The Weekly Advertiser - Wednesday, December 14, 2022

Traffic safety risk

BY JESSICA GRIMBLE

Horsham

businesses have vowed to fight a development they say poses a critical safety risk to customers and operations.

Kevin Dellar of Barbeques Galore and John Aisbett of Horsham Bearings will take a private development proposal for a retail and residential premises, fronting Wilson Street, to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal, VCAT.

They say while they support the physical building component of the proposal, its plans to direct rear access to the Wilson Street building via a driveway located between the

two businesses, fronting Darlot Street, was ‘dangerous’ and ‘lacked common sense’.

A 32-page report to Horsham Rural City Council’s latest meeting on Monday sought a planning permit for development of a six-lot subdivision including a retail premises, two dwellings and creation of ‘carriageway easement’.

The council’s communities and place director, Kevin O’Brien, said the developer needed to include provision for 79 carparking spaces, and develop a parking and traffic management plan, among a 47-point list of conditions of the permit.

The current proposal does not yet

include the traffic plan and sufficient parking.

The ‘carriageway easement’, being the privately-owned driveway between Barbeques Galore and Horsham Bearings, is currently used for loading and unloading deliveries and stock, and includes capacity for up to 25 customer carparks.

The two businesses have operated as neighbours for 16 years.

They have 21 days to lodge an objection to VCAT. If they lose the bid, they are responsible for costs.

“We control the traffic that comes in and out of this carpark,” Mr Aisbett said.

“If they put a driveway there, it

will mean uncontrollable movement of traffic that I think will create occupational health and safety problems, will be detrimental to customers and dangerous – and the council were willing to vote that through.”

Mr Dellar said: “The responsibility for safety, I believe, has been shoved on to us. It’s been pushed upon us.”

The pair has shown a range of alternative plans to the council that would mean the proposal would access the rear carparking from an existing driveway in Wilson Street, among other suggestions that consider future development of the land through to Selkirk Drive.

They say not all neighbouring busi-

nesses were aware of the proposal and their invitations to councillors to visit the site went largely unanswered.

“I don’t think the councillors have actually been briefed with the information we’ve supplied and that’s why the decisions have been made last night. They’ve been kept in the dark,” Mr Aisbett said.

Cr Les Power told Monday’s meeting traffic build-up in Hamilton and Darlot streets was ‘a bit of a bother’.

Cr Power said carparking and traffic management remained an unresolved issue despite mediation attempts and he, and Cr David Bowe, encouraged parties to continue their discussions.

LAKE FUN: Rainbow College year-seven student Archer Roberts dips his toes in Rainbow Lake, while his classmates avoid the splash. The lake was a former GWMWater reservoir and is now a public swimming lake. Story, page 13.

Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

Program reduction ‘poor timing’

BY ABBY WALTER

AWimmera health leader says the reduction of the Better Access initiative for mental health care is coming at a poor time.

The Federal Government announced on Monday it would not extend the Better Access initiative to provide 20 subsidised sessions with a mental health practitioner.

From December 31, people can access 10 subsidised sessions, with the initiative returning to its pre-COVID allocation.

Horsham’s Lister House Medical Clinic chief executive Amanda Wilson said the mental health impacts of COVID-19 were not over.

“It’s a shame the government has decided to wind back sessions now. I think it is poorly timed and will have a significant impact,” she said.

“It is going to take a couple of years to help people recover from the im-

Schools share joy

The wait is over for year-12 students across the Wimmera as ATARs were released on Monday morning.

Horsham College’s DUX was Ameliah Smith with 98.25.

Horsham’s Holy Trinity Lutheran College had two students achieve DUX, with Ryan Pfitzner and Ryan Brito-Mutunayagan both receiving an ATAR of 96.8.

Ebony Scott, who kept her score private, was DUX of St Brigid’s College in Horsham.

As students checked to see their VCE results, Horsham headspace youth access worker Charlotte Ball said it was important to remember ATARs did not define people.

“The best things for year-12s to know is their ATAR is not the beall and end-all – they have options going forward, and if they need support now, they can access eheadspace online for a range of resources and online counsellors,” she said.

“Young people do experience lots of pressure in year-12, but it is important for them to know if they don’t get the ATAR they want, there are ways to get where they want to go.”

Ms Ball said for students wanting to pursue further education, there was more than one entry path.

“Most universities do foundational

pacts of COVID and I don’t think we have seen the full extent yet.

“People need more mental health care as COVID unbalanced people’s worlds. Just because the physical impacts of COVID have started to wind back does not mean it is time to wind back mental health care.”

Mrs Wilson said the increase in subsidised sessions exacerbated an existing crisis regarding accessing mental health care.

“The program doubled subsidised sessions, but it did not double the number of practitioners,” she said.

“We saw wait times to see practitioners blow out and bookings fill, so the government is likely assuming that if it reduced sessions, more people would get in to see practitioners.

“However, there is definitely value in the program to make it easier for people to get help when it is more affordable.

“We need to be investing in more

practitioners and have more government-supported jobs so practitioners are on a wage to be able to see people appropriately rather than rushing through to make enough money.”

A University of Melbourne evaluation found Better Access had positive outcomes for those accessing the scheme, however, it was serving some groups better than others, with those gaps widening.

The report found people from lower socio-economic backgrounds, those living in regional, rural and remote areas and aged care residents were missing out.

The evaluation found in 2021, Australians used five sessions on average, with 83 percent of people using 10 or fewer sessions.

The report indicated there was a benefit to those with more complex mental health needs continuing to access the additional 10 sessions, however additional sessions were not being

appropriately targeted to those people.

In 2022 to date, less than half of those of low socioeconomic status were able to access treatment including the additional 10 sessions.

The report stated gap fees were at an all-time high and people were paying more for their care and when they could not afford those fees, they went without care.

Health Minister Mark Butler said the report showed Better Access was failing some Australians.

“Gap fees and wait times made it inaccessible and unaffordable for too many,” he said.

“The most disadvantaged Australians – those among us with the greatest need – have the least access to mental health services.

“The findings of the Better Access evaluation have provided us with an opportunity to address a variety of concerns so all Australians – no matter where they live or what their circum-

stances – can get the mental health care and support they need.”

In early 2023, the government committed to convening a forum of key experts and people with lived experience of mental illness to assess the recommendations of the evaluation and provide reform advice on how to improve Better Access.

The government also committed to strengthening the Medicare Benefits Schedule to facilitate family and carer involvement in Better Access treatment and fund mental health case conferencing. Patients who have a mental health treatment plan and current referral for sessions, whether for the initial 10 or additional 10, will be able to use that referral to access up to 10 sessions in 2023, without having to go back to their GP.

• If you, or someone you know, needs help phone Lifeline on 13 14 11; MensLine Australia on 1300 78 99 78; or Kids Helpline on 1800 55 1800.

Safety risk

From page 1

“Realistically, let’s be honest about this, let’s get together and talk it out and make an improvement for the city of Horsham,” Cr Power said.

Cr Penny Flynn said councillors needed to make decisions based on their planning scheme and ‘take the emotion’ out of the decision-making process.

She said the average age of a Horsham resident was 41 and encouraging an active city was among priorities of the council.

“We always get bogged down in carparking and traffic – it was the same when we developed the Town Hall. My view was, heaven forbid, I would walk past a shop and actually buy something,” she said.

“We do have people who are old, but we obviously need to be active and keep walking.

courses. Once a student has completed a year, they can access the degree they wanted to do initially. There is also the option of a gap year or into the workforce to return to further study later as a mature-aged student,” she said.

“Having that knowledge can take the extra stress off year-12s at this time.”

Ms Ball said students feeling stressed or anxious during the school year, or once they received their results, could access support via ehead space, through any internet browser.

“Young people can log in and create their own account to access support. They can also access online counsellors through the site,” she said.

“We see year-12s throughout the year as it is a stressful time. Another cohort of students we see is year six students moving into year seven, as that can be quite stressful as well.”

Across the state, 49,581 students will graduate with their VCE at a completion rate of 98 percent, while another 15,163 students will graduate with their VCAL – six percent more than last year.

In VCE, 13,607 students received a study score of 40 or more, and 3350 students were awarded a VCE Baccalaureate.

The Victorian Curriculum and Assessment Authority, VCAA, ensured students who were ‘significantly affected’ by floods were not disadvantaged by working directly with schools and applying Derived Examination Scores where they were needed.

“We are a regional city and at times, we will have bottlenecks in our traffic.”

Cr Flynn said the development would improve visual amenity in Wilson Street.

She said it offered ‘different thinking’ about housing options within Horsham’s central activity district.

Crs Ian Ross and Claudia Haenel voted against the proposal, citing concerns with carparking.

Cr Ross said he was concerned that parties ‘could not defend’ the lack of carparking provisions, should the matter reach VCAT.

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

– Abby Walter

FINAL RESULTS: Nearly 40 percent of Horsham College year-12 students celebrated receiving ATARs of more than 80 on Monday.

Picture: ABBY WALTER

BY MICHAEL SCALZO

The director of a rural health research team hopes a new partnership with Grampians Health will drive a greater understanding of regionalmetropolitan health disparity.

Director of Deakin Rural Health, DRH at Deakin’s School of Medicine, Professor Vincent Versace, said a Memorandum of Understanding between his department and Grampians Health could drive holistic understanding of the growing gap between health outcomes in regional areas and metropolitan areas.

He said the MoU would allow the university and health service to leverage each other’s strengths to secure government grants, develop appreciation of the nuances in health disparities, and ‘flesh out’ research proposals that would ally the work of health practitioners in regional areas.

He said the partnership stemmed from established networks between imbedded researchers — that being, researchers working out of a health-service setting — and health practitioners.

“This partnership will aim to address three key notions: driving health equity across the Grampians region; increased local capacity to address the challenges of a regional workforce; and, of course, the health and social impacts of medical care

in the region,” Professor Versace said.

Australian Institute of Health and Welfare data shows the rate of disease burden — a quantified impact of living and dying prematurely from disease or injury — was 1.4 times higher for people living in remote areas compared with people in major cities.

Latest Census data also revealed rates of people with serious long-term conditions across the Grampians region were significantly higher than the Victorian average.

The number of people living with ‘no long-term health conditions’ across the Grampians region was 51.4 percent of the population, compared to the wider Victorian population, 61 percent.

Census data also revealed rates of people in the region living with arthritis, heart disease, cancer and lung conditions were, per capita, five percent, 2.2 percent, 1.1 percent and 1.2 percent higher, respectively, than across Victoria.

Deakin Rural Health is one of 17 University Departments of Rural Health groups, UDRH, across Australia. It was formed as part of a national initiative to build and sustain the rural health workforce by supporting training and research programs throughout rural and remote Australia.

Professor Versace said Deakin Rural Health’s research program, funded by the Federal Government’s Rural Health

Multidisciplinary Training Program, was focussed on ‘improving the health, social, and economic burdens of chronic disease in regional Victoria’.

He said sometimes it was difficult to identify the root cause of social determinants of health outcomes in regional Victoria, however research would help to reveal where the pockets of disadvantage were and help staff deal with a region’s health specificity.

However, he said demographic and economic factors influenced determinants of health and multifaceted research was crucial for reducing disparities.

“For example, partnered research with regional health services might be able to determine where telecommunication upgrades are lacking as increased telehealth services become more imbedded,” he said.

Grampians Health chief executive Dale Fraser said research played an integral role in the progression of the health service.

“This is a valuable opportunity to support research aimed at helping our local communities be connected, healthy and productive,” he said.

DRH is based at Warrnambool, however, the department also has offices at Hamilton, and imbedded researchers at Ballarat and Colac, while a DRH researcher has been based at Grampians Health Ballarat since 2017.

Clinic warns of ‘old’ calls

The former Tristar Medical Clinic phone number is referring patients to a website that does not guarantee a medical appointment.

Horsham Doctors, a Family Doctor clinic that replaced Tristar Medical Clinic earlier this year, is operating with a new phone number.

Family Doctor founder and principal GP Rodney Aziz said Family Doctor was forced to register new phone numbers with all clinics they purchased this year.

“The old phone numbers were not transferred to Family Doctor by the Tristar ICT provider – ProAdvance – who claimed they ‘owned’ these phone numbers,” he said.

“We have attempted to notify patients via direct SMS, signage at the clinics and Facebook.

“Unfortunately, Google would not allow us to update our phone number as it requires a verification process via phone – which of course goes to the old number.

“I have been working with Google support to address this, but it has been a slow process.”

Dr Aziz said ProAdvance ‘apparently’ redirected the old phone numbers to a service called drasap.com.au where patients are charged $80 out of pocket with no Medicare rebate.

“This service has nothing to do with Family Doctor or the Horsham clinic,” he said.

“Patients have informed us that despite paying $80 they never received a call or consultation.

“I would urge these patients to report drasap.com.au to Consumer Affairs, Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, ACCC, and to Australian Health Practitioner Regulation Agency, AHPRA.”

People can report consumer issues to ACCC at www.accc.gov.au and AHPRA at www.health.gov.au/contacts/australian-healthpractitioner-regulation-agency-ahpra

Dr Aziz said the new phone number for the Horsham Doctors medical practice was (03) 4336 4099 and patients could book online 24/7 at familydoctor.com.au/horshamdoctors/book-now

Christmas carols in Natimuk

Natimuk Brass Band will perform Christmas carols in Natimuk town square on Sunday at 6pm.

Bandmaster Bob White urged Natimuk and district families and patrons to be part of the celebrations.

He also encouraged people to bring their own chairs to the event.

CHRISTMAS DONATIONS: Horsham Holy Trinity Lutheran College middle school captains Jarhyn McGrath, Chloe Altmann, Abbey O’Connor and Evan Hahn help Horsham Sports and Community Club manager Glenn Carroll load boxes of non-perishable groceries as part of a Reverse Advent Calendar initiative. Holy Trinity Lutheran College donated 30 boxes to the cause. Mr Carroll said the club had about 200 boxes returned of the 400 handed out, with people and businesses able to donate until December 20. People wanting to get involved, or wanting more information, can phone Horsham Sports and Community Club on 5382 6262.

Picture: ABBY WALTER

AVONBANK PROJECT NEWS

PROJECT UPDATE

The past twelve months have been very productive for WIM Resource Pty Ltd (WIM), completing the environmental and socio-economic studies for the Environment Effects Statement (EES) for the Avonbank Mineral Sands Project (Avonbank Project).

The completion of the studies represents an important milestone for the Avonbank Project and reflects several years of detailed and comprehensive work. The studies demonstrate that there are no significant negative environmental or socio-economic impacts that will result from the

propose mining operation. Rather, there will be a substantial positive boost in the Horsham Rural City and Wimmera Southern Mallee economies, with significant employment opportunities. The next step for Avonbank will be the Public Exhibition of the EES studies, planned to occur in early 2023.

Thank you for your interest in the project. We look forward to working with all stakeholders in the community as we finalise our EES process and bring the project online in the next few years, pending approvals and finance.

Michael Winternitz, Director of Projects

TEST PIT UPDATE

The test pit site is in its second season postrehabilitation, sown with lentils. The test pit and disturbed areas held up well during an above average wet season

The dedicated second year agricultural students from Longerenong College concluded their research trial project on the test pit area. The students finalised their report in November despite facing many challenges including difficult growing conditions.

STAKEHOLDER ENGAGEMENT

UPDATE

2022 IMARC in Sydney

The International Mining and Resources Conference (IMARC), held in November, brings together people in the mining and resources industry, while showcasing innovative ideas and ground-breaking technology. This year was WIM’s sixth year as exhibitor and our booth was busy each day of the three day conference. Director of Projects, Michael Winternitz, was part of the key seminar program and delivered a presentation on the company and an overview of our projects.

2022 Wimmera Business Awards

The 2022 Ace Radio Wimmera Business Awards were held in late October with WIM the proud sponsor of the Community Service Impact Award. Michael Winternitz, Director of Projects, presented the Award to the Horsham Agricultural Society for their significant and positive social impacts on the community through innovative solutions.

Science and Engineering Challenge

In the 2022 Wimmera Schools Science and Engineering Challenge the Holy Trinity Lutheran College finished top in both primary and secondary challenges. Year 10 students were subsequently invited to compete in the national final hosted in Bendigo. WIM commends the participating students’ incredible level of commitment, perseverance, and teamwork, and was please to present the perpetual shield together with Horsham East Rotary, and Member for Lowan, Emma Kealy.

Mallee Machinery Field Days

WIM exhibited for the first time at the Mallee Machinery Field Days in August. Over the two days WIM staff chatted and caught up with a large number of visitors who all had wide ranging interest and a desire to find out more about WIM’s projects. The Field Days, held at Speed, attracts landholders and farmers from throughout the broader Wimmera and Mallee catchment which encompasses current WIM project areas. It was a great opportunity to engage with the farming community and we are pleased to be a part of the event.

Victorian Government Jobs Forum

In October WIM met with

Murtoa Big Weekend

WIM was pleased to be involved with the Murtoa Big Weekend in Octoer. Our information booth was set up at the market on the banks of Lake Marma. The weather was fantastic, and it was encouraging to welcome a large number of visitors interested in finding out more on the Avonbank Project as well as our other projects.

Board Member Visit

WIM CEO Eddy Wu and board members visited Horsham in November 2022 to see the rehabilitated test pit and demonstration plant site. The board members also met members of the Community Reference Group (CRG) at the November meeting to hear their feedback on the Avonbank Project.

Dr Anne Webster MP, Federal Member for Mallee, Councillor Kevin Irwin, Northern Grampians Shire Council, and Marc Sleeman, Grampians Tourism CEO at the recent Wimmera Southern Mallee Victoria Government Jobs Forum in Horsham to discuss the potential employment opportunities of the Avonbank Project.

EDITORIAL

By Jessica Grimble

As the region’s high school students receive their year12 results this week, there will be celebration and excitement, anxiety and disappointment.

That’s only natural – this is a pinnacle that’s worked towards for years. A turning point from high-school student to responsibilities, adulthood and taking on the world.

There’s career or employment aspirations, there’s pressures and expectations of families and teachers and society to achieve, and there’s comparisons and competition among peers.

Success is relative and aspirations highly individualised. What’s right for one is not right for all. Not all well-laid plans play out as expected.

Technology and innovation means today’s workforce opportunities are different to those of generations before.

Occupational health and safety, social responsibility and social awareness efforts make for a competitive market as prospective employees consider their choices and seek a workplace that aligns with their values.

And gone are the days when people stayed in a job for decades.

Younger generations are seeking jobs they’re passionate about; that offer a chance for growth and devel-

opment; where they feel valued and feel they are contributing to a united goal; where people and culture is a priority. They seek a job that funds a lifestyle of choice.

Education is increasingly accessible as both traditional, formal in-person learning continues and online learning options increase. Lifelong learning is encouraged and embraced.

Millennials, as an age-group example, will undertake multiple careers throughout their working life – and so the career pathway made upon leaving high school might only be the first stepping stone in a long journey with twists and turns that reflect age and stage of life and aspirations.

In the Wimmera, it’s a great time to be entering, or re-entering, the workforce or seeking a new challenge. To stay in the region, train and work; or to leave and return ‘home’, down the track, with job-ready skills.

Industries such as teaching, child-

care and health are experiencing chronic staff shortages and offer people a career that’s always in demand.

Emerging projects such as mineral sands mining offer a plethora of jobs requiring a range of skills.

Vacancies for skilled professionals remain unfulfilled yet offer a fantastic chance to develop or continue a career in a rural and regional setting.

Even then, the COVID-19 pandemic has shown us we can work remotely in many roles. It’s shown us that the sky is the limit when it comes to our employment options; and it requires a different line of possibility thinking to reimagine work as we know it.

As the region’s graduates consider their next steps, there’s much to consider with a world of possibility at their feet.

The beauty of it all is people have the benefit of choice – and this is only the beginning.

Small win for clinic

The Wimmera’s COVID-19 medical clinic has been granted a two-month funding reprieve.

Horsham’s Lister House Medical Clinic leaders raised concerns with The Weekly Advertiser last week that federal funding for its GP-led Respiratory Clinic, GPRC, was due to cease on December 31 and its continuity was unclear.

Chief executive Amanda Wilson said the clinic learned, on Monday, of a funding extension to February 28.

“I am very pleased that we received the thumbs-up to continue. It means we will have an ongoing service with no out-of-pocket expenses until then,” she said.

She said the clinic would continue offering the service after February, but private patients would pay a fee; bulk-billing would be available for eligible patients.

She said demand for the clinic remained, with about 50 people visiting the clinic with respiratory-related symptoms on a daily basis. It is vaccinating more than 50 people a week.

“We know there’s value in treating infectious disease this way by having a place for people who need to see a GP that day because they are unwell,” she said.

“We do know the government will not be funding vaccines from the end of December, but we will still be offering them at Lister House as we are vaccinating between 50 and 60 people each week.”

A Department of Health and Aged Care spokesperson said GPRCs were established as a ‘temporary measure’.

A scale-down of the program began in October.

“National Cabinet has agreed to

a nationally-consistent approach to transition Australia’s COVID-19 response based on six principles and to return funding and policy efforts to a more sustainable footing,” the spokesperson said.

“The government is continuing to monitor COVID-19 and recalibrate the response according to the prevailing epidemiological circumstances.”

The spokesperson said the department would seek to develop a new respiratory clinic panel for activation during health emergencies.

The new panel would be established from March 1.

Meanwhile, Grampians Health says its response to the COVID-19 pandemic would continue to evolve in line with demand and available funding.

Chief operating officer – hospitals, Ben Kelly, said Grampians Health campuses were experiencing ongoing pressures as it navigated a ‘significant’ increase in furloughed staff amid high numbers of positive COVID-19 cases in the community. This has included a temporary limitation on some elective surgery in Ballarat.

Mr Kelly said federal and state government funding was a ‘fluid environment’.

“We will continue to work and partner with our Commonwealth and state colleagues around the delivery of services,” he said.

“The partnership with other providers in all of our communities is of paramount importance and we require other providers, and other providers require us, to support each other to provide the services our community needs – and we’ll continue to do that.

“If there are demands that we need to respond to, then we’ll do so.”

HIGH-ACHIEVERS: Horsham’s Holy Trinity Lutheran College 2022 DUX Ryan Pfitzner, left, and Ryan Brito-Mutunayagan.

Further study opportunities

BY MICHAEL SCALZO

AWimmera tertiary campus will open its doors to graduate researchers next year, with the region’s emerging innovators set to leverage

the institution’s expanding research hub.

Federation University Wimmera campus leaders have started fielding interest from prospective graduate students eager to pursue ‘honours’ study – a one-year post-graduate study option where students complete a self-directed research project.

Graduate students at the Wimmera campus would also be eligible to apply for a ‘Destination Australia’ scholarship worth up to $15,000.

Wimmera campus research-hub team lead Dr Cathy Tischler said honours study was now possible in the region because of the Horsham Research Hub – part of Federation University’s Future Regions Research Centre.

“This is something we have been hoping to introduce for a while,” she said.

“We now have the infrastructure and people to sustain research opportunities in the region, after setting up the research hub this year.

“It is about building on pathways to research and, importantly, study and research that is value-adding to the region. If you have a degree with honours component, it certainly makes you more attractive to employers.”

Dr Tischler said with the campus’s research hub having recently grown to include a fifth member, the team was now

able to guide students through a broad range of research areas.

“Students could pursue anything from history to tourism, economic development and social issues. We hope businesses are excited about this, as this is part of a pipeline for business and research engagement,” she said.

“This program adds choice for people, and while the first intake might start small, over time, it will build.”

Dr Tischler said the $15,000 on offer for prospective students was an ‘enormous’ amount of encouragement that would support students to take their projects on the road and support them if time away from work was necessary.

“If anyone has an undergraduate degree and has considered further study, we are happy to talk and we hope they give it a go,” she said.

The Federal Government-funded scholarship is available for honours students with research projects in public health, culture and heritage, business, sports science, life sciences and environmental management at Federation University campuses in 2023.

Dr Tischler said honours study at the Wimmera campus would be a great incentive for regional people to return home to pursue their post-graduate study, as well as attract metropolitan students eager to complete their honours year in a regional setting, applicable to their research.

She said people interested in exploring honours study were encouraged to email horshamresearchhub@federation.edu.au or visit website www.study.federation.edu. au

Alice Skye, left, performed in Horsham at the weekend as part of an ‘Always Live’ concert. Skye’s performance was part of a ‘Hometown’ regional concert series featuring First Nations artists. Support acts included Emma Donovan and the Putbacks, as well as Carrisa Nyalu. The Sunset Dreaming Dance Group and Wotjobaluk dancers, including Lachie Marks, above, also performed. The State Government initiative featured more than 90 events across 12 regions, with more than 150 local and international artists performing. Pictures: KAREN REES

HOMETOWN: Wergaia singer-songwriter

State election: Did you know...

From Victoria’s first Premier William Haines to this year’s thrice-elected Premier Daniel Andrews, 48 men have headed the state since the start of ‘responsible government’ in Victoria in 1855.

At November’s State Election, western Victorians across Lowan and Ripon electoral districts re-elected Nationals’ candidate Emma Kealy to her third four-year team, and Labor’s Martha Haylett to her first.

In the 21st-century, the Victorian Electoral Commission, the independent organisation responsible for the election, has captured and made public more than just which candidate Victorian voters selected to represent them in the Victorian Parliament.

Information from the VEC, collected from all Victorian voting centres, has always provided a glimpse into more than just who ‘won’ the election.

Here are some of those glimpses of Lowan and Ripon voters:

Lowan

Most voters at Halls Gap polling centre, when a two-party preference was considered, voted for Labor can-

didate Mick Monaghan, 159 votes to 117. This was the only Lowan voting centre where a majority of voters did not preference Nationals candidate Emma Kealy. Voters at Pomonal closely followed Halls Gap voters’ sentiments, preferencing Ms Kealy ahead of Mr Monaghan by only nine votes.

Of the 40,250 people who voted in Lowan, 21,565 people voted on election day, while about 17,239 people voted early.

Only 78.64 percent of 51,182 people enrolled to vote in Lowan voted in 2022, meaning nearly 11,000 enrolled voters will receive $92 fines in the mail. Just above 90 percent of enrolled voters in Lowan cast a vote in the 2018 election.

There was no considerable difference in which candidate absentee, postal, early and election-day voters favoured.

Exactly 2287 Lowan voters voted ‘informally’, meaning their vote card was not filled out correctly, accounting for 5.68 percent of total votes counted.

Voters at Tatyoon voting centre

were the electorate’s most Ms Kealyfavoured voters, with nearly 89 percent of people casting their choice for the Nationals candidate once preferences were considered.

Ms Kealy’s two-party-preferred percentage decreased from 73.48 in 2018, to 72.54 in 2022.

The two-party-preferred percentage for the Labor candidate improved from 26.52 in 2018 to 27.46 in 2022, however the party’s vote has remained roughly unchanged across five elections – the Labor party two-partypreferred vote in Lowan in 2022 was within half-a-percent of its vote in 2006.

Lowan has been in National party hands since 1979 when Bill McGrath won the seat from Liberal Jim McCabe.

Ripon

Only 63 percent of enrolled Ripon voters cast their vote in the 2022 election compared with 91.39 percent of enrolled Ripon voters who voted in 2018.

Derryn Hinch’s Justice Party candidate’s primary vote fell by more than

Haylett confirmed

BY MICHAEL SCALZO

Louise Staley has conceded her former seat of Ripon to Labor challenger Martha Haylett, more than a week after the close of State Election polls.

The Victorian Electoral Commission finalised its vote tallies last week from the November 26 State Election and has confirmed elected ‘Lower House’ representatives across 87 of its 88 electoral districts.

Voters in Narracan, the western Gippsland seat of voters between Morwell and Pakenham, however, will return to the polls again next year after Nationals candidate Shaun David Gilchrist died about a week before the election.

Ms Staley represented Ripon constituents for eight years after she first won her seat in 2014. She said her time in public life had ended and she would not stand as a candidate in the future.

“I look forward to backing the next Liberal candidate for Ripon and helping her or him win back the seat for the Liberal Party in 2026,” she said.

Ms Staley said representing the people of Ripon in the Victorian Parliament had been the ‘greatest honour and delight’ of her professional life.

“I loved every minute of it and I thank the Liberal Party for preselecting me and the voters for electing me twice. The communities of Ripon rightly demand much of their MP and I worked every day to repay the trust placed in me during my eight years,” she said.

“I congratulate Martha Haylett on her election.”

Ms Haylett won 16,321 votes, or 38.55 percent of the Ripon primary vote, ahead of Ms Staley who won 15,305 votes, or 36.15 percent.

Ms Haylett maintained her lead when two-candidate preferences were considered and secured 52.99 percent of 42,341 formal votes.

Ms Haylett, now the VEC confirmed Member for Ripon, thanked Ms Staley for her service, but said ‘with pride’ she would become the next Ripon representative.

“To the voters of Ripon, I am humbled by your support. I understand the job you’ve given me and I will not let you down,” she said.

“I am incredibly grateful to my campaign team and the local true believers who worked so hard and have waited a long time to turn Ripon red.

“Together we achieved a result many thought we couldn’t. We ran a people-powered campaign with a strong message of what a Labor Government can do for our community.”

Ms Haylett said her immediate priorities would include ensuring V-Line fares equaled public-transport fares in Melbourne, establishing the State Electricity Commission, as well as upgrades sporting and childcare centres.

“It will be the honor of my life to represent Ripon in the Victorian Parliament and do what matters for our region,” she said.

The VEC will finalise calculation of the State’s Upper House results today from 10am, with Legislative Council representatives expected to be known by noon.

half compared with the party’s 2018 candidate result. This election, Wren Wilson polled 2.2 percent of the district’s primary vote, less than Animal Justice Party, Family First, Greens, and Shooters Fishers and Farmers’ candidates.

As they did in 2018, a majority of preferences flowed to the Labor candidate against the Liberal candidate when a two-party vote was considered.

Labor’s Martha Haylett polled 11,535 primary votes compared with

Liberal Louise Staley who polled 11,099 – a 1.5-percent difference; however preference flows pushed Ms Haylett to an almost five-percent, two-party win.

Since Ripon’s formation ahead of the 1945 State Election, the district has voted for a representative change seven times.

Ms Haylett will be the district’s fourth Labor Party representative, and the party’s first in the district since Joe Helper, who held the seat from 1999 to 2014.

Getting in touch with The Weekly AdverTiser

Getting in touch with The Weekly AdverTiser

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

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

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

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

Advertising: Mark Sulic: 0407 313 456, marks@team.aceradio.com.au; Lee Meadows: 0407 046 864, leem@team.aceradio.com.au;

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

Tristan Cameron: 0437 956 278, tcameron@aceradio.com.au; Michelle Reid: 0428 870 511, mreid@aceradio.com.au; Danica Turvey: 0488 473 562, dturvey@aceradio.com.au; Heidi Higginson: 0438 759 220, heidih@aceradio.com.au

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

Newsroom: Jessica Grimble: 0400 836 483, jgrimble@aceradio.com.au; Michael Scalzo: 0409 786 036, mscalzo@aceradio.com.au;

Abby Walter: 0483 027 536, awalter@aceradio.com.au; Georgia Bailey: 5382 1351, georgiab@team.aceradio.com.au

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

Brad, Dan and the team from Krahes Pest Control would like to thank all their valued customers for their support and would like to wish them a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year.

Member for Ripon Martha Haylett

CHRISTMAS IN THE CITY RETURNS FRIDAY NIGHT

Join us for Horsham’s Christmas in the City celebrations this Friday from 5pm to 9pm.

Not only will local traders be open for extended hours, Roberts Place will feature market stalls, food vendors and live music to add some Christmas cheer to your shopping experience.

Thanks to Horsham Little Theatre, festival goers will be treated to a Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs pantomime stage show from 5.15pm.

Featuring young local performers, this free fairytale pantomime will bring us all a good dose of fun!

Other drawcards will be a visit from Santa at 6.30pm, giant games for kids including Fun Carts by Horsham Scouts and free Bad Boy Burger hot chocolate for everyone.

The winner of the Christmas Shop Window Display Competition will also be announced.

It’s the second Christmas shopping activation following the first event held on Friday 2 December.

NOTICE OF INTENTION TO SELL LAND

Horsham Rural City Council gives notice under Section 114(2)(b) of the Local Government Act 2020 (Act) and Council's community engagement policy, that it intends to sell its land located at 28 Firebrace Street Horsham being the land known as Lot 1 TP 813567Y Parish of Horsham volume 5931 folio 066 (Land).

The proposal is that the Land be sold by private treaty to the current tenant, Christian Emergency Food Centre (CEFC) ABN 79 590 217 561 (Purchaser) on the following key terms:

1. A purchase price of $1.00 plus gst

2. Settlement to take place 30 days after the day of sale.

The CEFC is a registered Public Benevolent Institution registered with the Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission. The Land was purchased by Council in 2002 to allow the Purchaser to receive state government grant funding.

Any person has a right to make a submission on the proposed sale.

Submissions must be received by close of business on 14 January 2023 and should be addressed to the Chief Executive Officer, Horsham Rural City Council, PO Box 511, Horsham VIC 3402 or via email to council@hrcc.vic.gov.au .

Submissions received will form part of the public record of the relevant Council and Committee meetings.

Any person who has made a written submission to Council may request in writing that he or she be heard in person in support of the written submission or by a person acting on his or her behalf before Council (or a Committee of Council established for this purpose) at a time and date to be advised.

Further details are provided via the QR code.

Queries can be directed to Tennille Ellis, Property Co-ordinator, on 5382 9777 or via email tennille.ellis@ hrcc.vic.gov.au.

Roaming Advent Calendar in full swing

Starting Thursday 1 December and ending on Christmas Eve, the Roaming Advent Calendar will see shoppers

into a daily draw to win a $200 voucher.

To enter people need to make a purchase at the nominated business for that day.

Advent Calendar winners will be drawn each day and notified by phone.

Mayor Robyn Gulline said that encouraging people to shop local this holiday season was a way to support local businesses.

“After a difficult few years, now is a great time to do your Christmas shopping locally. We have fantastic retail stores, hospitality businesses and service providers that will have something perfect for your nearest and dearest this Christmas,” she said.

See HRCC's website and social media for a list of participating stores.

Horsham Rural City Council can help you

There is always plenty to do in the Horsham municipality. We proudly support a number of events every year for the community and visitors to enjoy

Through these events the Council endeavours to promote a diverse, active, safe and connected community.

Whether you are looking for something to do or organising a community event simply contact the Tourism & Business Development Team at: business@ hrcc.vic.gov.au

Submitting your Intention to hold an Event notification with Council allows you to:

• Notify Council of your intent to host an event in the Horsham municipality

• Have your event considered for inclusion in Council's promotions campaigns

• Book Council owned facilities and venues

• Access Council event signage boards

• Access links to advice on permits and permissions you may need to apply for.

To access the event notification form see visithorsham.com.au

TENDERS AND RFQ

#Q14/2023

WAL HUB ENTRANCE SIGNAGE Closes 5pm, Thursday 22 December #23/015

CONSULTANCY SERVICES - HORSHAM FLIGHT HUB MASTER PLAN AND DETAILED DESIGN Closes 12noon, Thursday 15 December # 23-016 RECONSTRUCTION OF NORTH EAST WONWONDAH

Dooen landfill now taking hard waste

For a limited time, Council is now accepting hard waste at the Dooen Landfill's putrescible site. with the exception of the following materials:

• Grain tarps or any other similar material i.e. large size HDPE plastics, large size geotextiles

• Utility poles

• Clean Concrete (can only be accepted at the Dooen Transfer Station)

Operating hours for acceptance of hard waste are Monday and Wednesday 8am to 3.30pm.

Have Your Say Flood Amendment

Council has prepared planning scheme amendment C81hors (the Flood Amendment) to the Horsham Planning Scheme.

The Flood Amendment seeks to implement the findings of six flood studies and associated maps prepared on behalf of the Wimmera CMA .

The Flood Amendment revises the mapping extent of flood management overlays within the areas of the respective six studies to land identified as flood prone.

These overlays will ensure areas at risk of flooding are shown on planning scheme maps, enabling Council to make informed planning decisions based on the most accurate information.

The closing date for submissions is Tuesday 20 December 2022

Details at hrcc. vic.gov.au.

Horsham Council’s Roaming Advent Calendar is back in 2022 with customers rewarded daily for shopping local this Christmas.

go

: Mayor Robyn Gulline with Shopthis Horsham proprietor Dylan Fulton.

Water bringing economic boom

BY ABBY WALTER

Across the Wimmera and Grampians, catchments are holding the highest total water volumes in 24 years.

At the beginning of December, catchments were holding 444,400 megalitres of water. That equates to almost 80 percent of total capacity.

Significant inflows to Rocklands Reservoir enabled a transfer of 25,000 megalitres to Toolondo, which started in early November.

GWMWater managing director Mark Williams said lake users would be spoilt for choice this summer.

He said reservoirs such as Moora Moora and Bellfield and Taylors Lake were also worth a visit.

“There’s also a plethora of pipeline-supplied lakes throughout the Wimmera and Mallee –Tchum Lake at Birchip, Green Lake at Sea Lake, Donald Caravan Park Lake – which have benefitted from some natural inflow and are in excellent condition heading into summer,” he said.

At the same time last year, the catchment was at 42 percent, holding about 240,000 megalitres.

Despite this, a ‘Wimmera Southern Mallee: Social-economic Value of Recreational and Environmental Water 2021’ report found 27 lakes, weir pools and rivers contributed $24.89 million to the community.

The study was a joint initiative of Wimmera Development Association, GWMWater, Wimmera Catchment Management Authority and councils.

The report found there was an estimated 38,355 overnight visitors across 157,684 visit nights.

The report estimated 54,948 people used the ‘water’ as a day trip destination for fishing, swimming, boating or picnicking on the banks.

Rainbow Lake officially opened as a public swimming lake last week. It was formerly a GWMWater reservoir.

Rainbow Lake committee of management pres-

ident Chris Zadow said it meant ‘everything’ to the community for the lake to be opened.

“Everyone is a lot happier when they are near water,” he said.

“It’s going to provide a place to swim, for people to jump on paddleboards and go fishing.

“It’s what you want for a small Mallee community – it gets hot and dry up here so it’s going to be terrific.”

Mr Zadow said the average depth was 2.5 metres and it dropped off quickly to that depth.

“We’ve got nice shade, a toddler swimming area – it’s amazing,” he said.

“It’s going to bring people out that might not be comfortable in a swimming pool, as there’s more room here to spread out, it’s somewhere to cool off and get out together with family.

“We can see Christmas events happening here.”

Mr Williams said boat ramp upgrades at Lake Fyans, Lonsdale and Rocklands along with the current water levels at each were providing an improved experience for users.

“Fyans, in particular, has been popular with anglers using the new three-lane boat ramp and channel,” he said.

Stawell Tackle and Marine owner Shane Young said feedback from the community about the boat ramp and marina works at Lake Fyans was ‘overwhelmingly’ positive.

“The boat ramp looks great and is very usable. It’s nice to see upgrades to the facilities at the lakes in our area,” he said.

“It’s great to see everyone getting back out there and now that Lake Lonsdale has a bit more water in it, we’ll see 30 to 40 boats out there on a weekend.”

GWMWater reminds visitors to reservoirs to check permitted activities at each lake on GWMWater’s website and to observe all boating rules and exclusion areas.

Rangers and Victorian Water Police will visit reservoirs to ensure visitors are observing the rules.

Half and full Bertocchi Hams on the bone

Virginian hams, Champagne hams

Rolled turkey – Four flavours

Turkey buffe

Corned silverside & brisket

Turduckens

Legs of pork Whole turkey

Boned & rolled chickens, festive chickens

Legs of lamb

Fresh fish, crayfish, prawns, oysters & seafood

Rolled pork, rolled lamb, rolled beef

Huge range of barbeque meats

Cooked turkey breast surpremes

Greg and Anne wish all their friends and customers a Merry Christmas

OFFICIAL:

From left, Hindmarsh Shire mayor Brett Ireland, GWMWater chairman Peter Vogal and Member for Malle Anne Webster officially open Rainbow Lake. The lake was a former GWMWater reservoir and is now a public swimming lake.

FAMILY FUN: Sarah Boon-Young and her daughter Grace enjoying a splash at Rainbow Lake.

Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER

Plan ahead if you’re travelling to Melbourne this summer

Victoria’s Big Build is building a better road and rail network in December and January while there are fewer people on our trains and less cars on the road.

This includes major works on the Metro Tunnel with crews working around the clock to upgrade tracks and install new high-tech signalling. Significant delays are expected as vital maintenance takes place on the West Gate Bridge from Boxing Day. We’re also upgrading the City Loop and continuing to build the West Gate Tunnel, and its connections into the city and CityLink.

Summer disruptions

City Loop closed

Freeway disruptions: Changed traffic conditions or closed lanes and ramps

West Gate Bridge 9pm 26 Dec to 6am 4 Jan Four outbound lanes closed

Monash Freeway Some nights in Jan Closed between Warrigal Road and EastLink

Princes Freeway Some nights in Jan Closed between Princes Highway and Cardinia Road

Road disruptions: Closed roads, lanes and ramps

Dynon Road, West Melbourne

Greensborough Road, Watsonia

Narre WarrenCranbourne Road and Thompsons Road, Cranbourne

Craigieburn Road, Craigieburn

Until 21 Dec Between Dryburgh Street and Dynon Road inbound exit ramp from CityLink

Until 22 Dec Lanes closed and speeds reduced

Jan to Feb Intersection closed

Jan to Feb Between Hume Highway and Hanson Road

Lancefield Road, Sunbury Jan to Feb At Sunbury Road

BY ABBY WALTER

More than 600 people gathered at Ian Maroske Hall, Horsham, on Saturday to celebrate Karen New Year 2672.

Victoria Karen Community Network Group hosted the event featuring dancing, performances and food.

Event organiser K’lu Say Say said the crowd at the event was bigger than she expected.

“I expected about 500 people and we had more than 600 throughout the day,” she said.

“I am grateful and happy that the event was a success and everyone enjoyed themselves.

“We had really good feedback from guests.”

K’lu Say said it was exciting to see the dances and performances again.

“We haven’t seen a traditional doe dance in such a long time, so it was very interesting to be able to watch it again,” she said.

“Our youth group performed a stick dance and a bamboo dance.

“The history of those dances is when Karen people would finish harvesting rice, the parents would rest and watch the children dance.”

K’lu Say said the event was well supported by Wimmera Development Association, Horsham Rural City Council and Australian Wildflowers.

“This New Year was a chance for Horsham Karen Community to collaborate and work together,” she said.

“It was also wonderful for people to come from as far away as Melbourne and Swan Hill to come and join us.”

CROWD PLEASER: Horsham Karen Youth Group entertain an audience during Karen New Year 2672 celebrations in Horsham on Saturday. Pictures: KAREN REES

CELEBRATION: Traditional Karen dancers perform for to a capacity crowd at Ian Maroske Hall, Horsham.

Daikin: A world leader in solutions

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

They are particularly useful for

rooms that are semi-detached or have a limited ceiling space.

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

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

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

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

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

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

Cleaning the Daikin split system is also a simple process.

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

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

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

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

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

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

SURROUND YOURSELF WITH CLEANER AIR: Stuart Jose demonstrates Daikin split systems at Wade’s.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Team

BY ABBY WALTER

orsham’s Laneway Café

Laneway Café without Borders is based at Federation University’s Wimmera campus and operates through Horsham’s Centre for Participation.

Centre for Participation social enterprise manager Jessica Koenig Fisher said hundreds of people and families in Horsham were experiencing ‘chronic’ homelessness and hardship.

“Each day, the demand we see at our front doors continues to grow and many of the people we are seeing are in extremely vulnerable mental states,” she said.

“For the majority of us, Christmas is a time to gather with friends and family for a lovely meal and celebration.

“This year it might be completely overwhelming and stressful for many with the increased cost of living. We need your help to ensure we not only make Christmas a time of community and belonging for our service users, but that we can continue to provide a sense of inclusion and vital support as we head into the new year.”

Ms Koenig Fisher said the Laneway team was asking the community to contribute to the cost of the hundreds of two-course meals to the value of $10 per meal.

“Our Laneway team will donate

the labour, packaging, some ingredients and promote the campaign,” she said.

“As a team with a mission to create greater good in our community, this initiative ticks so many boxes.

“Doing good for others can have a powerful, positive effect on the immune system.

“By contributing towards the greater good, self-worth and selfesteem improves with our learners.

“It can help isolated people feel connected to an organisation, encouraging them to reach out if they need support.

“Supporting the community yearround helps promote a ‘we are in this together’ mantra.

“Chronic negativity can be broken down in the mind as positive energy flows from giving to others. Kindness helps relieve stress.”

Ms Koenig Fisher said the campaign was new.

“People can purchase meals and distribute them directly to their clients or pay it forward through a transaction and we will distribute them on your behalf,” she said.

“I love the other campaigns that have been established with the food

products being donated to people in need – it’s brilliant.

“Our campaign has a difference in that our goal is to provide ready-toheat Christmas meals.

“They’re made fresh for eating on delivery day or frozen for eating on Christmas Day. They can be delivered by our amazing volunteers and they are exactly what my family and I will be eating for Christmas lunch.”

Ms Koenig Fisher said people wanting order forms or more information could call her on 0474 139 378 or email info@laneway.org.au

Wombats in Warracknabeal

Pedestrian crossings in Warracknabeal’s Scott Street will transform into wombat crossings.

Yarriambiack Shire Council endorsed altered kerbing, a raised footpath, a raised crossing, lighting delineations and signs at two locations on Scott Street during November’s meeting.

This comes after the council received a petition containing 260 signatures in favour of upgrading the current zebra crossings.

The locations of the wombat crossings would be 140 metres north of the Scott Street and Lyle Street roundabout and 100 metres north of Scott Street and Woolcock Street roundabout.

The estimated cost of the upgrades is $180,000 with the council planning to apply for grant funding for $90,000 towards the project.

Councillor Graeme Massey said the wombat crossings would be positive for Warracknabeal.

“It’s a step forward given the amount of interest in the Warracknabeal community in the current situation with pedestrian crossings,” he said.

“It’s important that pedestrian safety be a priority and if that involves slowing traffic down to even slower than 30 kilometres an hour, I have no hesitations.

“I hope we can get grants to help put wombat crossings in Scott Street.”

Cr Chris Lehmann said he was concerned about anything happening to a pedestrian before the wombat crossings could be constructed.

“If it is a problem, which it obviously is, shouldn’t we be doing something anyway while we are waiting for the wombat crossing to get funding?” he said.

The council resolved to investigate alternate solutions in the meantime, including more line marking leading into the crossing.

At the December meeting, councillors will receive a recommendation from council staff regarding operational measures that can be taken to mitigate the risk to pedestrians at the zebra crossings on Scott Street.

SPIRIT OF GIVING: Horsham’s Laneway Café without Borders staff Erin Kearns, left, and Tanya Sinclair prepare food at the café. The team is asking for community donations to help them cook and deliver Christmas meals to those in need.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Health service to prioritise surgery

BY JESSICA GRIMBLE

Wimmera hospitals are unaffected by a Grampians Health decision to temporarily limit elective surgery.

A four-times increase in furloughed staff this month, compared to absences during September and October – largely due to COVID-19 cases – triggered the health service to limit elective surgery at Ballarat Base Hospital.

The action came into effect on Friday.

Grampians Health had originally communicated on Thursday the action would also impact Horsham and Stawell hospitals, but reversed the decision a day later.

Chief operating officer – hospitals, Ben Kelly, said the health service would prioritise ‘category one’ and ‘high-urgency category two’ surgeries until current pressures on the health service eased.

He said high numbers of positive COVID-19 cases in the community, and the subsequent impact on workforce availability, was the biggest hurdle in completing more surgeries.

Other health services statewide are experiencing similar pressures.

About 40 staff are currently furloughed on any given day compared to about 10 staff during September and October.

Mr Kelly said there was a ‘relatively small number’ of people impacted by changes to elective surgeries.

He said the health service would monitor its ability to adjust elective surgeries ‘on a daily basis’.

“We think it’s an important lever to pull as we hit that trigger of having really long wait times in our emergency department that neither our community, nor we, as a pro-

vider, are comfortable with,” Mr Kelly said.

“Our staff are continuing to work diligently and effectively to provide the best care they can in what are difficult circumstances.

“We will continue to make our assessments based on acuity about who gets seen first in our emergency department. Those who are sickest continue to be seen first, which is the right thing to do.”

Mr Kelly said people scheduled for surgery at Grampians Health would be contacted, if their surgery was impacted, with ‘as much notice as possible’.

He said face-to-face outpatient appointments and specialist clinic appointments would be reduced, where possible, or moved to telehealth.

“It would be a conversation directly and providing as much notice as possible,” he said.

“If we cancel electives, we know they turn into emergency cases, such is the gravitas we place upon these cancellations.

“We won’t be doing it if there is an alternative.”

Mr Kelly said staff were showing resilience and willingness to continue quality care.

“They are phenomenal, and they have been over such a long period of time,” he said.

“They would like for the pandemic to end – we all would – but sadly that’s not the case and so we will continue to work through this wave and support our community as best we can, in the best way we know how.”

Nature play park taking shape

A giant yabby and catfish are two constructions that are almost finished at Horsham’s Nature Play Park.

The play park, located near Horsham Rowing Club on Barnes Boulevard along the Wimmera River, includes climbing sculptures, play-operated water features and allaccessible play stations.

Horsham Rural City Council project office co-ordinator Dianna Blake said after delays due to wet weather, earthworks were now finished along with drainage and river outlets.

“The custom-built sculptures have been installed and will look fantastic when the park opens early next year,” Ms Blake said.

“Work still to be done includes all of the water play elements, the swings and rope climbing structure as well as

shelters, benches, landscaping and the toilet block.”

The council expects works at the park to fnish in the first week of February 2023. It will open for use year-round.

Ms Blake said while the area did not flood, continuous rain had impacted construction.

“The soil was just too wet to get any machinery in and the contractor had to wait until it dried out to continue works,” she said.

“We are very happy with how the nature play park is taking shape.

“It really does blend in well with the natural environment along our riverfront.

“The park complements other riverfront activation projects happening, such as the timber platforms overlooking the river and new pergolas, barbecue shelters and pathways.”

Two new kookaburra statues are also a feature of the park.

“Chainsaw artist Brett Davies of Art of Igmus has installed two kookaburras on a large tree stump in the park,” Ms Blake said.

“The tree has been dead for quite some time, but the stump could not be removed due to the root extent.

“Unfortunately, the stump itself is too degraded to be carved, but it makes a wonderful stand for two chainsaw-carved kookaburras, each about 500 millimetres tall.”

The council secured funding through the State Government’s Community Sports Infrastructure Stimulus Program, worth $2.1-million, and the Federal Government’s Local Road and Community Infrastructure Program, worth $350,000, to complete the project.

“Our staff are continuing to work diligently and effectively to provide the best care they can in what are difficult circumstances”

– Ben Kelly

SPACE: Horsham Rural City Council project office co-ordinator Dianna Blake, left, and mayor Robyn Gulline inspect the latest updates to the construction of Horsham’s Nature Play Park along the Wimmera River.

Picture: ABBY WALTER

Supporting a positive culture

Wimmera sporting clubs are creating a culture that challenges stereotypes, empowers women and girls and encourages respectful relationships.

Minyip-Murtoa Football Netball Club and Horsham Amateur Basketball Association are working with Women’s Health Grampians as part of its Act@Play program.

Act@Play is a cultural change initiative, delivered in the Wimmera, that supports sporting clubs to challenge violence against women, challenge stereotypes, empower women and girls, build respectful relationships and promote gender equality.

The program involves developing a leadership group to help drive the program at club-level, completing an audit and a range of training opportunities and implementing an action plan based on individual results.

The program has Sport and Recreation Victoria funding support.

Women’s Health Grampians chief executive Marianne Hendron said gender inequality was a ‘significant’ driver of violence against women.

She said encouraging respectful, equitable relationships at a community level was a vital part of preventing violence.

“We know the important role sporting clubs have in rural communities and the influence these settings will have in creating positive change around gender equality and violence against women in the local community,” she said.

Minyip-Murtoa Football Netball Club president Scott Arnold said the program was an extension of existing work to build a positive club culture.

“The club is excited to be undertaking the Act@Play program, as it will extend the work the

club is implementing with CoRE Alliance. We believe the program will contribute to creating a positive and progressive club culture as it aligns with our club values,” he said.

Horsham Amateur Basketball Association president Jon Fitzgerald said the program was a unique and valuable addition to supporting a positive culture.

“This program will allow us to ensure we are creating an inclusive and welcoming environment at the association and strengthen our work with younger generations around gender equality,” he said.

Ms Hendron said anyone wanting to learn more about the program could go to www.whg.org.au

Opportunity for exhibitors

Western Victoria Careers Expo organisers are calling for exhibitors at the event’s 2023 installment.

The expo, at the Wimmera Events Centre in Longerenong, has offered students, job-seekers and people seeking a career change a onestop shop to learn more about business, industry and jobs for more than 35 years.

A wide range of education, training, industry and trade career pathways will be on show when the expo – which is country Victoria’s largest –returns on Tuesday, June 20.

Project officer David Crooks encouraged people to apply for their site as soon as possible.

“Last year was a great success with more than 80 exhibitors and 3000 participants including school students, job seekers and career changers,” Mr Crooks said.

“It’s always great to get in early and secure your site; to promote yourself in a market where people are thinking about their careers and thinking about jobs, needing more information about further studies.

“With the employment market really tight at the moment, employers are looking to get on the front foot to employ staff and promote their business at such a big event.”

Mr Crooks said schools were strong supporters of the

event. He said parents were also welcome to attend with their child to learn more about the opportunities available post-high school.

He said heavy mineral sands resource development company, Wim Resources, would return as major sponsor.

Other key partnerships include the Wimmera and Southern Mallee Careers Association, Federation University, Skillinvest, Wimmera Events Centre and ACE Radio.

Mr Crooks said site applications would close on April 6 and people could register their interest via www.wimmera careerexpo.com

Marianne Hendron

SET: David Crooks of the Western Victoria Careers Expo, centre, prepares for next year’s event with ACE Radio’s Brendan O’Loughlin and Mark Sulic. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Horsham 19 Arthur Drive

4 2 3

If you have been thinking of building a 4 bedroom home, have a look here first. With 2 separate living areas & an outdoor area suitable for year round entertaining, the whole family will be catered for. The master bedroom is located at the front of the home & is complete with ensuite, sep. toilet & walk-in robe. Heading to the middle of the home, you are greeted by the 1st living area which adjoins the kitchen meals area. The kitchen features a 900mm electric oven with gas cooktop, dble sink, d/washer & walk-in pantry. Straight off the meals area is a large undercover entertaining area with wood heater & roll-down blinds for year round entertaining. To the back of the home is the 2nd living area, 3 good sized bedrooms, family bathroom & large laundry with extra storage. There is a shed with direct street access to complement the dble garage. Heating & cooling are via ducted gas heating & evap. cooling.

Price: $679,000

AUCTION THIS FRIDAY

Horsham Noradjuha Road, Lower Norton

357 Acres (144.6ha)

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

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

AUCTION: Friday 16th December 2022 @ 2.00pm

Venue: Haven Public Hall

Tim Coller

Horsham 15 Farrar Avenue

4 2 4

Located approximately 200m to the Wimmera River is this beautiful family home, featuring 4 bedrooms, 3 with built-in robes & the master bedroom with a walk-in robe. Centrally located is the open-plan kitchen, living & dining area. The kitchen is complete with s/steel appliances, dble sink & dishwasher. The large central living area, complete with gas log fire, overlooks the beautiful outdoor entertaining area making it perfect for year round use. At the front of the home, adjacent to the master bedroom is the 2nd living area, also with gas log fire – an ideal parents retreat. The updated family bathroom features sep. bath & shower. There is also evap. cooling for year-round comfort. Other features of this beautiful family home incl. double carport, built-in pizza oven, 6mx6m Colorbond shed, acoustic music room, established garden with raised veggie garden, solar system & heat transfer to rear bedrooms.

Price: $729,000

Jock Uebergang M 0418 815 770

Horsham 4, 84 Bennett Road

Currently leased until early June 2023 with a weekly rental return of $460 per week, this as new architecturally designed townhouse would be the perfect addition to any investment portfolio or an ideal residence for retirees wanting to downsize to a central location within walking distance of the CBD, the Wimmera River, West Side Horsham and the Bennett Road Shop. Built to a high standard throughout this functionally designed residence features a generous open plan living space incorporating lounge & dining area overlooking a state-of-the-art kitchen complete with stone benchtops, s/steel appliances and generous cabinets. Three queen sized bedroom all with built in robes, stylish fully tiled ensuite to the master and family bathroom, functional laundry with storage. Set on a ‘no work’ allotment with sunny North facing alfresco and larger than usual double garage with additional storage.

Price: $495,000

Tim Coller M 0418 504 415 FOR SALE

Merry Christmas

Uniting for Christmas

Horsham’s Uniting Church community wants to ensure people spend Christmas Day in the company of others.

The St Andrew’s Uniting Church is hosting a luncheon particularly for individuals at home alone on Christmas Day, couples whose families are living or spending the day elsewhere, single parents and children without family support, and others who are seeking company and fellowship.

Organiser Mandy Kirsopp said Christmas was a time for friendship, joy and goodwill.

“Unfortunately, for many people throughout our community, Christmas can also be a lonely time with friends busy or away, and family members living in distant parts of the country,” she said.

“The past two years have been particularly difficult for many people in our community and this event is an opportunity for people who might otherwise be home alone on Christmas Day to come together in a safe environment to share lunch and laughter.”

The church community has hosted the luncheon for more than 15 years.

Guests will arrive from 11.30am and lunch is served from noon at the church hall in Pynsent Street; a donation of $5 per person is appreciated.

Guests are asked to contact the Uniting Church office on 5382 4380 to register, for catering purposes, and to advise of any dietary requirements or if they needed assistance to attend the event.

Wishing everyone in our wonderful community a very happy festive season and a safe and ous 2023.

FRIENDSHIP, JOY, GOODWILL: Jean Darnell, Mandy Kirsopp, Frank Tuppin and Sally Mewett are preparing for the annual St Andrew’s Uniting Church Christmas lunch in Horsham.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Goroke rodeo back on agenda

Goroke Apex Club is bringing bulls and broncos back to the showground in 2023 for a rodeo event.

The club ran a rodeo in 2019 for the first time since 1994 and again in 2020 with a crowd of more than 2500 people, just weeks before the first Victorian COVID-19 lockdown.

Goroke Apex Club president Oliver Gabbe said it was good for the community to see rodeo action return.

“It’s good to have people, and money, come into the town, to the pub, the IGA and other businesses in the area,” he said.

“We’re running a not-for-profit event, so we’re doing it for the benefit of the community.

“At the end of the event, if we have made money after covering costs, it goes back into projects the community needs funding.”

Mr Gabbe said sponsorship had doubled for the 2023 event, compared with 2020.

“It’s so good to see our sponsorship go up. Without sponsors, we wouldn’t be able to run this,” he said.

“It allows us to pay for food vans, insurance, band and general running costs and as expected, costs have gone up.

“We also have to organise to have a vet and paramedics on site, as without them the rodeo could not go ahead.

“A big thanks goes to our major sponsor Albacutya Gypsum and Limestone for their generosity.”

Despite Goroke’s population of 295 people, the Apex club is the biggest in Australia, with more than 30 members.

“It means plenty of hands on deck to do jobs when we’re organising events like the rodeo,” Mr Gabbe said.

“Most of the members come from a farming background; it’s a good group of men who get along well.”

Mr Gabbe said the club was hoping to get more people through the gate than in 2020.

“It will be a great day. The band Last Stand will perform after the rodeo and we’re hoping we have good weather,” he said.

The Goroke Apex Rodeo is scheduled for February 25.

Assistance offer for power saving bonus

A community service manager is reminding Horsham residents to apply for the State Government’s $250 Power Saving Bonus.

Horsham Neighbourhood House manager Charlie Heylar said more than 60 percent of residents had not applied for the one-off payment given to Victorians who engaged with either the State Government’s energy price-comparison website, Victorian Energy

Compare, or private energy-affordability services. All Victorians who use the price comparison website and are the account holder for the residential electricity bill are eligible.

Mr Heylar said people could call the Neighbourhood House on 5382 5253 for assistance in claiming the bonus. Applications for the bonus are open until June 30, 2023.

GAP year a win for everyone

Two Horsham College 2021 graduates are pursuing careers in nursing after taking a pause on studying to learn more about hospital departments this year.

Ruby Hill spent this year working as a ward clerk, COVID-19 support worker and also assisted in the kitchen and café at Grampians Health’s Horsham campus.

Ruby is enrolled in a Bachelor of Nursing-Paramedicine at the University of Sunshine Coast, starting next year.

She said her favourite aspect of her job at the Horsham hospital

was working in a team environment.

“No two days are ever the same,” she said.

“Spending my GAP year working at the hospital has improved my communication skills and made me confident around unfamiliar faces.

“I am very excited now to move to a new state and begin studying.”

Raven Ponseca has been working in the Horsham campus kitchen and café while saving money for university.

Raven is enrolled in a Bachelor of Nursing at Deakin University’s Waterfront campus in Geelong, next year.

Raven said working at the hospital had allowed him to gain a range of skills in the kitchen and cafeteria and to save some money for 2023.

“The best part about working in the kitchen is the people,” he said.

“I am really looking forward to starting university next year.”

Christmas Closures

Our St Arnaud Customer Service office will be closed to the public from 12pm on Friday 23 December and will reopen 9am on Tuesday 3 January 2023. Stawell Customer Service will close at 12pm on Friday 23 December and reopen at 8.30am on Tuesday 3 January.

The Maternal and Child Health Service will close at 5pm on Thursday 22 December and reopen as normal on Tuesday 3 January. Immunisation enquiries will close at 5pm on Wed 21 December. If you need to arrange an immunisation before the holiday, further information can be found at www.ngshire.vic.gov.au/Residents/Family-andchildren-services/Immunisation-program

Our St Arnaud, Halls Gap and Stawell transfer stations will be closed on Sunday 25 December - Christmas Day. The Stawell Transfer Station will also be closed on New Years Day.

There will be no interruptions to our kerbside waste and recycling collection services throughout the Christmas and New Year period.

The St Arnaud Library will close from 5.30pm on Thursday, 22 December and reopen at 1.30pm on Tuesday 3 January. The Stawell Library will close from 12pm, Friday 23 December and reopen 10am, Tuesday 3 January. The returns chute will be available to return items during this time and online services will continue to be available.

Prepare your property for the fire season

The Fire Danger Period started on 12 December in Northern Grampians Shire and is expected to run through until May 2023. It is important to make sure your property is fire ready.

In December, council officers will be inspecting private properties within the shire to ensure property owners are meeting their fire prevention responsibilities. Fire Prevention Notices will be issued to property owners who have not taken appropriate measures to reduce the risk of fire on their property.

The best way to minimise this risk is to reduce the fuel load present on and around your property. You can do this by:

• Mowing or slashing grass and weeds to less than 10cm high

• Raking up leaves and bark in the immediate area around buildings

• Pruning low branches from buildings and fences

• Removing rubbish and garden waste

For more information on council’s fire hazard inspections process and Fire Prevention Notices, please visit www.ngshire.vic.gov.au/Emergencies/Fire

We appreciate your cooperation in ensuring that our community is prepared for the Fire Danger Period. If you have any further queries, please contact council’s Fire Prevention Officer on 03 5358 8743 or at mfpo@ngshire.vic.gov.au.

StoryTown Scavenger Hunt

Calendar/Events-Directory/StawellStoryTowns-Christmas-Scavenger-Hunt

the public. You are welcome to attend or to view online.

NEW SKILLS: Raven Ponseca, left, makes a cappuccino for Ruby Hill in Grampians Health’s Horsham campus café.

KRAHES PEST CONTROL

‘Regional flight hub’ gains traction

BY ABBY WALTER

Horsham community leaders are hopeful a new master plan slated for Horsham Aerodrome will lead to future investment and infrastructure in the Wimmera.

Horsham Rural City Council received $240,000 from Regional Development Victoria to create a master plan that would include detailed designs to guide development of the aerodrome for the next 20 to 50 years.

Acting chief executive John Martin said developing Horsham’s aerodrome into a regional flight hub would help grow the region’s economy and provide for the needs of businesses and government departments.

“Having more commercial flights to and from Horsham aligns with the council’s goal of promoting business investment opportunities,” he said.

“It will help provide investor confidence in our municipality.”

General aviation, a Horsham aero club, two gliding clubs, crop dusting firms, charter aircraft and air ambulances use the aerodrome. It supports fire-fighting and occasional military aircraft.

A council spokesperson said they estimated between 5000 and 10,000 aircraft used Horsham aerodrome annually.

Horsham Flying Club president Michael Sudholz said he could see positives emerge from a long-term plan for the aerodrome.

“Upgrading or expanding would offer a lot to users of the aerodrome and bring more people in to use it, too,” he said.

“More planning could result in im-

proved facilities, better drainage and more space.

“There’s a shortage of space to provide new sites for commercial or private hangers, or for businesses that are on site to expand.

“This year has also highlighted problems with drainage, something that has been ongoing, but after the rain in the past couple of months, water hasn’t been able to move away fast enough from around hangers and the refuelling centre.”

Mr Sudholz said the Horsham aerodrome was attractive to people who needed to use it.

“The strip is in good condition. Horsham Aviation Services is a drawcard and it is a good place to refuel,” he said.

“It’s a safe area for gliders and power craft, too, being surrounded by open, cropping farming. It has a good reputation with a lot of services that you don’t see straight away.

“Private and commercial users are there regularly – it doesn’t look like much, but if you sit and watch for an hour there is plenty of movement. You even see the air ambulance out once or twice a day.”

Wimmera Development Association executive director Chris Sounness said Horsham would always benefit from increased traffic.

“One of the challenges that a lot of business people recognise is infrastructure connectivity with the rest of Victoria,” he said.

“We have the road, but we don’t have daily rail service and the airport is always limited, so anything that is going to improve access to the region is going to be great.

“A plan, and any upgrades or expansion, creates opportunity where people in a private enterprise can see the value in offering a service here.”

Mr Sounness said he believed the business community would be excited by a master plan.

“I think there’s corporate demand – especially with the amount of proposed investment from the renewable energy sector and mineral sands sector,” he said.

“Talking to potential investors, one thing they have always talked about

is how they can increase access to the region and having flights in and out would greatly improve that.

“We have a couple of businesses at the aerodrome that would increase servicing and could grow their business, so that could be something we also see, and there are specialist technicians based in the Wimmera who could have the opportunity to grow their business.”

Mr Sounness said creating a master plan was a great exercise for the future of the aerodrome.

“Upgrading or expanding would offer a lot to users of the aerodrome and bring more people in to use it, too. More planning could result in improved facilities, better drainage and more space”

– Michael Sudholz, left

“Whenever something gets changed, people will be impacted, but I think the point of doing a plan is to scope out what can be done, why it might be done and the value it would bring and people can have the chance to have input,” he said.

A council spokesperson said there was a business plan for the aerodrome from 2010, but it fell short of requirements for a master plan.

“Since 2010 there have been two other planning studies undertaken, which have investigated the future infrastructure and development protection requirements for the aerodrome,” they said.

“A draft master plan was developed in 2016, but not adopted by the council.

“Both the 2010 business plan and 2016 draft master plan were reviewed in 2019, leading to a commitment by the council to prepare a new master plan based on the audit conducted at that time.”

Mr Martin said developing Horsham’s aerodrome into a regional flight hub also matched Grampians Tourism’s strategic objectives that aimed to deliver more visitors and, ultimately, attract a domestic airline to operate in the regional city.

Eureka Garages & Sheds EW Bulte Timber, Hardware & Paint Farmhouse Providore and Cafe Forty Winks Horsham GIO Horsham Harvey Norman Ararat Harvey Norman Horsham Superstore Hermans Of Horsham Horsham Amcal Pharmacy

Horsham Aquatic Centre  Horsham AutoGlass

Horsham Betta Home Living

Horsham Camera House

Horsham Electronics

Horsham Golf Club

Horsham PaintRight Horsham RSL

House & Party Stawell

Jerrams Auto Parts & Electronics Centre

KLM Concreting & Soil Yard

Lardner Bros M Mart

Magic Maids

Maria Da Ros Fashions

McPhersons of Brim

Nu Life Health Foods

Onya Back Bedding & Furniture

Premix King Ararat

Pyrenees Premium Cuts Ray White Ararat

River Bamboo Massage & Beauty Senor Mex

Shopthis Horsham

Simply Skin Body

Smallaire

Spotlight Horsham

Stawell Toyota

That Little Shoppee Place

Victoria Hotel Horsham

VV Electrical and Solar

Waacks Bakery Stawell

Wastebusters Wimmera Recycling Horsham  West Side Horsham

West Wimmera Health Services

Western Victorian Wholesalers

Westonvic Waste

Wimmera Aquatrail

Wimmera Bearings

Wimmera Mallee Ag Wimmera Outdoors

Ararat’s AME adds contracts

BY MICHAEL SCALZO

As one of only three business in the world able to create electronic systems to a particular US-Australian defence capability, Ararat’s AME Systems has found a rare niche.

Executives of US defence contractor Northrop Grumman visited Ararat last week to announce additional supply contracts for AME Systems to manufacture complex wiring harnesses for the MQ-4C Triton – a new high-altitude long-endurance unmanned drone.

Alongside the US Navy, the Royal Australia Air Force, RAAF, will use Northop Grumman’s MQ-4C Triton as its newest unmanned patrol and surveillance drone – a replacement of AP-3C Orion.

AME Systems managing director Nick Carthew said the new Northrop Grumman contracts were to produce an additional 230 parts for the Triton project, which he expected to generate an extra $1 million in additional revenue in 2023.

He said with these new supply contracts, AME would make a more ‘holistic’ contribution to the Triton project and manufacture electrical articulation and communication systems for the drones. He said these would become the ‘nervous system’ of the vehicle.

“In this case, it is a highly complex product and there are many hoops AME had to jump through to meet Northrop Grumman’s own certification requirements. We are one of three companies in the world to meet those demands,” he said.

“It is a massive coup for Ararat and per-

sonally I am extremely proud AME gets to be part of it.”

Northrop Grumman program manager

Rho Cauley Bruner said the Triton was part of a co-operative program between the US Navy and the RAAF, and the AME Systems contracts were part of a continuing partnership to build the program.

“The US Navy is procuring the next lot of Tritons so there is an extension to AME’s work because of the high quality of their product, as well as the inclusion of additional part numbers,” she said.

Member for Wannon Dan Tehan celebrated the partnership extension between Northrop and AME and said the Ararat company had played its role in keeping Australia and the Indo-Pacific region safe.

He said it was key for Australia to ‘add value’ through manufacturing – especially in regional Australia.

Mr Carthew said because of the new defence contracts, AME was investing heavily in new and high-end technology as well as sub-security requirements to manufacture these parts.

He said the new contracts would offer employment for ‘two or three’ extra staff at AME, as well as several informationtechnology roles and engineering positions ‘in the future’.

“It is part of our company’s strategic growth plan, to be more involved in sovereign and strategic defence capabilities, with a move into the international aerospace market,” he said.

The RAAF’s full operational capacity of the MQ-4C Triton was expected in 2025 and 2026.

Nolan’s ‘Wimmera’ on exhibit

An exhibition depicting the profound effect of living in the Wimmera on a leading Australian artist opened at Horsham Regional Art Gallery last week.

Iconic painter Sidney Nolan’s works appear in the exhibition, called ‘Expansive ground: Sidney Nolan in the Wimmera’.

Created between 1942 and 1943 at the beginning of his career as a painter, works appearing in ‘Expansive Ground’ reveal the effect living in the Wimmera had on his artistic experimentation with material, style and subjects.

The gallery has worked with major art institutions including the National Gallery of Australia and Heide Museum of Modern Art Collections to present the selection of drawings and paintings.

Curator Alison Eggleton said No-

lan and his work had left a lasting impression on art and culture in Australia.

“Nolan arrived in the Wimmera wanting to be a serious painter. In 1942 he set up a studio space in Dimboola while being stationed in the area on Army duty during World War II,” she said.

“It was a pivotal location, which launched a two-year period of vigorous experimentation in how to see and depict the landscape and people around him.

“Nolan’s first impression of the vastness of the landscape is insightful.

“To cope with flatness of the landscape, he visualised lifting the ground so the sky is but a thin line.

“This became a significant part of his visual language in art.

“By the time he left the Wim-

mera, he had developed a versatile visual language in paint that changed the way we see the Australian landscape.”

Special guest Dr Paula Dredge, of the Grimwade Centre for Cultural Materials Conservation at Melbourne University, addressed patrons at the exhibition opening.

Dr Dredge has spent 10 years studying Nolan’s diverse material use – including his love of Ripolin brand of house paint.

The gallery is open daily, except Christmas Day, from 10am to 4pm at 80 Wilson Street, Horsham; people wanting more information can go to www.horshamtownhall. com.au

The exhibition runs until March 5.

•

•

•

•

•

Regional Art Gallery curator Alison Eggleton installs ‘Woman In Doorway’ as part of the Sidney Nolan exhibition at the gallery. The piece is from 1943.

Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Nhill A & P Society

Julie Woolcock Nhill A & P Society secretary, “it has been two years since we have been able to use our show facilities and we had quite a significant amount of dust and dirt to remove, then after our annual show on the 13th October we have since had a lot of mud to remove from buildings. The

of this equipment has been very timely for 2022 and in the future, it will make cleaning

quicker and easier. The ongoing support of the Club is greatly appreciated.”

HSCC Club manager Glenn Carroll, “The Nhill A & P Society has received 10 sponsorship totaling $9,615 over recent years making life easier for their volunteers. The Club recognises the valuable contribution of the many volunteers that support A & P Societies in the region, to date just over $89,000 has been allocated to these organisations.

North Park proposal

BY ABBY WALTER

New play space, resurfaced tennis courts and a new half basketball court are some of the many proposals in a 10-year master plan for North Park, Stawell.

Northern Grampians Shire Council unanimously endorsed the master plan at its meeting last week.

The plan proposes more than 30 upgrades and builds during the next 10 years.

These include lighting and power to different spaces, improved grass areas and open spaces, demolishing the previous pavilion, more storage spaces, landscaping, parking and being part of feasibility studies.

Upgrades are classified as shortterm, up to three years; mediumterm, four to seven years; and longterm, eight to 10 years.

Individual projects estimated costs range from $2500 to $300,000.

Recent redevelopments at North Park include a new multi-purpose

pavilion, renewal of the synthetic athletics track, new netball courts, tennis lighting upgrade, soccer field lighting, a community garden and dog park.

A new skate park is slated for delivery in 2023.

Councillor Rob Haswell said the plan outlined the community’s aspirations for future investment at North Park.

“The plan makes recommendations aimed at optimising the use of the reserve and creating a vibrant community hub, which provides physical, social, economic and environmental benefits to the Stawell community,” he said.

“The plan has done three things – it has identified the opportuni-

ties to optimise active and passive recreation use and to link and complement opportunities offered at Central Park and Cato Park.

“Number two, it has identified the existing and future capability of reserve infrastructure and considered design options that ensure sustainable recreational provision in the future.

“And number three, this plan has developed a plan to support investment at North Park so the reserve infrastructure is integrated and well connected.”

Cr Murray Emerson said North Park was a ‘fantastic’ reserve.

“The North Park master plan makes sure the facility remains one of the best in Victoria,” he said.

“It identifies some things that can take us forward into the future and make the facility even better than what it is.”

The North Park master plan can be found on the council’s website via www.ngshire.vic.go.au

Volunteers re-establish community house

The manager of community development not-for-profit, Horsham Neighbourhood House, has commended the work if its volunteers to ‘re-establish’ the organisation’s integrality.

Manager Charlie Helyar, during the group’s annual meeting, said volunteer efforts this year had firmly established the organisation ‘back into the community’ after COVID-19 restrictions.

He said the organisation’s partnership with Grampians Health and Grampians Community Health to install eight COVID-19 vaccination clinics, its ‘Independent Pathways’ and ‘Living Skills’ programs in conjunction with Grampians Disability Advocacy, its new partnership with Oasis Wimmera’s Jelly Bean playgroup, its ‘Safe Seats Safe Kids’ program, its regular platforming of community

information sessions, and its new website were key achievements the organisation had made since COVID restrictions eased in early 2022.

“A huge thanks needs to go out to the volunteers of the house,” he said.

“Volunteers are critical to the operation and success of any neighbourhood house and I, for one, am grateful for their support in ensuring this house continues to operate.”

ENTERTAINMENT: Horsham clinical healthcare musician Rachel Gellert of Horsham entertained Horsham Combined Probus Club members with music played on her harp during their latest meeting. Mrs Gellert, who provides music for patients at Wimmera Cancer Centre, also outlined the soothing effect on people, including babies, as they listened to harp music. Mrs Gellert is pictured right, with club president Jan Aisbett.

“The plan makes recommendations aimed at optimising the use of the reserve and creating a vibrant community hub”

– Cr Rob Haswell

BY ABBY WALTER

Wimmera Development Association board is looking ahead to 2023 and the implementation of its strategic plan.

The board staged its first annual general meeting last week as a not-for-profit Company Limited by Guarantee after making the transition from an incorporated association earlier this year.

WDA executive director Chris Sounness said the transition had been ‘great’.

“The board is getting in and contributing knowledge and skills,” he said.

“We have a strategic plan that has been approved for the new year that sets out a clear vision and purpose.

“We hope to be having a roadshow in February next year to roll out that plan to show what we will be doing and how it will be measured.”

Mr Sounness said the board went from about 25 local government staff, councillors and industry representatives to five representatives from councils, five skills-based representatives and an independent chair.

“They’re all excited by the strategic plan and are all set up to begin delivering it,” he said.

Mr Sounness said future targets included increasing the region by 7000 people, lowering carbon emissions and becoming a self-sustaining region.

“Housing will be a key activity throughout 2023,” he said.

“The goal of population growth is to make our region a better place to live.”

Andrew Logie-Smith delivered a presentation at the meeting.

Mr Sounness said Mr Logie-Smith pro-

vided legal support for the organisation and spoke about creating good structures to work with the community to build a better region.

“He spoke about the value of heritage and regional development as well, which was great to hear,” he said.

Embracing change

Mr Sounness was appointed to the role of executive director in 2019 and said it was most exciting to be involved in the transition to Company Limited by Guarantee.

“To be involved in the process and embrace the change was exciting,” he said.

“It was great our local governments embraced it, too, and it has set us up well to support our community and achieve growth outcomes.

“In my three years being part of the housing blueprint work and knowing the ByFive initiative works in the same organisation has been fantastic – to know we’re making a difference is great.

“We have also really grown as a team with Wimmera Mallee Tourism, ByFive and job advocates kicking goals – it’s all gelling together.”

Mr Sounness said the past three years also showed him how lucky he is.

“In September, to be told I had acute myeloid leukemia and go through treatment between then and March made me realise how lucky I am with a support network around me to be able to get done what needed to be done,” he said.

“I was dealt a bad card, but I still had lots of good cards in my hands.”

Wimmera Development Association is the peak advocacy body behind many major, emerging projects in the region.

Support for creative celebration

Grampians Gatherings will return to St Arnaud next year with a $48,000 grant from the Victorian Government’s Living Local Regional Fund.

Northern Grampians Shire Council was awarded the funding to foster opportunities for the region’s creative community.

The Grampians Gatherings event aims to bring the wider community together to collaborate, create and deliver an arts and culture experi-

ence that will benefit the community and boost the local economy.

Building on Grampians Gatherings 2022, the council plans to ensure the event will be a sustainable annual celebration.

The council partners with community sector arts organisation ACT Natimuk to deliver the event, that promotes outdoor activation in St Arnaud and surrounding communities.

Regional Development minister

Harriet Shing announced recipients on behalf of Regional Development Victoria.

“It’s great to see so many new projects on the way that will help our regions. When our regions do well, the whole of Victoria benefits,” she said.

Initial plans for Grampians Gatherings 2023 event include the establishment of temporary public art installations and creative spaces throughout St Arnaud.

WELLBEING FRIEND: Goroke P-12 College students, from left, Anna Light, Lucas Jago, Molly Wearne and Hugh Brook spend time with the school’s wellbeing dog Magpie. Magpie only has three legs after an accident when he was a pup. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER

Establishing a First Nations voice

Prime Minister Anthony Albanese provided more details in July about a proposed referendum to change the Australian Constitution to include an Indigenous voice to parliament.

This news will likely have been welcomed by many Wimmera residents, although there is likely some confusion over what this means.

In this article, I will explain the changes to the Constitution as currently proposed, what the Constitution is, what a referendum is, and why this change is being proposed.

Prime Minister Albanese has proposed a draft referendum question as follows: “Do you support an alteration to the Constitution that establishes an Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander voice?”

Prime Minister Albanese also has released draft sentences to be proposed to be added to the Constitution:

• There shall be a body, to be called the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice;

• The Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice might make representations to parliament and the executive

government on matters relating to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples; and

• The Parliament, shall, subject to the Constitution, have power to make laws with respect to the composition, functions, powers and procedures of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Voice.

These sentences might be revised but provide an indication of the general changes to the Constitution sought.

The Australian Constitution is the set of rules by which Australia is governed including the making of laws and the powers of the three branches of government being the legislature, parliament; the executive, those that put the law into action; and the judiciary, courts.

The Australian Constitution came into force on January 1, 1901, giving the then six colonies the status of states within the new federation of Australia.

The Constitution can only be amended by a referendum, which is a vote of the Australian population.

To be successful, a referendum must have a double majority of yes votes –being a majority of Australian voters

Health staff celebrate merger

Grampians Health staff celebrated the anniversary of its campus merger in the region, with a purple-themed gathering to recognise the new organisation’s brand.

Chief executive Dale Fraser said the organisation’s inaugural 12 months had been ‘dotted’ with milestones.

These include the appointment of a new orthopaedic surgeon working at the Horsham campus, implementation of a nurse-practitioner service to Edenhope campus, the provision of a new model of care for Stawell urgent care clinic and the reintroduction of a day oncology program at Stawell.

“Regardless of where you live, you should have easy access to quality, timely care,” Mr Fraser said.

“While this is not something we can change for everyone in one year, we are well on the way to improving

many areas of care, with a focus on increased services at our Dimboola, Edenhope, Horsham and Stawell campuses.

“We’ve also made telehealth services more accessible with the introduction of specialised equipment at each campus, and we have delivered thousands more outpatient appointments in Horsham, despite the prevalence of COVID-19.

“This month we opened the doors to a new maternity outpatient clinic in Horsham, and in 2023 the building of new staff accommodation in Horsham will commence.”

Mr Fraser thanked the Grampians Health workforce for its care, as well as the communities they served for ‘considering the complexities of reviewing and aligning health services’.

it’s THE LAW

and a majority of voters in at least four states. Because of this high threshold, only eight referendums have been successful in Australia’s history despite 44 being voted on. Referendums are likely to fail unless they have the support of the two major parties.

The idea of Indigenous Constitutional recognition has been supported by both Labor and Coalition prime ministers.

John Howard first proposed a referendum on Indigenous Constitutional recognition in 2007.

In February 2020, Scott Morrison stated his support for a voice codesigned by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in his Closing the Gap speech.

Malcolm Turnbull, when he was Prime Minister in 2017, voiced his concern that ‘The Voice’ would act as a ‘third chamber of parliament’ re-

quiring approval of legislation by the voice of any legislation concerning Indigenous Australians.

However, he has more recently stated that he no longer has this concern as the model proposed ‘only empowers The Voice to give advice and make representations’.

The most successful referendum in our history was another referendum concerning Indigenous Australians. The 1967 referendum extended the powers of the Commonwealth to Indigenous Australians in states and repealed section 127, which prevented the inclusion of all Indigenous Australians in population counts for Constitutional purposes.

More than 90 percent of Australians voted in favour of the amendments.

The push for Constitutional change to include an Indigenous voice to Parliament has been sought by Indigenous Australians for some time, but was formally requested in the Uluru Statement issued to the Australian people following the First Nations National Constitutional Convention in 2017.

The 2017 Uluru Statement from the heart was endorsed at a meeting of

more than 250 delegates following numerous regional dialogues across Australia.

The Constitution was drafted in the late 1880s at a time when the views of Australians towards Indigenous Australians were very different.

Fortunately, Australia has progressed. If the Constitution was drafted afresh today it would, of course, include reference to Indigenous Australians, who have had such a long and important part of Australia’s history.

A successful referendum will ensure that Indigenous Australians are included in Australia’s most important legal document and that they are consulted with in relation to Indigenous matters.

• Patrick Smith is the principal of O’Brien and Smith Lawyers. This article is intended to be used as a guide only. It is not, and is not intended to be, advice on any specific matter. Neither Patrick nor O’Brien and Smith Lawyers accept responsibility for any acts or omissions resulting from reliance upon the content of this article. Before acting on the basis of any material in this article, we recommend that you consult your lawyer.

with Patrick Smith, LL.B. (Hons) B. Int. St., B.Ec., GDLP

ONE YEAR ON: Grampians Health Stawell campus staff, from left, Ebony Summers, Kirby Egan and Kellie Friend celebrate the health service’s first anniversary after the merger of Edenhope and District Memorial Hospital, Stawell Regional Health, Wimmera Health Care Group and Ballarat Health Services.

Spreading ChriStmaS Cheer

CANDY LAND: Horsham children met ‘The Grinch’, enjoyed a scavenger hunt and had their face painted at a Christmas Candy Land event. Haven Hall was a cheerful scene of Christmas and candy decorations on Sunday at the showcase organised by Brookhaven Events. Pictured, clockwise from above: Event organisers Mirella Butsch and Amy Brooksby meet The Grinch; Chloe Butsch as Cindy-Lou with The Grinch; Bridget Darrington and Arlie Anson-Purchase; Aston Brooksby with The Grinch; and Lucy Butsch and The Grinch.

Pictures: ABBY WALTER

SINGING AND DANCING:

Horsham’s Soundshell was lit up with carollers and candles for Horsham’s annual Christmas Carols by Candlelight on Sunday, despite a rainy evening. Early entertainment by Horsham Rural City Band was followed by a selection of Wimmera voices singing Christmas tunes for the crowd’s enjoyment. Pictured clockwise from above: Shanae Thomas, Sienna Walsgott and Stacey Brennan entertain; Stella and Annie Hage; Ava and Piper Harvey; master of ceremonies Jess Wilson and Simon Risson; Bella, Cara and Henry St Clair; Darryn Wardle and Jeff Woodward; and Yolanda and Sadie Molineaux.

Pictures: ABBY WALTER

1. Australia’s Biggest Morning Tea fund-raiser raises money to fight what disease?

2. What is the term for the art of preparing, stuffing and mounting the skins of animals for display?

3. Mafeking near Ararat shares its name with the site of a famous siege involving British soldiers. In what country was the siege and in what conflict?

4. A build-up of cerumen can be a problem for some people. We know it more commonly as what?

5. The introduction of legumes revolutionised Wimmera-Mallee broadacre crop rotation. Apart from producing alternative high-protein crops to wheat, the ability of symbiotic bacteria in legume root nodules do what?

6. Wimmera station owner Alexander Wilson or his brother Charles commissioned Russian-born painter Nicholas Chevalier to produce an oil-on-canvas work in 1863 of what prominent landmarks?

7. In the world of Australian literature, who famously said: ‘We’ll all be rooned’ and who penned the work?

8. What three-syllable locality on the Henty Highway and Yarriambiack Creek, almost seven kilometres from Beulah, starts with ‘G’? Spell it.

9. Many of us have grown up with stories about the legends of Ancient Greece. What mythological creature with references dating back to at least 3300 BC has the body, tail and back legs of a lion and the head, wings and front-feet talons of an eagle?

10. Dog owners should always vaccinate against what deadly airborne paramyxovirus and close relative of measles first described by French veterinarian Herni Carre in 1905?

8. Galaquil. 9. Griffin. 10. Canine distember.

3.

www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au

ARIES:

(March 21- April 20)

Lucky Colour: White

^

Lotto Numbers: 1.12.15.26.30.33. Financially a very progressive period and some luck in money matters also. People who you already know could be of help. There are some exciting surprises in your romantic life coming up.

Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 3.3.2.1.

TAURUS:

(April 21- May 20)

Lucky Colour: Peach Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 3.2.6.5. Lotto Numbers: 2.13.25.40.44.45.

Some travel plans could go astray but wherever you go or whatever you do will be very successful. Someone you have not been sure about will show their value.

GEMINI:

(May 21- June 21)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 2.3.5.6. Lotto Numbers: 2.13.25.36.39.3.

Good period for your romantic interludes and new friendships but do keep out of the way of irritating people to keep peace and harmony at your place. Keep your eye open for business deals.

CANCER:

(June 22- July 22)

Lucky Colour: Blue

Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 2.3.2.1. Lotto Numbers: 1.12.15.45.8.33. Because of some sudden travel arrangements your love life could suffer a bit. But business and finances should be benefiting and adding to your extra buying power. Also some bargains about.

LEO:

(July 23- August 22)

Lucky Colour: Mauve

Lucky Day: Tuesday Racing Numbers: 2.3.2.3. Lotto Numbers: 2.13.3.36.39.5.

Tact and diplomacy will get you a long way now so keep out of trouble with loved ones by not getting involved with things that do not concern you. Money should be a little easier to come by.

VIRGO:

(August 23- September 23)

Lucky Colour: White

Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 2.1.3.5. Lotto Numbers: 1.12.15.45.40.22.

People in the position to help you could do so now if approached the right way. Try not to be too critical about loved ones; it will only lead to conflict within the family members.

LIBRA:

(September 24- October 23)

Lucky Colour: Peach

Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 2.6.9.8. Lotto Numbers: 8.12.5.16.20.33. There are big changes coming up and many of them because of some new friendships. Keep a tight eye on your possessions as it is not a good period for lending or borrowing – something might not come back.

SCORPIO:

(October 24- November 22)

Lucky Colour: Green

Lucky Day: Thursday Racing Numbers: 2.1.3.6. Lotto Numbers: 1.12.15.45.40.33.

There should be much happier times ahead and more interest in you personally.

Romance department looks good but keep your cool if a new romance is developing –it might take time to adjust.

SAGITTARIUS:

(November 23- December 20)

Lucky Colour: Pink Lucky Day: Monday Racing Numbers: 1.5.9.6. Lotto Numbers: 1.12.15.4.20.29. People might not be too keen in sharing your ideas and you might have to make up your mind on your own as to whether or not to tell them your ideas in the first place. Meeting with new people could help you to get ahead in your endeavours.

CAPRICORN:

(December 21- January 19)

Lucky Colour: Yellow Lucky Day: Saturday Racing Numbers 1.3.9.5. Lotto Numbers: 1.12.15.45.40.33. If planning a new business or starting something ahead of time you could do with expert advice. If you feel that you have not had the chance to say your piece, do it now.

AQUARIUS:

    For the week December 18 - December 24

with kerry kulkenS Visit KERRY KULKENS MAGIC SHOP at 1693 Burwood Hwy, Belgrave Ph/Fax 9754 4587 WWW.KERRYKULKENS.COM.AU Like us on Facebook

(January 20- February 19)

Lucky Colour: Orange Lucky Day: Friday Racing Numbers: 1.3.6.9. Lotto Numbers: 1.15.26.29.8.7. Try not to worry about things that might not even happen. A positive outlook will achieve much more. It could be a good period for love and new interests in this field.

PISCES: (February 20- March 20)

   

Lucky Colour: Green Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 1.3.6.5. Lotto Numbers: 1.12.15.45.40.22. You could get a surprise in your love life, but a pleasant one. Lots of new ideas and many of them will become very profitable for you. Luck with someone born in September.

Answers: 1. Cancer.

Taxidermy.

South Africa. The Boer War. The battle led to Boy Scouts founder Robert Baden-Powell becoming a British hero. 4. Earwax. 5. Fix nitrogen from the ,atmosphere which goes back into the soil and becomes available to other plants, prolonging soil productivity.

Mt Arapiles and Mitre Rock, part of the Wilson station. The work is now in the National Gallery of Australia in Canberra. 7. Hanrahan. It is from the poem Said Hanrahan by Monsignor Patrick Joseph Hartigan who wrote under the pseudonym of John O’Brien.

Grampians

A unique atmosphere with spectacular views awaits visitors to Magdala Motor Lodge and Lakeside Restaurant at Stawell.

Set on 20 acres, Magdala Motor Lodge and Lakeside Restaurant offers excellent accommodation, restaurant and services for both the business and leisure traveller, and is an ideal destination from which to explore the Grampians National Park and world-renowned vineyards and wineries of the Grampians and Pyrenees.

All rooms overlook a spectacular private lake setting, with each room

having direct access to the lake.

The property also features a seasonal heated indoor saltwater pool and family-friendly recreational facilities including playground, tennis and basketball court and an 800m private walking track, complete with local wildlife including swans, pelicans, ducks, turtles and kangaroos.

Being on an estate of such size, it’s also amongst the quietest accommodation choices between Melbourne and Adelaide, assuring visitors a great night’s sleep in a unique and tranquil setting.

Its fully-licensed Lakeside Restaurant has scenic lake views through picture windows, leading to outdoor dining on an alfresco deck, and is considered, by many as Stawell’s venue of choice for dining — whether for a casual meal, function, corporate meeting or special occasion.

The restaurant’s warm and inviting atmosphere makes it perfect for a special dinner in Stawell and an ever-changing seasonal menu of modern Australian and European dishes encompasses a variety of local produce from regional suppliers.

The fully-licensed bar is available from 5pm for pre-dinner drinks, with an extensive cellar maintaining a collection specialising in Grampians and Pyrenees regional wines.

Children are welcome and a specialised menu caters for young visitors under 12 years. Group bookings can be catered to either a-la-carte or with a personalised menu offering for larger groups, catering and functions.

1477 Western Hwy Great Western PH 03 5356 2400 grampiansestate.com.au Multi Award-Winning WineryIndoor/outdoor diningTastings, Coffee, Platters, Lunch, Wine SalesOpen daily from 10am

Yaris Cross buyers will now have the option of a more athletic GR Sport variant, with Toyota announcing the ‘thrilling upgrade’ to its light SUV range.

At almost $10,000 above the entry price to the Yaris Cross line-up, the GR Sport, priced from $35,890 plus on-road costs, is offered in a single two-wheel drive hybrid grade and features retuned, lowered suspension to provide what Toyota says is improved dynamic handling and steering response.

Based upon the Yaris Cross GXL Hybrid, the GR Sport introduces a swathe of styling touches inspired by the Toyota Gazoo Racing stable of sportscars, which includes the GR86,

GR Yaris, GR Supra and forthcoming GR Corolla.

It includes identifiers such as a G mesh patterned grille and rear bumper applique in black, sporty rear diffuser, black wing mirror caps, model-specific 18-inch alloy wheels in a twinfive-spoke design, red-painted brake calipers with GR logos up front, GR badging, and ‘exclusive tyres for improved dynamic performance’.

The cabin features bespoke seats with synthetic leather on the bolsters and perforated black suede-like upholstery with contrast light grey stitching on the seats and steering wheel.

GR logos adorn the head restraints, steering wheel and keys, while aluminium pedals provide a sportier look.

Further touches include gun metal

coloured trim garnishing on the shift knob, instrument panel hood and door cards, while suede-like material is again applied to the door card inlays.

Equipment additions include an extra USB-C port in the dashboard and Nanoe X air ionisation climate control.

But it is under the skin where most of the variant’s differences lie.

The front suspension is enhanced with retuned spring rates, upgraded lower control arm and new bump stops that Toyota says reduces body roll and improves ride comfort.

At the rear, a grooved washer bolt ‘evens out surface pressure for the suspension fastening bolt’ and improves rigidity at the joint for improved steering response.

The ride height of the Yaris Cross GR Sport is lowered 10mm when compared with the donor variant, while the chassis is stiffened by an underfloor brace and secondary brace running along the lower rear of the vehicle.

Straight-line and accelerative performance is unchanged from other Yaris Cross variants with a 1.5-litre petrolelectric hybrid unit as the GR Sport has the same combination of 67kW120Nm three-cylinder petrol engine with a pair of motor-generators to provide a combined output of 85kW.

Toyota quotes a combined cycle fuel consumption figure of 3.8 litres per 100km with 86 grams of CO2 emitted per kilometre.

A total of five paint colours are

available including frosted white, stunning silver, ink, atomic rush and lunar blue, with frosted white and atomic rush available with a two-tone black roof and Yaris Cross nameplate on the rocker moulding.

For the broader Yaris Cross range, frosted white replaces crystal pearl and joins stunning silver, ink, atomic rush, latte, tuscan gold, mineral blue and lunar blue.

Urban variants can pair frosted white, atomic rush, latte, tuscan gold and mineral blue with a two-tone black roof, while the gold two-tone roof will no longer be offered.

Premium paint hues attract a $575 surcharge, while two-tone paint schemes are $1350 extra.

– Matt Brogan

• New Mitsubishi Pajero Sport to be distanced from Triton – Page 43

‘More than just a Triton wagon’

As Mitsubishi Motors gets ready to peel the covers off its new-generation Triton utility next year, senior staff suggest the brand is considering pushing the Triton and its Pajero Sport SUV spin-off a little further apart – at least as far as their showroom positioning is concerned.

With the Pajero Sport having taken over from the Challenger as Mitsubishi’s wagon-bodied Triton variant, the timelines of both products are inextricably linked and the current formula of significant under-the-skin platform and component sharing is expected to continue.

However, company vice-president and chief of vehicle engineering development Hiroshi Masuoka said Mitsubishi could introduce greater external differentiation to give the next Pajero Sport its own distinct flavour, and potentially position it as the successor to the discontinued Pajero wagon.

“Pajero Sport has the potential to be stretched, to grow more. Performance, comfort, the bodywork, and the powertrain itself,” he said.

If Mitsubishi Motors, MMC, chooses to go down that pathway with the next Pajero Sport, we can expect an off-road wagon that is more than a three-row SUV body grafted onto a Triton’s ladder frame chassis and front-end.

Mr Masuoka’s suggestion that com-

fort and performance would be targeted as part of a Pajero Sport reinvention indicates there might be a more road-friendly bias introduced into the new vehicle’s suspension.

While the current Pajero Sport uses the same independent front suspension as the Triton, its rear axle bypasses the Triton’s leaf springs in favour of coil springs for a more passenger-friendly ride – though the significant unsprung weight of a live axle still introduces a ride quality compromise.

Would MMC move away from that set-up in favour of a true independent

rear suspension, like the final-generation Pajero boasted? That vehicle used a monocoque architecture and all-independent suspension rather than the more typical ladder-frame and live rear axle combination favoured by other 4x4 wagons such as Toyota’s 300 Series Landcruiser and Prado, and won many fans for its car-like composure.

However, deviating too far from a Triton-based architecture would introduce greater development and production costs. Instead, expect the Triton’s next wagon-bodied offshoot to feature

Renault updates Koleos Life, Zen

Renault has revealed details of its refreshed MY23 Koleos range, the French brand’s Koreanmade medium SUV range increasing in price by between $200 and $2900 depending on variant.

In addition to what Renault Australia says are significant upgrades to Life and Zen variants, the Koleos range also welcomes a new all-wheel drive Zen 4x4 variant.

Koleos pricing now begins at $37,000 plus on-road costs for the entry-grade, front-wheel drive Life –an increase of $2000 over the outgoing model – with mid-tier Zen variants starting from $41,700 plus on-road costs, at an increase of $2900.

However, just $200 has been added to the price of a flagship Koleos Intens, now retailling from $45,200 plus on-road costs.

A suite of new features for the entrylevel Zen include a height-adjustable front passenger seat, cloth and leatherette combination upholstery, illuminated vanity mirrors, customisable ambient cabin lighting, blind-spot monitoring, front and side parking sensors, auto-folding mirrors, rear privacy glass, 18-inch alloys and chrome garnishing on the lower side body mouldings and rear bumper.

Next up is the revised Zen variant – including the newly introduced 4x4 variant – which adds a height-

adjustable front passenger seat, black leather upholstery, one-touch easy fold rear seats, an 8.7-inch portrait style touchscreen, customisable ambient cabin lighting, easy park assist, hands-free powered tailgate, 18-inch alloy wheels, LED reversing lights, sequential rear indicators and chrome Koleos-branded door sill plates.

In the Koleos Intens an Arkamys premium 3D audio system replaces the previous Bose package.

All 2023 Renault Koleos variants remain powered by a Nissan-derived 2.5-litre four-cylinder petrol engine, which develops 126kW at 6000rpm and 226Nm at 4400rpm.

a familiar suspension configuration, albeit one with tarmac-friendly spring and damper tuning.

As for powertrains, Mr Masuoka would not elaborate on precisely how different the Pajero Sport could get from the Triton.

The next-generation Triton is expected to continue to offer four-cylinder turbo-diesel power via a new-generation engine, with a plug-in hybrid expected to eventually join the range later in the decade.

However the Pajero Sport’s focus

on carrying passengers means it could debut an electrified powertrain for that platform, with shifts in SUV buyer sentiment and higher transaction prices for SUV products compared with light commercial vehicles potentially strengthening the business case for a plug-in option to be offered sooner than the Triton.

It is styling that is expected to really set the next Pajero Sport apart from its Triton sibling. While sharing front-end bodywork, door skins and dashboard furniture is great for keeping production costs low, it’s also something that reminds SUV owners about the commercial origins of their vehicle.

By giving the next Pajero Sport a unique look both inside and out, its driveway – and showroom – appeal would be magnified.

Just how much scope there is for visual separation is not clear, though critical structures such as door apertures, A, B and C-pillar positions and the roofline are expected to be shared.

A timeline for the new Pajero Sport – or potentially just ‘Pajero’ if MMC decides to resuscitate the nameplate – has yet to be announced, but with the Japanese car-maker committed to launching one all-new model every year until the end of this decade and the Triton effectively locked in for a 2023 debut, that puts 2024 as the earliest ETA for the brand’s next ladderframed wagon.

– Tony O’Kane

DESIGN CUES: If Mitsubishi wanted to apply Pajero cues to its present design language, the Grand Cruiser PHEV concept of 2015, pictured, would be a good starting point thanks to its upright body, near-vertical tailgate and generally rugged demeanor.

– Matt Brogan

CUT-THROAT: The Renault Koleos competes in the cut-throat sub$60,000 medium SUV segment. Year-to-date figures released by the FCAI show Renault sold 2297 examples of the Koleos to the end of October – well behind segment leaders.

, what is the name of Will Ferrell’s character?

What is the name of the Who that befriends the

And how many sizes does the Grinch’s heart grow when he learns the true meaning of

How many siblings does Kevin McCallister Home Alone?

And in what city is Home Alone 2 set?

The Christmas Chronicles what item’s magic allows Santa to move quickly and squeeze through chimneys?

7. What is the name of Noelle’s reindeer friend in the movie Noelle?

What type of Christmas food does a hawk steal from Olaf in Olaf’s Frozen Adventure?

The Muppet Christmas Carol is based on a story by which famous author?

Klaus, what is the name of the remote town Jesper is sent to?

With Benjamin Law (PG) 12:00 ABC News 1:00 QI (M l s) 1:30 Question Everything (PG) 2:00 Call The Midwife (PG) 3:00 Gardening Australia 4:10 Long Lost Family (PG) 5:00 Back Roads (PG) 5:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 6:00 The Drum 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 8:00 You Can’t Ask That (M l) 8:30

Dino Apocalypse With David Attenborough 10:15 The Wimbledon Kidnapping (M) 11:05

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

Seven Morning News 12:00 Movie: “A

Godwink Christmas: Meant For Love” (AKA ‘Another Christmas Coincidence’) (PG) (’19)

Stars: Cindy Busby 2:00 Kochie’s Business Builders 2:30 Travel And Eat With Dan & Steph 3:00 The Chase UK (PG) 4:00 Seven News At 4 5:00 The Chase Australia (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Cricket: BBL: Brisbane Heat v Melbourne Renegades *Live* 11:00 Extreme Weddings Australia (PG) 12:00 Fantasy Island (PG) 1:00 Home Shopping

6:00 Today 9:00 Today Extra 11:30 NINE’s

Morning News 11:00 Swimming: The FINA World Swimming Championships *Live* 1:00

Dream Listings Byron Bay (PG) 2:00

Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00

NINE’s Afternoon News 4:30 Millionaire Hot Seat 5:30 WIN News 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A

Current Affair (PG) 7:30 Swimming: The FINA World Swimming Championships *Live* 10:30 NINE News Late 11:00 Emergency Call (M) 12:00 Pure Genius (M) 1:00 Driving Test (PG) 1:30 Home Shopping 4:00 Religious Programs

6:00 The Talk 7:00 Entertainment Tonight (PG) 7:30 Judge Judy (PG) 8:00 10 News First 8:30 Studio 10 (PG) 12:00 Dr Phil (M) 1:00 Jamie’s Quick & Easy Christmas Special 2:00 Entertainment Tonight 2:30 Good Chef Bad Chef 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) 3:30 Freshly Picked 4:00 Farm To Fork 4:30 Jamie’s Easy Meals For Every Day 5:00 10 News First 6:30 The Project (PG) 7:30 Jamie’s One-Pan Christmas 8:30 Crossfire (MA15+) 10:30 Law & Order: SVU (M) 11:30 Blue Bloods (M) 12:30 The Project (PG) 1:30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert (PG)

5:30 Football: SF: Match 59 Winner v Match 60 Winner *Live* 8:30 Football: SF: Match 59

Winner v Match 60 Winner *Replay* 11:30

Football: QF: Match 51 Winner v Match 52

Winner *Replay* 2:30 Football: SF: Match 59

Winner v Match 60 Winner *Replay* 5:30

Football: FIFA World Cup 2022 Daily World Cup Show 6:30 SBS World News 7:35 The World’s Most Scenic Railway Journeys (PG) 8:30 Britain’s Scenic Railways At Christmas (PG) 9:25 War Of The Worlds (MA15+) (In English/ French) 10:20 SBS World News

Late 10:50 L’Opera (M d,l,s) (In French)

(MA15+) (’07)

Stars: Ali Larter 1:35 Mister Maker Around The World 2:05 Bananas In Pyjamas 2:30 Wolf Joe 3:00 Remy & Boo 3:30 Play School 4:00 hoopla doopla! 4:35 Fireman Sam 5:00 Odo 5:30 Ginger And The Vegesaurs 6:05 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom 6:25 Octonauts 7:00 Odd Squad 7:30 Spicks And Specks (PG) 8:30 Would I Lie To You? (PG) 9:00 Starstruck (M l,s) 9:45 Penn And Teller: Fool Us (M l)

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

6:00 News Breakfast 9:00 ABC News Mornings 12:00 ABC News At Noon 3:00 ABC News Afternoons 4:00 ABC News Afternoons 5:00 ABC News Hour 6:00 ABC Evening News 7:00 ABC National News 7:30 7.30 8:00 ABC News Tonight 8:30 Australian Story: Into The Wild 9:00 ABC Nightly News 9:30 Stan Grant’s One Plus One 10:00 The World 11:00 The Drum 12:00 ABC Late News 12:30 7.30

6:00 News Breakfast 9:00 ABC News 10:00

The Pool (PG) 11:10 The Wimbledon Kidnapping (M) 12:00 ABC News 1:00 Belgravia (PG) 1:45 Doc Martin (PG) 2:35

Poh’s Kitchen 3:05 Gardening Australia 4:10 Long Lost Family (PG) 5:00 Back Roads (PG) 5:30 Hard Quiz (PG) 6:00 The Drum 7:00 ABC News 7:30 Gardening Australia 8:30 Vera (M d,v) 10:00 Troppo (M l,v) 10:55 ABC Late News 11:15 Adam Hills: The Last Leg (M) 11:55 rage (MA15+)

6:00 Sunrise 9:00 The Morning Show 11:30 Seven Morning News 12:00 Movie: “Christmas At Maple Creek” (PG) (’20) Stars: Jeni Ross 2:00 House Of Wellness (PG) 3:00 The Chase UK (PG) 4:00 Seven News At 4 5:00 The Chase Australia (PG) 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Better Homes And Gardens Summer 7:30 Cricket: BBL: Melbourne Stars v Hobart Hurricanes *Live* 8:15 Cricket: BBL: Sydney Thunder v Adelaide Strikers *Live* From Sydney Showground Stadium 11:45 Movie: “Wind River” (M l,v) ( 13) Stars: Kelsey Asbille 2:00 Home Shopping

6:00 Today 9:00 Today Extra Summer 11:00 Swimming: The FINA World Swimming Championships *Live* 1:00 Christmas With Emma Dean - Eatwell Presents 2:00 Pointless (PG) 3:00 Tipping Point (PG) 4:00 NINE’s Afternoon News 4:30 Millionaire Hot Seat 5:30 WIN News 6:00 NINE News 7:00 A Current Affair (PG) 7:30 Swimming: The FINA World Swimming Championships *Live* 10:30 Movie: “Deck The Halls” (PG) (’06) Stars: Danny DeVito 12:30 Council Of Dads (PG) 1:30 Home Shopping 4:00 Religious Programs 4:30 Home Shopping

6:00 Home Shopping 8:00

Pooches At Play 8:30 Australia

By Design 9:00 I Fish 9:30 Reel Action 10:00 MacGyver (M) 12:00 NCIS: Los Angeles (PG) 1:00 NCIS (PG) 2:00 Bull (M) 3:00 Bondi Rescue (PG) 3:30 The Love Boat (PG) 4:30 Star Trek: The Next Generation (PG) 5:30 MacGyver (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M) 8:30 Bull (PG) 10:30 Crossfire (MA15+) 12:30 Home Shopping 2:00 Tommy (M v)

6:00 Children’s Programs 12:00 Inside Phuket Airport (PG) 1:00

The Bionic Woman (PG) 2:00 Full House (PG) 3:00 The Nanny (PG) 3:30 3rd Rock From The Sun (PG) 4:00 That 70’s Show (PG) 4:30 Everybody Loves Raymond (PG) 5:30 The Nanny (PG) 6:00 3rd Rock From The Sun (PG) 6:30 That 70’s Show (PG) 7:00 Young Sheldon (PG) 8:30 Love Island Australia (M) 9:40 TBA

1:50 Valley Of The Boom (M) 3:40 ABC World News Tonight With David Muir 4:05 PBS Newshour 5:05 Shortland Street (PG) 5:35 The Joy Of Painting With Bob Ross 6:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 6:30 Football: FIFA World Cup 2022 Daily World Cup Show 7:30 NITV News Update 7:35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M) 8:30 The Curse Of Oak Island (PG) 10:10 Betraying The Badge (MA15+)

12:00 Days Of Our Lives (PG) 12:55 The Young And The Restless (PG) 1:50 Explore 2:00 World’s Greatest Natural Wonders 3:00 Antiques Roadshow 3:30 Movie: “It’s Great To Be Young!” (PG) (’56) Stars: John Mills 5:30 Murder, She Wrote (PG) 6:30 Antiques Roadshow 7:30 Grantchester (M) 8:40

Movie: “A View To A Kill” (PG) (’85) Stars: Roger Moore 11:20 House (M)

6:00 The Talk 7:00 Entertainment Tonight (PG) 7:30 Judge Judy (PG) 8:00 10 News First 8:30 Studio 10 (PG) 12:00 Dr Phil (M) 1:00 Jamie’s One-Pan Christmas 2:00

Tonight 2:30 Good Chef Bad

3:00 Judge Judy (PG) 3:30 Freshly

With Simon Toohey 4:00 Farm To Fork 4:30 Jamie’s Easy Meals For Every Day

RSPCA Animal Rescue 5:30 Escape To The Country 6:30 Bargain Hunt 7:30 Better Homes And Gardens Summer 8:30 Escape To The Country 10:30 Australia’s Big Backyards (PG) 11:30 Border Security International (PG) 4:35 Little Lunch 5:00 The Flamin’ Thongs 5:30 Kung Fu Panda: Legends Of Awesomeness 6:00 School Of Rock 6:25 Secret Life Of Boys 6:30 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Cat Noir 6:55 Movie: “Inkheart” (PG) (’08) Stars: Brendan Fraser 8:35 Shaun The Sheep 8:40 Lost In Oz 9:05 Good Game Spawn Point 9:30 Dragon Ball Super (PG) 9:55 Sailor Moon Crystal (PG) 10:15 Fruits Basket (PG)

12:00 Pawn Stars International (PG) 1:00 Pawn Stars South Africa (PG) 1:30 Pawn Stars UK (PG) 2:00 Scrap Kings (PG) 3:00 STIHL Timbersports (PG) 3:30 Aussie Lobster Men (PG) 4:30 American Restoration (PG) 5:00 Cricket: BBL: Melbourne Stars v Hobart Hurricanes *Live* 7:30 Carnage (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Rambo: First Blood Part II” (M l,v) (’85) Stars: Sylvester Stallone

1:35 Mister Maker Around The World 2:05 Bananas In Pyjamas 2:30 Wolf Joe 3:00 Remy & Boo 3:30 Play School 4:00 hoopla doopla! 4:35 Fireman Sam 5:00 Odo 5:30 Ginger And The Vegesaurs 6:05 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom 6:25 Octonauts 7:00 Odd Squad 7:30 Spicks And Specks (PG) 8:00 Hard Quiz (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Love The Coopers” (PG) (’15) Stars: Steve Martin

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

6:00 News Breakfast 9:00 ABC News Mornings 12:00 ABC News At Noon 3:00 ABC News Afternoons 4:00 Afternoon Briefing 4:30 Friday Briefing 5:00 ABC News Hour 6:00 ABC Evening News 7:00 ABC National News 7:30 2022The Year In Politics 8:00 ABC News Tonight 8:30 Australian Story 9:00 ABC Nightly News 9:30 The Business: Summer Series 10:00 The World 11:00 The Drum

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

By Design 9:00 I Fish 9:30 Reel Action 10:00 MacGyver (M) 12:00 NCIS: Los Angeles (PG) 1:00 NCIS (PG) 2:00 Bull (M) 3:00 Bondi Rescue (PG) 3:30 The Love Boat (PG) 4:30 Star Trek: The Next Generation (PG) 5:30 MacGyver (PG) 7:30 NCIS (M) 8:30 NCIS: Los Angeles (PG) 10:20 Evil (M) 11:15 Star Trek: Discovery (PG) 12:15 Home Shopping

10 News First 6:30 The Project (PG) 7:30 The Graham Norton Show (M) 9:30 Just For Laughs Australia (M l,s) 10:00 Just For Laughs Uncut (MA15+) 10:30 Arj Barker: We Need To Talk (M l,s) 11:40 The Project (PG) 1:40 Figure Skating 3:40 ABC World News Tonight With David Muir 4:10 PBS Newshour 5:05 Shortland Street (PG) 5:35 The Joy Of Painting With Bob Ross 6:05 Jeopardy! (PG) 6:30 Football: FIFA World Cup 2022 Daily World Cup Show 7:30 NITV News Update 7:35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M l,s) 8:30 Hoarders (M l) 9:20 The Language Of Love (M) (In English/ Spanish)

6:00 Children’s Programs 12:00 Survivor USA (PG) 3:00 The Nanny (PG) 3:30 3rd Rock From The Sun (PG) 4:00 That 70’s Show (PG) 4:30 Everybody Loves Raymond (PG) 5:30 Movie: “The Nanny Diaries” (PG) (’07) Stars: Scarlett Johansson 7:40 Movie: “Mean Girls” (M) (’04) Stars: Tina Fey 9:40 Movie: “MonsterIn-Law” (M s) (’05) Stars: Jennifer Lopez 11:40 Telenovela (PG)

12:00 Days Of Our Lives (PG) 12:55 The Young And The Restless (PG) 1:50 Explore (PG) 2:00 World’s Greatest Natural Wonders 3:00 Antiques Roadshow 3:30 Movie: “Brothers In Law” (G) (’57) Stars: Richard Attenborough 5:30 Murder, She Wrote (PG) 6:30 Antiques Roadshow 7:30 TBA 8:30 Movie: “The Living Daylights” (PG) (’87) Stars: Timothy Dalton 11:10 New Amsterdam (M) 12:05 House (M)

5:00 Worldwatch 9:05 Britain’s Great Outdoors (PG) 10:05 The World From Above (PG) 11:05 Paul O’Grady Little Heroes 12:00 Worldwatch 12:30 Sport: Surf Life Saving Iron Series *Live* From Manly 2:30 Football: RO16: Group G Winner v Group H Runnerup *Replay* 5:30 Football: FIFA World Cup Extra 6:30 SBS World News 7:35 Lapland: The Ultimate Winter Wonderland (PG) 8:30 Kensington Palace: Behind Closed Doors (PG) 9:25 Thatcher & Reagan: A Very Special Relationship (PG) 10:25 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (PG)

(PG) 1:00 Movie: “Summer Holiday” (G) (’63)

Listen weekdays from 8.30am on

12:00 ABC News 12:30 Landline 1:00

Gardening Australia: Christmas Special 2:00 QI (PG) 2:30 Fake Or Fortune? 3:30 TBA 5:00 Nigella’s Cook Eat Repeat 5:30 Antiques Roadshow 6:30 The ABC Of John Howard (PG) 7:00 ABC News Sunday 7:30

Death In Paradise (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Jackie” (MA15+) (’16) Stars: Natalie Portman 10:10 Ridley Road (PG) 11:05 Mystery Road: Origin (M l) 12:05 The Heights (PG)

2:30 The Great Australian Doorstep (PG) 3:00 TBA 3:30 Our Town (PG) 4:00 Penelope Keith’s Hidden Villages 5:00 Escape To The Perfect Town 6:00 Air Crash Investigation (PG) 7:00 Border Security - Australia’s Front Line (PG) 8:30 Heathrow (PG) 9:30 Air Crash Investigations

4:40 The Beachbuds 5:05 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Cat Noir (PG) 5:35 Born To Spy 5:55 Hank Zipzer 6:30 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Cat Noir 6:50 Movie: “Early Man” (G) (’18) Stars: Eddie Redmayne 8:15 Shaun The Sheep 8:25 Lost In Oz 8:45 Dodo

The Sheep 6:00

6:00 Home Shopping 7:00 Weekend Sunrise 10:00 Cricket: Pre Game 11:20 Cricket: Australia v South Africa: Test 1: Day 2 *Live* From The Gabba 1:20 Cricket: The Lunch Break 2:00 Cricket: Test 1: Day 2 *Live* 4:00 Cricket: Tea Break 4:20 Cricket: Test 1: Day 2 *Live* 6:00 Seven News 7:00 Cricket: BBL: Melbourne Renegades v Sydney Thunder *Live* 11:00 7News Spotlight (PG) 12:00 TBA 12:30 Home Shopping

3:00 Mark Berg’s Fishing Addiction (PG) 4:00 Barrett Jackson: Revved Up (PG) 5:00 Shipping Wars (PG) 6:00 Cricket: Australia v South Africa: Test 1: Day 2 *Live* 7:00 Pawn Stars (PG) 8:30 Movie: “The Wolverine” (M l,v) (’13) Stars: Hugh Jackman

5:00 Odo 5:30 Ginger And The Vegesaurs 6:05 Interstellar Ella 6:25 Do, Re & Mi Christmas Special 6:50 Stick Man 7:30 Nigella’s Cook, Eat, Repeat Christmas Special 8:30 Pilgrimage: The Road To The Scottish Isles (PG) 9:35 Queen: Days Of Our Lives (M l,n)

10:00 Mega Zoo (PG) 11:00 Swimming: The FINA World Swimming Championships *Live* 1:00 Great Australian Detour 1:30 Explore 1:45 Driving Test (PG) 2:15 Snackmasters: Cheezels & Jumpy’s (PG) 3:30 Bondi Vet (PG) 4:30 Explore 5:00 NINE News: First At Five 5:30 Postcards Summer (PG) 6:00 NINE News Sunday 7:00 Snackmasters (PG) 8:40 60 Minutes (PG) 9:40 NINE News Late 10:10 The First 48 (M v)

2:00 Basketball: Round 11: South East Melbourne Phoenix v Sydney Kings *Live* 4:00

Basketball: Round 11: Melbourne United v Illawarra Hawks *Live* 6:00 The Big Bang Theory (PG) 9:00 Friends (PG) 12:00 Home Shopping

3:00 ABC News 3:30 Kurt Fearnley’s One Plus One 4:00 ABC News 4:30 Landline 5:00 ABC News With Auslan 5:30 The World This Week 6:00 ABC Evening News 6:30 Kurt Fearnley’s One Plus One 7:00 ABC News Sunday 7:30 Fault Lines 2022 8:30 ABC News Tonight

12:00 Bondi Rescue (PG) 12:30 The Savoy At Christmas 1:30 Christmas With Australian Women’s Weekly (PG) 2:30 Jamie’s One-Pan Wonders 3:00 Taste Of Australia 3:30 Well Traveller (PG) 4:00 All 4 Adventure (PG) 5:00 10 News First 6:30 The Sunday Project (PG) 7:30 The Graham Norton Show (M) 8:30 NCIS: Hawaii (M v) 9:30 FBI (M v) 11:30 The Sunday Project (PG) 12:30 Home Shopping 4:30 CBS Mornings

2:00 Destination Dessert 2:30 Football: Round 8: Western United v Western Sydney Wanderers *Live* 5:30 Reel Action 6:00 Bondi Rescue (PG) 6:30 MacGyver (M) 7:30 NCIS (M v) 10:20 48 Hours (M) 11:15 Star Trek: Discovery (M v) 12:10 Movie: “Deja Vu” (M v) (’06)

4:00 Dance Moms (PG) 5:00 Movie: “Casper” (PG) (’95) Stars: Christina Ricci 7:00 Movie: “The Grinch” (PG) (’18) Stars: Benedict Cumberbatch 8:40 Movie: “Fast & Furious Presents: Hobbs & Shaw” (M l,v) (’19) Stars: Dwayne Johnson 11:15 Duncanville (M)

11:05 Paul O’Grady For The Love Of Dogs Xmas 12:00 Worldwatch 12:30 Sport: Surf Life Saving Iron Series *Live* From Manly 2:30 Football: RO16: Group H Winner v Group G Runner-up *Replay* 5:30 Football: FIFA World Cup 2022 Daily World Cup Show 6:30 SBS World News 7:30 Houdini’s Lost Diaries (PG) 9:05 Big Ben: The World’s Most Famous Clock (PG) 10:00 Cher And The Loneliest Elephant (PG)

1:00 Speedweek 3:00 Jeff Bezos: The Rise And Reign Of Amazon (PG) 4:00 France 24 English News 4:30 Insight 5:30 The Bee Whisperer (PG) 6:30 Football: FIFA World Cup 2022 Daily World Cup Show 7:30 RocKwiz (M l) 9:30 QAnon: The Search For Q (MA15+)

12:00

Dr Phil (M) 1:00 Jamie’s One-Pan Wonders 2:00 Entertainment Tonight 2:30 Good Chef Bad Chef 3:00 Judge Judy (PG) 3:30 Freshly Picked With Simon Toohey 4:00 Farm To Fork 4:30 Jamie’s Easy Meals For Every Day 5:00

3:30 Irish Pickers (PG) 4:30 Aussie Lobster Men (PG) 5:30 American Restoration (PG) 6:00 Cricket: Australia v South Africa: Test 1: Day 3 *Live* 7:00 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:30 American Pickers (PG) 8:30 Movie: “The Recruit” (M l,v) (’03) Stars: Al Pacino 10:55 The Cleveland Show

5:00 Odo 5:30 Ginger And The Vegesaurs 6:05 Ben And Holly’s Little Kingdom 6:25 Rusty Saves Christmas 7:10 Odd Squad 7:30 Universe With Brian Cox 8:30 Long Lost Family (PG) 9:20 George Clarke’s Amazing Spaces 10:05 Catalyst (PG) 11:10 Adam Hills: The Last Leg (M)

5:00 Odo 5:30

Ginger

MONDAY DECEMBER 19 2:30 Million Dollar Minute 3:30 Medical Emergency (PG) 4:00 RSPCA Animal Rescue 4:30 Better Homes And Gardens 5:30 Escape To The Country 6:30 Bargain Hunt 7:30 Call The Midwife (PG) 8:45 Bancroft (PG) 10:45 Air Crash Investigations (PG) 11:45 Call The Midwife 5:00 100% Wolf: Legend Of The Moonstone 5:25 Kung Fu Panda: Legends Of Awesomeness 6:00 Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs 6:30 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Cat Noir 6:50 Movie: “Elliot The Littlest Reindeer” (PG) (’18) Stars: Morena Baccarin 8:20 Shaun The Sheep 12:00 ABC News 1:00 Shetland (M l) 2:00 Call The Midwife (PG) 3:00 Gardening Australia 3:55 Long Lost Family (PG) 4:45 Back Roads (PG) 5:10 QI (PG) 5:40 Hard Quiz (PG) 6:10 Grand Designs New Zealand 7:00 ABC News 7:30 7.30 8:00 Anh s Brush With Fame (PG) 8:30 Love On The Spectrum (PG) 9:30 Christmas Cabaret (PG) 10:25 Summer Love (MA15+) 10:55 TBA 12:00 Our Dementia Choir (PG) 1:00 The Detectives (M) 3:00 Billy The Exterminator (PG) 3:30 Irish Pickers (PG) 4:30 Aussie Lobster Men (PG) 5:30 American Restoration (PG) 6:00 Cricket: Australia v South Africa: Test 1: Day 4 *Live* 7:00 Pawn Stars (PG) 7:30

Afternoons 5:00

Hour 6:00 ABC

National News 7:30 7.30 8:00

Tonight 8:25 Australian Story: Trials And Tribulations (Part 1) 9:00 Fault Lines 2022 10:00 ABC Late News 10:30 Foreign Correspondent

The Weakest Link USA (PG) 8:30 Love Island Australia (M) 9:40 Movie: “Four Holidays” (M) (’08) Stars: Vince Vaughn

Castle (PG) 5:35 The Joy Of Painting With Bob Ross (PG) 6:05

(PG) 6:30 Football: FIFA World Cup 2022 Daily World Cup Show 7:30 NITV News

7:35 8 Out Of 10 Cats Does Countdown (M l,s) 8:30 Taskmaster (PG) 1:50 Bondi Vet (PG) 2:50 Antiques Roadshow 3:20 Movie: “The Third Man” (PG) (’49) Stars: Orson Welles 5:30 Murder, She Wrote (PG) 6:30 Antiques Roadshow 7:30 Death In Paradise (PG) 8:40 Movie: “Tomorrow Never Dies” (M) (’97) Stars: Pierce Brosnan

(PG) 4:30

Everybody

Laser

A great achievement for Corey who is now completing a Refrigeration Apprenticeship after becoming a qualified Electrician.

Congratulations to all the nominees, we were also a finalist in the Trade or Service Specialist Award and are very proud of our team at Laser Plumbing and Electrical.

Located in Horsham, we have steadily grown over the past 50 years to become a well-known and respected Plumbing and Electrical Company for a wide range of Domestic, Commercial and Industrial clients.

Contact our team for professional advice on Electrical, Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Solar.

We are located at 89 Plumpton Rd from 8am to 5.30pm Monday to Friday and offer 24 hour – 7 days a week – after hour service.

The Laser team can be contacted on (03) 5382 1375.

ALLAN, Ian Robert

Passed away at Wimmera Base Hospital on December 7, 2022 aged 88 years.

Dearly loved husband of June (dec).

Loving Dad of Jeff & Robyn; Peter & Deb; Bruce & Celina; Mark; Ros & Paul.

Cherished Grandad to Sarah & Sam; Nick, Tess & Noni; Darcy & Brady; Michael & Curtis; Josh & Thomas and Great Grandad to Billy, Phoebe, Sonny, Connor, Thea & Lottie.

Re-united with Mum in God’s care

BARNES (Fitzell)

~ Jude Anne ~ 8-10-1952 to 3-12-2022

My beautiful, precious friend and soulmate for over 45 years and Greg’s beautiful wife.

I have so much respect and awe for this fabulous woman and I can’t imagine her not being in my life. It’s the end of her journey faced with so much bravery and wisdom, now finally at peace.

It was an honour to be beside her when she passed. Always in my heart and resting in my soul – best friend Gilda.

BARNETT, Darrel Francis 8-6-1952 to 8-12-2022

Passed away peacefully at home, aged 70 years.

Cherished and dearly loved husband of Debra.

Dearly loved son of Bill and Ruth Barnett (both dec).

Loving brother and brother-in-law of Robert & Lyn; Peter & Romaine and Joy & Michael.

Special friend of many. Forever in our hearts

BARNETT, Darrel Francis

Three score and ten.

I am comforted to know that my dear husband Darrel was not afraid of dying and was looking forward to his eternal heavenly home where he yearns to see all of his family and friends there one day.

Your suffering is over.

Rest in peace dear Daz.

Until we meet again.

Proverbs 3:5-7 and John 3:16

Darrel’s loving wife, Deb

~

BARNETT ~ Darrel Francis

Passed away December 8, 2022

Loving son-in-law of Rita Krause & Clarence (dec). Brother-in-law of Owen, Theo & Carol, & Yvonne. R.I.P. Daz

BENNETT, George Henry, AM Late of Nhill 15-2-1936 to 10-12-2022

Aged 86 years

Beloved husband of Emily Joan, married 60 years.

Respected father & father-inlaw of John George & Allison Nola; Alan Hugh & Donna Kay.

Loving & proud grandfather of Sophie, Hamish, Ellen & Luke.

A life committed to his Family, Farming & the Community

DECKER, Allan

Passed away on December 9, 2022 aged 89 years.

Dearly loved husband of Joan.

Loving father of Wendy and Craig.

Adored Pa of Matthew and Deserea. Forever in our hearts

DICK, Robert ‘Bob’ Francis 14-12-1932 to 12-12-2022

Passed away at Bupa Aged Care, Greensborough.

Dearly loved husband of Betty.

Father to Martin & Gavin. Grandfather of 4. ‘You Will Be Dearly Missed’

Horsham & District Funerals

Amity Perovic & Dylan Hartwich 5382 1149 NFDA

GASPARINI, Domenico “Mick” 18-5-1930 to 6-12-2022

Passed away at Wimmera Base Hospital.

Dearly loved husband of Maria, married for 68 years.

Loving father of Claudio & Johnny.

Cherished grandfather of six and great grandfather of one. ‘Loved by All, Riposa in Pace my Darling’

Horsham & District Funerals

Amity Perovic & Dylan Hartwich 5382 1149 NFDA

PARISH, Rowie

Passed away on December 1, 2022 ~ aged 91 years

Much loved sister of Billie and sister-in-law of Steve (dec).

Special aunt of Lea and Brendan, Craig and Deb, and Peter (dec). ‘Reunited with loved ones’

ALLAN, Ian Robert

A Memorial Service to celebrate the life of Ian Robert Allan will take place at St Andrew’s Uniting Church, Horsham on Monday, December 19 at 2.30pm.

Privately interred.

The service may also be viewed online at www.horsham. unitingchurch.org.au/watch

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter

Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

BARNETT, Darrel Francis

The Funeral of Darrel Francis Barnett will take place at the Graveside, Horsham Lawn Cemetery on Monday, December 19, 2022 commencing at 10.30am.

DECKER, Allan

The Funeral of Allan Decker will take place at the graveside, Harrow Cemetery on Wednesday, December 21, 2022 commencing at 11am

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

DICK, Robert ‘Bob’ Francis

The Funeral Service for Mr Robert Dick will be held at the Horsham & District Funerals Chapel, Tuesday, December 20 commencing at 11am

Private cremation to follow.

Amity Perovic & Dylan Hartwich 5382 1149 NFDA

GASPARINI, Domenico “Mick”

The Funeral Service for Mr Domenico “Mick” Gasparini will be held at Ss Michael & John’s Catholic Church, Horsham, Thursday, December 15 commencing at 11am

Interment to follow at Horsham Lawn Cemetery. Rosary & Vigil Prayers will be held Wednesday, December 14 at 6pm.

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

BENNETT, George Henry, AM

A funeral service for the late George Henry Bennett, AM of Nhill will be held at the Nhill Uniting Church on Friday, December 16, 2022 commencing at 11.30am.

Private family burial prior to the service.

No flowers by request.

Emiley & Mathew Bone Nhill & District Funerals 0419 008 464

Amity Perovic & Dylan Hartwich 5382 1149 NFDA

MACKLEY, Simon Marcus

The Funeral of Simon Marcus Mackley will commence with burial at the Horsham Lawn Cemetery on Friday, December 16, 2022 at 1.30pm and will be followed by a Memorial Wake at the Olde Horsham Restaurant

Thank you

~ TURVEY ~ Janice (Jan)

Craig, Helene, Danica, Anthony & Mikaela wish to express our sincere thanks for the many cards, flowers, food, messages of love & support on the passing of Jan.

We wish to thank Pastor Fran Robinson & the Uniting Church who assisted in Jan’s funeral & special thanks to all those who attended and for the wonderful catering. ❤

Thank you

~ RYAN ~ Ian James (Rattles) 26-2-1944 to 24-8-2022

Julie, Donna, Tricia, Louise, Clifford and families wish to express our sincere thanks for the numerous cards, flowers and messages of support on the passing of our husband and father.

Thank you to Coughlin Park Bowls Club and Horsham Saints FNC for providing the venue and a superb afternoon tea.

Thank you to Suzanne Bysouth and Wimmera Funerals for the compassion and support in arranging the funeral.

Special thanks to the Wimmera Cancer Centre and Yandilla staff for the wonderful and caring support given to Ian and our family, while in your care.

Thank you also to Monsignor Glynn Murphy and Father Gerard Prunty for a beautiful service.

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

Border Collie pups , black and white, vaxxed, m/chip, vet checked, petagree, socialised, cold adventurous pups who will be good workers, or pets for active families, imported United Kingdom working bloodlines, m/chip# 95600001488 6831/8932/7317/15734425, source# EE10332 $1000 Ph 0458014560

Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member

When mum said years ago she was going to make

Budgies , young, asstd colours $10ea Ph 0423182267

Ferretts ready to go Ph Adrian 03 5392 8225

Goats wanted Ph 0427361940

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

Muscovy ducks $10, drakes $20 Ph 0429842236

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

Pembroke Male Pups . Males ONLY

Pedigree Papers . Red and White Males and Fawn and White Males . 953010005823666, 95301000582 2557/7598/3710/2565/3667, photos available of parents and pups and and other info, Transport at Buyer Cost,MBDA 14545 Ph or text for info 0448024815

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

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

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

Dimboola

2003 Canterbury Signature series caravan, 17’ tandem, d/bed, elec hot water, air con, fridge, awning, reg 3/23 $16,000 Ph 0437164589 Ararat

2005 Jayco pop-top 16’ , reg til 12/23, EC, island d/bed, new annex, battery, kitchen

Heavy duty workshop benches various sizes starting from $400 Ph 0428944462

Horn sewing machine cabinet, on wheels, good storage space, VGC, $200 Ph 53981404

Cream

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

BOATSAll advertisements for boats must include:

• Hull number or registration number of the boat If a trailer is included with the boat, the advertisement must also include:

• Registration number or chassis number of the trailer.

Dining

REDUCED

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, sanopy, boat cover, epirb, flares, life jackets, Mackay tandem axle trailer 57502, 02/2003 s/guard, boat latch $39,000 Ph Barrie 0427861004

Mangrove Jack fold-up boat trailer, W90542 and custom boat loader Ph 0409583014

Husqvarna

REDUCED last Shepweiler girl puppy , dob 16/8, ready 14/10, lovely little girls vacc, chipped, wormed, vet checked, source# MB166978, m/chip# 95301000601619/614/606/626 $600 Ph Kerrie 0499853884 Dimboola

Roosters and ducks wanted Ph 0469740723

Salami pigs wanted Ph 0481864397

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Speedboat

Lightforce XGT driving lights with HID upgrade, good to VG cond with external ballast, covers and complete wiring looms, $350 the 3 Ph 0401504176

Makita compound saw with stand $1000 Ph 0428525970

Monarch Spa, 5 seats, 2 pumps, runs well Horsham area Ph 0427740155 to inspect

Multiple items for sale, Paslode gun with extra gas cartridges and nails, ozito miter saw plus impact driver plus multi tool plus circular saw under warranty, Feiyu Tech G5 gimbal for action camera, PS3 with 20 plus games, Epson printer, brand new Hikoki charger, Mavic Pro drone with 2 batteries and portable bag, call for prices, Ph or text 0419600049

Nelson silo, 500 bag capacity, cone bottom, located Massey $700 Ph 0427981227

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

Nordic Style Swing Walker $100 Ph 0491483336

Panel saw Linea Precision sliding table Panel saw model P3200, 3 phase 2004 make, cutting length is 3.10mm cutting depth is 100mm, $8800, Ph Michael 0407744076 Pea Straw, small squares in packs of 21, $6 each or $120 per pack Ph 0429833531 Riverside

New

0428922335

Range Rover Sport MY16/17

wheels, one never used, 3 one tyre only, also fit discovery 5, immaculate, no marks, photo if requested $1200 Ph 0418501271 Ararat

Toyota Hilux sports bar, GC $75ono Ph 0447455342

2001 Jeep Cherokee Sport Wagon, 4X4, 3.7L V6, engine# 2W154632, 216,100kms, 1TV 3JA $2,450 Ph 0429821539

Light blue Toyota carona sport, 2005, 311,000kms, TRD592 Ph 0493100329

2000 Holden Statesman VH auto, 6cyl, 3.8 petrol, white, 282,000kms, QIU916 $6000 Ph 0491034206

2009 Hyundai Tucson , auto, reliable and tidy, towbar, reg til 2/23, 250,000kms $5,500 Ph 0438532351

2012 Holden Cruze,1.8 manual, regularly serviced, recent major service with timing belt replacement, water pump and all pulleys, new tyres, bluetooth android touch screen stereo and reverse camera, in daily use, no issues, 1TY2JR $6000ono Ph 0415772074

Airia, Fstyle, Mandolin with hard case, excellent condition, $300, Ph0413207022

Bluthner Piano, well tuned, VGC, $200 Ph Frank 0455181941

2 bedroom brick unit, recently renovated, in Nhill Ph 0429911201

2 bedrooms available to rent, pre-approved by real estate, plus facilities $150p/w Ph 0417092805

Handyman and small jobs driving to appointments, deliveries, mowing, reliable and thorough Ph 0409210594

2012

2008

Cole Clark/Angel semi-acoustic with hard case, excellent condition, $880, PH 0413207022

Kawai MP 4 Stage Piano, stand, carry bag, two Behringer amps Ph 0413789736

and unless varied by a subsequent declaration, will end at 0100 hours on 1 May 2023.

“WANTED” Land to lease or share-farm anywhere south of Horsham, from 100 acres to 1000 acres, cropping country preferred Ph Roger Hallam at Mockinya 0418822700

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

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

The age-old question is if God is real and has come through Jesus to save the world, why is there so much suffering? Perhaps an extension to these questions is the idea that Jesus can’t identify with us. There is no way that someone who claims to be God could identify with everyday human experiences. It accepted that Jesus grew up learning the craft of the family business. His parents lost him after they attended a festival. As an adult, when teaching a crowd, his family came to get him because they didn’t think he was in his right mind. He spent a great deal of time with a close group of friends. Jesus’ friends didn’t always understand what he was trying to do. They argued, disappointed one another, and didn’t understand each other. And when it came to the crunch, his closest friends left him to it. They left him to suffer on his own. And where was God? Many might say that God distanced or removed himself from the disappointment, pain and suffering that Jesus encountered and endured. That is, after all, how many of us feel. Lonely. Isolated. Disconnected. Ignored. Rejected. Forgotten. One author says that Jesus “learnt obedience through His suffering.”

Doesn’t that say God was a vindictive angry God? I don’t think so.

It demonstrates how far God went, how far Jesus went, to identify with creation, humanity, and you and I. We have all felt the agony of disappointment and rejection. Friendships have changed, sometimes because of what we have done and sometimes through no fault of our own.

In our suffering, rejection, loss and disappointment, we discover God, who is with us and for us. We encounter the God who brings about new life. This is the joy, promise and hope of the Christmas story..

Simon Risson, Horsham Church of Christ

Earthen crossing construction at Toolondo Channel Bridge

A temporary bypass (earthen crossing) will be constructed at the Toolondo Channel Bridge on Winfields Road.

The Toolondo Channel Bridge on Winfields Road is currently load-limited to 1.5 tonnes while investigations to find a longer-term solution are ongoing.

This short-term solution will ensure the crossing will remain accessible during the upcoming harvest season.

In recent years, GWMWater has implemented earthen crossings prior to bridge replacements on Tramline Road (Wimmera Inlet Channel) and Arnotts Road (Toolondo Channel). The crossings successfully allow safe passage across the channel, including by grain trucks.

We apologise for any inconvenience these works may cause. Please visit gwmwater.org.au/earthencrossing or call us on 1300 659 961 during business hours if you would like more information.

Dimboola Natimuk

Lutheran Parish

Sunday, December 18

Edenhope 10am LR Goroke 10am LR Natimuk 10am LR

Vectis 10am LR Dimboola 11am LR

Water

• Leading community services organisation

• Salary packaging, and competitive sector

remuneration

Team Leader, The Orange Door

Full-time Ongoing Horsham location

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

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

About

you

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

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

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

Interested?

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

• Cover Letter

• Current Resume (no more than 3 pages)

• Address core selection criteria

Get in touch For more information, please reach out to: Louise Netherway – Senior Manager, Child Youth & Family – Western T: (03) 5392 4000 Position closes: Friday, 23 December 2022

PARTS INTERPRETER – RETAIL SALES

PARTS INTERPRETER – RETAIL SALES

As the Wimmera Mallee’s only motorcycle specialist store we are your destination for all things HONDA, KTM & riding related.

of Interest

in the general automotive, retail sales and/or parts sectors

An internal promotion provides this opportunity for an enthusiastic & passionate individual to join our team. Preference will be given to those with previous experience in the general automotive, retail sales and/or parts sectors.

Our staff are positive store ambassadors with a willingness to assist their colleagues & embrace variety. A Rider s License is not essential (though preferred) but a genuine passion for the riding ifestyle is

Our staff are positive store ambassadors with a willingness to assist their colleagues & embrace variety. A Rider’s License is not essential (though preferred) but a genuine passion for the riding lifestyle is.

We offer a first-class facility & rewarding work envi ronment amongst quality colleagues. We re an equal opportunity employer so whether you re simply looking for a new challenge, straight from school or p erhaps re-entering the workforce we can offer long-term stability & the opportunity for growth.

GWMWater seek new Water Industry Operations trainees to join our Grampians, Wimmera and Mallee teams, with opportunities to work in other parts of our region from time to time.

Our Trainee Operators enjoy a fast-paced environment, responding to reported faults and service interruptions to maintain essential water and wastewater services to customers.

Submit your application in writing to sales@wimmeramotorcycle.com.au today

Ph: (03) 5382 6011 (Opt.1) to speak with Brad. 84 McPherson St Horsham

We offer a first-class facility & rewarding work environment amongst quality colleagues. We’re an equal opportunity employer so whether you’re simply looking for a new challenge, straight from school or perhaps re-entering the workforce we can offer long-term stability & the opportunity for growth.

Submit your application in writing to sales@wimmeramotorcycle.com.au today.

Ph: (03) 5382 6011 (Opt.1) to speak with Brad 84 McPherson St, Horsham

The successful Trainees will be provided with on-the-job training, while working in a dynamic team.

If you enjoy working with your hands, being in the great outdoors, problem solving and contributing to the livability of your community, then this is the job for you!

To apply or for more information, please scan the QR code. Applications close by Tuesday 20th December 2022

GWMWater is committed to developing a diverse workforce and females are strongly encouraged to apply for these roles.

GWMWater is an EEO employer and is continuously improving our quality, safety and environmental systems. Full vaccination for COVID-19 is a condition of employment for all staff along with a National Police Check.

Proudly part of Grampians Health

Case Manager

Permanent Full / Part Time

Job No. 4511 closes 19/12/2022

Patient Services Assistant

Permanent Part Time

Job No. 4513 closes 21/12/2022

Associate Nurse Unit Manager

Permanent Part Time

Job No. 4514 closes 21/12/2022

Ward Clerk

Permanent Part Time

Job No. 4507 closes 21/12/2022

Occupational Health & Safety Officer

Permanent Full / Part Time

Job No. 4508 closes 22/01/2023

To apply or for more information please go to: https://whcg.mercury.com.au/

For

AGT Foods Australia

We are looking for good people to join our team and fill the following roles at our Horsham facility.

Position: Business Safety Officer

Full-time

We are seeking a suitable candidate to fill the role of Business Safety at our Horsham facility. The successful candidate will be responsible for implementing and maintaining our Quality and Safety Management systems for both Work Health Safety and Food Safety.

Position: Weighbridge Supervisor

Full-time

We are seeking a suitable candidate to take on the role of weighbridge supervisor at our Horsham facility.

The successful candidate will be responsible for overseeing all grain movements in and out of site, all quality testing and general day to day running of the weighbridge.

Position: Grain Buyer

Full-time

We are seeking a suitable candidate to fill the role of an additional Grain Buyer at our Horsham facility.

The successful candidate will be responsible for developing and maintaining grower relations. Negotiate and execute contracts with primary producers. Compile and maintain grower database. Source and compile market, agronomic and grower information. Assist with sale of by-products.

To be considered for either of these roles you will need to meet the following criteria:

• Ability to work independently but be part of a greater team.

• Willing to learn quickly and progress in the role.

• Problem solving and good communication skills are a must.

• Experience in the agricultural/grains industry is an advantage, but not necessary as training will be provided.

• Strong attention to detail, along with sound numeracy and literacy skills and willing to go the extra step to meet deadlines.

• Strong computer and systems skills including MS Excel and MS Word.

Remuneration will be at or above award rate depending on experience.

To apply for any of these roles please submit your  resume and cover letter detailing why you are interested and suitable for this role via email to kscoullar@agtfoods.com

Are

Administration position

12 months maternity position

ACE Radio Broadcasters are offering a fantastic opportunity for the right applicant to fill a key role in Horsham. Their radio stations

3WM, MIXX FM and The Weekly Advertiser newspaper are seeking a motivated individual to join an administration team.

This administration position’s main role is as ‘Traffic Coordinator’. This position has a high degree of responsibility and involves accurately scheduling commercial airtime and radio-station promotions using the company’s online system.

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

• Willingness to learn and use relevant in-house software

• Excellent administration, communication and organisational skills

• Attention to detail

• Ability to analyse and interpret data

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

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

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

• Enthusiasm to explore opportunities within the media industry

This position is ideal for someone eager to learn administration skills and professional growth.

There is an option to undertake a nationally recognised and accredited qualification of a ‘Certificate III in Business’ with Skillinvest. To apply submit your resume and application letter to kellys@aceradio.com.au

Applications have been extended to 5pm Wednesday, December 19, 2022. Phone Kelly 5382 1351 for more information

ACE Radio Broadcasters is an equal-opportunity employer.

Wimmera race track comes to life

Horsham Speedway Club hosted its first event of the season with sprintcars, street stocks, trucks, production sedans and unlimited sedans taking to the Wimmera track.

The sprintcars were the main attraction, with drivers completing time trials to qualify for heat-race groupings.

Todd Moule, a Victorian who often spends time racing in the Northern Territory, set the fastest time of the trials with 13.488.

Charles Hunter, Bacchus Marsh, finished second.

Jeremy Kupsch won the first heat of the night by just 0.113 seconds, with All Star-top guns Mark Caruso and Moule not far behind.

Hunter won the second heat ahead of Michael Tancredi and Travis Millar to secure the fastest overall 10-lap race time of 2:28.788.

Rookie driver Chris Temby won the third heat in front of Kane Newcombe, with Portland’s Angus Hollis in third.

A 30-lap feature event rounded out the sprintcar portion of the evening, with Hunter at the front of the field, ahead of Temby, Caruso, Kupsch, Moule, Newcombe and 13 others.

For 24 laps the racing went off without a hitch, before Hunter, in first, and Caruso, second, exited the race in quick succession.

Moule claimed the lead on lap 25 and went on to win from Temby, Tancredi, Chris Campbell and Newcombe.

Street stocks were next to take on the track, with drivers competing in the South Australian Street Stock series – a series that hosts race events across South Australia, Mildura and Hamilton as well as Horsham.

Mount Gambier’s Steven Gartner won heat one of six with his good friend Anthony Beare, also of Mount Gambier, second.

Round-one winner Morris Ahearn, Bendigo, finished third.

Drew Flatman, Aaron Tyler and Beare were the first three to cross the line during the second-round heats.

Beare, with a 21.061, was the fastest one lap qualifier, while Ahearn led the fastest 10 lap time with a 3:43.447.

In the last chance qualifier, Grant Harris set a fastest overall street stock time for the night with his 19.617 to claim a spot in the main event. Ahearn was involved in a lap eight incident that saw him drop back to 15th before charging through the field to finish in third spot.

However, it did not stop Beare, who led all 30 laps to secure the win. Bryan Brown, Ahearn, Gartner and Jayden Blomeley of Ballarat followed him across the line.

In the production-sedan category, Horsham’s Steve Honeyman won the first and second races of three, with both wins ahead of Shaun Queale.

Steven Aldridge, Portland, won the final heat race with the fastest one-lap time of the night, 20.836 seconds.

Honeyman, however, was not finished. He won the feature event, leading from start to finish to defeat Shaun Queale, Aldridge, and John Baker. Baker was penalised two spots at the end of the race after crossing the finish line in second. Ryan Queale secured fifth. The ‘unlimited sedans’ visited the speedway for the first time ahead of its state series round scheduled later in the season at Horsham.

Graeme Nugent won the first heat, Peter Farley the second, and Clear Lake racer Danny Smith the third. Nugent set the fastest one lap time earlier of 18.470.

Without a final race to decide the winner, overall positions were determined on points.

Smith came out ahead of the pack with 92 points, five points in front of Nugent, with Farley, Peter Camilleri and Jason Meyers behind.

Rounding out the evening was the V8 trucks. Tim Driller won the first heat by 0.146 of a second ahead of Luke James. James, however, claimed the second race with an eight lap time of 3:23.883. Driller did set the fastest one lap time with his 22.183, but, on points, James was crowned the winner in front of Driller, Wes Bell, Fletcher Mills and Donald Timms.

Blue Ribbon Raceway returns on January 3 along with the Wingless Sprints Summer Slam series and the Formula 500s.

– Dean Thompson

Win for Horsham rugby player

One of Horsham’s newest athletes has captained his birth country to the top of international rugby-league competition in South America.

Ravi Araujo, who settled in Horsham this year after relocating to Australia from Brazil in 2021, captained the Brazilian national rugby-league team to its win at

the 2022 South American Rugby League Championship in Jerico, Columbia. Defeating both competing South American national teams from Chile and Columbia, Brazil and its captain fullback, Araujo, have now won the right to compete at the Americas Cup and 2025 Rugby league World Cup qualification.

COLUMBIAN HIGH: Horsham’s Ravi Araujo celebrates winning the South American Rugby League Championship in Columbia, with his partner, Horsham’s Maddie Iredell.

REGIONAL RIVALS:

Ararat Redbacks and Horsham Hornets went head-to-head at Horsham Basketball Stadium on Saturday. Photographer KAREN REES caught some of the action for The Weekly Advertiser.

Pictured, clockwise from above: Hornets’ Max Bryan rounds up Zac Dunmore, Ararat; Ararat’s Joshua Fiegert takes a free throw; Austin McKenzie takes charge for the Hornets; Ararat Redbacks’ Zac Dunmore on his way to the basket; Dunmore lays up over Hornets’ Cody Bryan; and James Hallett takes control for the Hornets.

A

BY MICHAEL SCALZO

Ararat and Horsham basketball sides have one more match to play in 2022 before the Country Basketball League south-west conference wraps up for a Christmas break.

Horsham Hornets women’s side has confirmed its top-three credentials as it heads into its round 12 encounter with Millicent Magic at Horsham stadium on Saturday.

The Magic, which sits at the top of the ladder, will be a test for the Hornets who will have limited chances in the new year to make a charge on the top two.

The two sides last met in round nine when the Magic sealed a 30-point win at Millicent.

The Lady Hornets enjoyed a confidence-boosting win at the weekend, taking comfort in knowing their best basketball was streaks ahead of the tailing Surfcoast Chargers.

The Lady Hornets claimed a 30-point win against the Chargers at Horsham on Sunday, largely thanks to impressive and high-scoring first and final quarters.

The Chargers matched the Hornets, at least on the scoreboard during the middle half, but with so many of the Hornets well versed in competitive inter-regional sport, were able to hold their nerve when it counted most.

Hornets men’s side had another crack at Ararat Redbacks on Saturday night

but came up seven-points short of what would have been a remarkable win.

It was a lacklustre second quarter that cost the Hornets the win against the ladder leaders in the end – the Hornets’ 16-points to the Redbacks’ 31 points in that term was the crucial misstep in the Hornets’ chances.

Ararat would be happy to finish the night with a win that would keep a onewin buffer between it, in top spot, and Mount Gambier in second.

The Redbacks have packed up their kit bags for the year and head to the Christmas break a round earlier than everyone else because of their round 12 bye.

The Hornets had another bite at the cherry on Sunday afternoon, at Horsham, against Surfcoast Chargers.

In a turning of the tables, it was the Hornets who this time severely outscored the opposition in a one-quarter blitz –the Hornets’ 31-points to Chargers’ nine points the ultimate difference between the two sides by the end of the game.

The Hornets have no such rest, however, given they play Millicent, at Horsham, on Saturday night.

Millicent, in third spot, offer the Hornets another chance to claim a win against a side above them on the ladder, before all sides secure a few weeks’ rest.

It might be the best chance for middling sides to knock off a premiership fancy as legs get tired, 12 rounds into a long season.

Kids and Chiropractic

Do kids need Chiropractic Care?

Well children are subject to the same forces that adults are, however their bodies can react very differently. An adjustment on a child or infant is very different to adjusting an adult and the amount of force used when adjusting a child or infant is varied depending on the age and development of the child. E.g. The amount of pressure to adjust an infant is the about the same pressure you would gently pressure you would use on your eyeball. Techniques are very different A lot more mobilisation techniques in specific directions are used. Neither a child nor an infant can tell you exactly what is going on so specialised assessing techniques are used and as a Chiropractor and a number of years in practice, I did 2 yrs extra study to attain my Grad Dip in Chiropactic Pediatric Care to make sure little ones are well cared for. clearly remember one first time Mum coming to see me because she was told, that her 3 week old baby didn’t like breast feeding. The first thing I assured her of was that her baby did indeed like and needed to be breast-fed if at all possible, because it gives the baby the best start in life. I assessed the child and observed that he couldn’t turn his neck comfortably to attach and he would arch and pull off in frustration.

This week: Women, Horsham Hornets v Millicent Magic at Horsham. Men, Horsham Hornets v Millicent Magic at Horsham; Ararat, bye.

Last week: Women, Horsham Hornets 86 d Surfcoast Chargers 56 at Horsham. Men, Ararat Redbacks 90 d Horsham Hornets 83 at Horsham; Horsham Hornets 102 d Surfcoast Chargers 72 at Horsham.

First game back: Women, Horsham Hornets, bye. Men, Ararat Redbacks v Colac Kookas at Ararat; Horsham Hornets, bye.

Ladders: Men: Ararat Redbacks, 12 games played, 83.33 match ratio, 125.83 percent, 10 wins, 2 losses; Mount Gambier Lakers, 10, 80.00, 122.01, 8, 2; Millicent Magic, 10, 70.00, 104.34, 7, 3; Portland Coasters, 10, 60.00, 109.78, 6, 3; Horsham Hornets 12, 50.00, 105.08, 6,6; Colac Kookas, 13, 38.46; 89.90, 5, 8; Warrnambool Seahawks 11, 36.36, 90.53, 4, 7; Terang Tornadoes, 11, 27.27, 87.21, 3, 8; Surfcoast Chargers, 12, 15.38, 79.44, 2, 11. Women; Millicent Magic, 7 games played, 85.71 match ratio, 159.69 percentage, 6 wins, 1 loss; Mount Gambier Lakers, 7, 85.71, 135.00, 6, 1; Horsham Hornets, 8, 62.50, 111.97, 5, 3; Warrnambool Mermaids, 6, 50.00, 120.35, 3, 3; Portland Coasters, 68 50.00, 89.93, 4, 4; Surfcoast Chargers, 9, 22.22, 72.55, 2, 7; Terang Tornadoes, 7, 0, 62.28, 0, 7.

Dr. Pauline Walsh B. Clinc Sci B. App. Sci (Chiropractic), DACCP

MINE: Horsham’s Austin McKenzie steals the ball from Ararat’s Zac Dunmore during Saturday’s action. Picture: KAREN REES

Players set for thrilling second day

Horsham

Cricket Association’s

A and B Grade players had their first taste of two-day cricket this season in round 11.

Day one saw Homers bat first against Jung Tigers and despite a rocky start with Paddy Mills going out for a duck, Max Bunworth came to the crease to reach 53 runs.

The next two highest batters for Homers were Adam Atwood and Simon Hopper.

Tigers’ Angus Adams was a powerhouse when bowling and out in the field with six wickets and two catches for the innings.

In 67 overs, Homers made 148 runs and sent Jung out to bat.

Jung managed 10 runs before stumps with the game to continue on Saturday.

Noradjuha-Toolondo Bullants and West Wimmera were determined on Saturday to make the most of their first day.

The Bullants went into bat first and Garrett Liston, 38 runs, and Ben Anson, 20 runs, were the highest runscorers for the team.

Four Bullants went out for a duck, leaving the team 106 from almost 39 overs before West Wimmera went out to bat.

West Wimmera’s Xavier Bone was on fire, taking five wickets and one catch for the day.

He was well supported by Trevor Polkinghorne, who took four catches.

The Warriors were more successful at the crease, with Liam Preston and Bailey McQueen making 30 runs each.

After nearly 35 overs, West Wimmera concluded the day with 131 runs.

Bullants’ Liston took three catches while Troy Dumesny, Nathan Hughes, Kobi Lang and Matthew Combe took two wickets each.

B Grade teams also had an impressive start to two-day competition.

Blackheath-Dimboola will chase Colts’ 136, Laharum will need to get Saints all out before coming for their 174 runs, while Lubeck-Murtoa is looking strong against Jung.

Last week – day one of two-day cricket in A Grade and B Grade A Grade: Bullants 106 (G. Liston 38, X. Bone 5-32, J. Crowhurst 2-5) v West Wimmera Warriors 131 (B. McQueen 30, L. Preston 30, T. Dumesny 2-3, N. Hughes 2-12, K. Lang 2-18, M. Combe 2-47); Homers 148 (M. Bunworth 53, S. Hopper 26, A. Adams 6-59, T. Puls 3-48) v Jung Tigers 0-10.

B Grade: Colts 136 (D. Lawson 42, B. Millar 31, A. Laverty 3-18, D. Polack 3-22, E. Braithwaite 2-31) v Blackheath-Dimboola 0-22; Horsham Saints 9-174 (A. Laffy 53, D. Carter 36, J. Mahoney 3-31) v Laharum; Lubeck-Murtoa 0-56 (T. Barrand 27) v Jung Tigers 47 (N. Ballagh 7-9, S.

Reddie 2-17), Rupanyup-Minyip v Bullants, no score available.

C Grade: West Wimmera Warriors 2-237 (J. Dickinson 55, A. Dickinson 50, G. Treverton 50, J. Gurry 47) d Lubeck-Murtoa 8-152 (C. Newell 48, P. Yew 37, A. Morrison 25, R.

Schneider 4-18, J. Gurry 2-18); Quantong 4-218 (J. Vague 53, R. Caris 50, N. Gardiner 31, J. Uebergang 2-27) d Natimuk 131 (J. Munn 53, L. Hutchinson 33, J. Vague 3-13, J. Gardiner 3-24, T. Brand 2-13, P. Brand 2-15); Homers 5-109 (W. Drummond

30, A. Simpson 4-18) d Colts 9-107 (J. Crooks 31, T. Hofmaier 3-5, C. Garwood 2-17, M. Inkster 2-29); Horsham Saints 7-204 (J. King 50, K. Dalgleish 46, B. Sleep 25, Z. Knight 2-26) d Jung Tigers 99 (A. Davie 31, F. Marklew 25, B. Sleep 3-17, A. Kuriakose 2-20); Blackheath-Dimboola 3-232 (L. Hutchinson 52, S. Glover 51, B. Miller 38, D. Sexton 36, W. Barber 26) d Laharum 10-164 (D. Scollary 59, A. Norton 27, D. Sexton 3-21, M. Barry 2-12, D. Paech 2-27, A. Barry 2-61).

This week – day two of two-day cricket in A Grade and B Grade

A Grade: Noradjuha-Toolondo v West Wimmera, Horsham City Oval; Homers v Jung Tigers, Sunnyside Recreation Reserve; Rupanyup-Minyip, bye.

B Grade: Horsham Saints v Laharum, Coughlin Park; Colts v Blackheath-Dimboola, Dudley Cornell Park; Rupanyup-Minyip v Noradjuha-Toolondo, Minyip Recreation Reserve; Lubeck-Murtoa v Jung Tigers, Murtoa Recreation Reserve.

C Grade: Natimuk v Lubeck-Murtoa, Natimuk Recreation Reserve; Blackheath-Dimboola v West Wimmera Warriors, Dimboola Recreation Reserve; Colts v Jung Tigers, Dudley Cornell Park; Laharum v Horsham Saints; Laharum Sports and Community Centre; Quantong v Homers, Noradjuha Recreation Reserve.

FIERCE: Jung Tigers’ David Puls bowls to his Homers opponent.

Picture: KAREN REES

ROUND ONE: The weekend marked the first round of two-day cricket in Horsham Cricket Association A Grade competition. Jung Tigers took on Homers on Saturday and the sides will meet again this Saturday, winding up 2022 match play. Photographer KAREN REES captured some of the action at Horsham’s Sunnyside Oval. Pictured, clockwise from above: Jung Tigers’ Dale Dryden takes a break after bowling; Brenton Hallam, Jung, gets one past the opposition; Jung’s Tyler Puls in action; Homers wicket keeper Luke Deutcher and Jung batter Connor Lawson; and Homers batter Baxter Perry.

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

The Victor Chang Cardiac Research Institute reports about 20,000 Australians every year will suffer a cardiac arrest outside a hospital, which if that happens, has a survival rate of under 10 percent. The world’s first hand-held, smart, automated external defibrillator is your personal life-saving device.

Horsham’s Tony Pope luckily survived his cardiac arrest, but he said he ‘wished’ he had had a CellAED with him.

“We were in the middle of nowhere when it happened – it felt just like someone was sitting on my chest and I thought this is a bit worse than what I’ve had before,” he said.

“The device is not big and bulky, and you can put one in your backpack or your lunch box – it is perfect for tradies. You never think it is going to happen to you, but I was 52-years old, fit as a fiddle and I thought I was bullet proof.”

Pre-order your CellAED now at kaceykochfirstaid.com.au to secure your place in the queue.

Libby

COMPETITIVE: Homers defeated Drung South in Central Wimmera Tennis Association A Special competition on Saturday, 8-6.

Drung South’s Tanya Sleep, above, had mixed results, with two doubles wins but lost her singles match 8-4. Homers’ Connor Chivell, far right, won all his matches on Saturday.

Drung’s Andrea Cameron, right, won her singles match 8-5, and had a win and a loss in doubles.

Pictures: KAREN REES

St Michaels serves a win

StMichaels delivered a surprising win against Central Park in Central Wimmera Tennis Association’s pennant competition in round 10.

Despite St Michaels struggling at the beginning of the season to get a win on the board, the final score on Saturday indicated the team breezed through for a convincing win.

Central Park was only successful at winning one set – Willow Sains-

Junior profile

buty and Sharon Clough winning their doubles 8-5 – leaving the other 11 sets to St Michaels.

Powerhouse Steffi McDonald was joined by her sister Jess McDonald for the first time this season and were a formidable partnership, winning their doubles 8-1.

Jess McDonald also won her singles match, 8-0.

The other pennant game was played in considerably closer fashion at six sets each, with Horsham Lawn coming out on top of Drung

South by seven games. Horsham Lawn’s Cherie Wood was the only player to win all three sets on Saturday.

Drung South’s Yolanda Molineaux and Sandra Casey had tough competition against Tahlia Thompson and Gemma Walker, but were able to come away with an 8-7 win.

Drung South is now sitting at the bottom of the ladder, while Horsham Lawn has moved up to second position.

After a bye, Kalkee is on top of

the ladder, with Central Park third and St Michaels, fourth.

Heading into round 11 there is only percentage difference between the top three teams, and the two bottom teams are both on two games won.

With one remaining game before a Christmas break, it is a chance for teams to break away from the pack and put a game between them and their opposition.

Competition will resume on January 28.

Seniors

Pennant: St Michaels 11-93 d Central Park 1-53, Horsham Lawn 6-80 d Drung South 6-73.

A Special: Natimuk 10-96 d Kalkee 4-52, Haven 8-81 d Telangatuk East 6-67, Homers 8-86 d Drung South 6-86, Brimpaen 9-89 d Central Park 5-82, Horsham Lawn Thompson 9-99 d Horsham Lawn Dorman 5-67.

A Grade: Haven 12-96 d Homers 0-0, Central Park 7-71 d Horsham Lawn O’Connor 5-77, Drung South 8-73 d Horsham Lawn Bardell 4-68.

B Special: Laharum 10-91 d Haven 2-39, Natimuk 7-74 d Horsham Lawn 5-63, St Michaels 8-82 d Central Park 4-65.

Juniors

Open: Homers 3-28 d Central Park 3-27, Natimuk Blue 6-36 d Horsham Lawn Gold 0-14, Natimuk Yellow 4-32 d Horsham Lawn Green 2-25.

Section 1 Boys: Natimuk 3-24 d Haven 3-23, Central Park 3-29 d Quantong 3-23.

Section 1 Girls: Horsham Lawn 3-28 d Homers 3-25, Haven Red 4-28 d Haven Purple 2-26.

Section 2 Boys: Haven 4-29 d Horsham Lawn White 2-19, Homers Red 4-32 d Horsham Lawn Green 2-22, Central Park 6-36 d Homers White 0-12.

Section 2 Girls: Central Park 3-26 drew with Homers 3-26, Haven 3-30 d Horsham Lawn Green 3-28, Horsham Lawn White 4-33 d Horsham Lawn Gold 2-22.

Section 3 Boys: Haven 4-31 d Horsham Lawn Gold 2-21, Horsham Lawn Green 4-29 d Horsham Lawn White 2-21.

Section 3 Girls: Homers 3-25 d Natimuk 3-22, Horsham Lawn Gold 4-31 d Horsham Lawn Green 2-20, Horsham Lawn White 6-36 d Haven 0-14.

Section 4 Boys: Horsham Lawn Red 4-30 d Horsham Lawn White 2-24, Haven 4-28 d Natimuk 2-25.

Charlotte Kelly, 10 Horsham Lawn Tennis Club Section four

Why do you play tennis or what do you like most about tennis? I like playing with different people and it is fun.

What is your favourite tennis memory? Playing under the sprinklers with the Horsham Lawn kids after a hot day.

Who is your favourite player? Ash Barty. Who is the toughest player you have played against? My friend Sienna.

Do you think you could beat your family members? I can beat my dad easily.

Section 4 Girls: Horsham Lawn Green 3-29 d Haven Pink 3-22, Horsham Lawn Gold 6-36 d Homers 0-2, Haven Orange 6-36 d Horsham Lawn White 0-15.

Match Play Section 5: Natimuk 4-21 d Horsham Lawn Green 2-17, Horsham Lawn White 4-19 d Horsham Lawn Purple 2-14, Central Park 4-20 d Horsham Lawn Yellow 2-14, Horsham Lawn Red 6-24 d Haven 0-2, Horsham Lawn Pink 3-18 d Horsham Lawn Gold 3-17.

Match Play Section 6: Horsham Lawn Red 4-20 d Homers 2-16, Natimuk 6-24 d Horsham Lawn Green 0-6, Haven 5-20 d Horsham Lawn White 1-9, Horsham Lawn Orange 4-19 d Central Park 2-14, Horsham Lawn Gold 4-20 d Horsham Lawn Blue 2-11.

FOCUS: Homers’ Ebony Hobbs is a picture of concentration during her match against Drung South in Central Wimmera Tennis Association A Special competition at the weekend. Homers won the day 8-6.

Picture: KAREN REES

Puls celebrated at annual showcase

BY MICHAEL SCALZO

The Wimmera’s gymnastic club is looking towards 2023 with renewed vigour after a successful return to training as one of its own celebrates a club-first milestone.

Hailey Puls, 19, a gymnast at Natimuk and District Gymnastic Club, has achieved a qualification reserved for Australia’s most elite competitors, passing national level-10 – the highest of 10 progressive levels of Women’s Artistic Gymnastics.

Puls achieved level-10 of Gymnastics Australia’s national levels program for competitive gymnasts at Natimuk’s invitational event in November and became the club’s first gymnast to reach the classification.

Natimuk head coach Lynette Morrow said several of the cub’s gymnasts had previously achieved a level-10 classification within the Victorian levels program, but national-level qualification was a ‘whole other difficulty’ in comparison.

“This award has taken Hailey 15 years to achieve, and it didn’t come easy. She had to overcome injury, frustration, mental blocks and COVID-19 restrictions that stopped her training, but she never gave up,” Morrow said.

“Hailey, on behalf of the whole club, congratulations. You are a champion.”

Morrow said Puls started learning gymnastics at aged four and had al-

ways been a ‘vibrant’ person to have around the club.

“Her bubbly personality and friendly nature is something she is known for –not just at our club, but throughout the whole region,” she said.

“I started coaching Hailey in her early years and have watched her

develop and grow into the amazing gymnast she is today.”

Puls said it had taken her ‘so long’ to reach level-nine after COVID-restriction training setbacks, that it was a surprise when she quickly reached level-10 at the Natimuk event last month.

“I had been at level-eight during COVID, but couldn’t progress because there were no competitions,” she said.

“It took me several attempts to reach level-nine earlier this year that when I passed my level-10, first try, it was a lovely surprise.

“COVID did set me back a bit, being stuck at home with no equipment to train on, so it was nearly two years away from training for me.

“It took me a little bit to get my fitness back once restrictions eased, but my muscle memory eventually took over.”

Puls said her next target was the 2023 Victorian Championships in Geelong in April.

Morrow and Puls also celebrated the success of Amelia Altmann, who won the Len Parfett encouragement award for enthusiasm and dedication, Sophie Cook and Ava Raybone, who won the club’s rising-star award, as well as Remi Bailey and Myssi Patterson, who claimed the club’s top accolade, the Reg Hateley award, at the club’s end-of-year showcase and presentation evening last week.

Puls said it was great for the club’s gymnasts to return to a full year of training after eased restrictions, and that as a gymnastic coach at Natimuk, she was proud of the work that everyone had been putting in across 2022.

She said she would have a few weeks off during Christmas before she resumed training in January.

“I have my eye on the Victorian championship trials in March, so I will be back after the break training for that,” she said.

•

Apprentice Chef – Horsham

Location: Horsham, Closing date: December 20, 2022

Requirements:

•

•

•

•

•

Business

•

•

•

•

TOP OF THE CLASS: Natimuk and District Gymnastic Club gymnast Hailey Puls completed her nationalgymnastic level-10 qualification at the Natimuk invitational event in November, to become the club’s inaugural top-level national gymnast.

Saints regain a top-four spot

BY ‘ONE SHORT’

Grampians

Cricket Association’s round eight highlights included the Combine’s comfortable win against Rymnston, Gappers rejoining the winners’ list thanks to an outstanding innings from skipper Charlie McIntosh, the Tigers feasting on an undermanned Gappers2, and the Saints regaining their top-four spot.

The star of the round was Gappers captain Charlie McIntosh, with a 125-run innings. His innings was more than the opposing Combine team’s total. He scored 18 fours and four sixes.

Luke Stevens, with 27, was the only other batsman to reach double figures out of an innings of 184.

The Combine replied with 124. Travis Nicholson once again top-scored with 46.

Combine1 dismissed Rhymston for 72 and replied with 3-74.

No Combine bowler took more than two wickets.

Sam Cocks was the best batsman with 25 not out.

Pomonal Tigers savaged an undermanned Gappers2 to win by 180 runs.

Rhymston2 fell to the Saints 72 to 113. Notable performers were Saints’ Ryan Skiller, 63, and Caleb Summers, 6-11.

This week, the top-two teams battle it out at Central Park in Stawell when Swifts-Great Western play Pomonal, Halls Gap1 takes on Rhymney-Moyston1 at Halls Gap, St Andrews play Halls Gap2 at Moyston and Chalambar plays Rhymney-Moyston2 at Alexandra Oval in Ararat. Swifts-Great Western2 has a bye.

The Combine will play the Tigers for top ranking and then again on Sunday for the Henry Gunstone T20 Cup with the top two rankings set, and cannot change.

It’s fair to say, at this stage of the season, that the Combine is not as dominant as in past seasons, and the Tigers will present a real challenge to the top ranking.

Clayton Mackley, Matt Peel and Lynden Brewis will all be asked for their best against Combine bowlers Matt Heffer, Jayden McCartney and surprise packet Matt Delzotto.

The Tigers bowlers in Harry Evans and Lachy Dalkin will zero-in on the Combine’s major run-scorer Sam Cocks.

However, the Combine has other run-getters it can fall back on.

Halls Gap needs to defeat Rhymston to qualify for the A division after Christmas. A loss could see Chalambar replace them in the top-four, so the Gappers will be hoping Charlie McIntosh can retain some of his form from last round to lead his team to a winning score.

Apart from Luke Stevens, the batting seems brittle.

St Andrews plays Halls Gap2 at Moyston and while the Gappers are to be praised for discharging their obligations to the association, their numbers are thin and will struggle against the Saints, who sit third.

All-rounder Adam Haslett, Ned Bohner and company will be eying off scores and bowlers James Hosking and Caleb Summers will look to make life difficult for the Gappers batters.

In the remaining match, Chally will look for a good win against Rhymston2 should the Gappers or the Saints fall in order to grab a last-gasp entry into the four.

Chally’s attack is lead by Ethan McKinnis, who is having a fine season with the ball.

Ross Kettle, Sam Pilgrim and Eyan Habib will look to put the runs on the board to ensure that there is no upset.

Veteran Fox wins at Chalambar

Mervyn Fox claimed Wimmera District Veteran Golfers Association honours by one point at Chalambar Golf Club, Ararat, last week, in the association’s most recent stableford competition.

Fox, with 36 points, finished the day ahead of Stephen Harris, 35, with David Baker, Rob Porter, John Robertson, Colin Moore, David Sudholz, Ian Hair, Daryl Watson, Bob Hayes, Norm Clark and Brian Pitt following behind.

Nearest-the-pin went to Elston Arnold at the fourth hole, Reg Cunningham at the sixth hole, Rob Porter at the eighth hole, Brian Pitt at the 16th hole, and Stephen Harris at the 18th hole.

Association golfers have one more event this year to play – at Stawell Golf Club on December 19.

Registration for the Monday event is at 9am, ready for a 9.30am tee-off.

Ararat Redbacks finished triumphant against Horsham Hornets in a contest between the near-neighbours on Saturday night — their second meeting of the Country Basketball League south-west conference. Redbacks captain Zac Dunmore, pictured, top-scored with 40 points for the outing. The Redbacks will maintain their ladder lead as they enter the Christmas break with an early bye this weekend while the Hornets meet Millicent Magic. Story and more photos, pages 60-61.

Picture: KAREN REES