide Buckets

•

WDAC will hold government and partners to account at local and regional levels, to ensure that all Aboriginal funding is self-determined and led by Aboriginal families, communities and ACCOs and support the whole of community approaches to address the ongoing harm of systemic racism that disproportionately impacts Aboriginal communities.

The collective also aims to achieve ongoing, equitable and significant funding for ACCO infrastructure, workforce, community strengthening and services to deliver their way.

Fast and efficient system for lamb handling, ideal for earmarking, tailing, docking, castration and inoculation.

•

PARTNERSHIP: From left, Winda-Mara Aboriginal Corporation chief executive Jason Walker, Ballarat and District Aboriginal Co-operative chief executive Karen Heap, WDAC chair and Wathaurong Aboriginal CoOperative chief executive Simon Flagg, Goolum Goolum Aboriginal Co-operative chief executive Tony Craig and Dhauwurd-Wurrung Elderly and Community Health Service chief executive Tamika Amos.

Horsham | 20A Iris Street

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for multiple uses

• All possibilities are available on this blue ribbon property

• Set on approx. 551m2 corner site

• Well maintained family home

• 3 bedrooms have robes

• Modernised bathroom &kitchen

Horsham| 92 Albert Street

• Quality floor coverings and window furnishings

• Large rear pergola, new fences, dble lock-up garage.

$215,000

Survey finds new platypus

Arecent Mackenzie River survey has found two new platypus in the catchment of the Wimmera’s only known platypus population.

The platypus population at Mackenzie River was estimated at 30 in October.

Wimmera Catchment Management Authority chief executive David Brennan said it was pleasing two new platypuses were since found.

“While they are a small population, it’s great to see when we do the monitoring, we can pick up some new ones and microchip them,” he said.

“By microchipping them we get to monitor and track how they are

going. As part of the monitoring, we did pick up one other platypus we had picked up before, so two new ones and one recapture, which was a great effort.”

Mr Brennan said a platypus population was a marker of the health of a waterway.

“It shows the resilience and the health of the river system because species such as platypus are what we call a proxy, or an indicator, of the health of the river,” he said.

“We know platypus need a fair bit of food to eat each day – they particularly love yabbies.

“It means we know there is a good functioning ecosystem and their food source is doing well.

“When there is plenty of food source, it means platypus can get

DISCOVERY: A platypus recently found in Mackenzie River is measured before being returned to its home.

strong and healthy and breed.”

Mr Brennan said during years of monitoring the platypus population at Mackenzie River, the population and distribution of the animals

through the river system was gradually increasing.

“We’re hoping the trajectory continues, which would be a sign that things are looking good,” he said.

Dooen residents say the impact of potential future mining and rural road maintenance are among key issues for the area.

Horsham Rural City Council hosted a ‘community conversation’ meeting at Dooen, near Horsham, late last month.

It resumes the council’s previous community engagement meetings that occurred prior to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Five councillors and senior council staff attended the meeting, where a proposed mineral sands mine north of Dooen was among talking points of the 15 residents in attendance.

Residents discussed the mine’s impact on nearby roads, the housing market and socioeconomic changes. Infrastructure director John Martin said while the State Government was exclusively responsible for approving the mine, the council had signed a memorandum of understanding last year with proponent WIM Resource to ensure there were benefits for the community. The council has also made a formal submission about the mine to the government.

“Essentially, the council wants to go into bat for the community so that, if the mine goes ahead, the community will fully realise the benefits,” Mr Martin said.

Another key topic was the new ‘Better Sorted Waste’ service.

A resident asked whether a glass drop-off point could be constructed at Dooen.

Mr Martin said in rural areas of the municipality, there were kerbside services for landfill and co-mingled recycling, but no collections specifically for glass.

He drew attention to a glass drop-off point at Jung, but Mr Martin said the council would investigate whether another disposal site could be added at Dooen.

“The Victorian government, will later this year, introduce a container deposit scheme, which will provide another option for people to recycle their glass,” he said.

Mayor Robyn Gulline said residents also discussed flood amendments to the planning scheme, improving rural roads and developing tourism opportunities.

She encouraged people to lodge service requests through the council’s website, hrcc.vic. gov.au

Health service outlines targets

West Wimmera Health Service is working towards new goals.

The service’s strategic plan sets out a five-year target to provide the highest-quality healthcare to people across the Wimmera in a supportive and inclusive environment.

The plan is centred on a purpose of ‘great care, every person, every time’.

The first of several goals is to be a great place to work, where everyone contributes and everyone belongs, and to embrace new technologies and processes that enable world-class rural healthcare. The service aims to be fully engaged with the communities it serves, supporting people to live longer, healthier and happier lives and maintain financial sustainability and develop an Environment, Social and Governance, ESG, strategy to align the service’s operations with established ESG principles.

West Wimmera Health Service chief executive Ritchie Dodds said the COVID-19 pandemic had blurred the vision in healthcare settings for the past two years.

“Now it’s time for us to regain a clear focus on our long-term strategies to ensure we are making decisions that are best for the health outcomes of those in our communities,” he said.

“Over the past year, we’ve made a conscious effort to really engage with the communities we serve.

“This engagement, along with our reviews of local population health trends, has shone a spotlight on key areas of focus to ensure we evolve and deliver what our communities want and need from a local healthcare service.”

Horsham 9 Burnett Street

Why build, when you can buy and move straight in, ideal for a family or retiree. Located in the sought after Southbank location, with the Wimmera River only 220m away providing plenty of options for exercise. Built by a local builder with quality fittings throughout give the home a luxurious feel. This spacious home should tick all the boxes: 3 large Bedrooms plus office or 4th Bedroom conveniently located at the front of the home. Large kitchen overlooking the open plan design and outdoor areas. Magnificent outdoor/indoor entertainment/BBQ area that flows off the main dining area. Extra width 2 car garage with multiple access to the home. Rear roller door and concrete drive to the rear 6m x 13m Colorbond shed. Low maintenance lawns & Gardens, garden shed and rainwater tanks. Securely fenced for the family or pets. Set on a handy sized 877m2 allotment.

Price: $850,000

Mark Clyne 0417 568 200

Haven – 68 Hunts Road

Great location at Haven

5435m2 – 1.35 acre

This 5435m2 / 1.35 acre block should excite a few buyers looking for a large sized allotment, set amongst other quality homes with plenty of space for a new home & shedding in the sought after Haven area.

Well located on minutes from the CBD and only a short walk to the Haven school via the walking track at the rear.

GWM Town water is already connected with power available at the pit.

Price: $319,000

Mark Clyne

M 0417 568 200

Horsham 14B Read Street

Ideal for the owner occupier or investor alike. This quality 2 Bedroom Brick unit located adjacent to the Wimmera Base Hospital is well located and has been very well maintained. The open plan dining / lounge / kitchen area feels spacious and is fitted out with electric cooking and plenty of storage. It comes complete with gas heating, gas hot water, Split System heating & cooling, one way blinds and security external shutters ideal for shift workers. Both bedrooms have ceiling fans & built in robes, the master has a walk through robe along with 2-way bathroom access, bath & separate toilet. The laundry is roomy with good storage and has access to the rear yard. Outside is a private rear area with single lock up garage, garden shed along with artificial lawn, watering system and low maintenance gardens. Units of this standard & location are hard to find. Estimated Rental return of approx $350 per week

Price: $385,000

Mark Clyne

M 0417 568 200

For Sale

729.18 Hectares / 1801.78 Acres in 7 Titles located at Glenisla –65km south of Horsham

Approx 567 HA / 1400 acres of blue-gum plantations

“Currently being harvested”

Price: $2500 per acre

Change Makers...meet the participants

ZOE DOUGLASS Grampians Community Health Family violence practitioner

Q: What led you to apply for the Change Makers program?

I was encouraged by my management, who have also completed the program, to apply.

Q: What has been the highlight of the Change Makers program so far?

The retreat weekend. Not only did we get to know each other, we also learned a lot about ourselves. The group built a strong connection and trust for one another as well as having some fun along the way.

Q: What has been your most valuable or impactful learning so far?

Everyone has a different skill set, just because you are a leader, knowing it is okay not to know everything and the people around you are resources and have a wealth of knowledge. Knowing how to communicate with individuals to get the best out of each situation.

Q: What are your leadership aspirations within the community?

I’m taking this year to learn in the Leadership Wimmera course to improve my leadership within my organisation and the community organisations that I volunteer with.

Q: What do you love about living in the Wimmera?

The fresh water, rivers and lakes. Access to beautiful mountains.

ALLISON DOIDGE Werrigar Roadhouse Team leader

Q: What led you to apply for the Change Makers program?

To assist me in my role as this is my first time in a leadership position, and to help me contribute within my community.

Q: What has been the highlight of the Change Makers program so far?

Meeting all the wonderful and like-minded people who are taking this ride with me, and also the retreat – a chance to step outside my comfort zone and realise my capabilities and potential.

Q: What has been your most valuable or impactful learning so far?

Leadership is all about relationships, trust and respect. Building these bonds allows a person to get the most out of themselves and their team. Taking the opportunity to lead by example and get to know my team better.

Q: What are your leadership aspirations within the community?

To take more of an active part in the community and helping out with sport, school etc.

Q: What do you love about living in the Wimmera?

The beautiful backdrop we live in every day. Coming from the city, it is certainly a change. It is so peaceful and relaxing, there is always an adventure to go on and something to do.

Read more: Support for leadership program, page 7

H O R S H A M R S L

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

Housing top of list for new chief

BY ABBY WALTER

Housing and migrant support are top priorities for Northern Grampians Shire Council’s new chief executive as he settles into his role.

Brent McAlister started his role in February, after the council endorsed his appointment during a December meeting. He said he had spent the past three months on a ‘listening tour’.

“I have been talking to everyone that I can, particularly larger, major businesses in the shire,” he said.

“I have two ears and one mouth, so I have been listening to everyone and using it to focus our priorities.”

Mr McAlister said two challenges had emerged as focus areas.

“Housing is an issue in Horsham, Ballarat and across the state, but it is at another level in the Northern Grampians,” he said.

“In Stawell and St Arnaud, in particular, there’s been a massive boom in jobs, so in a town of low growth, a lack of housing might not seem as acute as it does here.

“In Stawell, it is a chronic shortage – in three weeks I visited five businesses and in a town of 6500 people there were 1000 job vacancies.

“That is amazing, and all the businesses are in growth mode, but there’s a real issue with housing.”

Mr McAlister said the availability of house and land packages could be a solution.

“It’s not a concept that is too sophisticated,” he said. “People who currently live in the area want to build their own new home, but they can’t, so they stay in their existing home.

“If those houses were available, then they could be rented to the key workers we need.

“It’s not a quick fix, but it is a task that has been set for me and I have a background as a town planner, so it is a top priority.”

Mr McAlister said migrant support was also of high priority.

“We need greater support for migrants to our community,” he said.

“Most major businesses employ people who have migrated to the region, and we need to support them better.

“If we took away our migrant workers from the economy, that would be a huge blow.”

Mr McAlister has 25 years of senior local government experience and is a qualified town planner.

After moving to Australia from New Zealand,

he spent a decade at Lismore City Council in NSW, where he led the 2017 flood recovery effort and, more recently, led the Wellington Shire Council in Gippsland through a successful rebranding, addressing its housing shortage, establishing a major Sale air show and preparing the shire for a renewable energy boom.

Mr McAlister said before moving to the Northern Grampians shire, the only knowledge he had of the region was the Stawell Gift.

“I didn’t know anything about the Grampians, or Ararat or Horsham, but I did know what the Stawell Gift was,” he said.

“I was keen to see it be a priority and recommended council increase its support of the event, which it has done, to make sure it is viable moving forward.

“It is good for the economy and resilient to the weather because participants and their families will attend it rain, hail or shine. It is the soul of the town.”

Mr McAlister said since moving to the region, he had grown to love Halls Gap and the Grampians National Park.

“I have five daughters and four of them are in Victoria, so that is why I am in the area. I love the ambience here,” he said.

“I went to the Stawell Gift and the Grampians Grape Escape and learnt that the events that happen here are of national quality.

“I am playing soccer for the Stawell Pioneers now, too.

“I like the multicultural mix of people in Stawell and attending different events and ac-

SPIRIT OF GIVING: Stawell’s Country Womens Association branch have donated money raised from the town’s Christmas Tree Festival, late last year, to four local charities –Stawell Neighbourhood House, Rural Australians for Refugees, Stawell Interchurch Council and Stawell Chaplaincy Committee. The CWAs Jenny Cray said the branch was pleased to support the charities’ important work. “Members enjoyed hearing about the wonderful work these groups do locally and how the funds would help them in the future,” she said. “Thank you to everyone who supported the Christmas Tree Festival and we look forward to an even bigger event this year to raise more funds for local causes.” Pictured, from left, are Jess Maffescioni, Jo Bertram, Lou Mountford, Jenny Dunn, Bonnie Carter and Julie Cass receiving the donations at a recent presentation.

Brent McAlister

TheWeekly Advertiser today publishes the winning submissions in a second annual creative writing competition. The Art is... festival partnered with ACE Radio and The Weekly Advertiser to again host the competition – calling on submissions to the theme, ‘fire in my life’ in the lead-up to the festival. It was in line with the festival theme of Art is… FUNdamental and the focus in 2023 on the element ‘fire’.

Congratulations to competition winner Janice Williams for her entry, ‘New Year with Felicia: 31st December 2005’; highly-commended Carly Nevill for her entry, ‘Burning Out’; and commended Bev Mitchell for her entry, ‘Smoke and Old Blue – Heroes in a bushfire’.

People can read the winning entries via theweekly advertiser.com.au and listen to a recording of the winner, highly-commended and commended entries, voiced by ACE Radio personalities.

Burning Out?

Highly commended: Carly Nevill

Heoffered me a match…

But time, and waiting, without stoking the embers, saw the flames gradually die down.

I stood, watching the flames slowly disappear. Grey smoke, scarcely able to be seen, coiled in the darkness.

In the end, all that remained were ashes – scattered hopes, dreams and promises now mostly consumed.

Just like a fire, does love smoulder and then inevitably burn out? Can it burn brightly again with just one tiny spark?

I stand here at the crossroads, listening and hearing nothing. Looking but seeing only emptiness.

Perhaps our interventionist God would provide the fire... I choose to wait knowing that the fire will return.

Faith, hope, love... and the greatest of these? Love – an Eternal Flame.

Here I am.

Not burning out.

Burning brightly.

Smoke and Old Blue –Heroes in a bushfire Commended: Bev Mitchell

The sun burst over the hillsides, bringing with it another blistering day. The smell of burning gum leaves hung in the air and I prayed for it to remain calm. Fires had been smouldering for a week, only 30 miles from our farm.

Everyone knew if a north wind sprung up the whole valley could become an inferno.

Without waking my husband, who had been on patrol duty for many hours, I began the morning chores. Mum and Dad had taken the children to town, which meant I had the fowls and calves to feed, but I was thankful they were not here. After milking and feeding I threw some hay to our daughter’s pony; that precious grey pony, Smoke, who meant so much to her. She cried with happiness on her ninth birthday, when we gave him to her, and he rapidly became a part of our family. Our other ‘child’, Old Blue the sheep dog followed me and as I watched them greet each other, I asked once more for it to stay calm.

However, by mid-morning the breeze had picked up and smoke was billowing on the horizon.

The call came about midday, the fire had jumped the breaks. My husband was long gone after giving me instructions to set the pumps going, grab some clothes and get out!

I raced to follow his instructions and ready to leave when suddenly I remembered Smoke, how could I leave him behind? I could take Old Blue, but even a small pony could not fit in the car. Running to the yards, I swung open the gate, but Smoke wouldn’t budge, he was quite jittery. With no time

for coaxing I whipped him across the rump and he took off down the track, hopefully towards the river.

I raced to the car calling frantically for Old Blue, but he didn’t come, tears streamed down my face as I jumped in and turned the key, ‘Oh dear God, not now, please make it start’ but all it did was cough. I was out in a flash knowing it was hopeless. The fire was travelling fast and I knew I would have to take my chances in the house!

I huddled in the bath beneath a wool blanket, waiting and expecting to hear the roar of flames – but that wasn’t fire – that was vehicles, the men, they were here!

Those brave firefighters fought like demons and turned the flames away from the house and sheds, but then as we stood with mixed emotions of elation and exhaustion, I realised I had not seen my husband. Where was he? I ran from group to group. No, oh no; he had left them racing across paddocks to get home. But he hadn’t arrived – no please

don’t say he must have been trapped by the fire!

Frantically I scanned the blackened surrounds for signs of life while the men scrambled for trucks to go search, suddenly a shout, something or someone was coming. Was it man or beast? It was both!

My husband, my love, clinging to the back of a shaggy, ash blackened pony and clutching a dirty sheepdog to his chest. He was wet and filthy but he was here, he was safe!

The men cheered and I whispered a quiet, ‘thank you’.

When he told us their story it restored our faith in miracles.

Hurrying to reach home he had hit a stump and been knocked unconscious, the frantic barking of Old Blue had roused him – so that’s where he had gone, he had known his master was in trouble.

Somewhat groggy and with Blue dragging at his trouser leg he stumbled towards a rocky outcrop, knowing he could not outrun the fire and hoping there was still water in the small pool there.

Suddenly Blue was gone, to return in a few minutes biting at the heels of a wild-eyed very frightened pony, Smoke was frantic, rearing and plunging as my husband tried to catch him.

Do animals communicate? Who really knows. But with Blue barking madly, Smoke at last let my husband scramble onto his back and with Old Blue leading the way they raced for the waterhole, plunging under the shelter of overhanging rocks. The fire burnt around and over them and after it passed they carefully began the trek home.

There was a long pull ahead of us to build up the farm and replace the lost stock, but no matter what happens in the future, there will always be a home for our animal ‘children’.

New Year with Felicia: 31st December 2005

Winner: Janice Williams

Thiscan’t be happening. It seems ages since we came out of the movies and heard our son’s urgent voice message in the phone: ‘The Black Range is on fire. Come home!’

Pungent smoke creeps through the vents of our nearly-new car. The temperature display, still so novel, says 38 degrees at 10pm! Ours is the only vehicle on the West Gate. We might be survivors of a nuclear war. I try to pray. Can prayer reverse events? I try singing for courage. A funny squeak comes out.

‘Pardon?’ asks John.

‘Nothing.’

I switch on emergency radio and hear, ‘The Deep Lead fire, now burning in the Black Range...’

It’s Felicia, the morning presenter on our local radio station. We wouldn’t recognise her if we passed her in the street, but she sounds like a close friend. It’s part of the confusion that she is broadcasting in the middle of the night.

‘Here’s Don from Illawarra, who is, sadly, a victim.’

‘Yeah, it came through like a train. The pampas grass along the drive was burning as we drove out. The house is gone, but that’s life, isn’t it.’

We know Don. Poor bloke, he’s so laid back. Now his house is gone, and he is trying to be laid back about that. Someone rings, asking which Black

Range it is, the Horsham one or south of Stawell. Felicia is floundering. She just came in to help and no one’s briefed her. Do radio hosts dream of being on air without knowing what’s happening?

The CFA hotline number is given. It’s busy, not worth queuing. The temperature display says 39 degrees. Why am I shivering?

A CFA controller reports the Western Highway closed at Ararat. That’s why the traffic is so sparse. Maybe we won’t get home. We strain hungrily for news, even bad news.

Trent in the Black Range is speak-

ing. ‘The fire went through like a train. We rushed out afterwards, amazed to be here. The hills at the back were walls of flame. Trees are still burning everywhere.’ We know that place. It’s next to our son’s. The fiery hills are on Shane’s land. Where are you, Shane?

We discuss our home, a few kilometres from Shane’s. If it’s gone, it’s gone. We can rebuild. But what of little things like photos? Edward Bear, with his bandaged paw. My stories and poems. I imagine charred fragments of my psyche flying in the wind.

Some teenage girls are babbling:

‘We went up Big Hill. It was cool!

Half the town was watching the fire, all red along the hills, and the smoke over the town. People said it could burn Stawell. But it hasn’t.’

They sound disappointed. It would have added excitement to the New Year. Felicia scavenges for proper information without luck.

‘Yeah, it was hot. Like, really hot! We spent the day in the pool.’ No, the fire was nowhere near their place. Get off the line, twits! Felicia tactfully concludes them.

The mobile sings. I nearly strangle

it. It’s Shane. ‘Shane, what’s happening?’

‘It’s alright, Mum. Our houses are safe. I’ve checked, and your garden’s gone but all that matters is there. Where are you?’

I stare into the murk. ‘Um, near Trawalla, I think.’

John pulls over and takes the phone. ‘We’re near Beaufort. Are you safe? And the family?’

He’s safe, and he’d sent his wife and baby into town. But it’s been bad: ‘It came through like a train!’

Suddenly I can sing. John joins in. We drift into Beaufort, shouting our song, erratically off key.

John fuels up, and I go in to pay. The proprietor is talking to a truckie who’s come from Horsham in a long detour.

‘I think I’ll close. With the highway cut, no one’s coming through.’

I sign for the fuel, and order coffee and snacks. My hands shake, hardly able to write. The proprietor notices.

‘Where are you heading?’ he asks.

‘The Black Range. We’ve just heard the fire came through our property.

But our house is safe.’

Instantly they are best mates. The truckie suggests alternate roads. The proprietor brings my order, waving my money away almost indignantly. As we leave he presses us to take bottled water.

We go on into the hot darkness. It’s after midnight on a crazy night where servo proprietors are Good Samaritans and radio hosts are best friends. We set off, with Felicia, towards morning. Happy New Year, Felicia.

• Some names changed for privacy.

Picture: iStock

COME FOR THE MYSTERY... STAY

Two Police detectives will present how they solved high profile cases

THE THRILLING DETAILS

Community Satisfaction Survey 2024

Northern Grampians Shire Council would like to inform residents that from 1 June through to early July (Q1), and then from 17 August to 17 September (Q2), your household may receive a call from an independent market research agency, National Field Services.

They have been commissioned to conduct a community satisfaction survey on behalf of the council and similar surveys will be undertaken across Victorian councils. The survey has been designed to assess the performance of Northern Grampians Shire Council across a range of measures to identify ways to provide improvement or more effective service delivery to residents.

The survey will involve interviews conducted among a representative sample of residents and we appreciate you taking the time to assist us with your valuable feedback.

Please be assured that your details and individual responses are confidential and only the overall results are shared with Northern Grampians Shire Council.

National Field Services will never ask for people by name as they do not have access to names of residents, the caller will always identify as National Field Services and introduce themselves by name (e.g. Mark from National Field Services), and calls will come from a number with the prefix: (03) 9977

If you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to contact Northern Grampians Shire Council on 03 5358 8700.

Funding Opportunities:

Bulgana Wind Farm Grants

Grants open 19 June to 31 July 2023

Neoen Australia, owner of Bulgana Green Power Hub (BGPH), is committed to contributing to the Northern Grampians Shire community by providing financial support to community groups and organisations to build capacity and grow the region.

Each year, the BGPH Community Fund commits $120,000 through an open and competitive grant process administered by the Northern Grampians Shire Council.

Small grants up to $5,000 and large grants up to $20,000 are available each financial year. Grants over $5000 are required to match the funding amount dollar for dollar.

For more details and to apply, please visit:

www.ngshire.vic.gov.au/residents/ grants/other-grant-fundingopportunities/bulgana-greenpower-hub-community-fund

Contact Tina Baker for more information on 03 5358 8772 or by email at community@ngshire.vic.gov.au

Northern Grampians Shire Council Open Space and Active Transport Strategy 2023-33 is a plan for the future.

This important strategy will explore and instigate facilities for active recreation - from fishing to footy to yoga - and active transport - like walking, cycling and scootering to work or school.

TELL US WHAT YOU NEED. Fill in the survey for your chance to win a $100 voucher to use at one of our fantastic local Northern Grampians Shire shops.

To do this, fill in our survey at www.ngshire.vic.gov.au/Projectsand-Consultation/Have-YourSay/Open-Space-Strategy-andActive-Transport-Plan or scan the following QR code:

St Arnaud Community Information Session

There’s lots of great things happening in St Arnaud! We'd like to invite you to join us at our informative community session in June, where our specialist council staff will be there to provide you with information on the following topics:

The St Arnaud Food Organics Green Organics (FOGO) Kerbside Trial

Review of Dog Off Leash Areas and Cat Control

The future of St Arnaud’s built and open spaces

Improvements to flood impacted infrastructure

When: 23 June 10am until 2pm

Where: Perry Room, St Arnaud

This will be a great opportunity to meet with our council project leads and your St Arnaud councillors too!

FREE MASKS AND RAT TESTS

You can also ask our staff for a paper copy if you would prefer.

For more information, please contact Nic Baird on 03 5358 0564 or nicholas.baird@ngshire.vic.gov.au

Don't forget that we have FREE masks and RAT tests available to collect at our Northern Grampians Shire Council offices in both St Arnaud and Stawell

Have your Say is an online engagement platform where you can share your ideas and provide feedback on council projects that matter to you: www.ngshire.vic.gov.au/Projects-and-Consultation/Have-Your-Say

Wimmera Hockey Association

Hockey clubs across the Wimmera have been regular and significant winners through the Horsham Sports & Community Club Annual Sponsorship Program. To date regional clubs have shared in $25,310 to assist with the purchase of a range of equipment including BBQ’s, goal keeping kits, uniform for umpires, kitchen equipment, first aid kits, training gear, line markers, storage cupboards, tables and chairs, improving floodlights and installing safety fencing.

The Horsham Hockey Club recently received $700 towards the purchase of a new BBQ. Jonathon Horsfall, Horsham Hockey Club President picked up the BBQ which is proudly on display in the photo, “We were only recently able to pick up our BBQ, unfortunately due to the current restrictions and hockey finishing early this year, we couldn’t really use it. Hopefully next year we will return to a full season. Once again the Horsham Hockey Club is extremely thankful for the HSCC’s Sponsorship that has enabled us to purchase the BBQ. It will definitely be an asset to the club and used at all our functions going forward.”

HSCC – “Working for the community with pride”

Groups unite for tourism

Horsham Rural City Council will continue to financially back efforts to enhance and grow tourism across the broader Grampians region.

The council has agreed to enter into a new, four-year Memorandum of Understanding, MoU, between Grampians Tourism and the council, along with neighbouring Ararat Rural City, Northern Grampians and Southern Grampians shire councils.

In return, Grampians Tourism will pursue strategic priorities including championing the Grampians brand and region, attracting new investors and investment opportunities, facilitating collaboration and supporting continuous improvement and professional development of industry representatives in order to extend length of stay and provide high-quality experiences for visitors.

The council’s director communities and place, Kevin O’Brien, said funding of $75,000 annually, per member council, supported the sustainability of Grampians Tourism and gave it funding certainty for four years.

The MoU comes as the regional tourism board develops its Grampians Destination Management Plan, which will provide direction to develop the visitor economy and ensure the Grampians remains a leading nature-based tourism destination. It will also develop Local Area Action Plans for member council areas to set out the vision and aspira-

tions for each area’s visitor economy in the next five years.

Councillor Bob Redden told last month’s council meeting the region had rich Indigenous history, offered unique experiences such as farm stays and access to native plants and animals, and the new Grampians Peaks Trail.

“Our council is in competition with all the other councils in Victoria to attract visitors from Melbourne and from interstate to come and visit our wonderful region,” he said.

“If we don’t fly our own flag and blow our own trumpet about what we’ve got here in the Grampians, then I think we’re losing the plot.”

Horsham a leader

Cr Les Power said he was originally against the notion of renewing the MoU – but changed his perception as he reflected on Horsham’s place as a leader of western Victoria.

He said increased tourism would have flow-on benefits such as future employment opportunities.

“We can’t sit on our backsides and think things are going to work for us; we need to put our name up in lights so that other people from around the state, interstate and overseas know that Horsham is part of western Victoria and we stand strong,” he said.

Cr Ian Ross gained support for his call to request Grampians Tourism provide an annual report on its progress towards its strategic goals.

The MoU is yet to come before a public meeting of the remaining councils.

GWMWater staff, from left, Craig Clyne,

Reid, Ivan Wild and Luke Ezard wear the organisation’s new highvisibility shirts that are intended to start conversations about mental health.

‘This is a conversation starter’

GWMWater staff are wearing new uniforms to highlight the importance of mental health and spark conversations.

The shirts feature bold and vivid prints on the cuffs and lower panelling and ‘This is a conversation starter’ written on the back.

GWMWater staff are required to wear high-visibility personal protective equipment as part of their uniform.

The shirts will be worn on a nominated day each month, as well as on mental health awareness days such as R U OK? day.

GWMWater managing director Mark Williams said the organisation recognised the importance of mental health among the workforce and the shirts were a great way to get a conversation started.

“There has already been a range of discussions started in our workforce,

and that’s the first step towards creating the cultural shift needed so we can have these important conversations and destigmatise reaching out for help,” he said.

“We encourage community members who see our staff wearing these shirts, to say hello and have these important conversations.”

If you, or someone you know, needs help phone Lifeline on 13 11 14; in an emergency phone 000.

Fox, wild dog collection schedule

Fox and wild dog collections continue across the state, with the next collection date in Horsham scheduled this month.

Entire fox scalps can be submitted for a $10 reward and entire wild dog body parts, by appointment only, for a $120 reward.

The remaining dates for 2023 col-

lections in Horsham are tomorrow, July 12, August 9, September 6, October 4 and November 1, between 1.30pm and 3.30pm. The collection point is 180 Horsham-Noradjuha Road.

The Victorian Fox and Wild Dog Bounty is now a digital system to streamline the application pro-

cess, reduce wait times at collection centres and allow participants to keep track of bounty applications.

Participants are encouraged to preregister when submitting for the bounty and refresh their knowledge of terms and conditions online.

More information is available via agriculture.vic.gov.au/bounty

HELLO:

Meagan

100 years of Legacy relay

Wimmera Legacy is preparing for its role in a national celebration of Legacy Australia’s 100th year.

The first Legacy club was formed in Melbourne in 1923, following the First World War.

To mark the occasion of 100 years of Legacy, a Legacy Centenary Torch Relay 2023 began on April 23. The torch will travel to each Australian Legacy Club throughout the year.

The torch will relay through Horsham for the Wimmera Legacy club’s stint on the nationwide tour on September 7.

Wimmera Legacy chair Allan Malcolm said the relay was an opportunity to celebrate an amazing achievement.

“We’re still serving war widows and their children today,” he said.

“The promise of Legacy began when a solider said to his dying mate: ‘I will look out for your wife and kids’.

“In the beginning, returned servicemen looked after war widows and their children, although now very few Legatee volunteers have been involved in a conflict.

“The volunteers are communityminded and each has several war widows to look out for and support their welfare.

“It’s a very worthwhile organisation.”

Mr Malcolm said the torch would travel to Horsham from Mildura and likely head towards Ararat.

“The volunteers are community-minded and each has several war widows to look out for and support their welfare. It’s a very worthwhile organisation”

– Allan Malcolm

“On the morning of September 7, the torch will be relayed from May Park, down Darlot Street and onto McLachlan Street to Horsham RSL. It will then travel down Firebrace Street to the Wimmera River, where there will be speeches,” he said.

“The torch will be taken to Legacy House, where people are invited for refreshments.

“The relay is also a fundraising endeavour to support the work of Legacy, so people can sponsor a walker or make a donation.

“The Horsham leg of the relay also coincides with our Badge Week, which we do as a fundraising event every year and is supported well by Wimmera residents.”

Mr Malcolm said a number of people had registered for the event already.

“Every Legacy club that wants to be involved will be, so there’s lots of organising that has been done for this celebration,” he said.

Volunteers can register for the relay via legacy.com.au/centenary

FROM NATIMUK AND BEYOND: Horsham East Ladies Probus Club members welcomed Natimuk-born Dean Woodford to their June meeting as guest speaker. Woodford shared his experiences with cricket in many countries of the world through his roles as a strength and conditioning coach and a fielding coach. His career has included working with state teams Victorian Bushrangers and South Australia’s Redbacks and Adelaide Strikers in the Big Bash League; and internationally with national teams of Bangladesh, Zimbabwe and Afghanistan along with Islamabad United, in the Pakistan Twenty20 Premier League, Chittagong Kings and Sylhet Sixers, in the Bangladesh Twenty20 Premier League, Pakhtoon team UAET10 tournament and a Hyderabad state team in India. Woodford thanked members, particularly Marion Seater, pictured above, for the invitation and the opportunity to share some of his cricket and cultural experiences and adventures.

Comedy trio on the road to Kaniva

Comedy lovers in Kaniva are in for a treat, as ‘On the Road Comedy’ brings three Australian comedians to the Commercial Hotel on June 23.

Comedian Jarryd Goundrey, a former combat soldier, recently concluded a sell-out run of shows at festivals across the country.

Goundrey’s unique brand of storytelling, which combines his military experience with his upbringing in

Western Australia, has gathered more than 17 million views online.

Jess Pearman, fresh off her first Melbourne International Comedy Festival, brings a blend of ‘bogan’ and ‘toff’ humour, touching on topics such as quitting drinking, sibling rivalry and resisting societal pressure to have a face that does not move.

Billy Stiles, also fresh off his festival debut, brings chaotic life experiences

to the stage and an ‘accidental discovery’ while watching a documentary. Event organiser Bob Cane said he was thrilled to bring a talented and diverse group of comedians to Kaniva. Tickets for the 9pm show are available via eventbrite.com.au/e/on-theroad-comedy-live-in-kaniva-tickets626628150667

Ride in memory of mum

BY SEAN O’CONNELL

An avid horse rider is preparing for a charity ride that will see her travel more than 250 kilometres to raise money for breast cancer and honour her late mum.

Abbey Wehrung will journey for 10 days on horseback as part of her ‘Big Adventure 2.0’ ride, with donations going towards the National Breast Cancer Foundation.

Starting at her home base of Korweinguboora, near Geelong, Abbey will finish the ride at Glenisla in the southern Grampians.

“Mum grew up in Glenisla on a farm and my grandma has some land at the bottom of the Grampians there,” she said.

“My grandma is based in Horsham and I have other family members in Natimuk.”

Abbey’s mother, Kerryn, died from cancer in 2020 at the height of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“She was horse-crazy and definitely passed it down to me,” Abbey said.

The Wehrung family made a similar trek on horseback – The Big Adventure – more than 20 years ago to raise funds and awareness for epilepsy.

“We did it as a family back in 2002. My eldest brother suffers from epilepsy,” Abbey said.

“It was 10 days. We rode about 25 to 30 kilometres a day. I think we raised a couple of thousand dollars.”

This time, Abbey will be accompanied by a ‘crew’ including her brother Dan, two of her closest friends and a few neighbours.

She said others would join for parts of the journey.

Abbey said her fundraising target for this year’s ride was $20,000.

“We’ve already raised $5000,” she said.

Abbey said the adventure would take place in September; however, she was already preparing the details of the journey.

“We will camp at showgrounds where we can,” she said.

Abbey said there would be plenty

of training for her crew members and the animals.

“We also have to get the horses into shape,” she said.

“Sitting in the saddle for five or six hours at a time is tough on the body.

“We rode the first leg of the trip a few weeks ago and we will be doing that a few more times.”

With the journey still a few months away, Abbey said she was already thinking about the significance of her second charity ride.

Small acts make a big impact.

CHARITY TREK:

From left, Sarah Botsman, Abbey Wehrung and Michaella Sinclair are preparing for a 250kilometre horseback adventure to raise money for the National Breast Cancer Foundation and honour Abbey’s mum Kerryn, who died from cancer in 2020.

“This one is definitely in honour of mum. Having 50 people at her funeral was pretty rough,” Abbey said.

“Mum was a teacher, so if there were usual circumstances it would have been different.

“She touched a lot of lives.”

Abbey said she hoped to help those affected by breast cancer throughout the ride.

“It is something nice to do for Mum, and also something much bigger,” she said.

Community garden project

A community space in Ararat is bringing together locals and new settlers with a shared interest in gardening.

Ararat Community Garden is managed by volunteers from Ararat Food Growers Inc.

The open garden provides a welcoming space for the community to connect, learn about growing organic food and practice sustainability through the use of communal land to produce food.

Ararat Food Growers Inc president Christine Halstead said community gardens brought people together and taught new skills.

“Being a productive garden, it offers a range of satisfactions for our members, from growing fresh food, learning gardening skills and forming new friendships, all in an inviting community space,” she said.

She said the space was particularly important for newer Ararat residents.

“Located centrally, Ararat Community Garden is a touch point for new settlers, promoting links between new families and the broader community,” she said.

“We have been working with new settlers from the communities of Burma, who have taken up the challenge of growing sugar cane in our garden.”

Ararat Rural City Council’s settlement and workforce pilot program has brought 13 people from Burma communities to the area, many who are familiar with farming.

Program co-ordinator Koyeh Talor said connection with a welcoming community group such as Ararat Food Growers Inc, and growing sugar cane, were integral to the broader program.

“By participating in gardening activities, migrants can develop a sense of belonging and connection in the community,” he said.

“Sugar cane brings back many childhood memories and planting them in the community garden is a great way to reconnect and feel at home.”

Flying into Ararat

All is set for Chitty Chitty Bang Bang to fly into Ararat Town Hall on Friday night.

“Ararat Musical Comedy Society’s production of Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a big, bright and colourful tribute to that 1968 movie we all loved as kids,” director Jodie Holwell said.

With a cast of more than 30 plus a huge production and backstage crew, hundreds of hours have gone into producing this year’s show, which began rehearsals in February.

New to the society, musician and vocalist Lionel Holt has taken on the challenging role of the eccentric inventor Caractacus Potts and he joins experienced musical theatre performer Maree Fraser-Croft as Truly Scrumptious.

Joining them in the roles of the Potts children, Jeremy and Jemima, are Shania Atkins and Imogen Parsons, who will impress audiences with their performances, alongside the seven youngsters in the children’s ensemble who are a delight.

Stalwart of Ararat theatre, Bryan Kennedy, rounds out the family as Grandpa Potts, bringing his experience and professional acting skills to this humorous and heart-warming role. Comic relief comes in the form of the Baron and Baroness Bomhurst, played by Ian McCready and Deb Slorach and the Vulgarian spies Boris and Goran, played by young performers Zyggie Sanders and Harry Belcher.

Rounding out the major roles of the kindly Toymaker and the evil Childcatcher are Tyler Wineberg and Sam Dunks.

The adult ensemble fill many minor

ADVENTURE: Lionel Holt as Caractacus Potts, Maree Fraser-Croft, Truly Scrumptious, Shania Atkins, Jeremy, and Imogen Parsons, Jemima, set off in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. Pictures: KEITH WARD PHOTOGRAPHY

taking their turn in the spotlight this year.

“Of course, we also have another star of the show, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang herself, and I am so grateful to those who have put hundreds upon hundreds of hours into just the car to allow my dream for Chitty to be realised,” Ms Holwell said.

“Our audiences are going to be amazed.”

Ms Holwell thanked everyone involved for bringing Chitty Chitty Bang Bang to life.

“I am so proud of each and every person involved in this production,

youngest eight-year-old to our oldest cast members in their 70s – this is true community theatre and something Ararat should be very proud of,” she said.

“Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is a fantastic production, and while you may think it’s just for kids, it’s a very funny show with something for everyone.”

Chitty Chitty Bang Bang will be staged at Ararat Town Hall, opening on Friday, with performances on Saturday night and a Sunday matinee, followed by three performances on June 23 to 25, including a second matinee on June 25.

Tickets are available at ararattown hall.com.au or in person at the visitor

For more photographs go to theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

LIGHTS, CAMERA, ACTION: Top, Maree Fraser-Croft, Lionel Holt, Shania Atkins, Imogen Parsons, Evenne Cosgriff as Miss Coggins; above, Lionel Holt, Daryl Chaplin as Sid, centre, Sheridan Keith and Violet, right, with adult and children’s ensembles; left: Bryan Kennedy as Grandpa Potts.

AP lifestyle

Now HIRING

Now HIRING

Exciting Opportunities Await at the Stawell Harness Racing Club!

aesthetics of our venue but also allowed them to provide an even better experience for visitors. Due to the excellent response, they are now looking to take their services to the next level with the addition of talented and dedicated team members.

Kitchen Hand: Join our team and support our chefs in the smooth running of the kitchen. Your contribution will be essential in ensuring a seamless dining experience for our patrons.

you assist in the upkeep of our venue. From small repairs to general maintenance, your contributions will be invaluable.

The Stawell Harness Racing Club has been experiencing a tremendous period of growth and success in recent years. With the completion of our highly anticipated clubhouse renovations and the exciting future development of our bistro, function room, and gaming facilities, they are thrilled to announce that they are expanding their team and creating numerous job opportunities for passionate individuals like you!

As the Stawell Harness Racing Club continues to establish itself as a premier entertainment destination, they recognize the importance of offering exceptional services to their valued patrons. The Club renovations have not only enhanced the overall

The Stawell Harness Racing Club is currently seeking candidates for various positions within their business, catering to a range of skill sets and experiences. Whether you are a seasoned professional or a budding apprentice looking to hone your skills, there is a role for you at the Stawell Harness Racing Club. Current position that are available include:

3rd Year Apprentice Chef: Are you passionate about culinary arts and eager to learn from industry experts? This is your chance to further develop your skills in a dynamic and supportive environment.

Cook: Bring your expertise to our bistro and delight our guests with your culinary creations. Showcase your creativity and commitment to delivering delicious meals.

Bistro Manager: Are you a natural leader with a passion for hospitality? Take charge of our bistro operations, supervise the team, and create a warm and welcoming atmosphere for our guests.

Waiting/Bar Staff:

Become the face of our establishment as you provide excellent customer service, take orders, and serve drinks. Your friendly and professional demeanour will leave a lasting impression on our patrons.

Casual Cleaner: Maintain the cleanliness and hygiene of our facilities to ensure a pleasant environment for everyone. Your attention to detail will be crucial in upholding our high standards.

Handyman: Put your maintenance skills to good use as

At the Stawell Harness Racing Club, they have a reputation for fostering a positive and inclusive work environment. Joining their team means becoming part of a close-knit community that values teamwork, growth, and a shared passion for providing outstanding service.

If you are excited about the opportunity to work in a thriving and dynamic setting, we encourage you to apply for one of The Stawell Harness Racing Clubs available positions. Take the first step towards an enriching career by submitting your application to brad@stawellharness.com.au or call The Club on phone 5358 1237 today.

Don’t miss out on this incredible chance to be part of the Stawell Harness Racing Club’s journey towards excellence. Together, let’s create unforgettable experiences for our patrons and continue to make our mark in the entertainment industry.

SHOP AT THESE PARTICIPATING

Ararat Auto & Ag

Ararat Hotel Cafe Bistro

Ararat RSL

Ararat Tyrepower

Barbeques Galore Horsham

Bi Rite Stawell

BJ’s Furniture and Bedding

Capital Horsham

Casey Kosch First Aid Training

Cellarbrations Superstore

Chris N Di’s Bakery

Clarks Furniture

Conways

Cooks of Horsham

DMD Horsham

DMD Nhill

Dollar Curtains & Blinds Ararat

Exchange Hotel Horsham

Farrers Tyrepower

Goldstar Self Storage

Harvey Norman Ararat

Harvey Norman Horsham Superstore

Hermans of Horsham

Horsham Amcal Pharmacy

Horsham Aquatic Centre

Horsham Auto Glass

Horsham Betta Home Living

Horsham City Meats

Horsham Golf Club

Horsham Lanes and Games

Horsham Plaza

Horsham Sports & Community Club

Horsham Town Hall

House & Party Stawell

J & A Shooting

Lardner Bros

Maria Da Ros Fashions

Nhill Pharmacy

Oscar Care Horsham

Royal Hotel Horsham

Simply Skin Body

Smallaire

Snap Fitness Horsham

Spotlight Horsham

Stawell Lotto

Stawell Toyota

Wastebusters Wimmera Recycling

Horsham

Westonvic Waste

Westvic Spares

Westway Civil & Earthmoving

Westway Nursery & Garden Centre

Wimmera Aquatrail

Wimmera Bearings

Wimmera Mallee Ag

Wimmera Outdoors Group

Wimmera Trophies & Gifts

Every day, 2 lucky contestants will play ‘Pump It Up’ live on air, for a chance to win a share of $5000 in fuel.

Tribute

Prius-based show car pays tribute to the world’s most famous endurance race

Toyota Gazoo Racing has unveiled a radical Prius-based concept car to celebrate what it says is the ‘significant contribution of motorsport in developing technologies for hybrid road cars’.

The Prius 24h Le Mans Centennial GR Edition concept car, to use its full name, highlights the latest in hybrid technology used in Toyota vehicles and forms the centrepiece of a tribute to the world’s most famous race – a race in which Toyota competed with its first hybrid-electric race car in 2012.

Toyota entered two GR010 hybrid race cars in the centennial edition of the famed enduro, which has been

regarded as a showcase for the latest automotive technologies since the first race was held in 1923, last weekend.

In a statement, Toyota said competing in motorsport had enabled its engineers to develop ‘ever-better hybridelectric system technologies for its road-going production vehicles’.

It noted advances such as improved cooling systems, miniaturised inverter technology and developments of silicone carbide and high-voltage semiconductors as just some of the lessons taken from its motorsport campaigns.

The concept model is 90mm longer, 50mm wider and 30mm lower than the road-going derivative, and rides on a 40mm wider track front and rear.

The wheelbase is listed at 2750mm and ground clearance 120mm.

Toyota says the Prius 24h Le Mans Centennial GR Edition concept car was inspired by its race-ready GR010 Hybrid Le Mans cars and was characterised by multi-headlights and a lightweight carbon-fibre bonnet, as well as ‘exclusive performance features designed to improve traction and aerodynamics’.

These include side skirts, canards, a large rear wing, rear diffuser and wide-track suspension with 18-inch alloy wheels and 235-50 profile rubber.

Toyota did not mention performance upgrades of any kind, leading us to as-

sume the concept model remains powered by the 164kW 2.0-litre petrolelectric hybrid unit found under the bonnet of the fifth-generation Prius.

That model, which will not be offered in Australia, offers a zero to 100 kilometre an hour time of 6.7 seconds and an improved all-electric driving range of some 50 percent compared with the outgoing fourth-gen Prius.

The latest Prius rides on Toyota’s second generation TNGA architecture and features its fifth-generation hybrid driveline, as found in the Corolla hatch and sedan range and Corolla Cross SUV.

Dynamic ability is also said to be improved, Toyota claiming additional

reinforcement throughout the body for improved rigidity and reduced noise, while redesigned suspension with MacPherson struts at the front and double wishbones at the back promise to improve cornering and straight-line performance.

So far, total worldwide Prius sales have exceeded five million, which Toyota says accounts for a reduction equivalent to at least 82 million tonnes of CO2 emissions.

Toyota says the development team went back to the drawing board for the new Prius, starting from scratch to design a model that ‘needs to remain popular for the next 25 years’.

– Matt Brogan

• Kia confirms its first dual-cab pick-up expected in 24 to 36 months — Page 43

Kia confirms dual-cab pick-up

KiaAustralia is going to be late to the ute party, but is planning to show up and be seen by everyone already attending.

The brand has confirmed it has a ladder-chassis, body-on-frame ute with 4x4 capability in the works, and that it will be launched in Australia in 24 to 36 months.

Kia Australia executives said Ford’s new Ranger and Volkswagen’s Amarok were benchmarks in terms of development and product quality, and the sales targets were lofty, too.

Kia is aiming to sell 20,000 vehicles, which would effectively represent a 20 to 25 percent sales increase for the brand more broadly.

Newly promoted Kia Australia chief executive Damien Meredith confirmed the brand had told its dealer network about the new Kia ute, and that the reception had been ‘overwhelmingly positive’.

“We did announce to the dealer network that it is happening and we are confident that within the next 24 to 36 months it will be in Australia,” he said.

Mr Meredith said the product would be built in and shipped from the brand’s home country of South Korea, and while there was not a whole lot of specific details that could be offered at

this stage, the brand acknowledged it had been a long time coming.

“It’s been a bit of a moving target in regards to specification and design, and pricing,” he said.

“Those things are always churning away in the background, but we think

we are getting closer – and we’re pretty happy about that.

“We said at the beginning, all those years ago, we believe we could get 10 percent of the light commercial vehicle market. That hasn’t changed, that’s been a common figure I’ve

Range Rover Sport SV scores BMW V8 hit

Range Rover has unveiled its Sport SV ahead of the model’s fourth quarter showroom debut.

The Sport SV replaces the SVR in the Range Rover Sport line-up, and in doing so does away with the supercharged Land Rover-sourced 5.0-litre V8 in favour of a twin-turbocharged BMW M5-sourced 4.4-litre unit.

In flagship Edition One guise, the Sport SV will retail from $360,800 plus on-road costs, making it the most expensive Sport yet – and $107,000 dearer than the final edition SVR.

Under the bonnet, the German-made S63-series V8 endows the Sport SV with a massive 467kW and 750Nm. The unit drives all four wheels via an eight-speed automatic transmission, providing a claimed zero to 100 kilometre an hour time of 3.8 seconds and a top speed of 290kmh.

Land Rover offers the Sport SV as

standard with its new 6D Dynamics air suspension arrangement, which does away with traditional anti-roll bars, a 25mm reduction in ride height, rear-wheel steering with torque vectoring by brake, an active locking rear differential, short-ratio electric steering rack and multi-mode exhaust.

Options include 23-inch carbon-fibre wheels, which cut 35.6kg from the vehicle’s unsprung mass, shod with Michelin Pilot Sport All Season 4 tyres, and Brembo-sourced eight-piston carbon-ceramic brakes – which reduce unsprung mass by a further 34kg.

Land Rover says the Sport SV can generate up to 1.1G of lateral force on its all-season rubber.

The Sport SV is outwardly characterised by a new front bumper with larger air intakes, remoulded side skirts and quad-tipped carbon-fibre exhaust outlets.

The bonnet is also manufactured from carbon-fibre, which is further found on the vehicle’s grille frame, bonnet and wing vents, and the Range Rover badges.

Of course, the cabin of the Sport SV is not without its own sense of occasion. The front seats have builtin transducers to vibrate in time with the music being played through the 29-speaker 1430-watt Meridian Signature sound system.

The seats may be upholstered in Ultrafabrics synthetic suede, joining other cool touches like see-through shift paddles, a black ceramic gear shift knob and a flourish of carbonfibre garnishing.

For the first year of production, the Sport SV will be sold in an Edition One trim the brand will offer only to ‘select clients to order by invitation’.

– Matt Brogan

been saying for five years.” Based on supply-constrained 2022 figures, 10 percent of the single and dual-cab ute market would equate to more than 22,234 vehicles in a full year.

That is a large target considering it is almost equal to the combined sales of

the Mazda BT-50 and Nissan Navara for that year – 23,463 between them.

“It is a lot. That’s very important to us, no question,” Mr Meredith said.

“The market – since GST – has been basically one to 1.1-million units. So, for us to enter a segment, we’re going to have to work hard to get that number.

“We have been able to do that with what has come through in the past years with great product, but we believe and we are confident we can do that again with the light commercial vehicle when it arrives.”

Full details and specifications are still a long way from being announced, but it would appear feasible the brand will offer diesel engines and four-wheel drive, and dual-cab body styles will be the primary focus.

To the end of May 2023, the 4x2 segment accounted for 12,026 sales, while 4x4 models are more than six times higher with, year to date, 73,938 unit sales.

The newest ute models on the market include the just launched VW Amarok and the ute it is based upon, the Ford Ranger.

However, between now and the potential launch date of the new Kia ute, it is expected we will see a newgeneration Triton, Navara and HiLux. –

Matt Campbell

UNVEILED: With 467kW-750Nm on tap, Range Rover’s Sport SV is the most powerful – and dearest – Sport yet.

WE WANT YOUR VEHICLE

GETTING CLOSER: Kia officials say the company’s new ute is a ‘bit of a moving target’ in regards to specification and design, and pricing.

Mitsubishi reveals ‘hero’ Triton ute

In the nick of time, Walkinshaw Performance has introduced a hero version of the current generation Mitsubishi Triton ute.

Called the Xtreme, it is priced from $71,990 plus on-road costs – $14,000 more than the GSR Triton donor vehicle.

A sixth-generation Triton with clean-sheet design and engineering is just around the corner, scheduled for international reveal late next month followed by an Australian debut in September or October.

It means Mitsubishi dealers who have ordered 400 of the available 500 limited-edition Xtremes might be well advised to get their skates on in finding customers for these tricked-up Tritons.

The Xtreme came to fruition after a number of Mitsubishi dealers sought a competitor for the likes of Nissan’s Navara Pro-4X Warrior two years ago, as well as taking the fight to the Toyota HiLux wide body Rogue and Ford Ranger Wildtrak premium utes.

Walkinshaw Performance then came into the picture as it has runs on the board for engineering and producing short-run limited-edition models.

The Ranger Wildtrak 3.0 V6 diesel is priced from $71,990, Navara Pro-4X Warrior from $67,515 and the widebody Hilux Rogue from $70,200, all before on-road costs, with each developing more power and torque than the

Triton Xtreme. But the current Triton has been a consistent seller during its model life as a value-for-money option against other Japanese-branded one-tonne utes and the Volkswagen Amarok, while holding more brand recognition than low-cost competitors such as GWM, SsangYong and LDV.

The Xtreme model is available now through about 100 ‘partner’ Mitsubishi metro and regional dealers, as demand from the bush was low according to Walkinshaw Performance’s commercial director Oliver Lukeis.

Under development for two years, the Triton Xtreme features component

design and ideas lifted from other Walkinshaw projects such as the HSV Colorado SportsCat and the VW Amarok W580 that were fettled by the performance specialist.

Mr Lukeis said there was not enough time to upgrade the Triton’s engine outputs and pass all homologation requirements, so focused on chassis and styling upgrades for the Xtreme.

“Upgrading engine power and changing things such as the exhaust require specific engineering and official approval, which all takes time,” he said.

The Xtreme therefore uses the same

133kW-430Nm 2.4-litre turbo-diesel engine under the bonnet as regular Tritons.

“We put a focus on the chassis and the vehicle’s dynamics. The forged 18-inch wheels reduce weight significantly, allowing the suspension to function better while increasing the Xtreme’s track,” Mr Lukeis said.

“The Supashock suspension makes a huge difference to the vehicle’s dynamics and changing the wheel offset gave us an additional 42mm of track for a wider stance and improved stability.”

Supashock products are favoured by

Walkinshaw for their quality and performance, with those on the Xtreme featuring a 56mm monotube construction with 20mm damper rod. All four units have remote reservoirs for improved heat dissipation and to reduce cavitation. The fronts are full remotes via connecting hoses, while the rears are piggy back.

Flared guards are fitted to accommodate the wider track and chunky

BF Goodrich 265-60-R18 KO2 allterrain tyres.

The slightly modified front bar is equipped with a light bar, while the front bash plate underneath has been extensively tested in hot weather and at high speeds. A sports bar behind the cab completes the protection package with a soft tonneau cover over the tub.

Inside, the five-seat Triton Xtreme is GSR spec with leather upholstery and heated front seats. The vehicle’s design age is exemplified in its small info screen and in other humanmachine interface areas.

However, important vital statistics for Triton Xtreme are a towing capacity of 2900kg braked and a GCM of 5885kg. The fuel tank holds 75 litres and the two tonne vehicle uses diesel at a combined rate of 7.9 litres per 100km. It has a payload of 900kg and Mitsubishi’s Super Select II 4x4 system distributes drive through sixspeed automatic transmission.

– Peter Barnwell

1. An Australian team led by Graeme Clarke was responsible for inventing the first what in the 1970s?

2. What Victorian western district city sits at the edge of Grange Burn?

3. True or false? Tortoises are a biological anomaly as the only warm-blooded reptile on the planet.

5. The ulnar nerve, which lets your brain know about feelings in your fourth and third fingers, has what common name caused by sudden impact near your elbow?

6. What type of fear is cynophobia?

7. Juan Pablo de Bonet, 1600s, Charles Michel de L’Epee, 1770s, and Laurent Cerc and Thomas Hopkins Gallaudet, early 1800s, were all prominent in establishing what form of communication?

www.consortiumpw.com.au

Aries:

(March 21- April 20)

Colour :white Lucky day :Wednesday Racing numbers :6.3.2.3.

Lotto numbers :3.12.16.24.40.33. Disturbing influences are around you –some could be trying to take advantage, don’t mix business with pleasure and routine matters should be dealt with for now, important decisions left until later.

Taurus:

8. What is the real first name of American actionfilm icon, martial arts expert, actor, film producer and screenwriter ‘Chuck’ Norris?

9. Black, green and white tea comes from the same plant. The plant belongs to what group of flowering shrubs commonly used in gardens?

10. In the 1981 movie Gallipoli, what were the first names of the characters played by Mel Gibson and Mark Lee?

Frank and Archy. Gibson played ‘Frank Dunne’ and Lee ‘Archie Hamilton’.

Sign language for the deaf. 8. Carlos. 9. Camelias. Tea comes from camelia sinensis. Different types of tea come from different levels of oxidisation during processing. 10.

stone plates that sink in the west and rise in the east. 5. Funny bone. 6. Fear of dogs. 7.

deaf. 2.

Answers:1. The bionic ear. Clarke invented the device because his father was

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You’re invited

Horsham Greyhound Racing Club @ Horsham Showground

MCs: Robert DiPierdomenico, Hawthorn legend Drink tokens on arrival | Nibbles and wood fire pizza

Free Merch on the day!

(April 21- May 20)

Colour: green Lucky day: Monday Racing numbers: 1.3.2.6.

Lotto numbers: 1.12.16.25.29.30. A good period in which some of the things you thought impossible can happen. Although career or financial dealings are favourable your lover needs special attention.

Gemini:

(May 21-June 21)

Colour: blue Lucky day: Tuesday Racing numbers: 2.3.6.5.

Lotto numbers: 1.12.16.28.30.36. Be careful if signing documents and a careless attitude could get you into trouble. If you are travelling old lovers could appear on the scene and could have their reasons for doing so.

Cancer:

(June 22-July 22)

Colour: grey Lucky day: Wednesday Racing numbers: 1.3.1.2.

Lotto numbers: 1.15.26.39.30.44. For the Cancerian who is indulging on a bit on the side you could be caught out. Not the time to step out of line. If you maintain a low profile things will turn out better than expected.

Leo: (July 23-August 22)

Colour: white

Lucky day: Sunday Racing numbers: 5.9.8.2.

Lotto numbers: 1.12.16.24.40.45.

Caution around loved ones – they could be easily upset. In any form of financial dealings pay very close attention to details or the fine print. Someone creating problems for you will have cause to regret it.

Virgo:

(August 23-September 23)

Colour: green

Lucky day: Monday Racing numbers: 1.3.2.6.

Lotto numbers: 1.12.15.24.40.45. You will have to be alert to a good opportunity in case you miss out. Temper will be harder to control, wiser to let off steam before the crunch. A contact from the past could surprise.

Libra: (September 24-October 23)

Colour: violet

Lucky day: Thursday Racing numbers: 1.3.5.6.

Lotto numbers: 1.16.25.23.30.33.

A busy social time a lot going on around you. New friends, new ventures, unexpected travel. Many singles finding the love of their lives, the married having family reasons to celebrate.

Scorpio : (October 24-November 22)

Colour: dark green

Lucky day: Monday Racing: 1.3.5.6.

Lotto numbers: 1.12.23.36.30.45.

   

Don’t become involved in the schemes of people you do not know or are unsure about. Wiser to keep with those you know and trust. Social life could bring some memorable events.

  a For the week June 17 - June 23Sagittarius: (November 23-December 20)

Lucky colour: orange

Lucky day: Tuesday Racing numbers: 6.3.2.6.

Lotto numbers: 1.12.15.26.30.22. People around you can be changeable so don’t make plans concerning others. Affairs that have been complicated in the past could now be straightened out to your satisfaction and profit.

Capricorn: (December 21-January 19)

Colour: cream

Lucky day: Monday Racing: 2.3.6.5.

Lotto numbers: 2.13.16.25.40.45. Not a good time to ask for favours; your ideas could conflict with authority. Social and romantic affairs should be very pleasant and some could meet someone who could make some of their dreams come true.

Aquarius: (January 20-February 19)

Lucky colour: silver Lucky day: Tuesday Racing numbers: 3.6.9.3.

Lotto numbers: 2.13.25.24.40.44. People around you don’t seem to think very clearly, so you will achieve more by selfreliance. Don’t be hasty with any chores that require close attention to detail. Can be a favourable time to ask for favours from superiors.

Pisces: (February 20-March 20)

   

Colour: green Lucky day: Monday Racing: 1.3.2.5. Lotto numbers: 1.12.15.26.30.36. You should be able to talk most people around to your way of thinking and you may be able to capitalise on past efforts. Your career or public life should bring good gains, a romantic proposition could surprise.

Visit KERRY KULKENS MAGIC SHOP at 1693 Burwood Hwy, Belgrave Ph/Fax 9754 4587 WWW.KERRYKULKENS.COM.AU Like us on Facebook

Sportsbet will have customer service representatives on-site All account holders will receive a BONUS bet

RSVP to Justin Brilliant on jbrilliant@grv.org.au or 0418 361 268

Sunday, June 18 1pm to 5pm weekdays from 6am

Music that makes you feel good

Hamilton. 3. False. All reptiles are cold-blooded, which means their body temperature is regulated by their surroundings. 4. East. The Grampians are made from tilted -sand

Sudoku

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

DAILY CONVENTIONAL CROSSWORD 15 X 15 GRID W

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.

Focus

I P S R E I E

Join the Dots Spot the 5 Differences

What is this? Find out by joining the dots.

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

© bmpuzzles Distributed by Knight Features

Utopia (MA15+) 9:00 Smother (M l) 9:50

Mayfair Witches (M l,v) 10:30 Interview With

The Vampire (MA15+) 11:20 ABC Late News

11:35 The Split (PG) 12:35 Harrow (M v) 1:30

rage (MA15+)

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

Seven Morning News 12:00 Movie: “The Lover In The Attic: A True Story” (M) (’18)

Stars: Molly Burnett 2:00 House Of Wellness

The Chase UK (PG)

Seven

At 4 5:00 The Chase Australia (PG)

Seven News 7:00 Better Homes And Gardens 7:30 AFL: Round 14: Brisbane v

*Live* From The Gabba 10:30 AFL:

Game 11:00 Armchair Experts (M)

TBA 1:30 Home Shopping

12:00 Building Giants (PG) 2:00

Extreme Unboxing (PG) 3:00

STIHL Timbersports (PG) 3:30 Down East

Dickering (PG) 4:30 Storage Wars (PG) 5:00

Storage Wars Texas (PG) 5:30 American Restoration (PG) 6:00 American Pickers (PG)

7:00 AFL: Friday Night Countdown 7:30

Movie: “Fatherhood” (PG) (’21) Stars: Kevin Hart 9:50 Movie: “Falling Down” (M l,v) (’93)

Stars: Michael Douglas

2:05 Ready, Jet, Go! 2:30 Daniel Tiger’s Neighbourhood 2:55 Circle Square 3:30 Play School 4:00 Andy’s Safari

Adventures 4:25 Happy The Hoglet 5:00

Peppa Pig 5:35 Fireman Sam 6:05

Octonauts 6:30 Peter Rabbit 7:05 Andy’s

Dinosaur Adventures 7:30 Spicks And Specks (PG) 8:00 Hard Quiz (PG) 8:30

Movie: “The Miseducation Of Cameron Post” (M l,s) (’18) Stars: Chloë Grace Moretz

(M l,s)

1:20 The North Water (M l,v) 2:20 The Durrells (PG) 3:10 Heywire 3:40 Landline

4:10 Road Kill Warriors (PG) 4:25 Designing A Legacy (PG) 5:25 The Platypus Guardian

6:20 The ABC Of Wendy Harmer (PG) 6:50

Bluey 7:00 ABC News 7:30 Sister Boniface Mysteries (M) 8:20 Vera: The Crow Trap (M v) 9:50 Ragdoll (MA15+) 10:35 The Messenger

5:00 Worldwatch 9:10 Make Me A Dealer 10:00 Paul O’Grady For The Love Of Dogs (PG) 11:00 Sue Perkins Along The US Mexico Border 12:00 Worldwatch 2:00 Mastermind Australia (PG) 3:00 NITV

Stars: Edith Evans 5:30 Dr Quinn Medicine Woman (PG) 6:30 Antiques Roadshow 7:30 NRL: Cowboys v Panthers *Live* From QLD Country Bank Stadium 9:55 NRL: Golden Point 10:40 Movie: “Lethal Weapon” (M) (’87)

Brought to you by NEIL MITCHELL

death notices

HUGHES, Brian William “Gundy”

Passed away peacefully surrounded by family on June 6, 2023 aged 92 years.

Dearly loved husband and soul mate of Dianne for 62 years.

Loving father and father in law to Mark & Sharon; Stephen; Grant & Bec; Andrew & Christine; Vicki & Simon.

Adored Pop to Jorga; Sarah, Mikah, Maddix & Jezzy; Tayleka & Will; Katelyn; and Cooper.

Rest In Peace Gundy

LUCIANI, (nee Di Matteo)

Maria Gerasina

18-09-1936 05-06-2023

Maria Gerasina Luciani (86) passed peacefully on June 5th 2023 reunited with her husband Alberto (dec.)

A loving mother to her son Bruno Luciani and Debra (daughter-in-law) and her son Remo Luciani and Sabrina (daughter-in-law).

Loving Nonna to Jena, Jared, Alex, Remii, Marcus and Scarlett and adored Great-Nonna to Giordano and Savannah.

“To our dearest Mother, Nonna and Great-Nonna Maria, you showed us how to always be loving and grateful for everything in life. Whilst no longer with us, we know you and Nonno will be looking after us from up there in Heaven”

RIPOSI IN PACE

Horsham & District

Funerals

Amity Perovic & Dylan Hartwich

5382 1149

death notices

MILLS, Alan Francis

Passed away on May 25, 2023 aged 78 years.

Brother and brother-inlaw of Graham & Helen; Christopher (dec) & Marie; Gayle; and Andrew (dec).

Father of Kylie. Reunited with loved ones

PILMORE, Reginald (Reg)

20/02/1922 - 31/05/2023

Loved Father and Father in-law of Geoff (dec) and Heather. Respected and loved Grandad of Leigh and Ricky (dec).

Much admired friend to Hannah.

Adored great Grandad of Albie and Clancy.

Those we love don’t go away, they walk beside us everyday, unseen, unheard but always near, still loved, still missed and very dear

A life well lived, forever in our hearts

PLUSH (nee Klowss), Joan Louise Judith

13.9.1936-5.6.2023

Loved wife of Kevin. Loving mother of Peter (dec), Tracey & Christine. Cherished Nan to her 5 grandchildren and 3 great grandchildren.

Forever in our hearts

PLUSH, Joan

Loved Mother & Motherin-Law. Nan & Great Nan of Peter (dec) & Antoinette, Rhianon, Rebecca, Nathan & Darcie, Percy & Alvy xx

RIDDING, George Wilfred

Passed away 2-6-2023 in Melbourne

Loved brother of Arthur. Uncle of trevor, Leeanne & Geoffrey & Families.

LUCIANI, Maria

To my dear sister, I am heartbroken that you are gone, and I will miss you greatly.

Until we meet again.

Italina

RIDDING, George Wildred

Pass away on 8-6-2023 in Melbourne.

Loved Brother & Brother-InLaw of Bob & Judy. Uncle of Mark, Paula, Rebecca & families.

death notices

RIDDING (nee Little), Mary Ann

Passed away on June 8, 2023 aged 73 years.

Daughter of the late Norman & Nancy. Dearly loved wife of Frank (dec).

Loved mother of Anthony, Ann, Helen, Robert and their families.

Adored Nan to all of her grandchildren and great grandchildren.

Sister of John, Josephine, Lawrence, Bruce, Robert (dec), Phillip, Barbara and their families.

Reunited with loved ones

RIDDING (nee Little), Mary Ann

Passed away on 8-6-2023 at Natimuk Nursing Home.

Loved Sister-In-Law of Judy & Bob.

Aunty to Mark, Paula Rebecca & families.

HUGHES, Brian William

As was his wish, Brian William “Gundy” Hughes will be privately cremated.

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter

Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

LUCIANI (nee Di Matteo), Maria Gerasina

The funeral service to farewell the late Mrs. Maria Luciani is to be held at Ss Michael & John’s Catholic Church, Horsham on Friday June 16th commencing at 10am Interment to follow at Horsham Lawn Cemetery.

Amity Perovic & Dylan Hartwich

5382 1149

Reunited with her beloved Frank. MILLS, Alan Francis Alan Francis Mills will be farewelled at a private family gathering.

RIDDING, Mary Ann

Passed away on 8-6-2023 at Natimuk Nursing Home.

Fond Sister-In-Law of Arthur. Aunt of Trevor, Leeanne, Geoffrey & Families.

Funeral Notices

PLUSH, Joan Louise Judith

Joan Louise Judith Plush will be farewelled at a private family gathering.

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter

Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

RIDDING, Mary Ann

The Funeral of Mary Ann Ridding will take place at The Graveside, Horsham Lawn Cemetery on Tuesday, 20 June 2023 commencing at 2pm

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter

Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

Event Services

Animals & Accessories

1 male mastiff x bull mastiff puppy , vacc, vet checked and wormed, born 22/11/2022, m/ chip# 953010006382898, Source# EE185505, he is ready for his forever home please $500 Ph 0481756063

2 Chocolate mini Dachshunds , females, vacc, vet checked,m/ chip# 953010006162922 / 953010006162921, $3000 each, located in Nhill Ph 0431725487

4 10 week old purebred Heelers pups for sale, 2 blue males, 1 red stumpy tailed female, 1 red boy, all vet checked, wormed vaxxed and microchipped 18/5/23, mchip# 95301 0006172145/953010006172140/953 010006171652/953010006172141, source# MB146514 Ph 0407363983

Birds for sale, opaline turks, Bourkes all colours inc rubino, pied, cream, pink and rosa, all young birds, ring for prices

Ph 0408535515

Black faced Dorpers joined $140 each Ph 0429912620

Black head dorper ewe lambs, born June 2022, pic#3NGLM058 $250ea

Ph 53585079

Border Collie pups 8 weeks old, black and white, m/c# 956000014901145, 956000014931617 Ph 0427545546

Budgerigars, show birds at pet prices

Ph 0447080439

Budgies, babies available $10ea Ph 0423976711

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

Budgies, young, asstd colours $10ea Ph 0423182267

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter

Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

Funeral Directors

Creative

Traditional Designs

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

Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, 2 malepups , purebred (no papers) black and Tan , ready to go , microchipped,vac, wormed, flea ‘d, collect from Horsham, 985141003955788, 956 source# MB113692 $2000 Ph 0409498729

Ferrets, 8wks to 18mths $30ea Ph 0418843180 Nhill

Hungarian Vizsla puppies ready by 10th May 2023, 1 male 4 females, vet checked, vaxxed, m/chip 953010006426842/60/64/89/902, source#MB216417, both parents available to view Ph Kirsty 0413926539 Muscovy ducks $10, drakes $20 Ph 0429842236

Pups Col/Kelp X StPoodle, 3 gold fem, 1 gold, 2 black males, born 12/4/23, mchip, vet checked, source# MB223023, mchip# 985141003955533 985141003956376/402/6234855/6 234856/6234857, visit welcome Ph 0458169182

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

Roosters, ducks and guinea foul

wanted Ph 0469740723

Wanted, day old roosters and day old

meat birds - chooks Ph 0414851313

Whippet puppies, 6 males, 1 female, dark and light briendles, black and white, ready to go now, wormed, vacc, m/chip # 95600016257287/256879/25 7197/254950/308627/312719/254208, source # MB109696, $1200 each, view and pick up Ararat, call Alan or Fiona Ph 0431176269, 53093267

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

1999 Jayco 16’ pop-top caravan with unused annex, GC $14,500 Ph 0400823134

2000 Jayco Freedom pop-top caravan, tandem, Engel upright fridge, 12v system with inbuilt battery charger and solar kit, island d/bed and brand new mattress, light weight, easy to tow $17,900ono Ph 0400894020

2005 Jayco pop-top 16’, reg til 12/23, EC, island d/bed, new annex, battery, kitchen and extras $20,000ono Ph 0428854313

Ezytrail camper, Sterling G, Mark 2, EC $21,999ono Ph John 0427562876

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

Mars Camper Trailer, hard floor annex, electric winch, GC $6000 neg Ph 0427957212

REDUCED Mazda BT3-500

Motorhome, 1991 10spd, modern interior, sleeps 3, full RWC, full complianced, EC $37,000 Ph for full details 0411450027

Safari 236 Caravan 2011 with roll out awning, 90 watt solar panel, 30amp solar regulator, 15” off road rims and tyres, elec brakes, battery pack with Anderson charge plug, 3 water tanks, air conditioning, ensuite shower, toilet, washing machine, vanity, storage, 4 burner stove, oven, microwave, 184L automatic 3 way fridge, television, CD/ DVD/AM-FM radio, “L” shape seating, q/bed, and much more, EC, as good as new, no catches, genuine sale, if you are serious this is a must see, too good to miss $63,000neg Ph 0429671764 Safari Delta 216, 21’6” 2015 build, full ensuite, q/bed, full solar independent off road suspension, full oven, large fridge, microwave, washing machine, leather seating, large oven, full length annexe, colour coded to match van, this is the van with the lot, selling due to no further use $49,700ono Ph 0429198599

Viscount pop-up caravan with safety cord and extension cord, 2-way fridge, 4-cooker, oven, collapsible kettle, compact cookware set, foldable dish drainer, microwave, air conditioner, 1 d/bed, 1 s/bed, L-shape sofa, ample storage $5700neg Text 0419600049 or 0405516207

Windsor Caravan 1998 , 19’6 Statesman, island bed, reading lights, battery pack skylight, aircon, gas stove, microwave, fridge, rollout awning, annexe walls ECT $19,500 Ph 53820505

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

Table and 6 dining chairs, colonial style, table length 1750x1m width $300 Ph 0438064358

Transportable home, Bond home, 2 bedroom, VGC, includes veranda and hot water service and water tank, can arrange delivery, currently in Stawell, new $164,000 sell for $85,000 Ph Ken 0428123694

Trogan Towball weight scale Ph 0419571506

2019 Evolution 600 Apex Extreme on Dunbier rull roller deluxe alloy trailer, Mercury 225hp 3.4lt V6 four stroke engine, elec power steering, fully equipped for crayfishing in SA and is equipped with anchor maz pot puller, marine carpets, full protection mat, always garaged, new as cond, low engine hours, genuine reason for sale, private sale, interested buyers may ring obligation free for further details, boat garaged in Robe, South Australia, VK748 $128,000 Ph 0418548726

Holden Gemini x2 , 1981

TE8TF69-188333B, 4dr sed man SL, 1983 TG8TF69-241320B, 4dr sed man SL, as is both $4300ono Ph 0427801969 no text

1 Solid wood bed and 2 side tables 2 1/2 years old, 1 mattress, warranty 7 1/2 years left $2300ono Ph 0459602388

3.7 Stacer Alum Boat, 18hp Tohatsu Motor, boat and motor covers, boat Tx874, trailer Y98760 $5000 Ph 0418810802

Suzuki Solo Intruder , 250cc, immaculate condition, 17,000kms, 2012 model IT6ZI $4750 Ph 0427361940

Holden Calais VE Series II 2011, auto, white sedan, immaculate cond, 138,500km, YMK634 $15,000 Ph 0490791198 Nhill

2015 Audi A3 Attraction , style and technik package, auto, heated seats, front and back sensors, 17’ alloy wheels, 68,000kms, one owner, perfect condition 1DB 9YP $28,000 Ph 0400961401

2 Electric chairs, 2mths old $650 Ph 0427861198

8 Riverland dining chairs, Harvey Norman, half price, as new $1436 Ph 0428861127

Ute tray complete with enclosed canvas canopy, grey, 2100mm x 1900mm, steel tray c/w drop sides, incs roof racks, have upgraded, available now, VGC $4125 inc Gst or best offer Ph or text John 0477317809 for more info

Holden Colorado LTR, dual cab, 3L turbo diesel, auto trans, 4WD, towbar, side steps, lock up canopy, reg til 10/23, RWC, WRL987 $20,000 Ph 0428504449

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

Stock crate, steel (Ute) 7’ x 6’ $150 Ph 0428826809

Stock crate, steel 2 deck 15’ x 8’ $600 Ph 0428826809

Stock crate, steel sides, 15’ x 8’ $250 Ph 0428826809

Computer desk, sliding keyboard, plenty of storage $100 Ph 0414899872

Desk, young student, kauri pine $100

Ph 0474297661

Matured limebush $50, matured curry leaf $70, other matured herbs available

Ph 0418843389

New Omega electric oven display model, 900mm L, 800mm H, 560mm, D $1000neg Ph 0427993510

Steel fireguard/fence with gate 1mx1mx800H, very stable VGC $200ono Ph 53564225.

Haines Hunter, 560SL, 1989 EC, Yamaha O/B 140 hp, oil injected,160lts F/ T, cray pot winch, rod holders, lowrance fish finder, live bait tank, cutting table, HF marine radios, S/ Gear, canopy, boat cover, EPIRB, flares, life jackets, Mackay tandem axle trailer 57502, 02/2003 s/guard, boat latch $39,000 Ph Barrie 0427861004 Hobie Mirage Passport 12.0 pedal kayak with motor, 50AH lithium battery and motor controller, extra hatch covers added $2,500 Ph 0407305457

Light blue Toyota Corolla sport 2005, 311,000kms, TRD592 $2500 Ph 0493100329

2009 Chrysler Pt Cruiser GT, black, fully option car, RWC and reg supplied, EC, lady owner, 115,000kms, XMS899 $9000ono Ph 0428123694

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, RWC, reg till 2/24, YVD520 $17,500 Ph 0428528990

Ford Ranger 2015 PX MkII XLT Hi-Rider Utility super cab 4dr, spts auto 6sp, 4x2 1100kg, 3.2DT, 125,000km, white interior colour, charcoal, 6spd sports automatic, 4drs, 4 seat Ute, 5-cylinder Diesel Turbo Intercooled 3.2L, Reg July 23 TWK2HZ $29,900 Ph 53826103 in business hours

Table and 6 dining chairs, colonial style, table length 1750x1m width $300

Ph 0438064358

Men’s prescription reading glasses black frame, lost in CBD of Horsham

Ph 0417529216

Speedboat, 4.8m, 202 red motor, dog clutch, reg NBO069 and trailer Q99607 $5600 Ph 0409423541

V Nose wide body punt 15HP mercury out board on trailer and accessories

DY 300 $3000 ono Ph 0407614706

Vicking Fisherman canoe with paddles, 3.6mtrs, with wheels $900 Ph 0419590475

Invacare Comet Alpine Gopher, VGC, batteries replaced recently, charger, lights, indicators $1150 Ph 0409524112

Mobility Gopher Pathfinder 140XL as new condition with new batteries $3000 Ph 0427957212

Tyre 195 70R14, new, suits Camry Conquest $90 Ph 0407561135

Honda Grom 2019, 1000 km, rego 2G3MN 24/01/24 RWC sports, exhaust factory included

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

her please?” The attendant grabbed a wide broom and within less than a minute had cleared the floor of the scattered culprits.

I left the shop grateful for this reminder of two important truths:

First, when I’m trying all alone to pick up the “dropped blueberries” in my life, God stands ready and equipped to help. I just need to ask. Second, when others are so entangled in their problems they forget to (or don’t realise they can) seek His help, I can ask for them.

So, stop struggling alone and ask for help, for yourself or others.

God is ALWAYS waiting and ready to come to your aid.

Heather Seaman, City Heart Church of Christ, Stawell

Dimboola

DISSOLUTION OF PARTNERSHIP

Notice is hereby given that the business partnership between Norman Frederick Hinneberg and John Hinneberg which carried on business under the name of Norman F and John Hinneberg’ ABN 95 866 436 192, is dissolved with effect 25 April 2023

O’BRIEN & SMITH LAWYERS

64 McLachlan Street, Horsham VIC 3400

be someone making a difference for people in your community

Employment Opportunities

**Attractive salary packaging in addition to salary**

See our website for further information

We are seeking committed and passionate people who are ready for exciting and rewarding careers in our growing community health organisation

NDIS Support Coordinator

38 hours per week

$32.24 to $39.49 per hour

Contact: Ruth-Cheryl Lennie

Closing: 12pm Monday 3 July 2023

To download a position description and key selection criteria form visit our website: gch.org.au

For further information email employment@gch.org.au or call contact person on 5358 7400

be someone making a difference for people in your community

Employment Opportunities

**Attractive salary packaging in addition to salary**

See our website for further information

With extensive growth and revised structure, we have new leadership positions available for committed and passionate people to help lead our growing community health organisation

Program Leader Mental Health

Program Leader Orange Door

 Full time or part time by negotiation

 $50.69 per hour

Contact: Kate Astbury

Closing: 12pm Monday 3 July 2023

To download a position description and key selection criteria form visit our website: gch.org.au

For further information email employment@gch.org.au or call contact person on 5358 7400

TEACHERS WANTED

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

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

GRADUATE and EXPERIENCED TEACHERS

REQUIRED FOR THE 2024 SCHOOL YEAR

Come and join our dedicated team.

Please email your resume to lee.mckenzie@education.vic.gov.au

If you have any questions, contact Lee McKenzie 0438 824 580 for further information

Night Switchboard Operator

Permanent Part Time

Job No. 4732 closes 20/06/2023

To apply or for more information please go to: https://whcg.mercury.com.au/

Team Leader Dimboola

Team Leader Jeparit/Rainbow

Full Time, Permanent

We are seeking 2 permanent full time Team Leaders to coordinate the day to day work of the outdoor staff, equipment and contractors. With one based in Dimboola and the other in Jeparit (also covering the Rainbow area), these dynamic roles will ideally suit someone experienced in the supervision of staff in a civil construction environment.

e offer excellent work/life balance with a 9-day fortnight, annual leave, long service leave and above-award pay rates, as well as training opportunities to continue to enhance your career!

etails of how to apply can be found on our website at www.hindmarsh.vic.gov.au/work-in-council. Applications close Monday 26 June 2023 at 12noon and must address the key selection criteria as contained in the position description and application form. For more information or to have a confidential discussion, please phone Daniel Griffiths, Manager Works and Operations on 03 5391 4444.

SPort

Return to Moyston

BY SEAN O’CONNELL

Abattling side hosts a top-five contender in round nine of Mininera and District league senior football.

Moyston-Willaura returns to its ground at Moyston to take on Glenthompson-Dunkeld, following a league bye.

Panthers coach Aiden Lee said his side enjoyed the week off after two difficult games against Woorndoo-Mortlake and Tatyoon.

He said injuries limited his team’s competitiveness against the Tigers, but the Hawks game was a different story.

He said his squad performed well against the Hawks to limit the first-placed team to 16 goals at three-quarter time.

“If you compare that to other games we have played, we thought we did well,” Lee said.

Ahead of facing Glenthompson-Dunkeld, Lee said the round-nine encounter would be the first game his team had played at Moyston this season, with previous home matches at Willaura.

“That might spark the boys up a bit,” he said.

Lee said, despite chalking up a single win in 2023 so far, his team had started ‘doing good things against good teams’.

“We can see them slowly bringing them into play,” he said.

“We’ve been working on our running out of the backline. That next transition, either passing 30 metres or a switch kick.”

Lee said youngsters Ben Skubnik in midfield and Logan Cooper in the ruck had led improvements in the past three weeks.

He said captain Alex Close and Ned Bohner had also played well.

Another positive, from Lee’s perspective, was the opportunity to bring younger players into the senior team.

“We’ve had three under-16s debut this year. From a personal side of things, it’s been really good running out with them. It’s good to give them that experience,” he said.

Glenthompson-Dunkeld coach Tom Waters said being strong favourites for the round-nine match had not affected preparations.

“We are not approaching it any differently,” Waters said.

“Regardless of ladder positions, we are wanting to implement our game plan.”

The Rams coach said the two-game run starting this week, before the bye on July 1, was important with next week’s game against second-placed Wickliffe-Lake Bolac shaping up to be a test.

He said his team was ‘over the worst’ of injuries, with Nathan Fall and Tyler Staude likely to return to the midfield.

Blair in Dubai with Australian Rollers

Horsham-born Australian Rollers basketballer Jannik Blair is representing his country in Dubai this month.

International Wheelchair Basketball Federation World

Championships began on Friday and conclude on June 20.

The championships will see 300 elite international wheelchair basketballers represent 16 men’s and 12 women’s

teams across the 12-day competition.

The Rollers are positioned in Group A and face Brazil, Italy and United Arab Emirates in the first stage.

STEPPING UP: Stuart Farr coaches 44 junior footballers as they prepare for selection for the VLine Cup in Shepparton in September.

Juniors competing for selection

Forty-four junior footballers from across the Wimmera have taken the first step towards selection for the VLine Cup in Shepparton in September.

Invited players from the Wimmera and Horsham District football and netball leagues began training at Coughlin Park, Horsham, last week with coach Stuart Farr and his selection panel.

The VLine Cup is Victoria’s premier under-15s champion-

ship competition for country boys’ and girls’ football.

For many Victorian country footballers and officials, the VLine Cup provides a pathway to higher-level talent programs and, for some, it is the first step towards a career in the AFL or AFLW.

The boys will train again at Coughlin Park on Sunday.

After this session, the Wimmera Mallee squad will be reduced to 24 players and se-

lected footballers will play two days of practice matches in Ararat during the winter school holidays against players from AFL Western and AFL Goldfields.

Throughout the practice matches, 48 players from across the three regions will be selected in either division one or division two Greater Western Victoria Rebels teams and will play in Shepparton at the VLine Cup on September 25 to 27.

Battle of the top four

BY SEAN O’CONNELL

The top four sides in Horsham District league senior football will face off in round nine.

Jeparit-Rainbow will host NoradjuhaQuantong at Sir Robert Menzies Park, with Swifts travelling to take on HarrowBalmoral at Balmoral.

Storm co-coach Scott Driscoll said his squad would use four games against quality teams in quick succession, starting last round against Rupanyup, to gauge its progress.

The round eight win against Rupanyup, Driscoll said, was particularly pleasing because of his team’s fast start, kicking eight goals in the first half.

“To start well was a focus for that game,” he said.

“We were happy to get on the scoreboard early and kick straight.”

Driscoll said the match against Noradjuha-Quantong would be another opportunity for his team to test its style of play.

“By the looks of it, Noradjuha-Quantong will be a finals team again,” he said.

Driscoll said the league bye allowed his players to rest up for the second half of the season, with the coach looking for a team performance in round nine.

“We don’t focus too much on the individuals. We play team-based footy, with everyone playing their role,” he said.

Noradjuha-Quantong coach Damien Cameron said his team went into its first game after the break following a tough loss to Harrow-Balmoral in round eight.

“We went in undermanned and had a few injuries early in the game,” Cameron said.

“We competed well on the inside but let them off the leash on the outside.”

He said younger players including half-

forward Zachary Kelly and half-back flanker Wade Francis had stood up in recent games.

After facing the hard running of the Southern Roos, Cameron said the bye allowed his squad to work hard and recover.

“We had a couple of solid sessions during the week. A few of our players carrying injuries were able to use the break to return to fitness,” he said.

Cameron said he hoped key defender Nigel Kelly and forward Brock Orval would return to face a challenging JeparitRainbow squad.

“They are sitting really well at the moment,” Cameron said.

He said a victory against the Storm would be a ‘massive scalp’ and a ‘confidence booster’, but there was still plenty of the season to make up ground.

“Win, lose or draw, we can still make finals,” he said.

Teams ready to fire for finals positions

Two finals hopefuls will battle in round nine of Horsham District league A Grade netball.

Home team Kalkee is one win ahead of Pimpinio before Saturday’s game.

Pimpinio coach Jayde Ellis said the two games before the bye included a number of positives for her group, with a round-seven win against Natimuk United ensuring it improved ladder position.

“We probably started off a bit slower than we were hoping, but got the four

points,” Ellis said. She said a roundeight loss to Edenhope-Apsley served as a learning opportunity, with both teams playing out a defensive game that finished 25-39 in the Saints’ favour.

Ellis said Saturday’s game against Kalkee would be a challenge as her team pushes for fourth spot on the ladder.

Kalkee coach Paula Weidermann said her team’s round-seven loss to Noradjuha-Quantong was the latest in a number of ‘great tussles’ against the Bombers.

“Unfortunately, our girls had opportunities they couldn’t capitalise on,” she said.

“We took positives out of the game and areas to focus.”

Weidermann said this week’s match against Pimpinio would allow her team to implement some of those adjustments.

She said her team was not thinking too far ahead at this stage in the season, despite the finals implications of the topfive clash.

AROUND THE LEAGUES

Wimmera

This week: Round nine, Ararat v Dimboola, Nhill v Horsham Saints, Warrack Eagles v Minyip-Murtoa, Horsham v Southern Mallee Giants. Stawell, bye.

Last week: King’s Birthday long weekend league bye.

Horsham District

This week: Round nine, Harrow-Balmoral v Swifts, Kalkee v Pimpinio, Natimuk United v Edenhope-Apsley, Jeparit-Rainbow v Noradjuha-Quantong, Taylors Lake v Rupanyup, Kaniva-Leeor United v Laharum.

Last week: King’s Birthday long weekend league bye.

Mininera and District

This week: Round nine, Caramut v Ararat Eagles, Wickliffe-Lake Bolac v SMW Rovers, Hawkesdale-Macarthur v Lismore-Derrinallum, Woorndoo-Mortlake v Penshurst, Tatyoon v Great Western, Moyston-Willaura v Glenthompson-Dunkeld.

Last week: King’s Birthday long weekend league bye.

North Central

This week: Round nine, St Arnaud v Birchip-Watchem, Nullawil v Boort, Sea Lake-Nandaly Tigers v Wed-

derburn, Charlton v Donald. Wycheproof-Narraport, bye.

Senior football

Last week: Boort 12.14 (86) d St Arnaud 3.5 (23), Nullawil 11.9 (75) d Wedderburn 9.15 (69), Sea Lake-Nandaly Tigers 24.20 (164) d Donald 6.8 (44), Wycheproof-Narraport 14.12 (96) d Charlton 3.9 (27). Birchip-Watchem, bye Ladder: Sea Lake-Nandaly Tigers 28 points, 263.74 percent; Nullawil 20, 164.84; Wycheproof-Narraport 18, 94.28; Birchip-Watchem 16, 176.8; Donald 16, 94.58; Boort 14, 118.53; Wedderburn 12, 105.44; Charlton 4, 38.19; St Arnaud 0, 31.33.

A Grade netball

Last week: Nullawil 43 d Wedderburn 40, Donald 63 d Sea Lake-Nandaly Tigers 33, Boort 64 d St Arnaud 29, Wycheproof-Narraport 37 d Charlton 36. Birchip-Watchem, bye.

Ladder: Boort 28 points, 157.14 percent; Nullawil 24, 122.48; Wedderburn 20, 126.13; Wycheproof-Narraport 16, 210.44; Birchip-Watchem 16, 108.77; Donald 12, 100.58; Charlton 8, 103.54; Sea Lake-Nandaly Tigers 4, 63.32; St Arnaud 0, 47.78

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

Weekdays from noon on

Dimboola ‘dangerous’

BY ABBY WALTER

Ararat is two games clear at the top of the Wimmera league senior football ladder and meets Dimboola for the first time this weekend.

Dimboola is one of three teams separated by percentage from second to fourth position on the ladder.

The Roos’ bye after a four-point loss to the Saints could be what they needed to recuperate, but Ararat’s track record shows it will be difficult to defeat in round nine.

Ararat coach Matt Walder said the Rats could not feel better heading into the business section of the season.

“We’re seven and zero and come up against Dimboola this week, who is a strong contender,” he said.

“We have enjoyed the weekend off, have a bye again in round 10 and then play eight weeks straight to the end of the home-and-away season.

“Dimboola is a dangerous team, and we know they were challenging last year.

“They are sitting in a bracket of three teams on 20 points and we will need to be at our best to remain undefeated.”

Walder said the team’s defence was its best quality.

“Everyone is buying into that part of the game,” he said.

Walder said Ben Taylor, Cody Lindsay, Jake Robinson, Kade Bohner and Sonny Kettle were consistent this season.

With only one win since round two, Minyip-Murtoa will be hungry for an-

other four premiership points when they face Warrack Eagles this weekend.

Nick Ingram has been playing well for the Eagles in recent weeks, but the team is yet to put a win on the board.

Horsham Saints will be eager to recover from a significant loss to Ararat before the long weekend and show what they are capable of when playing against Nhill.

Close games forecast

Wimmera league A Grade netballers are gearing up for some close games upon returning from a long weekend bye.

Minyip-Murtoa and Warrack Eagles, sitting eighth and ninth on the ladder, will meet for the first time as will Ararat and Dimboola, sitting fifth and sixth.

It is a chance for the Eagles to put their first win on the board and both the Rats and Roos need the win to keep a top-five finish in their sights.

Horsham Saints will aim to maintain their perfect season record to date when coming up against Nhill, who are rebuilding well from injury setbacks earlier in the year.

Horsham and Southern Mallee Giants will come head-to-head for the first time this season, and since July last year.

Heading into the league break, the Giants secured their second win for the season – a boost leading into the second half of the season.

the team was having lots of fun.

“We were happy for another win. To be up all game and maintain that was great,” she said.

“Before that game, we focused on having voice on the court, being consistent for four quarters, backing each other up and being quick and switched on during a turnover – all of which worked.

“Unfortunately, Steph Riggall is now injured and will take time to recover, and Cody Robins is also out for a couple of weeks.

“We will reassess what we are doing and what will work best.”

Thomson said the game against Horsham would be tough.

“Horsham has been really strong again this year so it will be a hard game,” she said.

“Cody has been incredible all year – versatile and strong in defence, while Jodie Hayes has also had a really strong year, too.

Horsham Demons will be challenged by Southern Mallee Giants, who will aim to maintain their second position on the ladder.

Sam White has had a successful season so far for the Giants and young Demons player Brody Pope has been consistent and will be one to watch on Saturday.

Horsham remains one game short of the top ladder spot and will be looking for consistency for the rest of the season to remain in second or jump into first.

While the Giants look to be out of the fight for a finals berth, co-coach Steph Thomson said

“Taya Horman is in her first year in A Grade. At only 15 years old she is playing well and is keen to learn, which shows in her game.”

Stawell has a bye in round nine and will return from a twoweek break to face the Giants.

– Abby Walter

ON TRACK: Ararat coach Matt Walder is happy with his team’s undefeated status as they prepare for a good contest against Dimboola on Saturday.

SPort

Available Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm 5382 1351

Volleyballers country champions

BY DAVID BERRY

Afive-year plan has come to fruition for Volleyball Horsham’s women’s division-one team after they took out the 2023 Victorian Country Championship.

The team has come from last in 2017, when they did not win a game, and steadily improved to fourth, third and second in consecutive years to finally win the title, adding to successive titles in 2013 and 2014.

But the win was not as plain sailing as expected, with some bumps along the way resulting in the team having to dig deep to just make the final.

A first-up demolition of Sunraysia, where the team played flawless volleyball in a 59-minute rout, was put back into perspective when they dropped their next game to Ballarat in an uncharacteristic display.

The next game came in unusual circumstances.

With the program running late, the 8pm game against Bendigo did not start until 10.45pm and was transferred onto another court in a stadium as big as Marvel, meaning no atmosphere and no spectators.

In an epic four-set match, which finished at 12.30am, the team lost to their arch rivals, putting them in a must-win game the next day against Warrnambool.

They came out strongly, winning the

Qualified Chef

Horsham

Closing date: June 22, 2023

Requirements:

first two sets in emphatic fashion and outplaying their younger opponents with consistent, error-free volleyball.

Warrnambool changed its attack options to win the third set, but Horsham was able to adjust and win the fourth set.

With results falling their way, the team ended up second on the ladder, which meant a gold medal qualifier against Bendigo.

Horsham came out strong, taking the first set, but went down in a tight second set.

A fast start enabled them to take the third, but Bendigo fought back to claim the fourth and send the match into a deciding fifth set.

Once again the Horsham team bounced out of the blocks to set-up an unassailable lead and won the match, 15-6.

Administration Support

Horsham

Closing date: June 22, 2023

Duties:

Warrnambool then defeated Ballarat to set up a gold medal match for the ages.

In the final, Horsham took the first set, only to see Warrnambool bounce back and take the second set.

The team fought hard and took the third, but Warrnambool came out hard in the fourth to set up a 16-13 lead.

The next six points can only be described as the most unbelievable six

points ever seen, with the team refusing to yield in the face of an all-out attack from their opponents, as they made some huge defensive plays in extremely tight situations, and in the blink of an eye, the game turned on its head as the team raced to a 19-16 lead.

From there on, it was only a matter of time and with a Warrnambool spike sailing wide on match point, Horsham celebrated a famous victory.

In another nail biter, Volleyball Horsham’s junior girls lost to Riddells Creek in a five-set gold medal match, to add a silver medal to their gold from last year.

To top off a great weekend, four Volleyball Horsham members were recognised as All Star Sevens – Molly Carter in women’s division one, Mercedes Arnott in women’s division two, Sebastian Maggs in men’s division three and Kylie Angue in junior girls.

A big shout out to all the parents and friends who helped the seven Volleyball Horsham teams competing in Mildura across the weekend.

Panel Beater & Assembly

Horsham

Closing date: June 22, 2023

Duties:

• Trade qualification in Commercial Cookery

• Demonstrated experience in a similar role

• Adaptable and able to work under pressure

• This role requires staff to be vaccinated against COVID-19

For more information contact Paul Barnett on 0458 706 272.

Bistro Supervisor

Horsham

Closing date: June 22, 2023

Duties:

• Conducting regular inspections of the restaurant kitchen

• Checking in on dining customers to enquire about food quality and service

• Monitoring the restaurant’s cash flow and settling outstanding bills

• Resolving customer complaints in a professional manner

• Managing restaurant staff’s work schedules

For more information contact Paul Barnett on 0458 706 272.

• Ordering parts & responding to emails

• Liaising with the workshop manager

• Answering phone calls and attending to customers

• General administration duties

For more information contact Paul Barnett on 0458 706 272.

Business Traineeship

Nhill

Closing date: June 15, 2023

Duties:

• Answer and respond to all incoming phone call and enquiries

• Coordinate administrative duties and prioritise tasks

• Liaise with members of the team undertaking all duties required

• Other administrative tasks as required

For more information contact Daryl Eastwell on 0407 364 654.

• Assessing vehicles for damage and providing quotes and insurance reports

• Using specialist tools and machinery, e.g. hydraulic equipment and pneumatic saws

• Straightening damaged panels or creating new ones

• Spraying painting panels to match the vehicle colour

• Disassemble cars

• Pre-repair & assemble cars post repair

For more information contact Paul Barnett on 0458 706 272.

Apprentice Light Vehicle Mechanic

Warracknabeal

Closing date: ASAP

Duties:

• Undertake routine services on light vehicles

• Repair and replace worn/damaged motor parts

• Undertake preventive inspection to identify potential mechanical faults

• Use technical equipment to test the function of engines and their parts

For more information contact Chris Barber on 0427 346 655.

SUCCESS: Victorian Country Championship winners, from left, Molly Carter, Kara Johnson, Emily Hannan, Tamikah Dockrill, David Berry, Eadie Garth-Lindsay, Cleo Baker, Laelah Robertson and Anita Liu.

“The next six points can only be described as the most unbelievable six points ever seen”

SPort

Teams establish ladder positions

BY SIMON KING

Aftera week off while senior country championships were played in Melbourne, Wimmera Hockey Association competition is nearing the halfway point of its 15-round season when it resumes with round seven at Kaniva this weekend.

In the open competition, while ladder-leading Yanac Tigers have a bye and will still be in that position on Saturday evening regardless of other results, the two games to be played will start to sort out the pecking order of the remaining teams.

Horsham Hurricanes have only dropped one game this season, to the undefeated Tigers, and although they will find Kaniva Cobras a challenge on their home ground, recent form suggests they will continue their surge and take the points.

The Cobras have shown glimpses of good form this season, but if they are to be a serious challenger when finals come around, they must start to deliver some consistency.

The other match in this division will see Warracknabeal Hoops make their longest trip for the season to take on Nhill Rangers. The Hoops need to work on stringing some wins together and should be able to overcome the luckless Rangers.

The feature game of this round will pitch first against third in the women’s competition.

Kaniva is undefeated and will be hard to beat on their home ground, but when Horsham Jets get their best combination on the field, they must be taken seriously. This is the perfect opportunity for the Jets to make a statement about their potential later in the season.

Nhill Thunderbirds and Warracknabeal have one win each, and the winner of this game will finish the round in the top four, while the loser will have their work cut out in the remaining matches to break back into finals contention.

Yanac has the bye but will still finish the round in second place.

A top-of-the-ladder clash in the under-16 competition will open the round, and while Horsham Bombers will strive to preserve their undefeated status, the plucky Kaniva Raiders will not be easy to beat on their home turf.

The Bombers deserve to enter this encounter as favourites, but the Raiders are on a threematch winning streak and could challenge the status quo.

Warrack Revengers have not had a successful start to their season, and their game against Nhill Leopards is their best chance to remain in the race for the finals.

A Leopards’ win will create a two-win gap between them in fourth place and the Revengers in fifth, while a Warracknabeal win will narrow the gap and keep them in the hunt.

The two points Yanac Warriors receive for the bye will be enough to keep third on the ladder.

BIG

AFL Wimmera Mallee Umpires took to the Melbourne Cricket Ground on Monday to umpire Auskick at halftime of the Melbourne and Collingwood round 13 clash. The marquee game marked the ninth year of the Big Freeze, a fundraising venture to raise awareness and money to fight Motor Neurone Disease, MND. The opportunity gave junior umpires a chance to showcase their skills in an exciting environment and be involved in a significant round for the AFL. Pictured, from left, are Kirrily Dandy, Amelia Van Buuren, Henry Walsgott, Phoenix Hopper, Zac Van Buuren, Malakai Van Buuren, Chloe Haughton, Sienna Walsgott, Kynan Stasinowsky, Jazz Hopper and Sam Borgas.

Dr. Pauline Walsh

Headaches - they’re common, in fact they are so common that pharmaceutical companies would have you believe that they’re normal and they have a list of pills for a quick fix so you can soldier on with your day.

So what’s the best thing to do.

1) Stop and think why you have a headache, maybe you need to have a couple of glasses of water, maybe eat something, maybe you need to sit out of the glaring hot sun, maybe you’re tired?

2) Have those 2 glasses of water and sit quietly and have a rest if you can.

3) See your chiropractor.

Chiropractors are great at looking after headaches. A good chiropractor will listen and take a comprehensive history. They will check your spine to see what stiffness and fixations are attributing to the problem. It maybe a simple adjustment that helps you or it maybe more complicated. No matter what the issue a good chiropractor can assist and guide you to have the best possible outcome and work with other professionals to the benefit of your health.

Interesting fact : children suffer headaches and migraines, however they often start off as tummy pains and as the child gets older become headaches and migraines.

Chiropractors are good at identifying these issues too.

B. Clinc Sci B. App. Sci (Chiropractic), DACCP

STAGE:

Junior reps

Horsham District league junior football representatives are preparing for their first interleague match since 2019. Squads, including, from left, under-13s coach Travis Mackley and footballer Arkie Mackley, along with under-15 and under-17 squads will play against Maryborough Castlemaine District Football Netball League at Navarre on Sunday. Junior netballers including 13-and-under netballer Mahlie Tepper, coach Brooklyn Fraser and their team played interleague matches alongside 15-and-under and 17-and-under squads at Association Championships in Bendigo last month. The 13-and-under team made semi-finals at the championships. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Employment Consultant - Stawell

St Brigid’s College Horsham year-11 students Emily Botterill, Ulani Hobbs and Francine Aroza explore future career options available to them ahead of the Western Victorian Careers Expo, which returns to the Wimmera Events Centre at Longerenong on Tuesday. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Open invitation for community

BY SEAN O’CONNELL

Studentsplanning for life after secondary school, or adults looking for a change of career, can meet with education providers, employment agencies, industry and everything in between at the Western Victorian Careers Expo on Tuesday.

Organiser David Crooks said he was expecting more than 2000 attendees for the expo’s 38th year, including students from 25 schools and other job seekers.

Mr Crooks said the expo was a free event and open to the community, addressing everything to do with employment, careers and opportunities.

“The expo is perceived a little bit as a school event, but it is important that career-changers, job seekers and parents of students know they are more than welcome to attend,” he said.

Mr Crooks said low levels of unemployment across the region had encouraged businesses to make strides to recruit from schools.

“Certainly all the major industries are present,” he said.

“We have trade and engineering, strong support from health care and local shires –because we draw from more than 12 local government areas.”

Mr Crooks said the expo also included a jobs market section, where organisations could post situations vacant for people to explore.

He said a Skillinvest drop-in centre would cater for people wanting to register interest for vacancies in apprenticeships and traineeships across the Wimmera, Mallee and Grampians.

Mr Crooks said the event, at Longerenong, near Horsham, was one of the largest careers expos in regional Victoria, with schools travelling from as far as Swan Hill, Casterton and Lake Bolac to attend.

“There are 75 exhibitors this year, including the Tertiary Information Session Roadshow incorporating about 15 higher education and tertiary education organisations, which takes us to more than 90 information points,” he said.

Mr Crooks said major sponsor Federation University would bring back its try-atrade outdoor activities.

ACE Radio will broadcast live from the venue, with interviews and information on MIXX FM throughout the day.

Mr Crooks said there were multiple seminars running throughout the morning, from 10.15am until noon, where attendees could seek more information about a range of careers and topics.

VCE Vocational Major ‘exciting change’

Along-term leader of applied learning says the introduction of the VCE Vocational Major for 2023 has been an exciting and positive change.

Horsham’s St Brigid’s College careers and pathways co-ordinator Lesley Lannen said she had been a strong advocate of the Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning, VCAL, across her 16 years working in vocational training.

The VCE Vocational Major replaced the existing Victorian Certificate of Applied Learning, VCAL, integrating it into the VCE framework as a two-year certificate. The major is aimed at students who are looking to pursue apprenticeships, traineeships and further education at the conclusion of their secondary school education.

“The structure of the VCE Vocational Major includes literacy, numeracy, personal development skills, work-related skills, and the completion of a VET Certificate II or III,” she said.

She said students could participate in structured, workplace learning leading to educational and training outcomes.

“In the past, it has resulted in students

achieving school-based apprenticeships, full-time apprenticeships and traineeships as well as moving on to further education, such as diplomas,” she said.

Mrs Lannen said the VCE Vocational Major was student-centred, allowing them to pursue their interests and goals.

“As students progress through the two years of the certificate, they build on knowledge and skills that will further strengthen their learning outcomes,” she said.

Mrs Lannen said there was a strong applied learning network in the Wimmera, with schools supporting each other through the introduction of the new certificate.

“The VCE Vocational Major continues to build on relationships between schools and external organisations such as Wimmera Southern Mallee LLEN and Skillinvest,” she said.

“As a community of practice leader for the implementation of the VCE Vocational Major, I have been able to work with several schools in south-west Wimmera and witness their dedication to developing programs that are student directed.”

EAST GRAMPIANS HEALTH SERVICE

Improving the health of our community

East Grampians Health Service values a learning culture, we strive to continually learn and develop through education, training, mentoring and by teaching others. Meet members of the East Grampians Health Service team at the Wimmera Careers Expo, to learn more about the exciting and diverse careers a health service can o er!

COMING TOGETHER: Wimmera Southern Mallee Local Learning and Employment Network’s David Crooks is organising this year’s Western Victorian Careers Expo at Wimmera Events Centre, at Longerenong.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Free travel to expo

Jobseekers and career changers can visit the Western Victorian Careers Expo at Longerenong on Tuesday via a free bus service. Expo organiser David Crooks said sponsorship from Jobs Victoria would fund the service, taking people to the Wimmera Events Centre, near Horsham, where the expo is held.

He said people wanting to take the bus would need to be at the YMCA carpark in Hamilton Street, Horsham, prior to the 10am departure. The service includes a return run at 12.30pm.

Mr Crooks said reasons to visit the event included job opportunities, training options, apprenticeship information and the chance to meet employers.

People wanting to use the bus service can register by calling 0419 978 702 or emailing info@wimmeracareerexpo.com

SUPPORT: Lesley Lannen, careers and pathways co-ordinator at Horsham’s St Brigid’s College, says the VCE Vocational Major is a great option. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Diesel Technicians – Qualified & Apprenticeships

Right now at William Adams Cat, we have career opportunities for qualified Diesel Technicians, as well as Apprenticeships.

If you are a qualified Diesel Technician/Mechanic with experience working on Caterpillar gear, we want to hear from you! We can offer

•

• Relocation assistance up to $5000 for eligible candidates

If you are just finishing school, or seeking a change, a Diesel Technician Apprenticeship will set you up for a lifelong career.

Completing your apprenticeship with William Adams means not only will you work with some of the best trades people in the business… YOU will also receive:

• A nationally accredited training qualification, paid for by William Adams

• A subsidised toolkit worth over $6000

• A Caterpillar passport which allows you to work for any Cat dealer around the world

• A full uniform including personal protective equipment (PPE)

•Above award wages and opportunities to earn more with reasonable overtime

Don’t settle for any job, THINK BIG and join the William Adams Cat team.

To apply, visit our website: williamadams.com.au/careers, or call our Recruitment team on 03 9566 0700 with any questions.

Even better, drop into our Horsham branch or visit us at the Western Victorian Careers Expo at Wimmera Events Centre, Longerenong on Tuesday 21st June.

Types of Organisational Roles

2023

20th

Employment Consultant - Stawell

GCH Careers - you

part of your community - be someone making a difference for people in your community.

Expo promoting life-long learning

BY SEAN O’CONNELL

TheWestern Victorian Careers Expo allows jobseekers and people looking for a career change to assess their options.

Federation TAFE Wimmera campus manager skills plan delivery Vanessa O’Loughlin said a push to attract people looking for a career change aligned with the institution’s promotion of life-long learning.

She said Federation TAFE would be visible at the event with a try-a-trade section, skills and jobs centre and Aboriginal education centre.

Wimmera campus director Christine Brown said representatives from Federation TAFE would be on-hand with information about options to study locally.

“If anybody is looking to re-enter the workforce, or they have qualifications that might be outdated, come and have a talk to us,” she said.

“We have people you can seek career advice from, and find out where the in-demand jobs are.”

Mrs Brown said people interested in courses that might be offered ‘at night’ were encouraged to express their interest, because that could lead to more

offerings if quantifiable demand existed among the community.

Mrs O’Loughlin said pressure to fill skills shortages in regional areas required more people to re-train and upskill.

“There is also a need to return to study,” she said.

“Whether that is because you want a career change for a higher income, for your personal values, achievements or what you are interested in.

“Health is a really great example.

“A few people are coming out of different careers and saying, ‘I actually really want to re-train as a nurse’.”

Skillinvest regional operations manager Jodi Bigmore said pursuing a traineeship or apprenticeship was an excellent option for people wanting to learn new skills or change their career.

“An apprenticeship or traineeship provides an opportunity to receive on-the-job training and gain practical experience in a specific field, while simultaneously working towards a recognised qualification,” she said.

“It’s an effective way to learn and grow professionally, while being paid to complete a qualification.”

General manager of operations Glen

Pohlner said Skillinvest offered a range of supports to jobseekers including mentoring, resume checks, application advice, mock interviews, registering for work and building relationships with employers.

Longerenong College head of campus Avril Hogan said the college welcomed mature-aged students wanting to gain qualifications.

She said various short courses, a diploma of applied agronomy and certificate IV in wool classing were popular with people returning to study or seeking new skills.

Bringing down barriers for new apprentices Dr Grenfell special guest

Twoworkers from diverse backgrounds and age demographics are pursuing new qualifications at a Horsham hospitality and entertainment venue as part of their career journeys.

Teresita Stokes, 73, is beginning an apprenticeship in commercial cookery at Horsham RSL and Ehklo Soe, 18, is undertaking a certificate III hospitality traineeship.

Horsham RSL administration officer Catherine Sellens said she was glad both apprentices were willing to accept offers for further training.

“Ehklo Soe has come from a refugee background. He has been working with us as a casual staff member since he was 16 or 17,” she said.

“He speaks Karen at home. To want to take that next step in hospitality is great.”

Mrs Sellens said staff had made a concerted effort to support and train Ehklo Soe, who is learning English. She said some of the staff had to learn to speak more slowly, and he had been given the nickname ‘Echo’.

Mrs Sellens said Mrs Stokes had worked in kitchens for a long time before taking up the three-year apprenticeship.

“She came in looking for kitchen work last year and she has worked as a casual kitchen hand,” she said.

“Chefs at the moment are very hard to find, to keep the kitchen running, so we thought, ‘why not offer her the skills’.”

Mrs Sellens said the commercial cookery apprentice had come from a Filipino background and has learned skills that allow her to work in the

RSL kitchen as an apprentice chef.

Mrs Sellens said the RSL covered the cost of both of the courses and aimed to guarantee them work as they upskilled and furthered their careers.

Mrs Sellens said they were both signed up through apprenticeship centre MAS National and would

commence their further training on July 3.

Mrs Sellens said registered training organisations visiting apprentices at their place of employment benefited regional workers.

“It is a little bit hard in the Wimmera, with hospitality training, so it’s great a lot of RTOs are coming into

businesses. We have one apprentice chef who travels to Mildura for trade school.”

Mrs Sellens said visiting registered training organisations benefited learners who might be unable to drive to a training provider or lacked the confidence to attend.

DrRob Grenfell, chief strategy and regions officer at Grampians Health, is the keynote speaker at the 2023 Western Victorian Careers Expo. Organiser David Crooks said Dr Grenfell was chosen in line with this year’s theme for the event, health.

Previous years have focused on sport and mental health.

“Each year we try to have a theme and that’s health this time around,” Mr Crooks said.

“Every health group across the region has a massive amount of vacancies and the ultimate goal of the expo is for businesses to attract employees.”

Mr Crooks said Dr Grenfell, who has lived in the Grampians region for much of his life, would speak about careers in regional health.

Dr Grenfell grew up in Horsham and ran a general practice in Natimuk for 13 years.

He was appointed health and biosecurity director at CSIRO in 2016 and was overseeing a team at one of the country’s most secure scientific laboratories – the CSIRO Australian Animal Health Lab in Geelong – in the global fight to stop the spread of COVID-19.

He was integral to Grampians Heath’s COVID response regionally as a public health physician specialist in the Grampians Public Health Unit in 2021 and officially joined Grampians Health as chief strategy and regions officer in May 2022.

Mr Crooks said Australian Defence Force representatives would also present about recruitment opportunities.

OPTIONS: Teresita Stokes, 73, is completing an apprenticeship in commercial cookery and Ehklo Soe, 18, is completing a Certificate III hospitality traineeship at Horsham RSL. They are pictured with supervisor Catherine Sellens, centre.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Busine working be er

CURRENT VACANCIES

Health Care Workers, Home and Residential

Positions available in Warracknabeal, Hopetoun and Beulah. We welcome applications from those who hold a Certificate III in Home and Community Services, Aged Care, Disability or equivalent. We also invite applications from less qualified candidates that may not hold a certificate in home and community services.

Allied Health Assistant

Part time or Full time position available for a motivated team player wanting a career in Allied Health. In this role you will work closely with Allied Health professionals to support the range of services offered across the Community Health, Residential and Acute Care settings at Rural Northwest Health. Applications are welcomed by unqualified candidates as training will be provided.

Clinical Support Nurse

Full time position available for a passionate Clinical Support Nurse. In this role you will be responsible for providing ongoing clinical supervision, mentoring to Registered and Enrolled Nurses, including graduates and students of nursing, Allied Health and Medical students while on placement. Applications are welcomed from those with at least three years post graduate experience as a Registered Nurse with a passion for clinical education.

Nurse Unit Manager - Acute/Urgent Care

Full time position available for a highly skilled and dedicated Nurse Unit Manager. In this important role you will be responsible for the day to day operations and management of clinical care, and performance monitoring of the acute and urgent care team members. Applications are welcomed from those with a 3 year minimum experience in a similar role.

To go to our current vacancies scan this QR code or checkout our website www.latituderecruitment.com.au

CONTACT US: HORSHAM OFFICE 0421 006 353 www.latituderecruitment.com.au

Work At

Your job is important

The work of prison officers helps make the community safer for everyone.

Your outlook matters

✓ Meaningful work and the opportunity to make a difference

✓ Job security plus generous salary options

When - 28 th June 2023 at 6.00 – 7.30pm Hopkins Correctional Centre 156a Warrak Rd Ararat Register your interest by emailing us at workathopkins@justice.vic.gov.au

✓ Job security plus generous salary options

✓ Flexible work arrangements that help you find a work/life balance

✓

✓ Flexible work arrangements that help you find a work/life balance

✓ A supportive team that encourages training and development

Hopkins Correctional Centre recruitment Expo will provide an insight into what working in a prison is really like and will be conducted in the Visit Centre at Hopkins Correctional Centre.

Staff will be on hand to discuss a range of career opportunities available across the Prison site.

We need people who are passionate about the job, enjoy their work and are motivated to serve the community

Your experience counts

All life experience are highly valued in the prison officer role and every person has the potential to make a good prison officer.

Karen Bryant Director Bianca Rogers Admin Support

Cathie Ferguson Recruitment Consultant Mt Gambier

Jade Gartside Recruitment Consultant Horsham

The Weekly Advertiser asked senior school students across the region about their career aspirations following high school. Below are their responses.

Careers with Smallaire

Smallaire is holding an interactive site at the Western Victoria Careers Expo where you can have a go at welding for yourself.

I’d

Get hands on experience with the help of a professional team that works with clients across Australia and oversees, including the United States, Russia, Holland, South Africa and more

“I’m a final year apprentice for metal fabrication with Smallaire. Smallaire offers a great environment with a nice wide variety of work to do everyday... you learn a lot of different skills. By the time you get to tradeschool, Smallaire have already taught you a lot of the skills you need to know, so school is a breeze.”

He is now Qualified and is an OH&S Officer and Metal Fabricator Supervisor

I would like to become an architect. I like how it combines mathematics and design, and I would feel like I am contributing something to the growth of our country.

I want to go into graphic design, industrial communications, probably more in TV and cartoons or designs for posters, billboards and advertising.

Grant Dumesny was an awardwinning apprentice of the year in 2014. He left after his apprenticeship to try other elds of welding and now has returned to Smallaire as he enjoys working for us so much.

Jock Baker, left, has worked for Smallaire for 29 years. He began worked in the factory, became a supervisor, completed his metal fab apprenticeship with us as an adult, and has since become the general manager of Smallaire. He is also a shareholder.

Smallaire lets you gain optimum experience and allows staff to grow. We offer mature-age and school-based apprenticeships.

Josh Leith

Winner of Manufacturing & Innovation Award

Reinhard Vix Nhill College

Something to do with nutrition, particularly dietitian.

Scott Forbes Nhill College Civil engineer outside Australia.

Gretta Arnel St Brigid’s College

Something with sports science such as psychology or occupational therapy to deal with people’s well-being.

Maddie Carracher St Brigid’s College

Hugo Hopper Horsham College

like to attend university at ACU in Brisbane to study nursing paramedicine.

Taniesha Williams Nhill College

Mayah Crouch Nhill College

I’m going to become a registered nurse but eventually I’m going to join the police force and become a homicide detective.

Tamarra Killackey Nhill College Screenwriting, something to do with film.

Tuesday, June 20

Wimmera Events Centre,

HORSHAM: Metal Fabricator

Machinery Sales

BORDERTOWN: Parts Interpreter

BIRCHIP: General Duties

Parts Interpreter

ALL LOCATIONS: Diesel Mechanic

BY SEAN O’CONNELL

It is often thought there is a lack of employment opportunities in regional Victoria.

However, Wimmera Southern Mallee Development chief executive Chris Sounness said there was actually a wide array of jobs vacant in the Wimmera and southern Mallee.

“We’ve done some research throughout the past couple of years and have found there are a minimum of 2500 jobs available in the area,” he said.

Mr Sounness said employment opportunities ranged from fast food service through to manufacturing and business management.

He said these opportunities were made more attractive because of a positive workplace culture and community feel of working in the region.

“That’s the great thing about living in a rural or regional community –you know you are making a meaningful difference,” he said.

Mr Sounness said working in the region allowed people to balance lifestyle choices and career opportunities in a way that might not be possible in larger cities.

“I think people in the Wimmera and southern Mallee really appreciate the region – you can get ahead, have a family and a career,” he said.

Mr Sounness said developments in agriculture during the next five to 10 years would mean more jobs for the region.

He said the agriculture sector was-

not limited to physical work, with advancements in tractors and satellite technology diversifying the range of careers in the sector.

He said renewable energy would be another boon for regional jobs, as seen with the Murra Wurra Wind Farm, as well as the Avonbank Mineral Sands project, which would provide even more jobs if it gains approval to proceed.

Mr Sounness said these key sectors would lead to a whole range of benefits for the area.

“I see growth across the region,” he said.

Research from the Regional Australia Institute showed that job advertisements in regional areas grew three times faster than in metropolitan Australia in late 2022.

Chief executive Liz Richie said the organisation’s latest report, Regional Jobs 2022: The Big Skills Challenge, identified gaps in the regional workforce.

“This report shines a light on the unprecedented challenge playing out in regional Australia, as labour supply struggles to keep up with demand,” she said.

Ms Ritchie said the report found

demand for workers in regional areas hit record levels in 2022, especially in the health sector.

“Medical practitioner and nurse vacancies in regions represented almost half of the total national vacancies for this occupation grouping, despite regional Australia representing only one third of the population,” she said.

“Job vacancy growth year-on-year shows that the regions are falling further and further behind in trying to secure staff.

“Without intervention, the gap potentially will widen.”

I am planning on studying mechatronics engineering and becoming a person who works in robotics. I am going to go to Swinburne University and do a Bachelor of Engineering, possibly a double degree. I haven’t decided yet.

At this stage after I finish school I would like to go to university in Adelaide and become something in the law-criminology area. I’m also interested in business and architecture and would love to own my own business one day.

AVAILABLE: Wimmera Southern Mallee Development chief executive Chris Sounness says there are about 2500 jobs available in the region.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Callahan Elliott Nhill College

Edie Mason Horsham College

Exhibitor List

PLEASE NOTE THE ROOM NUMBER/FEATURE ROOM. REFER TO SITE MAP ON PAGE 2. *Seminars subject to change

LONGY TOURS!

Leaving on the hour every hour from 10.30am!

Meet at the Events Centre Office.

Longerenong College is one of Australia’s leading tertiary institutions specialising in agriculture. Experience living onsite, the data farm and even have selfies in the animal nursery!

Seminar Schedule

Dr Robert Grenfell, Grampians

Exhibitor Site Map

INDUSTRIAL SPRAY

O'Connors

New classrooms opening doors

BY SEAN O’CONNELL

Tertiary education options in the Wimmera are growing, with opportunities for education and training in different fields on the rise.

Federation TAFE Wimmera campus director Christine Brown said the organisation was increasing opportunities for higher education in the region via a new learning program called Connected Classrooms.

Mrs Brown said classrooms would be set up with cameras and microphones for students to participate in a digital classroom environment, as part of the program.

“Getting Connected Classrooms on campus gives us a space for students to access teachers and tutors at different locations,” she said.

“They might be in Gippsland, Ballarat or Mt Helen.

“We are looking at having two Con-

nected Classrooms operating in the next few months. There will be a smaller one first and then a bigger project, hopefully by the end of the year.”

Mrs Brown said the interactive classrooms would allow students in the region to access course offerings that would not have been available at the Wimmera campus previously.

“You can only run viable group sizes, of about 15 or so people, and you might only have four students who want to be able to access that particular specialisation in the regions,” she said.

Mrs Brown said the initiative allowed Wimmera-based students to access many of the higher education programs they would have had to leave the area for previously.

“The Bachelor of Nursing will be a pathway opportunity for our current diploma of nursing students who want to go on to further study,” she said.

Federation TAFE manager skills plan

delivery Vanessa O’Loughlin said the program would make university more accessible to people wanting, or needing, to study locally.

“I think, too, when you are looking at Connected Classrooms, it helps students who would normally have to pay for rent, food and travel in Ballarat or Melbourne,” she said.

“Lots of people have families, farms or children at school who are returning to study as mature-age students.”

Mrs Brown said expanding and maintaining tertiary education programs was crucial to helping people in regional areas.

“That’s why we are having more programs online or blended delivery and having Connected Classrooms,” she said.

“We do know some of our trainees travel over an hour, sometimes close to two hours, to attend a particular program.”

Mrs Brown said she hoped in the fu-

ture that Connected Classrooms would mean students might only need to travel for certain classes, such as a lab or workshop, and complete the remainder of their course work remotely.

Skillinvest regional operations manager Jodi Bigmore said it was a common belief that people felt they needed to travel outside of the region to gain qualifications.

She said while some trade qualifications required leaving the region for periods of time, this was not always needed.

“In most cases, the training is conducted on-site, eliminating the need for extensive travel,” she said.

She said Skillinvest could help people gain qualifications through traineeships or apprenticeships while working in real-world environments.

“Through Skillinvest’s traineeship or apprenticeship programs, individuals can receive on-the-job training, valuable experience, and earn a qualifica-

tion — all while being paid,” she said. Longerenong College head of campus Avril Hogan said studying in regional areas could be as much about the broader experience as it was gaining a qualification.

She said Longerenong College had become a ‘destination’ for students from regional New South Wales, Queensland and for those already living in the Wimmera and Mallee.

She said the college had many offerings including full-time agriculture courses and more training for people already working, including in precision agriculture and the diploma of applied agronomy.

“If students are more interested in working, they can actually do a farm apprenticeship,” she said.

“That is two years working with a farmer. You study in block units, a week at a time for five weeks out of the year.”

Tapping into ‘what is out there’ Longerenong College tours

People who face additional barriers to study or training have the opportunity to learn what programs are available to them when they visit the 2023 Western Victorian Careers Expo.

Reconnect support officer Kim Boulton said she could help people across a ‘huge’ age range into study, from 17 to 64, as part of her work at Federation TAFE’s Wimmera campus.

“If it is identified that someone might need some extra support into an educational course or has some barriers, they refer that person to me as the Reconnect pathways officer,” she said.

Mrs Boulton said the program took a client-centred approach, finding out what people’s needs were and what suited them best.

“It is about identifying their goals when they are coming to Reconnect and helping them address the challenges they have,” she said.

“I’m helping build their confidence and supporting them while they are training and also helping them get into work. Some people are getting jobs while they are studying, which is great.”

Mrs Boulton said the expo was the perfect opportunity for adult learners, in particular, to see whether Reconnect was a program that could help them get into training.

“It could be someone who has been a carer in the family, whether that’s children, parents or siblings, and maybe they are looking to train to get work into the future,” she said.

“It could be somebody who has been looking after children and the children have gone off to school and they are looking to train for work as well.”

Mrs Boulton said people might be eligible for the program across a wide range of scenarios,. She said there were some exemptions and people could contact her to discuss their options.

“It’s just tapping into what is out there. If I can’t help a client, there is always the skills and jobs centre on campus as well to help them with what they may need,” she said. “That might be updating their resume or helping look for work. If I can’t help them with that intensive support, there is another spot they can go.”

Abus from the 2023 Western Victorian Careers Expo will be available to people wanting to tour Longerenong College.

Visitors to the event can board the hourly bus to the college, or organise a tour at a later date.

Longerenong College head of campus Avril Hogan said the tours would enable people to see the wide range of offerings at the college.

“The college is a 1100-hectare farm with all kinds of different broadacre farming, 1000 sheep and 40 cows,” she said. “We take them through the DATA farm where we have the precision agriculture technology.”

Ms Hogan said people would also visit the hall where classes were held along with the vehicle training centre, shearing shed and sheep yard.

Other areas including working paddocks and a farm machinery area, where machinery such as a Case Magnum tractor are kept, will be on display.

She said there were 107 dorm rooms on site with the college in the process of constructing three seven-bedroom facilities, three four-bedroom facilities and a conference room, due to open soon.

HELP ON HAND: Federation TAFE’s Reconnect support officer Kim Boulton is helping people get into training at the Wimmera campus.

Site encourages ‘hands on’

Students

and jobseekers will have an opportunity to win a prize while trying their hand at several trades at Tuesday’s Western Victorian Careers Expo.

Laser Plumbing and Electrical Horsham staff have been busy putting together a three-step competition for the Longerenong event, comprising electrical, plumbing and HVAC – Heating, Ventilation and Air-Conditioning – tasks.

Expo-goers can attempt the competition throughout the day, with the fastest male and female entrants to take home a prize.

Laser Horsham maintenance manager Corey Tucker said the competition provided participants with an opportunity to see some of the trades’ basic tasks, first-hand.

“We also hope it will encourage students and jobseekers to come over to our site and have a chat with the guys about what we do, the various trade options we offer and the career pathways available to them,” he said.

“Our business employs about 70 staff in a wide range of roles, with jobs ranging from multi-million-dollar major projects through to oneperson jobs. We work throughout the Wimmera and southern Mallee, so there is a huge variety of tasks and workplaces.

“We have a strong focus on staff training and development and are constantly striving to better our business and our workforce.”

Mr Tucker said the careers expo

was a great event and enabled students to explore various career options and learn about different industries.

“They can interact directly with employers from a wide range of fields, ask questions and gather information about job roles, qualifications and advancement opportunities,” he said. “It helps students make more informed decisions about their career paths.”

Mr Tucker said Laser Horsham had a great relationship with the region’s secondary schools and traditionally sourced its apprentices with help from school careers advisors.

“We are a long-term supporter of Structured Workplace Learning, which enables students to integrate on-the-job experience with their studies,” he said.

“We also offer work experience placements, with many students go-

ing on to complete apprenticeships with us.

“There are so many benefits, such as skill development and career pathways, which we are happy to talk about and answer any questions.

“Parents whose children are interested in plumbing, electrical or HVAC trades can also give us a call for more information.”

Laser Plumbing and Electrical is at site 97 in the Try-A-Trade section.

St

My career aspirations are to be a primary school teacher or a kindergarten teacher. This stems from my deep commitment to supporting and helping people. I believe education is a powerful tool that can positively influence young people’s lives and set them on a path of success and personal growth.

I would like to attend university to study education and psychology. Career-wise, I would like to work in a primary school environment as a classroom teacher, and maybe someday in some sort of principal position, or working in student wellbeing.

The CitiPower and Powercor Apprenticeship Program

Imagine feeling great about coming to work every day

Applications for the CitiPower | Powercor 2024 apprentice program will open shortly.

People of all ages, genders, abilities and LGBTIQ+ identities are encouraged to apply.

Ap prentice roles are offered across 14 regional and metropolitan locations around the state, for: lineworkers, underground cable jointers and substation electricians.

B e nefits of working with us

• Excellent future career opportunities

• Inclusive team

• Competitive salary and generous benefits

• A mentor to support your career journey

• Structured training and development

• Paid TAFE, tuition fees, all uniforms and tools provided

To f ind out more, speak with us at the Western Victorian Careers Expo at booth 92 or visit our careers page at https://www.powercor.com.au/careers/

Scan the QR code to hear Neil Roberts, Technical Training Manager share valuable application tips and information.

CitiPower | Powercor

A g reat place to work

We a re Australia’s best urban and rural distribution networks, providing safe, reliable and affordable electricity supplies to over a million households and businesses.

TRY A TRADE: Laser Plumbing and Electrical Horsham electrician Jack Brennan sets up a hands-on competition for the Western Victorian Careers Expo, with prizes up for grabs for the fastest accurate participants.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Grady McCourt

Brigid’s College

Madison Smith Horsham College

Pathway to jobs in mining

Wimmera-based

WIM Resource, an Australian leader in mineral sands development, is a proud major sponsor of the 2023 Western Victorian Careers Expo.

WIM Resource officials will attend the expo again this year and host an interactive stand showcasing the mineral sands industry.

They will also host a key presentation discussing careers in mining and future job opportunities working with WIM Resource at the proposed Avonbank project at Dooen, near Horsham.

WIM Resource stakeholder and community liaison officer Murray Wilson said the expo would include an ‘exciting’ new feature this year.

“In a first for the expo, WIM Resource will be displaying, on-site, a unique mini spiral separator machine which models exactly how, using water and gravity, minerals sands are able to be efficiently and effectively separated as part of the mining process,” he said.

“WIM Resource, in a collaboration with Bestech Australia, will also be displaying the internationally renowned Simlog civil operations simulator from Bestech Australia as part of an exciting concept to introduce new career choices within the mining industry.

“The innovative hands-on simulator will be able to take students from the classroom to the virtual work site as they explore their aptitude, de-

velop real skills and learn safe work habits operating heavy earthmoving machinery.”

Mr Wilson said the simulator would provide unique insights for people considering a career in mining.

“The high-tech interactive simulator will expose users to possible future careers operating a range of mining equipment, which could encourage participants to set themselves on a

path to jobs in the mining industry,” he said.

“Our simulator at the careers expo will provide a learning environment that encourages skills exploration and will foster a new approach towards learning and a better appreciation and understanding of the type of local jobs that WIM Resource could be offering in the near future as part of our proposed Avonbank project.”

Careers in the media

Themedia industry offers a broad range of exciting career opportunities – and ACE Radio will again offer people the chance to learn more when they attend next week’s careers expo.

Announcers Kaycee Bould and Kayla Wilson will broadcast live, from the careers expo site, in an extended ‘Old School Lunchbox’ program on MIXX FM, from 10am to 2pm on Tuesday.

ACE Radio representatives will also be on hand to share their experiences of working in radio and newspaper – and in roles such as news and journalism, voice overs and on-air, digital content, copy writing, promotions and sales, traffic, graphic design and production.

The ACE Radio team in Horsham produces The Weekly Advertiser newspaper and is home to radio stations, MIXX FM and 3WM.

ACE Radio Horsham content director Adam Roche said broadcasting from the careers expo was a highlight for the team and attendees alike.

Mr Wilson encouraged people to visit the WIM Resource stand.

“It will be a fun and engaging exhibit, with hands-on activities and interactive displays and a great chance to meet the team to learn about mineral sands mining and the planned Avonbank project north of Horsham,” he said.

“This is an incredible opportunity for attendees of the careers expo to come and discuss with ACE Radio careers in our industry,” he said.

The Weekly Advertiser editorial director Jessica Grimble said local journalism remained vital to local communities – and the unique nature of ACE Radio, working in various mediums, demonstrated the breadth of opportunities available to people wanting to pursue a media career.

HANDS ON: Students try out the internationally renowned Simlog civil operations simulator, from Bestech Australia, while visiting the WIM Resource stand at last year’s careers expo.

At Wades, we believe in empowering our team members to reach their full potential. We offer comprehensive training programs and continuous professional development opportunities.

Whether you’re just starting your career or looking to expand your skill set, our family is here to support your growth every step of the way. Together, we’ll nurture your talents and help you achieve greatness.

OPPORTUNITY: Students from across the region investigated career prospects at the 2022 Western Victorian Careers Expo. Pictured, clockwise from above: Liahna Spry learns about Army careers with her father corporal Aaron Stroobants; Charlotte Bicket, Donald, harvests a crop on Natimuk A and P Society’s virtual harvester with member Kane Sudholz; Charlie Eltringham, Federation University, shows Emmerson Lawes how to lay bricks; Emily Palmer, Kaniva, and Tessa Leach, Rainbow, check out a Forrest Fire Management truck; and Corey Longmuir, Horsham College, with Victoria Police Leading Senior Constable Clyde Lourensz.

Tuesday, June 20

Wimmera Events Centre,