PHENOMENAL: Jack Janetzki exhibits his 1957 FE Holden ute at the biggest-ever Wimmera Against Cancer in Kids, WACK, Car and Bike Show on Sunday. Event spokesman Simon Clark said with almost 300 cars and about 2000 people visiting Horsham’s May Park for the event, the WACK committee was thrilled. “From Lamborghinis to Corollas we had cars from every continent in the world, which is very impressive,” he said. All money raised from the event will support Wimmera families of children with cancer.
The impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on everyday life continues to evolve – and health officials remain on high alert.
Saturday marked three years since the World Health Organisation defined COVID-19 a pandemic. At the time, there were more than 118,000 cases in 114 countries, and 4291 people had died.
Border closures, lockdowns and restrictions to social distancing and vaccination rules followed.
People continue to test positive to the virus and about five lives are lost to COVID-19, daily, in Victoria alone. Medical clinics such as Horsham’s Lister House, which also hosted a respiratory clinic for the region, remain on standby to respond quickly, should infection numbers spike again.
Grampians Health chief strategy
and regions officer Dr Rob Grenfell stressed the pandemic was far from over.
He said sub-variants of Omicron continued to challenge health response, and people continued to experience serious illness or death.
Dr Grenfell said increasing evidence of long-COVID was demonstrating impacts to neural systems, heart and lungs in particular.
“There still is considerable concern we might have a complete variant change emerging – and any areas where there is complete social disruption is ripe for a new variant to pop up. Until we can iron out those irregularities across the planet, we will have a continued threat,” he said.
Dr Grenfell was overseeing a team at one of the country’s most secure scientific laboratories – the CSIRO
Australian Animal Health Lab in Geelong – until about a year ago and
his involvement in preparing for, and responding to, the world’s ‘next pandemic’ had begun years earlier.
“We’re on – this is it,” he recalls thinking of reports of a highly-volatile virus in China in December 2019.
Australia had recorded its first confirmed case in late January 2020 and two months later, the virus had officially reached the Wimmera.
Dr Grenfell said global attention for a health solution had led to the rapid development of ‘extremely effective and safe’ vaccines.
Horsham’s Lister House Clinic vaccinated almost 35,000 Wimmera people, alone.
Dr Grenfell said frontline health workers and people working to support others were ‘unsung heroes’ who, despite their high risk of infection, had ‘put their lives on the line’.
He said digital health reform – including digitally-supported health
consults and electronic records – was a positive to emerge amid the challenges.
“What’s exciting is we haven’t gone back – and that allows rural or isolated people to get access to healthcare, and especially for vulnerable people in our community,” he said.
“We also rebuilt public health infrastructure, particularly in Victoria, that we didn’t have before and we’re in a better position than before the pandemic to respond to future public health challenges, including diabetes or heart disease.”
Lister House chief executive Amanda Wilson agreed the pandemic was a catalyst for health reform that had increased flexibility regarding delivery of care.
A ‘walk-in-and-wait’ clinic has replaced the former respiratory clinic in Baillie Street, where people can seek help for respiratory concerns along
with ‘low level’ concerns where they cannot make a prompt GP appointment or do not require emergency attention. Visits might require a wait time and incur a fee; concession cardholders are bulk-billed. People are starting to access their fifth vaccination dose.
PCR testing is also still available. “We still want people to know what they’ve got and how to treat it. Some people are still eligible for anti-virals and it could be the difference between them requiring a hospital visit themselves,” she said.
Government funding for the respiratory clinic dried up in February.
“We know our community needs are still there. We are still seeing 20 to 30 people a day, which is what we were doing mid-COVID, and that’s taking pressure off the emergency department,” Mrs Wilson said.
From today Horsham will move to an improved CBD parking system with extended time limits and new easy-to-use meters.
Existing one-hour parking bays will be extended to two hours, and all weekday parking restrictions will end at 5pm. This will allow more flexibility while still encouraging movement of shoppers throughout the central activity district All short-term parking (10, 15, 20 minutes) will move into a single 30-minute short term parking limit.
From today, the Blinkay app will replace the existing EasyPay app.
Using the Blinkay app is the cheapest way to pay for parking because, rather than leaving unused money in the meter, motorists are charged based on the exact length of time they’ve stayed. Users can also add more time to their stay remotely via the app, without needing to return to the meter or their vehicle.
While the new meters are solar powered, paperless and offer the latest technology. They remain as simple as ever to use.
They can be operated by coin or by tapping a card.
When using coin or card tap at the meter, motorists will pay for a set time in advance (as you currently do).
Simply enter your vehicle registration number into the meter. There will be no paper
Horsham Rural City Council residents eligible to receive a Japanese Encephalitis virus vaccine can book an immunisation appointment at the Kalkee Road Children’s and Community Hub for free.
Vaccination against JEV is available for anyone aged nine months or older who:
• Lives, or routinely works, in a high-risk area and spends significant time outdoors (four hours per day), for unavoidable work, recreational, educational or other essential activities
• Is living in temporary accommodation that places them at an increased risk of exposure to mosquitoes
• Is engaged in the prolonged clean-up of stagnant waters following floods.
HRCC has received 300 doses of the Imojev vaccine via the State Government. Four immunisation sessions will be available at the Hub.
• Thursday 16 March
• Thursday 23 March
tickets required for the dash board of your car.
The fee structure for the parking meters is $1.50 per hour, which can be paid in $0.10 cent (nine minute) increments, to a maximum of $3 (two hours)
To allow the two-hour limits to be effective, the CBD will be divided into two zones –the north and south side of Roberts Avenue. Once a motorist has spent two hours parked in one zone, they can move to the other zone and their two-hour limit starts again.
Signs will be erected in the CBD to alert motorists of the change and provide in-
structions on how to use the new meters.
“Replacing the old meters with next generation technology, will provide consistency and will help keep traffic moving around the CBD. We know historically there has been issues with people parking in front of shops for extended periods which in turn prevents other shoppers from accessing those parking locations," Mayor Robyn Gulline said.
“Completed traffic engineering studies have shown us that paid parking is effective and efficient in managing those priority parking spaces within the CBD to enable movement of shoppers, ultimately increasing foot traffic to our local businesses,” she said.
Reference number: PA2300581
The land is located at: 8 Jervis Street, Horsham.
The application is for a Permit to: The restriction No.4 contained in PS728169Y shall be varied so that it reads: "(4) construct any building within 5.3 metres of the frontage of lot 5 and within 10 metres of the frontage of any other lot and in the case of lots 2, 8, 9 and 16 within 5 metres of the street sideage boundary".
The applicant for the Permit is: Angela Plazzer, Ferguson Perry Surveying Pty Ltd.
Council has started to introduce a new visual identity for the municipality.
Mayor Robyn Gulline said the previous logo has served the organisation well since 2008, but it was time for Council to refresh its corporate identity.
“This new brand will open up a new way forward in promoting our municipality as an attractive place to live, work and invest,” Cr Gulline said.
“It's about creating a new vision that we can communicate to visitors, families and industries to bring them into Horsham.
The new colours are blue and green, replacing purple, yellow and green.
The new logo’s shapes represent iconic Wimmera aspects such as reeds, crops and yabbies and the typography is inspired by stencilling on the T&G tower and the lettering used on wool bales.
Cr Gulline said Councillors agreed on a plan to fund the project across the next two financial years.
“The switch to the new visual identity will not happen overnight. But we are really excited to see this project roll out further in the coming months and into the future,” she said.
Next Council Meeting: Monday 27 March 2023 - 5.30pm
Any person who may be affected by the granting of the Permit may make submissions to Council. Copies of submissions received may be made available to any person. If you have any concerns, please contact Council’s Planning team on 03 5382 9798 or email council@hrcc.vic.gov.au.
An objection must be sent to Council in writing, include the reasons for the objection and state how the objector would be affected.
You may look at the application and any documents that support the application free of charge by contacting the Civic Centre or visiting Council’s website.
Council will not decide on the application before 24 March 2023.
• Thursday 30 March
• Thursday 13 April
Book via the HRCC website or call 53829777.
#Q40/2023
HORSHAM THEATRE CONSERVATION MANAGEMENT PLAN Closes 12.30pm
Friday 31 March
#23-029
OPERATION OF VARIOUS RECYCLING/ TRANSFER STATIONS Closes 12noon
Wednesday 22 March
#Q37-2022
REDESIGN OF O'CALLAGHANS PARADE Closes 12noon
Thursday 16 March
#Q39/2023
RECONSTRUCTION OF 300M OF JUNG NORTH RD Closes 12noon
Wednesday 22 March
#23/026 FLOOD RECOVERY ROAD WORKS –PACKAGE 2, 3 & 4 Closes 12noon
Thursday 16 March
All tender, EOI and RFQ details online at: www.eprocure.com.au/ horsham-rural-citycouncil/
ANNUAL ACTION PLAN
HRCC has developed the Annual Action Plan for the financial year 2023-2024. The community has the opportunity until 31 March to provide feedback on the actions that will be taken to deliver the objectives of the Council Plan.
Horsham Rural City Council: 18 Roberts Avenue Horsham | Postal address: PO Box 511 Horsham VIC 3402 | Phone: (03) 5382 9777 | Email: council@hrcc.vic.gov.au | Web: www.hrcc.vic.gov.au
HRCC News
Meters are easy to operate: Use coins, cards or the app Council's new visual identity
Wimmera homelessness service provider leaders are concerned about the impact impending funding cuts will have on their ability to help people in need.
Funding arrangements under the National Housing and Homelessness Agreement, NHHA, are due to expire on June 30.
Under NHHA, the Commonwealth’s Social and Community Services Equal Remuneration Order, ERO, provided $21.9-million in 2021-22 and $22.5million in 2022-23 to Victorian services.
The ERO was introduced in 2012 to fund social and community workers, recognising the sector’s predominantly female workforce had been historically lower paid because of their gender.
Uniting Vic.Tas Ballarat, Barwon and western division homelessness
senior manager Adam Liversage said the possibility of reduced funding for services was creating tension within the sector.
“With inflation and rising costs of living, people are struggling to pay rent and get food on their table, so we are busier than ever,” he said.
“People need assistance more than ever. A funding cut is a real concern.”
Mr Liversage said the money supported staff across the homelessness branch of the organisation.
“At this stage, we can’t see an alternative stream of funding,” he said.
“It would mean we have to decrease our resources, which impacts the assistance we can provide. We don’t know where people will be able to turn.”
Mr Liversage said Wimmera people were significantly impacted by rising costs.
“Grocery bills are increasing and rent is unaffordable,” he said.
“For some people, 60 percent of their pay is going towards rent and that’s a real concern.
“Wimmera people have always been good at banding together to support one another, and advocacy would be a strong help right now.
“People can advocate to their local, state and federal members and other stakeholders, or if you are in a position to help with material aid, please reach out to us and ask how you can assist us to support others.”
A Minister for Housing spokesperson said the Federal Government had an ‘ambitious’ reform agenda to help address Australia’s housing challenges.
“The government is seeking an extension of the National Housing and Homelessness Agreement with states and territories to support the transition to a new housing agenda,” they said.
“The government will continue to consult on this transition.”
The House of Representatives passed legislation to establish a $10-billion Housing Australia Future Fund to generate returns to support 30,000 new social and affordable homes in the fund’s first five years.
During this timeframe, fund returns would also provide $100 million for crisis and transitional housing options for women and children fleeing domestic and family violence and older women at risk of homelessness, and $30 million to build more homes for veterans experiencing homelessness or who are at risk of homelessness.
The Federal Government has a new National Housing and Homelessness Plan, with expressions of interest now open for public contributions.
Uniting Vic.Tas chief executive Bronwyn Pike said it was distressing the organisation was already turning away people in need because demand exceeded services available.
“In the Wimmera, we’re already seeing unprecedented demand at our homelessness entry point, while our youth outreach, adolescent support, transitional housing and tenancy programs are all under strain,” she said.
“All these programs rely on funding, so it’s critical that it continues.
“By cutting ERO funding, it will impact not only our housing and homelessness support, it will have a significant knock-on effect on all our crisis services – including emergency relief, which provides vital support such as food parcels to people in need.
“Every day we find there are more people who can barely afford to keep a roof over their heads let alone pay their bills or put food on the table.
“In the middle of a housing crisis, the last thing the housing and homelessness support sector needs is a funding cut – it will be devastating.”
Listeners of ACE Radio’s 3WM radio station, based from Nhill to the South Australian border, will enjoy an enhanced experience from tomorrow.
People can tune into 92.9 3WM Nhill to the border, on the FM frequency – replacing 3WM 1089 on the AM frequency for listeners in this geographic area.
It comes after a switch for Ararat and district listeners in August.
ACE Radio Horsham content director Adam Roche said the switching-on of the transmitter at Lawloit, from 6am, would mean The Morning Rush, Neil Mitchell, Country Today, The Coodabeen Champions, Sportsday, AFL Nation, The Shirtfront, Local Football Live and all regular program broadcasting would offer a clearer and stronger signal for listeners.
LOVE: Howard Rodda celebrates his 100th birthday with his grandchildren and great grandchildren in Horsham.
It was three cheers for Howard Rodda at the weekend when the Wimmera personality chalked up a century of a life well lived.
The retired farmer and long-time Horsham Lions Club servant, among other notable achievements, was the toast of his children, grandchildren and great-grand children at a celebration in Horsham on Sunday.
“It’s very different being 100,” Mr
Rodda said. “It was the last day of being 99 on Saturday and I had doubts about being 100 – what would it be like? I haven’t been 100 before.”
Mr Rodda married his beloved June in 1946 and they farmed at Burnt Creek before moving to Queensland and farming near Yeppoon. They returned to Horsham about 30 years ago.
Mr Rodda was heavily involved
with farming activities, including service as chairman of the Horsham Wheat and Wool Committee and helped establish a farming museum at Warracknabeal.
He was a Horsham Lions Club member for more than 50 years.
The couple also had long involvement with the Liberal party.
Mr Rodda ran as a Liberal Party candidate for the then seat of Wim-
mera in the 1963 Federal Election. He was involved in establishing a Liberal Party branch in Yeppoon and ran as a state candidate in the Queensland election in 1989.
Mrs Rodda was chair of the women’s Liberal Party branch in the Wimmera for about 30 years.
Mrs Rodda died in 2018. The couple had enjoyed 72 years of marriage.
“It’s part of a bigger plan with the switching over to FM frequency around the entire 3WM broadcast zone, which, in this instance, will provide crystal-clear 3WM programming to our valued listeners from Nhill all the way to the South Australian border,” he said.
“We would encourage all of our valued 3WM listeners to make the switch over to the FM dial and continue to listen to all of their favourite programs.
“It’s important to note that while we are transitioning the entire broadcast over to the FM frequencies, the heritage signal of 1089 on the AM dial for Horsham and district listeners will not be switched off.”
AGrampians Health leader is hopeful a Federal Government review of Medicare will improve a maldistribution of general practitioners to shorten patient waiting times.
Grampians Health chief executive Dale Fraser said it was no secret there was an uneven distribution of GPs across Australia.
“This typically affects rural areas,” he said.
“Stawell is just one town that has GP shortages. There are not as many GPs as the population would like and therefore people have to wait.
“There are lots of conversations between politicians in Canberra now about Medicare, and I’m sure part of the conversation there is how to create an environment where rural and re-
gional Australians have access to GPs through Medicare incentives.
“Hopefully, if the settings are right, those incentives would create an opportunity for existing GPs to be motivated to work in regional Australia to practise their clinical skill.”
Federal Health Minister Mark Butler said Australian primary health was in the ‘worst’ shape since Medicare began in 1984.
“We know that it has never been harder to see a GP – especially in rural and regional Australia,” he said.
“The former government froze the Medicare rebate for six years, ripping billions of dollars out of primary care and causing gap fees to skyrocket.
“We said at the election there was no higher priority for Labor in the health portfolio than strengthening Medicare and rebuilding general practice.
“The constant advice we have re-
ceived across the country is that after nine years of cuts and neglect to Medicare, it has never been harder to see a doctor, and never more expensive, with bulk billing rates in decline, and gap fees constantly going up.”
The Federal Government released a Strengthening Medicare Taskforce report last month.
The taskforce found bulk-billing rates were declining, with 14 percent of medical graduates choosing to work in general practice, dropping from 50 percent.
The report’s recommendations focus on patient-centred care and expanding multi-disciplinary care to manage the health of an older population with more complex and chronic diseases. Recommendations also included new blended funding models, integrated with an existing fee-for-service model, allowing teams of GPs, nurses,
midwives and allied health professionals to work together to deliver the care people need.
The report also recommended a greater role for primary health networks, including commissioning nursing and allied health services to bolster general practice teams in rural and regional Australia.
Mr Butler said the government was committed to investing in general practice and strengthening Medicare.
“Health workforce was a focused part of our Strengthening Medicare Taskforce discussion and an item of discussion at National Cabinet,” he said.
Mr Butler said the government would invest more than $160-million to attract and retain more health workers in rural and regional Australia through training and incentive programs and supporting innovative
It began as a bet between station boundary riders.
Fast-forward almost a century and the nation’s longestrunning sheep dog trials return to Moyston this weekend.
The annual Moyston Sheep Dog Trials run from tomorrow to Saturday and include novice, improver, open and brace dog trials at Moyston Oval.
“This is our 95th consecutive year, which puts us as the longest continuously-running trial in Australia,” Moyston Sheep Dog Club president Max McLean said.
“We were lucky with COVID. We got the last one in before the lockdowns in 2020, then in the middle there was a gap and we managed to get our trial in.”
The trials simulate work on the farm and involve herding sheep through a range of obstacles including gates and bridges under timed pressures of a 15-minute run.
Mr McLean said more than 35 dogs were registered for the novice category and up to 70 dogs for the open and improver categories.
Bob Clarke, of South Australia, and multiple Moyston trial winner John Tuddenham will judge the trials.
Mr McLean said there were strict rules for a dog and worker to follow, as well as rules for
spectator engagement. “When the dog is ready and the judge signals, the dog gets cast out and picks up the sheep. People generally just have to watch,” he said.
“When the dog gets to the pen, it’s pretty important people wait for the worker to shut the gate on the pen before they clap or cheer – but the owners do appreciate a bit of applause when it happens.
“This is probably a quiet ven-
ue for a lot of them because if they’re at a showground somewhere, the show will be on and there’s a lot of people around during the trial.”
Mr McLean said the trials started almost through chance.
“In 1927, there were three to four big stations here,” he said.
“A couple of boundary riders had a bet as to who had the best dog, and they agreed to meet at the oval – and the first challenge was run.
“In 1928, the first formal trial started.”
The novice trials start at 9am tomorrow and improvers and open trials from 8am on Friday and Saturday.
‘Country catering’ morning tea and lunch is available.
A community dinner and brace dog trials, where dogs compete in pairs, is on Friday evening.
Entry is via gold-coin donation.
models of multi-disciplinary care. Mr Fraser said in the meantime, Grampians Health would continue to try to recruit more GPs.
“We have some temporary GPs to support permanent staff at the moment,” he said.
“We’re looking to put some other non-GP services in Stawell, such as physiotherapy and practise nurses.
“Not all needs are best serviced by a GP – someone might have a diabetes issue and would be better speaking to a dietician, for example.
“We want to allow the GPs we have time to focus on specifically what a GP should be focusing on.
“We’re hopeful the work that’s being undergone with the Medicare system will result in an outcome that meets the needs of rural and regional GPs and renumerates them appropriately.”
Green Lake and Dock Lake have reopened for recreational water activities after testing showed levels of blue-green algae had fallen. The lakes, near Horsham, were closed in early February when high blue-green algae levels were detected.
Horsham Rural City Council infrastructure director John Martin said test results showed levels of blue-green algae had fallen below a level of concern for recreation use.
“This allows the council to open both lakes to recreational use and the warning signs have been removed,” he said.
“Lake users are encouraged to be on the lookout for any areas of iridescent algae floating on the surface and avoid these areas.”
As we navigate our way through the easing of Coronavirus restrictions, it’s good to remember we’re #StrongerTogether.
From catering to curtains, concrete to building, garden, and hardware supplies; Ararat Rural City Council is launching a campaign to put local business first in a commitment to prioritising local suppliers.
Council will be holding an information session at the Ararat RSL on 16 March to showcase procurement opportunities for businesses in the region, including how to register to become a preferred supplier for Ararat Rural City.
Council CEO Dr Tim Harrison emphasised Council’s strong focus on putting local businesses first when sourcing products, services, and works.
“Local businesses are the backbone of the region’s economy - council is continually sourcing a wide range of suppliers across all categories of business,” Dr Harrison said.
“Where it aligns, Council is already awarding our larger projects to regional businesses and supporting a range of local businesses on a smaller scale. But, we can do better – the new Local Supplier Portal takes it further and gives every business in Ararat Rural City, a chance to supply Council.
“It’s crucial that Council supports and delivers an optimised procurement system that meets the needs of all Greater Ararat-based businesses.
“This means upgrading the existing procurement system by streamlining how businesses or contractors can become a preferred supplier of Council.”
“As part of this project, Council will launch a Local Supplier Portal which means greater opportunities to work with our local businesses in delivering Council projects and events,” he continued.
Ararat Rural City Council marked International Women’s Day (IWD) with a special walk and breakfast event to celebrate inspiring women in the region.
IWD provides an opportunity to celebrate and acknowledge women ’ s achievements while encouraging our communities to build an inclusive world and embrace equity
Special thanks to local businesses Fred & Bet’s Cafe, Foragers Cafe, and Frothies & Froffies for supporting the IWD event.
“By hosting the ‘Putting Local Business First’ information session, we’re bringing the business community together to explore the opportunities to supply to Council and be part of our local procurement push to keep dollars circulating locally.”
Attendees will learn how to register their business on Council’s Supplier Portal, and future plans to create a local supplier list that can be accessed by the general public.
The free ‘Putting Local Business First’ information session will be held at the Ararat RSL function room on Thursday, 16 March from 5.30 pm –7.00 pm, which will include presentations by council staff, nibbles and refreshments. Businesses of all sizes are welcome - to register for catering purposes, email business@ararat.vic.gov.au.
LOCATION: Ararat RSL function room
DATE: Thursday 16 March 5.30pm - 7pm
From catering to curtains, concrete to building, garden, and hardware supplies; Ararat Rural City Council is launching a campaign to put local business first in a commitment to prioritising local suppliers
Nibbles and refreshments available
Businesses of all sizes are welcome
To register please email business@ararat.vic.gov.au
FOR
INFORMATION: VISIT ararat.vic.gov.au
BY ABBY WALTER
former site of the Dimboola Hotel has been revitalised as a space that fosters community and connection once again.
Dimboola’s Tower Park, on the corner of Lochiel and Lloyd streets, officially opened at the weekend – almost 20 years since the hotel burnt down in October 2003.
Dimboola Arts Inc facilitated the project and after five years of planning and construction, the committee welcomed crowds on Saturday night to celebrate and open the revived space.
President Angela Walker said the park was a ‘beautiful’ space to catch-up with people, have a picnic and enjoy being outdoors.
“It’s a space for healing, too. The site was a demolition site for 15 years and it was hard to walk past,” she said.
“It’s really exciting for the town to be able to use this area of the main street again. The community has been waiting a long time for this.”
Mrs Walker said the project had evolved as the 10-member committee worked hard to create a park for the community.
“Our initial thoughts are different to what we see at the park today. It’s an eclectic mix of ideas that all work together,” she said.
“At the opening, you could tell the excitement was palpable and people were thrilled to see the park open.”
The park was funded via a State Government Pick My Project grant of $200,000 –a fundraiser in partnership with Dimboola Community Bendigo Bank which raised nearly $60,000 from local businesses and individuals and another fundraiser raised almost $20,000 through the sale of about 630 engraved pavers that feature at the site. Committee member Al Griffiths was the project manager and said the park reflected the site’s past.
“Originally the park was going to replicate the rooms of the pub. It didn’t end up exactly like that, but a decked area sits over the cellar and is an exact footprint of the original bar,” he said.
“The park is an abstract representation of the façade of the old pub.
“The concrete through the park is the
footings of the pub and we used crushed rock to include another piece of the original building.
“We started planning before COVID-19 restrictions and the bigger construction took us five to six months, so I am happy to see it open for the community.”
Former Dimboola Hotel publican Gary Price said the new park was a magnificent area on the main street for people to be able to view and sit.
“I have a strong connection with Dimboola – not only was I in the hotel in the 1970s and ’80s, but I worked 20 years in real estate at Dimboola, too,” he said.
“I think the praise goes to the committee for its work and the foresight to get the park up and going.
“It’s a nice meeting place for visitors to come and I think we will see benefits of that for the wider community, too.
“It was a pleasure to be master-of-ceremonies at the opening and it was a good day out as people of Dimboola get behind events and projects like the park.”
Landowner Graeme Schneider purchased the Dimboola Hotel site in 2015.
“It was just a pile of rubble at that time and I figured someone was going to have
to do something about that space, so I felt compelled to buy it,” he said.
“It was a prominent site in town that wasn’t being used to its capacity, which was a shame.
“My mother and brother still live in Dimboola, so I visit often, and as a former Dimboola son I figured someone had to grasp the opportunity to support the development of the site.”
Mr Schneider said he planted an oak and a maple tree with Wergaia elder Uncle Ron Marks at the site in 2017.
“On that day we had a questionnaire for people to let us know what they wanted to see at the site and quite a significant margin was a public open space,” he said.
“That’s how it evolved gradually and I approached Stoph Pilmore at Dimboola Arts Inc and we received funding, so it progressed from there. The attendance at the opening was exceptional and the feel about the place was good, too.
“It was very pleasing to be a part of the project and Dimboola Arts Inc has done a fantastic job with the community because there were a lot of contributors who donated time, expertise and money.”
A prominent Wimmera figure who shaped communities across Australia throughout a decorated career has died.
Goff Letts, CBE AM, of Stawell, died on Friday aged 95. A private funeral is in Stawell this weekend.
Many people in the Wimmera and Mallee would be famil-
iar with Mr Letts as Wimmera Mallee Water authority chairman for nine years, where he played an integral role in the creation of the Wimmera-Mallee Pipeline.
He is nationally known for the significant hand he played in the evolution of the Northern Territory, where he spent three
decades and raised a family with his wife Joyce.
Mr Letts was initially a young veterinarian who made a significant mark by playing a lead role in eradicating the serious pleuro-pneumonia cattle disease from Australia.
This opened the door in establishing a value for huge Top
End buffalo herds. He also spent considerable time getting to know and understand Aboriginal communities and people.
He ultimately became the territory’s first Majority Leader, preparing the region for selfgovernment while running dayto-day affairs.
Wimmera police officers are urging road users to limit distractions and be mindful as the road toll continues to climb.
Wimmera Superintendent Sharon McCrory said 19 lives had been lost on Western Region roads this year.
“In the Wimmera, there have been six lives lost on our roads compared to one at the same time last year,” she said.
“It’s a real concern and a priority for myself, my members and Victoria Police.”
Superintendent McCrory said driver error had been a major contributor to road trauma this year, which was often avoidable.
“Driver error includes failing to stop, losing control due to distraction or fatigue, or a combination of things,” she said.
“We want drivers to be mindful on the road, drive to the condition, be focused and cut out distractions such as mobile phones or leaning into the back seat.”
Victoria has recorded 74 lives
lost on roads to date, 23 more than this time last year and a 51 percent increase on the fiveyear average. Two-thirds of fatal crashes this year have occurred on regional roads.
Superintendent McCrory said there was a misconception that people dying on regional roads were not local.
“That could not be further from the truth,” she said.
“Regional residents make up the majority of lives lost on our roads. We must not be complacent because a split second is all it takes for a disaster to happen.”
Superintendent McCrory said road trauma was a life-changing event for all involved.
“The repercussions of someone losing their life on our roads stay with families, friends and communities forever, and the effect is profound,” she said.
“It is sad for everyone and also has an impact on our members and other emergency services workers.
“Stop and think about the consequences when you’re driving.
“Our biggest priority is stop-
ping any more families dealing with the loss of a loved one on our roads – we don’t want any more people to die on our roads this year.”
Assistant Commissioner of road policing Glenn Weir said March was historically a highrisk month for road trauma.
“We cannot afford complacency on our roads,” he said.
“It’s been a shocking start to the year – particularly on our rural roads.
“However, a lot of the trauma we’re experiencing, particularly those single-vehicle fatal collisions, is tragically avoidable.
“It’s up to all of us to turn this around, and while police will be out enforcing at every opportunity, we cannot achieve this alone.”
Assistant Commissioner Weir said complacency was a major concern.
“We need everyone to play their part and that means getting back to basics behind the wheel –slow down, put down the mobile phone and pay attention to road signs, other road users and surroundings,” he said.
Wimmera Caravan Club members are welcoming more than 80 caravanning enthusiasts to Horsham this weekend for an annual state rally.
The three-day event for Association of Caravan Clubs of Victoria members starts on Friday.
More than 40 caravans will be stationed at Horsham’s Riverside
Caravan Park. Wimmera Caravan Club vice-president Anthony Molloy said people were travelling from across the state to attend the rally.
“We are hosting social games and on Sunday there will be a road trip tour of the Murtoa Stick Shed and Woods’ Farming and Heritage Museum at Rupanyup,”
he said. “The national rally is in South Australia the following weekend, so people are coming here to us and will then travel there.”
The rally will also include a fishing competition for attendees and visitors will have a chance to tour Horsham and the region at their leisure.
WELCOME RETURN: Ararat’s Jailhouse Rock Festival makes its long-awaited return this weekend, featuring classic cars, bikes and trucks, music and dancing, and pin-up and tattoo competitions. Peta Chaplin and Garry Jenkins, with a 1957 Chevrolet Belair at Ararat Town Hall, are among those celebrating the first festival since the 2020 COVID-19 pandemic declaration. The festival starts tomorrow. Friday’s schedule includes a Barkly Street cruise, a Johnny Cash and June Carter show at Ararat Town Hall and dancing at Ararat RSL. People can take in a range of cars, or enter a pin-up competition, during the ‘Show us your Wheels’ display at the town hall on Saturday before a Jailhouse Rock Ball in the evening. A Jailhouse Rock Festival Show at Ararat’s Alexandra Oval including show and shine, music and dancing and competitions concludes the festival on Sunday. People wanting more information can go to the event’s Facebook page. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
The temperature is dropping across the Wimmera and now is the time for people to think about the best way to heat their homes.
The team at Wade’s Horsham believe the best way to beat the consistently cold and frosty Wimmera mornings is to ensure houses are set up with well-suited heating and climate- control systems.
Operations manager Adam Jolley said the expertise and range of products available at Wade’s was ‘next to none’ and the Pynsent Street store was the place to go this winter to tap into a great deal on wood heaters.
Mr Jolley said wood heaters provided a different form of heat to gas or electric.
“They also provide a nice ambience to homes,” he said.
“Wood heaters are more sustainable too, as they use less energy than gas or electric heaters and wood is a renewable product.”
Wade’s offers a range of wood heaters from Kemlan Industries, Quadra-Fire, VisionLine and Pacific Energy.
Mr Jolley said Australian made Kemlan Industries slow combustion wood heaters featured an advanced ‘air wash’ that circulates hot air for a clean glass window.
“The design of the Kemlan range provides quick heat when needed and long burn times to suit Australian wood types and climate conditions,” he said
American manufactured Quadra-Fire offers a range of wood heaters ‘built to last in all shapes and sizes, creating clean burning in an easy to operate heater’.
Mr Jolley said modern design and long burn times were key to VisionLine products, manufactured in the Czech Republic.
He said Pacific Energy wood heaters, manufactured in Canada, were known for their comfort and performance, keeping homes warm in style.
“The team at Wade’s invites everyone to check out the range of heating products in-store before the weather cools much more,” he said.
• Maximum burn time up to 8 hours
• Heating capacity up to 240m.sq.
• Traditional fireplace, sleek in design
• Four point burn system
• Automatic combustion control
Quadra-Fire 31LE
• Maximum burn time up to 10 hours
• Heating capacity up to 27sq
• Patented four point burn system
• Most efficient brand of slow combustion heaters in the country
Visionline Taurus
Freestanding
• New release
• Cutting edge modern design
• Durable and robust
• Long burn times,up to 13 hours
FREE Visionline Firepit or Pellett fire Pizza Oven with any Quadrafire, Vermont castings or Visionline Wood Fire*
• Australia’s most efficient fireplace
• Heats up to 21 squares
• Average burn time 8 hours
Quadra-Fire 5700
• Up to 37 squares heating capacity
• Solid 6-8mm steel construction
• Up to 21 hour burn time
• Timeless cast iron styling with top load
• Exclusive swing-out ash pan
• Thermostatically controlled combustion
• Reversible flue collar
• Average efficiency 65% *Terms and conditions apply
• Cast iron griddle top
Rise another blow
The
announcement of the Reserve Bank’s 10th consecutive interest rate rise is yet another blow during a period of rapidly-rising costs of living.
In turn, the major banks have announced they will pass on the rise to mortgage-holders.
It wasn’t unexpected, but it means, for example, that the cost of additional repayments on a mortgage worth $500,000 would have increased by about $1000 a month since May.
The monthly consumer price index, CPI, indicator suggests that inflation has peaked in Australia, and reserve bank governor Philip Lowe reiterated inflation was forecast to decline and reach ‘around three percent in mid-2025’.
“The board expects that further tightening of monetary policy will
EDITORIAL
By Jessica GrimbleThe central bank raised its cash rate by 25 basis points to 3.6 percent last week – reaching the highest level since mid-2012.be needed to ensure that inflation returns to target and that this period of high inflation is only temporary. In assessing when and how much further interest rates need to increase, the board will be paying close attention to developments in the global economy, trends in household spending and the outlook for inflation and the labour market,” he said.
While both farmland and residential property prices have never been higher, when it comes to residential properties, for example, people in the Wimmera, Mallee and Grampians pay less, comparably, than other areas in the state.
Our wage, on average, and our cost of living is also lower.
But any wage rises are certainly not ‘keeping up’ with that of
LETTER TO THE EDITOR
Railway station revamp
I, like many other Horsham and district residents, certainly support the revival of regular train travel, however I haven’t been encouraged by the silence of our State Government on any moves on this happening going forward.
In fact, I don’t believe there are any plans to return train travel to Horsham after more than 30 years since it was replaced with a coach service to Ararat.
In the lead up to last year’s state election, the Coalition released a statement that if elected they would instigate a business case for the return of passenger rail travel.
In my opinion, I don’t believe U3A president Rick Walker and his wonderful organisation have anything to worry about in regard to their occupancy of the railway station.
Mr Walker’s suggestion of a new separate building to service rail passengers is excellent and even though there is no guarantee of the Horsham-to-Melbourne service, there is an immediate need for Overland train travellers’ facilities.
At the moment, travellers and families waiting for the Overland do not have toilet or waiting room facilities.
This is not satisfactory in 2023 and needs to be fixed as we need to encourage our residents to at least use the twice-weekly Overland service that operates between Melbourne and Adelaide.
But who is going to build a new facility at
a mortgage, and potentially also rental costs – along with general household costs such as utilities and groceries.
What risk, and what stress, does this place on people’s financial capacity to care well for themselves and others, to spend at local businesses and services outside of the must-have requirements of life and to participate in sport and other extracurricular activities.
It puts additional stress on households and on the services that support them – many of which, themselves, are also experiencing significant strain. But there is always a way and they won’t let anyone go without.
Help is at hand and the services located across the region who are only a phone call or email away are well-experienced with navigating the challenges of life and armed with empathy and a kind heart to help for any length of time.
Just say the word.
the station? That is a big question. As someone who has been advocating for the clean up of the Horsham railway yards for more than two years without success, I also agree with Mr Walker’s suggestion that owners, VicTrack, hand over the station building to the Horsham Rural City Council.
VicTrack is a bureaucracy that has done no maintenance on the building for years and in fact does not appear to care about the rail precinct in Horsham.
That is simply not good enough for a city that has great pride in its ‘Tidy Town’ status throughout the years.
Although we have been frustrated with very little clean up action of the rail yards, Friends of Horsham Railway Station will soon be looking for volunteers to work with Horsham Tidy Towns and U3A on improving some garden areas and appearance of the station building.
Daryl Dower, Horsham
Please limit them to 250 words and address them to the editor at: jgrimble@aceradio.com.au
or mail to: The Weekly Advertiser, Letter to the editor, PO Box 606, Horsham 3402.
TRUE SPIRIT: Wimmera Racing’s Penny Penfold, centre, was the toast of the town when she received a ‘Spirit of Racing’ award at the Victorian Wakeful Club’s International Women’s Day event at Sandown last week. Penfold was recognised for her ‘integral role’ in the industry, managing seven country clubs across the region. Penfold is pictured with the club’s secretary Caroline Leng, left, and vice-president Kate Crosby. The Wakeful club, named after famous race mare Wakeful, was formed when a group of like-minded people sought to encourage the networking and participation of women throughout the thoroughbred industry. Its members include breeders, racehorse owners and administrators.
sponsored by 27° 29° 32 26°
Saturday Thursday Partly cloudy.
sponsored by FIVE-DAY forecast Partly cloudy. 29° Friday Sunday Partly cloudy. Partly cloudy.
Monday Partly cloudy.
Our office is at 2 Stawell Road, Horsham. Mail: PO Box 606, Horsham 3402. Telephone: 5382 1351. Website: www.theweeklyadvertiser.com.au Email: weeklyadvertiser@team.aceradio.com.au
For classified advertisements: 5382 1351 – email: horsham@aceradio.com.au
Advertising: Mark Sulic: 0407 313 456, marks@team.aceradio.com.au; Lee Meadows: 0407 046 864, leem@team.aceradio.com.au; Tristan Cameron: 0437 956 278, tcameron@aceradio.com.au; Michelle Reid: 0428 870 511, mreid@aceradio.com.au; Danica Turvey: 0488 473 562, dturvey@aceradio.com.au; Heidi Higginson: 0438 759 220, heidih@aceradio.com.au
Newsroom: Jessica Grimble: 0400 836 483, jgrimble@aceradio.com.au; Abby Walter: 0483 027 536, awalter@aceradio.com.au; Georgia Bailey: 5382 1351, georgiab@team.aceradio.com.au
Lauren Henry: 5382 1351, laurenh@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.
AMurtoa
woman’s 47.5-centimetre yellow belly has netted her the top prize of The Weekly Advertiser Horsham Fishing Competition.
Charee Chaplin and her family took home an all-terrain CFMOTO C Force 450 quad bike after the lucky catch on Sunday, which was crowned the competition’s longest fish in the senior division.
It came much to the delight of her children – son Sam, 12, and daughter, Hayley, 8, who said: “I’m excited to ride this bad, big boy.”
Mrs Chaplin used worms as bait and was fishing at the river end of Baillie Street in Horsham when she reeled in the ‘surprise’ catch.
“I’m still stunned. I don’t win anything, so this is amazing,” she said.
“We usually catch carp all the time, so to catch a yellow this big is amazing. I joked with the hubby, it’s not that big – until I dragged it in. It was definitely a decent size.”
Tyler McRae placed second with a 46cm yellow belly, winning a Savage Hawk 360 boat and trailer; while Kelvin McGill, in third place, will take his mates on a fishing charter with the spoils of catching a 45cm catfish.
Amelia Beer was the junior winner with a 42cm yellow belly. She won a junior-sized all-terrain quad bike. Lyla Launer, with a 41cm catfish, placed second.
More than 1100 people registered for the weekend’s 46th annual competition.
Organisers turned their attention this year to awarding prizes for skill, rather than for participation. Prizes worth $40,000 were on offer.
The competition’s marketing officer
Bart Turgoose said anglers across senior and junior categories caught more than 700 fish throughout the day – a significant increase on the ‘average’ of about 300 fish caught during the competition annually.
He said the competition was a ‘real positive’ for the ‘Cash for Carp’ program, with ‘significant’ numbers of the species eradicated.
Police presence throughout Horsham, including at campsites and fishing spots along the Wimmera River, increased across the weekend with bike and vehicle patrols monitoring and combating anti-social behaviour.
Police, along with representatives from the competition’s organising committee, Country Fire Authority and Horsham Rural City Council had urged patrons ahead of the event to exercise responsibility for themselves and others.
Inspector Di Thomson said the community safety messaging and proactive
policing, along with pleasant weather, made for an issue-free weekend.
“A lot of people made reference to the media campaign and felt reassured it was going to be a safe event,” she said.
Inspector Thomson said many people had taken the opportunity to camp
PUMPED: Charee Chaplin, with her children Sam, 12, and Hayley, 8, and Horsham Fishing Competition committee member Karl Carman, celebrates her first-prize win at the weekend’s event. Below, Zack and Sophia Pickering with a carp.
Pictures: PAUL CARRACHER
along the river at the weekend, regardless of whether they entered the competition.
She said police had managed minor incidents involving alcohol, and camping and campfire infrastructure.
For a full list of prize-winners, visit the competition’s Facebook page.
Why do I need the 4-Bin Service?
Under the State Government’s Circular Economy Policy all Victorian councils must introduce a Food Organics and Garden Organics (FOGO) collection for all urban households as well as separate glass recycling. This change is being implemented across the state, including here in Horsham.
How often will the bins be collected?
General Waste (red bin) - fortnightly
Mixed Recycling (yellow bin) - fortnightly FOGO (lime green bin)- fortnightly Glass (purple bin) - every four weeks.
Can I share my bins?
If you live in a multi-unit development or a retirement village, you can share your bins. No discount will be
offered based on a reduced number of bins.
Can I upsize or downsize my bins?
Upsizing and downsizing your general waste and FOGO bin will be allowed once each financial year.
If I don’t sort my waste correctly?
First time - sticker warning
Second time - letter notification and education
Third time - temporary removal of the bins and service
If it continues - permanent removal of the service
What areas are classed as urban? Horsham, Natimuk, Pimpinio and Jung
Ararat RSL wants to support veterans, their families and the broader community to learn about suicide and prevention measures.
A Defence and Veterans Legal Service representative will provide people with information about how to participate in a Royal Commission into defence and veteran suicide – including privacy and access to information; legal rights, obligations and protections when sharing information; help in making a submission; preparing for, and attending, a private session; and help in connecting with other available services such as counselling, advocacy and other legal support. The session runs on Tuesday from 2pm to 4pm at Ararat RSL. A panel presentation and viewing of the movie, ‘Living’, follows at Ararat’s Astor Cinema from 6.30pm.
Registrations close on Monday.
‘Living’ will also screen at Horsham Centre Cinema on March 22. Ararat workshop
Ararat RSL will also host a twoday Operation Life – Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training, ASIST, workshop on Monday, March 27 and Tuesday, March 28 from 9am to 5pm, both days.
Open Arms veterans counselling services will run the workshop, which aims to help people identify and respond to signals of suicide, and prepares people to work with others who are at risk, increase their safety and seek help.
People can call Lyn Russell at Ararat RSL on 0408 248 852 or email lynr.araratrsl@gmail.com for more information or to register.
If you, or someone you know, needs help phone Lifeline on 13 11 14; in an emergency phone 000.
What areas are classed as rural?
All properties outside the defined urban boundaries. What waste service will I have?
A four-bin service including general waste (red bin), mixed recycling (yellow bin), Food Organics and garden organics ‘FOGO’ (lime green bin) and glass (purple bin).
Where do I find more information?
Council will soon post you a booklet and a calendar to explain the service in more detail. Which bins should I put out together? General waste and mixed recycling bins together.
What waste service will I have?
The two-bin service includes a general waste (red bin) and a mixed recycling (yellow bin). HRCC will provide glass drop-off points. Use your food waste and garden waste to make compost at home.
Where do I find more information?
Council will soon post you a booklet and a calendar to explain the service in more detail. Which bins should I put out together? General waste and mixed recycling bins together.
FOGO and glass bins together.
Deakin University medical students can soon complete the first year of their medical degree in Ararat.
From next year, students entering Deakin’s Doctor of Medicine, MD, as part of the ‘rural training stream’ can complete the first year of their course at one of two rural training hubs – East Grampians Health Service in Ararat or the university’s campus in Warrnambool.
From 2025, year-two of the MD will be offered at these sites.
East Grampians Health Service chief executive Nick Bush said the health service hoped to appoint 15 applicants to the study positions.
“We are very excited and appreciative of the efforts being made by Deakin University to help local nurses and allied health practitioners study to be rural doctors in their local communities. The initiative is a significant change to what medical training has historically been,” he said.
“It is an innovative approach to have the first two years of the Deakin medicine course delivered at Ararat and Warrnambool. This makes the course accessible for rural health professionals.
“Deakin University is also exempting these students from the Graduate Medical School Admissions Test, GAMSAT, which can be prohibitive for rural health professionals in getting into medicine.
“We look forward to filling the 15 positions in 2024 with local nurses and allied health professionals or local residents who have undergraduate degrees.”
Professor Gary Rogers, Deakin Unviersity’s Dean of the School of Medicine, said the changes would give aspiring doctors greater choice in where they lived and studied.
“It’s really important that students from our region remain living in and connected to their communities while completing their medical studies,” he said.
“Being forced to move away to attend university is not only a financial burden; it is also disruptive for them and their families and makes it less likely they will return as a future doctor.”
Deakin’s rural training stream admitted its second intake of medical students this year and allocates at least 30 places a year for students from rural backgrounds, with priority given to applicants from communities in Deakin’s ‘rural footprint’, including south-west Victoria and the Grampians and Wimmera region.
Until now, Deakin medical students had to complete their year-one and two studies at the university’s Waurn Ponds campus in Geelong.
Deakin’s director of rural medical education, Associate Professor Lara Fuller, said the university hoped the changes would open a door for a new generation of rural students to consider becoming rural doctors.
“It is important that potential applicants, such as existing rural health professionals, don’t have to sit expensive admissions exams and undertake further study just to apply for the MD,” she said.
“We aim to deliver most of the teaching at the rural sites, with occasional requirements to attend the Waurn Ponds campus.
“We have already commenced recruitment of professional staff and will also be employing academic staff in each region to deliver the program.”
People wanting more information can go to gemsas.edu.au
Applications open in May.
HONOUR: From left, Horsham East Rotary Club president Jim Delahunty, Don Mitchell and masterof-ceremonies Mick Morris take time out from a dinner to honour Don in Horsham last week.
Picture: PAUL CARRACHERHorsham East Rotary Club members have honoured wellknown and much-loved identity, Don Mitchell.
About 45 friends and relatives joined about 25 Rotarians at Glen Logan Restaurant in Horsham on Wednesday last week to hear Mr Mitchell recite some of his favourite poems. A further 10 people joined the event via online platform Zoom – including Rick Stevens from his home in Germany, who sang a song he wrote about Mr Mitchell. There was much reminisc-
ing about the band ‘Shades of Troopers Creek’, which years ago was made up of Mr Mitchell, Mr Stevens and a number of other musicians – many of whom were present, including Herb Krelle, who spoke about the good times the band had for many years.
Mr Mitchell, a sign-writer by trade, was a very active member of the Rotary club and was often called upon to use his skills to paint all sorts of banners and signs.
The club’s president, Jim Delahunty said with Mr Mitchell’s
retirement, it was sad his freehand sign-writing talent was a skill now lost to the community.
Jack Janetzki spoke about Mr Mitchell’s long and tireless association with Horsham Arts Council, where his artistic skills were valued.
Many old photos of Don and his friends scrolled through on an overhead projector throughout the event.
Don’s daughter, Elysia, said a few words about her dad before the evening finished with a social get-together of Rotarians and Don’s friends.
Morning Melodies returns to Ararat RSL tomorrow for a morning of music and friendship. Morning Melodies events wel-
come people to hear a free performance from Jan Pope, with a chance for a catch-up and a morning tea.
The complimentary morning tea is available from 10am, with Pope set to take the spotlight from 10.30am.
BALES ROSTERED: 51,333
Roster
Elders provides a range of selling tools and options to help you maximise sales of your clip, including auction, auction forward, Wooltrade, and AuctionsPlus Wool.
Horsham Regional Art Gallery
marked International Women’s Day with a panel of Wimmera women speaking about health and visibility in communities.
The event was hosted among the 500 Strong Ponch Hawkes exhibition on Wednesday last week.
The exhibition features 465 blackand-white images of naked women, aged 50 and older, and seeks to challenge the conventions of women’s behaviour and representation in art and society by celebrating health, body image and well-being.
Horsham Regional Art Gallery director Lauren Simpson said the exhibition was an example of where people could begin to feel content with how their own and other bodies looked.
“When we look at art, it should be a starting point to know that this is something that can be out in society and we can capture it without negativity,” she said.
“The photographer of 500 Strong took photos until the models were comfortable and true to themselves.
“A lot of people who have come in to see the exhibition have said it has changed their mind regarding how they feel about their own body. Any body is a good body.”
Ms Simpson said International Women’s Day was a chance to reflect and celebrate.
“I am a woman in the world, and I have a purpose – we have gone through so much as women and it’s a day to celebrate,” she said.
“We’re amazing and can achieve many great things, so it is reflection and celebration.”
Natimuk-based general practitioner Dr Kate Graham, Priceline pharmacy Horsham owner Cobie McQueen and Women’s Health Grampians equality advocate Bernie O’Shannessy joined Ms Simpson on the panel for the event.
Dr Graham said the day was a chance to be visible as a community of women and to be able to speak and have women’s voices heard without censure.
She said women’s health was about being visible ‘as a whole person’ and knowing women do not have to tolerate pain or discomfort.
“It is important to change the attitude of what is not normal and you don’t have to put up with things because you are told it is part of being a woman or getting older,” she said.
“I think if you don’t have a safe space to talk about your health, it is a shame – because you should be comfortable in your body and your life.
“It’s important to have trust in a health professional and that is a real challenge in our area when we’re in a
period of high transition in female, and all, health professionals.
“It is important, as a community of women, to look at how we support health professionals and what factors lead them to be part of our community and be connected.”
Ms O’Shannessy said trust in healthcare professionals was vital for people with disability.
“When you have a disability, sometimes the disability is what is seen and not the person,” she said.
“I have been a disability advocate and I know of people with illness who are diagnosed late because pain or concern is attributed to part of the disability.
“A lot of people won’t speak up, either, because they’re told to be quiet.
“It’s also important to know that you don’t have to be examined by a man if you don’t want to, you can have a nurse present if you want someone else and you don’t have to have 600 students in the room – you can say no.”
OPPORTUNITY: Horsham Regional Art Gallery’s International Women’s Day event masterof-ceremonies
Shannon Hill, left, with panellists Lauren Simpson, Kate Graham, Cobie McQueen and front, Bernie O’Shannessy.
Picture: ABBY WALTER
Ms McQueen said women had been conditioned for generations that their experiences did not matter and their feelings were invalid.
“With so much historical baggage, we haven’t dealt with women’s health well at all, which is infuriating, but it happens from when we’re children and it carries on into adulthood,” she said.
“When we hit menopause it’s 50 years of women being ashamed, so hopefully, we can change it now for the young women so when they hit 50, 60 or 70 years old they feel more empowered than we do now.”
Ms McQueen said it was vital to consider intersectionality when speaking about women’s health and consider culture, sexuality, background, disability and more when speaking of progress for women in the future.
International Women’s Day is a global day celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political achievements of women.
Ararat Rural City residents marked International Women’s Day with a walk around Alexandra Gardens and breakfast at Alexandra Community Centre.
Ararat Rural City Council hosted the event, which included mayor Jo Armstrong speaking on her experiences in her role.
Cr Armstrong said the council was proud to celebrate women in the region with the event.
“This is a wonderful opportunity to connect with one another and celebrate the achievements of women in the region who are working hard towards building a better future for all,” she said.
“Along with celebrating the social, economic, cultural and political advancements of women, this day also marks a call to action for accelerating gender equality and to call out gender bias.
“There have been big wins in gender equality in recent years but there’s still much to be done.
“Forging gender equality and working toward a world free of bias, stereotypes and discrimination is a shared responsibility among all groups, organisations, schools, and government.”
Cr Armstrong said International Women’s Day had a special meaning for the council –especially with its commitment to working towards gender equality in the workplace.
“To support this vision, the council established the Gender Equality Action Plan last year,” she said.
“Together, we can uplift and celebrate one another, raise awareness about discrimination and take action to drive gender parity.”
Headaches - they’re common, in fact they are so common that pharmaceutical companies would have you believe that they’re normal and they have a list of pills for a quick fix so you can soldier on with your day.
So what’s the best thing to do.
1) Stop and think why you have a headache, maybe you need to have a couple of glasses of water, maybe eat something, maybe you need to sit out of the glaring hot sun, maybe you’re tired?
2) Have those 2 glasses of water and sit quietly and have a rest if you can.
3) See your chiropractor.
Chiropractors are great at looking after headaches. A good chiropractor will listen and take a comprehensive history. They will check your spine to see what stiffness and fixations are attributing to the problem. It maybe a simple adjustment that helps you or it maybe more complicated. No matter what the issue a good chiropractor can assist and guide you to have the best possible outcome and work with other professionals to the benefit of your health.
Interesting fact : children suffer headaches and migraines, however they often start off as tummy pains and as the child gets older become headaches and migraines. Chiropractors are good at identifying these issues too.
6 Allen Crescent, Stawell 3380 | M: 0459 754 223 | T: 03 5358 1464
The Wimmera Harvest Fare is a showcase of the region’s artisanal food products produced right here in the Wimmera Southern Mallee.
Now conveniently available to purchase from several independent supermarkets around the region, experience a taste of the Wimmera today.
Find a selection of Wimmera Harvest Fare produce at the following supermarkets:
Look for the Wimmera Harvest Fare banners at these quality supermarkets to find a selection of:
Chocolate Delicacies
Healthy Sourdough baked goods from Great Western
Paddock to plate small goods from Otway Pork, grown in West Wimmera
Brownie & Pancake Pulse Mixes made by Rupanyup Living
Proudly Supported by:
Pulse Raiser Snacks crafted by
Gourmet Salts from the expanses of Lake Tyrrell
Genuine Free-Range Eggs form Green Eggs, Great Western
Wimmera landholders have the opportunity to help guide investment into land and water management by sharing their views about soil, rivers and streams on their property.
Southern Cross University has sent 2000 Wimmera Rural Landholder Surveys to a random selection of people, asking them about long-term property plans and their views about their land and wetlands.
The survey also asks for views on soil management, native vegetation clearing, soil carbon, Aboriginal heritage and funding for on-farm environmental projects.
Other topics include types of farming, farming practices, farmers’ preferred sources of information, succession planning and why people’s farms are important to them.
Dr Hanabeth Luke is leading the survey for Wimmera Catchment Management Authority.
The survey is part of national project ‘Surveying On-Farm Practices Across Australia’ being undertaken by the Soil Cooperative Research Centre. Project partners with Soil CRC are Southern Cross University, Wimmera CMA and Charles Sturt University.
Previous Wimmera surveys were conducted in 2002, 2007, 2012 and 2017 and have helped guide investment in land and water management.
Wimmera CMA board chair Peter Hilbig said survey results gave the organisation a comprehensive understanding of past and future trends in land management and helped identify the requirements and needs of landholders now.
“The CMA pores over these results because they allow us to further understand the issues facing farmers,” he said.
“We can then strongly argue a case for projects
and funding that will have the most impact and relevance for our region in the long-term.
“This knowledge from the grassroots complements the great guidance and feedback we receive through our everyday work with landholders and helps strengthen the partnerships we have with the farming sector.
“This is important when we are working on environmental projects on private land.”
Mr Hilbig said the highest-ranked property issue in 2017 in the Wimmera was the impact of drought and changing rainfall patterns on property viability.
The 2017 survey also found 45 percent of Wimmera croppers used minimum tillage and 31 percent used precision farming.
Almost 27 percent of graziers had fenced native bush or grasslands to manage stock access and 34 percent had established stock containment areas.
Mr Hilbig said although results between surveys could be compared, the CMA was first and foremost focused on current issues.
“So much has happened in the agricultural space since 2017 including a boom in technology, wet cropping seasons, COVID and hikes in the cost of inputs such as fertilisers and fuel,” he said.
“We look forward to gaining a better understanding of priority issues for Wimmera farmers and how best we can support them.”
Mr Hilbig said the CMA was pleased to be adding Wimmera farm data to the national project and contributing to creating a clearer picture of key priorities for farmers right across the country.
Dr Luke said surveys were confidential and people who received a survey and had questions could email Hanabeth.Luke@scu.edu.au or call 1800 317 503.
People can also complete the survey online at soilcrc.com.au and click on Wimmera Survey.
SUCCESS: The annual Willaura Health Care Outdoor Market has recorded its biggest installment yet. The market, on March 4, welcomed a huge crowd who enjoyed more than 60 stallholders including homewares, art and crafts, clothing and accessories, baked goods and fresh produce, and community information. Some attendees brought along their four-legged and furry friends, while others made friends with the stars of a visiting reptile display. The market raised about $7500, which will go towards improving the lives of patients and residents at Willaura Health Care and Parkland House Hostel. Ararat Rural City Council, Community Bank Willaura and Lake Bolac and ACE Radio sponsored the market.
Horsham Country Music welcomes the return of two regular performers this week.
Sandie Dodd and Col Perkins will perform at a dinner show tomorrow and morning melodies on Friday at Horsham RSL.
Horsham Country Music chair Max Wright said after four successive sell-out shows, he expected this week’s shows to also draw significant interest.
He encouraged people to
ensure they booked a ticket ahead of time.
Mr Wright said both Dodd and Perkins were regular performers to Horsham, including the city’s former country music festival.
“Sandie does a spectacular tribute to Dolly Parton, while Colin does a John Denver tribute,” he said.
The show comes after performers Lance Birrell and Evan Platschinda entertained a sell-out crowd in February.
“Lance, on steel guitar and with a tribute to Alan Jackson was thoroughly enjoyed by all. ‘As good as it gets’ was a common theme,” Mr Wright said.
“In contrast, Evan, a balladeer, sang popular country ballads and songs, which proved very pleasing and a sing-along was had by all.”
People can book a ticket at Horsham RSL, in McLachlan Street, on 5382 5222.
ATMOSPHERE: Horsham hosted two major events throughout the Labour Day long weekend, drawing hundreds of people to The Weekly Advertiser Horsham Fishing Competition and Wimmera Against Cancer in Kids Car and Bike Show. Pictured soaking in the atmosphere are, clockwise from above: Savannah Marks; Matt Hobbs with his 1955 F100; Zoe Hocking and Poppy Emmerson with Chris Humfrey and a koala friend at the fishing competition; Corey Matthews with a bag of carp; Tony Lawrance in his 1972 Valiant Charger RT; Josh Bell; Ollie and Oscar Mason with their father Kevin Scoullar; and centre, Dale Soulsby helps his son Jack with his rod.
115 Stawell Road
Horsham – 115 Stawell Road
Horsham VIC 3400
Ballarat – 29 Coronet St, Wendouree
A Quiet 18dB(A)* *Sound level only applies in quiet mode
T | 03 5382 6777
P – 03 5382 6777
F | 03 5382 7093
W – www.bondyscontractors.com.au
Trading Hours |
E – info@bondyscontractors.com.au
Trading Hours –
Monday - Friday: 8am - 5.30pm
Monday - Friday: 8am - 5.30pm
Machinery
Field Days organisers are pleased with the results of the event’s long-awaited return last week.
Field days president Tim Rethus said about 8500 people came through the Wimmera Events Centre gates at Longerenong across the three days.
“All days were pretty well attended and especially Wednesday, which was our family and children’s day,” he said.
“Numbers were good and we beat our budget, so we’re very happy.
“Exhibitors we’ve been talking to have been happy with how the week went and we received good feedback from them and visitors.
“I think people got a lot out of the event.”
Mr Rethus said he was happy with how the weather complemented the showcase.
“The weather was almost spot on – it was cool but pleasant to walk around, so you didn’t have congregations of people around drink sheds or undercover, they were all dispersed across the site,” he said.
“It was good to see anybody who put on a good display was getting rewarded for it, because traffic was going everywhere.
“We got lucky that all three days were similar and we evaded the dust, because it rained Monday and Tuesday night and that kept dust suppressed.”
Mr Rethus said he was im-
pressed with exhibitor attitudes.
“Exhibitors are our centrepiece and it was pretty relaxed and chilled,” he said.
“We got feedback from an exhibitor that it was one of the more pleasant field days they had been to.
“We had wonderful office staff to facilitate that and what our manager Vanessa Lenehan did to set-up ahead of the event was fantastic – everything went smoothly.
“Our committee stepped up and our volunteer couriers and food and drink booths had a lot of customers, which was good to see.
“Stress can get quite high when everyone is rushing around, but everyone was relaxed and considerate, which made it easy.”
Exceeded expectations
Horsham Hydraulics director Eddy Nagorcka said it was ‘really good’ to return to the field days.
“We were very surprised by how much interest and how well it went for us,” he said.
“We weren’t sure how it would go this year, but were very surprised and happy with the results.
“Farmers seem pretty happy and we’ve received genuine inquiries and people are looking to buy, which is great.
“They are also pretty happy with how the past few years have gone on farms. There’s moisture in the ground and everyone is excited for the upcoming season.”
Agrimac opened in Horsham the week before the field days and had its first exhibit on the site this year.
Sales manager Justin Beugelaar said it was a great way to kick off the business’ first few weeks.
“It’s been a big few days. We’ve had a lot of people through our site, which has been good. The brand and dealership have been received well,” he said.
“There were a lot of people excited to see us coming along and are glad we’re here. It’s been great to connect and socialise with people, too, and chat with people who have Kubota machinery.”
Emmetts Horsham sales representative James Gardner said the field days had exceeded the team’s expectations.
“The first day was busy in the morning before the afternoon quietened off because I think the wind scared people away,” he said.
“Wednesday was busy all day right up until 5.30pm and Thursday was steady throughout the day, which was better than what we thought.
“It’s good to be back. The field days are something different to get us out of the shop and set everything up to show off all the new items we have on offer.”
Mr Rethus said the committee was preparing to evaluate the 2023 event and plan for 2024.
“We’re keen to review this year, which is our next job, and make adjustments for next year after a successful relaunch,” he said.
“Now we can get into the swing of it with our committee and we are keen to try our best to put on another great event and help exhibitors to do their best.”
Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
The Wimmera Machinery Field Days committee was a family affair this year with two mother-and-son duos as part of the team.
Wendy Byrne has been a member of the field days committee for about 28 years and her son Jamie is now also on the committee.
Robyn Gulline has been on the committee since 2015 and this year her son Will jumped on board to volunteer.
Mrs Byrne and Mrs Gulline manage the Country Lifestyle Pavilion at the field days.
Mrs Byrne said it was ‘very handy’ to have her son on the committee.
“Anytime I ask, he will come over and help us – especially because he is an electrician, so anything that needs tools he helps with,” she said.
“If we need an extra pair of hands, any of the others on the committee come running – including our sons.
“This year’s event has been very successful; we’ve seen lots of people come through – it’s good to see faces we haven’t seen for some time and great to be back.”
Mrs Byrne said she and Mrs Gulline worked to improve and refresh the pavilion.
“After 28 years it can be hard to come up
with new ideas, but we bounce ideas off each other and it all works out,” she said.
“There’s only the two of us in this pavilion, with Beau Ladlow as our MC and he does a great job with the IT and compering, so it’s great to have him on board.”
Mrs Gulline said it was a family tradition to be part of the field days committee.
“Will’s father and grandfather were on the committee previously as well. There has only been one year since 1973 that there hasn’t been a member of our family on the committee,” she said.
“It’s a real family affair and across the whole committee everyone is great, we have good fun with banter and comradery.
“It’s good to volunteer together, although I hardly saw him in the three days because he has been doing his own thing with other jobs that need doing.
“We’ve had a great time. There was a positive buzz, and everyone is so excited to be back. I love catching up with people I don’t see very often and there’s a lot of people I haven’t seen since the last field days.”
– Abby Walter
1. At the tiny settlement of Mitre, near Mt Arapiles, there is a sporting reserve next to Mitre Hall. An acronym of the reserve’s name is the same as what famous Australian landmark?
2. What nationality were the parents of Walter Zumstein, who has a popular Grampians picnic site named in his honour?
3. Do buyers pay premium prices for bales of wool with high or low fibre diameter?
4. What type of thing is the rare Arachnorchis grampiana, found in the Grampians?
5. Is phytophthora dieback, responsible for devastating vast stretches of native vegetation and a threat to crops across Australia, caused by bacteria, fungus or infestation of a microscopic parasitic insect?
6. During the colonial days of south-east Australia, what people were colloquially known as ‘traps’?
7. Many monuments of the ancient world share their shape with the name of what financial organisation, which sent Victoria and many Wimmera people into financial turmoil three decades ago?
8. Does wind associated with a high-pressure system travelling across our region flow in a clockwise or anti-clockwise direction?
9. What Wimmera settlement is named after Germany’s largest port on the Baltic Sea?
10. The ground-dwelling bush-stone curlew or bush thick-knee bird, which calls the Wimmera home, has two fundamental ways of avoiding predators. One is camouflage. What is the other, a habit that makes it particularly vulnerable to introduced foxes and cats?
10. It stands completely still.
3. There is considerable international demand for wool with the lowest fibre diameter, or finest micron, as possible. 4. The Grampians spider orchid. 5. Fungus. Phytophthora cinnimoni, or cinnamon fungus, probably came to Australia through European settlement. 6. Police officers. 7. Pyramid Building Society. It was part of the Farrow Group of building ties based in Geelong that collapsed in 1990 with debts of more than $2-billion and cost Victorian taxpayers an estimated $900-million. 8. In the southern hemisphere, sinking air associated with ‘highs’ spirals outwards causing wind to flow in an anti-clockwise direction. Rising air associated with ‘lows’ spiral inwards in a clockwise direction and cause unstable weather conditions. 9. Lubeck. In Germany, it is pronounced ly:bek.
Answers: 1. Melbourne Cricket Ground. The reserve is Mitre Cricket Ground and both are known as the MCG. 2. Swiss. Zumstein arrived in the Grampians in 1906 to work for Barnes Honey. He developed the site, building cottages and a swimming pool.
ARIES:
(March 21- April 20)
Lucky Colour: White
Lucky Day: Friday
Racing Numbers: 2.9.6.5.
Lotto Numbers: 1.12.15.26.35.40. Sometimes the best advice comes from people who do not know you that well. Trust your instincts and you should make it. Some good luck in games of chance or a bonus of some sort.
TAURUS:
(April 21- May 20)
Lucky Colour: Yellow
Lucky Day: Tuesday
Racing Numbers: 1.3.2.5.
Lotto Numbers: 1.3.15.29.34.45. This could be a good period for improving your relationships with loved ones or making new friends who can make a difference to your future. Be very assertive in career matters.
GEMINI:
(May 21- June 21)
Lucky Colour: Green
Lucky Day: Monday
Racing Numbers: 5.6.2.3.
Lotto Numbers: 5.12.23.36.30.11. During his period family and loved ones are the most important people in your life. Keep eyes and ears open for you could learn something to your advantage. A Bit of luck in a game of chance.
CANCER:
(June 22- July 22)
Lucky Colour: Peach
Lucky Day: Thursday
Racing Numbers: 4.6.2.3.
Lotto Numbers: 4.12.25.29.8.33. It is most important to stay cool in all situations, you will gain most this way. Business and career matters should improve a lot and a chance to mix business with pleasure.
LEO: (July 23- August 22)
Lucky Colour: Blue
Lucky Day: Wednesday Racing Numbers: 2.3.6.5.
Lotto Numbers: 1.12.15.26.34.40.
A very good time for finding bargains if you are interested in objects of value. Your present situation could do with some improvement and you will find a way soon.
VIRGO:
(August 23- September 23)
Lucky Colour: Lilac
Lucky Day: Saturday
Racing Numbers: 6.5.3.2.
Lotto Numbers: 6.12.25.9.33.34.
You could be worrying about nothing and in the process make life miserable for others, keep calm and most thing will work out all right. During this period it is best to be very diplomatic.
LIBRA:
(September 24- October 23)
Lucky Colour: White
Lucky Day: Sunday
Racing Numbers: 5.6.2.3.
Lotto Numbers: 5.12.26.39.7.11.
Very good chance to get what you want during this period. Busy social life might not give you enough time to do things right for someone special to you and this could be a problem.
SCORPIO:
(October 24- November 22)
Lucky Colour: Blue
Lucky Day: Thursday
Racing Numbers: 5.9.4.2.
Lotto Numbers: 5.12.4.19.6.3.
You might not be the right person to say what is good for you. In anything that worries you, see a specialist or a professional person. Loved ones will stand by you.
SAGITTARIUS:
(November 23- December 20)
Lucky Colour: Violet
Lucky Day: Monday
Racing Numbers: 6.1.3.2.
Lotto Numbers: 6.12.25.40.45.33.
You might have to rethink some of your decisions after meeting someone special. There could be something you have forgotten to do and now is the time to solve all outstanding jobs.
CAPRICORN:
(December 21- January 19)
Lucky Colour: Yellow
Lucky Day: Wednesday
Racing Numbers: 6.9.7.2.
Lotto Numbers: 4.15.45.20.33.3.
You have to make an effort to sort out your domestic problems now so that you will be free to go when an offer comes that is too good to refuse. Some travel possible and communications from a distance.
AQUARIUS:
(January 20- February 19)
Lucky Colour: Blue
Lucky Day: Monday
Racing Numbers: 2.3.6.2.
Lotto Numbers: 2.13.26.24.40.5.
You might not know what you really want so keep your options open for now. Make sure you are not neglecting your loved ones in a hurry to succeed in your career matters.
PISCES:
(February 20- March 20)
Lucky Colour: Pink
Lucky Day: Thursday
Racing Numbers: 9.6.4.2.
Lotto Numbers: 4.12.15.16.20.33. There could be big plans in your holiday schedule and special people could add some lustre into your life now. Make sure your bookings are confirmed and everything is above board.
While millennials have for decades been treated like ‘the children of Neverland, who never grew up’, reality is fast catching up with this generation, who are now young adults between the ages of 24 and 40.
Like generations before them, they are now buying, or at least trying to buy, homes and starting families of their own. And with this, the stark reality is that their retirement is looming just around the corner in the early years of 2050.
For all too many, planning for their retirement is just something they do not want to face.
But the reality is that the sooner they start ‘mapping’ or preparing for their retirement, the better off they will be.
According to Investopedia, if you are a 26-yearold millennial, you should aim during the next four years to have at least one year’s worth of income in your superannuation fund. If you are a 40-year-old millennial, you should already have three times your annual income in super. Investopedia suggests millennials should contribute at least 15 percent of their gross salary, including the 10 percent compulsory super guarantee contribution, to superannuation each year if they have any chance of achieving a secure retirement.
This seems a pipe dream for Marion, who is 29 and earns $95,000 a year as a successful professional accountant. While her employer contributes 10.5 percent of her income to super, she has less than $100,000 in super, and is more focused on boosting her non-super savings of $75,000, so she can buy a small apartment. She is not alone.
Most millennials, burdened by HECS debts and increasingly casual employment arrangements, will find the need to boost their super contributions a challenge – especially as most millennials, like Marion, are also struggling to save a deposit for an ever-more-expensive home.
They know they will live longer than previous generations and that health and living costs will be much greater for them in retirement, while
social security entitlements will be much less than what their grandparents received.
Nonetheless, when asked, millennials want to retire earlier than previous generations and are looking for a different type of retirement – one where they can travel more while still enjoying doing so and keep working on a casual part-time basis, but only if they enjoy the work. All of this means that among all the competing demands on their time and money, superannuation has to become part of the landscape of Neverland.
For Marion, it has meant searching for a better superannuation fund with lower fees and better investment options while scaling back her plans to buy an apartment and perhaps relying more on the ‘Bank of Mum and Dad’ to help her do so.
As previous generations have done, millennials need to take control of their superannuation.
The first step is to consolidate any multiple super accounts into one and then, wherever possible, boost their contributions to the magic 15 percent mark. Happily, most millennials, including those who are self-employed, will have a super fund and will only need to add an extra five percent to take their total contributions to 15 percent of their prevailing salary.
Then they can leave compound interest to work its magic and, like a snowball rolling down a hillside, build the balance within their super.
It’s then a matter of working closely with a qualified adviser who can ensure your superannuation stays on track and help you to achieve the best possible outcomes when you do start thinking seriously about retiring.
• The information provided in this article is general in nature only and does not constitute personal financial advice.
t Tow n H all 9a m-1pm
R a ng e of c ar s o n displa y , Pin U p
c ompe tit io n da nc ing liv e m usic by
Sk inn y D & t he Spa rk Plugs (Sky
R oc ka t s)
• C ruis e to Mont a ra W ine s 3pm-6pm
Got everything you need already and just need a hand to keep it running as it should?
The Country Care team service all mobility equipment. Preventative maintenance or breakdown repairs, pick-up and dropp off service or on-site call out. We will take care of it all for you.
–19th March
S AT URDAY N IGH T
• The Jailhouse Rock Ball @ A ra r a t
Tow n H a ll fe at urin g
F en der B en de rs 7:30pm-11:30pm
Tick e ts a v aila ble @ ww w a ra r a tto wnh a ll.com au
• Live M usic b y No Pla ns @ Ch a lly
Ba r & B is tr o 8:30pm -11:30pm
S UN DAY 19th March
Jailhouse Rock Festival Show @
A lex a nde r O va l 10a m-2pm
- Sha n no n’s In sura n ce C a r Sho w
Molloy B ro s Tr uck Sho w, M ot or bike
Sho w
- Live M usic b y DJ Je ff & Susa n
B ook m an , Double A ge nt s & Sk inn y
D & t he Spa rk Plugs (Sky R oc ka ts)
- Da n cing in t he m a rq uee - B es t Dr es se d & Ta tt oo c omp
- F ood V a ns
-
K id s en te rt a inme nt
Tick e ts a v aila ble at th e g at e
F or a ll u pda te d inf orma tion:
F ac eboo k: @ Ja ilhou s eR ockF es tiva l Ema il: ara ra tja ilhou se roc k@ gma il.com
P hone : 0 493 676 75 6
Fill in the blank cells using numbers from 1 to 9. Each number can only appear once in each row, column and 3x3 block.
Fit the numbers 1, 2, 3, 4, 5 and 6 into the hexagons so that where the hexagons touch, the numbers will be the same. No number is repeated in any hexagon.
FOCUS
An All Australian Word Game
* Each word must contain the centre ‘Focus’ letter and each letter may be used only once
TODAY’S Good: 12 words
FOCUS Very good: 21 words
Excellent: 38 words
YESTERDAY’S SOLUTION cloud clue clued coleus could coulis cued DELICIOUS douc douse duco duel escudo lieu locus loud louse loused lucid ludo ousel scud sluice sluiced soul sued suicide sulci used
Reference: Macquarie Concise Dictionary Focus No. 3867
What creature is this? Find out by joining the dots.
Find the following words in the grid. They may read in any direction, even diagonally. Some letters are used more than once.
Electric
models in the Genesis range now make up 34 percent of the brand’s Australian sales.
The proportion is in line with Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries, FCAI, February sales data that shows battery electric vehicles accounted for 6.8 percent of all vehicle sales in February, with 5932 sold.
In January, 4852 battery electric vehicles, BEVs, were sold, representing 5.7 percent of the month’s total sales.
Looking at all zero and low-emission vehicles – including battery electric, hybrid and plug-in hybrid – there were 12,102 sales in February, or 13.9 percent of the market.
Genesis has three electric models –
the dedicated electric GV60 compact crossover, plus BEV variants of the GV70 medium SUV and G80 executive sedan.
Sales figures show the GV60 has been a runaway success for Genesis.
The smallest model in the brand’s line-up has sold 41 units this year – 11 in January and 30 February.
In the full 2022 calendar year, Genesis sold 176 EVs from 1039 total sales of its four models.
The GV60 was by far the most popular electric Genesis in 2022 – and most affordable with a starting price of $103,700 plus on-road costs and 114 buyers that year.
Although capturing only 1.4 percent of the $45,000-plus small SUV seg-
ment and despite a relatively recent introduction, it has almost doubled the sales of its closest rival, the MercedesBenz EQA, that has notched 22 sales so far this year.
Combined with electric versions of the GV70, 19 sales for 2023; and G80, four sales; the GV60 has lifted the brand’s BEV sales for 2023 to 64 units.
Of the Genesis range, the GV70 model is most popular, making up 499 units of the brand’s total 2022 sales of 1039 cars.
In perspective, the next most-popular model for 2022 was the GV80, which found 251 new buyers.
A closer look shows the electric GV70 variant is climbing in popular-
ity. Its 19 sales in the first two months of this year compare with 44 total sales for the whole of 2022.
The electric G80, the only BEV passenger car from Genesis, is less popular – despite having the same drivetrain as the brand’s electric GV70 – purely because it is a sedan.
Genesis has sold seven G80s this year to date, however, four of those were the electric version, as the Australian market expands its interest in BEV models.
The four sales put it ahead of the Jaguar XF and line-ball with the Maserati Ghibli.
A Genesis spokesperson said orders continued to be strong for the brand’s BEV range, with no additions to
the three-model line up planned this year.
FCAI chief executive Tony Weber said growing sales of electric vehicles proved that where a battery-electric product existed, which suited the driving habits, needs and finances of Australian motorists, they would purchase these vehicles.
“The number of low-emission vehicle sales demonstrates there is an appetite among Australians for environmentally friendly vehicles,” he said. “However, if we wish to accelerate this transition to a broader range of consumers in all parts of the country, Australia needs to adopt a fuel efficiency standard.”
– Neil Dowling• Australian car market jumps 1.8 percent year-on-year with 86,878 new vehicles delivered — Page 27
Nissan Australia has quietly decided to pull the pin on the most affordable variant of its Pathfinder shortly after the new-generation large SUV range launched in December, priced from $61,790 plus on-road costs.
The deletion of the ST-L eight-seater leaves two Pathfinders standing: The eight seat TI priced at $71,490 plus on-road costs and range-topping Ti-L seven-seater at $81,490 plus on-road costs.
In February, both were subject to price rises, of $1460 and $1263, respectively.
The departure of the entry-level Pathfinder comes after Nissan Australia recorded a miserable 193 sales for the range in the first two months of this year, against competitors such as the Ford Everest, 1982 sales, Toyota Prado, 2305 sales, Kia Sorento, 2088 sales, and Toyota Kluger and Mitsubishi Pajero Sport with 1785 and 1118 sales, respectively.
A Nissan Australia spokesperson told GoAuto the Pathfinder line-up had been ‘streamlined’ to the two most-popular variants in the market.
“We have opted to streamline the Pathfinder line-up due to unavoidable supply constraints and ongoing disruption in the global production environment,” the spokesperson said.
Nissan dealers GoAuto spoke with put a positive spin on the situation, suggesting room had been made for a high-end Warrior version of Pathfinder down the track, which would bring the variant count back to three, albeit with a significant move upmarket.
Nissan Australia currently offers two locally-enhanced Warrior versions of the Navara ute with a Warrior version of the V8 petrol Patrol confirmed to be in the pipeline.
The sorry result for Pathfinder sales comes after the model went into hiatus for two years in the run up to the fifth-generation version that arrived late last year facing stiff competition, variously offering hybrid or diesel powertrain options and some shifting towards smaller capacity turbocharged four-cylinder engines instead of gas-guzzling petrol V6s such as the one in the Pathfinder.
All-wheel drive is standard across the Pathfinder range, which uses
Nissan’s 202kW-340Nm VQ35DD
3.5-litre petrol V6 engine with roots going back decades.
Industry commentators suggest the lapse in model continuity might have cost Pathfinder sales dearly, as buyers moved on to newer high-tech offerings including Nissan’s own new X-Trail that would suffice for extended family duties at a pinch – and at a considerable cost saving considering the current constrained economic environment.
Nissan Australia only launched the
new-generation, three-row Pathfinder in December, said to plug the gap between diesel-powered and bodyon-frame 4x4 models such as Ford’s Everest, and bitumen-biased sevenseaters such as the Toyota Kluger.
Like the latter, the Pathfinder uses a monocoque chassis design similar to a passenger car, positioned between softer and harder competitors within the large SUV category and is engineered to be more off-road capable than its predecessor after Nissan research showed the previous-
generation Pathfinder had strayed too far from its rugged roots. Despite swapping the old Pathfinder’s unloved continuously variable transmission for a nine-speed torque converter auto and providing a seven-mode all-wheel drive system that promises more off-road capability, Nissan’s efforts to address the perception that the Pathfinder is a soft roader appear to have fallen short of the mark, judging by the vehicle’s poor sales rate that equates to less than even SsangYong’s fringe-dwelling Rexton.
Australiannew vehicle sales have risen by 1.8 percent compared to the same month last year, with a total 86,878 units delivered across 24 selling days – the same number of selling days as February 2022 and a 2023 average of 64.1 vehicle sales a day.
Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries data shows the passenger vehicle market is up by 4.8 percent, or 750 units, when viewed against the same period in 2022.
The SUV market is also up, by 6.6 percent, or 2953 units, and the heavy commercial vehicle market leapt 26.4 percent, or 794 units.
However, the light commercial vehicle market is down 13.6 percent.
Toyota was the market leader again in February, selling 14,332 vehicles and beating second-placed Mazda by 6665 vehicles and 7.7 market share points.
Mazda placed second with 7667 units, followed by Ford, 6022, Kia, 6000, and Hyundai, 5504.
Australia’s best-selling vehicle for February was the Ford Ranger, with 4473 sales reported.
Toyota’s HiLux placed second with 3939 deliveries, ahead of the Tesla Model 3, 2671, Mazda CX-5, 2600, and Mitsubishi Outlander, 2166.
The Toyota LandCruiser – 300 Se-
ries and 70 Series combined – also made an appearance in the top-10 best-sellers list last month, with 1783 deliveries representing a 23.6 percent year-on-year uptick.
Federal Chamber of Automotive Industries chief executive Tony Weber said this year was the best February result since 2019.
“It is particularly pleasing given
Introducing the Yaris Cross Hybrid. The adventurous little city car with the features to match. A zippy electric motor and powerful petrol engine work together to ensure you have the best drive every time, no matter where you’re going. And thanks to reduced CO2 emissions, and the stability you get with AWD, you can explore nature with confidence, and give back to it at the same time. Make the leap to Hybrid, and explore more with the Yaris Cross.
global and domestic supply constraints,” he said.
Battery electric vehicles, BEVs, accounted for 6.8 percent of overall sales with 5932 delivered in February.
Zero and low-emissions vehicle sales, which includes BEVs, plugin hybrid electric vehicles, PHEVs, and hybrid electric vehicles, HEVs, accounted for 13.9 percent of all vehicles sold.
On a state-by-state basis, increases in sales were recorded for the ACT, up 7.2 percent with 1454 vehicles sold; New South Wales, up 4.7 percent with 27,600 units; the Northern Territory, up 2.8 percent with 725 units; and Western Australia, up 16.7 percent with 9815 units.
Sales figures across all other states and territories decreased, with Tasmania taking the greatest market share slide, down 9.4 percent with 1414 units, ahead of South Australia, down 4.5 percent with 5549 units; Queensland, down 2.8 percent with 18,427 units; and Victoria, down 1.3 percent with 21,894 units.
The FCAI noted 13,625 vehicles of the total sold across February were sourced from China, making it the third-highest country of origin for new vehicles.
Japan remains the largest supplier of new vehicles in the Australian market with 24,805 unit sales, followed by Thailand, 18,557, and South Korea, 12,246.
– Matt Brogan
5:00 Worldwatch 9:00 Home Of The Year:
6:00 Sunrise 9:00 The Morning Show 11:30
Seven Morning News 12:00 Movie: “Fallen Hearts” (M s,v) (’19) Stars: Annalise Basso
2:00 House Of Wellness (PG) 3:00 The Chase UK (PG) 4:00
6:00 The Talk 7:00 Farm To Fork 7:30 Good Chef Bad Chef 8:00 Everyday Gourmet 8:30
Entertainment Tonight (PG) 9:00 Judge Judy
(PG) 9:30 The Bold & The Beautiful (PG)
10:00 Studio 10 (PG) 12:00 10 News First
1:00 Dr Phil (M) 2:00 Would I Lie To You?
Australia (M) 3:00 Entertainment Tonight (PG)
3:30 Judge Judy (PG) 4:00 Freshly Picked
4:30 The Bold & The Beautiful (PG) 5:00 10 News First 6:30 The Project (PG) 7:30 The Graham Norton Show (M) 8:30 Taskmaster Australia (PG) 9:30 TBA 10:30 Just For Laughs Australia (M l,s)
1:00 The Beach 1:30 The UnXplained With William Shatner (PG)
6:00 rage (PG) 7:00 Weekend Breakfast 9:00
rage (PG) 10:30 rage Guest Programmer (PG) 12:00 ABC News 12:30 Endeavour
(M v) 2:00 Death In Paradise (PG) 3:00
Scottish Vets Down Under (PG) 3:30 Magical Land Of Oz 4:30 Landline 5:00 Back In Time
For The Corner Shop: 1920s - 1940s (PG)
6:00 Leigh Sales With Lin-Manuel Miranda
7:00 ABC News 7:30 The Larkins (PG) 8:20
Under The Vines 9:05 Grantchester (PG)
9:55 Traces (M d,s) 10:40 Time (M l,v) 11:45
rage Guest Programmer (MA15+) 5:00 rage (MA15+)
(M) (’19) Stars: Saoirse Ronan 10:15 Movie: “Payback”
(MA15+) (’99) Stars: Mel Gibson 12:30 Shipping Wars (PG)
2:05 Book Hungry Bears 2:30 Wolf Joe 2:55 Floogals 3:30 Play School
4:00 Andy’s Wild Adventures 4:25 Odo 5:00
Peppa Pig 5:30 Ginger And The Vegesaurs
6:05 The Adventures Of Paddington 6:30
Peter Rabbit 7:05 Grace’s Amazing Machines 7:30 Spicks And Specks 8:00 Hard Quiz (PG) 8:30 Movie: “Puberty Blues” (M d,l,n) (’81) Stars: Nell Schofield 9:55 Doctor Who (PG) 10:40 Silent Witness (M)
6:00 Sunrise 7:00 Weekend Sunrise 10:00
The Morning Show (PG) 12:00 Seven’s Horse Racing: Rosehill/ The Valley 5:00 Seven News At 5 5:30 Border SecurityAustralia’s
2:30 3rd Rock From The Sun (PG)
Great And Small (PG)
11:30 The Highland Vet (PG)
12:10 Katy (PG) 1:40 Step Up To The Plate 2:10 Horrible Histories 2:40
Operation Ouch! (PG) 3:35 Cloudy With A Chance Of Meatballs 3:55 The Fairly OddParents 4:30 Flix 4:55 Miraculous: Tales Of Ladybug And Cat Noir 5:20 Lagging (PG)
6:00 The New Adventures Of Figaro Pho
6:35 Mythbusters Junior 7:40 Slugterra 8:00
Space Nova 8:25 Dragons: Riders Of Berk
9:00 Dwight In Shining Armour (PG)
1:00 Blokesworld (M) 1:30 The Car Club (PG) 2:00 Night Thunder 3:00 Rides Down Under (PG) 4:00
Last Car Garage (PG) 4:30 Down East Dickering (PG) 5:30 Storage Wars (PG) 6:00
Pawn Stars (PG) 6:30 AFL: Pre-Game: Melbourne v Western Bulldogs 7:00 Pawn
Stars (PG) 7:30 Movie: “Shazam!” (M v) (’19)
Stars: Zachary Levi 10:20 Movie: “The Hangover Part III” (MA15+) (’13)
2:05 Book Hungry Bears 2:30 Wolf Joe 2:45 Octonauts And The Great Barrier Reef 3:30 Play School 4:00 Andy’s Wild Workouts 4:25 Odo 5:00 Peppa Pig 5:30 Ginger And The Vegesaurs 6:05 The Adventures Of Paddington 6:30 Peter Rabbit 7:05 Grace’s Amazing Machines 7:30 Spicks And Specks 8:00 Whose Line Is It Anyway? (PG) 8:20 Live At The Apollo (MA15+) 9:10 Penn And Teller: Fool Us (M)
The Nanny (PG) 5:00 Bewitched 5:30 Transformers: Cyberverse (PG) 5:40 Movie: “Alvin And The Chipmunks: The Road Chip”
Loves Raymond (PG)
(PG) (’15) Stars: Justin Lon 7:30 Movie:
“Journey To The Centre Of The Earth” (PG)
(’08) Stars: Josh Hutcherson
6:00 Reel Action 6:30 Religious Programs
7:00 Freshly Picked 7:30 Escape Fishing
8:00 Everyday Gourmet 8:30 What’s Up Down Under 9:30 Good Chef Bad Chef
10:00 Studio 10: Saturday (PG) 12:00
4X4
Taskmaster Australia (PG) 1:00
Adventures 2:00 All 4 Adventure (PG) 3:00
What’s Up Down Under 3:30 Roads Less
Travelled 4:00 Farm To Fork 4:30 Taste Of Australia (PG) 5:00
1:50 Explore 2:00 Queens Of Mystery (M) 3:00 Antiques Roadshow 3:30 Movie: “The Captive Heart” (PG) (’46) Stars: Michael Redgrave 5:30 Murder, She Wrote (PG) 6:30 Antiques Roadshow 7:30 NRL: Roosters v Rabbitohs *Live* 9:55 NRL: Golden Point 10:40 Movie: “The Nice Guys” (MA15+) (’16) Stars: Ryan Gosling
12:30 Beyblade Burst Quad Drive (PG) 1:00 Power Rangers Dino Super Charge (PG) 1:30 Transformers: Cyberverse (PG) 3:25 Movie: “Problem Child” (PG) (’90)
Stars: Michael Oliver 5:00 About A Boy (PG)
5:30 Movie: “Kicking & Screaming” (PG) (’05)
Stars: Will Ferrell 7:30 Movie: “Major Payne”
(PG) (’95) Stars: Damon Wayans 9:30 Movie: “White Chicks” (M) (’04)
7:30 Death In Paradise (PG) 8:30 In Our Blood (M l,s) 9:20 Rampant (M n,s)
3:00 Mark Berg’s Fishing Addiction (PG) 4:00 Movie: “Westworld” (PG) (’73) Stars: Yul Brynner 6:00 Movie: “The Karate Kid II” (PG) (’86)
Stars: Danny Kamekona 8:30 Movie: “John Wick: Chapter 2” (MA15+) (’17) Stars: Keanu
12:00 10 News First 1:00 Dr Phil (M) 2:00
The Dog House Australia (PG) 3:00
Entertainment Tonight 3:30 Judge Judy (PG)
4:00 Freshly Picked 4:30 The Bold & The Beautiful (PG) 5:00 10 News First 6:30 The Project (PG) 7:30 The Dog House Australia (PG) 8:40 Law & Order: SVU: Soldier Up (M v) 9:40 Fire Country (M v) 10:40 Bull (M)
12:30 The Project (PG) 1:30 The Late Show With Stephen Colbert (PG)
4:15 PBS Newshour 5:15 Takeshi’s Castle (PG) 5:45 The Joy Of Painting With
(PG) 5:00
Bewitched 5:30 I Dream Of Jeannie 6:00 That 70’s Show (PG) 7:00 Young Sheldon
(PG) 7:30 Movie: “Couples Retreat” (M l,s)
(’09) Stars: Vince Vaughn 9:50 Movie: “The Break Up” (M l,s) (’06) Stars: Vince Vaughn
For all your electrical and solar needs contact Mit today! vvelectricalandsolar.com.au
Mit Vyas at VV Electrical and Solar brings more than 10 years experience and over 2000 solar installations to your energysaving project.
Mit caters for all electrical and solar needs and will travel across the Wimmera from Horsham, Hamilton, Charlton and Hopetoun.
VV Electrical and Solar are your green energy specialist for on and off-grid solar.
Everything is covered from advice on the right system for you to emergency callouts.
VV Electrical and Solar cater for household and business needs and have a long list of satisfied clients.
You could be the next.
Call Mit on 1300 55 9994 today!
BARBER, Valery
Dearly loved wife of Basil (dec).
Loving mum and mother-inlaw of Rob & May, John & Kylie, Ann, Kim & Gary.
Cherished Nana of Christopher & Talitha, Callan & Beth, Elly, Tess, Meg, Montana & Archi.
Great Nana to Jonte, Jax, Alby & Otis.
Forever in our hearts
FUNCKE, Noel John
Passed away peacefully at home on March 7, 2023 aged 86 years.
Dearly loved husband of Lois.
Brother of Alan (dec), Joan, Lois and Margaret (dec).
Loving father and father in law of Leonard & Michelle (both dec); Peter & Trish; Helen & Greg (dec); Warren & Narelle.
Adored Grandpa to all of his grandchildren and great grandchildren.
Now at Peace
SANDERSON, John Thomas
Passed away March 7, 2023
When that autumn evening fell
So ceased your beating heart
Your body, with final breathes
Came still
And from this Life, your Soul did part.
As the man, the husband, father, Loved, And dear Poppy, gone away
Though you’ve journeyed forth from us
In our hearts you’ll always stay.
Loved and loving husband of Isla.
Dad of Ralph, father-in-law of Fiona, Poppy of Tegan and Rhiannon (Reed).
Funeral Notices
BARBER,
The Funeral Service for Valery Gertrude Barber will be a graveside service at the Nhill Lawn Cemetery on Tuesday, March 21 at 11.30am
Emiley & Mathew Bone Nhill & District Funerals 0419 008 464
FUNCKE
Noel John
The Funeral of Noel John Funcke will take place at The Graveside, Horsham Lawn Cemetery on Friday, 17 March 2023 commencing at 11am
Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member
McPHEE, Alan
Paul Please
1 male mastiff x bull mastiff puppy, microchipped, vaccinated, vet checked and wormed, born 22/11/2022, m/ chip# 953010006382898, Source# EE185505, he is ready for his forever home please Ph 0481756063
Aussie White/White Dorper 2022 ewe lambs for sale. $220 each, PIC 3HSDA108, Ph 0478226909 for more information.
Beautiful Chihuahua puppies ready for new homes, Long hair 3F, 1M, source# EE206537, vacc, chipped, wormed m/chip# 935010006382689/95301000 6382681/953010006382737 Ph Rose 0400711481
Animals & Accessories
Black head dorper ewe
lambs , born June 2022, pic# 3NGLM058 $250ea Ph 53585079
Border Collies, black and white, male and female, microchipped, vaccinated and wormed, m/chip# 98514 1005191609/202548/20222 3/201120/193890, source# EE188958 $1500 Ph or text 0493111730
McPHEE, Alan Paul
Passed away on March 9, 2023 aged 69 years.
Loving husband of Jane.
Loved father and father-inlaw of William & Jessica; Amanda & Ben.
Grandpa of Isabella & Mark; Oscar & Heath.
20-5-1953 to 12-3-2023
Passed away at home
Loved wife of Rod.
Loving mother and motherin-law of Sharon and Dan.
Grandmother to Nic, Bailey and Lexie. Now in the presence of her Lord
Until we meet again, your loving husband Rod and daughter Sharon.
~
TEMPLAR ~ Jennifer
30-4-1970 to 11-3-2023
Of Murtoa, late of Warracknabeal
Loving mother of Jessica, Jacob and Mardie.
Lopving daughter of Gordon and Barbara (dec).
Sister of Paul and Joanne.
Hopefully at peace at last from the torment and suffering she has endured for years.
WILKIE, Trevor Murray
Trev passed at Ballarat St John of God Hospital with family by his side.
Husband of Mary.
Father to Jac, Kate, Krysten and Pete.
Will be missed especially by grand-daughters who knew him as Poppy.
Trevor spent many hours in his veggie garden and a his farm and enjoyed taking his kids and grandies out there, who he had his own special names for.
Madi, Shesha, Bazza, Wilson, Mickey, Henry and Billy.
Enough for a netball team he would say.
Rest in peace Poppy
Hope to have your bonfire in October
SANDERSON,
John Thomas Sanderson was farewelled at a private family gathering.
Trevor Bysouth & Daughter Ph 5381 1444 AFDA Member
SKURRIE,
The funeral service to farewell the late Mrs Beverley Agnes Skurrie will be held at Horsham’s Salvation Army Hall, Monday, March 20 commencing at 1pm Interment to follow at Quantong Cemetery.
Amity Perovic & Dylan Hartwich 5382 1149 NFDA
Bird cage $120 Ph 0428730777
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 Black faced Dorpers joined $140 each Ph 0429912620
Bristlenose catfish , great tank cleaners $5ea until sold out Ph 0474159010 after 6.30pm
Budgerigars, show birds at pet prices Ph 0447080439
Budgies , babies available
$10ea Ph 0423976711
Budgies, just out of nest, pastel colours and lace wings $10ea Ph 0419505737
Budgies, young, asstd colours $10ea Ph 0423182267
Central bearded dragon hatchlings, 2 males, hatched 28/11/22, licence # 13411918-B, $130ea Ph 55851231 Edenhope.
Ferrets for sale, $10 each, Ph 0458681119
Ferrets , 8wks to 18mths $30ea Ph 0418843180 Nhill Goats wanted Ph 0427361940
Funeral Directors
Large bird cage in CG , from the royal range of bird cages, easy to dismantle in 3 compartments, 380cmLx 180cmHx 145cmD $460, 16 budgie pairing boxes with nest boxes, best offer Ph 0428730777
Muscovy ducks $10, drakes $20 Ph 0429842236
Pet carrier crate for cat or dog, large $50 Ph 0473870476
Pure breed black faced Dorper ewe lambs, pic# 3HSDC083 Ph Liz 0419664345
Purebred Labrador Puppies 2 male, 5 female. Vaccinated, wormed & microchipped, DOB 26/11/22, source # MB120138, microchip # 9530100062391 82/070/183/245/184/189/246
$2,200 Ph 0427396114
1999 Jayco 16’ pop-top caravan with unused annex, GC $14,500 Ph 0400823134
2000 Jayco Freedom pop-top caravan, tandem, engel upright fridge, 12v system with inbuilt battery charger and solar kit, island d/ bed and brand new mattress, light weight, easy to tow $17,900ono Ph 0400894020
2005 Jayco pop-top 16’, reg til 12/23, EC, island d/bed, new annex, battery, kitchen and extras $20,000ono Ph 0428854313
Caravan with dog box $12,500 Ph 0428788212
Mars Camper Trailer, hard floor annex, electric winch, GC $6000 neg Ph 0427957212
REDUCED Great Dane X Mastiff puppies ready to go now, vacc, chipped, wormed, healthy and happy, DOB 20/11/22, source no# MB166978, mc # 39530100 06239217/235/205/098/236/ 099/170/6393273/274, $500 each,Ph 0499853884
Roosters and ducks wanted Ph 0469740723
Salami pigs wanted Ph 0481864397
Young pigs 2mth old, well bred, free ranged, suitable to spit or grow out, PIC# 3H5CG003 from $100ea Ph 0439834521
Mazda BT3-500 Motorhome 1991 10spd, modern interior, sleeps 3, full RWC, full complianced, EC $39,000 Ph for full details 0411450027
We are required strictly by law to include specific information on some items when publishing your adv your obligations are as follows:
ANIMALS -
*All “for sale” or “to give away” advertisements, for either cats or dogs must include one of the following:
• Individual microchip numbers
• Vet certificate to exclude individual animals from needing microchips
• Domestic animal-business number
PLUS a source number from the Pet Exchange Register
LIVESTOCK -
*Selling, giving away or bartering of all livestock must include a Property Identification Code (PIC number) in the advertisement.
Viscount pop-up caravan with safety cord and extension cord, 2-way fridge, 4-cooker, oven, collapsible kettle, compact cookware set, foldable dish drainer, microwave, air conditioner, 1 d/bed, 1 s/bed, L-shape sofa, ample storage $5700neg Text 0419600049 or 0405516207
Windsor Caravan 1998 , 19’6 Statesman, island bed, reading lights, battery pack skylight, aircon, gas stove, microwave, fridge, rollout awning, annexe walls ECT
$19,500 Ph 53820505
New Brooks Adrenaline mens sneakers, size 12 $80 Ph 0427993510
Massey Ferguson 585
Header, 12’ comb, tractor driven, always shedded, was working when last used Ph 55743236
91 Garden Gnomes, wholesale $2600 or $2000 for the lot Ph 0459355868
Arock recovery winch, 12v, as new, only used once $200, Pareless elec welder $100 Ph 0409891308
Husqvarna Viking sewing machine , model emerald 203/183, many features, utility and decorative stitches and Horn sewing cabinet Monarch $550 Ph 0467338820
Land for lease, 860 acres, cropping/grazing, Miga Lake $70 per acre, 3yr terms and 640 acres, cropping/grazing, Douglas $65 per acre, 3yr term Ph 0429811803
Lumik car fridge, 40lt, 12v plus 240v, GC, works well $250 Ph 0447972097
8 Riverland dining chairs, Harvey Norman, half price, as new $1436 Ph 0428861127
As new condition Stirling dishwasher, 8mths old, balance of 3yr warranty $165 Ph and text 0431215956 Ararat
Steel fireguard/fence with gate 1mx1mx800H, very stable VGC $200ono Ph 53564225.
6000L Goldacres Spray tank, GC $5500 inc Gst Ph 0429826364
Massey Ferguson small bale pickup hay loader, GC $500 or highest offer Ph 0428504449
New Holland 275 small baler last used 2019 season
$3,500neg Ph 0499572066
Minyip Roll Feeder , TAEGE roll feeder, good working order Ph 55743236
Barbers Chair, mechanically perfect $880 Ph 0499769869
Makita compound saw with stand $1000 Ph 0428525970 Nelson silo, 500 bag capacity, cone bottom, located Massey $700 Ph 0427981227
Ozito push reel mower $20 Ph 00427993510
Computer desk , sliding keyboard, plenty of storage $100 Ph 0414899872
2019 Evolution 600 Apex
Extreme, on Dunbier rull roller deluxe alloy trailer, Mercury 225hp 3.4lt V6 four stroke engine, elec power steering, fully equipped for crayfishing in SA and is equipped with anchor maz pot puller, marine carpets, full protection mat, always garaged, new as cond, low engine hours, genuine reason for sale, private sale, interested buyers may ring obligation free for further details, boat garaged in Robe, South Australia, VK748 $128,000 Ph 0418548726
30hp Honda outboard motor, electric start, manual tilt-trim. $4000.00 obo, Ph 0418504210
Pride mobility scooter Victory XL-4 , as new condition, new batteries and charger, serviced good working order $1000 Ph 53891725
Tyre 195 70R14, new, suits Camry Conquest $90 Ph 0407561135
REDUCED Suzuki DRZ400 motorbike, 2020, 12mths reg, 1800kms, 2L2KO $8000 Ph 0417050612
motor vehicle accessories
Agrison series 50 FEL, 4 way bucket , a/c cab, 200 hrs, $15,000 inc Gst Ph 0400587518
JD S670, 9870, 9650, 640D, 941D, 936D, 36HV Smale pick up, all harvest ready Ph 0427544227 or 0428544229
Massey Ferguson 585 12’ Header has been shedded for most of its life $1000ono Ph 0421442050
$28.60
7 Wall mounted natural gas heaters 3/ 5 tile AIRA 4/ 4 tile pyrox, all working recently removed from church by plumber $1500ono Ph Jill 0401455470
Caterpillar 2017 4 ton diesel forklift, operated 480 hours, $49,500 inc GST of $4500 Ph Michael 0407744076
CPAP Fisher & Paykel with modem, low hours, pressure checked, data erased, for sleep apnea, EC, used twice $880 Ph 0429092059
Craft generator, 5.5hp, 240v $400 Ph 0487313892
Free range chook eggs , including green arucana aggs $3 per dozen Ph 0414851313
Hafco saw bench with sliding table $800 Ph 0428525970
Horn sewing machine cabinet , on wheels, good storage space, VGC $200 Ph 0487678832
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
REDUCED BT Goulburn toughened glass panel, 1950x900x10mm $150 Ph 0427267902
Scheppach Planer 1050x 300 table thicknesser 250W x 210H $1000 Ph 0428525970
Electrolux stick vacuum cleaner , cordless, strong suction, height adjustable, new cond, part warranty left $200 Ph 53542553 or 0408511140 Ararat
Haines Hunter , 560SL, 1989 EC, Yamaha O/B 140 hp, oil injected,160lts F/ T, cray pot winch, rod holders, lowrance fish finder, live bait tank, cutting table, HF marine radios, S/Gear, canopy, boat cover, EPIRB, flares, life jackets, Mackay tandem axle trailer 57502, 02/2003 s/ guard, boat latch $39,000 Ph Barrie 0427861004
Complete McHitch comes with tongue for towing caravan or trailer, easy hook up $290 Ph 0409967815 pick up Horsham
New genuine Toyota narrow-body bull bar, suit 2015-2017 HiLux, Ph Eddy 0428922335
Steel fireguard/fence with gate 1mx1mx800H, very stable VGC $200ono Ph 53564225.
Stock crate, steel (Ute) 7’ x 6’ $150 Ph 0428826809
Stock crate, steel 2 deck 15’ x 8’ $600 Ph 0428826809
Stock crate, steel sides, 15’ x 8’ $250 Ph 0428826809
Superior Miltihead slasher mower, 8’, as new condition $4500 Ph 53826461 or 0429309491
Fisher & Paykel Aqua Smart washing machine, water consumption 82 energy consumption cold wash 65 kWh per year, VGC, $450 Ph 0428504301
Motor Vehicles under $3000 GARAGE
Lounge Suite, quality 3Pc by Morgon Furniture, EC, solid hardwood frame, high density foam cushions, zip off covers, piping detail on cushions and arm ends $450 Ph 0407340226
Matured limebush $50, matured curry leaf $70, other matured herbs available Ph 0418843389
New Omega electric oven display model, 900mm L, 800mm H, 560mm, D $1000neg Ph 0427993510
The Weekly Advertiser welcomes your advertising. We are required strictly by law to include specific information on some items when publishing your advertisement.
Speedboat , 4.8m, 202 red motor, dog clutch, reg NBO069 and trailer Q99607 $5600 Ph 0409423541
Invacare Comet Alpine Gopher , VGC, batteries replaced recently, charger, lights, indicators $1150 Ph 0409524112
Mobility Gopher Pathfinder 140XL as new condition with new batteries $3000 Ph 0427957212
The Weekly Advertiser welcomes your advertising. We are required strictly by law to include specific information on some items when publishing your advertisement.
snapshot of your obligations are as follows:
Light blue Toyota Corolla sport , 2005, 311,000kms, TRD592 Ph 0493100329
Mitsubishi 2014 Galant , auto, red, very good tres and battery, 11mths reg, always garaged, 305,000kms, FLJ115 $2500 Ph 0402139711
Nissan Utility Twin Cab , unreg, vin# UNGD21415702 $2500ono Ph 53840235
Motor Vehicles $3000 - $10,000
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
2012 Mazda 3 Sport, 6 speed manual, 140,000km, ZPX331 $9900 Ph 0428340829
Holden Gemini x2 , 1981 TE8TF69-188333B, 4dr sed man SL, 1983 TG8TF69-241320B, 4dr sed man SL, as is both $4300ono Ph 0427801969 no text Mazda B2600 Ute, 1999, petrol,2wd, aluminium tray, 5sp manual, roo bar,120,000kms, PTA 607, $5800, Ph 0427852270
Tandem Trailer 10x5 with stock crate, new, never been used, C70276 $4400 Ph 0407581291
2012 Subaru Forester , diesel, best available, 6spd manual, pearl white, one local owner, full reg and RWC, gen 94,000kms only, ASL 545
$18,500 For full details Ph 0419158894
White 2011 Holden Commodore SS VE series II, selling due to upgrade to 4x4, service up to date with book, rego till May, roadworthy supplied, kept very neat and tidy, 177***kms, ZPK 676 $35,000 Ph 0409579397
Airia, Fstyle, Mandolin with hard case, EC $300 Ph 0413207022
Kawai MP 4 Stage Piano, stand, carry bag, two Behringer amps Ph 0413789736
Holden Colorado LRT, dual cab, 3lt turbo diesel, auto trans, 4WD, tool bar, side steps, lock up canopy, reg til 10/23, RWC, WRL987
$20,000 Ph 0428504449
XR6 2010 , auto, service history, RWC, full rego, EC, XSF763, POA Ph 0428989234
Wanted, Land to lease or share-farm anywhere south of Horsham,
Hyundai Elantra , 134,000kms, white, EC, very cheap and reliable car, will be sold with rego and RWC, 1DZ7PO $13,500 Ph 0408530717 Dimboola
2014 Mitsubishi MN Triton GLX-R 4WD Dual Cab 2.5,Turbo diesel, 5 speed manual transmission, driving lights, canopy, tub liner, dual battery system, UHF, snorkel, diff breathers, side steps, nudge bar,160,000kms, 1BG9XL $25,000 Ph 0498192095
Original metres kilocycles megacycle short wave, 5 valve console radio, serial# 2114, EC, working order Ph 53824316
Nissan Navara Twin Cab, 2006, Silver, VGC, no rego, sell as is, 202,000kms, last reg YVO949 $13,500 Ph 0439377524
2017 Hyundai Tucson Elite, 1.6l Turbo 81,000kms, like new inside and out 1KJ3ZQ $29,000ono
Rare Astor roller dial console radio, ex working order and cond Ph 53824316
Student Cello and Bow $500 Ph 0427712331
REDUCED Nissan Navara
2008, D40, dual cab, diesel, manual, 166,500kms, WVL357
$14,900 Ph 042982146
Toyota Hilux 2wd 2009 SR Twin Cab V6 5spd manual, EC, 210,000kms XGK391
$14,000ono Ph 0444593135
Dimboola Natimuk Lutheran Parish Lenten Service:
Wednesday, March 5
Goroke 7.30pm
Sunday, March 19
Edenhope 11am HC
Goroke 9am HC
Natimuk 10am LR
Vectis 10am LR
Dimboola 11am LR
Lenten Service:
Wednesday, March 22
Natimuk 7.30pm
for love, for acceptance, for peace, for belonging. From their conversation she found all of that, and more, including joy. She found the one who is Living Water – who offers acceptance and love -who helps us to be satisfied in life, and find peace, even in challenging circumstances. This is the quenching of a spiritual thirst, which she, and we, can find in Jesus Christ. She was so excited at this good news, she said to those around, “Come and see a man who told me everything I have ever done!” May we all find this for ourselves, and not have to thirst any more.
Susan Pearse – Baptist/Uniting Church, Hopetoun & Rainbow
Members of our community are encouraged to attend the upcoming Community Plans and Economic Development Plan Consultation Sessions throughout March/April 2023. Join us for a chance to put forward ideas, ask questions and provide feedback to help inform the new Dimboola Community Plan, Rainbow Community Plan, Jeparit Community Plan and Nhill Community Plan, along with the Economic Development Plan:
Dimboola Library/Community Hub, Lloyd Street –
Monday 27 March 2023, 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Rainbow Mecca Supper Room, Federal Street –
Tuesday 28 March 2023, 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Jeparit Memorial Hall, Roy Street –
Monday 03 April 2023, 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Nhill Memorial Community Centre, Nelson Street –
Tuesday 04 April 2023, 6:00pm – 7:30pm
Online-Live Stream (through Hindmarsh Shire Facebook page) – Tuesday 04 April 2023, 6:00pm – 7:30pm
For more information, please contact Phil King, Manager Economic & Community Development, on 03 5391 4444 or via email pking@hindmarsh.vic.gov.au
Greg Wood Chief Executive Officer
To apply or for more information please go to: https://whcg.mercury.com.au/
• Leading community services organisation
• 60% discount on childcare fees for Uniting early learning employees
• Multiple Assistant Educators roles available.
Centre Director
(ref 508345)
Full Time, ongoing position
Horsham location
As centre director you will be responsible for the holistic safety, wellbeing and education of children within the service program. You will also
• Provide leadership to a small and passionate team
• Undertaking of ongoing reflective practice and continuous improvement
• Development of a positive professional team and organisational culture
Assistant Educator
(Certificate III)
Part-time, ongoing position (40hrs/fn)
Kaniva based
You will be responsible for ensuring all children and families attending the service are provided with a safe, stimulating and supportive environment.
Assistant Educator
(Diploma Qualified)
Full-time and part -time ongoing positions available.
Horsham based
You will be able to implement the Early Years Learning Framework by reinforcing the daily practices of the service to provide young children with opportunities to maximise their potential
Assistant Educator
(Certificate III)
Full-time, ongoing position
Warracknabeal based
This position will monitor the day-to-day operation of the centre and provide assistance to the Room Leaders
Applications close for all positions on Friday 24th March 2023.
Learn more
For more information including contact details for these positions, visit vt.uniting.org
Interested?
If this sounds like you, apply today via our careers page on our website, including:
• Cover letter (1 page outlining your suitability for the position)
• Current resume (no more than 3 pages)
Get in touch with Kate Farlow, Early Learning Coordinator on 03 5362 4000 for more info
Employment is subject to satisfactory criminal history and Victorian Working with Children Checks prior to commencement of employment. Uniting is proud to be an inclusive employer and is committed to keeping children and young people safe
&
Do you want to make a difference in a child’s life?
Love working with children and water?
Austswim or Swim Australia
Qualification is desirable, but not essential as we are happy to train the right applicant.
SEND YOUR RESUME TO: PROUSE@WIMMERA.COM.AU
Crop Smart is an Australian owned distributor of high-quality agricultural chemicals and adjuvants. The company has grown to now include a formulation plant and a network of more than ten stores across Victoria and South Australia. Our experienced and dedicated agronomy and sales team offer expert advice and in-field support to deliver solutions that optimise farm productivity and profitability. We stock a wide range of highquality farm-related products, including crop protection, fertiliser, seed, plus additional services in finance. This is a fantastic opportunity to become a valued member of an experienced team whilst contributing at all levels across the business.
About the role:
We are currently looking for an experienced truck driver to manage our deliveries in the Victorian Wimmera and within our store network and also to assist with storeperson duties as required.
Location: Dooen
Salary Range: $65,000p.a. + Super
Hours: Full time, permanent role 38 hours per week (weekdays only)
To be considered for this role, you will need:
• HR License (Heavy Rigid) with a minimum of 2 years’ experience, with a good driving record
• Honest & reliable
Current Forklift license is desirable
Proven transport & logistics experience
• Demonstrated commitment to health & safety regulations
Physical capability for manual loading and unloading work
• Good communication skills
Good paperwork and record keeping skills
Proactive, professional, and responsible
• Strong customer service focus and ability to build rapport as you will be attending the same sites on a regular basis
• To be self-motivated, proactive, professional, and responsible, with excellent time management skills
Ready to apply?
If this sounds like just the right opportunity for you, apply directly via our careers website www.cropsmart.com.au/ contact/careers and join us on our growth journey!
Closing date: 24th March 2023 or until position is filled
For further information, call Kent Hair 0476 777 644
Applications will be kept in the strictest of confidence. Please note only shortlisted Candidates will be contacted and you must be eligible to work in Australia, without restrictions.
Cleaner Nhill
Part Time, Permanent
We are seeking a self-motivated person to clean the public amenities in Nhill on weekends. If you are organised, can work independently to a high standard, and enjoy contributing to the community through your work, we would love to hear from you!
Mechanic
Full Time, Permanent, based in Jeparit
We offer excellent work/life balance with a 9-day fortnight, annual leave, long service leave and above-award pay rates, starting at $33.97 per hour.
We are seeking an enthusiastic team player to join Hindmarsh as a Mechanic. You will play a vital role in maintaining Council’s high quality fleet of machinery, plant and other mechanical equipment.
Qualifications as a motor or diesel mechanic and current driver licence with heavy rigid endorsement essential.
Applications close Wednesday 29 March 2023 at 12 noon and must address the key selection criteria as contained in the position description and application form. Position descriptions and details of how to apply are available at www.hindmarsh.vic.gov.au/work-in-council
For enquiries on either position, please contact Nhill Customer Service Centre, on 03 5391 4444.
Council is an equal opportunity workplace that offers a diverse and supportive work environment.
Horsham Rural City Council is seeking to establish a resource pool of casuals to support the functions, staff and operations at the highly utilised Horsham Town Hall (HTH) Venue. The HTH Venue delivers a range of public and community programs for residents and visitors to our municipality including the provision of Performances, Exhibitions, Public Programs, Community Events, Visitor Services, Education Programs, Promotions, Marketing and Customer Service.
The casual roles will support permanent staff at times of high demand and peak service delivery. Please note that rostered hours are variable and avilability to work flexible hours including after-hoirs, weekdays and some weekends is essential.
The roles include:
Casual Customer Service and Administration Officers
$38.24 / hour (Band 3A)
Casual Bar Staff
$38.24 / hour (Band 3A)
Casual Education Tutor in Visual & Performing Arts
$40.59 / hour (Band 4A)
Casual Gallery Installer
$40.59 / hour (Band 4A)
For a confidential conversation about any of the casual roles, please contact Michelle Rethus - Creative Services & Events Lead on 00436 012 660, or Carolynne HamdorfManager Arts, Culture & Recreation on 0428 505 605
To find out more, visit hrcc.recruitmenthub.com.au OR scan the QR code.
If you want to join the HRCC team and serve our diverse, close-knit, and engaged local community, check out the roles below!
BY MICHAEL SCALZO
Eagles’ football department is optimistic about its capacity in 2023 to overcome low-ladder finishes.
The Eagles were up and down across the 2022 Wimmera league season – starting poorly and finishing poorly, but showing some promise during the middle part of the fixture.
They finished eighth in 2022, with four wins and a percentage below that of the young Horsham Saints – who also finished the season with four wins.
Eagles president Zane Jess said the club believed the playing group had top-five potential, especially with a more intensive pre-season training period and the recruitment of Wimmera-external talent.
“If you’re not aiming for finals, then you are there for the wrong reasons,” he said.
“We have some very different looking sides this year and it will be about getting things right at the start of the season, this year.”
Mr Jess said with Warracknabeal’s Anzac Park tennis and netball courts and clubroom restorations in the pipeline, the Eagles hoped to build a community-based
Seniors: Daniel Bell
Reserves: Daniel Westerland and Greg McKenzie
Under-17s: Mick Evans
Under-14s: Kyle George and Bailey Watts
and infrastructurally-sound sporting centre that could attract people to the region.
Returning senior coach Daniel Bell said last season’s disappointment was perhaps the result of an ‘unorganised’ approach.
“We were somewhat unorganised with our structures and that compounded when players stepped in and out of the side last season,” he said.
“This year we will be better defensively, with a simple game plan that will allow everyone to be on the same page throughout the season if they step into the side.
“We always try to recruit locals, or ex locals, but we did look outside the region this off-season and have some players travelling from Warrnambool and Adelaide.”
Bell said his side had the talent to play finals in 2023 and the senior group had outlined its internal expectations and increased its training intensity in the pre-season.
He said senior footballers were demanding more from each other this season.
“We had a pre-season launch when we outlined our training goals and the locally-based group is putting those ambitions into practice here at Warracknabeal,” he said.
“Our travellers are also putting in the work and are transparent with their pre-season training workloads, too.
“Our young players are aged between 18 and 21, on average.
“Declan Powell and Dylan Watts, in particular, had a big pre-season.
“Some of our under-17s might also get an opportunity throughout the season, dependent on injuries.”
Bell said there remained an expectation to play finals in 2023 – an aspiration the board and the playing group was driving.
“The goal posts haven’t changed for us – we have the talent to make it happen this season,” he said.
BY MICHAEL SCALZO
ers would hope a climb up the ladder can happen as fast as a slide down it.
The Eagles’ A Grade team finished eighth in 2022, after a top-four finish during the COVID-interrupted 2021 Wimmera league season.
Last year, the Eagles’ A Grade team was unable to secure a win until round nine, when it toppled Dimboola by 23 points.
A top-four position in 2023 would require considerably faster additions to the Eagles’ ‘win’ column – something their coach believes is a possibility.
Coach Ashlynn McKenzie said the club would have a ‘new look’ senior squad this season.
“Players from the past couple of seasons have taken the opportunity, now that COVID isn’t impacting life as much, to move on,” she said.
“However, that has given local girls and a few new faces the opportunity to step into the A Grade team.
“We have also had a few of our long-standing senior players retire in recent years.
“Players who have stepped up
A Grade: Ashlynn McKenzie
B Grade: Leanne Wilkinson
C Grade: Kirrilee Rowe and Mikayla Annett
C Reserve: Kirrilee Rowe and Mikayla Annett
17-and-under: Bonnie Gunn
15-and-under: Brooke Holland
13-and-under: Ava Koschitzke
from the 17-and-under team this year will have a strong presence among our senior teams.
“It’s great to see them thriving in this environment.”
McKenzie said the club dipped into its stockpile of junior talent in 2022 to support its senior grades – something the club would continue in 2023.
“We relied heavily on our juniors last year to get us through the season,” she said.
“It was terrific to see them develop their skills within the senior ranks.
“We will be using them again to support our seniors and give juniors court time in all sen-
ior grades. We have some really good and skilled juniors coming through. The opportunity for them to grow as players with senior netball time is something we nurture at the club.”
The Eagles’ A Grade team found its stride in the second half of last season, with wins against Ararat in round 14 and against Dimboola, again, in round 18.
Their later-season improvement included close losses against the finals-bound Southern Mallee Giants in round 11 and Minyip-Murtoa in round 12.
McKenzie said the club’s initial goal for its A Grade players was to be at their ‘best’ for round one.
She said the squad’s talent, albeit young, could offer Warrack Eagles supporters a finals campaign at the end of the season.
“With a new side, we want to see continuous improvement throughout the year,” she said.
“I’d love to see this group of girls be within the top five at the end of the season and I have no doubt that they can do that.”
The Eagles start the new season with a chance to prove themselves against the reigning premier, Horsham Saints, in round one.
Football Coaches
Seniors – Daniel Bell
Reserves – Daniel Westerland, Greg McKenzie
Under 17’s – Mick Evans
Under 14’s – Kyle George, Bailey Watts
Mini’s – Graeme Holland
Auskick – Emma Mansfield
Netball Coaches
Coaches A grade – Ashlynn McKenzie
B grade – Leanne Wilkinson
C Grade & C Reserve Squad –Kirrilee Rowe, Mikaya Annett
U/17’s – Bonnie Gunn
U/15’s – Brooke Holland
U/13’s – Ava Koschitzke
Net Set Go – Sarah Spicer, Kirsty Holland
Saints’ football department will rely on a pool of talented youngsters, supplemented with a healthy dose of recruited experience, to make 2022 a finals-missed anomaly.
With a new coach, Saint stalwart Ben Knott, and playing deputies Jacob O’Beirne and Sam Clyne, the Saints will have a fresh start in 2023.
Horsham Saints finished seventh on the Wimmera league ladder last season – four wins away from making any indent on the Southern Mallee Giants ahead of them.
Saints president Scott Bond said Knott had invigorated the playing group this pre-season after a disappointing 2022.
“He has set about creating a really good community atmosphere within the club. He is forward looking and positive,” he said.
Mr Bond said the Saints had never favoured heavy recruiting from outside the Wimmera, however, some Geelong Football League expats would join the senior side this season.
Veteran full-forward and former Drysdale player Jarrod Garth will be the Saints’ forward target,
Seniors: Ben Knott
Reserves: Brad Sproule
Under-17s: Grant Munyard
Under-14s: Adam Dougherty
while former Saint, Patty Knott, brother of Ben, will return this season.
Long-time Saint Andrew Devereaux departed for Kalkee during the off-season.
Ben Knott said he was looking forward to the coaching challenge.
“There is a great group of players and non-players around the senior side this season and I am excited about our capacity to move forward, together,” he said.
“I am all about positivity and energy.
“We have a young group of players and we have a chance to set some standards and build some structures around their talent.
“Our young players have all been brilliant players as juniors – so they all know how to play the game.
“Having a few simple systems in place is important, but we want to take the leash off them and let
them use their energy, their pace and their skills to get the ball forward quicky.”
Knott said there were no excuses not to play finals, despite his team’s youth.
“Every team at this point of the year should believe they are a chance to play finals,” he said.
“Yes, we are young, but we will embrace the pressure.
“We are confident in the work we are doing.”
Knott said he believed most teams across the Wimmera league had recruited heavily from outside the region during the off-season, and that 2023 could be one of the most compelling seasons the league had witnessed in recent years.
“Whoever misses finals this season will be disappointed, because most sides could be a chance for a top-three finish,” he said.
“However, we believe we are moving this group in the right direction.
“With our youth putting in hard work, alongside some experienced heads beside them, the Saints should be in good stead this season.”
hangovers can cruel a successful side, Horsham Saints netballers have opted for a ‘hair of the dog’ approach this pre-season.
Heading into 2023, the Saints buckled down and hit the track early after their Wimmera league grand-final win last season.
A Grade coach Jess Cannane, resuming her post as the reigning premiers leader, said senior netballers had been working closely with their senior football counterparts this summer, after putting in a five-week block of training before the Christmas break.
She said senior netballers wanted ‘more of the same’ success, in 2023.
“We know what works. There is a great feeling about the club and on the back of last season’s premiership, there is a real sense of excitement that we hope to recreate again this season,” she said.
The Saints’ major recruit this off-season is 2022 Laharum A Grade playing-coach Erin Mellington, who crossed back
A Grade: Jess Cannane
B Grade: Jess Cannane
C Grade: Kristine Grace
C Reserve: Kristine Grace
17-and-under: Ash Grace
15-and-under: Vernetta Taylor
13-and-under: Zeena Kelm
to the Wimmera league after a long stint with the Demons.
Cannane said Mellington brought a wealth of knowledge and a strong court presence with her to the Saints. She said returning Saints players Holly Combe and Megan Byrne would bolster the squad, as would the continued development of Jorja Clode, who is set to lead a talented group of 17-and-under players making further headway into the Saints’ A and B grade teams.
Cannane said the loss of defensive mainstays Larnie Hobbs and Elly Barnett meant the side required some defensive adjustment, however, the attacking end of its squad
remained stable. “We have a couple of things to work on in defence now, in regard to how we will play, but from an attacking point-of-view, it should be rinse and repeat,” she said.
Cannane said expectation on the Saints to manufacture another grand-final appearance was complex.
“Is there expectation? Yes and no. Every season we expect to play finals, but obviously, we won’t know how the other sides will look until we meet them on court,” she said.
“There are always rumours and stories about who is playing for whom, but we can only play who turns up on the day and go from there.
“Our structures will remain fairly unchanged.
“We know what works and we have set a great base to build on.”
The Saints start their 2023 season with a round-one game against Warrack Eagles, before a round-two grand-final rematch against Horsham Demons, at Horsham City Oval.
Pop and the team from Cabinets & Stone wish the Horsham Saints Football Netball Club all the best for the 2023 season.
There is a directional surety emanating from leaders at Natimuk United who continue to put faith in their club’s youth.
While the Rams’ senior football and netball teams have been middling in recent years, there remains unobtained potential in both codes’ future fortunes.
COVID-19 intra-club spread hurt the Rams in 2022, as it did a few clubs in the region.
As the season wore on, tired, albeit youthful, legs on the court and field struggled to keep pace with the dominating clubs of the Horsham District league.
The Rams’ senior football side finished eighth – however was level on wins with Pimpinio, Laharum and Kaniva-Leeor United below them.
The A Grade netball side also finished eighth.
Natimuk United president Greg Radford said while the club would strive for wins, its leaders would continue to measure, in parallel, the capacity for their organisation to provide a sporting outlet for the region’s young players.
“We work very hard on inclusiveness and we find that pays us back in spades,” he said.
Mr Radford said the club filled its
Seniors: Jarred Combe
Reserves: Dave Caulfield
Under-17s: Matty Lee
Under-14s: Karl Mitton
Auskick: Jason Skiller
junior and senior netball coaching roles early.
He said there would be a continued effort to have its junior netballers mirror the training and playing style of senior grades.
He said the club’s seniors, reserves and under-17s football coaches would follow a similar collective approach.
“For a while now, we have had our junior footballers working closely with our senior footballers so there are no surprises when young guys make the jump to the seniors,” he said.
“Our senior coach, Jarred Combe, has been a big part of cementing that connection and continuity between junior and senior teams.”
Combe said the senior list would remain ‘similar’ in 2023, compared with 2022.
He said at least two under-17s
players would become part of the senior group, while two 2022 senior players had departed, including Dylan Bates who will play for Pimpinio.
“Returning from injury, Alex Baker and Taj Payne are capable of playing good football and we are really looking forward to seeing the continual development of Kaiden Sudholz and Lochie Ricketts after they tasted senior football last season,” Combe said.
Mr Radford said the football department would prioritise the development of near-ready senior players, which was something that was ‘non-existent’ during 2021 and 2022.
“Our junior players transitioning into senior football will continue to increase during the next few seasons and it is the inclusiveness of our senior program that has allowed this transition to happen,” he said.
Mr Radford said the club’s structured pre-season plan focused on maintaining ‘consistency’ and the development of a ‘more specific’ game style.
“We have spoken a lot about player expectations and goals and we will identify realistic team goals closer to the start of the season,” he said.
remains in a regeneration phase, with its leaders committed to rebuilding a strong A Grade side.
The Rams, fresh from their first season without key A Grade trio Cheryl Sudholz, Jo Taylor and Michelle Trigg, finished best-of-the-rest in 2022.
Their young side faced the rigours of Horsham District league A Grade netball with new faces beside them, and secured eighth place on the ladder – with a four-win gap to unlucky finals-absentee Harrow-Balmoral.
Incoming playing joint-coach
Danielle Hanson said the team coped well to fill the ‘big shoes’ of their A Grade-departing stalwarts.
She said the 2023 squad would be similar to last season, with the additions of former Horsham Demons players Eliza and Mackenzie Camilleri.
“We had tryouts for the first time this pre-season, as part of that rebuilding process,” she said.
“Tryouts allowed a fresh start for all our senior players, al-
A Grade: Danielle Hanson and Alysha Cozens
B Grade: Zoe Hanson and Cheryl Sudholz
C Grade: Erica Blake
C Reserve: Cherie Tomlins and Pauline Payne
17-and-under: Danielle Hanson
15-and-under: Courtney Cameron
13-and-under: Janelle Bales and Cheryl Sudholz
NetSetGo: Sigrid Darrington
lowed us to open our eyes to new talent, and have a good look at everyone at the club.”
Hanson said the 2023 season would not be all about results.
“We are still very young, and still working out how we all gel together,” she said.
“But we do want to develop the future premiership team and build the A Grade squad back up to where it should be.
“We knew regeneration would be needed and now that time has come, so player develop-
ment will be our key this season.”
Hanson said Olivia Sudholz, a 17-and-under aged player, would be a permanent A Grade squad member, joining 2022-returned players Emily Hateley, Bethany Sudholz, Brooklyn Fraser and Ebony Klowss.
Kyra Clarke was also selected as an A Grade player.
Hanson said she was ‘excited’ to see what competition rivals produced this season, with ‘rumours’ about extensive list shake-ups during the off season.
“You hear so many things on the grapevine, so we are looking forward to seeing who we come up against,” she said.
“We are ready for the challenge and we are ready to keep showing the league our juniors are going to be something great in seasons to come.”
The Rams start their 2023 season against Rupanyup, at Natimuk, in round one.
Hanson said the game would be a ‘testing’ game between two A Grade sides in a regeneration phase with suites of young talent.
BY MICHAEL SCALZO
Afteran undefeated 2021
Horsham District league season, as they emerged from COVID-19 lockdowns, and a finals-missed 2022, Noradjuha-Quantong footballers have felt all the highs and lows of country football.
Former co-coach and now 2023
sole senior coach Damian Cameron said he put last season’s seventh-place finish down to tiredness and injuries.
Cameron, a former Minyip-Murtoa coach, said 2022 was not a season the club wanted, but was perhaps a season its senior footballers needed.
“In a way, 2022 was a waste of season, to finish where we did,” he said.
“It was not what we wanted, but it was a kick in the bum for everyone – we are very keen to make amends this season.”
Cameron takes the Bombers’ helm from outgoing coach Gareth Hose, who has stepped away from league coaching after a five-year stint.
Hose coached the senior side to a 12-win, undefeated, minor-premier season in the COVID-inter-
Seniors: Damian Cameron
Reserves: Brent McIntyre and Kelvin Price
Under-17s: Austin Smith
Under-14s: Jason Rowe and Rohan Adams
rupted 2021 season. However, the 2022 squad, even without injuries to key players, never looked the team it was compared with its output the season prior.
Cameron said an enamoured feeling around the club this pre-season was in stark contrast to the side’s apathy last season.
“Maybe we were worn out, or we took it too easy last season,” he said.
“The feel and drive among our squad is different at the moment –it is exciting.”
Key forward Brock Orval will return to the Bombers’ forward line – a key 2023-in for any spectator wishing the Bombers well this season.
Orval missed the majority of last season after a knee injury in 2021.
Cameron said key position play-
ers Austin Smith and Zane Batson would join a handful of senior players, alongside Orval.
He said even without significant recruiting, the list would be a whole new team.
“The rest of our list is between 19 and 23 years-old and with some guys we have at the other end of their careers, we have a good mix of experience and youth,” he said.
“With how keen our group is to make amends for last season and with what we know is our potential given our 2021 season, we would like to think we could finish top four.
“We would be very disappointed if we did not play finals.”
Cameron said after a few years away from senior coaching, he was eager to build on Hose’s work at the club.
“Gaz took the side from outside the finals to an undefeated season. So what he has instilled in the team will remain important,” he said.
“I like playing attacking football and giving talented players a licence to take the game on – give our players part of the reins and see where they take the group.”
The netball department at Noradjuha-Quantong is keeping its cards close to its chest ahead of the 2023 season.
The Bombers’ A Grade side finished at the bottom of the leading pack of four in 2022.
It was not at the same level of eventual premiers Edenhope-Apsley, or grand-final opponents Laharum, but clearly a rank above several of Horsham District league’s middle tier.
A Grade coach Fiona Rowe said while her team’s semi-final loss to Edenhope-Apsley was ‘disappointing’, the Saints were clearly the league’s best side in 2022.
She said it was great to watch the Saints ‘hit their straps’ during their premiership charge.
“We definitely want to play finals again in 2023, but it will be about performing each weekend,” she said.
Rowe said the A Grade team would have a couple of new additions this season, who would be assets to the squad.
“Our side will look a little bit different, but perhaps a bit similar at the same time,” she said.
A Grade: Fiona Rowe
B Grade: Carly Shields
C Grade: Sharon Fedke
C Reserve: Danica Turvey and Sandra Treacy
17-and-under: Sharon Fedke
15-and-under: Skye Hiscock
13-and-under: Jayne Tucker
NetSetGo: Melissa Hoffman
“It will be a similarly stable side in 2023, apart from our new additions.
“We will have a good mixture of youth and experience.
“We are still trying to up our fitness level this pre-season and developing our game strategies that, with a solid fitness base, will allow us to put our game into action.”
Rowe said Brooke Pay, who was ‘looking better than ever after the birth of her child’, would also return this season.
“We are looking forward to the season and all our netball grades are pushing each other to be better this season, than
last,” she said. “There has been a great feeling at training this pre-season.”
The Bombers matched it with the best, at times, last season. Their early-season wins against Edenhope-Apsley in round three, and 2022 minor premiers Kalkee, were clear highlights.
A 23-goal loss against Laharum in round five, however, perhaps showcased the Bombers’ inconsistency.
A two-goal win against Jeparit-Rainbow during an elimination final, a side they lost to by one goal in round 11, allowed them a chance to meet the Saints in the semi-final.
The match-up proved one step too far for the Bombers, however, who never got into the game and lost by 26 goals.
Shannon Couch, who led the Bombers’ attacking efforts all season, was an almost sole hand inside the circle and shot 569 goals for the season – an almost league-leading scoring tally.
Perhaps the Bombers’ 2023 ‘assets’ include an experienced, attacking teammate for Couch.
All will not be clear until Noradjuha-Quantong meets an accomplished Laharum side, at Quantong, in round one.
Friday night saw the running of the annual Horsham Greyhound Cup with a massive crowd on track to see Jungle Panther, for Jeff Geall at Fyansford, producing a last-to-first run that had the crowd on the edge of their seats.
Baby Jaycee and Stealth were sent to the boxes equal favourites, with Jungle Panther the punters’ fourth pick, but he won with absolute ease – improving his track record to an astonishing eight starts for seven wins.
The estimated crowd of 500-plus enjoyed the entertainment of Aaron Murray along with a petting zoo, jumping castle and slushies. Special guest, AFL legend Robert ‘Dippa’ DiPierdomenico made his way around the crowd.
The evening’s highlight was the club’s promotion of the number-four dog, which was drawn to an attendee every race, for a chance to win $1000. That amount jackpotted if the dog did not win.
It was a lean night until Kevin Purchase was drawn and stepped to the plate, looking to take home $8000 if the number-four won the ninth race on the card. After missing the start, Shima Dream exploded to win with ease and send Dipper, Kevin and the crowd into a frenzy.
Emotional scenes ensued as Kevin’s partner Samantha emerged from the crowd with their newborn baby in her arms. With the pair to be married in September, they simply could not
with Peter Carter
believe their luck. Local trainers were prominent throughout the other three feature events on the card.
Andrea Gurry, Nhill, took out the Jan Wilson Memorial and a $5000 winner’s cheque with her in-form chaser Xylus Bale who, in winning, made it a hat-trick of wins on the trot at the Horsham circuit, all in smart times. Garry George, Beulah, was a close-up third with Extravagant.
Reinforcements for Peter Carter, Horsham, ran third in the Horsham Cup consolation, which was followed by the Sylvia Penny Memorial, with locals desperate to win the race they see as the most important.
Sylvia is an almost 40-year stalwart of the club, donating her time to the club from inception in 1973.
Turning for home, a local win looked likely but Flash Banner, for Patricia Smith at Wonwondah, could not hold off the race favourite. Second was an enormous effort with third and fourth also being local trainers – Krakatoan for John Weir-Smith, Horsham and Solar Toby for Victor Millington, Stawell.
Horsham Greyhound Club thanks the public and the fishing competition community for the support displayed in attending our marquee night and making it a successful event.
From
Chamberlain and
Robertson are preparing for Horsham Golf Club’s ‘Pink Day’ on March 20. It is the 11th installment of the event, which has raised more than $30,000 for cancer, and proceeds of this year’s event will go to the Wimmera Cancer Centre. The nine-hole golf event includes drawn teams of four playing ‘stableford with a twist’. Entry fee is $30; non-golfers can also attend lunch for a $20 fee. A raffle including prizes worth $14,000 is on offer, along with a silent auction. All golf and lunch registrations close on Friday and can be made via the golf club’s pro shop on 5382 3312. More than 100 people are expected to compete on the day.
Middendorp Electrical
• SASSI
• McDonald’s
• BJ & AN Kennedy Bricklayers
• Mick Harrison Signs
• Horsham Auto Electrical
• Forty Winks Horsham
• Lanes & Games
• Wendys
Asuccessful weekend at the 49th annual Warrnambool Seaside Tournament has fuelled the fire for a stronger presence in state league this season for both Phantoms men’s and women’s premier teams.
With Volleyball Horsham members well represented in both teams, the women’s team won three and lost three games, while the men won one, drew one and lost four three-setters in the competition’s top division.
“Considering we were a new-look team who hadn’t played together, I thought we did really well,” said Volleyball Horsham’s Kara Johnson, who resumed her position in the line-up as the team’s number one setter after missing last year with injury.
The women defeated South Adelaide and McKinnon to finish fourth in their pool and then accounted for McKinnon in the elimination final to set up another showdown with the South Australian visitors in the quarter final.
After blowing the first set when leading 23-20, the girls fought hard
to win the second 32-30, to set up a deciding set, which went point for point until 10-10. Some strategic serving from South Adelaide created three ace points, which the girls could not fight back from, eventually going down 12-15 in the decider.
“We will be much better for the experience and we look forward to the Ballarat Tournament in two weeks’ time, where we will welcome back the Eason girls Kate and Holly, which should give us more depth,” Johnson said.
For the men it was an extremely pleasing result for the team in all games throughout the round-robin phase of the tournament.
With a draw against Monash, and close games against Eastside Hawks, South Australia’s Austral and Tasmania, the team finished in fifth position sending them to an elimination final against Eastside Hawks.
After Nathan Berry was hit in the warm-up, the team fired up and made life difficult for their opposition both mentally and physically.
“I’ve never seen a team so intimidated to the point where they couldn’t effectively operate and the
boys fed off that and absolutely blew Eastside off the court,” said an amazed Jack Exell after the team steamrolled to victory 25-18, 25-13. The team then squared off against Monash and after dropping the first set 21-25, they fought back to win the second 26-24 to take the game into a decider.
The team played well until 10-10, but couldn’t quite seal the deal going down 13-15.
“We have been coming to this tournament for a number of years now and have been on the receiving end of some pretty big thrashings. To be right in every game this weekend sets us up nicely and we look forward to continuing our improvement when we head to Ballarat,” Exell said.
Phantoms teams are made up of players from across Western Victoria.
With six games under each team’s belt and the prospect of another 4-6 games in Ballarat everyone should be ready to perform come round one of state league, which starts on April 15.
WELCOME: Former world number-one lawn bowler, Steve Glasson, left, with 62-year Nhill Bowls Club member Kevin Bye and president Jeff Fritsch at the club’s 100th birthday tournament. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
Nhill Bowling Club marked 100 years with a celebratory major tournament during the Labour Day long weekend.
Members of Wimmera and Mallee clubs joined Victorian and South Australian players to contest open triples on Saturday.
On Sunday there was 2-4-2, any combination pairs, and Monday, the biggest day of the weekend, was open fours.
The club formed in 1923 and the greens officially opened in 1925.
Former world number-one Steve Glasson, who previously coached the nation-
al side and is now Australia’s chairman of selectors, attended the celebrations on Monday.
“For the local club, 100 years is a great achievement by those who are running the ship now and the tireless efforts of past volunteers,” he said.
“A lot of work goes into a club and a milestone celebration, so it’s good to see so many bowls clubs represented.
“It goes to show how Nhill must have a great relationship with the whole bowls community – it’s a credit to have Victorian and South Australian clubs here.”
WINNERS ARE GRINNERS: Grampians bowlers have marked the end to their weekend pennant series. Aradale, above, defeated Chalambar Golf, at Chalambar Golf Bowls Club, to claim the division-one title while Stawell Golf defeated Stawell to win division-two at Stawell Bowling Club.
Picture: CRAIG WILSON, ARARAT
BY ABBY WALTER
West Wimmera Warriors and Noradjuha-Toolondo Bullants are going head-to-head for a Horsham Cricket Association two-day premiership this weekend.
The two A Grade sides met in the first two-day round, with West Wimmera winning outright.
Established as the teams to beat early this season, the Bullants did not lose a game after that round, and the Warriors lost only one game.
Bullants’ Matt Combe is starring this year and will provide a challenge for Warriors’ batters Nathan and Brad Alexander in the grand final.
In the semi-final against Rupanyup-Minyip, the Bullants won in the first innings after declaring at 5-176.
The bowling combination of Combe, 4-20, and Justtin Combe, 4-13, was a standout.
Blue Panthers’ batters struggled to establish a steady partnership, with Dylan Eats, 18, and Lachlan Weidemann, 12, scoring the most runs for the team.
Within 42 overs, Rupanyup-Minyip was all out for 74 runs.
Matthew Combe backed up his bowling stats with 84 runs, helping his team to a 176-run total.
Damiano Boddi took 2-17 for RupanyupMinyip to slow the Bullants, but it was not enough to stop their win in the 37th over.
West Wimmera defeated Homers in the first innings after making 127 runs to Homers’ 96. The Warriors returned to bat in the second innings and the game concluded when they had made 6-82.
Alexander, 34 and Jeremy Weeks, 33, were top scorers for the Warriors.
Homers’ bowlers Mark Mbofana and Chaminda Gamage were impressive with 5-35 and 4-28, respectively.
Alexander was a force when Homers went into bat, taking 5-22.
Rupanyup-Minyip and Laharum will battle for a B Grade premiership title.
Laharum’s semi-final effort has set them up for a strong push into the final after a century from Ben Peucker.
The Blue Panthers will look to Clinton Midgley to continue his hard work when bowling after he took 7-29 against Horsham Saints at the weekend.
In C Grade, West Wimmera Warriors will face Homers in the grand final.
Warriors’ Ash Dickinson, 2-5 and Jordan Gurry, 2-7 are heading into the weekend full of confidence after solid performances on Saturday.
Homers’ Clinton Garwood took 4-3
Homers junior cricketers took out 202223 Horsham Cricket Association premiership titles this season after defeating Dunmunkle on Monday.
In the under-14s, Homers Red restricted Dunmunkle to 9-101 before reaching the target with three overs to spare.
Sid Kingston, 20, and Riley Downer, 18, batted well for Dunmunkle.
Homers bowler Jazz Hopper was a standout, taking 4-5.
Luke Miller, Phoenix Hopper and Henry Walsgott all passed 20 runs for Homers.
In the under-16.5 grand final, a Connor Weidemann 62 not out was not enough for Dunmunkle, with Homers White, 4-122, defeating Dunmunkle 5-119 in the last over.
Phoenix Hopper took 2-10 for Homers, while Max Bunworth and Gibson Perry took two catches each.
Homers’ Monty Wynne, 34 and Josh Hutchinson, 29, worked hard at the crease to help their team reach the 119run target.
against Laharum and will be one to watch against the Warriors.
This week: A Grade, Saturday and Sunday – West Wimmera Warriors v Bullants, Horsham City Oval. B Grade, Saturday – Rupanyup-Minyip v Laharum, Coughlin Park Horsham. C Grade, Saturday – Homers v West Wimmera Warriors, Dimboola Road Oval, Horsham.
Last week: A Grade – Bullants 5-176 (M. Combe 84, D, Boddi 2-17) d RupanyupMinyip 74 (J. Combe 4-13, M. Combe 4-20); West Wimmera Warriors 127 (N. Alexander 34, J. Weeks 33, M. Mbofana 5-35, C. Gamage 4-28) and 6-82 d Homers 96 (N. Alexander 5-22, X. Bone 5-61). B Grade – Rupanyup-Minyip 87 (H. Talbot 28, N. Hudson 25, J. Carroll 4-18, A. Laffy 4-28, B. Hamerston 2-36) d Horsham Saints 61 (M. Crafter 38, C. Midgley 7-29, L. Funcke 2-9) and 4-78 (R. Kirkwood 45, B. Hudson 2-45); Laharum 6-259 (B. Peucker 123, D. Griffiths 58, C. Newell 2-32) d LubeckMurtoa 133 (J. Hedt 47, J. Mahoney 4-55, T. Hilbig 2-10, J Hoffmann 2-22). C Grade –West Wimmera Warriors 1-82 (J. Dickinson 29, J. Gurry 26, A. Dickinson 26) d Quantong 80 (P. Brand 29, A. Dickinson 2-5, J. Gurry 2-7, D. Charry 2-15); Homers 111 (J. Borlase 3-8, A. Marra 2-30) def Laharum 80 (C. Garwood 4-3, H. Dougherty 2-13).
The Wimmera Bowls Region ladies state 60-and-over singles and pairs champions will compete in the Victorian championships in Bendigo this week.
Horsham City bowler Betty Cozens won the region singles title.
Cozens teamed up with fellow Horsham City bowler Sandra Knight, s, to win the region pairs championship.
They competed against singles and pairs winners from Grampians, North Central and North Wimmera Playing areas to decide the region’s best.
They now have reached the last 16 in the state and will play in the knock-out semi-finals at Bendigo Bowling Club today and tomorrow to decide the winners.
Horsham’s Sunnyside Bowling Club is hosting a come-and-try barefoot bowls event and a twilight barefoot bowls series.
On April 2 from 1.30pm club members are inviting people to come along to a ‘Bowls, Beats and Beers’ event for a fun afternoon.
People can call 5382 3115 with queries.
Cricket Association senior premierships
were decided at the weekend and surprisingly resulted in rather one-sided matches.
Pomonal Tigers are the new A Grade association champions after outclassing Swifts-Great Western at Central Park, Stawell, on Sunday.
Playing nearly the perfect game of cricket, the Tigers chose to bat first and posted a formidable score of 4-206, based mainly around a century from opener Clinton Mackley, 106, supported by Corey Taylor, 32, and Lynden Brewis, 29 not out.
The only Combine bowler to make an impression was Matt Heffer with 2-32.
Any hope of a Combine win was snuffed out by a devastating spell from opener Lachy Dalkin when he trapped Sam Cocks in front for just three runs, quickly followed by Jack Cann, 0, and Ricky Peters, nine runs, to finish with eight overs, four maidens, 3-9.
Scoreboard pressure then contributed to a series of rash strokes and the Combine was dismissed for 94 – the second time they were dismissed for less than 100
for the season. The only batters to show anything was Aiden Graverson, 38, and Tom Fitzgerald, 16.
This was the Tigers’ first McDonald Shield win and with the way they played the last two matches, it will not be the last.
Umpires Phil Rodger and Andrew Wood awarded the Steve ‘Wombat’ Smith medal to Clinton Mackley for his 100, but it must have been close with Lachy Dalkin’s spell getting my vote. B Grade
Saturday’s B Grade final saw Swifts-Great Western take home the chocolates against Halls Gap 1 in a match that was very similar to their semi-final win.
The Gappers decided to bat and were routed for just 19 runs –an association record-low score in a final – leaving the Combine to score 20 runs, which was achieved in four overs for no loss.
Wreckers for the Combine were Harvey Evans with 4-15 from eight overs, including two maidens, and evergreen Marc Brilliant with 3-1.
Umpires Andy Farish and Geoff Miller awarded the most-valuable player medal to Combine’s Harvey Evans.
The premiership is the Combine’s ninth A. and H. Hunt
Shield win, and fitting reward for captain Leon Molony, who has been a big contributor to the association’s junior programs, and with the girls’ ‘Stawell Strikers’ in particular.
Premier award
The association hosted its presentation night at which votes for the Greg Goldsmith Memorial Medal were counted.
Umpires vote for the ‘Goldie’ on 3-2-1 basis for the best player of the season.
The award is named in honour of Greg Goldsmith, a popu-
After a Labour Day long weekend break, Central Wimmera Tennis Association players are returning to the court for one last chance at a grand final position.
Horsham Lawn and Kalkee will play each other for the fourth time this season in the pennant preliminary final.
Horsham Lawn has only defeated Kalkee once and is coming off a loss to Central Park, who is straight through to the grand final.
Lawn’s Cherie Wood and Tahlia Thompson have combined well all season and will be ones to watch this week.
Hayley Thomas and Jeff Friberg have performed well for Kalkee and will likely continue on that path.
As both teams won the same number of games for the season, there is no way to predict who will continue onto a shot at a premiership.
lar umpire who officiated in the Grampians for many years. It is widely acknowledged as the association’s premier award.
Swifts-Great Western’s Sam Cocks won this year’s medal with 20 votes, from Saint Adam Haslett with 14 votes and Combine teammate Travis Nicholson was third.
Reece Kettle, with 252 points, won the ‘future stars’ under-21 award from Ethan McKinnis, 223. Both play with Chalambar, which bodes well for their club’s future.
In A Special competition, Horsham Lawn Thompson will go into Saturday confident after defeating Kalkee twice this season.
Natimuk sailed through to the grand final, however, Horsham Lawn Thompson will have shaken that off and be ready to go.
Haven has secured a spot in the A Grade grand final, leaving Horsham Lawn Bardell and Central Park to battle it out for the second spot.
Mid-season, Horsham Lawn Bardell defeated Central Park by a matter of games and had won convincingly earlier in the season, while Central Park won their most recent match-up.
In B Special, St Michaels is through to the grand final and Natimuk will now face Central Park.
Central Park has not lost to Natimuk throughout their four encounters this season.
Brought to you by Our friendly reception team
Available Monday to Friday, 8.30am to 5pm 5382 1351
Horsham
will be home to two major eight-ball competitions in the coming two years, with local organisers working to secure a third tournament for the regional city.
Horsham eight-ball stalwart Darren ‘Deadly’ Duncan said the 2025 Country Cup will be in Horsham on the last weekend in February.
“It is one of the biggest team events in Victoria,” he said.
“We have not hosted it since 2015, so by the time it returns it will have been 10 years since the last one.
“It will be great to have it six weeks after the annual Wimmera Friendly Eight-Ball Invitational, which is the second-largest competition in Australia.
“For the country cup, we expect 36 teams from western Victoria to be part of the event.”
Mr Duncan said he was also trying to arrange for the 2024 Border Cup in Horsham in October next year.
“Between the three competitions, that would be 1000 players coming to Horsham in a matter of months,” he said.
– Darren Duncan“It’s great for the town to have all these events.
“Horsham is becoming a bit of a central hub for eight-ball, almost by accident.
“Feedback I get from people is they enjoy coming to Horsham because it is central to most places that teams travel from.”
The 2025 Country Cup will be the 33rd instalment of the annual event.
“This year the 31st event was in Maryborough and next year it will be in Ararat,” Mr Duncan said.
“This year was my 29th year playing in the cup.”
The Wimmera produces two Horsham teams to play in the tournaments, as well as a team from Dimboola, Stawell and Ararat.
Tomorrow, Horsham is hosting its A Grade and B Grade grand finals at Dudley Cornell Park to mark the end of the current season.
Location: Crowlands, near Ararat, Closing date: March 28, 2023
Duties:
• Cultivate soil, sow crops and control weeds by slashing, rotary hoeing or chemical spraying
• Take part in harvesting operations
• Feed livestock
• Perform other tasks involed with breeding and raising of livestock
• Ride motorbikes to muster sheep
• Maintain and repair farm buildings, bores, fences, machinery, troughs, windmills, and other equipment
For more information contact Kate Clark on 0428 971 821.
Location: Nhil, Closing date: ASAP
Duties include:
• Cut, trim and shape standard cuts of meat to size
• Assemble and operate mincers, grinders, mixers and bandsaws
• Pack and store products for display and sale
• Order supplies from wholesalers
For more information, contact Chris Barber on 0427 346 655.
SEASON START: Madee Townsend, Rachael Werner, Alfred Muller and Sam Hudson are ready for the Wimmera Whippets’ football season to start as they begin pre-season training tonight.
Wimmera Whippets footballers are gearing up to begin pre-season training ahead of the Football Integration Development Association western country conference season.
The team begins training tonight, with games against fellow western country conference teams South Warrnambool Hurricanes and Grampians Giants to start after Easter.
Madee Townsend is hopeful the team will go all the way to the big dance this year.
“We need to win a grand final because I haven’t won a grand final before,” she said.
“I like kicking goals and handballing to people, and also making friends.”
Townsend said she was excited to find out who the team’s new coach would be.
The Wimmera Whippets began in 2014 and Wimmera Regional Sports Assembly is the program manager.
After six rounds and a finals series in 2022, Wimmera Whippets finished the season in third position.
The team is open to people aged 14 years and older of any abilities and any playing experience.
Wimmera Regional Sports Assem-
Location: Pomonal, Closing date: ASAP
Requirements:
• Good interpersonal and communication skills with a reliable attitude
• Be able to work in a busy team environment under time constraints
• Good personal hygiene and free from skin allergies to foods and detergents
• Willingness to commit to work and study
For more information, contact Daryl Eastwell on 0407 364 654
Location: Warracknabeal, Closing date: ASAP
Requirements:
• Good interpersonal, communication and customer service skills
• Be able to work in a busy team environment under time constraints
• High level of personal cleanliness
• Willingness to commit to work and study
• Current driver’s licence and reliable transport (desirable)
• Willing to obtain a Police Check and Working with Children’s Check
• This role requires staff to be fully vaccinated for COVID 19
For more information contact Shane Cross on 0418 564 890.
bly’s Matt Jolly said the team trained weekly on Wednesdays at Sunnyside Oval in Horsham.
“We’re always looking for more players to join, which they can do at any point during the season, and they don’t have to have played before,” he said.
“The season will kick off after Easter. We are looking at the best way to structure the competition, so the players get the most benefit from it.
“We’re also looking for a coach for the upcoming season. If anybody is interested in taking on the role they can contact us at the sports assembly.”
Location: Horsham, Closing date: ASAP
Requirements:
• Strong attention to detail
• Able to work Monday - Friday
• Drivers license and reliable transport
• Evidence of COVID-19 vaccination certificate required
To discuss this role further, please contact Nathan Keel on 0408 109 324
Location: Horsham, Closing date: ASAP
Requirements:
• Experience in a sales or industry related position (Beneficial)
• Demonstrated experience achieving KPI’s (Beneficial)
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills
• Working with Children and Police Check
• Evidence of Covid-19 vaccination certificates may be required
To discuss this role further, contact Nathan Keel on 0408 109 324.
“Horsham is becoming a bit of a central hub for eightball, almost by accident”
Wimmera riders saw success at Horsham Motorcycle Club’s MX Amateurs event at the weekend.
Race secretary Kenny Watts said there were nearly 200 competitors across the two-day showcase at the Dooen track.
“With nearly 350 bikes around the track, most participants rode at least twice,” he said.
“It was really good – the amateurs cater for those riders who aren’t professionals. The event is a chance to give back to them and have them race.”
Mr Watts said Horsham was the only club to structure a team event with riders from all grades.
“We have a team event on the Saturday that is not run like anywhere else. It works really well,” he said.
“Instead of just A Grade riders in the team, it is an A, B and C grade event on three different sized bikes and they get to choose who rides which one, which makes it fair and even.
“The maximum number of teams is 20 and we had 17 in seniors and 14 in juniors, which was great.”
Mr Watts said among the various event classes there were two significant memorial races.
“The Bronte Holland Cup hon-
20% OFF
ours a young man from Kaniva who was a member of the Horsham club before he passed away at 21-yearsold,” he said.
“It is raced on 125cc to highlight his best performances and it’s not a bike a lot of senior riders get to race on. This year Corey Watts of the Horsham club won the title and Connar Adams, also of Horsham, came second.
“The other race is the Maggie Stacey Cup, which is a memorial for a junior racer who passed away due to health reasons before her 16th birthday.
“She was so excited to turn 16 and be able to race against other women in the western region, as
when you’re under 16 you have to compete against boys and girls.
“This year Emma Haylock of South Australia won.
“It is a privilege for us to be able to hold these races in their honour.”
Corey Watts said it was ‘pretty cool’ to win the Bronte Holland Cup after also winning it in 2022.
“Only one other person has been able to win it twice in a row, so it’s awesome to get my name up on the board again,” he said.
“I don’t get paid to ride, but this will be my 20th year of racing – I have been racing since I was five and it’s something my Dad and I do for fun.”
Watts said it was a bonus to be able to race the amateurs at his home track.
“A lot of good riders come and try to win the Bronte cup, so to have it locally is pretty handy,” he said.
“On the Saturday the club ran a team event, which I was in with my brother and a rider from Melbourne, and we finished third.
“I rode two classes on Sunday, and in the All Power A Grade, I came third.
“Racing is exciting. It gets my heart pumping and is something to do on my weekends.
“This weekend I am off to round two of MX Nationals in Appin near Sydney to race.”
CONVINCING: Greg Sugars on One Over All wins the Woodlands Stud Horsham Trotters Cup on Monday. Picture: PAUL CARRACHER
One Over All proved true to its name on Monday, winning the $30,000 Group 3 Woodlands Stud Horsham Trotters Cup.
The New Zealand-owned and bred five-year-old bay gelding started from the 10m handicap in the 2700m staying contest.
Making a safe beginning, One Over All settled midfield until driver Greg Sugars elected to make a forward play for the lead and succeeded with a lapand-a-bit remaining.
At the top of the home stretch, One Over All was in complete control and strode to the line, untouched, to score by six metres in a rate of 2:02.0.
It was the square gaiter’s 12th career victory from 43 starts for his Kiwi owners, the Williams and Goodhew families.
The winner is trained at Myrniong by Jess Tubbs and was driven by her husband Sugars.
Warracknabeal motorbike rider Corey Watts looks back on the field as he flies through the air during Horsham Motorcycle Club’s MX Amateurs event. Watts made the podium in his team race and All Power A Grade during the two-day event before winning the Bronte Holland Cup for a second year in a row. More than 200 riders joined Watts for a weekend of racing. Story, page 55.
